Lending Equipment

[Lady_McBeth]

Hi,

I have a question about lending equipment to other band members. This is really a question on behalf of Lady McBeth Sr., who I haven't yet coaxed onto the forums, but she'll get here I'm sure! :wink:

In my Mum's band, they have in the past (key word, in the past...) had an extra set of pipes, which they lent out to a new band member. He subsequently left town and dispite numerous attempts to retrieve the pipes, still has not returned them. :shrug:

What effective precautions do bands generally take to prevent things like this occurring? I'm imagining a signed agreement stating that the pipes were lent, not given, might dissuade some people from running off with equipment. Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Joyce :wave:

[Iain Sherwood]

well, it's a case of either writing off the pipes or going to your local Justice Court and plunking down $50 to get a judgement against him OR sending the two biggest bruisers in the band over to his new home and battering the door down.

I'd opt for number two. There's little in the world more embarrassing than having a Sheriff's deputy at your door at 8 am....

There is a fourth option - publish the person's name on this or any other forum as a thief and a deadbeat. that might get some response as well.

[She]

I know that there is at least one band that will not lend or furnish anyone anything until after a period of six months. There are probably also some bands that will lend things with a returnable deposit...perhaps the best way to go?

In WUSPBA they have a rule that will not allow anyone to go from one band to another without having a release signed by the quartermaster, or other band official, of the "old" band stating that everything that belongs to the band has been returned in good order.

I know that we all want to be helpful, but sometimes it's better not to lend anything out. I'm sorry that your mother's band has lost a set of pipes...perhaps it's an expensive lesson learned. Neither a borrower nor a lender be. :shrug:

[Paul Wood]

My band has a form which states that there are certain items (either an instrument or uniform parts) which are the property of the band.

Does this stop people from disappearing with the band kilt from time to time? No but it does make it easier to go to a lawyer and have them write a letter to the person who takes off with band equipment. The lawyer being the first step...the court system is step two...

I'm all for sending out the big bruisers tho... :smokin:

Paul

[Kimberly Rudge]

Sorry I don't have much input on the initial question, though I am surprised that things like that don't happen often enough for more groups to have specific policies like those previously mentioned.

This is a little twist on the lending equipment question (if I'm diverting too far, maybe Bob or Terry will bump this into a new thread).

I have a friend who just switched from pipes to tenor drum. Her band was very supportive and immediately bought a new tenor for her. The other tenor drummer wants to take the new, band-issued drum and have my friend play her personal drum in exchange.

This apparently has to do with size, as my friend is petite. Neither she nor I are really sure whether she would be able to march with a larger tenor, but the veteran tenor player seems certain that she would not be able to. It's usually just a few inches difference in diameter, right? Could that be enough difference?

Anyhow, I'm a little concerned, and I think my friend might be too, about borrowing someone's personal instrument for an extended period of time. While I know she will take good care of either one, things do happen, and personal agreements can get sticky even if nothing did go wrong.

So, what are your feelings on personal borrowing and lending?

Thanks,
Kimberly

[michael gunn]

kimberly--
my wife is also petite. she started playing tenor with the band about 16 years ago. after a few years, she purchased her own tenor--a makeover on a side drum shell, lighter and smaller diameter. she is quite happy with the difference.
your veteran tenor may have a good point. on the other hand, although he is lending his drum to your friend, there is still a transfer of gear, with the bands' drum changing hands. best to bring in the p/m and quartermaster.
maybe you're band just needs another new drum. :wink:

[Cleg]

Hi
On the subject of lending equipment, boy did we shoot all our toes off. We started off with a money guy who called the shots. He put up the money and we paid him back and the stuff was ours. That being said some didn't and then the money guy, finest guy I ever met, died :( . First thing the Pm, scumbag that he is :mad: , takes off with 2 sets of pipes and his uniform, unpaid for. The uniform may or may not have been his,he did try to order another just before he left. We had a member give us back 2 sets of pipes, he had money problems,and we loaned them out too. One fellow says he paid for his uniform but can't remember who he gave the cash to. :wink:
We need to get everyone back in to sign agreements and turn in what is not being used but no one seems overly concerned.
I guess loaning is a neccessary evil but it has just about brought us to blows.

Quartermaster
Bill

[Rojellio]

IT seems that a hand receipt listing in detail the items signed out from Band property would do.

It would also seem wise for the Quartermaster to keep on file photographs of items including distinguishing marks and engravings (disctrete and hidden if possible)

On the Bottom of the Reciept, in addition to the usual wording I would include a statement to the effect "I understand that if said Items are not returned all manner of Lawyers, Law Enforcement, or indeed Lowlife'ted strongmen <at our option> will relentlesly pursue my scrawny A** in the same fashion that a Dog would be pursued. Until such time as Items are returned in fully maintained and working order. I understand fully, that my spindle shanked wee legs will not sustain such a relentless pursuit, therefor it is pointless to make off with said items. Furthermore, I will appreciate the effort, gallant mettle and tenacity of those who come to collect said valuable and neccesary items."

A "freindly" letter that includes pictures of individual and missing property would be sent to the individual, the individuals Pipe Band Association, and to the Local Sherriffs office. IN that order, and one week apart.

The Officer who recovers the Pipes would recieve some manner of newly devised medal with a Blue Ribbon and Chanter reed hanging from it, to be mounted in a framed picture of the Band.