Greetings all.
At last I can tell you that planning for the Aussie Hero Quilts Annual Thank You Dinner is underway. As usual it will be a big weekend. Not all the activities are locked in and some are dependant on number but here is a rough outline of what we are planning for you.
Friday 1st November
I am planning to have one or more tours in the afternoon on the Friday but can’t lock them in yet. More details will come. We are looking at the Australian War Memorial, as well as RMC Duntroon and ADFA but NONE of these have been locked in as yet so more advice in the future.
The Quilter’s Gathering
On the evening of Friday the 1st of November we will meet at the Sergeants Mess at the Royal Military College at Duntroon for a Quilters Gathering featuring a number of guest speakers, including one very special quilter. Last year Jenny Bowker was named as an officer in the Order of Australia in the 2018 Queen’s birthday honours for services to Australia-Middle East cultural relations and for her role in preserving traditional crafts. Jenny has lived and quilted in many of the countries our service men and women deploy to. Personally I can’t wait to see her quilts and hear her stories.
This event is for volunteers, but partners are also more than welcome if they wish to attend.
Saturday 2nd November
Newbies Brunch
As much as I try to speak to everyone at the dinner on Saturday night the reality is that it is such a busy night that it may not be possible for me to manage that. I really enjoy meeting all those who volunteer for us.
If you are new to Aussie Heroes and would like to meet other new volunteers and myself then you are invited to have breakfast with me at a venue to be decided depending on the numbers of interested people. Again, partners are also welcome to join us.
Time to be advised closer to time. Everyone will pay individually for their own breakast.
Quilt Shop Bus Tour and Lunch
We are planning something new for the Saturday this year. Assuming we there are enough people interested we are looking at arranging a bus tour that will take in three quilt shops in Canberra and a café for lunch. The cost for this tour will also be dependant on the number of participants. For a minimum of 13 people the tour will cost $50. If we have 24 people who are interested the tour cost will come down to 24 people.
What we need now is an indication of interest so that we can decide which way to move forward.
The Annual Thank You Dinner
Of course, the dinner on Saturday night will be fabulous… A number of venues in Canberra were considered before we chose the one that we think will be the best for our needs.
This year the dinner will be held at Old Parliament House.
It will commence at 1830 (630pm) and will end at 2230 (1030pm)
This year you will be served nibbles on arrival.
Dinner will a sit-down meal. Recipients and quilters will be sitting together and there will be plenty of opportunity to mingle. This year we will be treated to music from the very talented Lancer Band. We also have a live auction, a silent auction and a beautiful quilt to raffle.
I am hoping there will be one or two surprises for the volunteers who attend as well.
Numbers are limited.
Tickets cost will be no more than $75 per person per person but we are working hard to reduce that cost through donations and sponsorship.
Sunday 4th of November
Finally, we will round out the weekend with a brunch for those who wish to attend. This will be at Poppy’s Cafe at the Australian War Memorial and will commence at 9am.
Accommodation.
As per last year, we have arranged a special deal with a hotel in Canberra.
There is a block booking for Aussie Hero Quilts at the Mercure Canberra,
Cnr Ainslie & Limestone Avenues, Braddon ACT 2612, Tel 02 6243 0011 or 02 62430012 .
This block booking will be held up to 30 days prior to the weekend and the Volunteers should make their reservation by contacting Jasmine Regan, Reservations Supervisor direct during office hours.
Reference Aussie Hero Quilts (Please email Gail gr***@bi*****.au for the reference number to quote)
The rate offered is $149.00 per night, per room (including onsite parking) in a Superior King Room
(1 x king bed or 2 x single beds).
They also offer breakfast at a discounted rate of $19 per person, per day (usually $24).
If you haven’t stayed at the Mercure before it is within walking distance to the AWM, has good public areas to sit and chat, excellent parking at the rear, nice outdoor areas and they are very veteran orientated as all of the families stayed at this hotel when attending functions at the AWM.
Tickets
Tickets are not on sale yet but will be soon as soon as we lock down the price.
Tickets are not on sale yet but will be soon as soon as we lock down the price.
What you need to do now…
If you are interested in attending any of the following can you please send me an email to Gail gr***@bi*****.au so that we can register your interest and contact you once the details are locked in.
The Newbies Breakfast
Quilt Shop Bus Tour and Lunch
More details will be published about the weekend via this blog. Please stay tuned so that you do not miss out on anything.
Till next time…. keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx