Aussie Lapidary Forum
Forum Admin, Rules & FAQ => Shows and Events => Topic started by: Aussie Sapphire on October 11, 2013, 11:40:11 AM
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Advance notice of Minerama held at Glen Innes.
More news to be posted as it comes to hand.
cheers
Leah
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Minerama 2014 Looks to be right on track with planned Field Trips from Thursday to Saturday that sound great. :D
Details from Minerama very soon.
Had a visit from some of the Commitee and Glen Innes tourism Boss today to talk through some ideas and the future of Minerama looks Great with some new faces and ideas.
Im sure the committee would welcome more help so if you can assist in any small way even with ideas our help on one Day of the Show let them no Hear beers
Aussie Sapphire are locked in again as a major sponsor along with the Glen Innes Severn Council, Glen Innes & District Services Club at the moment.
Sponsorship packages are still available so if you are a business that wants to go ahead and also Love Glen innes contact the committee to get into the current advertising and promotion.
Cheers Andrew
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Web site here ... Www.minerama.com.au (http://Www.minerama.com.au)
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I see the web site still has last years dates / locations on it. Wonder when the new list will be out. ???
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I understand that the new version of the website should be up and running by end of this week or so - they might be waiting to post some of the updated info on that version to save double handing.
cheers
Leah
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Hi Leah,
Do you have any feedback on the tourism survey that was done at last year's Minerama? Results were to be made available by September, and although I contacted Glen Innes Tourism they have not replied.
Thanks,
Muddy
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Hi Leah,
Do you have any feedback on the tourism survey that was done at last year's Minerama? Results were to be made available by September, and although I contacted Glen Innes Tourism they have not replied.
Thanks,
Muddy
Have not heard anything but I have just sent message to ask as we are also very interested to see the results. Hopefully will get a response asap.
cheers
Leah
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Field trips are now up on website here:
minerama.com.au/default2.asp?active_page_id=195
Not a lot of detail but this will come through asap.
I now have survey results - will just check with tourist centre if ok to post here (sure it will be).
cheers Leah
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Looks like they still have a lot of work to sort out the site.
Thursday 6th March 2014
TRIP 1 YARROW CREEK (no details yet )
TRIP 2 GLENCO (no details yet )
Friday 7th March 2014
TRIP 3 CAMP ON CAMERONS ( jumps you to last years Pretty Valley details )
TRIP 4 CARPET SNAKE FIRE TRAIL (no details yet )
TRIP 5 PRETTY VALLEY ( jumps you to last years Yarrow Ck trips )
Saturday 8th March 2014
TRIP 6 LONEWOOD (jumps to old Lonewood trip to the cree )
TRIP7 FAMILY FOSSICKING ( jumps to old Wings of eagles trip )
TRIP 8 BEZZANTS ROAD ( jumps you to old Boolabinda trip )
TRIP 9 GADENS MINE SHAFT or YARROW CREEK
(jumps you to old Yarrow Ck trips )
Dates on jumps to detailed info pages need to be up dated as well.
At least they are trying to put details in :)
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Looks like they still have a lot of work to sort out the site.
At least they are trying to put details in :)
Yes - agreed.
I am going down to VIC later today and will see if I can find out where they are up to re website and further info.
cheers
Leah
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Sweet
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Minerama for 2014 is well advanced with the new program and brochure now available.
Website
Also looking to launch a new website this week with lots of new information and links etc. Looking to still build a few areas particularly History of Fossicking, Sapphiring, Mining etc in the Glen Innes Severn Region. If you happen to have any great stories, photos and even old movie clips we would appreciate being able to put them up.
Jewellery
You will also note that whilst we are planning 9 fossicking field trips in 2014 we have noted the many requests to include jewellery as a specfic item in 2014...so traders please include in your display as we will be advertising availability.
Trader Sites
Inside trader sites are pretty well all taken with a number of spaces for outside traders still available.
Saturday Night
We have also been discussing holding a Saturday Night function, event, activity and have number of ideas but would love to hear your thougths to make the weekend and your visit to Glen Innes area even more enjoyable.
Volunteers
If you have some spare tme and would like to held out the Committee we are always on the lookout for people to assist on things like field trips, set up, running a few errands, workshops, volunteers on the Services Club doors etc. If you can help please call Sal Molesworth 02 67302404 or email Sal on events@gisc.nsw.gov.au
Take care.....Peter Teschner Manager Tourism and Events Glen Innes
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At the 2013 Minerama 130 of you completed a pretty intensive survey. We had to stop you for about 5 minutes and we thankyou for helping out. I am more than happy to share the outcomes and will be happy to post them in a precis format.
One of the greatest challenges we have is attracting a younger age group and getting the knowledge you older fossickers have, down to this age group. Maybe bring the grand kids with you, have more activities for that age group, put on a treasure hunt!!! Over to you, what suggestions do you have?
From the 2013 survey and with your suggestions and input I am looking in 2014/15 on developing a strategic business plan for reviving fossicking and the like in Glen Innes area. A 10 year Strategic Plan has been completed for the Celtic Festival and with Minerama having so much potential to grow I would like to hear of your ideas. Maybe some of them will be from left field but that is OK...I like left field.
