Hi All The problem with trying to organise a meet in Australia is the vast distances. A second issue is the lack of public holidays that align well between the states. I am concious that anywhere a meet is held will be difficult for many and the timing is also not suitable for many. I am making a suggestion and it is open obviously for discussion, that a meet in two months time at Natimuk Lake Caravan Park could be possible. The weekend of 9 and 10th of March is followed by a holiday in SA, Vic, Tas so that could make three days, providing a bit of extra time to get there. The suggestion of Natimuk is made on the basis that it may suit a number of enthusiasts from South Australia on this occasion but perhaps on a future occasion southern NSW may be another option. This needs discussing and a sharing of ideas. The Natimuk location is not in the main caravan park on the east bank of the creek but rather on the western side and is adjacent to a modern toilet and shower facility. The cost is $15 per night and the Western side would be ideal for us as we don't need electricity; I think that's right! Natimuk has a pub and a milkbar/shop and is 4 minutes away. Natimuk is located about 5 hours from Adelaide and 4 hours from Melbourne. The Little Desewrt National park is nearby as is Mt Arapiles and The Grampians and a number of lakes. Natimuk is also an hour drive to the Grampians northern end which is a popular tourist destination and may suit anyone bringing a family and the local town Horsham 20 minutes away has a good shopping centre with cafes etc. I am happy and prepared to to say I would go BUT only if at least 4 other starters are going to be there. The other option is the Kings Birthday weekend in June (Australia may have a different date to UK) which has always been a good excuse for a long weekend. Probably with that is it is in the middle of Winter. The March dates would be better since usually it is dry there until late April. (Recently it has been quite wet but it'll dry out). Anyway, open for discussion by anyone interested. (I will post a copy of this in CCS as well). Regards to all
If I live in Australia and intend to meet up, I might suggest somewhere around Lambert Centre, Alice Springs or some place near Ayers Rock. That's to be fair enough to members from opposite ends of the Continent....at least theoretically..
Sadly Alice Springs is a place stricken with anti social behaviour and some would be reluctant to go there. In any case a long, long drive to get there. Ayers Rock has access difficulties. Really the most practicable place probably would be the South Australian location as suggested. Plenty of scenic sights and places to visit when the lamp meet is over.
Oh..didn't know..it might be perhaps a little unwelcoming... Maybe a tad bit too remote or off the usual route, I'd guess.
hmm.. like driving from here, getting the ferry over to France, driving right across Europe to Ukraine .. and even then I’m only halfway across it.. ..fair sized country you have there hope one comes off though
Just a brief update that following responses, this meet is on at Natimuk in western Victoria near Horsham in March on the 9th to 11th and further details will follow including directions.
Thanks to all who have replied. With only weeks to go now to the Long Weekend event on March 9, 10 & 11 this meet is definitely on and a good number of lantern and stove collectors have already confirmed their attendance. Here is an important update. To ensure this meet is successful and with the aggreeance of those who have already indicated they were going to be coming, we have accepted a very generous offer from @Anthony to hold the meet just outside of Ballarat. This is the same Ballarat / Staffordshire Reef venue as previous Australian meets. Here is Anthony's directions and notes. (If you want to see the navigation details larger here is the LINK ) The move from Natimuk to Ballarat /Staffordshire reef should enable some more people to join in, in what looks like being the largest gathering for a while. If you have wanted to attend an Australian Lantern get together for some time THIS IS THE ONE TO BE AT; SINCE IT IS UNLIKELY FOR ANOTHER TO BE HELD FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. IF you plan to attend please make contact with @Anthony or @Sedgman since if we know many new folk are coming then we will make an effort to bring some special items that have been shown before but will definitely be of interest to first time visitors. One such example would be the unique extra large floodlight, 'Big Bertha' owned by Anthony. Some will ask what lamps and the like to bring. Easy whatever you feel you would like to show or tinker with. There is plenty of expert advice available. You are really welcome to bring whatever you like and its not about just viewing but participating and perhaps fixing that lantern that you have had trouble with. Just remember the main issue you will face is the careful packing with bubble wrap and newspaper. Don't forget a few tools that you might need to use. Kerosene: I have been asked to mention you won't need to bring kerosene. I also have a comprehensive lantern and stove software application that has numerous search features and may be of interest, and if so you will need to have a USB flash drive handy to get a personalised free copy. Hope to see many CPL folk there.
Thank you for the update, this lanteneers get together is a truely a great event in the lantern community, I am preparing to go , the accomodation and amenities are far better than Natimuk. No need for bringing the caravan, better travelling etc. I’m sure it’s going to be a great event. Quite unique, I just don’t know what to wear
… I’m not bringing that much, because I’m picking up some exceptionally important pieces… None-the-less, I have 3X Gloria 400 to set the global record, and a kitbag of hollow wire to do some workshopping on. Cheers Tony
3X Gloria 400 ? Some would say that's just greedy. However, the more charitable amongst us would admit to being rather envious. I'd be interested in the hollow wire stuff so plenty of pictures please.
I’ll take photos, Henry, and post from time to time, but the reception and band width for internet up there is very poor. I’ve two hollow wire projects to get running: one is a Gloria 4 hanging lamp that belonged to Bob Bauer (RIP) and the other is a 1912 patent lamp. One of the 400s is incomplete and needs fettling. As I need space to bring treasures back home that are waiting for me, my contribution is restricted… but fun will be had! Cheers Tony @Henry Plews
