Nori and Sandra Pope to Niall Hobhouse on alternatives to Hadspen Garden
Thinking about alternatives for the garden next year.
Option 1.
- As discussed previously, so as not to lose momentum, we keep the garden and teahouse open.
- This would involve management ( taking bookings, payroll, book keeping, banking, etc.) and financing, but also a virtually guaranteed income.
- Expenses would include wages for a part time ( 2-3 full days each week of opening) gardener, grass & hedge contractor, rent, services ( telephone, card machine, water, business rates, septic cleaning ) printing, advertising, public liability insurance, accounting fees, bank charges, and probably more, about £15,000.
- Income based on an average of the last 4 years less 20%, which reflects this years downturn, is about £28,000 but of course this will alter with the loss of the nursery..
- As we have said we are committed to giving 3 months( March,April,May ) to make a smooth transition and to organize bookings now for you but we cannot finance the year or be responsible for the management when we are not there.
- Sarah and Rosy are willing to work during this time but are actively seeking full time employment which of course they will accept if Hadspen does not have anything to offer. Sarah in fact is off to South Africa in the autumn but will hopefully return.
- During this time we would be looking for a nurseryman and exploring nursery options.
Option 2.
- With this option the loss of momentum would occur but could be overcome.
- We close everything at the end of September and put all energies into the new project with press releases to the Tour Companies, magazines, maybe a series on the development, a chance to issue the competition and really push the project for a Grand opening in 2007.
- Lost revenue would be offset by lowered operating costs, an opportunity to get on with some preliminary preparations, and the issues of management and day to day running of the garden would be minimized.