Aussie Lapidary Forum
Forum Admin, Rules & FAQ => Shows and Events => Topic started by: Aussie Sapphire on January 14, 2017, 05:09:27 PM
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Minerama - Glen Innes
Search for buried treasure in Celtic Country with a 3-day program (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) of guided fossicking field trips to suit both beginner and experienced gem hunters. It’s great fun for the whole family with a wealth of gems waiting to be unearthed and jewels waiting to be worn.
Entry to the Gem & Jewellery Show at the Services Club and on King George Oval is free. There are over 100+ stalls trading in gemstones, fine jewellery, facet rough, lapidary tools & supplies, crystals, beads, fossils, mineral specimens, arts, crafts and more. Whether you are after a two-dollar special, a gemstone of world-class quality or a unique piece of jewellery you’ll find it at Minerama.
https://www.minerama.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/Minerama-Fossicking-Gem-Jewellery-Show-294950950680781/
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They hope to have the field trip information up half way through February.
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Wow - crazy timing. I literally just fired up the computer to see if there was anything on the Minerama field trips this year and when it hadn't been updated I logged on to post and here is this thread started not 15 minutes ago!
Looking forward to it!
Jerry - you getting up there again this year?
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All depends. Either Minerama or Wandoan. Depends when a certain club field trip occurs and how much free time I have.
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I logged on to post and here is this thread started not 15 minutes ago!
Yes - thought I had better get this year's calendar updated. Up to June - hope to post the others asap.
Hopefully the field trip info will be up soon - we will keep nagging so we get the info as soon as they have it.
cheers
Leah
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Thank Leah!
Worst case I'll just have to do something like park myself at Billabong Blue!!
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Just noticed Field Trips are up ;D
https://www.minerama.com.au/fossicking/field-trips/
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They are early :) :) :)
Must read and consult my unicorn. ;D
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The Crossmaglen picture is wrong :o That is actually at Andrews old property on Reddistone Ck just below the lake.
[/font]
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::) One Day they may get it right :P
Jimnyjerry.. is that the Unicorn that I can see now?.... or do you have your own ;D
Gemster.... beers
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Sub let it from Calx ;D
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Now that I can see them... I want one :D
Gemster... beers
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No Pretty Valley this year :'(
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Well the map page for Minerama still shows last years sites and talks about the year being 2016.
The booking site just says Oooops!
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Yep... it has already been mentioned elsewhere about the Booking problem.... Must be Still using the same IT Company... How hard can this really be?..... ::) After the event take down all pics and replace with new ones...simples :-\
Gemster.... beers
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Crossmaglen picture is wrong :o That is actually at Andrews old property on Reddistone Ck just below the lake.
Yes - that is actually a photo I took myself when a club came to visit us - the little guy in gumboots helping to shift some rock is Angus who is just about to turn 15. Quite a few years ago now.
(https://www.minerama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Reddestone.jpg?x17993)
I think the Crossmaglen site is the same place though just accessed from the other side or maybe even the same side as the landowner purchased that bit of land from us and is now running it all as one farm?? Cant remember exactly where I took that picture.
cheers
Leah
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That's a nice pic Leah.... Wish my Daughter was into Fossicking ::) The only way she would get into it is if the location had Wi Fi... ::)
Gemster.... beers
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Anyone got any inside info on the Yarrow Creek spot? How 'New'it really is?
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Anyone got any inside info on the Yarrow Creek spot? How 'New'it really is?
Not a clue as to the spot.
As for 'new'. I am over 60 years new. ;D
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Only 60 Jerry! I just thought you were well weathered!! :D
Gemster - I think I was smart - got my 2 girls hooked young on finding little quartz crystals at Oberon and Hanging Rock and now they love going fossicking and quite like walking around in some random part of the bush somewhere!
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Hard to believe any spot on Yarrow Ck is "new". I would have thought Findem would have walked every inch of it.
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He may have Lord Thunda... But has Findem foundem all... ;D ;D
Gemster... beers
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Minerama Fossicking Gem and Jewellery Show Field Trip Sites are up on www.minerama.com.au along with the booking button. There are 5 new sites on private properties and the Family Fossicking Fun day has returned for the newbies and children.
BTW The photo for Wellingrove will be improved as at this stage it will require mowing around the site before the trip commence.
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Noted on the incorrect photo for Crossmaglen....I have asked Peter Chaffey to follow up.
Peter Teschner
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There is mention of a Booking problem...please enlighten me about this issue. I am assuming that this is a reference to 2016 but again I was not aware of a problem last year. This year we are using EventBrite for both Minerama and Celtic Festival. So far Celtic Festival has over 450 bookings with no issues. Peter Teschner
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New Field trip map up onsite showing the trips for Thu, Fri & Sat in different colours.
Peter Teschner
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thank you for the update Peter.
Cheers
Leah
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"He may have Lord Thunda... But has Findem foundem all.."
It's true I've checked out the creek from below Dwyers to beyond the Backwater road bridge, but there are a few gaps ...
Not only that, but there were still lots of places which were likely to produce cutters. Hopefully the site selected is one of these!
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For Field Trip Bookings
If you are on this page
https://www.minerama.com.au/fossicking/field-trips/#
Or even the Minerama site
And drop down the menu and you then click on Field Trip Bookings it jumps you to this mess
http://www.au.v3travel.com/cabs3/Pages/Availability.aspx?exl_dn=Glen_Innes_WEB&exl_psn=glen_innes_vc
Just because there is no mess with the Celtic Festival does not mean Minerama Booking's work
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Seems like a number of trips have changed and some shuffled around. :o
Field Trip 6 now 'Rosemeadow' instead of 'Glenora'. And is up Costello Rd (gravel) presumeably to Dwyers.
Field trip 8 an 9 are swapped.
7 Oaks Family Fossicking is now Field Trip 8
'Fernbrook' is changed to Sheep Station Ck and is now Field trip 9
Waiting for the next shuffle and the booking being fixed before I join this lucky dip. :o
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And drop down the menu and you then click on Field Trip Bookings it jumps you to this mess
http://www.au.v3travel.com/cabs3/Pages/Availability.aspx?exl_dn=Glen_Innes_WEB&exl_psn=glen_innes_vc
Thanks for that report Jerry - hopefully they will do a bit more thorough checking. Must be something weird going on because when I view the Field Trip page on the Minerama site and click on the "Buy Tickets" button at the top of the page, it takes me to the Eventbrite page and not the one you linked to in this message. Was using Chrome.
By clicking the "Buy Tickets" button (grey button on left) on this page:
https://www.minerama.com.au/fossicking/field-trips/
it then took me to this page:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minerama-fossicking-gem-and-jewellery-show-field-trips-tickets-31475843094
Still not a great system as you have to click again (green button on right this time) to get to actually buy some tickets so not all that intuitive but it was working on my end. Cant actually buy tickets until tomorrow 26th according to site 3 clicks in. But over to the Minerama committee to sort this one out.
cheers
Leah
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Seems you have to used Internet Explorer and NOT Mozilla Firefox if you want to book a field trip. >:(
Same thing happened last year. ::)
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Family brought me a present back from NZ.
A man head cold.
That is why it took me little while to spot the Internet explorer glich.
:-X Still in the throws of the man cold. brrr hotthirsty brrr hotthirsty
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Even tho these pics say "Lonewood" they are "Crossmaglen"!
If you wish to use these Peter please do.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/FOSSICKING_AREAS/Dir_1/thumb_main_6644.JPG) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=6644)
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/FOSSICKING_AREAS/Dir_1/thumb_main_6643.JPG) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=6643)
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/FOSSICKING_AREAS/Dir_1/thumb_main_6642.JPG) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=6642)
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Seems you have to used Internet Explorer and NOT Mozilla Firefox if you want to book a field trip. >:(
Same thing happened last year. ::)
OK - good to know. I checked it in Edge and Minerama site looked weird but links worked. Not working in Firefox is not good - I use it myself frequently (about equally with Chome) and our stats show it is still one of the more popular browsers with our visitors.
Not easy to keep on top of though - I know when we change stuff on our site, I try to check on all browsers and even then sometimes little things still creep in.
Cheers
Leah
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Members....I have found that the system is challenged when using a Mobile device (well phone anyway) for the Booking Link. Can't check on tablet. If anyone can check for me that would be great. I have alerted the Webmaster and Eventbrite to the issue. No similar issues with The Celtic Festival Bookings. Eventbrite was used to book tickets for the Pope's visit to the US and they sold a million tickets in one day for that event. I am confident that we are using a good system I will update as soon as I get a response. Thanks for the feedback. Peter
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So Jerry - looks like you are planning on coming? :)
With Junee - Wellingrove does anyone know if they are just duplicating the format as last year - being access to just the same paddock which you are welcome to explore but otherwise a dirt pile to work off from the area you can't access adjacent?
