We want to hear from all LVAs
Licensed Victuallers Associations (LVAs) have been in existence for hundreds of years. Licensees all over the country join together to form committees and associations. By working together with local authorities and the Police, they ensure a professional operation for their licensed premises.
LVAs have always supported the Licensed Trade Charity. We are constantly trying to raise awareness of the LTC, who we are and how we can help and LVAs are a great way to voice the good work of the LTC.
We have recently launched an LVA campaign to visit and speak with as many associations as possible. We want to acknowledge and thank LVAs for the support we already get, show how the money is spent through welfare and give an update on the charity. However, we do still have many associations to enlist in our awareness campaign so if you are a member and would like to help the trade charity. Please call Liz Gaffer on 01344 884440.
Romford, Brentwood, Billericay & District LVA
This very strong LVA have supported the LTC for many years. Every November the LVA puts together a table of 10 guests and attends our Café Royal Boxing Night. On the evening a donation is given to the charity for £500.
This donation can pay for a multitude of things for our beneficiaries. Knowing we can rely on this donation every year enables us plan on how Welfare can spend this money.
Brian Harwood, Secretary said on behalf of LVA members "Supporting the LTC means a lot to the LVA. We know the good work they do and want to be a part of giving something back to help everyone in the trade. You never know when you are going to need help yourself. By attending the Boxing every year and giving our donation we have fun and raise funds."
Eastern Hospitality Exhibition
The Norwich and Norfolk LVA recently gave half of their stand at the Eastern Hospitality Exhibition to the Licensed Trade Charity to help them raise awareness of their work. Pictured are Craig McLaren, Chairman of the NNLVA and Thelma Brown, Chairman of the charity's Essex & East Anglia fundraising committee. Its thanks to support from LVA's such as this that the charity can reach out to more people in the trade.
Norwich & Norfolk LVA
One LVA that took us up on our offer of working closer together was the Norwich & Norfolk LVA (NNLVA). We've developed a close association with NNLVA through Thelma Brown, Chairman of the LTC Essex and East Anglia Regional Fundraising Committee. The NNLVA is one of the longest serving LVA's in the UK with over a 1000 members. Craig McClaren, President of the NNLVA said; "The licensed retail sector is a great industry to work in, but as with most business, there is so much information and legislation to take on board, and this is where we hope, we can make it easier for those joining the industry.
"Our aim for 2007 is to familiarise younger people in the licensed trade to the benefits the NNLVA can offer them. Through innovative events, such as a local industry awards programme and a summer event where local and national suppliers will have the opportunity to promote products and local bands will get the chance to demonstrate their skills, we hope to attract a younger audience and signpost them towards the organisations such as the LTC that can guide them through the whole of their career.
"The NNLVA has raised over £50,000 over the last 10 years for local causes and charities and now, by nominating the LTC as our chosen charity, we hope that we can help raise awareness of the Charity and raise funds to support them.
Swanage & Wareham LVA
The Swanage and Wareham LVA kindly invited Kelly Gibson, Fundraising Events & Regional Support Manager to attend & present at their meeting.
Mike Perry, Chairman (see photo), and some of the members, attended the LTC Vegas Event in Ascot and had a great time. Further to this event and initial meeting, Kelly was pleased to be invited to talk to the LVA at their 2nd October meeting held at the Beautiful Shell Bay Restaurant, to explain who the LTC help and how. Many positive elements came out of this meeting including the offer of a £500 donation to the LTC which will be presented at their Banquet last November at the Springfield Hotel, Wareham.
Kelly thought "That the Swanage and Wareham LVA meeting was extremely informative & well attended. All of the members were truly interested in the charity and I'm sure and hope that we will now have a strong relationship."
Bishop Auckland Licensed Traders Association
This LTA has supported regional causes for many, many years. Kelly Gibson, Fundraising Events & Regional Support Manager for the Charity recently met this LTA to ask for their support in raising awareness of the LTC and to raise funds.
Kelly said "This LTA is extremely active within their local area and were very receptive to the idea of helping the Charity as they saw it as helping those in their trade less fortunate".
Chris Burns, who is a member of the LTA introduced them to the LTC as many members hadn't thought of us since the merger of the LVNH and SLV, and didn't fully know who we were and how we can help.
We are pleased say that the LTA are now more knowledgeable on the Charity and have vowed to support us in the future. There is even talk of setting up a new North East Regional Fundraising Committee by a few of the members via Chris.