My favourite video clip for thinking outside the square is an Apple ad: -
Apple Steve Jobs The Crazy Ones - NEVER BEFORE AIRED 1997 - (Original Post) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwsuXHA7RA#)
Look forward to some well thoughout ideas and lets make Minerama your first choice and destination.
Peter Teschner - Manager Tourism & Events Glen Innes Severn
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maybe try and organise a come and try for cabbing for younger ones maybe like 12+ or 15+ I mean that was how I started off gem cutting we had cabbing machines at my school and it was part of our geology course and yea it may be possible to build interest like that?
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Minerama for 2014 is well advanced with the new program and brochure now available.
Website
Also looking to launch a new website this week with lots of new information and links etc. Looking to still build a few areas particularly History of Fossicking, Sapphiring, Mining etc in the Glen Innes Severn Region. If you happen to have any great stories, photos and even old movie clips we would appreciate being able to put them up.
Take care.....Peter Teschner Manager Tourism and Events Glen Innes
Any chance of fixing the info individual field trips, they still show wrong details and dates :)
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Maybe a change of name from minerama to something more gem or fossicking like would be a good starting point as the name provokes an idea of big yellow trucks and loaders with dudes wearing hard hats and fluoro clothes,rather than a family orientated fossicking gem show / celebration
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mineral + rama = minerama :) is fine :)
No hard hats yet but the guides now have to wear flouro vests ;D
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Thanks Folks for the feedback. Keep the info coming.
Website that is showing is still the old site and we are aware of the cross links. They will be corrected in the new site which should be up by week's end. Apologies for the confused messages being given.
I am spending more time on Minerama with the Committee and Staff and we are all looking forward to a great Festival.
Peter
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I think Blashs idea a good one, we have many children involved in our club, we call them rock rats. As long as the parents are with them and agree. Sessions with people who cab and are willing to give their time with may be a competition and display of their work. beers
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Thanks Folks for the feedback. Keep the info coming.
Website that is showing is still the old site and we are aware of the cross links. They will be corrected in the new site which should be up by week's end. Apologies for the confused messages being given.
I am spending more time on Minerama with the Committee and Staff and we are all looking forward to a great Festival.
Peter
Peter - I emailed Fred with links to my You Tube and Blog sites for possible inclusion on the Minerama and VIC pages.
John
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Maybe a change of name from minerama to something more gem or fossicking like would be a good starting point as the name provokes an idea of big yellow trucks and loaders with dudes wearing hard hats and fluoro clothes,rather than a family orientated fossicking gem show / celebration
The pronunciation is not mine-er-ama but min-er-ama. Lex Ritchie (Glen Innes Tourism Manager) and I came up with the name in 1989 and it has worked well. A Google search will show a Minerama in, I think, Belgium which must have been going for some time; however we didn't know that then.
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Minerama is on my top 2 rock shows to visit, very well run and great selection of gems offered, I have no real interest in the field trips as a carver, what carving stones could I find ?, I live in a region that has great carving material, on there website they are calling minerama the largest show in NSW, Yes its a great show but does not compare to Lismore, but does lismore offer field trips ?, The NSW gem & lapidary council also call the Gemkhana the largest show but it seems to be dying a slow death, every year it seems smaller, Glen or Lismore would be a much better option for the state show, it may give it a huge boost in interest, but its to far from Sydney and it will most likely never happen.
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I think another major issue is that people don't know about any of Australia's gemstone wealth, everyone knows about the mineral wealth but as our gem industry and gemstone fossicking receives little to no attention from popular media sources (at least it doesn't in SA) and as such the general public remains naive to even the existence of Australian gems. I mean we are the worlds largest producer of diamond (though only a tiny fraction gem grade) yet a lot of people don't even know we have diamonds here, we have some of the best sapphire fields in the world yet the only reason that I found out about that is because I happened to be on holiday up in that area of QLD. I think that the way to prevent the loss of our gem and lapidary knowledge and to keep the gem clubs alive is to try and make it known to the general public of what Aus actually has to offer
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Being basically a selfish person (ask my wife - she uses different phrases though) I'm not sure whether I'd want to many more people on the gemfields, not before I can get there anyway. More customers for the miners there wouldn't be a bad thing though I suppose. More fossickers just makes it harder to find what's there, but all jokes aside, in general we do need to generate more interest in the hobby so that may help.
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I agree with Mick. I tried to get a "Tucson style" show here for Minerama where international dealers could come & sell their rocks, minerals, gems & lapidary goods not available in Australia.It would take time to set up but with the money Tucson makes for the local community well worth the effort.
Information MUST get out to EVERY lapidary club in Australia in order to get people here. Even sending info to USA & UK would prove profitable in the long run with o/s visitors coming here for their holidays & staying in the area for a week or 2.
I ran 3 extra days of trips last year with great success. This proves that more days of trips are wanted / needed.
