A similar event was held 4 years ago and the price was no where like £95 per person.
Herein lies the problem of having a joint BTTV and CACT 25th anniversary. The price tag is clearly far greater than the cost and is predominantly set where it is to raise funds for CACT.
£95 to a lot of people will be cost prohibitive, which is a real shame. I cautioned when I met the committee early this year amongst other things the likely popularity to such fund raising events and of costings to the average fan, this isn’t a business lunch at the Savoy to raise money from wealthy individuals. It’s in part the celebration of our return to the valley which was driven by as well as the board at that timr the ‘average’ fan for whom they have priced out.
I don’t know the exact cost to put this on but one would assume even a sit down 3 course meal shouldn’t exceed £50 in cost, probably much much less. I’ve been to a number of sit down 3 course meals at Dartford FC (nothing to do with the football), £26.95 a head and the food is excellent and bar very cheap.
Personally I feel they’ve got the pricing wrong here unless the desire is to sell to more businesses than fans.
There are people on the committee who have been around and involved with organising these events for decades so they very much know what they are doing setting prices at that level and they must be confident of it being supported by the usual band of company owners who can put it through their company books and a few rich supporters taking tables.
Time will tell.
With the game, the museum event on the 5th etc I'm sure they'll be lots of events for people to engage in
The Museum organised the last one and it raised £7k for us, CACT and help a London child which was shared between the three.
Ben Kendell was less than straight forward but leaving that aside it was possible at £45.
I don't know what Delaware North are charging so it may not be like for like IE two or three courses etc etc.
The Museum have offered to provide historical items for display and auction prizes because we support the good work that CACT do and because we feel the history should be highlighted.
We won't be buying a table because we can't afford it and as a registered charity we don't feel it would be an appropriate use of money but only wish CACT good luck.
Meanwhile and not in competition there is a free event, planned long before we knew about the dinner, in the Museum on the actual night of the anniversary. I'm sure you all know the date.
Ninety Five pounds? I went to a player of the year event and the food was vile. I suppose the £95 is so that the ordinary fan can subsidise the staff (and their family members?) and former players. The weekly state pension is £159.99. A lot of fans involved in the return were ordinary people who are at pension age now. We have a free choice and I know what mine will be.
There are people on the committee who have been around and involved with organising these events for decades so they very much know what they are doing setting prices at that level and they must be confident of it being supported by the usual band of company owners who can put it through their company books and a few rich supporters taking tables.
Time will tell.
With the game, the museum event on the 5th etc I'm sure they'll be lots of events for people to engage in
so basically what you are saying is this event isn't for all just for the wealthy then, if so that really is a shame, I couldn't justify paying that money without even the cost of drinks.
There are people on the committee who have been around and involved with organising these events for decades so they very much know what they are doing setting prices at that level and they must be confident of it being supported by the usual band of company owners who can put it through their company books and a few rich supporters taking tables.
Time will tell.
With the game, the museum event on the 5th etc I'm sure they'll be lots of events for people to engage in
so basically what you are saying is this event isn't for all just for the wealthy then, if so that really is a shame, I couldn't justify paying that money without even the cost of drinks.
looks like it. priced so the riff raff won't attend.
There are people on the committee who have been around and involved with organising these events for decades so they very much know what they are doing setting prices at that level and they must be confident of it being supported by the usual band of company owners who can put it through their company books and a few rich supporters taking tables.
Time will tell.
With the game, the museum event on the 5th etc I'm sure they'll be lots of events for people to engage in
so basically what you are saying is this event isn't for all just for the wealthy then, if so that really is a shame, I couldn't justify paying that money without even the cost of drinks.
looks like it. priced so the riff raff won't attend.
Make it a black tie event, that should seal the deal .
I appreciate £95 is a lot of money but this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet some of our illustrious past players. I first heard the plan was to do it in a swanky hotel on the Peninsula however the next communication I got was it was to be held at the Valley. Doesn't bother me either way to be honest - The Valley probably makes it a bit cheaper so not all bad.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
I appreciate £95 is a lot of money but this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet some of our illustrious past players. I first heard the plan was to do it in a swanky hotel on the Peninsula however the next communication I got was it was to be held at the Valley. Doesn't bother me either way to be honest - The Valley probably makes it a bit cheaper so not all bad.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
Should be a fun evening - certainly a unique one.
Many fans over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money as well. But still stumped up year after year to see Charlton. Why not price it so they can go as well?
