Birthday Parties

[jo479]

Following discussions at our Club, I have a question to ask. What do other Clubs charge for Children's Birthday Parties and what do the parties consist of, i.e. what does the Club supply for the party, how long does the party last and how many parties a year, would be grateful for some info, thankyou.

[steamlaser]

In good weather we provided a set of tables and chairs outside.
If it rained, a Marquee with tables and chairs.
Access to toilets and washing facilities.
Parents provided all their own cups and food etc. (We provided NO food or drinks.)
Parents could get hot water from our urn for their tea. (but they could take liberties and had to be watched.)
Parents cleared up afterwards.
All birthday party kids were tagged and were given unlimited rides before public running.
Once public started they had to queue up with the normal customers for a ride.
The birthday child was allowed to drive a loco under instruction from it's owner. (with a parent present as a passenger). This was really a treat for the child and very popular.
You had to ensure that parents took charge of any kids going wild instead of chatting with their friends.
The party lasted (I think about two hours) but the kids could ride for longer.
It was a very "good earner" but you needed plenty of members on site to erect, furnish the marquee and to clear up afterwards.
The club used to have to turn away lots of parents who wanted to hold parties. (The club only offered a Sunday)
I cannot remember how much we charged, but it was not a vast amount. It brought in new customers for public running days.
We stopped doing Birthdays as we had a shortage of members who would turn up early and prepare for the parties and clear up afterwards. At the same time we needed to provide sufficient staff to run the station for Public running.

[JonL]

Ours is the same format but without the public running (we don't do that very often). Just give the kids rides a few at a time on an informal basis. Parents are there to do the parenting etc, we concentrate on running the track safely. Usually takes about four or five of us.

I think the fees vary depending on if its a member of the public or a member of the club. I don't know specifically what is charged.

[jo479]

Thanks to everybody who answered, any other comments still welcome, particularly as regards Covid.