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Post by Carol Barnes on Mar 1, 2024 12:15:06 GMT
Hi Alan and all,
I aplaud your fight to reinvigorate the forum. The whole website could do with reengaging rather than invigorating. As you will all have notice (those who go on the site that is) that I have not been updating it. In fact I have been thinking long and hard about the future of the club. I had asked members to get in touch with their iews but as usual it fell on deaf ears and I was extremely disappointed and thought "why am I bothering, I should just give up" So as I say after thinking for months, I have thought of a wy forward and I will explain below.
To Members of The Catweazle Fan Club and to all Catweazle lovers.
This is an entry that I have had to make, sadly I am not sure people will bother to go to the website, although I will put it on there also. Certain events have forced me to a possible change in direction for the club.
THE SITUATION
The club has been running for over 20years and in that time the club has not only found a lot of unknown information for our members, but most significantly a chance to meet the stars free of charge. There was also exclusive DVD’s made, merchandise, and of course our wonderful and entertaining yearly events at Hexwood and Kings Farthing. Many friendships both close and fleeting have been made.
The thing is that as any of you saw at Hexwood, I was not in the best of health and I had surgery on my eye as I have advanced glaucoma. My field of vision is so bad I have had to revoke my driving licence so I cannot drive anywhere. My elderly mother now also needs care which is down to me, so my leaving the house for any length of time is not possible.
Adding to this, Hexwood our spiritual Home has been put up for sale and so there is a real possibility that we would no longer be attending any fetes there (unless new owners are massive fans of course)
A big attraction for members of course was the appearances of Geoffrey, Robin, Moray, Elspet and Richard Carpenter and Annie. All of which have now sadly left us.
What with the application for new members, whilst still coming in, it is of course slowing right down, I have had to close the shop because I cannot replace the stock without those funds coming in.
At the end of the 50th anniversary, I asked if the members present would send me their views and suggestions how we should as a club continue. Sadly, but not surprisingly, not a single person came back to me. This led me to say to myself “what’s the point, I might as well give up, shut the club down and that will be that I have had enough of trying to get blood out of stone.”
But there was that niggling 5% of me that wouldn’t let it go! For over 20years we have advertised, loved, championed, honoured, and delighted to revel in the glorious cult and legacy of Catweazle. Our aim was to get it back on tv for new generations to love, so why not carry on but in a different way – a way that keeps the name and series going, a way that still honours those wonderful cast and their writer, but let us add something else that gives rise to something worthwhile whilst doing it.!
MY IDEA
My idea is that for anyone who wants to still join as members to get the membership pack can still do so until the packs run out, but there will be no shop still. The domain name etc runs until 2025.
In the meantime, in 2024 we form a branch of the club - namely “THE CATWEAZLE FELLOWSHIP” This will be open to anyone who has an interest love or fan, not just the Official members but anywhere. The purpose of which is to do all those things mentioned above, continuing the legacy, love, and honour of Catweazle and cast etc. BUT it is done to raise money for children’s charities (if that is what is decided – it could be all charities if people want) A lot of the fundraising could be done online PROVIDING people JOIN IN. Meetings on Zoom could be set up for chats and get togethers. But also get togethers as before, could still happen if people wish to, although maybe not the farm now. All the fundraising will be done in the name of Catweazle but the fundraising does not HAVE to be connected to the series. This opens up more opportunities.
I do not want to go through all the ideas that I have, nor details of joining, running and other things, because this simply CANNOT happen without support, loyalty, and commitment. I can only do so much so this needs a committee to discuss things IF and only IF we have the support it needs and a willingness to help it succeed. I know that Geoffrey, Robin, Kip, Elspet and Moray would be proud as punch that we could get this going and raise money for charity in their names. People would ask about the name to so the word would spread, I hope.
So, in conclusion, before I can go further, I need to know for sure how many people like the idea, more importantly would join the fellowship and of course take part in the competitions games Quizzes get togethers or whatever we do by joining. There may be a joining fee but that is another decision to be made. So please, please email either me (Carol) carodaw56@gmail.com or get in touch with Sue. If you like the idea and want to be part of it.
If you wish to pledge, please give your name, email address and optional phone number. If we get the support it will need, then we will hopefully launch it soon.
Thankyou
Carol
PS I have had some positive feedback from those I have mentioned this to, so please don't be afraid to send your own feedback.
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Post by Alan Hayes on Mar 3, 2024 12:47:57 GMT
I have thought this over quite a lot this weekend. While I understand how difficult it has been to keep things bubbling in the wake of the loss of Geoffrey, Kip and the others, I am concerned that people who have paid for lifetime memberships are now seeing that their club is secondary to (or to all intents and purposes replaced by) a charitable offshoot which they may well have to possibly pay a fee to join. I don't understand why there needs to be a 'Catweazle Fellowship' when the club itself could be refashioned to engage in charitable work. It could become the thing that revitalises the club.
I am sorry but while I think there is mileage in the idea, the effect that it has on the Club itself - basically drawing a line under it and people's lifetime memberships and effectively offshooting in another guise - is sad and somewhat unfair on those who are club members.
