Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: gertbysea on October 26, 2014, 12:16:43 am
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Hi everyone, JD updating this first posting to make things easier if you are looking for information about this year's Forumfest.
The dates are Fri 23rd, Sat 24th & Sunday 25th October.
The venues have been chosen, a cooking class has been booked and the following people have committed for rooms. Other activities still to be finalised. Firstly, details of the accommodation from our contact Sarah Maunder
From: MAUNDER Sarah <H3028-RE7@accor.com>
Date: 12 March 2015 9:46:00 am AEDT
I
Thank you for choosing the Mercure Welcome Hotel and Swanston Hotel for your group accommodation. I have now set up your special code which is THERMOMIX15.
Guests will need to quote this code to receive the 5% discount off our best available rate at the time of booking. This special rate will have a cancellation policy of 7 days prior to arrival, if anyone needs to cancel they will be able to do this up until 6 pm 7 days before they are due to arrive without any charge. Any cancellations received after this date will incur a charge of the first nights’ accommodation per room. To book their reservations guests will be required to provide valid credit card details as a guarantee, they will not need to pay for their accommodation until they arrive at the hotel.
This discount is available at both the Mercure Welcome Hotel (3.5 stars) and the Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure (4.5 stars) on all room types. If they wish to add breakfast, we can do this on booking at the discounted rate of $18 per person, per day. This is a special pre-booked rate, if they would prefer to wait and decide on the day breakfast is $25.
Please note that rooms and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking. Our rates are also dynamic which means they are constantly changing therefore not everyone will receive the same rates.
Bookings can be made via email or phone the details of which are as follows:
Phone: 03 8662 1312
Email: H3028-RE7@accor.com
Further details regarding shuttle bus/taxi to the hotel
We are approximately 30 minutes by Taxi from Melbourne Tullmarine Airport and it will cost approximately AUD $65.00 including 10% tax to the Hotel per taxi per way. Alternatively, the Skybus Airport Shuttle is only AUD $18.00 including 10% Tax per person each way and takes approximately 1 hour. The Skybus will drop you off at Southern Cross Station and from there you can take their complimentary hotel shuttle right to our door (within certain time periods). Advance bookings are not required - simply proceed to the Skybus desk at the airport terminal. For the return trip, our Concierge Desk will be happy to help you book the hotel shuttle back to Southern Cross Station; you will need to book at least 24 hours in advance for this service. For more information on the Skybus please click on the below link.
http://www.skybus.com.au/
LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE CONFIRMED THEY ARE PREPARED TO BOOK NOW (list started 28/2/15)
Chookie & Ral booked Swanston for Fri, Sat & Sunday with breakfast
Gert booked Swanston for Fri, Sat, Sunday with breakfast
Judy booked Swanston for Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sunday with breakfast. Flights booked
Gayle booked Swanston Fri, Sat, Sun with breakfast
CP & DH booked for Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun
Aussie Brenda booked Welcome, Friday & Saturday night with Breakfast.
Uni booked in for Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, booked 6.30 am flight
Cookie booked Swanston for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and leaving Monday with breakfast. Flight booked. Arriving Thursday. .
Denise & Evan booked Swanston Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun with breakfast
kezza booked Swanston Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
Trudy & Wayne booked Swanston Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun with breakfast. Flights booked.
kmw, DH & 1 child booked Welcome Hotel Fri, Sat, Sun
MF booked Swanston for Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun with breakfast. Departing Perth 9.35 am Thursday arriving Melbourne 4.05 pm. Departing Melbourne 3.00 pm Monday arriving Perth 4.05 pm.
An Alyce Alexander 3.5 hour Yum Cha cooking class has been booked for 10 am on Saturday 24th October. 417 City Road, South Melbourne, Victoria, Melbourne VIC 3205
(03) 9690 5509 Class is full but Chookie will start a waiting list for anyone else wanting to attend in case there are cancellations. The $83 per person has to be reimbursed to Chookie by those who booked. We will be visiting the nearby South Melbourne Market after the cooking class, we will have an hour there before it closes.
Final cooking class details 6/10/15
Yum Cha class at Alyce Alexandra cooking School for Forum Fest
24th. October, 10.00 am to 1.00pm, with 1/2 an hour for shopping, if desired.
( the South Melbourne Market, close by is open until 2.00pm).
There will be a booklet of recipes available and plenty of food to sample. No lunch needed afterwards.
Parking available. Details to come.
Participants ( please tell me by PM if there is a problem with the list.)
Chookie
Marina
CP and DD
Jeninwa
Kimmyh
Kezza
Cookie
Gert
Judy
Bedlam
Wonder
Bruce( friend)
Aussie Brenda
Mamma Fergie
Trudy and Wayne
Djinni
Michele
Bogie 1, ( Jenny)
Kerry
Kerry's friend.
Wendy, ( my DIL) and GD.
Anita, ( Ex TMX consultant)..
Oops, forgot to put in address
417 city road
South Melb
Phone 9690 5509
Local Melbournites who will be attending but not staying at the hotel.
Kimmy
Cuilidh (Marina)
Wonder (Nadine)
bogie1 (Jenny)
deedub (Debbie)
More activities will be posted as they are arranged, I believe CP is looking into the Tram restaurant and arcade tours. Marina has booked and those interested have paid for the tramcar restaurant for the Sunday lunch .
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ORIGINAL POST
Inviting member show of interest for Fest in Melbourne 2015
Looking for ideas and places to stay as well as members who may be interested.
October 23/24/25 ?
Location near Markets?
Apartments are good.
Hotels where we can gather are good.
Victoria Markets
High Tea Windsor Hotel or Hopetoun Tearooms.
Casino
Outlet Shops
Essential Ingredients
Maybe a group booking at a show or event?
Play.
Concert.
Update - An Alyce Alexander 3.5 hour Yum Cha cooking class has been booked for 10 am on Saturday 24th October. Class is full but Chookie will start a waiting list for anyone else wanting to attend in case there are cancellations. The $83 per person has to be reimbursed to Chookie by those who booked.
Already interested.
Gretchen
Cookie
Chookie
Bedlam
Uni
Gayle
Jenni
Judy
kmw
CP
RC + DW
Cuilidh
Wonder
Katie
Aussie Brenda
kezza
Mcmich
Jamberie
bogie1 - Jenny
LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE CONFIRMED THEY ARE PREPARED TO BOOK NOW (list started 28/2/15)
Chookie & Ral
Gert
Judy
Mcmich & Don
Gayle
Narelle
CP
Aussie Brenda
Katie & Richard
Uni
Jamberie, DH & 1 child
Cookie
Denise & Evan
kezza
Trudy & Wayne
kmw, DH & 1 child
MF
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I've stayed at the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens which is just around the corner from the Vic Markets. That was nice but there may be cheaper and just as nice.
We really need a local Victorian resident who maybe has contacts and can do the bookings for us. Anyone prepared to take it on, Victorian or not?
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363 more sleeps ;D
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I've stayed at the Swanston Mercure in Swanston street, they also have a slightly cheaper hotel attached to it. Also the Westin and the Crown.
