Hello everyone, it’s been a while! It’s nearly the start of advent and so much has gone on this year in the Robert Dover’s Games Society in order to put ourselves in a position to be able to present a games next year. So many people have been involved in so many different ways in order to get to where we are now, i.e. with a draft schedule for the 2018 Cotswold Olimpick Games.
Obviously there is still a long way to go and arguably the really hard work hasn’t even begun yet, but what is heartening is that people have come together from the local area and beyond in order to try and restore this fabulous tradition.
We have made lots of progress in The Society’s administration by creating an online infrastructure to store all of our data, photos and contacts.
We have looked at ways which we can sustainably fund the games for years to come and we are trying new ways to recruit volunteers.
We have rebuilt the website on a simple-to-use platform which will serve the games for years to come without the need for expensive upgrades every few years, and we have secured funding to enable us to promote the games in print and online for the next two years – a huge part of future funding will be to ensure the games are well attended.
We have discussed and agreed ways in which we can let the games do more for the town by having more events throughout the year and we’ve talked to local sports clubs about how we can make this happen.
We have made connections with world class educational people and institutions who have helped us to understand the history of the games, its relevance to the world of sport and how we can promote that for future generations, so that every Campdonian child grows up having learned about the importance of the games in a historical, sporting, political and religious/spiritual context.
We have spoken to local businesses about partnerships and sponsorship to see how we can all help each other, and we have met with our friends at The Scuttlebrook Wake committee to work on the areas where we can do more together.
As we move into the new year, there will be more and more opportunity to get involved as we roll out some cracking events to help with fundraising, education and well, some just for fun! Our social media channels will start to wake up a bit more in the new year as and when there is more to say. We will also try to be more visible in print around the town too, with posters and leaflets informing you of what is happening when.
If we haven’t spoken with you yet, feel free to get in touch at any time, or find us at one of our events in the new year.
Fundraising is still very much a priority and we are steadily getting there. You can now see the yellow collection tins around Campden – if you would like one of these in your premises, please let us know by email. 2018 will see a big push on this front as we look to secure sponsorship and investment from businesses who wish to get involved. There will be a charity dinner and quiz at the end of January – just when you’re pining for some post-Christmas fun (tickets will be on sale very soon) and a Spring event prior to the games which will be open to everyone. (More details on this one in the coming months).
Suffice to say it’s been a busy old 6 months and the new year will be no different for the Games Society, but it’s all good fun and it’s looking good for June 1st – at the moment. All that remains is for me to wish you all a very merry Christmas. I hope you all have the best time and I look forward to welcoming you to our events in 2018.
Heigh for Cotswold!
Tom.