The Provincial Ball committee is always striving to make the annual occasion even better, and after the 2015 Provincial Ball and Banquet those who attended were invited to complete a feedback form to record their experiences, from planning to meal satisfaction.
Tony Harrison and his wife Maureen.
After careful analysis, the committee is delighted to announce that the overall opinion of those who completed the forms was that most had thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Naturally, there were some comments which highlighted certain areas for improvement, and the committee are using this information to make the 2017 Ball and Banquet an occasion which will even surpass the last one.
One of the main concerns was queuing at the bars during the reception. This has been addressed by enabling those who do not wish to attend the reception in the Lion of Vienna Suite to be able to go straight to the Premiere Suite where the larger bar will be open. Also, so that brethren are aware of the vegetarian options, we plan to publish these options with the main menu on the application form.
The results of the feedback forms returned are below.
FEEDBACK RESULTS
(Percentages of feedback received)
| Satisfactory or very satisfactory | Neutral | Unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory | |
| GENERAL | |||
| Information sent to Lodge/Chapter | 96 | 4 | 0 |
| Ease of use of the application form | 97 | 3 | 0 |
| Receipt of application notification | 96 | 2 | 2 |
| E-ticket system | 100 | 0 | 0 |
| Pre -Ball information (Floor plans etc.) | 100 | 0 | 0 |
| Wine Pre-ordering service | 75 | 25 | 0 |
| THE RECEPTION | |||
| DC’s help on arrival | 87 | 11 | 2 |
| Bar service during Reception | 50 | 25 | 25 |
| Transfer to Premiere Suite | 60 | 16 | 24 |
| Masters and First Principals Reception | 68 | 28 | 6 |
| Photographer access | 60 | 33 | 7 |
| THE DINNER | |||
| Finding your Table | 100 | 0 | 0 |
| Table service | 75 | 15 | 10 |
| Quality of meal | 78 | 13 | 9 |
| Special Dietary meals (where applicable) | 50 | 29 | 21 |
| AFTER DINNER | |||
| Bar service | 81 | 6 | 13 |
| Entertainment | 76 | 13 | 11 |
| Cloakroom service | 53 | 34 | 13 |
The 2017 Grand Ball and Banquet on 10 March will again be held at the Premier Suite of the Macron Stadium, Bolton. Details of the Ball and an application form will be sent to brethren on 24 October 2016. Details will also be posted on the Provincial website.
The Grand March in progress.