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Count me in 😄
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When I go to Melb and need accommodation I book The Flinders Lane apartments. Nightly rates start from about $145pn and upwards for 1 bedroom self contained apartment, linen incl, kitchenette. Located just off Flinders Lane so right in the heart of things. I can enquire with the booking agent cos he remembers me. Most of the apartments can sleep 2-4 people as the sofa beds fold down.
I'm keen as mustard to attend this :-*
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We would love to have you too CP, Gert's got in early again so that you can all block out those dates from other events.
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When I get home I will check my cruise dates, if there is no clash I'll be there too.
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Some might be interested in a bus tour of the cheap outlet shops.
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Are the outlet shops they take you to good? I usually take myself to Bridge Road and Swan st which are easily accessible by tram.
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OK shock horror, count us in. Melbourne I can do. ;D DH says yes we can come.
we have stayed at Crest apartments just off Bridge Road before.. :)
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Add me in, loved the Gracetown Wa but haven't been able to do last two, so Melbourne here I come.....
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Excellent news.
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It's only 1hr down the road from me, so no excuse.......count me in too.
Chookie, just did a bus outlet tour two weeks ago. Very disappointing and a waste of a day in my opinion.
South Melbourne market is worth a look.
What about a guided walking foodies tour of Melbourne's lanes and arcades. There's a great chocolate one I saw on tv once.....just saying 😉.
Also, dates might be an issue or book early. It's spring racing carnival time with the cox plate (big lead up race to Melbourne cup) that weekend. Accommodation could be hard to find and at a premium price. Just thinking out loud.
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The list is growing by the day, welcome aboard everyone.
Thanks for your input Kimmy , we need some local knowledge.
Might have to look at those dates Gert?
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Book early I say plenty of accomodation . Melbourne always busy. And prices keen. Do it now I say. Sort the details later.. Need an approximate number, block some rooms and away we go
Gert
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I've done the walking tour for laneways and arcades and it was terrific. Yarra Valley is also fantastic, as is catching a show. The best thing I've done is an Italian food safari and I know it would be a huge hit. It is very informative but from memory about $120pp which may be a deterrent.. We did keep all the names of the places we went to tho so we could probs go there anyway as they were mostly around Lygon Street. I'm sure a little pre calling to some places to advise of a large group coming in could be easily arranged.
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I will certainly be coming along.
I agree re. accommodation costs etc. with it being the Spring Racing Carnival and just one weekend out from the Melbourne Cup especially, we will have to move relatively quickly as I would imagine that some places will almost certainly be booked out already.
I cannot comment on good places to stay, but I am sure CP will be able to help with that.
Personally, I have a huge reluctance to go to the casino, but that's just me; I can always find something else to do to keep myself amused.
One suggestion I thought of was booking the Tramcar Restaurant, not sure of costs at this stage, just a thought. Also, I believe a certain world famous chocolatier (I think I have not spelled that correctly ... I mean maker of chocolates) does tours - and probably tastings :o.
I will also check with the guys at Books for Cooks to see if there are any food related things happening but I doubt that there will be because of the horse racing at that time of the year. Not sure what shows or concerts will be happening, but will keep an eye open. We should start getting concert programmes in soon. Most of the ones we know about will be chamber / classical which may not suit everyone, but there is bound to be something happening to suit most tastes.
Starting to get excited already!!!
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It was a real treat to wake up and find this thread today. I'll definitely be in. I would agree on the accommodation at this time of year, we are in the midst of 3 weeks of near capacity n Melbourne. The Jehovah's Witness world convention, a Vietnam Veterans event, Melbourne marathon weekend as well as the racing carnival. It's a very busy time.
I wouldn't go with a shopping tour, the city shops all have plenty of sales at the moment and there are lots of great finds or for anyone interested in outlet shopping there are now a few easily accessible by public transport, with one not far from the casino. I too would give the casino a miss although some of the restaurants are nice around there, but these days I think the city centre is much better.
I would look at Phrahan market as well as South Melbourne and Victoria markets, the Essential ingredient is at Prahran and I think Alyce's cooking classes take place near the South Melbourne market. I've also done a tour of China town and Sydney road both of which were great.
I don't have a good idea of places to stay although CP's suggestion is a great location.
So many fantastic things to do in and around Melbourne, the list is endless.
I don't mind helping a little but unfortunately I don't have much spare time with work at the moment so can't put my hand up for too much.
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Maybe we should change the dates Gert. maybe the week b4
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Just a thought ... if there are more husbands / partners coming along, would they like to do something that is 'boy's stuff' as opposed to following the women around doing 'girl's stuff'?
Maybe we should change the dates Gert. maybe the week b4
Re. dates, to be safe, we would have to go about 2 week's earlier as the Caulfield Cup is on the week preceeding this one (I think ... I'm afraid I don't follow the horses, but I am pretty sure that at this time of year there is a major race meeting for the 2 - 3 weeks leading up to the Melbourne Cup).
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its our way or the highway for the boys :-))
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just a thought, most of us did pay $230 per night for tassies would that time of year be more than that
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Uni you should be able to get something in that price range, the problem is where there is also a major convention like last week with the Jehovah's Witness meet. We had a backpacker friend who couldn't get a bed for any price on Friday night, and paid $100 for single bed in a 16 bed dormitory on the Saturday night! I'm not sure how you find out about events such as those but i guess if you book far enough in advance it might not matter.
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I was just going to mention Alyce's cooking school, she has lots of different courses but maybe she could do a special class for us so our dates coincide providing we have enough members to make up a class. The only time I can't go is mid Jun, Jul, - mid Aug as I will be away overseas.
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Plenty rooms are available ATM for next year at very good rates
where are you off too CP, i will be overseas too ;D i dont get back until the 1st week of October
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I was just going to mention Alyce's cooking school, she has lots of different courses but maybe she could do a special class for us so our dates coincide providing we have enough members to make up a class. The only time I can't go is mid Jun, Jul, - mid Aug as I will be away overseas.
I'd love to do a class with Alyce,
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I would also love to do one of Alyce's classes, although I'm never sure if she runs the actual classes or not.
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uni we're off to italy, croatia (of course), and Berlin
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One of Alyce's classes sounds great. Can't help with accommodation suggestions either. I also agree, casino not for me. Plenty else to do and see. Wonder the parham market and essential ingredient is on my go for list. Boy I think we would get ourselves into a lot of trouble in that place.
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I also agree with uni.....it's all about us girls.
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Kimmy, I haven't been there in years and from memory I was so overwhelmed I didn't buy anything ;D
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I visited the Prahan Market and The Essential Ingredient in August. They are good. There is also the little kitchen shop I frequent when in Melbourne. I think it is in Little Bourke St. The new Emporium is really good too.
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Wonder the parham market and essential ingredient is on my go for list. Boy I think we would get ourselves into a lot of trouble in that place.