I hope that's a fair comment.
On the other point, I am very sorry to hear about your eye problems and that you've lost your driving licence as a result, Carol. I hope that things can be made better for you.
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Post by Alan Hayes on Mar 3, 2024 14:06:31 GMT
By the way (forum administrator's hat on here), in the interests of privacy, I would recommend that no one adds their email or telephone number in this thread - please keep those details for emails to Carol. Thanks.
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Martinus
Catweazle's Apprentice
Posts: 38
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Post by Martinus on Mar 3, 2024 20:00:57 GMT
Dear Weazlers,
To be honest, I feel a bit embarrassed to join the discussion, as English is not my native language (and I'm not quite sure whether I correctly understand all subleties) and who am I as a very new CFC member to 'cross swords', so to speak, with greats as Carol and Alan, who have done so much for the CFC. Yet I'll give it a go.
First, many thanks to Carol and Alan for what they have done for Catweazle fans over the years. I feel very sorry to read about Carol's deteriorating situation (wishing both you and your mother all the best, Carol!), the lack of response on several occasions (how demotivating this must have been) and I do appreciate that Alan checks on the website almost every day. I understand both their points of view.
It seems understandable that maybe quite a lot Weazlers feel that after so many years and almost all the protagonists plus Richard Carpenter gone, there isn't much left to say. The fact that Hexwood Farm may not be accessible any longer in the near future doesn't improve the situation. And however glorious, 26 episodes is not really very much to go on. Trekkies (Star Trek fans) have it much easier in this respect. Also, once there were millions watching Catweazle and it is wonderful how the series has influenced so many people's lives. But over half a century later the world has changed almost beyond recognizability. When I was young, there were Catweazle, Floris, Swiebertje and so many other heroes. Now when I'm talking with my pupils, no one even seems to know who Laurel and Hardy were. Mind you, I'm NOT pleading for discontinuing the CFC now! But if there really is no viable solution, then maybe the sad conclusion must be that eventually the CFC will somehow come to an end (most things on earth will).
But let's not quietly go into the night yet. I can't offer to take over organizational tasks, as I live abroad and my health isn't excellent either, but I'm certainly willing to contribute little things, as I offered before (e.g. Latin, spirit names, etc.) But I'm aware those are only peanuts, not the really big issues. Is it conceivable to find some compromise between Carol's and Alan's view or am I too naive now?
Fare thee all well!
Martinus
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Post by southernspirits on Mar 5, 2024 9:46:35 GMT
Hello Carol and anyone else ‘listening’ in I love your preparedness to seek ways to revitalise the Club and, on a smaller scale, forum, as clearly, they are in a dire state. I also appreciate your desire to link the Club to something that transcends it and may be constitute a powerful legacy for it. Most fundamentally though, I acknowledge and absolutely appreciate you wanting to do something significant to improve how its operating. While conducting events or proposing a membership form that seeks to raise money for charity is laudable, I think that there’s both a financial and content sustainability issue that needs to be addressed before you can consider how the Club might raise and deploy resources for other purposes. Most people have joined in the hope/expectation of finding a community here. In this, myself and I’m sure many of others have been quite disappointed. The Club and forum just haven’t found a sustainable formula for engaging members, and this goes to the content sustainability issue I mentioned. Its down to how interactions are facilitated and what those interactions consist of, to boil it right down. Obviously too, this becomes more of a challenge as the core subject matter recedes in time and we lose touch with those that created it. If we go on now, we go on with memories and stories about them and not their presence. It is perhaps clear that in their absence, we need something more. The idea of raising funds for charity is great, but I don’t think it can drive the revitalisation required, or even be an appropriate end point (although it could be a product of it!) We can’t expect that to be the driving reason that we come together, because the Club has no monopoly on that – people don’t need to join if they wish to make such contributions, and if that is their core motivation, why would the seek to do so through a Club membership? It’s a very indirect route. This however, is not to say that such contributions couldn't be a byproduct of membership. People come to the Club or Forum because their driving motivation is to meet and chat with other members to share their memories and thoughts about Catweazle, at least, that’s what brings them here initially. We need to acknowledge too of course that the Club doesn’t even have a monopoly on celebrating Catweazle, but maybe it can position itself to the best place for connecting with members who love it, because its also the most creative and vibrant place. In fact, it needs to work towards this I think. My vision is that the Club actively seek to engage members in creative ways that reward their love of the program and extend our appreciation of it. I think if you can address that, then the Club and forum will (or at least, might) continue. Addressing that would include organising social events, both in the ‘real world’ and online. These events could take a number of forms, and could include opportunities for donations to charity, via a moderate participation fee or just an invitation to do so. Maybe other members could take the lead in this too? I propose this as an embraced solution carried on a number of us and certainly without any desire to add to place a burden on you Carol, especially given everything you’ve already given and your current difficulties and obligations. I think that if the Club/Forum can invite participation via creative works (visual art, creative and reflective writing, music, even sculpture or figurines) through competitions, or simply (virtual) exhibits, then this form of interaction could both celebrate the wonderful legacy, but explore how it might be expanded. This might be a key part of the content formula that’s needed to keep members and to attract new ones. I think you mentioned quizzes Carol, and I think that that’s a good idea too – a live quiz with members jumping in via something like ‘Cahoot’ would be great! I'd love to meet you all virtually - at least! (and that's much more achievable in the shorter term for me at least!  ) We could also celebrate the connections that Catweazle has with other works of childhood fiction, particularly those that are works of historical or magical fiction, or share any similarities with Catweazle in content or spirit. This would give greater context and richness to the appreciation of Catweazle and provide other avenues for any fellowship to continue down. For example, Martinus’ knowledge about Dutch programs of this ilk has been so enjoyable to take in and respond to I will say 😊 It’s the sort of conversations that completely enliven the forum! Alan has already seen this possibility of course and is trying it as a route to bolster participation. I think it has the potential to make an important contribution – let’s open the door to where Catweazle might take us, or, how other inspirations brought us here. We can do this without losing the core focus. Things that make connections flourish and the Club and forum should build on connections. There’s nothing vibrant or creative about belonging here right now, at least in terms of ‘organised’ activities or ways of participating, and hardly even a splutter of ongoing conversation. I’m very grateful to Alan for his ‘companionship’ here, as I am too to Martinus, Chasweazle, and Claire (Bates), but I’ve heard from no-one else, because people only seldom come back having joined and witnessed the bleak landscape, and not for many times at that, and when they do come back, don’t see anything (or at least, not enough) to invite them to come back. Its harder to be a conversation starter than joiner for many perhaps, and, you would expect there to be a range of vibrant conversations (at least) to be able to join. I think that having social pages in the club that start with documenting/celebrating participation in Club events (text and photoos), but perhaps go further, is another dimension that would give it life. I would love to see photos of past events, and to see the members! I’d like to see their memorabilia and their creative responses. Let’s be a community that knows itself, in fact, that will really help to make us a community. If we have enough to offer members, we could have memberships with an annual renewal component, which would help sustain the Club and its activities, including charitable donations. We could vote on how to spend any surpluses if/when we find ourselves in that position, and we could definitely give preferential consideration to donating to charities. I like the idea, particularly if there are charities that support childhood learning or creativity, which I think would be a beautiful legacy for the program through the Club. What we want is somewhere open and vibrant, infused with the spirit of fun, adventure, empathy, curiosity and creative possibility that was Catweazle. If we mirror those things in how we operate and what we offer then we will give to our members what matters most to them, and what surely brought them here. Of course I realise that there’s a question of resources and will – intensely practical considerations! I know that waxing lyrical doesn’t provide any answers to these questions, and perhaps my vision is too big – beyond our reach. However, I don’t have any insights re this for now, so I’ll finish on an optimistic note as my default attitude towards this Club. I love that this Club still exists, and like you Carol, I desperately hope that are ways of allowing it to continue to do so. I would invite everyone to give their thoughts about how the magic spark that our heroes breathed into light can continue to illuminate us and bring your indomitable Catweazle spirit - surely, 'something works!  Your genuine brother in magic, Southerspirits - Brett |
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Post by Carol Barnes on Mar 6, 2024 15:52:35 GMT
All been tried and failed I am afraid.
Don't forget I have run this club for years and tried everything that you suggest. We have produced sculptures, bobbleheads, paintings, musical pieces, insights - the list goes on. It is obvious that new members will not know what has gone on before, nor what has been available and produced in the past - most totally unique. Many of the photos going around on social media now are what I have bought from the agency and made available - I have even made Touchwood keyrings from the very tree that Catweazle laid all his goodies out on, floaty pens that I bought with my insurance money (all done freely of will of course)
Any way, it matters not because, if the will is not there, then it won't go ahead and then of course probably my involvement, but that's not to say some one will not do something else, but I won't be able to keep the website going because I am wasting my time and I have had enough of banging my head against a brick wall.
This is just an opportunity to invite more fans to join in with the community in a much wider range of activities in the name of Catweazle. We are aproaching 30 people so far who have been in favour of registering with the fellowship, if we manage to reach 50, then great, if we don't then that will be that. I will say adieu knowing that I help start a fabulous and successful club, which has spread worldwide and a club that Geoffrey and Kip and Robin adored, as did Moray. A club that was able to bring certain people and props and information to our members and produced merchandise that had been lacking in the 70's (due to agents thinking it vulgar apparently) So we will just wait and see what we have by the end of March, then the decision will be made one way or other. I can do no more than that I'm afraid - unless of course by some miracle we get a mass of people all of a sudden entering and using the website and coming up with NEW ideas. As I say it's not set in stone at all, nor will be if I feel once again it's not going to have the desired effect.
But do keep talking - at least for the time being as at least SOMEONE is!
