A SUNNY EASTER
Contrary to the weatherman's early predictions, the Easter event days at the end of March turned out to be dry and, on the Monday, sunny and warm. Minimal rain over the previous six weeks meant we were able to park cars on the grass, a rare piece of luck at Easter and astonishing for such an early Easter. Someone up there must like us because it drenched down over the next couple of days!
Following our big investment in the Midland Red fleet, we have applied a general increase in admission prices this year. Sunday event days remain at the old prices, however, which reflects not only a lower level of support features such as bus journeys operated and visiting sales stands but also an endeavour to get visitors to come on Sundays rather than Bank Holiday Mondays when we find ourselves under pressure. This strategy may be working as Easter Sunday saw an increase while Monday, the busier day, was virtually the same numbers as last year.
Volunteers on the days may be surprised to learn that visitors on the Sunday were approximately three quarters that of the Monday. The Sunday seemed quiet and the Monday extremely busy. It is a fact that up to a certain number of visitors the site can cope happily but then the car parking and cafeteria demand begins to overwhelm us. It is a strange quirk of human nature that many volunteers seem to prefer 'Barely Under Control' over 'Ticking Over Nicely' but I would suggest the latter is the better position to be in! Thanks as usual to all who helped, especially the Potts' family for organising the traditional chocolate treats we give out on the Easter days.
Malcolm Keeley
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
