20th August 2022
Dear friends of Rotary and supporters of the Poppy Ball,
It is with great regret that after eight successful events since its inauguration we must advise that this year’s Poppy Ball will not go ahead. It is heartrending for us as so much work and planning has gone into making this ball special after the three years break due to COVID. It would have included a live video link to the Falkland Islands to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.
We have always had more than 300 guests at the Poppy Balls and for this year’s event 280 people registered their intentions to attend which is 20 more than our absolute minimum break even number. However, come 12th August, the final date for deposit payments we had received only 137. This date is predicated against our contractual obligations and this low number of 137 would not have allowed us to meet those obligations. We extended the due date by 7 days but only 14 more people paid. As for those remaining, none has responded one way or the other.
Consequently holding the ball became non viable and as we could not commit to our providers (e.g. STEAM, the Caterers, The RM Band and other performers, etc) we had no choice but to cancel.
We thank all those who have paid their deposits and for supporting us once again. As to the future of the Poppy Ball, the Rotary Club will discuss the situation at a meeting next month after which there may be further news.
Yours sincerely,
Bob Humphries
Chairman of the Poppy Ball organising committee
The Wiltshire Poppy Ball and Gala Evening
Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands War
featuring
The Corps of Drums and Band of HM Royal Marines
plus
Entertainment by the Polka Dots and Dancing to The Estrellas
VENUE: Steam, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EY
DATE: Saturday 5th November 2022
TICKETS: £85 each
Contact Rotarian Robert Humphries for tickets and further information
Use the contact link below
The Poppy Ball and Gala Evening is raising funds for charities supported by the Rotary Club of Swindon North & Thamesdown, registered charity No 1023031