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Post by Alan Hayes on Mar 7, 2024 10:43:45 GMT
I think maybe where the Club could have been improved was in encouraging the membership to be creative, to inspire. It was of course fabulous that you produced those items of merchandise and clothing, but that is a production > consumption relationship with the membership where the onus was always on you and the membership just pays to buy and own those products. Had there been a club magazine, something that is a staple of every other fan club I've ever been a part of, there would have been the opportunity to invite the membership to contribute: opinions to be shared in print, fan fiction to be written, interviews to be presented with cast and crew (at a point when such a thing was possible), production information included and anecdotes from the filming. It would have been a way to make the club more of a two-way street and would likely have taken a bit of weight from your and Gary's shoulders. I must admit, I am sceptical about the Fellowship - though looking at the responses on the Facebook Fan Group page it looks like I am an outlier in this respect. I am particularly concerned that the Fellowship runs over Club membership. I know that you have said that it will be a branch of the Club, but when the Club otherwise does nothing to all intents and purposes, then that's more than 1500 lifetime memberships forgotten. Those people who have joined since the 50th event could justifiably be said to have expected more than a welcome pack. For my membership payment I was lucky enough to receive the pack and attend several enjoyable events and meet Geoffrey again after many years, as well as Moray. Even I joined too late to meet Robin, Kip and Elspet, but that was of course my fault. My suggestion regarding the membership issue would be that the Fellowship replaces the Fan Club, and that existing memberships are carried across. Any events, either online or in the real world, could be where the money is generated to administrate the Fellowship, with donations to charity over and above that. I would recommend that the Catweazle Fan Club website is rebranded The Catweazle Fellowship website and that a new domain name is purchased (such as www . catweazlefellowship . co . uk) and the site moves to that (you could keep all the current content that shines a light on facets of the series and build the Fellowship pages around it). You could leave a redirect at the www.catweazlefanclub.co.uk address and therefore anyone looking for the fan club automatically finds the Fellowship. Free advertising and it would deal with the issue of identity (which are you, the Club or the Fellowship, people will ask) and also draw a line under the Fan Club activities, which quite honestly seems necessary as aside from a spluttering forum and a rarely-updated website, the Club seems to be flatlining. As a sidepoint, it is also telling that Sue's Catweazle Fan Club Facebook group is very active. If the Fellowship is to be a success, it simply must have a presence on social media (and by that I mean probably more than just Facebook, so the likes of X, Instagram, TikTok). The world has moved beyond the internet forum, sad to say. Again, I do not mean any of the above to be taken personally, Carol, as you know the high regard I hold you and the Club in, but I do feel someone needs to say these things. |
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Post by Carol Barnes on Mar 9, 2024 20:02:30 GMT
Hello again.
I do not take things personally, but what I do get extremely frustrated and yes angry about, is the assumption that none of these things have ever been tried before. I cannot count the number of times I have pleaded, asked, begged, invited all members to speak, write, invent, participate etc. In fact I used to write newsletter called the Saburac Scrolls and it was posted out to members. It had information, stories updates and a chance for members to connect and get to know each other. I did a section for "member of the month", this would have the member's photo and a series of questions and answers. I started it off and I put out a message for all members to send me their details so they too could appear in it. Guess what? 2 people responded!! I could do no more with it. But if they didn't get the newsletter, they had no trouble contacting me to ask why they hadn't got one. Same happened when it was thought it would a good idea to get members to wear their Catweazle T shirts whilst on holiday or away and the one who took the picture proving how far away they were from Britain, won £50. Now you would think that something that easy to do and with such a decent prize, you would get members sending in their holiday snaps. I got one from the person who suggested it and one from Canada - 2 that was it. We also have a section whereby anyone who had a tattoo related to Catweazle or indeed ANYTHING related to Catweazle was encouraged to send the photo in and tell us about it. Nothing was forthcoming. So time to think of something else that might change the apathy to enthusiasm. I tried "The Touchwood Club" which was aimed at children. I tried to make it fun and productive. I got more reaction from them than anyone else because they LOVED seeing, hearing and showing that love. I still have several of the drawings they drew to go in the newsletter. I will, I hope IF things go ahead, reshow these drawings in a renewed newsletter.
You mention music, sculptures etc. We have had two fantastic songs written by Vince that were available for people to buy, plus other musical songs he has produced. We had a sculpture MADE of Catweazle (even trying to raise money for that was painful and I had to sell my own miniature maquette that the sculptor gave to me as a gift from him. I had to sell it to pay the bill. Since then two superb sculptures have been done and we also have a fabulous sculptor in the club, but it has never encouraged anyone else to come in and say "oh I do a bit of sculpting is there anyone else in the club? It's all take and no give. An examle - Do you know that one day at one of the fetes a member came up to me and said "why have I had to pay a £5 ticket when the farm are only charging £2.50 to come in?" I was fuming but I calmed down and said "Right, how many people or members have we here today - it's about 30 which equates to £150 correct? The farm charges £60 for us to pitch the marquee even though we bring in extra people for them. The marquee mentioned costs about £800 and anything up to £1000 if we need tables, chairs etc. You have been given the opportunity to meet - free of charge I might add, 5 cast and writer appearances for you to take photos get autographs and speak to them. They were absolutely brilliant to the club because they LOVED it. Generally speaking, stars charge to appear and charge extra for photos - YOU haven't. Even so we have to pay to get them here by whatever transport we hire, and back home again. That can cost at least £300 just for Robin and if he stays overnight you can double that. So let's tot that up shall we - yes it's a minimum of £1000 and probably nearer £1500, and you my friend are moaning about paying an extra £2.50!!! That just shows how little people think and what is uppermost in their mind. Others say what's happening next. I say I don't know what have you in mind? They invariably say I don't know I wait to hear! and THERE you have the problem.
