After years of planning and development, MAS is now using computerised diary software specifically designed for the company by Flex Projects Ltd. The first diaries were inputted into the system back in January, and many months of transferring information from the paper diaries to the computer system followed. We completed this process on Friday, 18th July, and are now using the computerised diary system for all of our clients. The new system has several advantages over the old paper diaries. For example, we now have the facility to text your mobile phone, alerting you to new messages. Interested? If you wish us to use it to contact you, just ask about our text messaging next time you call. The computer has also improved the speed with which messages are created. The system automatically generates a message as alterations are made in the diary reducing the time it takes for information to get from the fixers to our clients and visa versa. There are many more enhancements planned for the near	future. We are developing high speed availabilities which will still take into account our clients’ individual instructions. When completed this facility will be enhanced further to incorporate searches which will provide us with player lists, dress, programme or any other information given for any engagement booked through MAS. Clients will soon also have the option of being able to view and make alterations in their diaries on-line through the MAS Diary Website. They will also be able to collect their messages and send messages back to the fixer on line. All of this is purely a choice for our clients. It goes without saying that the personal one to one service that MAS is so well known for will continue to exist unaltered. We are confident that this new technology will continue to improve the service that we offer, providing our clients with a diary service that welcomes and is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
The “two in a bar rule” could shortly become a “none in a bar rule” as the controversial licensing bill received Royal Assent on Thursday 10th July. When the bill was first published it proposed that all public and most private performances were subject to a licensing requirement. All performers were potentially liable to criminal prosecution unless taking all possible precautions to ensure venues were licensed for their performance. The two in a bar exemption will continue until the new law takes full effect in approximately 18 months. For more information please see the Musicians Union website www.musiciansunion.org.uk	Tax affairs and tax problems are different for each individual. If you think a chat with a tax expert within the industry will help clarify your situation why not call MAS approved tax advisor Mike Harding for a free consultation. Mike Harding Brooks & Co Mid-Day Court, 20 - 24 Brighton Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5BN Tel: 020 8642 8681 Fax: 020 8643 8640 We guarantee you will not be pressurised in any way, during or after the consultation.
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If there is anything that you would like to see included in the next edition of the newsletter please let us know, either by phone, e-mail or fax The MAS clients listed below have recently changed address and/or telephone numbers; please check with MAS for details. David Johnson (Double Bass) Rose Redgrave (Viola) Jonathan Price (Bassoon) Julia Stewart and Richard Clews Alice Butcher (Violin) Angela Moore (Harp) Martin Heppell (Horn) Maya Bickel (Violin) Christine Pendrill (Cor Anglais) Andrew Tovey (Trumpet) Alun Darbyshire (Oboe) Sheila Holdsworth (Violin) Marios Argiros (Oboe) is leaving Northern Sinfonia at the end of August. FREELANCE WOODWIND BENEFIT SOCIETY An unregistered charity for freelance woodwind members working in and around London. Following a nominal £10 joining fee, if you experience illness or an accident which means you can not work for 2 weeks or more each member will contribute £2 per week for your claim. For full details and membership rules/requirements, please contact Judith Havard: Via MAS Email: juflu@btinternet.com	The 2003 edition of the CV Brochure will be published soon, so if you would like to update your CV, please post or email any changes to us by 1st September. We recently sent a questionnaire to fixers asking them about the effectiveness of this publication. The results are very positive, and have prompted the following suggestions to consider when sending us your CV. 72% of fixers said they use the CV brochure to look for players with specific experience, so adding information like the positions you have played may be helpful. Almost two-thirds of fixers said they use the CV brochure to pick players they haven’t used before, making it a positive marketing tool. Keep this in mind when preparing your entry. While your full CV can be displayed on our website, please remember there is a twelve-line limit for each player’s entry in our publication. This means that we cannot always include every detail in your CV. If you feel that a précis of your CV is inappropriate, or does not sufficiently reflect your experience, we are happy to replace it with a short biography instead. If you have not submitted your CV for inclusion in the publication or have any queries regarding the CV Brochure, please do not hesitate to call. If you require specific advice on presentation etc. Richard can be contacted on 01306 508100 and is always happy to help.
	Current Staffing: Managers: Abbie & Tania Co-ordinators: Amy, Angela, Annie, James, Kirsten, Mary, Oliver, Rebecca and Simon.
	6 MONTH CRUISE Players required: Tenor Saxophone and piano Fee: £230 per week If you are interested, please submit your CV and/or CD and photograph to: Debonnaire Cottage, Middle Street, Burton-by-Lincoln, Lincs. LN1 2RG or call Joe Applewhite: 01522 529494