Oh yes, it is certainly a dangerous combination in there! I haven't been to either the market or E.I. for years and would love the chance to spend time roaming around. I believe there is also a biggish Japanese supermarket at the back of the market as well ... maybe we should book something in Prahran and just stay there for the weekend!
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The kids' comic shop is a 5 minute walk from the Prahan markets, maybe we could pay them a surprise visit.
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Marina, DH and I have decided to stay a night down in St Kilda in early December. We stay in the city every now and again but I thought St Kilda would be a bit different and the hotel is certainly a lot cheaper. I'm really looking forward to it as it's a Sunday night and we'll be down there all day on the Sunday after I do an early morning fun run, there's always lots to see and do in and around that area.
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We could tram hop to a lot of places if anyone knows the transport system well.
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... following on from Wonder's post, there is always St Kilda market and Acland Street on a Sunday ... Chapel Street, also in Prahran (Judy knows this area well!) ... oh, so much to do in Melbourne .. the more I think about it the more I realise this city has to offer ... The Emporium - I haven't been there yet .. H&M in the old GPO .... stop me before I walk out of work and go to investigate these places ;D
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I don't know the transport system well, but DD and I just ask and use the trams. I can go from the CBD to most places I wish by tram.
In the city there is also the free City Circle tram too if you don't wish to walk.
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DH and Ji went to Melbourne for Christmas and spent the entire time riding the entire tram amd railway system. Wonderful it was also free on Christmas Day.
Gert
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It sounds like we are going to need a month instead of a weekend, lol.
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Do you think we should borrow the TARDIS?
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is everyone ok with the dates 23/24/25?
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Good for me Uni
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I am flexible with any dates in October but November no good for me.
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Any time at that time of year is fine with me.
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Yup. Pretty flexible .
Gert
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Those dates are fine with me. Does anyone want me to call up Flinders Lane apartments and see what is available? There are also some other apartments close to these as well. You could opt to make your own brekky, have a group one, or pop out into a nearby laneway. Its a very central spot where you can just go out and do some shopping, or hop on a tram to go wherever.
Other than that I could suggest we all line up sleeping bags in my DD's loungeroom, but I think there would be lots of complaints from neighbors about all the snoring and the toilets flushing at all hours :D
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a few times a year jetstar have $9 fares , if we know the dates for sure, we could get cheap fares ;D
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LOL CP ;D
Uni that sounds like a great idea.
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yes please CP
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How about locking in the dates mid November
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just a thought instead of fri,sat,sun why not do sun ,mon tues room rates a cheaper
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Yes Uni but a bit concerned about bookings for meals and accommodation during such a busy Melbourne racing period.
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Anything is ok for me at the moment.
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the Mercure melb ATM for 18 Oct – 21 2015 Oct is only $106 p/n or 23 Oct – 25 Oct at $142 p/n
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That's a great price Uni, what street is it in?
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Mercure sounds good uni, and those $9 fares...damnit, they'll exclude Perth for sure!
265 Little Bourke Street
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265 Little Bourke st
copy and paste
Located right in the heart of Melbourne, this 3.5-star property is surrounded by exciting attractions that will give you a wonderful stay. The popular attractions include shopping precincts, theaters, galleries, bars, and restaurants. Just a stone's throw away from vibrant Bourke St. Mall, Federation Square, Southbank, Her Majesty's and Regent Theaters, Queen Victoria Markets, and Melbourne Central Shopping Complex, it is an excellent location for leisure travelers. They also feature fine rooms that are well appointed. Hotel facilities include valet parking, a luggage storage area, and concierge. Undoubtedly a great location, it is definitely worth your stay
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ops 2 late
are you a jetstar member? i pay $35 p/y so far its been worth it
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Flinders Lane Apartments look good too. CP please when u have a few minutes to spare can you call them, thanks love
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The furniture in the bar looks easy to shift.
Gert
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;D
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Reading with great interest! Melbourne is certainly do-able.... but just have to wait a while before I can confirm :) I'd love to go to one of Alyce's classes....wonder if it would be worth Tenina running a few Melbourne classes at the same time!
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Oh yes please. Many of us have never attended Tenina,s classes.
Gert
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The Mercure Welcome is on Little Bourke St, attached to it is the Mercure Swanston which opens onto Swanston St. They share the same reception. There is a restaurant there called The Louden and they do a breakfast equal to or better than Grand Chancellor. DD and I always stay at the Swanston.
The Mercure Welcome is less stars than the Mercure Swanston. It is very central, right over the road from the Emporium.
I know how to catch trams from here to Swan St ( shoes), Lygon St( Readings and food). We can walk to the DFO from there or catch the free tram. You can walk to the markets or catch the free tram.
I think I mentioned before that I am not sure about a bar area though.
A link (http://theswanston-grandmercure.h-rez.com/index.htm?lbl=ggl-en&gclid=COGIysCD1MECFVYHvAodubwAZg)to the hotel.
I forgot to add that there is a Haigh's Chocolate on Swanston St at the entrance to this place. That is not good as you have to pass it everytime you go up or down.
My 5 cents worth.
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I've stayed at the Mecure in Little Bourke st a few years ago, and while it's a great location (right at the entrance to Emporium, Myer and David Jones), it really is a budget hotel and I think you get what you pay for. The rooms were very small, with long dark corridors and quite shabby. I think the Flinders Lane apartments would be far better. My daughter stayed at Oaks on Lonsdale a little while ago and said it was great value, good location very close to Vic markets as well as city shops and they have one and two bedroom apartments if people are looking to share. I can't get a price for next October though.
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I agree Wonder. The Welcome part of the hotel is pretty yuk. The other side that opens onto Swanston st is similar to what we had in Hobart. The rooms are bigger and much better.
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I haven't stayed in Melbourne for a long time so can't comment on accommodation, I'd like to stay somewhere that does breakfast and has a bar, as they were our meeting points. I loved arriving at breakfast and seeing all those Smiley faces. Just my 2 cents worth.
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My only criteria is location, clean sheets, clean room, clean bathroom, and price
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Good one CP but you forgot the good icy cold bubbles at a decent price.
Gert
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Thats good to know Cookie.I quite often see deals for the hotel but have always been turned off by our visit there. As much as Flinders lane is one of my favourite streets in Melbourne I think the location of the Welcome is hard to beat.
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One day when you are in the city Wonder go in and ask to see over the Mercure Swanston. The Mercure Welcome is horrid but the other is ok. However I'm not sure about a bar area. I will need to check.
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i have a few very busy months ahead of me with a house guest dont know long she will be staying and bali for 6 weeks in march then italy in june ,july, aug, sep back the 1st week of oct ,i will be booking my accommodation at the end of November
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The life of a jetsetter - you probably won't even need to unpack at this rate uni :D
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I haven't stayed in Melbourne for a long time so can't comment on accommodation, I'd like to stay somewhere that does breakfast and has a bar, as they were our meeting points. I loved arriving at breakfast and seeing all those Smiley faces. Just my 2 cents worth.
I agree, nice to have room to have a chat both at the beginning and end of the day.....maybe the middle too....with the odd glass of bubbles thrown in!