So no, I don't take what you say personally, because you, Alan have always been one of the givers, your book was brilliant and it raised a lot for the club. You are also an intelligent sensible and knowledgable man and you think things through and as such I know that you consider the club more than many do. My frustration lies in the fact that I have tried EVERYTHING I know, including these suggestions here on the form to get things how we would like them to be. I don't think there is ANYTHING here that I haven't tried, believe me I HAVE tried, tried, tried again, with allsorts.
Even at the 50th, I was very unwell, I had just had an operation, I was having a bad reaction to medication and felt very sick indeed. How I got through that day I do not know. Yes, I do my wonderful brother put himself out to put it on and travelled with all the displays retro stuff, (which incidentally I had been working on solidly for 6 months) Catweazle costume etc etc.on his own. Then on Saturday, the lovely Mike Smthye helped to put the displays up to get things ready in time. I was in no fit state to move about without being sick, let alone lift things about. It was wonderful to hear people saying how much they enjoyed the day and of course we had the appearance of "Boy" the squirrel monkey from Demi Devil which was a special surprise I had arranged. At the end, I got up and said, I am really happy that our lovely guests and the members enjoyed themselves that makes it all worthwhile, but can I ask you all this one thing before you go " As you can see, now I am no longer allowed to drive, this kind of event is going to be impossible to do anymore. But of course, we want the club to continue and so I am asking each and every one of you to please email, phone or whatever and tell me what your vision for the club's future is, what you would like to see, what would please you to have the club do? Any ideas any suggestions, any ways in which you can contribute or help out? Well, would it surprise you to hear that I had NOT ONE response back AT ALL. I had a couple of thank yous which of course was appreciated, but nothing to my pleas. I showed how hard I had worked for each of them, I ordered them fish and chips, I had paid for all the paper and ink to produce the displays, and I had made things for the youngsters and oldies to play with and reminisce. I did it ALL on my own! No help offers, no suggestions as to what to add to the day. I have always done 99.9% of every event on my own. Now I don't say that for a pat on the back or praise or reward I have never done it for that BUT can you imagine how it felt for me to give all that work, time, attention, fun and organisation, and I ask for ONE thing, ONE email, ONE phoncall or contact with an answer to my plea for THEIR benefit and get absolutely NOTHING back from anyone of them! That, Alan is why there is no updates on the website, I have photos of the day and what went on, but I thought to myself, I have had it, if they can't be bothered to give me the courtesy of answering that one question, then neither can I. I have had it! I have given so much and nothing in return in order to make the club more inclusive and better. Added to which, no one goes on there because of facebook etc. But you can't put all that can potentially go on the website on social media which I am not a participant in at this moment in time. But that's why I have suggested certain things, because it eliminates things that have been a problem. Even though all they have to do is log on!
But, this project is not written in stone, it is at the moment a consultation if you will. I just think it is a way of rekindling and is also a way that I can still do things, albeit from home only but it will have a wider scope for things and people and if we don't get a certain amount of "fellows" then I will not waste anymore of my time and effort into it. So we will give it certain amount of time to gain support for it and if that is not forthcoming then I will call time on it and that will be that.
So to finalise, I take in what you say and suggest and I thank you for it, but my frustration and years of trying, asking and pleading to do what you are suggesting just makes me more frustrated. I am always ready to read what you say, suggest or your concerns - if only everybody did!! That's the problem. Rest assured Alan, I to hold you in high regard and must tell you no offence is taken.
