Dear Forum members,
We are lucky to have here a dynamic and very supportive group spinning
around our enjoyment of tops. Some of us have been thinking about ways in which to put this energy into projects that help the sport grow. We have come up with our first project (with great prizes!) as described below.
In olden times, the skilled manual workers « compagnons » toured their country to increase and exchange their knowledge and techniques... Nowadays artists and scientists are invited « en résidence » to share their ideas and techniques in various cities all over the world.In the same spirit of sharing skill and knowledge and to help unite the spintop community and promote the art of top spinning around the world, we are launching “Project INEPTT”.
INEPTT stands for Incredible Neffy European Passion Top Tour.
Our intention is to sponsor a European top tour for our dear friend Chris Neff.
Chris has a lot to show and share. He would become, for a couple of weeks, the ‘ambassador’ of the spintop community, visiting Italy, Spain, and France.
In each country Chris will be hosted by our local members: Maurizio, Pulp and Jim, respectively.
In short this project will be based on:
Top culture – tradition, museums, art, turning/making etc.
Top playing - people, meeting kids, teaching skills, doing shows, Television appearances etc.
Top cool attitude - sharing, friendship, listening, etc.
It all started some months ago with exchanges between Larry D., and Jim, who then brought ta0, Maurizio and Pulp into the project.
We asked Neff if he would volunteer (he wasn't difficult to convince
) and came up with a financial draft. How will we raise funds to make this tour a reality?
We came up with the idea of a raffle/tombola, with very unique prizes
Big Tops!!!We contacted the master turners namely Walter Watts, Eric Wolff and Alan Gray and asked them if they would make and donate a top for the INEPTT Raffle.
The answer was positive, and Neff said that he would also turn a big top.
Organizing raffles / tombolas on the board, how does it work?
We are planning 4 raffles with a limited number of tickets each (between 50 and 150).
The first raffle will take place in March; a 5 inch deluxe Watts Top donated by the legendary Walter Watts will be the prize.
The next three raffles will be for big tops by Eric, Neff and Alan. If you have ever tried to get a large top from the masters you know how difficult it is. Here is your chance!
The winning number draw will be based on a official lottery located in the U S assuring full transparency. All the finances of the project will also be posted.
If there is any money raised over the project budget (currently being worked on) it will be used in a second project to be decided by those donating the tops (except Neff).
We really hope this INEPTT project will get your support. Not only will this be your chance to own a top made by our master turners but, you will be partner in making the INEPTT tour a reality.
More news to come...
Jim in Paris & Larry D.
The committee:
Larry D. - general secretary
Jim Boehm - project coordinator
ta0 - treasurer
Maurizio - overseas coordinator
Pulp - overseas coordinator
Alan Gray - member of honour
Eric Wolff - member of honour
Walter Watts - member of honour
Chris Neff – ambassador