The cabbing idea could work if there are enough wanting to do it. I have my set up available for anyone interested.
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On the idea of getting kids involved. Perhaps workshops (craft classes) on making things like pet rocks or gem trees. With both of these there is no need to use machinery. All that is needed is rocks, wire, boggle eyes & glue and the kids get something fun to take home with them.
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I agree with Mick. I tried to get a "Tucson style" show here for Minerama where international dealers could come & sell their rocks, minerals, gems & lapidary goods not available in Australia.It would take time to set up but with the money Tucson makes for the local community well worth the effort.
Information MUST get out to EVERY lapidary club in Australia in order to get people here. Even sending info to USA & UK would prove profitable in the long run with o/s visitors coming here for their holidays & staying in the area for a week or 2.
I ran 3 extra days of trips last year with great success. This proves that more days of trips are wanted / needed.
The cabbing idea could work if there are enough wanting to do it. I have my set up available for anyone interested.
Bob- I know the committee is desperately in need of assistance re field trips so it would be good if you could get involved with this. It is one of the important parts of the event but they do need help from people with local knowledge and contacts.
They are also trying to organise some workshops but again anyone who can assist with this should contact the committee as soon as they can. All ideas will be entertained - I think they were hoping that some of the traders might be willing to assist in this way (and perhaps boost some sales along the way) but having traded alongside this lot, I am a bit skeptical that many (any??) will put themselves out too much. Individuals who can help in this way might be a more feasible option but over to you guys to come up with suggestions.
There will definitely be space made available on site for anyone who can assist with running a workshop and it is a great way to boost the hobby. I think it is a great idea to widen the scope and appeal of the event.
Re getting more traders? It is an important thing but often a chicken/egg scenario where larger dealers might not be interested in coming unless they are convinced the customers will be there and visitors want to see more dealers. Having said that, many of the existing dealers (not us) are pretty keen not to have extra traders - a bit short-sighted I feel but it is the talk among the trading tables each year. The committee seems keen to expand the range of dealers (I cannot speak for them but it seems that way from informal discussions) but it can take time to achieve. I know that Bob was keen to turn Minerama into another Tucson but realistically you need to get the basics under control first and grow the event organically - there is probably still some work to do there because it doesnt happen on its own.
On the other hand, if you know of a dealer that might be interested in attending, then why not invite them to apply? Go through your contact list and see if there is anyone who might be worth sending some info to - even a couple of new dealers with interesting offerings would be warmly received by the visitors.
Re the survey results - I have a copy of this document. Peter from the VIC has given permission for this to be circulated so let me know if you want a copy.
Cheers
Leah
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Having said that, many of the existing dealers (not us) are pretty keen not to have extra traders - a bit short-sighted I feel but it is the talk among the trading tables each year.
A certain Central QLD gem show is perhaps a good example of restricting trader numbers to the point that there are few of them; visitor numbers go down, dealers take less money and then go away dissatisfied. Look at gem shows that make it pleasant for traders like Redcliffe, Nambour, and Lismore as an example of just a few and then look at the crowds that they attract. Why, because there is a good mix of dealers and traders with product prices to suit all pockets not just those that can afford dealer prices.
I'm sure everyone would love to be able to afford some of the wonderful specimens that the dealers provide but someone who can go away with a reasonable fluorite crystal specimen that cost them $10.00 from a trader rather than the excellent $50.00 or $100.00 fluorite specimen from the dealer at least goes away satisfied that they now have that specimen in their collection. And they can eat for the next week as well :)
What was not well received by traders in my circle at last year's Minerama were the traders selling stuff like vacuum cleaners, at least keep traders restricted to lapidary and associated craft lines.
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What was not well received by traders in my circle at last year's Minerama were the traders selling stuff like vacuum cleaners, at least keep traders restricted to lapidary and associated craft lines.
Agreed - lots of traders but relevant to the theme is the ideal. Just my 2c worth though as not on the committee.
cheers
Leah
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I think having a workshop with kids glueing eyes on rocks ect.. is a great idea, the people running that will however need a working with children certificate/check - I believe - even if you're a volunteer....
I also really liked the popular event at the lismore show where the kids did wet sieving for semi-precious stones, much better than the current dry sand sieving at Minerama...
I'd also like to see more metal detector enthusiasts at the show... Perhaps holding prize contests, adults and kids sections...perhaps in the form of a field trip to a paddock where certain (planted) items are to be found - awards for the most unusal finds or unexpected finds - would work well perhaps with some metal detector sponsorship...
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I have called the committee & volunteered my services as trip leader for Pretty Valley & Lonewood & either trip on the Thursday too. I dont have a 1st Aid cert tho so any ALF members going on those trips with 1st Aid could you let me know & I'll pass the info to Sal.
For the cabbing demonstration, if either you Leah or Andrew can set up a cabbing machine in your workshop it would bring people there to see the great range you have.
As far as traders go, I'm fine with the local fruit & vege sellers having stalls but vacuum cleaners is way off the mark. To have international dealers as Lismore has would be a huge boost to visitors. I saw a guy there that was selling Lapis very cheaply.
