BeeBee wrote:
Can I ask Shaunius if your NW walks group has investigated the insurance angle yet, as I know you have some large gatherings, wondered if aside from Heaton Park, you'd had any other worries/comments/problems that have required you to look at insurance yet?
We have had various worries/comments and problems
We have looked briefly into the insurance side and may have to look into it further again. We thought we were going to have to get some to ensure Heaton Park actually went ahead but managed to sort it out with them. I'm not sure how it would work for a coordination of separate events like Schnauzerfest.
We just try to take a "common sense" approach to ensure our meets are as safe as possible for all involved. As the meets are quite big, we have walkie talkies so the organisers can keep in touch and quickly get the word out for any potential hazards/stray dogs/etc. Walks are planned/routed etc to again ensure safety and try minimise any disruption to other users of the area.
I do get the approach you are taking with keeping rules to a minimum, we try do that too! You just have to be so careful in this day and age. In the main, people are usually supportive and watch on in awe as the masses of beardies descend on where ever we are but we have had comments from park keepers,members of the public etc etc that weren't quite as welcoming.
I think adding at least a few words re participation being voluntary and that organisers are not liable for any issues etc etc is a sensible thing to do, whether it is actually worth anything or not. Its easy to assume common sense from people...... but sometimes the odd reminder is needed. All it takes is one person who is not "on the same page" and there could be trouble so to speak.
We are busy planning things for the walk now anyway so are full steam ahead. We have a few fundraising things planned so hopefully will be able to contribute to the wonderful amount of dosh being raised for the Schnauzerfest charities.