Friends of John Denver Event Guidelines

Friends of John Denver appreciates the efforts of our members in organising Denver Days and other events around the country in the club’s name, and I am happy to publicise these events through our website and email list. I can also help with production of flyers, tickets, accommodation lists and directions.

I thought it would also be helpful to provide a few guidelines, based on previous experience and feedback I have received. Apart from getting my agreement for the cost of hiring the venue, these are not rules – just flexible guidelines aimed at helping with the organisation of successful Friends of John Denver events.

Please consult me before going ahead with any arrangements, as other members may already be organising something for the date you have in mind.
Think about the venue you are considering:
- Is it close to major roads and is the route easily described for people unfamiliar with the area?
- Does the venue have adequate heating, lighting, toilet and parking facilities?
- Who will be responsible for opening and closing the venue?
- Is it large enough to accommodate the number of people you are expecting, plus (for a Denver Day) our fund-raising tables?
- Is there a kitchen for making hot drinks and preparing our cold buffet lunch? Check what facilities are available – you will probably need to provide items such as a bread knife
- If you are organising a concert, is there a stage and good acoustics – you might wish to consult the performer(s)
- Are there likely to be issues with noise? Some places have a noise limiting device which cuts the power if things get too loud; some places have a curfew
- If a concert is to follow a Denver Day, is there somewhere (such as a pub) nearby for people to go in between the two events?
The charity to be supported by our Denver Day is usually agreed in advance, often at the previous Denver Day. If you are organising a concert as well you might want to support a different charity with the concert proceeds, but please bear in mind:
- We are raising funds in John Denver’s name, so the charity should be working on issues that were supported by John
- We have a policy of not supporting charities that fund animal experimentation

It might also be useful for you to know what expenses the club usually covers for a Denver Day.

Hire of the venue (cost must be agreed by me in advance)
Tea, coffee, & sugar (Fair Trade products), milk, and mineral water
Bread (usually French sticks) and butter/margarine
Paper plates & napkins and plastic cutlery
Dishwashing liquid and J-Cloths (tea towels are usually loaned by the organisers or another member)

It is the custom for all other food to be donated by members attending the event.

The club does not pay for washroom supplies such as soap and toilet rolls – these should be included in the hire fee for the venue.