I realise the expansion of Minerama will take time but I believe if it is added to slowly then once all the other shows stop, we can utilise that situation to our advantage.
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just found this post and thought ripper, I'm rostered off. Oh and then remembered I have booked a holiday in NZ with my wife.
What do you think she would say if I cancelled our trip? ::)
Guess I will be in NZ then......
CW
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Thank you everyone for the great posts. Just finished the advertsing funding options this afternoon. Minerama looks like attracting Grant Funding of $7500 from DNSW. Ads will start to go to air early February with the Minerama Budget adding a further $7500. Some advertising has already been booked with Ads in Gold Gem and Treasure Year Book as well as Metal Stone and Glass.
The rest will be TV and Radio. OK now the advertising guroo's let me know what you think the 30sec TV ads should include to appeal to the right market....and secondly what regions should we be advertising in. For 2013 we broadcast TV and Radio in Toowoomba/Darling Downs, Far North Coast and Mid North Coast NSW as well as New England North West NSW. Radio was tried in Gold Coast and Ipswich (Blast into Brisbane). Gold Coast was far too expensive for the return.
Advertising in TV is great but just because a show like MKR might attract 2.5m viewers does not mean that that is the best time to advertise for Minerama. So are there any shows that you think are popular where you reckon will catch the attention???? Been suggested that we include Jewellery as a feature in the Ads....apparently, that guys, will attract the Minister of Finance to want to attend. Happy wife...happy life!!!
New Website will be up on Monday morning. If you try now or over the weekend it may be down due to the migration from existing Host to new Host.
I am away on leave from COB today to 6th January but will check posts and threads and respond etc. as appropriate.
To everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Safe Travelling.
"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."-- Burton Hillis
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Holiday time over and back to work. I can update that the Minerama Field Trips are all now on the system and ready to book. www.minerama.com.au (http://www.minerama.com.au). Prices have remained the same as 2013. Get in early to ensure you get your favourite trip. For those who have not been out on a field trip before there are 9 trips over 3 days fossicking for sapphire, zircon, tourmaline, quartz, garnet, black spinel, topaz, cashetite, molybdonite, crystals, smoky quartz, beryl and tin.
Trips are self-drive and leave from 8.40am. Travel is in convoy with a guide. Please bring all necessary equipment (see minerama.com.au for WHAT YOU NEED) and personal requirements including water and sunscreen.
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A description of the trips might help :)
I know about cassiterite but not cashetite see trip 4 ;D
Also no mention if 4WD is needed
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The website looks great .... congrats beers
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Thanks for incorporating the blog and video info.
I was also wondering what cashetite is. It didn't occur to me that it might be cassiterite. ;D
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@ Glen Vic ...
I notice the field trips have been re-arranged again. Was there a specific reason Lonewood & Pretty Valley are both on the same day, Friday 7th March ? I volunteered to lead both of them as one was on Fri & the other Sat. I cant do both trips unless one is moved.
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For att. of Glen Vic
You raise a good point Lord Thunder as if these two trips have been changed to the same day it makes my booking and paying for them both last week a bit of a problem :-\ and it may be an issue for others! Hope the change is a typo! :)
beers Ted
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Have you contacted them about this Bob?
I was emailing Peter T. about another matter and he advised there is no Minerama committee meeting this month and one of the council staff who assists was on leave for much of January but I presume you have direct email contact with other committee members?
Might be best to take this query direct to them rather than assume they will notice the issue here.
cheers
Leah
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The major problem I just noticed is that the brochure sent out has Pretty Valley listed as being on Fri & Lonewood being on Sat. Trips 3 & 6 were swapped around on the web site. I have just called them & they are looking into it.
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The obvious solution would be to run Pretty Valley twice as its the one been moved! No doubt someone smarter than me will work that one out. beers Ted
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Just spoke to Steve Woods & I suggested swapping 1 & 5. Depending on how many have booked, will determine whether this can be done. I am going out to check all the trips with Steve as he hasn't been to the sites before so will keep everyone informed as to developments.
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Ah appears to be fixed on Minerama web site thanks Bob. beers Ted
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Cheers Ted beers
May look at doing the Yarrow Ck trip on Sat. ;)
Happy to help out & hope to find out more info about all trips.
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Can guess most but more info on the field trips would be appreciated. :)
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I agree with Jimnyjerry, the usual info on field trips apppears to be missing. :'( This puzzled me as I like to drool Droo over where I want to go before I make up my mind. beers
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I agree with Jimnyjerry, the usual info on field trips apppears to be missing. :'( This puzzled me as I like to drool Droo over where I want to go before I make up my mind. beers
A few people have pointed this out to committee but I think they have had some trouble with their field trip convenor resigning at late notice so some info late in coming. Hopefully will be added at some point (hopefully soon).
Would encourage anyone with feedback on the website (such as this comment) to pass it on directly via the contact form as this will help them know what the visitors are looking for.
New website is certainly far more attractive than the old one but there are some areas that could be improved IMHO.