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Members....the challenge is the Menu on the mobile devices and it does take you to the incorrect link using the old V3 system.....My apologies. Trying to have webmaster corrected today. Peter
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I have asked Peter Chaffey to advise on comments for this post. As you may realise if I say new site this is the information supplied by the Committee. I see no reason to doubt the information as Les Beeching who has been on the Committee for many years also vets the information.
Peter
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New Site explanation....new site typically means a site that Minerama has not yet been to or has been quite some years that we have had access to. If the Committee has used the site say 10 - 15 years ago some of them may not be aware that it has been used. Peter
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The system works .... see you there ;D
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Members....link for Field Trips resolved on Mobile devices. I have checked using my Mobile Phone. Five (5) trips now booked. Peter
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With Junee - Wellingrove does anyone know if they are just duplicating the format as last year - being access to just the same paddock which you are welcome to explore but otherwise a dirt pile to work off from the area you can't access adjacent?
Same place so presume a duplicate of last year with a new heap of dirt.
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Bookings now work on Mozilla Firefox I think. At least page comes up. ;D
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Do you have your accommodation booked? Very strong enquiries at the VIC. Forty online trips booked since launch last week.
Some other news - two awards for Minerama over the past 6 months:
Glen Innes Examiner Business Awards - Tourism Event of the Year 2016
Australian Day - Community Event of the Year 2017
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If you use Firefox there is still a glitch with the site.
You cannot see the information about the individual field trips.
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And a new Award
Worst Website for Glitches.... ::)
Gemster.... beers
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Hmmm what happened with Glenora ??
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Dear Jimnyjerry and Gemster,
I have installed Firefox on my HP Spectre 360, I am now logged into Minerama Fossicking Field Trips using Firefox and see all 9 trips, photos, description etc. I booked a field trip for all 9 trips including a child ticket and entered thru to Shopping Basket where all tickets for the trips (18 tickets in total) were shown as selected. I am also logged into ALF using Firefox without any issues. Maybe a refresh on your browser gentlemen might over come your challenges. I will make no further comment or responses on this issue.
Peter Teschner
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Maybe a refresh on your browser gentlemen might over come your challenges. I will make no further comment or responses on this issue.
I work in IT Support and i would so like to say that to many different people everyday ...
However I cant ... I have to help ... sooooooooo..
A browser refresh may help, especially if the website has changed .. eg V3 ???? menu ????
Looking at the source code for the website it would appear that it has been created using Wordpress.
Here is a link to their support page in regards to browser compatibility.
https://en.support.wordpress.com/browser-issues/ (https://en.support.wordpress.com/browser-issues/)
But before checking that , make sure that whatever browser you are using, is up to date.
Also make sure java is also up to date.
https://java.com/en/download/ (https://java.com/en/download/)
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Are you coming to Minerama Jasonr? :D
Gemster...
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Dear Jimnyjerry and Gemster,
I have installed Firefox on my HP Spectre 360, I am now logged into Minerama Fossicking Field Trips using Firefox and see all 9 trips, photos, description etc. I booked a field trip for all 9 trips including a child ticket and entered thru to Shopping Basket where all tickets for the trips (18 tickets in total) were shown as selected. I am also logged into ALF using Firefox without any issues. Maybe a refresh on your browser gentlemen might over come your challenges. I will make no further comment or responses on this issue.
Peter Teschner
Everything is up to date (Firefox and Java) Peter.
Still no sight of Field trip information on my Firefox. Even turned everything off and on. ;D
Good idea that you are now going to focus all your energies on managing tourism for Glen Innes.
Cheers,
Jerry
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Hopefully someone with more knowledge about Computers can assist Jimnyjerry with the display issue. I also downloaded Firefox to my work computer and all good again on display.
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Hi All,
Having had my own business and IT for almost 2 decades it is always amazing how something that should be purely logical can be so quirky!
I can't help notice that people are being pretty hard on Peter and I think this is unfair! I think he should be given some credit for taking the time to come on the forum and take the feedback of issues noticed seriously. Coming down on him doesn't encourage this continuing or being done in future years.
From my experience the issue can be something as bizarre as one programme on your computer running passively in the background tweaking one thing in your settings in your browser / server etc which impacts how you see the site. So if Peter has downloading firefox on 2 different computers and is not seeing those issues then this is a real possibility and no amount of time or effort at their end is going to find anything and it potentially costs money to investigate they don't have. Easier to just go to the site with a different browser or on a different computer / device.
Another outside possibility is the way the menu is coded it is triggering Jerry's basic security settings for some reason so it won't download the info for those dropdown boxes. If you are willing to Jerry perhaps change your security to the lowest possible setting and see if that changes anything (obviously don't forget to then bump it back up). Having memories around quirks around ActiveX settings but we are now well outside my expertise.
Is anyone except for Jerry having an issue?
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this is the url of the page showing the field trips, maybe clicking directly on the link will force it to show?
https://www.minerama.com.au/fossicking/field-trips/ (https://www.minerama.com.au/fossicking/field-trips/)
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Hi All,
Having had my own business and IT for almost 2 decades it is always amazing how something that should be purely logical can be so quirky!
I can't help notice that people are being pretty hard on Peter and I think this is unfair! I think he should be given some credit for taking the time to come on the forum and take the feedback of issues noticed seriously. Coming down on him doesn't encourage this continuing or being done in future years.
From my experience the issue can be something as bizarre as one programme on your computer running passively in the background tweaking one thing in your settings in your browser / server etc which impacts how you see the site. So if Peter has downloading firefox on 2 different computers and is not seeing those issues then this is a real possibility and no amount of time or effort at their end is going to find anything and it potentially costs money to investigate they don't have. Easier to just go to the site with a different browser or on a different computer / device.
Another outside possibility is the way the menu is coded it is triggering Jerry's basic security settings for some reason so it won't download the info for those dropdown boxes. If you are willing to Jerry perhaps change your security to the lowest possible setting and see if that changes anything (obviously don't forget to then bump it back up). Having memories around quirks around ActiveX settings but we are now well outside my expertise.
Is anyone except for Jerry having an issue?
Thank you MrSydney for your comments. Yes - we have certainly run into similar issues over the years with our websites and they can be really frustrating to pin down. I would also like to reiterate that excessive nagging is unlikely to encourage ongoing engagement with the organising committee - I think we would all agree that you are more likely to get the results you want with honey rather than vinegar.
In regards to the Firefox issue, it seems to work ok on my desktop system running latest version of Firefox - I did not check on phone or tablet running Firefox. I do note that the detailed field trip information is presented on the Minerama website and when I go to the booking system, clicking on the Hide/Show Info button just shows one line confirming what type of ticket you are purchasing. It hides/shows that line as you would expect on pressing the button so I wonder if people are expecting this button to show more information than is actually there?? Just a thought.
Please continue to report issues if you find them - I know that I value this type of feedback on my own sites as sometimes it can be a valuable way of reporting problems that you would not otherwise be aware of. On the other hand, when customers call up and literally say "your website is shithouse and I cannot be bothered to work it out", then I admit to being slightly less inclined to be as helpful as I would normally be - people actually do this, we had a couple of cases just last week from people who were really quite rude about issues that were very clearly operator cluelessness. So in the light of that kind of experience, I would request that these interactions be conducted in a respectful and constructive way.
cheers
leah
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Knowledgeable enough on computers. ;D
Can find things for myself on the web including the Field trips page by googling it direct. Was concerned for people with low computer skills.
Years back located the field trip pages that had been forgotten about and unlinked to the old Minerama site.
It needs a plugin
<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v4.2 - https://yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/seo/ (https://yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/seo/) -->
A sliding pop down https://www.minerama.com.au/fossicking/field-trips/ (https://www.minerama.com.au/fossicking/field-trips/)
Besides prefer my computer reasonably secure.
Also prefer web pages to be less fancy. Pop ups are as annoying as people who insist on fancy animation and garish font colours. Prefer the KISS rule.
Below for any one interested is what comes up on the menu for my Firefox as I try to avoid unnecessary plug ins. They can go were the sun don't shine.
(https://www.minerama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Minerama-logo.png?x17993) (https://www.minerama.com.au/) - Home
- Fossicking
- 2017 Field Trip Bookings
- Fossicking Map
- Fossicking Equipment
- Fossicking techniques
- Glen Innes Visitor Information
- History
- Visitor Information
- Do and See
- Stay
- Stallholders Information
- Photo Gallery
- Videos
- Sponsors
- Contact Details
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Jerry - is there a 3rd option for you between Fossicking and 2017 Field Trip Bookings? An option called "Field Trips"?
As far as I can see, this is where the detailed trip info is and the booking site link is just for sale of tickets.
I'm with you re KISS. Looked at the new site of an ex-client the other day - his new developer has done something with an automatically playing video (with sound playing) that takes up ALL the available space on the screen. You have to really search for where to actually buy the product. Not my cup of tea but everyone is different.
cheers
Leah
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Jerry - is there a 3rd option for you between Fossicking and 2017 Field Trip Bookings? An option called "Field Trips"?
As far as I can see, this is where the detailed trip info is and the booking site link is just for sale of tickets.
