[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] Re: NORMANS
Steven,
It's not that I'm avoiding some form of accountability, It's just that the
original accusations / critisisms voiced from Steve were so ludicrously
inaccurate and biased in their presentation that a constructive response was
akin to replying to the question "When did you stop beating your mother"!
MUSIC FOR SCHOOLS
It is very hard to reply to blanket critisism (which I feel is unwarranted
and misinformed) such as "defend poor tuition", without responding in
equally unhelpfull broad statements, so I would re-iterate that if you or
any other member of the list wishes to "play Anne Robinson" the most
constructive initial route for all would be to contact the head of Service
with as much information as possible, so if their are problems (which no
teaching service is immune from) we can improve matters. the e-mail is
headofservice@xxxxxxxxxxx
Many critisisms of the Foundation however are routed in political /
ethically based misgivings about the contoversial issue of charging for
music lessons in schools. I cannot defend our stance here as in a perfect
world all children would get free access to instruments and tuition, but in
a less than ideal reality we're trying to do something positive. The
foundation is a non profit making charity, and the charge to parents for
lessons is often less than the (subsidised) equivelent charge made by the
local authority (if a service is available).
However, you wish me to defend the Foundation on record so I thought I'd
highlight some anecdotal evidence of the positive things we're doing:
Next Saturday I'm going to a concert in Oxfordshire (one of 40-50 being
orgonised all over the country this month ) - whereby the 40 or so children
will play to a packed audience of appreciative parents. Many of the pupils
have taken grade exams this term (this year we have entered over 5,000
candidates for ABRSM exams with a high 90% pass rate) and the day is a
celebration of their hard work. The event is being staffed by MfSF
teachers - of which two are active members of local Brass Bands.The event is
taking place in a school in which we have taught for 5-6 years, and have
been invited back each year to talk to children and parents to recruit new
pupils to the scheme.
Parents (especially when they're paying!) can (and should) be our strongest
critics, and the continual support of schools & parents in this (and many,
many other areas) must say something. If we were the "short term rip off
artists" painted by some I would not relish returning to schools like this -
double glazing would be a much easier option !
Perhaps if anyone on the list would like to see more of what we do, there is
an open invitation to come with me (or one of the MfSf team) to one of these
events - and judge the reality for themselves.
NORMANS
It is difficult to respond to (misinformed) "rumour" without sounding like
an advert, and almost impossible when presented with a list of comically
ludicrous "facts". - I would urge readers of this letter to call our (free)
number 08000 281415 during office hours and see how the phone is answered !
With regards defect stock however I am able to respond categorically.
Normans has NEVER supplied "seconds" stock as new. The reality however is
that we sell about 70% of all Sovereign instruments in the UK and are the
bigest retailer of brass band instruments in the world. The last few years
has seen terrible production/ QC problems at the B&H factory in Edgeware
(which have been well documented elsewhere) - the ramification being that at
one point almost 50% of "new /perfect" instruments sent to us were being
returned to the factory. Even worse, many instruments, which were perfect
when presented to bands developed "bleeds" months later - requiring
replacement. It is therefore a regretable reality that we will be partly
"tarred with the same brush" when it comes to instrument supply. I'm sure
readers can however sympathise with our situation (many of whom will have
had numerous band room visits from Normans staff to sort out instrument
problems). We have, throughout this difficult time, attemted to be
professional and efficient in sorting out replacements / repairs as quickly
as possible.
When you're the biggest (and we think best) in the market - you are an
obvious target for competing retailers, who for obvious reasons have a
vested interest to fan the flames of any negative rumours. I can confirm
however that we're not the only ones who have received poor quality product
!
There is possibly light at the end of the tunnel however. B&H have recently
announced that they will soon close their Edgeware factory and re-locate to
a new facility which will (hopefully) solve the problems for good.
On a positive note (here's the advert!) we supplied instruments and
accessories to over 400 UK bands last year, and we have a large and loyal
base of customers. Our experienced staff are almost exclusively brass
players and I firmly believe that we offer the best and most professional
service to bands in the UK - based on both service and price. I would
strongly advise readers of this list to try us and let me know what you
think!
Appologies for the length of this message (if you've got this far) - however
when repeatedly requested to respond.....
After this epic, I intend to rest for a while !!
Gareth Haines
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