Cheers
Leah
cheers
Leah
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Hi, this will be the first time to the area for us, we r very excited, should we book the field trips online? I was hoping to book when we arrive (on the tue?) in glen Innes as we live in qld and a bit wary at that time of the year we have big floods and don't want to be flooded in and miss out on coming down and losing our money..... Cheers. :)
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Hi, this will be the first time to the area for us, we r very excited, should we book the field trips online?
Should be fine to do when you get here.
cheers
Leah
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Thanks, would hate to miss out. :D
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Where exactly is the "Glencoe" field trip on Thursday going to be located?
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NOTE: this year, there will be a dinner on the Saturday night.
THE MINERAMA DINNER
Venue: The Crystal Room Restaurant, Glen Innes & District Services Club in the private dining room
Time: From 6.30 pm
Cost: $20 per head Includes: Two course dinner consisting of the roast of the day plus dessert, tea and coffee.
Also includes guest speaker: Pam Hutchins “Wide Bay Valuations” to give a brief talk and take questions from the audience.
LIMITED TICKETS. Booking essential by phoning Julie at Glen Innes and District Services Club 02 67321355 during business hours.
All welcome, but please book now!
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Note: Paul, I have asked for some more info about field trips and hopefully will get some info on the Glencoe trip soon.
cheers
Leah
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Saw the brochure for this year's Minerama, looks great and now I want to go even more. They have a full list of field trips in it and they read very well.
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Are we geiger friendly this year ? I think I caught a few people off guard last year :)
There wasn't a lot of radioactive stuff to be found so I had to make the trip worthwhile by searching tables and stalls where I wouldn't normally look. The trailers of misc tailings and boulders are getting more interesting each year.
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Where exactly is the "Glencoe" field trip on Thursday going to be located?
I'll be going to check this site out maybe next Sat. Its the opposite side of the Highway to the free fossicking area around the bridge area.
Went to Bezzants Rd site yesterday & those after molybdenite or quartz crystals will find plenty to keep them happy.
I passed on to the committee about info on each site so hopefully this will be done this week.
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There was a Minerama trip there one year when I didn't organise the trips. It was probably 1997. I understand it was a fizzer. I recall that a bit of petrified wood was found but not much else. Hope my memory is wrong this time though!
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yay
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There was a Minerama trip there one year when I didn't organise the trips. It was probably 1997. I understand it was a fizzer. I recall that a bit of petrified wood was found but not much else. Hope my memory is wrong this time though!
There was also an Emmavile field trip there in the 2000's some time. Biggest thing seen was a red bellied black.
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Last time I was at Bezzants Road there was a huge red belly in one of the granite boulder piles. Luckily there were plenty of other areas to go to.
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Looking forward to Minerama....I hope the field trips are still on ?!?
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may be I will see you there Klingon
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Went out to Glencoe today & would like some feedback from people who have been there.
The site we looked at was the free fossicking site on the eastern side of the highway. I did see some spinel there & quite a few holes dug in various places.
2nd site we went to was Sara River near the tennis court. Found some quartz there & some wash tho no other indicators.
My main questions are :-
1. What would you guys/girls prefer?
2. Is there any other places in the Glencoe area that would be worth checking out for a trip?
Due to the time factor of only having a month to go, they would like to keep Glencoe as a site so any suggestions would be very helpful.
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I'd go for kookabookra if you can gain access to the private property tailings next to the "free" to dig area...
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Glencoe: site is basically free anyway and (IMHO) not much good. The Minerama trip I mentioned which ran a few years back was on the other side of the highway and they had to get permission from the Rural Lands Protection Board (or whatever its current name is). It still wasn't much good. I've never heard of any other areas at Glencoe.
Kookabookra: also free and can produce some good material for those who like getting wet. As the Captain says, you need access to private land but I'm no help to you there.
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The site we looked at was the free fossicking site on the eastern side of the highway.
It is exactly this reason that the committee should have had more information on the website re field trips. I understand they have had some problems re late resignation of the field trip organiser but the free Glencoe site was not a very good idea unless they want to make that one no charge.
Not sure why they expecting people to pay $15 a head to visit a site that they can go to for FREE. To be honest I would be pretty cheesed off if I paid in advance for that trip and then found it was to a free fossicking site.
There have got to be some locals that can tee up some private land - Bob, Gavin ???
cheers
Leah
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hello everyone
we were last at minerama 2010 and had a great time ,even found a nice 33ct blue during one of the trips which I've cut to 8cts for Wilma. so with drought and stock feeding up here getting us down, we decided to have a break by coming to minerama14 so prebooked c/van park and fossicking trips,and the first trip chosen is glencoe. after reading the last post about glencoe, am somewhat dismayed to read it's not much good ,especially when we've prepaid for 4 adults (Wilma's sister and brother in law coming with us for their first ever fossicking adventure). better contact the trip organisers to see if we can change if this is correct about glencoe being a public fossicking area.
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better contact the trip organisers to see if we can change if this is correct about glencoe being a public fossicking area.
