The Rally 7/11

Back at home that evening, Dave began working out the details required to promote the first ever Merlin Homes rally.

“We need to get copies of a suitable poster to as many places as possible in as many worlds as we can. I’ll have to think of a way to let owners know, but keep any one else from asking questions about what a Merlin cottage might be. Then one of us ought to ask Abigail to find a suitable site for them all to gather. I mean if all two hundred or so turn up, it’s going to need an awful lot of space. At least there won’t be any problems with looking after the needs of the owners, but visitors might be a bit of a worry.”

Dave put the pencil he was using to scribble notes between his teeth and thought for a while to resolve the problem.

“Perhaps we could get the giant to come with his carrying box,” he continued, “so that we can move people around quickly. Then there ought to be an area with side-shows of some sort, so that any children who’ve been taken by their parents can be kept amused. I think Jennifer Jane once had some sort of experience of the sort of thing we need, at the Lurbridge village fair.”

Mary was scribbling her own notes as fast as she could while Dave was making his points. Jennifer Jane was making suggestions such as ‘bat the rat’ and ‘try your strength’ machines, which she remembered from her previous visit to Lurbridge Fair.

“I’m sure we can leave most of the village fair things to the blacksmith at Lurbridge. I think he organised the show I went to when Peter stayed here for a week!”

Dave went upstairs to his computer and designed a suitable poster that looked as if it had been hand written, then printed out half a dozen copies for Abigail’s approval.

When Abigail was approached with the list of requirements she was most impressed.

“I think the obvious place to hold the rally would be the large open space bounded by the Gate, across to the road past Esme’s shop then down to the river at Lurbridge. There’s plenty of room for anyone who happens to turn up and Arthur can walk along the road carrying people wherever they want to go in his box. If we ask nicely, I would think Gordon might even let people cross his bridge for nothing just for the occasion.”

“I’ve just had an idea,” said Jennifer Jane, “well I have,” she added as everyone began smiling. “Why don’t we ask Merlin homes to send someone along. It would be a wonderful opportunity for any one interested to look at the cottages; who knows they might even sell some as a result!”

“I should have thought of that one myself,” said Dave “it’s quite usual for companies to exhibit at shows like this. They often put up prizes or pay part of any expenses incurred during the event.”

Jennifer Jane was promptly given the job of contacting both Martin and Gordon. She was perfectly happy when it was suggested that it would be better for her to deal with people and leave the boring bits of the organisation to the grown-ups.

Martin was delighted when she went back to the building works. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, I’m surprised we hadn’t thought of it before. We could hold a competition of some sort and offer a free service, or optional extras as prizes. That should increase the number of owners attending if nothing else does.”

“Can I suggest that you hold a raffle for the prizes! The owner with the best or newest house may well win any competition. A raffle will give every one a chance of winning, however old their cottage may be.”

Martin was nearly jumping up and down with enthusiasm. “We’ll do that as well if I can persuade the senior partners. There could be separate prizes for the best house and the prettiest garden.”

Jennifer Jane was feeling very pleased with the way things were going as she flew off on her broom to go and see Gordon.

The troll was nearly as pleased as Martin, “I tell you what,” he said, “I could offer a prize of my own. How about a year’s free passage over my bridge for any one living in Lurbridge. Anyone interested could pay a halfpenny for a numbered ticket, I’d get some money and the winner ought to be jolly happy.”

“Good idea, in my world we call that a raffle and they’re usually very popular!”

Gordon was a bit disappointed that he hadn’t thought of the idea for the first time, but was very pleased to be told that it was going to be popular.