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I'm flexible on dates but weekend suits better than midweek, due to schooling, etc.
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I haven't stayed in Melbourne for a long time so can't comment on accommodation, I'd like to stay somewhere that does breakfast and has a bar, as they were our meeting points. I loved arriving at breakfast and seeing all those Smiley faces. Just my 2 cents worth.
I agree, nice to have room to have a chat both at the beginning and end of the day.....maybe the middle too....with the odd glass of bubbles thrown in!
I agree Denise especially the essential bubbles anytime of the day ;D
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It has to be a pretty big bar area or meeting place, we were a decent sized group in Tassie and Melbourne could be even bigger.
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The Escape Room has just been on Sunrise, 2nd biggest tourist attraction to the Great Ocean Road (apparently).
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I find that impossible to believe CP, would like to know how they came up with the results.
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maybe I heard wrong but thats what I thought they said ???
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I wonder CP?? It just seems strange to me when there are so many fantastic tourist attractions in Melbourne/Victoria - Phillip Island and so many more. I had never heard of this beofre you mentioning it.
Looks like I'll be spending the day in the city tomorrow, so I might go and have a look at the two hotels and check out the bar and restaurant areas and will report back.
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Thanks Wonder, we would appreciate that. Even if there's a lounge area close to the bar, what we had in Hobart was a huge atrium area on 2 levels adjacent to reception one end and the dining room the other.
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I'd never heard of this room either, Escape room, that was always the toilet ;D
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Thanks Wonder, and have a drink too ;D
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I'm sure I'll be having more than one drink. It's the start of good food month in Melbourne and it's BBQ lunch Saturday. There a few places doing single serve plates so Dh and I thought we would catch the train in and spend the afternoon sampling a few different places and having a drink at each place. Unfortunately the weather is going to be horrible but it will be great spending the afternoon in there.
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I'm good for the dates suggested.
I stayed at the Welcome over 15 years ago, remember small rooms but I only just started working or at uni so was great just to be away.
Oh thought of all the Hobart ladies at Jansz Wines yesterday 😄
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is there a Mantra hotel or apartments.
what about the crest apartments near Bourke Road. :)
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Obbie, do you mean Quest ? They are about $200 plus a night. There are two in Carlton but no big meeting area. As Jen pointed out this was a central focal point of the Hobart experience.
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yes ACW the Quest.
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Sorry with Melbourne's horrible weather and ending up needing to do some work yesterday I wasn't able to have the nice walk around the city I had planned. I'll try for next Sunday to go and scope out the two already mentioned.
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I agree Jen and chookie that a place to meet and greet for breakfast or pre dinner drinks where we can mingle is important. I would not like to be in a place where we are all in separate accomodation. If that is the case then it would mean almost be every man for himself. We should have at least one excursion together as a group as well as free time.
The point of the Forum Fest is to get to know one another and have the pleasure of laughing and dining together. Melbourne is a great place for looking, shopping and doing so some may want an extra day or two apart from the designated Fest time. That could be me. If there is a cooking class on or about include me in. Also the market guided tour would be a hit. A gorgeous restaurant meal where we an be a bit rowdy and have fun is on the cards. Perhaps not a fine dining venue. We could be too much for them. We don't want the fun police onto us.
Gert
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I agree with everyone that the most important thing for a Forumfest is to have the central meeting area where we can have a drink, be noisy and move the furniture around a bit. That was what made Hobart for me.
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Totally agree we need a central hub where we can all meet, chat, laugh and maybe the occasional glass of bubbles LOL ;D
That is exactly what made it so special in Hobart cookie.
Not sure if the hotel staff loved our group of furniture removalists as much as we did ;D
I have stayed a few times in the Crown Promenade hotel which is linked to the Crown entertainment area with many cafes and restaurants by an air bridge. It has a bar/ lounge area just off the lobby which is perfect for socialising but not sure if they do discounts for groups or seniors.. I think the brekkie restaurant is adjacent to this bar area too. It also has a few outside tables for smokers but not naming our smoking dancing girl ;D
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I'm ruling out the Flinders Lane apartments based on the meeting point criteria. Aside from dining or drinking, I second that we need an organised tour/class altogether to have the time to mingle and get to know one another.
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I'm keen to join in next yet but really have no idea on family scheduling yet.
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We need a big glass window for her, she entertains us constantly LOL.
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Yep it has that Judy as that is a must have for our lovely lady ;D
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;D
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Can't see it fundj!
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MF, we have stayed at Crown Metropol quite a few times and while we've loved it found that after staying back in the city the last few times realised how little of the city you see while being consumed by the Crown complex, there are some great restaurants etc. but I find it all a bit "manufactured". We also found that with just a short time we ended up spending a lot of it either walking or traming back into the city area for all the great shops, cafes and the market. Another one that is worth a look is Rydges on Exhibition St, while it's not 5 start, we found the rooms lovely, they have a big bar/meeting area downstairs and in a relatively good location on the corner of Exhibition and Little Bourke.
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The girls at Hobart talked me out of doing a lunch at Cherokee. I very much want to be part of the fun at Melb Fest and can't do both. Also it would mean a day out of a very short holiday when there are so many good things to see around Melb.
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So happy you have opted out of that one chookie. Too far from the fun. We want you and Ral in town and there will no doubt be far too many to accommodate for lunch. I ain't hauling a chair from Cairns .
Gert
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Wonder Rydges sound a good bet. They are always reasonable and deals can be made. Good location .Any thoughts?
Gert
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i need my Ral ;D
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Bwaaaaaaaa! Waddabout me??
Gert
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It's cup day in Melbourne tomorrow and at this stage we don't have anything planned and DS has been asking me to take him into the city to skateboard. If all goes to plan I might have a scout around, if not tomorrow then definitely on the weekend.
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Yes I too am pleased you opted out Chookie, we need you both with us.
This year has disappeared it will be Fest time again too quickly.
I think that photo is priceless Uni, love Rals expression. Must have been a great photographer!
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I am interested in coming, is there room for one more :)
Can't help out with any ideas for sightseeing or accommodation. It is some time since I have been to Melbourne.
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Have added you to the list Margaret. Never too many, we start off with a long list and it usually reduces before the time comes.
I'm happy to stay anywhere ladies, if Wonder is prepared to look and choose then that is fine by me. Seeing what's on offer in the flesh is a necessity unless it's a 5 star hotel, we know they are good but if we can find a place cheaper which fits the bill then why not? Wonder can you ask how the booking works, in Hobart we didn't have to pay anything until we left and could cancel right up until the last minute without any penalty too.
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My cruise dates are 9th to 17th if we drive up to Sydney , allowing two days to get home , if it is after the 20th count me in PLEASE.
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Uni, Gert, you can't have Ral!! He is a keeper. Love the photo.
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(http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/sad/crying-fountain.gif) (http://www.sherv.net/)
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At this stage it's from 23rd October so I've added you to the list AB.
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Thanks Judy I can't wait to meet you all in person.