Just give the Visitor Information Centre a call and explain the situation. I am sure something can be worked out.
We need to give the committee a bit of a break as they did have that late resignation of the trip organiser which has left them in the lurch a bit. Should all be ok when it rolls around particularly with some extra local help from those familiar with the possible areas (unfortunately not being active fossickers ourselves, this is not something we can help with).
Not to worry - Minerama 2014 is going to be a ripper and everyone should have a great time.
cheers
Leah
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may be I will see you there Klingon
We will be there for sure ! Looking forward to a break as well. (if you can call digging and sifting a break lol)
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There still seems to be a little confusion regarding the Glencoe Site - I'm certainly still confused hotthirsty
Hopefully this will be confirmed early next week but I think hotthirsty that it is not the free site but another close by in the Glencoe area and if so GREAT ;D
As major sponsors to Minerama, Aussie Sapphire want it to be a great event for visitors - we have made our views clear that charging for a Free Site will backfire and its something we think is wrong. Although it seemed from Bob's message further down that it was the free site, our advice from yesterday was that it was another site nearby. Still waiting for more info.
Still seems to be some very hard to understand info coming from Council Staff on behalf of the Committee. It would make it so much better if exact clarification came from a authorized member of Minerama as a staff member can only pass on what they are told - they do a great job but can only do what they are told.
No need to panic yet but surely we can get a clear answer in the next day or so ::)
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A couple of updates.
Note the confusion over Glencoe...but a new site. The following is a copy of clarification sent to an enquiry we received: -
In response to your concerns about the Field Trip to Glencoe being a “free fossicking site”
This is not a known spot to many fossickers and is not on our fossicking brochure. Glen Innes Tourism cannot send fossickers that enquire to go fossicking to this spot because it is policy that only designated fossicking sites as are in the Fossicking brochure can be recommended.
This spot was identified by one of our most respected fossickers here in the Glen Innes district and when the Minerama Committee Field Trip officer was taken out to this place by this fossicker it was decided that it would be an excellent days fossicking to take a group. They then carried out the required Risk Assessment which has been submitted to the insurer and it passed on all aspects of safety and accessibility.
Minerama is taking this special guided Field Trip there and it is hoped that all that attend will find the experience a satisfying one in every way.
THE MINERAMA DINNER
Date: Saturday 8 March 2014
Venue: The Crystal Room Restaurant, Glen Innes & District Services Club in the private dining room
Time: From 6.30 pm
Cost: $20 per head Includes: Two course dinner consisting of the roast of the day plus dessert, tea and coffee.
Also includes guest speaker: Pam Hutchins “Wide Bay Valuations” to give a brief talk and take questions from the audience.
LIMITED TICKETS. Booking essential by phoning Julie at Glen Innes and District Services Club 02 67321355 during business hours.
All welcome, but please book now. We are looking to make this an annual event and will be looking for presenters for 2105.
Peter Teschner
Manager Tourism and Events
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Help! I know someone maybe Bob posted a copy of the Minerama Brochure. Just cannot locate it
Tried last hour ::)
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Help! I know someone maybe Bob posted a copy of the Minerama Brochure. Just cannot locate it
Tried last hour ::)
I'll scan one in for you - just give me a tick. Has been a bloody hectic day with printer dramas and lots of to'ing and fro'ing.
cheers
Leah
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Thankyou Leah beers :-* beers
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Download scans from here:
http://www.aussiesapphire.com/ALF_Storage/Minerama2014A.pdf (http://www.aussiesapphire.com/ALF_Storage/Minerama2014A.pdf)
http://www.aussiesapphire.com/ALF_Storage/Minerama2014B.pdf (http://www.aussiesapphire.com/ALF_Storage/Minerama2014B.pdf)
cheers
Leah
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looking forwards to minereama hope to see some fellow ALf'ers there
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Droo Droo Droo Droo Droo
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That was last yrs brochure Leah. ;) This is the reason I asked for EVERY lapidary club to be posted a few.
I just added 2 scans of this years brochure.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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My apologies - grabbed one from the wrong stack when I did the scan. I wont bother to re-do it since Bob has kindly posted the correct one.
It has been routine practice to send some brochures to each lapidary club but often it gets lost in the mail and members do not always see it.
We have been including a brochure in each parcel we send out as well so that has been reaching a lot of other people.
cheers
Leah
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UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Glencoe trip will be at Rainy Swamp. Gav aka Capt. Mendoza will be leading this trip. Hopefully, everyone will be happy with this change.
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If you haven't already done so, check out my blog and video lists for places like Rainy Swamp. No guarantees that you'll find the same quality specimens as we did, but why not? :o
Link is at the bottom of this post.
http://johnsnewenglandminerals.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/rainy-swamp-near-glen-innes-nsw.html (http://johnsnewenglandminerals.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/rainy-swamp-near-glen-innes-nsw.html)
(Edit by admin to add the direct link to relevant article)
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Great to see the info coming through about the Glencoe "Rainy Swamp" Field Trip. Hope that is all sorted now.
