It's essential that everyone signs up to your list voluntarily. (That's Data Protection as well as manners/good practice). More on that on my page (see link in 2nd post). Good idea to visit neighbours - and passing round works well. I quadrupled my take-up when I started doing that.

Chairs - beggars can't always choose. But some clubs do supply cushions (take a bow Gainsborough :-) Failing that, advise people (on website etc) to bring their own.