Hi Leah, :)
Only slides down [>]and appears on Internet Explorer. For my Firefox settings it does not even appear if you look at the pages script. Can find it easily enough by googling 'Minerama field trips'. Hate plug ins.
KISS KISS
Jerry
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This is not the only Forum that is having issues with Booking, and the website.... I know of Two other Forums and they are having issues as well.... Anyhow it's called 'Constructive Criticism' and People need to take it on board and make improvements...Simples...
Give Credit when credit is Due... :P
Gemster... beers
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Only slides down [>]and appears on Internet Explorer. For my Firefox settings it does not even appear if you look at the pages script. Can find it easily enough by googling 'Minerama field trips'. Hate plug ins.
KISS KISS
That is weird. Thanks for the kisses 8)
If we get too much non-constructive criticism, we start taking long weekends. Any guesses as to why we were not at work last Friday ?? Might have had something to do with a couple of the phone calls we got on Wednesday :o
I am sure it will all work out in the long run.
cheers
leah
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Quick fix ...
Download Google Chrome :)
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Are you coming to Minerama Jasonr? :D
Gemster...
Nah ... will be heading to my little spot in a few weeks. Before the rush :)
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Quick fix ...
Download Google Chrome :)
My preferred browser but there are a couple of jobs that work better on Firefox. Keep Edge/IE around just for insurance but hardly ever use them.
Our Aussie Sapphire web stats show a reasonably even spread though and a sprinkling of Mac users.
Cheers
Leah
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FYI I just used the site to buy 2 tickets using Internet Explorer and was clear and easy, fast, no bugs - totally smooth.
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Please continue to report issues if you find them - I know that I value this type of feedback on my own sites as sometimes it can be a valuable way of reporting problems that you would not otherwise be aware of. On the other hand, when customers call up and literally say "your website is shithouse and I cannot be bothered to work it out", then I admit to being slightly less inclined to be as helpful as I would normally be - people actually do this, we had a couple of cases just last week from people who were really quite rude about issues that were very clearly operator cluelessness. So in the light of that kind of experience, I would request that these interactions be conducted in a respectful and constructive way.
cheers
leah
Your Lapidary site is easy to navigate. Maybe some people cannot spell or know the name of what they are looking for. :)
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Your Lapidary site is easy to navigate. Maybe some people cannot spell or know the name of what they are looking for. :)
There is stuff in there that can be hard to find but one of these customers was told where to find it and then rang back really cross because he did not follow my instructions but did something strange instead. No worries - happy to steer him in the right direction or do it manually but was a bit taken aback by the "shithouse" description so was not quite as chatty as I normally would be when doing the order over the phone.
All good - takes all sorts.
cheers
leah
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Nah ... will be heading to my little spot in a few weeks. Before the rush :)
[/quote]
Save some for me. :-\.. Good luck and have fun jasonr... ;)
Gemster.... beers
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Thanks everyone for input, suggestions, feedback etc. My job is to take on board the comments etc. and deliver a product that is user friendly and yes sometimes there are glitches that creep in when dealing with a third party. I am not one to be reactive so no harm done. I would however, as Leah suggests, prefer a helpful and suggestive approach.
Some other news....Whilst we have gown the attendance over the past 2 years I am aware that Minerama has to continue to grow. With a 100+ traders there is a fine balance between attendees and traders and the amount of money to go around. I have a Flagship grant application in with DNSW (Destination NSW) for $20K to market to a wider audience and demographic and hope to hear about that within the next 7 days. We may not see the full results this year but the message will be out there. The Flagship funding is available for 3 years but depends on our KPI's fro this year. However people also need new and unique product.
So, to that end, we have been engaged with UNE paleontology, geo science and natural history departments to start to build an educational format as an extra to the Show. All being well 2017 will see the introduction of a Discovery Program featuring a Dinosaur and fossil display along with exhibits from their natural history museum.
This will attract a wider audience and bring a younger demographic with their parents etc. It is my hope that this will eventually grow to be a significant part of Minerama that we can deploy to another location like the Town Hall. We are contacting all the schools between Stanthorpe and Tamworth, Grafton/Coffs Harbour and Moree.
We have also engaged with Adventure Group Holdings (owners of Caravan World, Campertrailer, Motorhome, Caravan Trader, Traelin and Turu) in a $15,000 advertising campaign that will see over 90,000 emails sent, front page banner ads in the above magazine websites etc. In addition to this $4500 of TV ads covering Newcastle - Gold Coast, Toowoomba Darling Downs and New England North West. We have also connected with another event based website that has a subscription base of 220,000 subscribers to get the message out there.
Finally working with the Fossicker's Way Committee just released a new Fossicker's Way Guide (35,000 copies plus $23,000 marketing). Fossicker's Way has now also been extended to Tenterfield in recognition of the significance of the Torrington SCA.
...and for the outdoor traders the King George Oval with have extra power through an onsite generator, and an actual fully marked out site to end some of the challenges when Traders arrive to set up.
Peter... [/font][/color][/size]
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Excellent news Peter. There is an untapped number of fossickers that this will hopefully bring to the area. With the number of bookings increasing yearly, Minerama has the potential to become the #1 attraction to this area. Has there been any thoughts to increasing the number of days Field Trips are available for 2018? I also hope the ticket office on the oval is available for those wishing to book on the day.
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Thank you, Peter, for all your input.
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I hope to get there this year to find more shinnies hope to see you all there
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Nice to include Torrington in the new Fossickers Way Peter.... :D
Gemster..... beers
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KOOKABOOKA - Long time Glen Innes residents Bob and June Corfe advised us last week that the Northern side of Kookabooka next to the Tennis Courts and south to the Creek now has 5 Signs stating “Trespassers will be Prosecuted Without Permission”. Apparently there are also a number of larger rocks on the road leading in from the Tennis Courts stopping people from driving on the road.
I have asked Council to advise me who owns the land, if it is Crown and leased and who controls the road reserve.
Will keep ALF posted on the outcome.
Peter Teschner
Manager
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I'm stunned Torrington wasn't included before! I just assumed it always was especially given you almost always approach it from Glen Innes direction via Deepwater or Emmaville and it is such a rich area.
That is annoying re Kookabookra and it would be good if council can check it out! I think the issue will be the farmer on the south side. When I was there about a month ago there were cattle in this paddock BUT they have not put up a fence along the river AT ALL. They should be told to just run a fence for what is legally theirs - but I bet they are wanting the cattle to just be able to wander down to the river when they want. This is a beautiful spot for a picnic with the kids even if you aren't fossicking. The track running beside the tennis courts is basic. I can't see how this could be interfering / creating problems for the farmer in any other way - guess they just want as few people as possible going there so they are trying to make it difficult!
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Will keep ALF posted on the outcome.
Peter Teschner
Thanks for the update Peter - hope it can be resolved.
It is important to remember that as MrSydney points out, restricting access to areas like these doesnt just affect fossickers - it also affects people who want to enjoy the outdoors in other ways (picnics, photography, mountain bikes, fishing, etc).
Given that the rebranding of Glen Innes as "High Country" with less emphasis on "Celtic Country" is all about emphasising the natural assets of our region, then it is critical to maintain and protect access to these types of spots.
Thank you for looking into it.
Cheers
leah
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The Kookabookra fossicking spot is a gazzetted Fossicking Reserve.
Would these days be managed by most likely the local council.
Even listed on the tourism page.
https://www.gleninnestourism.com/fossicking/
The reserve actually goes up both banks of the river.
y;sa=view;id=8483](http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_9-060217134943.jpeg)
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The location has been getting a bit of notice with camping, caravaning and Facebook Fossicking groups. Sounds like a local cow-cockie has his nose out of joint.
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Well if the local cow-cockie owns any of the land i guess he is within his rights to get out of joint about whatever he likes ... however if he doesn't own any of it then tough sh!t :)
Some farmers like the peace and quite ... and think they own as far as their eye can see , when in fact they only own as far as the fence 50 meters away.
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Some also move fence lines. :(
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It has been a fossicking site forever so the farmer can't complain. It's like people who buy a place next to a live music pub that has been there forever and then complain about the noise!
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It has been a fossicking site forever so the farmer can't complain. It's like people who buy a place next to a live music pub that has been there forever and then complain about the noise!
And that pretty much sums up the attitude :)
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May-be a Possie of Dedicated Fossickers should do a run out there during Minerama... After all we will be in the area ;D ;D
Gemster..... beers
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Hi Guys n Gals, looking forward to the annual pilgrimage to Minerama.
I have spent the last week or so trying to decided on which trips to have a scratch around on.
Today I jumped onto the ticket booking to check availability numbers and found the adult prices have increased.
Now $25 plus booking fee, when last week I'm sure they were $20 plus booking fee????????
What's the go here? Should I book now before they increase to $30 next week????????
Those who have already booked trips what did you pay?
Did I miss the early bird special?
Maybe VIC can explain.
Thanks in advance.
Look forward to catching up with fossicking friends old and new.
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Looks like the sale prices ended yesterday 6 May.
