Dear Swaggers,
Whilst having a few quiet drinks around the campfire at Lovicks Hut with Rich & Co a few long term members were discussing how the number of Victorian based meets had dropped off recently. No specific future camps were discussed, but the need for them was generally considered a good idea.
To remedy this situation, I am more than happy to plan and arrange for a "Kelly Country Camp", general details of which are as follows:
DATE: Friday November 2 to Tuesday November 6, 2012.
VENUE: Tolmie Recreation Reserve, approx 20km North East of Mansfield (Bitumen Road)
COST: $5 per night per adult.
FACILITIES: Male & Female Toilets, Hot Showers. Bush Bar, Basic Cooking Facilities Hotplates.
OTHER: Various other buildings that can be used for a nominal cost - Family Area, Hall. A wood
chopping arena if anyone wants to test their skill!
Fires are permitted in three fire rings provided, although Im told that by November a few
large piles of timber should be stacked up and ready to burn in a bonfire (fire restrictions
permitting). The reserve committee are proactive in assisting user groups with catering
and other activities if required (ie, family bush dance in the hall).
The Reserve is lightly timbered. There will be plenty of room for say 30 camper trailers in shade, plus more open areas. There is no permanent watercourse here. It is off the main road and about 2km down the road from the Tolmie Tavern.
POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES: (Ive looked at a basic daily schedule just for example)
FRIDAY: Early arrivers settle in.
SATURDAY: Arrival Day, Big bush market and street parade in Mansfield. Scope for
developing evening entertainment in the Hall if enough interest (perhaps catered
evening meal and bush dance?)
SUNDAY: History day. Local touring to Kelly Tree at Stringybark Creek (Site of the Police
Massacre), Powers Lookout (Hideaway of Harry Power and Young Ned), visit Benalla
historial precinct (site of Neds
run in with
) Passby of
11 Mile Creek Kelly Homestead site and visit to Glenrowan (Final Shootout/Capture
site)
MONDAY: Touring Day. Day Trips to various locations: King Valley, Paradise Falls, Lake Cobbler,
Buffalo River, OR Mt Stirling, Craigs Hut, Bindaree & Frys Flat Loop.
TUESDAY: Departure Day. Pack up and say farewell. Mansfield Cup Day Races day for
those who would like to stay on a bit longer. A great Cup day event. Others can
depart via say local wineries in Mansfield, King Valley, Millawa or Rutherglen
to the North.
Other things could develop if we have sufficient numbers. The local colonial reinactment group could perhaps be persuaded to do a Stringybark Creek reinactment for a suitable donation (which wouldnt be a large amount on a per person basis if we get enough attendees).
If you are interested, please post up a reply. The aim would be to have a family friendly weekend in the cool mountain air. We could do this with 10 attendees in nearby locations, but I'd like to get a critical mass to make hiring the Reserve worthwhile for the local community. The Pajero club are holding a large meet there next month, we could be a great follow up for them.
Other camping areas in the area are pretty busy, we would be the sole user of the Reserve.
Happy to answer any other queries as well.
EDIT: 15 October 2012.
THOSE INTERESTED SO FAR:
1. GU Rich
2. Off Road Dave
3. GeoffA
4. Mandrake
5. BrettB
6. Black Diamond
7. Big Jules
8. Singo-26 (?)
9. D4D
10. cruza driver
11. Mace!!
12. Mattz
13. xcavator
14. swannie OB
15. GG Patrol (?)
16. mrdenn1s
17. Crisp Image
18. Swanne
19. Fivid
20. Malcur
21. BigSteve
22. Pacs
23. Paulmac
24. philnyvette
25. Silvo (?)
26. Kiwimark
27. Shell and Shane
28. Dennis_g
29. Flanders
30. Arel
31. Gonefishen
32. NatGav
33. GG (muso extroidinairre).
34. Adrianv
35. Lost
36. Kman (?)
37. Redback (?)
38. graham
39. hen
40. Stan Bryant
41. Tugger
42. Jadamo76
43. Nisnav
44. Poppasmurf
45. Hutchie
46. Kris
47. Speewa
48. linmac
49.
50.
6 still (?) at this stage.
As said, expressions of interest so far. A good mix of swaggers.
