As promised – Regalia! Well, you either love it or you hate it, apparently… When I brought up the subject as ‘any other business’ at a recent committee meeting, it was met with enthusiasm and revulsion in equal measure. Some of the negativity was based on past difficulties with managing orders, stock and returns but it was decided that – subject to addressing those issues, we ought to dabble in the world of regalia once more…
The committee has agreed to fund the production of artwork (ie the MGCC SW Centre logo). Work and holiday commitments mean that there is nothing to show you as I write, but by the time you get to read this there will be something to look at on the website. There’s been no attempt to create something fancy, we’ve gone for a straightforward design featuring the MGCC logo with “South West Centre” above and www.mgccsw.com below.
Rather than stocking a limited range of clothing – usually in the wrong colour, or size, or both – I’ve identified a local supplier who will make your item to order in the style, size and colour of your choice. The downside of this approach is that there can be no returns (unless faulty of course) but the advantages are manifold. Firstly, the range of items is huge. Secondly, it is possible to personalise your regalia at extra cost with, for instance, your initials, registration number, natter or even the name of an event. Thirdly, there’s no waiting for the next natter or event so that you can place your order with the ‘regalia secretary’ (indeed, there’s no need for a ‘regalia secretary’ at all, so that’s another plus point) – you can buy what you want, whenever you want. And finally, the arrangement keeps the taxman (and Centre Treasurer) happy as the sale is between you and the supplier so no money passes through the Centre accounts. Following on from the last point, sales of regalia provide no financial benefit to the Centre so the price is keen; in fact, our supplier has offered to provide single items at the price usually quoted for bulk buys.
To choose your item, visit www.propeaks.co.uk (there’s no need to memorise the URL as there is a link from the Centre website) and follow the link to the on-line catalogue. Choose your item(s) then call Peaks to get a price and place your order. Delivery is extra, but as the cost is ‘per delivery’ rather than ‘per item’ you can get together with friends or your local natter to make up a bulk delivery.
I apologise to those of you without internet access at home, but your committee considered that regalia had potential to become a full-time job and hence the need for an arms-length approach. To get round the difficulty, each natter leader will be provided with a hard-copy brochure.
The range of stuff available from Peaks is absolutely huge as I said, and includes items from well-known brands such as Fruit of the Loom, Helly Hansen, and Regatta. You can choose from clothing, outerwear (including zip-together fleeces and rain jackets), hi-viz, overalls caps and hats, bags and accessories. There’s even a selection of underpants! Man sizes range from small (chest 34”) to 2XL (chest 50”) with some items available in sizes up to 5XL. There are clothing ranges for women (sizes 8 through 22) and children of all ages. Most items are available in a variety of colours, with up to 20 choices in some ranges! There are tens of thousands of combinations, so you ought to be able to find something to suit…
The number of options can seem a bit daunting, so I’ve identified a ‘core’ range to get you started. Please note that this is simply the stuff that I like the look of; it’s most definitely not the cheapest, so you shouldn’t be put off by the prices – there’s something in the catalogue for everyone with plenty of items at less than a tenner. To see what I’ve chosen, please go to the website or give me a call.