I appreciate £95 is a lot of money but this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet some of our illustrious past players. I first heard the plan was to do it in a swanky hotel on the Peninsula however the next communication I got was it was to be held at the Valley. Doesn't bother me either way to be honest - The Valley probably makes it a bit cheaper so not all bad.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
I appreciate £95 is a lot of money but this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet some of our illustrious past players. I first heard the plan was to do it in a swanky hotel on the Peninsula however the next communication I got was it was to be held at the Valley. Doesn't bother me either way to be honest - The Valley probably makes it a bit cheaper so not all bad.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
Should be a fun evening - certainly a unique one.
I honestly hope you and all that attend enjoy it, but I do think it may well be unique in as much invited guests out number the paying punters by 3 to 1
I appreciate £95 is a lot of money but this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet some of our illustrious past players. I first heard the plan was to do it in a swanky hotel on the Peninsula however the next communication I got was it was to be held at the Valley. Doesn't bother me either way to be honest - The Valley probably makes it a bit cheaper so not all bad.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
I appreciate £95 is a lot of money but this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet some of our illustrious past players. I first heard the plan was to do it in a swanky hotel on the Peninsula however the next communication I got was it was to be held at the Valley. Doesn't bother me either way to be honest - The Valley probably makes it a bit cheaper so not all bad.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
Should be a fun evening - certainly a unique one.
It's your money and you're free to spend it as you wish. I hope you and everyone else has a great evening amd it raises lots of money for CACT.
But it's not an unique event as we've had them before, the last was four years ago and had lots of former players there.
And sorry but how could a Back to the Valley event be held anywhere other than at the Valley?
I appreciate £95 is a lot of money but this is a once in a lifetime chance to meet some of our illustrious past players. I first heard the plan was to do it in a swanky hotel on the Peninsula however the next communication I got was it was to be held at the Valley. Doesn't bother me either way to be honest - The Valley probably makes it a bit cheaper so not all bad.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
Should be a fun evening - certainly a unique one.
Subsidising the former players is the actual intent is it?
Ummmm.
They want 400 people, when doing the food for so many the quality is extremely unlikely to be any good, even less likely if you're a vegetarian.
You sit around a circular table where rushed minimum payment staff present tiny cold portions of food, and gaze across at some 'top' table including staff that hate you, and watch them consume what you have paid for.
Maybe a shuffling, watch glancing, phone checking former player will provide monosyllabic responses to the mildest of questions, and somebody you have never heard of, and wasn't involved in the struggle, will make some kind of speech that I could write myself right now. Then there is an auction where the rich can show off how rich they are. All justified because it is supposedly for a good cause.
I might attend such an event for £25, but to pay to watch Cojones stuff his chucchi face is not an attractive option.
If anybody at the club reads this and thinks it is overly cynical and negative then take it as a challenge.
Provide substantial hot food and coffee, with a choice of options both carnivore and vegan/vegetarian. Make an original film to be shown covering the Valley campaign and return. Former players who are invited for free should only be invited on the understanding they mix with the fans rather than establish a corral of their old mates avoiding the rest of the attendees.
Hire the 2% as a band togive life to the evening.
Avoid dear Steve Sutherland or Brian Cole as the MC or auctioneer, invite Gemma Arterton to do it instead, as an actress and fan she will be prepared, fluent, and clear speaking.
Have a free bar and charge no more than £50 and if the event makes a loss, take it out of Cojones wage.
It’s for CACT and there won’t be another 25th BTTV dinner so technically it will be unique.
I don’t know if it’s to subsidise players attendance. Just a guess as I know some aren’t flush with cash.
I agree it’s expensive but people spend £25 on a match ticket, £10 on a train to the ground, £30 or £40 getting tanked up and fed before and after the game and think nothing of it - many could argue that’s a waste of money given the performances of the last few seasons - but we still do it dont we.
It's hardly a unique event. There was one 4 years ago which was a great night.
Unfortunately out of my budget this year.
The event 4 years ago was a fund raiser, had over 400 fans in attendance, held at The Valley, same type of format, top professional hosting the night, tons of former players in attendance.
Sounds the same as this event only the price has increased by £50 per person and the event is held 4 years later
It’s for CACT and there won’t be another 25th BTTV dinner so technically it will be unique.
I don’t know if it’s to subsidise players attendance. Just a guess as I know some aren’t flush with cash.
I agree it’s expensive but people spend £25 on a match ticket, £10 on a train to the ground, £30 or £40 getting tanked up and fed before and after the game and think nothing of it - many could argue that’s a waste of money given the performances of the last few seasons - but we still do it dont we.
Cos we all love Charlton
A lot of people go to and from the ground without spending money eating and drinking. And you still have to pay for your drinks and get to and from The Valley on top of your £95- probably a cab home that late at night too...
Have a great night, pleased you can afford it.
Personally I think the least they could do is ask all the surviving people whose names are on the Back to the Valley wall of fame to come along as guests of honour too...