Carol
xx
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Post by Alan Hayes on Mar 10, 2024 11:32:13 GMT
Thanks for your response, Carol - and for taking what I've said in the spirit it was posted. The last thing I want to do is hurt anyone, but I am concerned about the membership issue - which actually you have not referred to. I do think it is important that members are not forgotten. In fact, the whole idea of a 'joining fee' (which I know is only a possibility) is something that concerns me, not for the fact that people are expected to pay to join, but that it would not be an annual charge. It's always seemed to me that the lifetime membership model for the Club was a great idea for the members but far less so for the Club itself in that the only way that the Club received fresh revenues was through brand new memberships. Just putting that out there. You mention the Saburac Scrolls - I apologise for having suggested you'd never tried a newsletter, but I had absolutely no idea of this as it pre-dated my joining the Club (by how much I have no idea). I'd certainly have made an effort to contribute. Ditto the competitions and photo ideas - again before my time. Sculptures and music - actually I didn't mention those in my post!  Regarding people getting back to you, yes, I of course sympathise (and should point out to others reading that I was unable to get to the 50th due to a pre-booked holiday) - and of course I am grateful for the many, many years of dedication that you've put into the Club, and for the opportunities that you've engineered for the membership. I am sorry to hear that you've had to organise things singlehandedly - I thought there was a committee running the Club? Regarding the website, it seems to me it's a Catch-22 situation: members don't visit because it doesn't get updated, while you're not updating it because members don't contribute when you ask them to. Of course, I've been running the forum for six years now and it has been difficult to retain members' interest - and tellingly out of 215 registered forum members (as of today), only 78 have posted on the forum, only 50 of those have posted more than once, and just 14 of those 215 have contributed more than 10 posts. Sadly, apathy is rife. |
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Post by Carol Barnes on Mar 11, 2024 13:55:52 GMT
Hi Alan, Thanks for coming back. Yes, I have done EVERYTHING on my own for 20 years and I mean everything. But I loved the club and I loved Geoffrey and Robin and all of the lovely people who came along. I enjoyed doing the very best I could to make the club the best club they had joined and as I say I tried everything. The committee (4 people including me) tended to meet up now and again which I was grateful for, but to be honest I feel it was to listen to what I had to suggest and discuss, rather than all of us. But that was vastly better than talking to no one. I know that you wouldn't know about the newsletter - how could you? The same goes for all new members after the demise of it. That is why we did a really good website so that it could all go on there, including newsletters. The trouble was that there was still is no come back. But let me be clear about things from the start that we had no idea that the numbers of members would be what they became. Thats why it was for life because we thought well if we get 50 members we would have done really well. It only cost £1.50 at the beginning. I made all the badges. I printed and laminated all the members cards, designed the car stickers and added a pen. All that for £1.50. But we didn't have all the information or contacts that we eventually had, so we felt it unfair to do a yearly fee because 1) we had nothing to offer that warranted it and 2) it would have been extremely difficult for me to implement. The numbers grew, the packs got more proffessional and of course the cost did too. But we contacted the stars (I had to get permission from Kip and the patrons to ask if we could set it up and explain why to them. Now we have had nearly 1800 people join - more but many didn't pay so I discount them. I also have to add, that many seek just to get the stuff that comes with the ack and then are heard of no more! It's sad but, not unusual nor is it compulsory to do anything after joining. So even though we have a big club number, there are I think only a handful of diehard fans that DO have deeper connections with and too the club and it is a reason why I would hope that a felowship would draw THOSE particular peole to join in. Many others won't because they never have done. Regarding the club and membership, as far as I am concerned nothing will change, people can still join while the packs are still there and the current members can do as much (or as little) as they did before. The uestion of paying to join as you say is not a definate, but my thoughts were that IF people wanted say for examle something to show they were part of the fellowship, like a card or a badge or sticker(which would advertise it) it would need paying for - although I would hope that it would also be subsidised so that it would be quite a small price to pay - if any. The other reason was purely for control and details. By this I mean that say for example (and I am looking into this right now and waiting for a reply) we did a sponsored walk around the entire lake at Boldermere. No pressure on amounts or anything like that, if everyone managed £5, its £5 to the kids. But if I said to the rangers, right we have 10 people doing this walk, so we should have no problems, and then 50 turn up without sponsorship forms or anything just because they know it's going on, Then the whole walk could be disastrous because it's not under control and names are not know, They could bring kids with them that wander into the water or worse and I really don't want that on my shoulders. Having said that of course I know you will say that just make a list - but I want to know who they are and if they are part of the group. However, as I say nothing is written in stone or finalised because really, we needed to decide if it was worth doing, and what would be the minimum start number. It would be hoped that people will join AFTER they see what's happening. So all club members are still club members and they don't have to do anymore if they don't wish to. The idea of that was to keep the club ticking over with members funding by joining and THAT is now at the point where it isn't doing that in a way that can sustain it with mechandise etc. That is why the shop closed because restocking is expensive if you are not going to sell it. I do not want to stop anyone joining in the fellowship and if we decide that its better without a fee or cards badges etc. then we won't ask for a fee of any kind. But I still would need details of anyone who does want to be a part of it for those reasons only. Incidently Alan, what would you like to see in a newsletter. My list involves fellows update and info if permitted, the charity or charities information, updates on the financial progress of the charity, anything people want to see regarding Catweazle and the era (like retro adverts, toys, games, comics etc.) Upcoming hoped for events, meets etc. Results of competitions, quizzes (either online or otherwise) and of course contributions, ideas suggestions and feedback and possibly questions and answers if they come in and maybe a "for sale" area. Can you think of anything else that would be well received? There are other things that will need ironing out of course, but I am sure there are things that I have missed or not b ![]() een thought about. I will try to find an old newsletter and put a picture up. Carol xx |
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phelings
Catweazle's Apprentice
Posts: 41 
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Post by phelings on Mar 14, 2024 21:59:00 GMT
Everything reaches a natural end. Catweazle is over 50 years old, and with all the major cast members having passed on the element of meeting them or posting interviews is over. I've loved the show since I first saw it aged 7 so I've followed the progress with VHS, then dvd and now (my own) Bluray so I'm more than happy dipping in and out when the mood takes me or even recapturing Xmas mornings with a read of the annuals.