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Uni, Gert, you can't have Ral!! He is a keeper. Love the photo.
But can't you share him. I'd like a little piece too 😘
Glad you decided not to do it chookie. It would have been lovely but way to much work for you. Much better to kick back with us and enjoy the festivities.
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Chookie I am another one who is pleased you and Ral will be with us in Melbourne.
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Me too but you know that already :-* :-*
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Chookie, I'm another one that is glad you have decided against hosting a lunch. I had a great day last time and you and Ral were fantastic hosts but you should be able to take advantage of all the amazing things Melbourne has to offer and relax with everyone for a few days.
Another option that others might be interested in is the bread making classes at Abbotsford convent, I've been looking at doing one for ages and have heard good reports. There is also a fantastic farmers market there some weekends and is a beautiful spot in Melbourne to visit.
http://www.conventbakery.com/html/s01_home/home.asp (http://www.conventbakery.com/html/s01_home/home.asp)
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Wonder , that sounds good.
I have a friend checking out Alyce's cooking classes to see if she could do a special one for us. I know someone who did one recently with her and said it was fantastic. Her school is close to the city.
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Any cooking class would,be fun! Can we muck up?
Gert
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It would be hard for them to stop us Gert ;D
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A cooking class with Tenina is so much fun???
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Could you please add me to the list as a definite maybe, Judy?
I would love to come, but won't be able to commit until nearer the time. I realise that the later I leave it, the harder it will be to get accommodation, but I'll just have to take my chances.
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You're on the list Sue, hope you can make it!
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Thanks, Judy. :)
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Should 't be hard Sue if we got a place and reserve a certain number of rooms well in advance as I did in Hobart. Told them we would need a certain number more or less. They did not have a problem with that.
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Just trying to rearrange our cruise so I can come to Melbourne. I thought we had booked cruise departing November 21st but somewhere along the planning we changed to the same itinerary departing October 25th with another cruise line. Travel agent thinks it will be ok and she should know by today or tomorrow. As the two cruise lines are "sister companies" she is confident all will be fine. I hope so
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Wow. That could have been disastrous . Fingers crossed.
Gert
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Fingers and toes crossed
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Yes fingers and toes well crossed ;D
Got all the details emailed to me earlier and it can be done. Will talk it over with DH tonight as the 2 negatives are the cost is higher but with lots of inclusions and we wouldn't be flying out of Cape Town until Christmas Eve. Will need to check out flight times etc but hopefully it will work out as we need to be home for Christmas day. We will be away for just over 5 weeks.
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I haven't been on the forum over the last couple of weeks. Numerous reasons too boring for you all, the major one being computer carked it and my iphone won't connect to the internet. All so frustrating. But anyway, I have just read this thread and I would love to be on the list too please. I was actually thinking of flying over for one of Alyce's classes in September, but realised the one I was interested in was on the weekend of grand final. Not a good time!
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Good to hear, have added you to the list kezza.
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Kezza, that is great. Look forward to catching up again.
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I was finally in the city on Sunday and was able to have a look at a few places as potential hotels for the 2015 Forum Fest. Of the 5 I looked at, from a position and having a large breakfast area and/or bar area perspective, I would say that Rydges (cnr Exhibition and Little Bourke) and Melbourne's Swantson Hotel - Grand Mecure (close to cnr Little Bourke and Swanston) are hard to beat. There are certainly lots of others that would be suitable but both of these are hard to beat in terms of walking distance to both Vic Market (remember I love walking so others might like to tram it) and all the major shops, a short tram ride to outlet shopping and the casino, tram or train to many other locations in and around Melbourne and surrounded by excellent restaurants. If anyone finds any others they would like checked out let me know and I'm sure I'll be back in there over the Christmas period.
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thanks wonder, they both sounds good to me
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We always stay at the Swanston when we come over. It is central, not far to all trams, not far from Flinders St station if we need a train. Has a lovely bar area called the Cocoon Bar if you wish to google it. There is a Haigh's as you walk to their reception.
If it is a little pricey for anyone there is a cheaper hotel, The Welcome , attached to it on the other side. They use the same reception.
Thanks for doing that Wonder.
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Thanks for adding about the Welcome hotel cookie, we stayed there quite a few years ago and while it is definetly more on the budget end, it does use the same facilities and in the same great location.
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thanks wonder. sounds good to me.
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Thanks for checking them out Wonder, I'm happy to go along with whichever hotel is chosen.
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I would love to attend but it might be too close to DD's Wedding.
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Maybe she could change the date DD? ;)
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ROFL. I hope to be going to Melbourne about 20th August as well. DD is attending a conference and I'm tagging along. It is good news as then I can come again in October. ;D ;D :D
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Great to hear you're all coming to Melbourne! No suggestions from me on accommodation but there's a not bad restaurant near Rydges called Trunk Diner which has a private room so could be an option for dinner. Come to think of it, the restrooms are up a flight of stairs so maybe not a good idea 😃.
My MIL & FIL did the breadmaking course at the Convent a few years ago & loved it, said it was hard work though with all the kneading! I think the classes are fairly small so I doubt you could all attend at once. It is a lovely spot and they also hold a slow food market there.
I'd love to be involved in some way, maybe join you on your day trip or a dinner, probably couldn't commit to the whole weekend unfortunately.
I've got a couple weeks leave over Xmas/NY so if you need someone local to do some investigating let me know. Probably best to PM me as I'm not on here much these days.
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Thought this might be handy for you girls on your next Forum Fest. Get your orders in early ;D
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/ragdoll128/forumfest_zps66a0bd9a.jpg) (http://s260.photobucket.com/user/ragdoll128/media/forumfest_zps66a0bd9a.jpg.html)
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Julie, great idea, we all need one.
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:D :D that is such a cool idea! I know of a few friends I could give one to for a present (not including myself)
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Gert needs one of those LOL. Brilliant.
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Brilliant idea :D :D
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LOL.
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When I met up with Dijinni last weekend, she said "I will make time to come to forum fest" and so will I.
I had a wonderful time in Perth and Melbourne. Will be planning to attend. :)
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I'll add you to the list on the first page Michele. Perhaps it's time for everyone to reassess their position and either confirm their intentions or ask for their name to be removed. We really need to move onto booking the hotel. Chookie is organising the cooking class, did you manage to get the required number Chookie?
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We are going to make a holiday of it again, come for a couple of weeks. I think we will drive over. DH says he can find plenty to do if not many other DH's.
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You will enjoy the drive Denise.
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Michele are you interested in the cooking class? I have 22 possibles and I can fill class with friends but would rather have Forum members.
Although I need 2 more, I will go ahead and pay today.
Bedlam, you may like to visit us in country Victoria.
Judy, if last minute deciders want to come to the cooking class, I can over book by 2.
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Although I need 2 more, I will go ahead and pay today.
Chookie how much money do you need from us? If for any reason I cannot make it then you can invite one of your friends to go. My treat!
Just PM me your baking details and the money will be into your account today. No worries.