Following last year's Research undertaken by Southern Cross Uni on behalf of Minerama we are continuing some further fact finding this year.
WRIST BAND
Every person attending Minerama will be issued a wrist band (still free entry)...hot pink for visitors and fluro blue for locals. If you do not have a wrist band please ask at the front counter at the Services Club. We will also have a number of people walking around and offering the wrist bands. We are looking to achieve 2 outcomes a) we will get a better idea how many people come to Minerama (both locals and visitors) b) we are encouraging the local businesses to get on board and connect with Minerama. Call in, browse and have a chat with the locals. I understand that some shops could be offering a bargain or two. Shops will have a poster displayed (pink and blue) who are joining with Minerama.
The wrist band also entitles you a free entry into a draw being held bewteen 4:30 - 5:00pm on the Saturday. PLEASE LEAVE YOU WRIST BAND ON FOR THE WHOLE TIME YOU ARE HERE. No sense in doubling up. I tested one out and was able to keep it on for 5 days including showers and the rigors of doing the washing up at home!!
Any questions just ask Sal or Peter at the VIC on 67302400 or Julie onsite at the Club.
See you there
Peter Teschner ---
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Sounds good, Peter.
Just in case there is some misunderstanding by readers, Rainy Swamp is not at Glencoe - it's close to Pinkett.
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"PLEASE LEAVE YOU WRIST BAND ON FOR THE WHOLE TIME YOU ARE HERE. No sense in doubling up. I tested one out and was able to keep it on for 5 days including showers and the rigors of doing the washing up at home!!"
Seems a good idea about the bands but washing up is not the same as full out fossicking. ;D
and yes I do both ;)
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I thought the bands would be a good idea just for the paying fossickers only (different colour per day)... When you're a trip leader you can quickly identify who shouldn't be digging on your trip...
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I thought the bands would be a good idea just for the paying fossickers only (different colour per day)... When you're a trip leader you can quickly identify who shouldn't be digging on your trip...
So is that happening?
Saw only a mention of hot pink or fluro blue bands for visitors or locals.
Presume fossickers on trips would have their slip of paper.
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I'm not too sure about HOT PINK wrist bands left on ALL THE TIME!
Might be OK for my daughter, but I wouldn't feel too comfortable in the local watering hole enjoying a cool refreshment or two after a hard day scratching around in the dirt. beers
Would also have to be extra careful using the shower block at the caravan park! :o
Who came up with the colour scheme!
Might have to take a safety pin so I can pin it on when at the event. ;D
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You would have flipped if they had gone with coloured nail polish ;D ;)
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What about the local businesses?
Isn't the usual incentive to look after locals!
I'll swap two pink for one blue ;D
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as far as I know Jimny, fossickers just have the paper slip... But you can imagine fossickers "not" having the paper on them when in the water... It just would be easier to identify using the wrist bands.
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I recon your on the money Capt. with wristband for the trips.
This is a sure way to monitor who is supposed to be on your trip and who is not.
Also with the limited numbers for each trip for insurance reasons (ie certain amount of people for First Aid leaders etc) this would ensure that numbers did not exceed the correct amount of people and you wouldn't have 50,000 people out at Lonewood! ;D
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The wrist bands are a great idea , but will they keep the cute but deadly LOLcat at bay ?
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From the way I read it, anyone can get the wristband not just fossickers.
May be an idea for next yr to ONLY have colour co-ordinated bands for each trip. Much easier ID for trip leaders to spot. May have to put that one up as an idea. ???
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Anyone can get the wristbands and SHOULD !!
As a free event, it is difficult to measure visitation and economic benefit to the community which in turn makes it difficult for the event organisers to put up a good case for sponsorship and council support. The case is there because it is a great event which does great things for the town but because they dont have specific numbers on who attends, it is difficult to get that hard data.
So as I understand it, the wristbands are a way of gauging local and "out-of-town" support. This really will help the committee as they take the event forward so please support the idea. As a side benefit to those wearing the bands, they are hoping local businesses will also get involved with various specials and the like.
If people feel there is a problem with people attending field trips who have not paid, then this is a separate issue and should be taken up with the committee (ideally the field trip guide on the day if there is very blatant wrongdoing). Some more visible method of identification is probably a good idea - perhaps swinging tickets that can be attached to a shirt or hat might be cheaper than the wristbands but over to the committee on that one. Good idea to think about it for next year though.
cheers
Leah
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I will wear my hot pink wristband with pride. :)
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TY Leah I understand the concept of the wrist bands now. :-[
As far as using them as colour coded trip ID's the numbers involved would ensure the allotted numbers would only attend the sites instead of having more than what was allocated to attend. e.g having 70 turn up at Pretty Valley when max should be 35. Also it would be immediately obvious if the wrong band was worn. Using this method would show also what trips were popular & needed to be put on the list for following years assuming no negative feedback was received.
I did notice on the brochures the dates were wrong as well as a number of trips re organised to suit the situation. Not a big deal, just something to be aware of.