Beyond that I'm not sure. Lack of screenings on a major channel means the show will find it hard to maintain a fan base. A Network Bluray properly restored and with the associated publicity could have brought the show back to the mainstream for a while but it's unlikely now.
As someone says, 26 episodes is not much to go on. Look at Fanderson. They have hundreds of episodes to play with but with the cast and crew nearly all gone and those running it also reaching old age that club is whimpering on with one book a year, virtually no new merchandise and a website thats been down for weeks. If they can't find enough reason to keep it going then what hope for Catweazle?
I'd love a nice 100 page glossy hardback filled with official photos and an Andrew Pixley depth (or other writers) look at the history of the show from start to finish but I don't think the audience is there. The fan club was great but even the biggest ones can't always rely on audience participation which understandably makes those running it think "why bother?" So rather than try and soldier on it might be time to sit back, relax and look back at a job well done.
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Post by Carol Barnes on Mar 16, 2024 16:14:01 GMT
BUGGER!
I just wrote a long and informative reply to you - only for it to mysteriously disappear. Don't you just hate it when that happens!!! I had a response to all your points, including certain legalities and information that is not generally known about. I really don't feel at this moment in time to rewrite it all over again, (especially as England is playing against France later and dinner needs prepping!!!) but I did say that you may or may not be right, it might flourish or flounder, it might gradually gain momentum due to a hoped-for newsletter and events, or people just might not do what they pledge to. That is up to them Also, the knowledge of what is being done in remembrance, love and the name of Catweazle and the wonderful cast, would at least do something that the club never did. That's not to say that was wrong of course. The club by any standard has been a success in many ways. I also mentioned your book idea. This was already looked into and discussed several years ago with the much-missed and dear Simon Welles. Also after Kip died, I felt he also deserved a book as I believe he was very underrated and deserved far more praise than he ever got. I spoke to the remaining family about it and certain things came to light that would have made it difficult and not as informed as we would have hoped for. Again the picture book - I was invited up to London and told I could look at all the archived photos and buy what I wanted. I took Geoffrey with me on another visit (they took photos of him that day and it turns up everywhere now. The 2 guys there were so wonderful and kind to me. Then when they brought the "photos" out in what looked like shoe boxes, were in fact, all negatives! I was handed a magnifying glass and the light box was turned on. I spent hours going through them and selecting what I considered to be good ones. However, they weren't free of course and I really wish I could have afforded to buy more, but there was also a problem because one of the chaps said that the Americans had and were still trying to take over REX and they said if that happens, you will never be able to see them, nor do what you are doing now, and the costs will be huge. Sadly, his prophecy came true and it is under Shutterstock now and you could probably escape from Colditz easier than get access into their archives now. Plus we are talking licences, fees, membership and God knows what else. At the 50th there were some interesting behind-the-scenes photos on display, so I am at least very pleased that I got that opportunity to go up there while I could. Alan's superb book is a "real" fan book because its content is BY the fans and feelings and memories are the reasons we still hold it in our hearts. So, I will stop there as I think it explains some points, but I am always happy to explain things that aren't always known by newer members nor of course do they know what has been tried and done in the past to stir things up. So I say again you may be right, but we won't know until it's tried. If, after several months it's still like swimming in treacle (which is a nicer term that I usually use!) then that will signal my participation ceasing for I can do no more. It will be 23 years since I started the club with Gary and that's a long time to constantly beg, plead, ask, request etc etc for input. There is always a straw that breaks the camel's back. Who knows at this point if some Arab is dangling it over it's hump!
I know that you are one of the few who do come and post on here and I thank you for that. Your last post is no exception to that.
Best wishes
Carol
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Post by southernspirits on Apr 21, 2024 9:40:22 GMT
Hi Carol,
I think everyone acknowledges your incalculable and outrageously overtaxed contributions to the Club: you have obviously been its heart, and I think probably in many ways its soul too. It could never be reasonable to expect anyone to do as much as you have, and clearly, you're now less able to contribute whatever you might feel about wanting to do so. Its many, many achievements and special events are your gift, and not just a gift to the fans, but to the former cast and crew. You can carry that with you forever and I think it's beautiful.
I think the burden of trying to do so much single-handedly has long since its taken its toll on you and the challenge of maintaining participation and interest, with no new film and television series or books coming onto the market, would probably have been beyond even a dedicated team, let alone any individual.
We've all effectively acknowledged that the forum here is dead now (not that the participation statistics can be argued with anyway): it’s like trying to light a room with a dying light and no more new fuel. I acknowledge Alan's point about the catch-22 circumstance that you've faced in not wanting to invest more time and money when the fan base is inactive and declining, and new fans or even older ones similarly turn away because there's no revitalisation/innovation, or robust participation.