Bummer. :(
Presume normal price at the tent in the showground before the trips start will also be $25.
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Just called the Visitors Centre & tickets are $25 for adults & kids free this year. Tickets can be bought online, at the Visitors Centre or on the day.
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Thanks for the info Bob, booking site has kids as $5 plus booking fee???
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IMPORTANT RE MINERAMA DATES
Hi All, been chatting to Bob and there was confusion about days of the trips. I note when you hit the Minerama website it says:
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The Minerama Fossicking, Gem & Jewellery Show
March 10, 11 and 12 in 2017
and then:
Held every year on the 2nd weekend in March
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The 10th, 11th, and 12th is the Friday to Sunday - what you would expect.
BUT when you go to the field trips they start on Thursday the 9th! This is easy to miss when you have already had your diary set for so long for the Friday to Sunday.
I know I've advocated the gentle feedback approach but either this is a bad error or the website should quickly be edited as it will be very easy for a lot of people to not pick up the first trips are on the Thursday!
Can someone contact event organisers and ask them to clarify ASAP as I'll have to adjust my plans and others may need to know too!!
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From memory they had the same glitch last year in not clearly reporting that the field trips start before the internal show dates and finish on the Saturday.
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You sure you guys can ask a question or make a statement without the heartache? It is pretty easy to phone me 0429 120792 and clarify something. I work Sunday to Thursday each week. I will have Thur - Sun off this week as I am away. Happy to work thru the questions.
This is no glitch. The Show has always been stated as 2nd weekend in March. It is a permanent slot but as you know the actual dates change each year but still the 2nd weekend in March. Better to remember 2nd weekend than trying to check dates. Field trips have always been a day or two earlier than the Show. Show has always (well for the 5 years I have been in Glen) started on the Friday.
Celtic Festival always the 1st weekend in May for 25 years but we start a few events on Thu and busking down town Tue - Wed.
Now the $20 v $25. I was reminded by one of my staff members yesterday that the correct price for the Field Trips was $25 for Adults, Children U16 $5.00 and Children U5 Free. I would have loved to leave it at $20 but Committee set the price at $25 and adopted by Council. I missed it. The price was increased to $25 for the 2017 event due to the fact that prior to this year we paid the land owners $5.00 per person to go onto their properties. For 2017 that rose to $10 so we are just passing on the new fee to them. Waterloo generally donates the money back to the Committee. This one was a glitch....my apologies.
You know the Committtee is made up entirely of Volunteers and does not make a profit out of this. It is a free entry. Council actually funds the event at $15,000 each year and the sponsors $6000. The Services Club also donates their time, building, tables, chairs, electricity, set up & pull down times and the Restaurant is leased. My time is not costed to the event and I work darn hard to source extra funding, co-op marketing as you saw in a previous post.
So guys a small break from the complaints etc would be a help. Regards Peter
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Hi Peter,
It wasn't an attack - just confusion. Regulars may know the field trips are the day before but I'm only getting back into fossicking after a near 25 year break!
So thanks for the clarification but I do recommend that you take on board the feedback that it wouldn't hurt to add a sentence about field trips starting the day before as this is definitely a key attraction of the event. Especially given plans to expand the event meaning by default hopefully more newcomers!
Also as a newcomer to the forums and back in fossicking I wouldn't know where to contact you until now. I also live in Sydney. In fact I think it is great you are on the forum for the event as I knew by posting it here you would see it / be alerted to it and be able to clarify!
Much appreciated and really looking forward to Minerama!
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Thank you Peter for the field trip price glitch clarification. I was not sure what was going on but now with your explination it's "Kingsgate Crystal" clear. ;D Excuse the pun but it is Minerama. Seriously everyone involved in staging this event should get a big pat on the back, it's always great, that's why I keep coming back year after year. Cheers. beers Only 30 more sleeps to go!
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Thanks for the replies...much appreciated. I guess sometimes when you work in a job you don't see what can be obvious to everyone else. Feedback can only make Minerama better.
Minerama Committee Meeting today and one more before Minerama. Already laying the plans for 2018 as Les reckons its our 30th anniversary next year and time for him and Sylvia to take a bit of a rest. If you reckon you have any great ideas how we could celebrate the occassion let us know. Photos, old stories or even if you have been to Show.
The UNE Discovery Program for 2017 Minerama is taking shape with the display to be set up in the Board Room at the Services Club. The Micro Mob are skipping a year and back in 2018. Friday I am in Brisbane visiting the Qld Museum as they have a full size Diprotodon on display. I want to check it out as the UNE will have parts of one on display. You may know that a number of these animals were found near Reddestone Creek during the early days of sapphire mining. Aslo calling into a Gold detector company to check them out as they are interested in coming to the show.
Any Traders that believe that they have something really special to display or sell this year send a photo to me pteschner@gisc.nsw.gov.au and I will look at posting on the Minerama website.
Peter
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The last post should have read even if you have been to every show....
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HI all,
Just a quick update as to the arrangements for Aussie Sapphire over the Minerama weekend.
We will be opening the warehouse for drop-in visits on Friday and Saturday so feel free to just call in any time between 8am and 4pm.
We will NOT be open on Sunday - sorry we have a family commitment on that day and in past years that particular day has not been very busy anyway.
Times during the week before and after Minerama will be the usual arrangement - just email us for an appointment. We wont be available on Tuesday morning either week but other times should be ok with some advance notice. Can call on our 1800 number but email is ALWAYS BEST wherever possible !!!
You may like to order in advance - you can buy online and select Store Pickup with a note letting us know when you will be coming through. Or just send an email to info@aussiesapphire.com.au with your shopping list and we will work it out for you.
Sending us your order in advance means we can have it ready for pickup for you - really easy. If you are considering purchasing one of the larger machines that need assembly (a saw or cabbing machine for example), we will need some advance notice to put it together for you.
So to reiterate - drop in warehouse visits are welcome on Friday and Saturday of Minerama, we are closed on Sunday, appointments welcome the week before/after Minerama weekend (except for Tuesday morning on both weeks).
For all visitors to the area, please enjoy your visit. I am sure you will have a great time.
Cheers
Leah
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Good to hear that Leah. :)
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just had a look at the fiekd trips , they look great
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just had a look at the fiekd trips , they look great
Will you be there Starsapphire78?
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"Minerama Committee Meeting today and one more before Minerama. Already laying the plans for 2018 as Les reckons its our 30th anniversary next year and time for him and Sylvia to take a bit of a rest. If you reckon you have any great ideas how we could celebrate the occassion let us know. Photos, old stories or even if you have been to Show. "
The first Minerama was held in 1990, so there needs to be a rethink of 30th anniversary plans.
I passed on all my archival material to Gavin Rosso (Captain Mendoza) when Sue and I left Glen Innes in 2013.
John Paix
Edited by admin to fix the text size glitch.
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"Minerama Committee Meeting today and one more before Minerama. Already laying the plans for 2018 as Les reckons its our 30th anniversary next year and time for him and Sylvia to take a bit of a rest. If you reckon you have any great ideas how we could celebrate the occassion let us know. Photos, old stories or even if you have been to Show. "
The first Minerama was held in 1990, so there needs to be a rethink of 30th anniversary plans.
I passed on all my archival material to Gavin Rosso (Captain Mendoza) when Sue and I left Glen Innes in 2013.
John Paix
Edited by admin to fix the text size glitch.
So next year would be 28 years. Gives a bit more time for planning for 2020. :)
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I will be on trip 6 Friday and trip 7 Saturday.
What about everyone else?
:)
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Wednesday for me.... Bob and Co was going out on Thursday Somewhere, But don't think I can do any Field Trips :( Helping a Mate with his Stall this year... Then a few days at Inverell installing Air-Con for said Mate...47 in his workshop is not good when you are trying to Weld.... ::) Are you arriving on Thursday Jimnyjerry?
Gemster.... beers
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Getting in Thursday afternoon at Bob's place after I pick up a few things in Glen.
Looking forward to seeing you around the stalls.
beers Jerry
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Ill be on trips 6 Friday and 7 Saturday but cant decided on Thursday yet. Anyone go to Junee Wellingrove last year and got any info on what it was like? Cheers
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Ill be on trips 6 Friday and 7 Saturday but cant decided on Thursday yet. Anyone go to Junee Wellingrove last year and got any info on what it was like? Cheers
See my comment and picture on Day 2
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5384.15
That is all I got and all bottom sievers.
You park near the dam. Then walk about 180 metres to the pile. Dry sieve then carry buckets back to dam to wash and sieve.
hotthirsty
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Thanks for the info Jimnyjerry really appreciate it! will help to make my decision.
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That is OK Topsieve. Have sent you a pm.
:)
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Following up - any issues with Filed Trip Bookings being experienced?
Current Trips Booked - 96
Most Popular - Rosemeadow, Crossmaglen, Sheep Station Creek
The UNE Discovery Program coming together with the Paleontology. Geo Science and Earth History Departments working on the program and display. The Micro Mob from Brisbane not attending this year so it looks like we will be displaying in the Service Club Board Room with a static display on the stage also. No access to the stage due to current inside trader set up.