Gert
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Chookie, if we've committed to the class we must pay - please forward details so that we can do that.
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Yes Chookie, pm me your bank details. I will pay now too. I certainly don't want you out of pocket.
A visit would be lively Chookie, I'm sure DH would love to also. We will have to plan an itinerary vilest to the time.
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Bank details here too please Chookie. Like Gert, if I can't make it some one else can go, my treat. Thanks for all this.
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And me too. Thats a big expense.
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We are coming to Melbourne :) We won't partake in all the activities (as we will have 2 kiddies in tow), but hope to stay at the same accommodation so we can say hi (and maybe have a drink or two).
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Great news jam. Very exciting.
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Fantastic Jam, be lovely to meet you.
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Jam, that is really good. Look forward to meeting family. :D
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Just catching up while I,have Internet we are on holidays travelling around , we are up at Overland Corner SA at the moment heading back down, yes confirm me for FF and Chookie if you send me banking details I will forward money when I get home in a few days time.
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That will be lovely Jamberie.
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That's great news Jam.
Chookie, please pm your bank details and I'll deposit my money.
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Hi guys, I've only just found this thread. I'd be interested in attending the forum or is it too late? Is it still in October?
Along with the Alyce Alexandra class, which I understand you've already booked in for, here's another thought for you to consider: https://www.fisherpaykel.com/au/experience/the-social-kitchen-cooking-school/
The VicMarket runs a cooking school nowadays where I understand they take you on a tour of the market to show you the ins and outs of what to look for when you're buying fresh produce and then you do the class (various topics or you can do a private class if there's 24-30 people).
I'm not sure if South Melbourne market do a similar thing, but it is literally around the corner from Alyce Alexandra in South Melbourne.
If you're still looking for attendees at Alyce's class I'd love to come :) I recently did a class there and it was fantastic.
Good news on getting around Melbourne CBD is that trams are free nowadays, so no pesky Myki purchases/top-ups are required if you're only travelling around the CBD itself.
There are quite a few good quality cheaper hotels in the city: Radisson Flagstaff (near VicMarket); Quest on William; Hotel Ibis Lt Bourke; Alto Hotel Bourke St (near Sourthern Cross); Oaks on Collins or Oaks on Market.
Let me know if there's room for one more.
Jenny
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Thanks Jenny. Chookie has organised the cooking class so she can answer that one for you.
Do you have personal experience with any of those hotels you listed? I've stayed at the Radisson Flagstaff and was quite happy with it, it was some years back though. Very handy to Queens Market.
It would be lovely to have you join us, I'll add your name to the list.
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Hi Jenny. Nice to see a local come up with some great ideas would love to meet you in Melbourne in October. I'll bring the Cairns sunshine. I didn't know the trams were free these days. How wonderful. Good innovation from the local government. Some of us will come down earlier and stay later depending on commitments. So much to see and do in Melbourne and there are some serious shoppers in our group!
Gert.
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Jenny, thanks for all that information re Melbourne. The best news being the trams are free for inner city travel. I bought a Myki card a couple of years ago and top it up each visit as we go out of the inner city.
I will have to peek at the hotels you mentioned. Looking forward to meeting you in Melbourne. We have great fun at Forumfest.
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You will have a ball at the Forumfest Jenny.The girls will make you so welcome ;D
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Has anyone booked their accommodation yet?
I'm thinking we will drive down (can't be bothered with the hassle of travelling with a stroller, port-a-cot AND two car seats)!
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Hi Jenny, although I live down on the Mornfington Peninsular I never go to 'Melbourne, so do,you not need a myki card at all for the trams I didn't even think of that?. It would be good to,have someone along who knows the City.
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What exactly is a myki card :D
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Jenny, welcome. We would love you to join us for the FF. Unfortunately we are fully booked for the Yum Cha cooking class. I could add you to the wait list if you wish.
I gather that you are a Melb person. Where do you live. .? I live in the Macedon Ranges. We have members all over the state. many will be coming from interstate for the FF.
The FF is officially Friday , Sat and Sunday.
On Saturday the class is 3 1/2 hours, starting at 10.00. The South Melbourne market is open from 8 am to 4 pm. So it would be possible to visit it after the class. We may have a late night on Friday. ,!! So much catching up to do, so before the class may be a bit of an effort but that will be decided by members.
Keep in touch.
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What exactly is a myki card :D
Judy it's the card you use on public transport, you put money on the card and then you scan the card as you get on the bus, train, or tram to pay your fare.
The equivalent in Adelaide is the Metrocard.
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Thanks Katie.
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Here it is called a Smart Rider. I don't know why they can't all have the same name. :-\
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Hi Jenny, great to have another Melbournite, I'm from Heidelberg so pretty close to the city. With the free trams it's only in the actual CBD (effective the start of this year) but the end of the free zone is very clearly marked. If you are wanting to travel any further afield you'll still need to purchase a Mykie which are easily available and easy to use.
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Here it is called a Smart Rider. I don't know why they can't all have the same name. :-\
Makes it confusing doesn't it. In Sydney it's the Opal card.
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I have stayed at Quest on William twice. all good.
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Thanks everyone, I'm looking forward to FF.
Just FYI its only CBD trams that are free. Here's a link to show the map: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/1-january-2015-fare-changes/
You will still need a Myki card to use trains, trams and buses outside of this area.
Chookie, I would love to go on the waitlist for the AA cooking class. Has it been decided already what the agenda will be for FF other than the date and cooking class?
I live in Werribee but I work in the city so I know my way around the CBD pretty well. JudyDawn, I've put colleagues and clients up at most of the hotels I mentioned. In particular at Flagstaff Radisson recently and both the Oaks on Collins and Oaks on Market, which have good conference facilities if needed too.
Gertbysea - definitely bring the sunshine with you :)
Thanks for having me guys, really looking forward to it.
Jenny
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Jenny I booked my DD in for the cooking class to make up the numbers I'm sure she wouldn't mind giving up her place for you, although she is a Thermomix owner she isn't passionate about cooking and it is a fair drive for,her to come in. She would rather just eat what I cook, :D
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I checked out the Radisson last night and it seems to be booked out for those dates Jenny. It certainly has changed since I stayed there, it looks lovely.
We only have the Saturday plans made. Not sure if you know exactly what a forumfest is Jenny. It's a group of people who are prepared to travel and meet up once a year in one of the capital cities. Our first one was in WA, down in the Margaret River region. Adelaide was next then last year we met up in Hobart. There is very little Thermomix talk, and we've never done a cooking class before. Normally the host state come onboard with ideas and do the outing bookings, air-port pick-ups etc, choose a hotel and everyone then books their own rooms.
Wonder has checked out a couple of hotels for us, others have put forth ideas but as yet nothing has been chosen. From those I've looked at, they want full payment up front at time of booking and the cheapest rate is non-refundable, something we haven't come across this far in advance before - I daresay because at that time of the year you have all the Melbourne Cup festivities happening.