The Club is yours to dispose of however you wish and you can decide if its a going concern. From my vantage point, I'd say that your proposal, however sincere and well-intended, isn't going to be able to revive it. I think that with effectively changing the focus of the Club from celebrating the series and all that is connected with it, to raising money for children's charities, the distinctive identity and purposes of the Club will have disappeared. If people are not sufficiently motivated to participate out of love for/interest in the series, then it is not apparent to me that they'll be more motivated by the addition (however undeniably beautiful in intent and thought) of contributing to children's charities. They won't come to the Club for that purpose, and nor am I convinced that they'll stay because of it. (unless ‘the Club’ just becomes a charity which draws an identify from Catweazle – of seeking to bring magic into children’s lives – that may be sustainable, but it isn’t what you’re currently proposing of course).
I think including more of a focus on contributing to children's charities is a GREAT IDEA, but making it central, within the confines of a branded ‘Catweazle fan club’ isn't as good. I suspect that most people who join do so to join a community of likeminded fans who are sharing their thoughts, memories and ideas first and foremost and if they don’t find that, or aren’t even offered it, they’re unlikely to join, or having joined, are unlikely to return.
Ultimately, I think that Phelings has pointed to the core underlying reality: with the aging of everyone, the cast and crew - and many of the fans (!) there's now only the source product (and its related documents) to connect with, and in reality, its a slender raft of material anyway, however rich we find it. It would require great ingenuity, significant drive and financial/human resources to find pathways to sustain the Club on that slender raft, particularly post the passing of all significant persons involved with the making of the program. The competition for eyes that blazes across all screens now doesn't leave too much room for a not necessarily intuitively appealing, 50-year-old series that only consists of 26 episodes, and which hasn't spawned anything else on TV or film (or in books) in the UK (although offshore it has of course). What else out there in the vast entertainment marketplace draws people in our direction? What else (but chance discovery or word of mouth?) creates an appetite for/awareness of the beautiful Catweazle?
You have done more than enough, and shouldn’t feel beaten, but completed. I don't think that you should feel that going down this particular rabbit hole is necessary now Carol, unless you do want to launch a new charity, which is loosely inspired by Catweazle - and I don't think that that's currently in your mind.
You should know, it's has been wond'rous and you've made it that way. Think of all the joy that you’ve brought! Its magnificent! 😊
I will share with you something I sent to Alan in a private chat recently:
To mind my, the lasting and remarkable achievement of Series One is how much pathos Richard was able to draw from just 13, very tightly written and really quite simply focused episodes! Those few monologues where Catweazle laments his situation to camera just totally stand out and elevate the series, but also, the scenes that showed Catweazle's desperate frustration and or at other times, fear, made him so sympathetic, despite really being something of a misanthrope! He really is pretty nasty at times, but his human frailties and needs still shine through - including a real capacity for friendship (and a valuing of it). This is beauty of the program and what we respond to I think.
I wanted to leave you with that as maybe encapsulating the essence of what has resonated with us all and can point to the spirit in which we should deal with each other here: its about drawing from friendship and recognising its value no matter what your circumstances, or perhaps, especially when your circumstances are very difficult. Some of us, including new friends here, are in difficult circumstances and perhaps you are too Carol.
So, thank you Carol for having carried forward the flame so long and with such commitment, love and generosity. You have the honoured the series and everyone involved with it. You enriched the lives of these people and many of fans: you are owed, and do not owe. You can step back and reflect on how you sustain Geoffrey’s smile for so many more years and allowed others to share in those moments. How wonderful 😊
Most sincerely,
Brett (southernspirits)
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Post by imaginarium on Apr 30, 2024 7:46:50 GMT
Hi Carol,
I read the exchange of emails about the club's future between you and Alan and I felt really upset for you.
You've gone to such lengths for the club, with little or no response from its members. I think you carry the passion and enthusiasm of the child you once were which, unfortunately, has been knocked out of some people by life's ups and downs. If the members can't be bothered to engage with you and the effort you're making to keep the club going, then they have no right to complain if you decide to wind the club up.
The Catweazle club is YOUR passion, so you should decide what's best for you. If you can't get support from the old members, then content yourself in knowing that you've dedicated a lot of your energy, free time and money to making a lot of people very happy these past years. I became a member recently, knowing the club was in crisis, but I still joined. For me, it was enough to know that there were people like you who shared the sort of happiness that Catweazle provided when we were growing up. In some ways, that feeling has helped me through some dark periods in my life.
Create the Fellowship if that makes you happy and invite the club members to join. If they don't take up that offer, then leave it with them. And if they complain, invite them to take over the running of the Catweazle Club and see how they respond!
In you do decide to form a fellowship, it will need to speak to a younger audience. In order for that to happen, it would have to be more expansive in its vision and not just focus on Catweazle. Sadly, the original shows are limited to only two series, so it's not long before people can learn all they need to know about stories. But I think there is something in that word 'stories.' The fellowship could be a storytelling club for middle grade children. Use Catweazle as its focus, and even think about telling his stories orally using trained storytellers. If you had the opportunity, it would also be good to create new Catweazle stories from original material. We have a story telling festival in Oxford once a year and the tickets are sold out well in advance. What I think it does need is publicity and Facebook is mostly older people. What it does need is feeds on snapchat, X and Instagram. If nothing changes, then you have every right to shut the club down.
All good wishes, Mark.
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