Peter
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Thanks John for looking into the number of Minerama Shows. It would seem that after further investigation Les and Sylvia agree that this year is the 28th Show. So another 2 years!!!! Doesn't stop us from having a great party anyway!!!
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FYI for those who were thinking of NOT booking tickets I booked Crossmaglen last night and now there are only 11 tickets left. I know one of the others only showed 10.
Maybe Peter can answer this - but are there any tickets kept for the day or can it literally be sold out via online sales?
Just thought I'd give people the heads up!
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The 10 tickets left are all child tickets. Only Crossmaglen is getting low (7 adult tickets left after I bought 2).
Martin.
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Would be interesting to know the sold out ticket quantity.
Not sure about this one but there is probably only a certain amount of people a trip leader or first aid officer can be responsible for.
I remember a few years back when tickets to a trip to Lonewood was not capped and everyman and his dog was on the trip. The pile of wash was smashed in a few hours, most people left early and those that stayed resorted to going through tailing piles of those who had left. (This was a good test to see how well people went through their pile and I can say some people missed a few good stones.)
Only 21 more sleeps to go!
P.S. Watch out for those giant wombats. (Diprotodon)
http://dinosaurs.about.com/od/otherprehistoriclife/ss/10-Facts-About-Diprotodon-the-Giant-Wombat.htm
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I remember a few years back when tickets to a trip to Lonewood was not capped and everyman and his dog was on the trip. The pile of wash was smashed in a few hours, most people left early and those that stayed resorted to going through tailing piles of those who had left. (This was a good test to see how well people went through their pile and I can say some people missed a few good stones.)
Heard about that field trip. Seems a lot of people who were on the mystery trip to another location followed the wrong convoy. Poor Billabong got twice as many as they expected. That is why trip set off times have been staggered ever since. ;D
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Crossmaglen only has 1 online left. I will boost to 40 now. Maximum will be 50 Tickets with the final 10 being left for walk ups and 10 children.
The rest are travelling OK: -
Rosemeadow 24 of 40 sold and 10 children left
Sheep Station Creek 20/40 sold with 10 children left.
The one that surprises me is Waterloo on the Wellingrove Creek. This section of the creek has, (according to Rod at Reddestone Sapphires), never been mined. The other side and further down apparently seen a lot of mining in its day but not this area. You can see a mullock heap further down but that area is currently a no go.
A bit of work on the Waterloo site but maybe worth it. The Waterloo site is part of Waterloo Station. I understand the area was available a number of years ago for Minerama but apparently someone tried to load a whole bootful of wash and that killed it for everyone. Taken a awhile to work with the owners to reopen for Minerama.
Maybe some one can enlighten the ALFer's as to the situation.
Peter
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It was actually a trailer the SOB's loaded up.
No one noticed till they left after midday and lunch as their trailer was parked behind the line of cars. Some people actually did there sieving in tubes near their cars so no one paid any attention. :(
The imbalance between bookings for different trips could be accounted by there being only 3 days of field trips.
People tend go for trips that they have enjoyed and found stones on the previous year. Less likely to try an unknown site.
An extra day would allow repeats of trips which could remedy that situation by making people more adventurous.
Just some thoughts.
beers
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That trip was Crossmaglen & was the year after Andrew & Leah had sold Lonewood. We had 80 ppl turn up on the day & I was the only guide so really had my hands full. There was a large pile of wash laid out & would have easily catered for even that number of people BUT not for guys who were filling buckets & emptying them directly into the trailer. They probably took 1/4 the entire pile & as Jerry says, no one noticed until the deed had been done & they had taken off.
Crossmaglen would easily handle 60 fossickers as it is a huge area especially if the grass has been mown or eaten by the cattle.
I agree with Jerry also about an extra day. Fossickers come from many places from Vic, to Qld & west to WA so they are not merely coming for 4 days. They are coming for a week or 2 & spend money on accommodation, food, drinks, etc
That extra day could easily be used from doubling up on popular trips. Something to think about for next year?
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Hi everyone, I have a question. I'd really like to come down to Minerama this year and hopefully enjoy some of the fossicking trips but one thing's not clear to me: Are all the trips in one particular day independent of each other or are they timed that say you get there at 9:00 and have to leave by 11:00, then trip 2 starts at 12:00 and out by 14:00, etc... To put it otherwise can you just book one and stay the whole day or does the guide lock the gate when they're done so you have to follow? And if so, what are the times for these trips? i couldn't find any mention of schedules on the website, just general (all-day) times on the ticketing site.
Thanks.
Oh and thanks to Leah and Andrew for sending me a Minerama brochure with my latest order, would have missed this otherwise!
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Hi everyone, I have a question. I'd really like to come down to Minerama this year and hopefully enjoy some of the fossicking trips but one thing's not clear to me: Are all the trips in one particular day independent of each other or are they timed that say you get there at 9:00 and have to leave by 11:00, then trip 2 starts at 12:00 and out by 14:00, etc... To put it otherwise can you just book one and stay the whole day or does the guide lock the gate when they're done so you have to follow? And if so, what are the times for these trips? i couldn't find any mention of schedules on the website, just general (all-day) times on the ticketing site.
Hi Rej :)
From memory the individual trips start leaving about 9am and go till 4 pm.
Sorry you can only go on 1 trip per day.
Start time are usually staggered so you do not join the wrong convoy.
Direction pamphlets should be given out at the trip tent which opens at 8 am each day that has field trips.
Looks like that bit of information that was left off the web page this year along with the indemnity form. ::)
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That's great, thanks for the quick reply. Makes sense.
Being the awesome dad that I am, I'm looking to pull my 7 year-old from school to enjoy some of these trips with me. As I read the description of trips and possible finds to him this morning, his face **really** lit up when I mentioned the old emerald mine. Now I'm not expecting to pull out chunks of gem quality rough, but does anyone know what to expect from this site? Are we digging into a rock face with hammers and picks or going through alluvial wash with sieves?
Any other notes on sites vis-a-vis kids? He's a good trooper and we've done 4-5 intense days in Inverell last year to give you an idea. Will the family event on Saturday be too "boring" if he's already done it a few times and knows what to look for?
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Being the awesome dad that I am, I'm looking to pull my 7 year-old from school to enjoy some of these trips with me.
I will leave it to others re the field trips but to offset missing out on school, you should definitely check out the UNE Discovery Program for 2017 Minerama which will be set up in the Board Room at the Services Club. Make sure you look out for it because the Board Room could easily be overlooked if not well signposted with info about the display. Sure to be very educational and interesting for all.
cheers
leah
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Here is a photo from the emerald mine at Emmaville gemfest last year. It is basically picking through a large tailings pile. Picks, shovels, sieves, hammers, forks were the common tools. The largest emeralds we found and saw from other people's finds would be about the thickness of a toothpick and about 10mm long. We found tin crystals, fluorite and other minerals as well. Well worth a visit.
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8323 (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8323)
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_52957-101016170242.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8323)
Edited by admin to add the photo to thread.
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Thanks rosemart, that pic gives a good idea of what to expect. We'd be happy to find a green toothpick! Plus the other minerals are different than the other trips and variety is nice. We'll probably book one of the sapphire creeks on the Friday.
And yes Leah, we plan to check out the show on Saturday and will definitely look into educational opportunities, thanks. He'll at least get a cool show n' tell from the days missed ;-)
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Hi Rej,
I ran the gemfest trip last year to the emerald mine & have been there since. As Martin said, it is a large mullock heap fossickers can find gems. Mainly beryl, emerald, tin crystals, fluorite, quartz can be found by finding a nice spot & moving larger rocks until you get to the gravel underneath. Every rock you move check carefully as you just never know. Personally, I dont use any tools just my hands & eyes.You do find small gems but the greens of the beryls & emeralds do stand out.
The family fun day is great for new fossickers as it gives them an easier time to build confidence. Once you have been a few times it maybe beneficial to venture out to "wild gems".
What area are you situated? Would be interesting to see why you hadnt had the brochure sent without Andrew & Leah's help.
There are trips on Thurs, Fri & Sat with Sunday used for dealers / tailgaters so better idea to fossick when you can. ;)
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What area are you situated? Would be interesting to see why you hadnt had the brochure sent without Andrew & Leah's help.
I'm in Brisbane, but don't belong to any associations or clubs. So apart from randomly mailing brochures, I don't see how I would received one...
Thanks for the info on the site. The little one really enjoys this kind of site where, and I quote, "his little eyes give him an advantage over us old people"
Are you running the emerald trip for Minerama?
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Would be interesting to see why you hadnt had the brochure sent without Andrew & Leah's help.
Pretty simple - not everyone is a member of a lapidary club or aware of this particular event. If you are not within the existing publicity network, it would be very easy to not realise this event is on. In an effort to help publicise Minerama to a wider audience, we include a brochure in all of our parcels going out of the warehouse. Many will be too far away or have insufficient time to plan a trip but occasionally, we get a win with a new visitor who might not have attended otherwise. The committee do a pretty good job of getting the word out there but it is impossible to reach everyone with the resources they have available.
