Oxford 2009 Final Update

With less than two weeks to go, here’s the final update.

Directions to the event

Until now I haven’t given very good travel directions to the event, but this is available on the Internet so some of you already know.  Here’s a good map showing the location.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Everything Confirmed

Many thanks for those of you who made offers of practical help or had suggestions on the outstanding items I mentioned in the last update. We have AV equipment, and for the Sunday potato breeding workshop we have a room booked at the East Oxford Community Centre.

Lunch

For the Saturday event we are expecting that you bring your own lunch, and share it with others if you like.  Some very nice food was brought last year!  I understand not everyone has a garden to bring food from, and supermarket food is fine too.  Further I realize some people will travel from a distance, or don’t feel comfortable preparing food.

Since I need to bring food for Steph and I as well as Tom, I will make it a point to bring some extras in case some of you don’t come with your own. One way or another, there will be enough food for everyone, so don’t be concerned if you can’t bring any.  Think of it as an opportunity to show off if you want to, and in any case enjoy other peoples offerings!

There is a nearby Tesco on Cowley Road, if you need to pick something up at the last minute.

Space Available

When organizing something like this it’s always hard to plan the right amount of space.  This year we did pretty well, if not overestimated slightly.  There’s plenty of space for those confirmed as well as anyone else who wants to come.  This applies to both the main Saturday event, as well as the Sunday all day potato breeding workshop.  You’re welcome to attend both days independently, so if you only wish to attend the workshop on Sunday, or like most of you only attend the Saturday event, these are both fine.

Concessionary Rate Available

We’ve received a donation to cover the costs of offering a concessionary rate of £7,50 (half price) for the Saturday event.  The only condition is this must be booked in advance and there are a limited number of places available.  Please contact me if you’re interested.

Sunday Potato Breeding Workshop Costs Confirmed

Six people are now confirmed for the Sunday workshop, plus Tom.  The cost for those attending is £20.  The concessionary rate is £10, and if you’ve already requested the concessionary rate for the Saturday event, I’ve put you down for this here as well.

We have the lounge area of the local community centre reserved for this from 9am to 5pm.  No specific arrangements have been made for lunch on this day, so we may need to go out somewhere, find a local supermarket, or if you prefer you can bring your own lunch.  With a bit of luck, there will be some leftovers from Saturday!

Time Change

In case I forget to mention this on Saturday, those attending the Sunday workshop should be aware we change to winter time early Sunday morning. This will make it seem like we start an hour later than we really do.  Make sure you don’t come bright and early, and an hour before the rest of us!

Presentation Update

Emma Cooper suggested that rather than making a presentation, she could do more of a Q&A session.  She suggested maybe we would have questions about her book, publishing in general, podcasting or blogging. Now everyone has homework to do before the meeting.

Please come with questions for Emma!

Donations

The basic costs of both events will be covered, or nearly covered, by those attending.  This includes room rental, miscellaneous costs and Tom’s travel, lodging and food costs for the UK part of his European journey.  Therefore, if you pay the entrance fee, you pay your share of these costs and further donations are not necessary.

Last year a number of people offered donations.  If you would like to make a donation, I would be delighted to accept it.  First of all, I will use this to cover any shortfall in funding the event itself, but like I said we’re pretty close to even on these costs so this may not be necessary.  Otherwise, I will pass this money onto Tom who will use it for his breeding and travelling workshops.

Tom is a public domain plant breeder, meaning he does not charge for his breeding work, and does not make any royalties from it.  He fully supports himself on other sources of money, and would very much welcome donations from others to help out in his work.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!  It’s going to be an exciting day.