Christmas Ball?

[Animal]

I would have thought the smart people would go for the entertainments - there are plenty of bars in town...

I know that Mermaids are a good lot, and they have my respect. I also know that sometimes good people can make a wrong decision. But rather than just wade in with accusations, I wanted to get my facts straight, which was why I was asking how much it costs to hire the barn.

However, as everyone seems to be so reticent with their replies, should I assume that either you don't know how much it costs, or perhaps that you do know, and it's embarrassingly expensive? I had heard that the KK pay around £7000 for their events there. Hopefully you now see my concern.

After all, if it's funded by money from the Students' Association (another question that hasn't actually been asnwered yet), then I would think EVERYONE has a right to know - it's not a question of authority.
I'd also like to think that if the ball committee are so organised and efficient, they'd be pleased to demonstrate their accounts.

I trust that the committee will provide a lovely ball, and I'm very much looking forward to it. I just think it's a little odd that you've picked up on any hint of criticism, rather than just giving a ball park figure for the expenses.

[BenEsq]

A ball is a great way to celebrate, if not Christmas, generally.

[hr]

Lions and tigers and bears...Oh my!

[AR]

yeah for christmas!
yeah for balls!


[hr]

"Well la de dah... la de dah"
--annie hall

[What?!]

[quote]Quoting AR from 16:33, 11th Oct 2005
its at the kinkell farm, and this is because the bay hotel is not christmasy enough nor can it hold enough people
there will be plentiful heaters
11th of december!

So how is the Bay not Chrismassy enough? One of the reasons I went last year was because it was at the Bay - therefore warm. It was really good too!
They said there would be heaters at the Ambassador's Ball, which turned out to be freezing.

[RB]

Everyone can rest assured that the budget for the ball is being carefully managed. We are not 'squandering' anyone's money but are arranging the event to provide a good night out for a lot of people in addition to raising funds and support for the arts in St. Andrews. We are all working very hard and should not have to justify our actions or 'demonstrate our accounts'. I would also like to point out that the ball is not only being funded and organised by Mermaids. We are one of eight societies involved. All that we ask is that people come along and have a good time.

[LK Today]

Animal

Just a couple of things.

1. While I do recognise the great use of thesinner to voice concerns, and to ask questions, I do not believe that it is the place for a committee to discuss their financial details. If you have any concerns regarding the Christmas Ball, or about Mermaids in general, I recommend you come along to our weekly meetings. They are at 1pm on Thursdays in the Committee Room, though, I suspect you knew that as you seem impressed at the number of people who turn up to them.

2. Reading your posts on the site, I assume you are someone who is familiar with the workings of societies and so on in the Students Association. Therefore, you should know how uncustomary it is for financial statements to be made available for public consumption before the event has even taken place. Full details will be available after the ball, in our financial report for the year, however, before then, we are not in a position to discuss this.

3. For years soceties have been organising balls, and I have been to many in my four and a bit years here. I don't think I have ever been to a ball in the Students Association Building. Why is this causing a problem now? Did you have the same problem when it was being held in the Bay Hotel last year? Or in the Golf hotel three years ago? Or in some other hotel which I can't remember the name of, well outside of St Andrews the year before that? Just accept that the profits from the Chrsitmas Ball will go to helping the members of Mermaids (that's you, me and every other matriculated student in this university) to put on plays, to Showcase and to the Fringe among other.

If you, or anyone else reading this, still has any concerns about this, just come along to the meeting on Thursday at 1pm. We're happy to be of any assistance.

[AR]

Quoting animal from 09:41, 17th Oct 2005
However, as everyone seems to be so reticent with their replies, should I assume that either you don't know how much it costs, or perhaps that you do know, and it's embarrassingly expensive? I had heard that the KK pay around £7000 for their events there. Hopefully you now see my concern.

After all, if it's funded by money from the Students' Association (another question that hasn't actually been asnwered yet), then I would think EVERYONE has a right to know - it's not a question of authority.
I'd also like to think that if the ball committee are so organised and efficient, they'd be pleased to demonstrate their accounts.

Wow animal, that's cute- because we have said that anyone who wants to know any of our figures can come to a mermaids meeting. But obviously you didn't read that. You just are throwing out ridiculous numbers and saying that mermaids won't let students know about their finances.

However, you can come along to our meeting this next thursday. Hope you can make it up the one floor- and on your way, try to tell actual students who will enjoy this amazing ball that slagging off societies who are run exceedingly responsibly really isn't what union staff are meant to be doing.

Hope to see everyone else at the well-planned incredible Christmas ball! December 11th!


[hr]

"Well la de dah... la de dah"
--annie hall

[Guest]

what are the ticket prices for this? who do you have performing?