Cheers
Leah
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The little one really enjoys this kind of site where, and I quote, "his little eyes give him an advantage over us old people"
In my experience, kids are fantastic at specking. Their eyes really are sharper and will often pick up good stuff that the oldies have missed.
Cheers
Leah
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I do understand the difficulties of advertising local events to a wider audience. I have found Social Media & word of mouth to be highly advantageous where TV, radio & other media is impossible due to funding restraints. We all appreciate the efforts you do Leah by sending out brochures.
Obviously, not belonging to a Lapidary Club, makes it even harder to know when Gem Festivals occur. Forums & FB sites specific to gems / crystals etc help spread the word. These days of ever increasing technology brings the world much closer as evidenced by the vast number of people from overseas on here.
I will be a fossicker this year Rej. It will be nice to catch up tho & I am very easy to find. ;) [size=78%] [/size]
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No one up here knows where Glen Innes is.... ::) And that they have Minerama... And Field Trips. ::) So maybe a bit of Advertising further afield may help too 8)
Gemster.... beers
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Where is up here Gemster?
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So maybe a bit of Advertising further afield may help too 8)
From my experience, it is impossible to advertise to a level that people are happy with. When we were involved, we would run tv advertising and then get people in the actual broadcast area complain that no advertising had been done. If we ran them on channel 9, they would complain that they only ever watch channel 7 and therefore the advertising campaign was poorly run. We would do mass mailout to clubs but not everyone is in a club.
It is just a fact of life that some people are not really interested in anything outside their backyard so not everyone is going to know where Glen Innes is and why they should visit. And those people are not necessarily going to be interested in visiting a gem show or a Celtic Festival or whatever. Other types of people are keen to get out and explore all that Australia has to offer including our own backyard in New England.
All we can do is support existing efforts by helping to spread the word where we can. I know that the committee probably does a lot of stuff that people on here are not aware of particularly in social media marketing and this will be reaching quite a few new people. But any extra stuff we can do will help and Aussie Sapphire is happy to assist where we can.
As sponsors and administrators of ALF, we are also happy to provide an extra forum for gem show publicity for ALL similar events - a few organisers will take up this opportunity but we find that most dont even bother to list their event let alone promote it. So in comparison to other events, really Minerama does a fair bit more than most.
Cheers
Leah
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I might add that the worst examples of people who were impossible to please re advertising were some Traders and Stallholders. Usually the visitors were very grateful for what had been arranged and happy to be part of a great event. But some of those who benefited most directly from the event (ie. by making money from customers sourced for them at a venue provided for them at minimal cost) were the loudest to complain. They would do NOTHING to help promote the event (and therefore improve their own profits) but just turn up expecting the world and doing very little to help make it a success.
This is the main reason why we can no longer be a part of the organising committee and why we have a fair amount of sympathy for those on the current committee who are doing their best to keep this event going. It is a difficult job. They are never going to please everyone but can only do the best they can. The visitors who come to Minerama 2017 will have a great time - I am sure of that.
cheers
Leah
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I agree,
Wider advertising would cost money for little result beyond taking advantage of community radio and good will from local papers. Really it is more effective to reach out to clubs to remind their members and the various forums and facebook fossicking groups. Anyone half interested in fossicking finds those with a google search and if they are serious it will hopefully be suggested to them or they will see it.
My dad has always been involved with a lot of charity events in Tamworth for Lions club etc and community radio etc often have a free announcements section. Also if you write a short article and provide a couple of photo's most local papers eg Northern Daily Leader - will run an article or two for free! So get more day trippers / interest from the more local region for whom day trips are viable (and will mention to friend further afield). This could be really good with getting it out there about the new UNE educational display etc. Basically you can get a fair bit of value without spending much money with a bit of organisation. You could possibly even get something in the Sydney / Brisbane paper on that basis but being larger it will by a bit of luck for anyone to see it (but if it was printed for free and it was the same article as sent to other papers then what have you got to lose!).
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And yes - kids are awesome speckers! My 6 and 8 year olds have eagle eyes! Maybe something about being closer to the ground and having new good eyes! ;D
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Hi guys. I have posted the Minerama website link in a few fossicking / Prospecting Facebook groups that I am a member of. These posts have had numerous likes and have been shared. It's getting the message to a big target audience (especially as one group is Northern NSW) and spreading the word with no cost involved. I know for our business we run Facebook competitions to help spread our message. If people like and share the post they go into a draw to win something. Might be worth thinking about.
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Im on the Gold Coast Peter... Lismore Show has an advert that runs in the Gold Coast papers a few weeks before.... Everyone I tell about Minerama, Gemfest and other Shows know nothing about these events... And when I tell them, they want info so they can go.. You could always send me some Flyers so I can drop them off to some Shops around here ... They are asking if I can do this cause they are "in the dark"... More promotion is the Word im hearing up here.... I know of 3 groups of people who are making the effort to go to Minerama... Only cause I told them about it... Im also promoting this event on other Forums im on and They didn't know about it either... ::)
Gemster.... beers
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Thanks everyone for the input and updates.
TV starts Mon with Ads being screened Newcastle/Hunter to the Gold Coast, New England North West and Toowoomba Darling Downs.
Social Media has been running beginning of Feb....will provide stats during the week.
270,000 impression header ads on Run of Adventure Group Holdings websites which includes Caravan World, Camper Trailer Australia, The Wanderer, Trade RV's, Turu and Travelin
Email Advertising 70,800 to subscribers to the above magazines.
Later this week a mail out to all Schools from Stanthorpe to Tamworth and Grafton/Coffs to Moree about Discovery Program in the Board Room with UNE Palaeontology, Geosciences and Earth's History Departments. Next year UNE have indicated they will bring up their Discovery Bus so we can start a few days earlier and encourage more schools to attend.
Peter
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Thanks everyone for the input and updates.
TV starts Mon with Ads being screened Newcastle/Hunter to the Gold Coast, New England North West and Toowoomba Darling Downs.
Social Media has been running beginning of Feb....will provide stats during the week.
270,000 impression header ads on Run of Adventure Group Holdings websites which includes Caravan World, Camper Trailer Australia, The Wanderer, Trade RV's, Turu and Travelin
Email Advertising 70,800 to subscribers to the above magazines.
Later this week a mail out to all Schools from Stanthorpe to Tamworth and Grafton/Coffs to Moree about Discovery Program in the Board Room with UNE Palaeontology, Geosciences and Earth's History Departments. Next year UNE have indicated they will bring up their Discovery Bus so we can start a few days earlier and encourage more schools to attend.
Peter
Thanks Peter - all great stuff. Along with informal promotion by members, clubs and on various facebook groups, I dont see how much more can be done.
Great idea with the UNE bus and getting schools involved for future ideas. I know we tried this angle when we were involved with not much success - there was one particular public school teacher who always brought kids down but when she retired, the interest disappeared. I know there is heaps of relevant stuff in the curriculum that can really work well for schools though so would be good to have another go at it. The kids really loved attending and quite a few of the traders commented that it would often result in a repeat visit with families on the weekend. Getting UNE on board may just be the extra thing needed to get the schools interested in attending.
cheers
Leah
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Well done Peter... You do a lot of Advertising that I didn't know about.... The ideas that you guys are coming up with will only boost the Event..... Next Year could you send me say 50 Flyers and I will pass them around to the Shops/ People that I know up here.... I printed off a bit from Minerama website to hand to a few up here and the response was "More Please"
Well Done Peter... beers
Gemster..... beers
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Excellent news Peter beers Getting kids involved encourages the younger generation to get interested & they have an unlimited number they can let know about it using social media. Having UNE involved too will be awesome. Is IMPARJA TV being used for advertising too? Since TV changed to digital many people around here had to install a satellite so we dont get local news any more but adds from Alice Springs, Townsville, Mt Isa etc. so that would provide an even bigger audience. I know it used to be advertised on there years ago but cost was a major factor.
Having the Discovery bus come early next year is there any thoughts to running more field trips a day or 2 earlier too? Even if there were say 2 trips on the Tues / Wed before 3 trips on Thurs - Sat would increase the number of fossickers attending. Most major Gem Shows dont have field trips so it entices people to come if they can explore the local area & get onto places usually closed to the public.
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SAT 11TH MAR - ADULT Field Trip 7: “Crossmaglen” 9 Trips of 40 left online - Balance for walk-ups
FRI 10TH MARCH - ADULT Field Trip 6: Rosemeadow (New Site) 15 of 40 left online - Balance for walk-ups
SAT 11 MAR - ADULT Field Trip 9: Sheep Station Creek (New Site) 20 of 40 left online - Balance for walks-ups
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Yes - good work!
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Is IMPARJA TV being used for advertising too? Since TV changed to digital many people around here had to install a satellite so we dont get local news any more but adds from Alice Springs, Townsville, Mt Isa etc. so that would provide an even bigger audience.
