Kendal's Local Exchange and Trading Scheme.

SITUATIONS VACANT!

KENDAL LETS COORDINATOR - Salary approx K50/pa!

I have decided after 6 years it is time to take a back seat on the steering group. My increasing family and work commitments have meant that I have not been able to give the time needed to coordinate the scheme over the past year and feel that the AGM would be a good time to step down. Jenny and myself will still be active and committed members of the scheme.

So we are looking for someone who could takeover the coordination of the scheme and bring fresh energy and new ideas. This is NOT an onerous task! Whoever takes over has a strong, committed team behind them who are looking after all the essential tasks already and have years of experience - Pauline looks after the Kents accounts, Jenny the cash accounts, Martin and Pauline the compilation and delivery of the newsletters and directories, John the website, Steve and Bridie help out with extra tasks like socials and grant applications. So the job is not about doing all the work! It is about being the main point of contact, coordinating the steering group and overseeing the direction and development of the scheme.

I would like to say a special thanks not only to Martin, Pauline and Jenny who were my co-founders of the scheme back in 1994, but also to all the members past and present who have embraced the spirit of LETS and helped improve all our lives. It has been a most empowering and rewarding experience.

Kendal LETS is regarded as being a strong, varied and successful scheme and this is a great opportunity for someone to develop the scheme further. If you are interested or you want to know more contact myself or any of the steering group ASAP.

Please all come along to the AGM and say what you think of the scheme - good or bad! It really helps to have feedback. And even more importantly please come along if you want to take over my job!

Thanks
Rick

So What Happened to the AGM & Newsletter?!

Apologies for the lack of a newsletter and details for the AGM, as advertised previously for March. Unfortunately, we weren't able to arrange a venue because the steering group ran out of time, and the LETS scheme ran out of money! The scheme is Kents-rich but sterling-poor and we didn't have the cash to hire a venue.

In the last couple of weeks we have managed to scrape together enough dosh to produce this newsletter (a member who was leaving paid off their balance in cash). 014 have kindly agreed to provide their house as a free venue for the AGM, so it's re-scheduled for Sunday 22nd April, 4pm - see overleaf for details.

Ways to generated £'s?

Needless to say, the subject of cash will be discussed at the AGM. Your ideas, comments and support will be much appreciated. It costs about £150 and K250 a year to run the scheme at present, on a 'turnover' of K20,000. Some ideas;
Charge annual subs in part cash and part Kents (this would cost £'s to do & could be hard to collect).
Ask those members who have their directories posted to contribute the cost of postage: about £75.
Encourage people to voluntarily pay their subs in cash instead of Kents (this is currently an option but isn't well known; it may suit those who do little or no trading).
Increase the joining fee - it's not altered since we started (we don't want to put people off though).
Organise fund raising events (need to be well supported by members).
Apply for grants to cover the small cash running costs.
Find new ways of reducing the cash element - do more things for Kents (not too obvious how!)
Do fewer productions (currently 2 directories and 2/4 newsletters a year).

A New Constitution

To apply for grants for particular events or to cover our running costs, we need a new constitution which has a few more specifics. Here is a new version which incorporates the previous Members Agreement. A vote will be taken at the AGM "to adopt this version" and/or to make changes.

Afternoon Tea & AGM

The re-scheduled AGM will be held on Sunday 22nd April, at 4pm at 014's house. Rather than take up an evening we thought we would try "Afternoon Tea" instead. The idea is for everyone to bring scones, jam, cream, crumpets, tea cakes, (or whatever you fancy) to share, and we'll provide the tea. The business part will start around 4.30 and we'll aim to finish no later than 6pm. We do hope you can come. Phone 014 for directions. Perhaps park at Morrisons. We also hope to be able to organise an Easter egg hunt for the wee beasties!

In between the scones we will be adopting a revised constitution, discussing ways to fund the scheme, hearing about 112's successful grant award for the Art show, electing the steering group, looking for a new co-ordinator to replace Rick, and hearing your comments on the scheme. All the posts on the steering group are up for re-election, if you wish to nominate someone, or stand yourself, please contact 015. It would be great to have some help with fundraising and event booking. It's also a good chance to meet other members and chat or arrange trades. The seed & seedling swap will take place beforehand at 3pm.

Madam Guillotine Could Pay Her Way

The head of Made in Cumbria, has access to a desk top litho printer (for coloured posters) and a large guillotine which he says if a LETS member is willing to house and learn to use (he can give training) then LETS could earn money for doing jobs for Made in Cumbria (and pay the member kents) and LETS could also use it to earn money for other jobs as well??

Is any member potentially interested in having the use of this equipment in return for housing it/learning to use it and doing the occasional kents job? Contact 014 if you can help.

Back-to-front Xmas Trades

Apologies to those who traded at the Xmas social. You may have noticed that the transactions appear reversed on your account statement. A technical hitch with the programme. The correct amounts will be on your next statement.

Watch the Birdie

Wanted: photos of people doing LETS trades, or work done on LETS. We hope to put together a display about LETS and would like to include some enlarged and laminated photos. If you have any which we could copy please contact 112.

Seeds of Desire

Another chance to swap seeds and seedlings with other Lets members. Prior to the Afternoon Tea & AGM, bring along your seeds & seedlings from 3pm onwards. 112 has lots of rare HDRA seeds which are ancient stock, and he will bring many of them along.

Shock Revelation: Blackcurrant Bushes Are Homeless!

In a surprise move, it was announced today that several small blackcurrant bushes are in fact homeless. Anyone who can provide a secure and loving home for a number of deserving bushes please contact 014!

Art & Craft Exhibition

112 is doing an excellent job of moving this idea forward. A successful application to the Neighbourhood Forum has produced funds to turn the concept into reality - we've got the money!

Several people have expressed interest already, but now is the time to "get on board". It's open to all creative Lets members, and the aim is to promote your work and the Lets scheme.

Scheduled for the end of May. Can all those wishing to display, or register their interest and reserve space contact 112 asap! It's a great opportunity!

LETS QUIZ CHALLENGE

Find the answer to the following and win a FREE year's Lets membership. The first 5 correct answers drawn at the AGM will have this year's subs refunded, could be worth 12K! Post your answers in the Quiz Box at the AGM. Please note : You can only enter at the AGM!

1. Who's offering to be a barman?
2. Who can take me on a guided tour?
3. Who can I do "Sugarcraft" with?
4. Laughing horses? No it.s snigging not sniggering!
Total:

DATES

April 22nd Afternoon Tea & AGM
Next newsletter: 12th May
Steering group meeting: end June
7th July Directory