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| Katena |
on Sun 15 Feb 09, 3:17 PM to Katena's blog.
It has been a few years since i last attended a Munch. What with the loss of one of our community i felt that i wanted to attend the Manchester Munch and feel the connection again.
I attended with 2 close friends of mine and my feelings on the Munch are a little mixed.
It was extremely well attended, with lost of people millng around. The group has now extended around the corner past the ladies loos.
Eventually somebody asked if we had name stickers, which we told them we didn't and preferred not to. (ive always hated stickers - though i know they have benefits!) The person advised (or should i say nearly scolded us) and told us that we *should* have a sticker.
We talked to those few faces that we knew and i took the opportunity to look around and see the basic functioning of the Munch. The organiser was milling and talking to as many people as 1 person could...yet still there were a number of solitary people on their own.
I felt quite sorry for them as they were left alone...however the person stood near us engaged in our conversation (even if it was on the rude topic of cream pie parties!)
I remember when i assisted in running the Lifestyles Munch and i would run around ragged talking to new people..and if i couldn't entertain them i introduced them to a group of people and assisted them to make connections. I just couldn't see any of that happening
I kind of feel that the munch is a victim of its own success. Its great that its so busy...but it felt really inpersonal and quite anti-social.
Gone are the times when we all sat around 1 large table...now it seems quite fractured.
Maybe i am being too rose tinted about the 'good old days'....but i think i stil prefer them!
k
Edited Sun 15 Feb 09, 7:00 PM by Katena
| 15 Feb 09, 4:48 PM Darkgirl UK(M), 6 yrs |
Hi! It was a rather different Munch yesterday compared to the norm. As said by yourself, a lot of people were there that day not just for the Munch but because of Clare. Circumstances, as you were aware, ment that the regular peeps didn't mingle as much and there were people grieving and talking about Clare. I for one had a moment with the rememberance book. Not being too well myself (was on a crutch) I did do as much as possible. Yes I did see people in there own little groups....firstly this is not helped as we don't seem to have any more chairs and tables. These have gradually disapeared due to the management of the venue not providing anymore and the fact normally I am able to do more when I'm far more mobile. It is hard to keep making sure that everyone is introduced...but if we don't explain as to the reason we do badges...someone may think you are from upstairs and not from the munch and are less likely to want to 'mingle'. I normally do the badging however my painkillers were not alowing me to do my 'norm' of running around like a headless chicken. So yes I do feel I did not do my best yeasterday. But I would like to say that not one newbie was left out. No one was left alone unless they wanted to (there was a few little groups who wanted to do just that) so we can't make them mingle. Again this really was not a normal Munch which was why we desided to change the Birthday to next month which will be a more happy and bouncy one. If you think there is more that may need to be said about the Munch and how you think it has changed please feel free to contact Lord James, Me, I_Deviate ect as we want to do what we can and suggestions are always welcome. Love & Hugs sharon After the light of day, darkness comes and kneels to obey!! | |
| 15 Feb 09, 5:45 PM Katena UK(M), 8 yrs |
Just a quick note to say that i have twice deleted a comment as it wasn't necessary or relevant to this thread. If the person would like to discuss it further, feel free to do it via memo I'm really happy that the munch is so successful...my only point was that maybe it has become a victim of its own success. More time spent including those on the fringes would be a bonus. Though.....it was lovely to take a trip down memory lane
k I've ran out of sick days...so i'm calling in dead Edited 15 Feb 09, 7:02 PM by Katena | |
| 15 Feb 09, 6:13 PM Lord_James_DuncanC UK(M), 12 yrs |
I'll put your name down as a meet and greeter then
D | |
| 15 Feb 09, 7:04 PM Katena UK(M), 8 yrs |
Now...i've done my time doing that wouldn't you say? lol It was great to see you and a few other old faces. k I've ran out of sick days...so i'm calling in dead |