It’s for CACT and there won’t be another 25th BTTV dinner so technically it will be unique.
I don’t know if it’s to subsidise players attendance. Just a guess as I know some aren’t flush with cash.
I agree it’s expensive but people spend £25 on a match ticket, £10 on a train to the ground, £30 or £40 getting tanked up and fed before and after the game and think nothing of it - many could argue that’s a waste of money given the performances of the last few seasons - but we still do it dont we.
Cos we all love Charlton
A lot of people go to and from the ground without spending money eating and drinking. And you still have to pay for your drinks and get to and from The Valley on top of your £95- probably a cab home that late at night too...
Have a great night, pleased you can afford it.
Personally I think the least they could do is ask all the surviving people whose names are on the Back to the Valley wall of fame to come along as guests of honour too...
One assumes that any speeches made will include a Stalinist rewriting of the history Katrien Meire detests so much in the absence of the people that actually made it happen.
It’s for CACT and there won’t be another 25th BTTV dinner so technically it will be unique.
I don’t know if it’s to subsidise players attendance. Just a guess as I know some aren’t flush with cash.
I agree it’s expensive but people spend £25 on a match ticket, £10 on a train to the ground, £30 or £40 getting tanked up and fed before and after the game and think nothing of it - many could argue that’s a waste of money given the performances of the last few seasons - but we still do it dont we.
Cos we all love Charlton
A lot of people go to and from the ground without spending money eating and drinking. And you still have to pay for your drinks and get to and from The Valley on top of your £95- probably a cab home that late at night too...
Have a great night, pleased you can afford it.
Personally I think the least they could do is ask all the surviving people whose names are on the Back to the Valley wall of fame to come along as guests of honour too...
They did offer a table, presumably free, to Valley Party activists.
So if you, or anyone else on the VP wall of fame, want to attend speak to Airman Brown to whom the invite was sent.
It’s for CACT and there won’t be another 25th BTTV dinner so technically it will be unique.
I don’t know if it’s to subsidise players attendance. Just a guess as I know some aren’t flush with cash.
I agree it’s expensive but people spend £25 on a match ticket, £10 on a train to the ground, £30 or £40 getting tanked up and fed before and after the game and think nothing of it - many could argue that’s a waste of money given the performances of the last few seasons - but we still do it dont we.
Cos we all love Charlton
A lot of people go to and from the ground without spending money eating and drinking. And you still have to pay for your drinks and get to and from The Valley on top of your £95- probably a cab home that late at night too...
Have a great night, pleased you can afford it.
Personally I think the least they could do is ask all the surviving people whose names are on the Back to the Valley wall of fame to come along as guests of honour too...
They did offer a table, presumably free, to Valley Party activists.
So if you, or anyone else on the VP wall of fame, want to attend speak to Airman Brown to whom the invite was sent.
That's true. I have tried to invite feedback on that from a wide selection of people. Must admit I overlooked Algarveaddick because he is not in the country. I also put a note in the latest Voice. The overwhelming view among the VP activists who have responded is that they do not want to accept a free ticket at a charity event to socialise with the current management, or for some to attend and not others, but it's for individuals to decide. I will be replying formally to the invitation in the next few days and am happy to put forward the details of anyone relevant to the VP who does want to go.
It’s for CACT and there won’t be another 25th BTTV dinner so technically it will be unique.
I don’t know if it’s to subsidise players attendance. Just a guess as I know some aren’t flush with cash.
I agree it’s expensive but people spend £25 on a match ticket, £10 on a train to the ground, £30 or £40 getting tanked up and fed before and after the game and think nothing of it - many could argue that’s a waste of money given the performances of the last few seasons - but we still do it dont we.
Cos we all love Charlton
A lot of people go to and from the ground without spending money eating and drinking. And you still have to pay for your drinks and get to and from The Valley on top of your £95- probably a cab home that late at night too...
Have a great night, pleased you can afford it.
Personally I think the least they could do is ask all the surviving people whose names are on the Back to the Valley wall of fame to come along as guests of honour too...
They did offer a table, presumably free, to Valley Party activists.
So if you, or anyone else on the VP wall of fame, want to attend speak to Airman Brown to whom the invite was sent.
Wasn't a table for 60 though. Nor were the VP activists in any way considered in the actual planning of the event.
I'd love to get together with all the available VP activists, would fly back for that, but no way was I going to be one of 10 and sod the other 50. And that was the overwhelming feeling among the others that Airman contacted.
And £95 is indefensible either way. And as for the 'swanky hotel on the Peninsula', @Swisdom was that really, seriously considered?
