GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR COUNTERS.

Wear warm clothes and gloves and preferably scarf and hat, it’s likely to be cold.  

Bring these instructions, something to lean on - clipboard or folder, several pens - biros or other pens that won’t run in the rain, an umbrella and a thermos of hot drink if you have one, you may be waiting around for a while.

Meeting place in Lancaster is [place]                                at [time]                   .  Arrive early.  We cannot afford not to be there on time.

Briefly introduce yourself to someone – most churches have a ‘greeter’ or two - when you arrive so that people know who you are.  Someone from each congregation has given permission for us to do the count, you have their name on your church sheet in case of problems.

Check how many people are already inside the church or meeting room before you begin the count from outside.

Pay attention to people going out of the church and in again before the service.  This often applies to people involved in preparing the church or people who have responsibilities during the service.  Remember who has gone out, and don’t count them twice when they come back in again!

Be friendly - people will probably smile and say ‘Good morning’ - but don’t get engaged in conversation, this can be very distracting.  Limit yourself to ‘Good morning’ back.  Look busy!

Keep counting for at least 10 minutes after the start of the service, there may be latecomers.

After the count, meet up at 102, which is on Highgate, the main high street in Kendal, for lunch from 12.00 onwards, with your count sheets.

Treasure the count sheet!  It is very valuable data!  Pass it on to a member of the project team as soon as possible.

In case of emergency ring my mobile, xxxx.  If you need to get in touch between now and Sunday morning try that number or my home number, xxxx.  ESPECIALLY if you cannot make the count for any reason, please let me know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  There is an answerphone or voicemail on both of these numbers.

Finally, thank you for doing this, and enjoy yourself!

Karin