2011 MySwag National Meet Update
Swagger “73bubba” recently created a thread for a SA Swaggers Meet with a poll as to how members would like to camp. 5 out of 9 responded wanted to “free camp with facilities”, with a further 3 responding they would be happy to “free camp without facilities”. From this very limited poll, free camping is preferred by 8 out of the 9 respondents!
After some discussions it was suggested that the June long weekend be used as a dry run for the National MySwag Meet 2011. It was also suggested that a portable toilet be hired for the weekend. “JKohn” enquired with Kennards and was quoted $287 for a weekend hire of a toilet, however delivery to Jamestown was not included in the price. “rodeo2002” is also following up a price for a toilet.
“JKohn” has received a number of PM’s and emails as to what facilities would be available at “rodeo2002”’s property. Questions being asked included:
• Being in a paddock will there be any shade should the days be warm to hot?
• Jamestown being 17km’s away is a long way to go should just some milk and bread be needed.
• The costs and logistics of getting toilets, showers, and water into such a place.
• The gradient of the ground when setting up their camper.
• How can we recharge our batteries if we don't have solar panels?
• The possibility of there being snakes around and therefore potentially be a harm to their kids.
• The lack of any suitable "playground" for the kids, can kids ride their bikes without getting punctures, etc.
• Having to bring ‘everything’ onsite is going to be difficult for the newbie campers coming
• Those coming from interstate will want to have laundry facilities considering they would have travelled for a few days to get there.
• Those with babies or very young children will find it difficult to bathe them when there are no real facilities or proper running water.
• Those wanting to come early or leave later would have to find alternative arrangements
• Insurance: Rodeo2002’s property would not be covered for such an event and therefore poses and insurance risk to him personally
As at 28 January 2011, 16 adults and 23 children (39 in total) are registered as intending to attend the National Meet. No doubt as the event draws closer, more will register. On current numbers at least two toilets (male & female) and two showers (male & female) with a water supply will be required. At $200 each for 3 days, $1,200 will need to be outlaid upfront by the organisers. If between now and October a further 20 people intending to attend, there will be around 60 people attending with a further additional outlay for at least one extra toilet and shower facility.
This has made the organisers reconsider the suitability of “rodeo2002”’s property to host the event given the logistical concerns of toilet and shower facilities, shopping facilities, and kid friendly activities, as outlined above.
These concerns were emailed to “rodeo2002” for his comments. “rodeo2002” responded that “If it needs to be moved then move it”. Whilst it could be possible to conduct an event without facilities for a small number, it is impractical to try and do so with possibly 40 to 60 or more people attending.
Keeping the event in the general locale suggests the ideal venue would be a free camp area in the Flinders Ranges with facilities. Finding a venue with facilities for up to 60 people for free is highly unlikely. Having looked at a number of the 4WD Tours which offer onsite accommodation, none are able to cater for the large numbers that we expect will be attending.
Whilst unpopular, the most logical venue would be a caravan park for the weekend of the meet. Swaggers would be able to come and go as they like, booking in earlier or leaving later, or just attending for the weekend and making their own accommodation arrangements immediately before and after the event.
We are therefore proposing that the meet be moved to Wilmington Caravan Park where they have the choice of 70 powered sites or you can go unpowered in part of their 20 acres which is behind the powered sites. Furthermore we are allowed a central campfire along as it’s within accordance of CFS rules for that particular day.
On behalf of all Swaggers, I would like to thank “rodeo2002” for his offer to host the national meet and for his selfless consideration to moving the event off of his property and look forward to seeing you all at Wilmington!
Thankyou