TV advertising is really expensive so you have to consider likely return on the investment. It is usually more cost effective if you run a campaign in our traditional catchment area for visitors otherwise you are spending a lot of money on advertising to people who are never likely to actually visit here. Advertising on TV to areas within easy travelling distance makes it more likely that people will see an advert and then act on it to plan a trip.
Have to try and catch the potential visitors that are further afield with more targeted advertising via social media, direct mailouts, etc.
Cheers
Leah
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I was in today & the Imparja situation came up a few years ago. They used to give FREE advertising but changed it. It was indeed the cost that made it impossible to use. Being on satellite means we dont get any local news so we are on a total blackout here. Not sure if any other means could be utilized that wasnt already being used.
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This will be my first time at Minerama I've also booked trips 6 & 7 , do they have a 3 day pass to the event
or will I have to pay every day to enter
regards Harry
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Harry.
To go into the show is free.
Only the field trips cost.
:)
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Thanks JJ already paid for the field trips and booked accommodation
just look for the bloke that looks like a beach ball LOL
thanks again
Cheers
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Thanks JJ already paid for the field trips and booked accommodation
just look for the bloke that looks like a beach ball LOL
thanks again
Cheers
;D Got to lose girth again myself. ;D
Will try to look out for you.
beers Jerry
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I was in today & the Imparja situation came up a few years ago. They used to give FREE advertising but changed it. It was indeed the cost that made it impossible to use. Being on satellite means we dont get any local news so we are on a total blackout here. Not sure if any other means could be utilized that wasnt already being used.
Lord Thunda
Some of the lapidary clubs are collecting mobile phone numbers on their raffle tickets and at the gate and sending an SMS reminder for the next show.
You would need to have a tick box 'Please send me a reminder for next year's show' sothey give permission for the contact. The Privacy Act may not apply to not for profit organisations who do not run busineses (I haven't checked) but it is polite to ask. If it does apply you at least have permission, but you may have to include info on how to opt out and advise they don't want an SMS.
Regards
Gordon
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G'day Gordon
When I advertise any gem shows I always send emails to Lapidary Clubs & its usually the secretaries that is listed on most websites. Not having dependable mobile service here, I dont even have a "smart phone" & wouldnt know how to run it even if we had service here.
To get the word out, every means should be utilised from printed brochures to posters to social media to SMS to radio, TV & newspaper adds to magazines as well as word of mouth. Once you get people here for their first time, you need to keep their interest & make sure they are looked after to ensure they return each year & make sure they tell all their friends how much fun they had.
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You do have reliable Mobile phone reception Lord T... You are just with the wrong Carrier..
Perfect reception with Optus at your place.. on my Phone :D
I had a google... 3G and 4G with Optus at Emmaville.... 4G only with Telstra at Emmaville...
You may have to upgrade your Phone to a 4G Phone... means a new(later model) Phone im afraid ::)
Gemster.... beers
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::) Pffft ::) I do have 3G & 4G here with Telstra BUT go up Gulf Rd & what service do you get up there ? ??? ???
Why do I want a bloody mobile phone that cuts out every few miles when I can easily call on my trusty Land Line :D 8) :P
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::) Pffft ::) I do have 3G & 4G here with Telstra BUT go up Gulf Rd & what service do you get up there ? ??? ???
Why do I want a bloody mobile phone that cuts out every few miles when I can easily call on my trusty Land Line :D 8) :P
Not from your car tho... but may-be with a really, really long cord.. ;D ::)
PM sent Lord T...
Gemster... beers
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I suspect that your land line might involve winding a handle on the side of the phone and asking for the operator!
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Feels like that sometimes Bucket. :-X The Govt refused to pay for an operator full time so they had to give us new land lines. If they could get away with it cheaply they would have.
There again, how much are houses these days in the city ? $1m? $2m ? Happy to pay $60,000 for a 3 bedroom home here :P
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You can't buy a car park in down town Sydney for $60,000!
Where I am you won't get change from $2 million for a 3 bedroom home. Yes - it is absurd!
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Exactly my point Phill. I knew 40 years ago I'd never be able to afford a house in Sydney. To put up with lousy mobile service is worth it in the long run. How much would my place be worth in Sydney being 7 acres? $30 million? More? And thats just my land price.
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I dread to think what the rate bill would be on a 7 acre property in Sydney Lord_Thunda :o
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Yarrow Creek site still has 20+ trips available. I saw last week a photo of what was achieved in 3/4h by Peter Chaffey who has organise our sites this year. I reckon it is worth booking.
Peter Teschner
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Hi Peter,
Are you talking Trip 2 or Trip 6.
And are you talking Sapphire or Quartz?
:D
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Hi Peter,
Are you talking Trip 2 or Trip 6.
And are you talking Sapphire or Quartz?
:D
Likely to be sapphire at Yarrow Creek.
cheers
Leah
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More likely trip 2 Yarrow Ck past Kingsgate :)
Seen a picture on Facebook that Peter Chaffey took of a large chunk of smokey quartz probably from there.
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I agree is it is probably quartz which is why it would be good if he responds.
Minerama for me is not about quartz - that is just a bonus.
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My wife has cancelled out so I have a few spare tickets one for trip 6 and one for trip 7 if any one wants them
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Sorry for the delay in responding end of month ad darn reports. I will recheck photo tomorrow but there is quartz and topaz to start with. It is Trip 2 just past Kingsgate.
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ONLY 5 DAYS TO GO!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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any tips for a first timer to glen innes
im going on both wellingrove trips on the 9th and 10th and crossmaglen on the 11th
how has the rain been should i bring my waders?
see you all there beers
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I arrived into Inverell this morning (WOHOOOOO!!!) after a very wet ride up yesterday. Already found my first stones of the trip, nothing fantastic, couple of good sized blues and one or two cutters :)
Can't wait for the field trips. I'm heading out to Tingha tomorrow, if anyone else is going to be there let me know and be sure to say Hi
Philip
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For Crossmaglen at least definitely yes.
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This should let everyone know the local conditions. Just need to change the place name as this is what I use for Emmaville.
http://ozforecast.com.au/cgi-bin/weather.cgi?station=Emmaville.NSW&radar
As locals have found out, it can pour down in one area & be dry in others. We got 22.5mm yesterday which was the first decent drop we have had this month. Forecast looks good for next weekend.
As Mr Sydney says, waders will be useful for Crossmaglen depending where you want to dig.
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Starting to collect items to pack for Minerama.
Nice surprise 4 topaz from O'Briens Ck that I misplaced after my trip in May - Juine 2016. Total weight 27.25 carats. :)
A not nice surprise was a plastic lunch box full of 4 month old lamingtons. :-X
Must take more frequent fossicking trips.
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;D At least you have your lunch for the first Field Trip Jimnyjerry... ;)
Gemster.... beers
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;D At least you have your lunch for the first Field Trip Jimnyjerry... ;)
Gemster.... beers
Thought about saving if any one needed medication. ;D
It is in the composting barrel now. Have very healthy compost. ;)
I prefer my antibiotics in tablet form. :D
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Feed it to the chickens Jerry, might save any vet bills for the next while :)
On a side note, if you don't have chickens, you may need to buy some so you can feed it to them......
On a more relevant note, can't wait to see everyone in 2 days :D I'm already here (well in Inverell but close enough) and the weather is perfect. Bring on the weekend!!!!
Philip
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Very exited here too, driving down tomorrow evening with my son.
Has anyone been in the creeks recently? It's my first time down and I'm wondering how warm/cold the water will be.
Are we talking boardies and old shoes or waders over pants?
Looking forward to meeting some ALFers. :D
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Feed it to the chickens Jerry, might save any vet bills for the next while :)
On a side note, if you don't have chickens, you may need to buy some so you can feed it to them......
On a more relevant note, can't wait to see everyone in 2 days :D I'm already here (well in Inverell but close enough) and the weather is perfect. Bring on the weekend!!!!
Philip
Drop bears, pythons and foxes would get the chooks.
have a good day fossicking tomorrow Philip. :)
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Very exited here too, driving down tomorrow evening with my son.
Has anyone been in the creeks recently? It's my first time down and I'm wondering how warm/cold the water will be.
Are we talking boardies and old shoes or waders over pants?
Looking forward to meeting some ALFers. :D
For us Northeners ;), the Water will be a bit cooler than what we have up here... If I was Fossicking, I would be in my Wetsuit and shoes.... it is starting to cool down now so bring a jacket... the nights are Cooler.... but not Cold brrr... yet.. :D
Gemster.... beers
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Thanks for the info Gemster.
I grew up in Canada so I can do cold, but probably not all day in cold water. Oh well, I'll bring all my options and dip a toe in first...
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Looking at 26 - 27 during the day & sunny so glorious weather. Has been cooling up a tad at night around 10 - 12.
Water should be reasonably warm to cool so depending as to what you're used to. I'll be wearing shorts & aqua shoes which will need to be replaced next year as they are on their last outings. I had planned on getting new ones but ran outta time.
