Tuttle runs from 10am to midday. It always has, that’s always been the deal – I had people today trying to tell me it used to be different. Nope, but I understand why that belief has come about.
In all of our previous venues, apart from our beloved #sexfactory, there was some form of catering, we had the space set aside for Tuttle and at 12 o’clock those who wanted to stick around and eat and drink could do so and at both the Coach & Horses and the ICA I just asked people to move to another part of the venue.
Now that we’re at the Centre for Creative Collaboration, we have a slightly different deal – it’s not a public space and there is no catering or serving staff. In addition I personally get overwhelmed by the number and variety of conversations I have at Tuttle. It was rare in the past for me to stick around – I always need some space after Tuttle and since there’s nobody employed here to keep the place open and look after people if I want to disappear I’ve had to chuck people out.
This is particularly difficult when people turn up just before 12 with the assumption that something will be continuing. At the ICA you could do that because the place was open and none of us *had* to stay to lock up and look after the space.
You don’t like this abrupt ending and neither do I.
So I’d like to suggest a different way – a smoother transition from “loads of people” to “everybody’s gone home”. We will have tables and a space set aside for people to have lunch that they bring with them if they want to. We will also make sure that someone from the Centre with a key will be around. At different times this may be me or Brian or one of the other keyholding project people like the Accidental Festival team. I will announce at 12 o’clock something like: “Tuttle proper is over for another week, but some people like to stick around for lunch so please help us clear away the coffees and tea stuff and set up for lunch”
This maintains a boundary around Tuttle but gives some flexibility for people who want to extend their tuttle time. It restores, I hope, the vibe around Tuttle that we used to have. I would then feel able to go away for a bit and get my head back on straight or do stuff I need to do.
Does this work better? What have I missed?
The twinkle in your eye Lloyd
I think that’s a great idea. And I’d be willing to hang around and lock up sometimes if that would help.
Makes sense though, as the sunshine has returned (along with birdsong in the absence of aeroplanes!) I am feeling a tug to return to the vicinity of the ICA and the park, away from the busy roads outside.
I am very plsd to hear this, I am one of those pains that travel on trains and arrive around 1130hrs when I can make it at all.
I enjoy the Tuttles alot and meet such gr8 ppl so I am always there in spirit if not in person. I do try to get there earlier if I can and was thinking that at C4CC I was causing more trouble than sociabubble and that grieves me.
So having read the post I will today arrive late, say quick hi and join the late debate.
All the best to those who have to leave early that I usually see leaving as I arrive, and I will help with the tidying up.
Hi Lloyd,
Like the site. I’m in the process of setting up a new space for people to work, meet and be inspired. I’d really love to get your view on the concept so that I can make it the sort of place that you and your readers would like to visit.
Please have a look at our site http://www.centralworking.com and tell me if you would like to get involved?