We don't need a conference room but we do need a large area (with a bar) where we gather every morning before setting off on our planned day and if we are going in different directions, meet up late every afternoon as well. We tend to take over this area so it needs to be quite large so that other hotel patrons are able to find a seat as well ;D We need to book a welcome dinner on the Friday night and another meal out together on the Saturday night. Other meals are discussed amongst ourselves on the day and we may break up into different groups, depending on what we feel like eating. Some come earlier and stay an extra day or so and others come for a much longer holiday working around the forumfest dates. Some bring their husbands but most don't.
I think that's it in a nutshell, others can add to it if I've missed anything.
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So correct Judy. We don't really talk cooking and most of the time is decided as we go. Perhaps in Melbourne we may have a Vic Markets tour and the cooking class. Others may wish to shop, go to the MCG for a tour or any of the other things available in marvellous Melbourne.
Thanks so much for helping us with information Jenny.
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Checked out the Foodies Dream Tour at the Queen Vic Markets - this is on Fridays, $40 and they commence at 10 am.
Saturday - free market tour but we are already booked for the cooking class this day
Opening hours on the days we are there are - Friday 6 am - 5 pm, Saturday is out, Sunday 9 am - 4 pm
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Judy, thanks for the info. Very good.
I could do a free tour of the Vic market as could several other members, but I think that the tour for $40 includes tastings from several of the stalls.
Perhaps we need a list for each day with members expressing a wish to attend different activities,
For example
Friday, AM
Prahan Market and Essetianal Ingredient, 10. 12.00 , no cost
Or
shopping in city or other local area such as Bridge road.
Or ?.?
Friday PM
Guided tour of Sydney Rd.
.??
Evening meal, get together, Venue?
Sat AM
Cooking class, 10 to 1.30. Tastings instead of lunch. ( visit to South Melb Market 1.00 hour, optional )
Saturday evening meal.
Sunday
High tea at Windsor or Langham.
Just a few suggestions that could be added to.
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Ooh I want to do all those. High Tea at the Windsor would be lovely. I did it years ago and it is lovely. I have also done High Tea at that cute little place, I think it is called Hopetown Tea Rooms. .?? That is lovely but very squishy.
Maybe us out of towners need to select a hotel and go with it.
Are there any nice places that aren't too expensive just out of the city? I will try and sit down and check. When I go out tomorrow I may call in at the RAC and see if they have a holiday book I can have.
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Cookie,
I have a friend who is very into High Tea, having tried most of them around Melbourne/Victoria, she recommends Sofi's at Sofitel, top end of Collins St. Apparently it's cheaper than the Windsor and very nice. Personally I've never been to High Tea so I don't know, but here's an article I found that may help us decide which one to do: http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/features/2895/melbournes-best-high-teas
Another option is to check out the discount coupon sites, scoopons, buyii, etc as they often have coupons for high tea if people want to save a few $$$.
Jenny
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AussieBrenda,
That would be lovely re the Alyce Alexandra class, but only if your DD doesn't really want to go. Let me know via PM if I need to pay you or Chookie and your banking details :)
Thanks
Jenny
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Jenny thanks for your input. It's appreciated.
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JudyDawn,
Thanks for that info about FF, and thanks to whoever thought of FF in the first place! It sounds like you have had some good times in the past :)
That's a shame about Radisson Flagstaff being booked out because it's in a great central place to the markets, tram to south melbourne etc. Here's a search I just did on Trivago: http://www.trivago.com.au/?iSemThemeId=19174&iPathId=44314&sem_keyword=%2Bhotel%20%2Bcbd%20%2Bmelbourne&sem_creativeid=50921979079&sem_matchtype=b&sem_network=g&sem_device=c&sem_placement=&sem_target=&sem_adposition=1t1&sem_param1=&sem_param2=&cip=6112490013
There's some real bargains on there, in particular the Sebel on Collins, which has a great bar and restaurant. I see that there's quite a few "book now and pay later" options on there too. Plus I notice Radisson Flagstaff is listed on this search as having rooms available, so maybe a call to the hotel would prove fruitful.
Given that it's spring racing carnival and most likely Derby Day on the Saturday, I would make a group booking for rooms soon :)
Jenny
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Gosh. Been busy and feel like I've missed a lot.
Welcome Jenny, you will love it ( and us!)
Sounds like we need to book up soon.
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I would love to do a High Tea.
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There looks to be 24 people coming. I've just done a bit of research and come up with "Alto Hotel on Bourke", I can give them a call and see if they would have sufficient rooms for us all tomorrow. Quick price calculation for a standard room is $208. Will keep looking tonight.
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Many hands make light work and we need to make a decision soon, thanks to everyone who is doing some checking right now.
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CP that is kind of you.
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I also looked at High Tea options. Jenny is right the Sofital looks the Best. Might be nice to finish off on the Sunday with a High Tea. ?
CP, I looked at about 10 hotels yesterday and spoke to the group booking person. The problems seem to be Cox plate weekend and finding one that has a suitable meeting area.
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I feel very guilty that I have not taken an active part in this discussion - I have a huge amount on my plate at the moment and can't see an end until August. I am catching up with Chookie soon and will see if there might be something I can do to help nearer the time. At the very least I will be able to do some driving, etc on the weekend.
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I am not a happy camper at the moment as I have just found out that we have to attend a wedding on the same weekend as the Forum Fest. I was really looking forward to meeting everyone and now I have to withdraw. :( :( :( :(
I hope you all have a wonderful time and I will be thinking of you all enjoying yourselves.
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Sorry to hear that Margaret. I've removed you from the list along with Obbie as I believe she is not able to make it now either.
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Thanks Judy. I am relly p...ed off about it.
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Rotten luck Margaret. There will be next year.
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Alto Hotel on Bourke currently have availability: https://www.bookdirect2save.com.au/accommodation/melbourne/alto-hotel-apartments-melbourne/view-rates.php#room-type
They have 50 rooms in total. There are currently 24 available on the 23rd Oct, other nights vary. As they are a small boutique hotel they only have a small Lounge where they serve breakfast daily for about 10 tables from about 7-9:30am daily, weekends not. It would get pretty noisy and crowded in there if everyone met at once she said. I will send an email to the reservations manager who comes back from holidays on Monday and see if there is a special group price.
I will keep perusing the web in the meantime as well. Any feedback welcome.
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CP did you check out the Welcome on Swanston. While not overly flash the rooms looked clean, it's a great location and the bar area was very big with lots of moveable furniture.
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That's exactly what we need Wonder, you should have seen our twice daily ritual down in Hobart re-organising the furniture LOL.
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That was so much fun. Our arrangements were so much better.
Gert
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They certainly were. A pity they didn't appreciate them.
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Think it might be time to book. As long as the rooms are clean, it is ok with me. The gathering area is important.
How many rooms do we need? I though 12 to 15. We could do a group booking and may get a discount.
What do others think?
Wonder thanks for checking it out.
CP, it seems that apartments mostly don't have a gathering area.
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I'm happy to book now. We might be able to get a discount for a group booking. It's certainly worth a try.
