BALSALL COMMON LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS - 2004
ROLE OF PAVEMENT MARSHALS
Make yourself thoroughly familiar with your route, check with your fellow marshal and the driver that you are in accord.
Note hospitality stops and plan associated stop start points, don’t let collectors overshoot the stops.
Be aware how many collectors there are, especially late arrivals, and ensure that they are properly “turned out”
WEAR A REFLECTIVE JACKET OR VEST
Carry an efficient torch.
Stand in front of a property until a collector has acknowledged that he will make that call then move onto the next.
Try to keep even with your fellow marshal on the other side of the road, “equalize” teams to take into account long drives etc.
TAKE PARTICULAR CARE WHEN DIRECTING COLLECTORS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD
Plan to have collections made BEFORE the float arrives.
MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO DIRECT TRAFFIC do not waving torches in the direction of cars it is meaningless and a distraction.
Do not give instructions to the Driver EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY it is the Rear Marshals responsibility to communicate with the driver, especially when manoeuvring BALSALL COMMON LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS - 2004
ROLE OF LEAD PAVEMENT MARSHALL
Make sure that everyone has read the PROCEDURES.
Make sure that everyone is equipped with tabards, cards collectors documents and collecting tin.
Check off names against the rota.
Ensure that a supply of cards and spare tabards and collecting tins are on the float.
Arrange and allocate transport to start points where applicable. BALSALL COMMON LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS - 2004
ROLE OF COLLECTORS
WEAR A REFLECTIVE JACKET OR VEST
Carry a collecting tin, a supply of cards and your collectors documents.
Use a torch and take care on uneven slippery and uneven paths
ONLY GO WHERE DIRECTED BY A PAVEMENT MARSHAL
Keep up with pavement marshals; the intention is to have made collections BEFORE the float arrives, not as it disappears
Be prepared to “swap sides” to equalize collecting teams when requested.
At the door give a cheery greeting such as “Merry Christmas from Balsall Common Lions Club”, hand over a card and offer the collecting tin!
LEAVE A CARD AT HOUSES WITH NO RESPONSE
If asked where the money is to be used for: - “Lions local community projects”
MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO DIRECT TRAFFIC do not wave torches in the direction of cars it is meaningless and a distraction.
Do not give instructions to the Driver EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY it is the Rear Marshalls responsibility to communicate with the driver, especially when manoeuvring
TAKE CARE WHEN CHANGING SIDES, avoid crossing immediately in front of or behind the float.
When restocking with cards from the towing vehicle/float ensure that the driver and/or the rear marshal are aware of what you are doing.
WHEN ESCORTING YOUNG CHILDREN TO SEE SANTA ON THE FLOAT ensure that the rear marshal is aware of what you are doing.
THE REAR MARSHAL who is in communication with the driver WILL SUPERVISE CHILDREN ON AND OFF THE FLOAT
Return reflective vest, collecting tins and spare cards at the end of the evening, especially if you have to leave early.
Do not attempt to adjust any of the electrical or sound equipment on the float unless you have been briefed and specifically asked to do so. BALSALL COMMON LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS - 2004
ROLE OF REAR MARSHALL AND DRIVER
Make yourself thoroughly familiar with your route, check with your pavement marshals that you are in accord.
Note hospitality stops and plan associated stop start points.
The driver of the tow vehicle is ultimately responsible for the vehicle, float, trailer, and any person in the vehicle or on the float.
The rear marshall is the walking eyes and ears for the driver and is responsible for all communication with the driver from collectors or pavement marshals. The two are connected by short range walkie-talkie radios. THE DRIVER SHOULD NOT BE DISTRACTED.
The driver has the final decision to make when to stop, when to move off.
The rear marshall assists these decisions by giving clear instructions to the driver, such as ‘clear to move off’ , ‘stop’, ‘another 6feet, 2feet, stop ETC This is especially important when the public approach the float to talk to Santa and children actually board the float.
The float must travel at a MAXIMUM of 25 mph.
