CHRISTMAS 2009 NEWSLETTER
Greetings
everyone. Another 12 months has rolled by since our previous
newsletter, so it’s time to update you on the news of the last year,
and of course the 2010 application pack.
For those who receive 2 copies, the 2nd one is to pass on to
anyone who might be interested in exhibiting with us. (Remember to
write your name in the First Timer section on the Application Form
to claim the Introducer Rebate).
Please note you can
apply
online through our website – Alternatively you can print out the
application form and post it in.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2009 News
Since the end of 2008 the headlines have been dominated by news of
the
credit crunch in the USA, Europe and Asia, and the resulting
recession
which has been felt worldwide. With such an uncertain outlook we
were
anxious as to how the year would pan out for Dunkleys Shows and our
exhibitors.
With this in mind, we decided at the end of last year to only hold
shows in the main centres and to rest some of the smaller ones until
the New Zealand economy recovers. As a result, we held only 9 shows
– Napier, New Plymouth, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Christchurch,
Dunedin, Invercargill and North Shore.
It was interesting to observe the centres that were hit the worst by
the recession – Auckland most notably, with Napier to a lesser
degree. On the other hand, most of the other shows seemed to
withstand the downturn, and New Plymouth and Tauranga even increased
in public attendance and spending, which was very encouraging.
Towards the end of the year we definitely noticed a more optimistic
outlook by the public and exhibitors and have therefore decided to
bring back a couple more shows next year.
* The 2010 schedule sees the return of some that we rested last
year,
and others we’ve not held for a while. They include :
Palmerston North – over Easter Weekend, which was always a
good show, especially with trading on Good Friday.
Porirua – this will be our 2nd show in Porirua, and our first
time at the new Te Rauparaha Arena. (It was built a couple of years
ago). We have it on good authority from another show promoter that
it’s a fantastic venue. Easy access for set up and break down,
fantastic facilities and acres of free parking for the public!
(Because of the Santa parade, this could be our only show in the
Wellington area for 2010. See further details below, under
Wellington.)
Whangarei – we are back by public demand having received many
emails
asking us why we were not there this year.
Rotorua – we are returning to the Sportsdrome in the
Government Gardens. This is our first time back at this venue, since
the year 2000.
Wellington – this is another show where we received an extraordinary
amount of requests from the public to return. We currently have a
booking for a 2 day show (just the Saturday and Sunday, 13th & 14th
November) but have had to put it on hold as there is the possibility
that we will clash with the Santa Parade on the Sunday. Not only are
there thousands of people at the parade, but also the whole of
downtown Wellington (where Queen’s Wharf is located), is closed off
to traffic. The parade is organised by the Wellington City Council,
which is currently looking at changing their dates for the parade
next year. As we go to print with the 2010 application pack and
newsletter, the Council still has not made a decision. If it works
in our favour, and they decide to move to a different weekend, we
will go ahead with our Wellington show. Everyone will be advised by
email or letter.
New Plymouth, Hamilton, Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin,
Invercargill and North Shore make up the remaining shows, giving
2010 a total of 11, which is 2 more than 2009. (If we do Wellington,
that will be 12 shows).
* We were delighted to see some exhibitors really getting into the
“spirit” of things, and in particular John & Denise Ingle of Cottage
Wines. Several times this year they turned up at the shows dressed
as monks, in perfect keeping with their range of Monks Meadery honey
mead. You could almost be fooled into thinking that John was the
genuine article!
Brother
John on his site.
* On a personal note,
the Dunkley Family was very saddened by the sudden death of our
father, Derry, on July 15th. He was involved in the business since
its inception in 1983 and worked alongside our late brother Toby, on
a daily basis from 1983 till 1997. His skills as an accountant were
invaluable to us. He loved coming to all the Craft Shows around the
country and made many friends amongst the exhibitors, especially
those who made chocolate or fudge. Darielyne & John Hansen (from
Homestyle Chocolates) and Jim & Anne Conaghan (from Conaghan’s
Gourmet Fudge), always kept him well supplied, and continued to do
so, right up until the end, a good 12 years since he had last
travelled away to a show. Derry remained a keen supporter of
Dunkleys and visited all our Christchurch shows, including Gardenz
and Pet Expo. He had reached the great age of 90, for which we are
so grateful. The picture below is a portrait Kim painted of him
earlier this year. It was from a photograph taken about 20 years
ago.
Derry
at the Ahuriri River, his favourite fishing spot.
General information for 2010
*As always we are keen to recruit new exhibitors, which maintains
the public interest in our shows. This is where you can help. If you
attend or participate in other shows or craft events, and come
across anyone you think would be suitable, just collect their
business card and send it to us. (Make sure you write your name on
the back of the card). We will follow them up with a phone call and
an application pack etc. Remember that you are entitled to a $100
Introducer Rebate after the person you have introduced has
participated in 2 shows.
* There is also another way that you can help spread the word to
your customers. Three weeks prior to each show, we will be emailing
you a flyer and a discount coupon. Just forward it on to all those
in your database / mailing list. They will appreciate it as they can
print out the coupon and bring it to the show, and get in at the
discounted price.
* A small reminder here about the display rules. Your site is your
shop and it must look as good at the end of the show, as it does at
the beginning. Here are the most important rules that you must
comply with:
1. You must cover your walls with fabric or paper, that is smooth,
wrinkle free, and all ragged edges hidden.
2. You must cover your tables with fabric that reaches right to the
floor.
3. All boxes and extra stock must be stored out of sight.
4. You must light your site.
5. Your site floor must be clean and vacuumed if necessary.
6. Your site must be tidy.
Well that’s it for another year. We’re taking our usual summer break
over Christmas and will close up on Friday 18th December, re-opening
on Monday 25th January. Over the break we will be coming into the
office to clear our emails, messages, faxes and post office box, so
please feel free to contact us during this time.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year from us all at Dunkleys Shows -
Fiona and Kim Dunkley, Deb Balloch, Tania McLachlan, Craig Wilson,
Colleen Roil and Peter Marshall.
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