Comments
http://forum.charltonlife.com/discussion/57530/back-to-the-valley-dinner/p1
£95 to a lot of people will be cost prohibitive, which is a real shame. I cautioned when I met the committee early this year amongst other things the likely popularity to such fund raising events and of costings to the average fan, this isn’t a business lunch at the Savoy to raise money from wealthy individuals. It’s in part the celebration of our return to the valley which was driven by as well as the board at that timr the ‘average’ fan for whom they have priced out.
I don’t know the exact cost to put this on but one would assume even a sit down 3 course meal shouldn’t exceed £50 in cost, probably much much less. I’ve been to a number of sit down 3 course meals at Dartford FC (nothing to do with the football), £26.95 a head and the food is excellent and bar very cheap.
Personally I feel they’ve got the pricing wrong here unless the desire is to sell to more businesses than fans.
Time will tell.
With the game, the museum event on the 5th etc I'm sure they'll be lots of events for people to engage in
Ben Kendell was less than straight forward but leaving that aside it was possible at £45.
I don't know what Delaware North are charging so it may not be like for like IE two or three courses etc etc.
The Museum have offered to provide historical items for display and auction prizes because we support the good work that CACT do and because we feel the history should be highlighted.
We won't be buying a table because we can't afford it and as a registered charity we don't feel it would be an appropriate use of money but only wish CACT good luck.
Meanwhile and not in competition there is a free event, planned long before we knew about the dinner, in the Museum on the actual night of the anniversary. I'm sure you all know the date.
I went to a player of the year event and the food was vile.
I suppose the £95 is so that the ordinary fan can subsidise the staff (and their family members?) and former players.
The weekly state pension is £159.99. A lot of fans involved in the return were ordinary people who are at pension age now.
We have a free choice and I know what mine will be.
The return to The Valley is one of the biggest days in our history so, for me, it is something I really want to be a part of - the cost is almost secondary. My understanding is they are looking to get around 400 people attending - presumably including a large number of ex players. That also probably carries a cost which might account for some of the £95. Many players over the past 25 years missed the boat on the mega money so subsidising an event for former players is part and parcel of it all I think.
Should be a fun evening - certainly a unique one.
Why not price it so they can go as well?
Unfortunately out of my budget this year.
But it's not an unique event as we've had them before, the last was four years ago and had lots of former players there.
And sorry but how could a Back to the Valley event be held anywhere other than at the Valley?
Ummmm.
They want 400 people, when doing the food for so many the quality is extremely unlikely to be any good, even less likely if you're a vegetarian.
You sit around a circular table where rushed minimum payment staff present tiny cold portions of food, and gaze across at some 'top' table including staff that hate you, and watch them consume what you have paid for.
Maybe a shuffling, watch glancing, phone checking former player will provide monosyllabic responses to the mildest of questions, and somebody you have never heard of, and wasn't involved in the struggle, will make some kind of speech that I could write myself right now.
Then there is an auction where the rich can show off how rich they are. All justified because it is supposedly for a good cause.
I might attend such an event for £25, but to pay to watch Cojones stuff his chucchi face is not an attractive option.
If anybody at the club reads this and thinks it is overly cynical and negative then take it as a challenge.
Provide substantial hot food and coffee, with a choice of options both carnivore and vegan/vegetarian. Make an original film to be shown covering the Valley campaign and return. Former players who are invited for free should only be invited on the understanding they mix with the fans rather than establish a corral of their old mates avoiding the rest of the attendees.
Hire the 2% as a band togive life to the evening.
Avoid dear Steve Sutherland or Brian Cole as the MC or auctioneer, invite Gemma Arterton to do it instead, as an actress and fan she will be prepared, fluent, and clear speaking.
Have a free bar and charge no more than £50 and if the event makes a loss, take it out of Cojones wage.
I don’t know if it’s to subsidise players attendance. Just a guess as I know some aren’t flush with cash.
I agree it’s expensive but people spend £25 on a match ticket, £10 on a train to the ground, £30 or £40 getting tanked up and fed before and after the game and think nothing of it - many could argue that’s a waste of money given the performances of the last few seasons - but we still do it dont we.
Cos we all love Charlton
Sounds the same as this event only the price has increased by £50 per person and the event is held 4 years later
Have a great night, pleased you can afford it.
Personally I think the least they could do is ask all the surviving people whose names are on the Back to the Valley wall of fame to come along as guests of honour too...
Enjoy your 14 chips at £6.79 a pop.....
So if you, or anyone else on the VP wall of fame, want to attend speak to Airman Brown to whom the invite was sent.
I'd love to get together with all the available VP activists, would fly back for that, but no way was I going to be one of 10 and sod the other 50. And that was the overwhelming feeling among the others that Airman contacted.
And £95 is indefensible either way. And as for the 'swanky hotel on the Peninsula', @Swisdom was that really, seriously considered?