Looking forward to catching up with old & new friends & a few bourbons of course ;) beers
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Car is packed.
After a second check packed the beers .
Ready to roll tomorrow morning. ;D
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Enjoy your stay Alfers. Marked out the outdoor trader sites today. Already a few outdoorers waiting at the gate to set up in the morning. I will be spending a bit of my time in the Services Club Board room looking after the UNE display. Come by and say hello if you get a chance...and good luck drive safely.
Peter BTW over 45,000 people reached on Facebook boosts since begining of Feb
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Sounds good Peter. :)
On my way
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Have just gathered up a bit of clearance stock for the specials table so anyone in the area tomorrow and Saturday should call in to the warehouse and check it out.
Some photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/AussieSapphire/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1243722292341846
cheers
Leah
Remember we are CLOSED on Sunday.
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Hey everyone. Just thought I'd post some pics of Thursday's trip to the mine in Emmaville. My sapphire trip today didn't produce anything worth posting unfortunately, but still a great day out.
First my finds (clockwise): Topaz, cassiterite, quartz, emerald. I also picked up lots of mineral samples: various metal ores, purple and green fluorite, topaz crystals in matrix, etc.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_51035-100317202955.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8511)
Now these aren't mine but rather some other fossickers' findings. Nice pieces so I'm posting them ;D
Big chunk of blue topaz, 26+ carats
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_51035-100317203242.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8512)
Nice size emeralds, most in matrix.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_51035-100317203428.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8513)
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Thanks for showing us, Rej.
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No worries. Could have used your wisdom up here in the Yarrow today John.. :'(
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I have dreams about the places we used to visit, but unfortunately the piles of gems we find all disappear when I wake up!
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Just inquiring as to how those went at Sheep Station yesterday.
Crossmaglen went very well with water levels being much higher this year. Some nice stones found & many smiles.
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For myself, I dug several big holes, one even in the middle of the creek and came up with one jellybean. Not even a chip of colour, others may make their own reports.
Likewise I also did not find a thing down at Wellingrove Station the day before. If it hadn't been for the Emerald mine on Thursday I would have left empty handed.
Luck is where you find it of course and I did meet some lovely people.
As for the traders I found them most hospitable, well stocked and very reasonably priced. Consequently I have in my possession a large collection of raw material to work on in the coming months. It is a pity though to drive 8 hours just to go to the shops.
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Just for the sake of posterity, here are some of my (disappointing) finds at the Rosemeadow site this year. Bit of spinel, zircons , two tiny sapphires, quartz crystals, and some jellybeans.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_51035-120317200348.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8517)
My best score from minerama is probably this piece of colour change synthetic tourmaline. Here it is under daylight :
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_51035-120317200821.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8518)
And the same piece under fluorescent light:
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_51035-120317201116.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8519)
All in all, a fun experience. It was great to meet with fellow fossickers and ALFers too, and to meet Leah at her shop! beers
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Thats more than I got there Rej. beers After 6 sieves of sand I went on the chat rounds to see how everyone else was doing.
Thanks for the report Circus Maximus beers Some good stones found at Crossmaglen including a 42 ct bomb & a 2.6ct dark blue.
5 of us went exploring around Torrington yesterday to check out the tracks. Found some tiny beryl at the Emerald mine there as well as smoky & beryl at another site.
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Check out the Examiner article for show report:
http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4522159/solid-turnout-at-show/?cs=422 (http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4522159/solid-turnout-at-show/?cs=422)
and the photo gallery here:
http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4524872/2017-minerama-in-glen/?cs=422 (http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4524872/2017-minerama-in-glen/?cs=422)
Plus story about the fossil display:
http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4515809/minerama-set-to-be-education-resource/?cs=422
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Back from Minerama had a great time meeting new people and enjoyed the whole show.
Field trips I attended, first went the yarrow at Kingsgate lots of small bits of molly some nice bits of molly on host rock and one clear terminated quartz point, thought there might of been more clear quartz to be found that Kingsgate is renowned for but this was not to be.
Second day went the yarrow Rosemeadow worked very hard and found lots of small sapphire, garnet, zircon, jelly beans but that topsieve stone never turned up.
Last day out to Crossmaglen and had a ball finding lots of small sapphire, some nice small dogtooths and a small cutter.
Best stone of the trip was found in the discarded wash at the caravan park when I was cooking breakfast, what do they say "another mans trash is another mans treasure". All up a very enjoyable trip with great weather. Rock on Minerama 2018.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_6814-140317093709.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8522)
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_6814-140317093915.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8523)
Edited by admin to add the photos from gallery (using BBC medium image code).
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Thanks for the positive report Topsieve - glad you found some keepers.
Can I encourage you to post your photos in the Media Gallery - this way they do not run the risk of being deleted from the Attachments Folder as I regularly have to delete items from there to make room for avatars and other stuff.
Photos are better posted in the gallery and linked to your message from there plus easier for people to view and enjoy them.
cheers
Leah
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No worries Leah I have deleted the attachments and have pics in my gallery.
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No worries Leah I have deleted the attachments and have pics in my gallery.
Thanks. I have added them to your message (impressive photos so everyone should get the opportunity to see them).
FYI - I used the BBC Medium Image code to add these ones - can go smaller or larger if you want but I find the Medium size works well.
Cheers
Leah
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5 of us went exploring around Torrington yesterday to check out the tracks. Found some tiny beryl at the Emerald mine there as well as smoky & beryl at another site.
Also the 2.5 carat topaz crystal I specked.
Small but it was were Woofa and i spent some time years ago sieving for topaz. :)
My comments on the trip maybe tomorrow as just got back home this afternoon.
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i dropped a photo and a smalltrip review attached to it in the gallery but i cant put the experience into words i had a blast
if you are considering taking a trip to glen innes or minerama i highly recommend doing it as soon as you can the sights food
towns folk and fossicking are second to none
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Good to hear you had a great time. I couldn't make it this year but it is in the calendar for next year. Hope to see you there. Below is a link to your photo. Hope you don't mind me putting it here but it's easier for others to find.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_52083-190317173048.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8526)
Some nice stones in there.
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:( Just returned home yesterday... Minor flooding around the area on the way home...
Glad you had a great time on your first visit to Glen Innes Moondoggie767... There were a few nice finds and im glad that the 2 Guys that came up from down south(first time at Glen Innes) scored the big Topaz found at Steve's Place :o... and finally I can put a face to the name of Jimnyjerry.... ;D...Good to catch up.. next time hopefully, I can Fossick too... ::)
Hello Mr Crocket, We missed you :)... Have you put Emmaville Gemfest on your Calendar for this year? ;)
Gemster.... beers
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:(Have you put Emmaville Gemfest on your Calendar for this year? ;)
Gemster.... beers
I certainly have Gemster. Not sure how I will go... could be in the throws of moving around them. Hopefully it won't interfere. :)
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Nice stones Moondoggie. Glad you had a good time.
Here are my better stones from Crossmaglen this year. Total 30 carats.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_9-200317112425.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8527)
The rest (64 carats) including some stars are in my album.
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Some nice colour there to add to the collection JJ. Droo
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Nice Jerry - I got lots of those smaller lighter pieces too.
Is the bigger, darker stone at the top quite clear and free of fractures?
Unfortunately my bigger stones had cracks in just the wrong places - hopefully can still get a small cutter our of them though. I'll try take a photo when I have some sun!
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Nice collection there Jerry. Enough to tempt me to head north again.
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Lovely stones Jerry! Proving once again IF you can reach them you will get awesome colour & quality.
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ALFer's will recall that I posted a comment about the Sara River/Kookabookra site having signs posted saying that we had received info that there were signs up saying Trespassers will prosecuted. Peter Chaffey and I visited there this morning and could not see any signs of this nature. There is a cattle grid on the western side of the Pinkett Rd leading onto a Crown Reserve Road which is on the southern side of the old Tennis Courts that we went over and went down to the creek.
The land to the south of the old Tennis Courts down to the Creek is Crown Land that adjoins the land to the north and west of the Tennis Court and is under lease to a local property owner. Driving a bit further west down the crown reserve road brings you to a fence and a gate which again is crown land and leased by a different property owner.
Peter and I then drove the 7 klms thru to the Oban River along the Kookabookra Rd. What great country that is. Plenty of water around with the river flowing 20mm over the crossing.
Peter Teschner
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Thanks for the information Peter, much appreciated.
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They were removed before Minerama... A group of fossickers went down there before Minerama and there was no Rocks blocking the track and no signs around..... Must have put the wind up him by your posting about it on here 6 weeks ago.. :D..
Gemster.... beers
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Good to hear you went down to Kookabookra Peter. :)
They were removed before Minerama... A group of fossickers went down there before Minerama and there was no Rocks blocking the track and no signs around..... Must have put the wind up him by your posting about it on here 6 weeks ago.. :D ..
Gemster.... beers
Info Peter provided matches the map.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/8/medium_9-060217134943.jpeg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8483)
NB North is to the right hand side. :)