While in the area, think of sites you want added to next years Minerama & let either Gav or myself know or add them to this blog. That way we can have the trips organised early & ensure there is no swapping of days around after the programs are printed.
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I will be pleased and proud to support this great event in any way possible - even if it means wearing a hot pink wristband!
Lets hope to see a mass of wristband around the town so everyone can see at a glance that Minerama is not only a fantastic event for everyone attending and also great for the local business community. I personally look forward to Minerama every year and think the committee does a brilliant job which makes it an annual event on my calendar. Some sort of ID would help the trip leaders. A cheap option would be to issue a sticker which can be stuck to a shirt or hat. A white sticker with PV, LW, YC etc written in marker pen and it really wouldn't matter if they came off after an hour or so out at the location at least the leader could initially see that the trip members are paid and signed up and should be there.
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I will be pleased and proud to support this great event in any way possible - even if it means wearing a hot pink wristband!
It is great to have loyal visitors - I know Glen Innes residents and businesses welcome everyone who enjoys visiting the area. Despite the colour choice, the wristbands will hopefully be a good way to help convince local Council that the event is worthy of continuing support. Sometimes it seems Minerama is treated as a bit of a poor cousin to the Celtic Festival so anything we can do to make it clear the fossicking market is really important to our local economy is a good thing.
From Aussie Sapphire's point of view, we really appreciate the fossickers - they make up a big part of our customer base and are great to deal with. It is part of the reason why we host and administer ALF so we can give a bit back to those who support us.
Some sort of ID would help the trip leaders. A cheap option would be to issue a sticker which can be stuck to a shirt or hat. A white sticker with PV, LW, YC etc written in marker pen and it really wouldn't matter if they came off after an hour or so out at the location at least the leader could initially see that the trip members are paid and signed up and should be there.
Yes - this would be very easy to implement even for this year. Hopefully the relevant person will see this idea and get it into practice.
cheers
Leah
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I had a quick trip to Lonewood site today. It will be different as no dumped wash will be there BUT the area we looked at was the site of an old mine. They did use large machinery / diggers but there's plenty of areas they wouldn't have been able to get to. I did see a lot of spinel scattered around so does look very promising. Plenty of shade & many areas to try your luck. I am fairly sure ppl will be happy with the area.
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Thank you Lord Thunder for the update re Lonewood. Is this mine area located next to the Reddestone Creek? Or is it an area away with access to water? Any further info would be great.
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Hi TS beers
Just posted a few pics showing the Glencoe Site & Lonewood Site.
The Glencoe site I couldn't find indicators so we decided Rainy Swamp would be a better option.
The Lonewood Site is on the Glen Innes side of Redistone Ck with plenty of water around. It is a short walk from the parking area of about 100 - 200m depending on how far along the creek you want to go. The first pic shows a wash dump with varied sized rocks but I did find some spinel there. 2nd pic shows a shade tree with Redistone Ck just behind it & the 3rd pic is of a small feeder stream. As you may be able to see, there's plenty of spots worth checking out. Could be an idea to bring along a trowel or crevice tool to get wash out from between cracks.
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Hi Bob - could you add a link to where the pics are to help those not used to finding albums? Thanks.
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start looking here for the pics http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=6644 (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=6644)
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Thanx Jerry beers beers
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I have been away for 4 days and come back to a few questions and great feedback.
Hope my reply answers most of them.
The Colours!!!! The reason for the bright colours is purely for visability. Hot pink in a pub in Glen Innes should be OK but in Sydney might create some extra interest!!! We have carried out advertising around town even with a colour feature coming up on Thur in the local Glen Innes Examiner. Wear them with pride. You may even get to meet new people with similar interests when away from the Minerama Venue and field trips eg at your accommodation, out eating etc.
I have been in Glen now for 20 months and every town can do with an uplift in service quality. I have a motto that goes like this "Business will go where it is invited and stay where it is well treated". Simply put fossickers are good for our town and we need to make you feel welcome and to have no hesitation in wanting to come back.
Remember please your feedback whether good, bad or indifferent is part of the process of making your future visits a great experience. You can send them through to pteschner@gisc.nsw.gov.au.
The suggestion of a wrist band for field trips is worth considering. But at this stage each person will be wearing a pink or blue band and carry their slip of paper.
Noted that Swampy Creek is at Pinkett and that there is also a new area at Lonewood that has been given some positive feedback.
Minerama will also have the Micro Mob on display this year down from Brisbane with their microscopes looking at the world of small crystal structures etc. They will be in the Board Room at the Services Club.
BRAG BOARD....we need you to brag. See Sylvia, Les, Sal, Steve or Julie.
DINNER - Sat Night. Get in early. A 2 course meal (roast of the day). Guest Speaker is Pam Hutchins “Wide Bay Valuations” to give a brief talk and take questions from the audience
All the best
Peter
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Just a quick note to all ....
I noticed on the Minerama site it doesn't say when the trips will start.
We will be heading off each day around 9 am so if everyone can be there by 8.30 the trip leaders can give each group a quick talk around 8.50 am