The rear marshall must not be left behind, on occasion when the float is running a short distance at more then walking speed the rear marshall must be aware of this and either agree to keep up or climb into the towing vehicle. Father Christmas must be seated before and whenever the vehicle exceeds walking pace.
The Rear Marshall is to WEAR A REFLECTIVE JACKET. BALSALL COMMON LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS - 2004
ROLE OF FATHER CHRISTMAS
Try out your beard, wig and cloak well in advance. Ideally, after the previous FC has finished with them take your outfit home and make sure they are clean and dry. The whole outfit including the wig and beard can be washed and spin-dried.
Before the evening on which you are FC familiarize yourself with the Float. See where it is safe to step up and down from, the position of the floodlights, where to store the sweets (under the seat) and the position of the handrail. Remember, on the night itself it will be very dark, possibly raining (or snowing!) and you won’t have much time to get sorted out.
On the night you are FC wear plenty of warm clothes. Arrive in good time and make sure you robe up properly and look (and feel) the part. This takes at least 10 minutes. If it is likely to rain hard (or snow) take a large multi-coloured umbrella with you on the Float – the FC cloak is not waterproof! Make sure you have a good supply of sweets, both in your pockets and under the seat on the Float.
Check the route with the Rear Marshal before leaving. Where the start point of the collection is close to the Village Hall you can sit on the Float from the outset, but if the start point is some way off it is probably best to ride in the towing vehicle – in which case arrange with the Driver to save a seat for you.
Do not attempt to adjust any of the electrical or sound equipment on the float unless you have been briefed and specifically asked to do so.
When riding on the Float hold the hand rail with at least one hand at all times - it is quite easy to get thrown off balance, especially when turning corners. Also be careful that your wig/beard/hood/umbrella don’t get blown away - wind pressure is surprisingly high, even at 25mph!
When on the move make sure that you look round on all sides. Wave copiously and watch out for the little (and not so little) faces in upper windows! Also wave to cars - many will have children inside and may have driven some distance to see you.
When stopping obey the instructions of the Rear Marshal at all times. Do not encourage children to cross the road, he will control this.
When stopped it is usually best to bend down and talk to individual children. Remember that the sound from the speakers will make it difficult to hear and be heard. Ask children their names and what they think you will bring them for Christmas (but be alert for cues from parents hovering in the background to make sure you don’t say the wrong thing!)
Generally there are four types of ‘children’ you will encounter:-
1. The very young who believe in FC but are often very overawed and nervous. More often than not parents, grand-parents and older brothers and sisters will help out and answer questions. One or two sweets will usually save the day. 2. Children who look old enough to be in on the secret, but in fact are not (remember, some 5 and 6 year olds are remarkably big for their age, especially girls). In this situation it is best to assume that they still believe in FC!
3. Teenagers, some of whom want to fool around. The best way to handle them is to have a laugh, treat them like adults and remind them that their job is to help you keep the secret. If things get out of hand ask for help from the Rear Marshal who in turn will be able to call on collectors to deal with any problems.
4. Adults. Mostly they appreciate a nice jolly FC, a good laugh and if you’re lucky (and she’s pretty) the odd kiss or two!
Occasionally children will want to climb onto the Float. Only allow children on the Float if their parents or guardians specifically agree (for example where they want to take a photograph). Never attempt to lift a child onto the Float yourself and be very careful that the child or children stay well clear of the flood lamps which are hot enough to burn people and to set clothes alight - and also run at mains voltage. Often it is better to step off the Float instead of allowing children on it, but be careful not to get your shoes caught in your cloak and beware of the floodlights too! Sadly, because of recent publicity it is probably best not handle children or sit them on your lap unless with the specific approval of a parent or guardian.
Never allow children or adults to ride on the Float.
When at a hospitality stop be careful to keep your wig and beard, etc in place because quite often there will be Lion’s children or grand-children inside! Also be careful not to drink too much - nobody likes a tipsy FC!
At the end of the evening check that your outfit is OK for the next FC. If it is wet or dirty arrange for you or him to take it home to wash and dry it. If you take it home put a note on one of the pegs to say you have done so and make sure you return it in plenty of time the next night.