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Me too.
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Judy I really wanted to come, but have a family wedding the next weekend in Brisbane, that we are going too. ;)
Hope you all have fun, and share the pics.
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Maybe another year Robyn, weddings can always upset one's plans.
I'm ready to book too. Perhaps we need a number of positive attendees now so that one of the local girls can negotiate a deal with these 2 hotels or do you think we can do that by email girls? We will need full details, whether the monies paid now are refundable if we cannot attend or if we have to pay a premium to ensure we can cancel at the last minute if somethings goes awry at home as it has been know to do in the past :-))
I'll start a list of those who say they are ready to commit to booking their room now. Please post a confirmation and we can add your name here as well as to the page 1 list.
So far -
Chookie & Ral
Gert
Judy
McMich & Don
Gayle
Narelle
CP (Denise)
Aussie Brenda
Katie & Richard
Uni
Jamberie & DH + 1 child
Cookie
Bedlam (Denise) & Evan
kezza
Trudy & Wayne
kmw , DH & 1 child
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Add 2 more to your list of those ready to book please Judy (Gayle & Narelle)
Thank you to all the lovely people who are organising things.
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Done, thanks Gayle. Obviously a double room for married couples but if any single person has arranged to share with another please let us know otherwise we will take it as a single room.
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I will commit to a room
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Thanks CP.
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I'm in too looking forward to,finally meeting some of my forum friends
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I rang Welcome Hotel and their group booking lady, Sarah does not work at weekends. All group booking are organised via email.
A contract and individual quote is organised, based on requirements.
I think we need a firm commitment for single and double rooms before we can get a quote.
I think we already know room prices so would want to do better than these. They may play hard ball because of Cox Plate and it is a hotel used by Asian bus groups.many who may be in Melb for the Cup Season.
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Thanks for all your hard work Chookie and those helping behind the scenes.
I'm coming along with Richard, so please put us down for a room.
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It would be good if we could get this sorted by the end of the week, price confirmation that is Chookie. Perhaps if we give the girls a couple more days to read where we are at, we can then email those who haven't responded on Tuesday and be ready to send that email to the hotel by Thursday. What do others think?
Local Melbourne girls - are any of you staying in the hotel with us interstaters or will you just come in each day for our activities and nightly dinners? Your response will save us sending out emails.
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We would be interested in staying at the Welcome too.
I am happy to book as a part of the group, however as we would need accommodation for 2 adults +1 child (I'll bring port-a-cot for bub) and might choose slightly different dates (Thurs night- Monday night) to everyone else, I am happy to organise our own booking too (but maybe if part of the group, it might help everyone)- either way I don't mind :)
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I'll put you on the list Jamberie, it might help us all to secure a better price.
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Sounds like a plan JD.
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Great Judy, that's what I was thinking, but I didn't want to burden anyone :)
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I've added me to the list Judy. If we go with The Welcome Or Swanston I'm fine. I've just found the Welcome a bit on the small side. They are basically adjoining anyway. You go to the left for one and the right for the other as you leave reception.
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I'm ready to book - DH loves Melbourne as that is where he first came to Australia. I will be there but unsure about Don.
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I'm not looking at staying overnight at this stage. Still trying to negotiate DH's work roster and babysitters as he is scheduled for shift work all that weekend. I will definitely be up there for the alyce class on Saturday....the rest is pie in the sky atm.
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Please count Evan and me in also.
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I will not need a room, Judy, I will head home at the end of each day as we are very close to that part of the CBD - if feeling energetic, I could even walk home!
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Judy, I'm not sure what I'll do yet and as my plans always seem to change I won't commit but if am able to book a room closer then might go with that option otherwise I will go home each day.
also, I would definitely go with the Swanston Grand Mecure rather than Welcome, eventhough they are adjoining I found the Welcome to not be so great. It was the Swanston that I checked out a few months ago.
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Thanks girls.
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Hi All,
No room for me thanks, I'll commute each day.
Kind regards,
Jenny
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Don is definitely coming. :D
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That will be lovely Mich.
I am not trying to put pressure on anyone but I found these photos in my collection this morning.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/01/fa0db0a314283a08ceaef8b948a644c3.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/01/fb72e70e107fc3a4bd324356654f185f.jpg)
This is a Swanston Room.
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Well that looks lovely Cookie. DH and I don't care where we stay as we aren't room dwellers and will be out and about soaking up the Melbourne atmosphere. We haven't been there since we went to Ral and Chookie's. :)
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Looks good to me cookie. I will join you in the Swanston. I deserve a nice room.
Gert
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I'm going to wait until the prices have been negotiated, both look OK to me. I'm like Michele, I spend very little time in my room so as long as it's clean, the size doesn't matter to me. I guess we will also need to know if anyone is coming earlier or leaving later so that these dates can be included in our negotiations. Anyone coming in on the 22nd (Thurs)?
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Just catching up on the forum and asking that you please add me to the list for accommodation. Swanston looks good to me. Apologies for the late notice. Thankyou to all those doing all the research etc.
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Thanks kezza, will do.
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Hi all we are a definite - 2 adults 1 child so we will need a room with a double & single for us which hotel we go with will come down to cost but as other said you don't spend a lot of time in them.
When are members already committed planning on going - Thursday night or Friday?
Also please add me to the wait list for the cooking class too totally missed that one.
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Kerry, will definitely put you down for the cooking class as I have padded it a bit to keep the price down.
Will send you the bank details.
Looking forward to catching up with you and family again.
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We are similar to kmw. Happy to go to either accommodation, but final price will probably decide (as we will probably be staying longer than most, and with 2 rooms, hopefully space won't be a problem).
At this stage am thinking of staying 4-5 nights Thurs-Mon but depends on Vic school holidays (am hoping to see some tourist attractions during term to avoid crowds!)
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Cookie & I sent off 8 emails last night to those who had not yet committed to a room. As a result, we have been able to add 3 more to the final list which consists of
Chookie & Ral
Gert
Judy
McMich & Don
Gayle
Narelle
CP (Denise)
Aussie Brenda
Katie & Richard
Uni
Jamberie & DH + 1 child
Cookie
Bedlam (Denise) & Evan
kezza
Trudy & Wayne
kmw (Kerry, Adrian & Alayna)
MF
So, at this stage we have 9 single rooms and 7 doubles - quite an impressive number with maybe more to come. Chookie will liase with the hotel on Thursday so watch this space for the results of that, hopefully before the end of the working week. It's important that anyone interested in joining us, adds their name to this list otherwise they will have to find their own accommodation at a later date.
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I thought I'd better make a list of Melbournites who have indicated they would be joining us during the FF but not requiring a room.
Any other locals I've missed who plan to do the same? We will need numbers for our dinners so you will need to indicate your plans.
Kimmyh
Cuilidh
Wonder
bogie1
deedub
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I haven't booked my flights yet, but my plan is to come over on Thursday and leave on Monday. With the Emporium so close I will be shopping too, even though I will be there in August and very early December. ;D ;D ;D
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I was wondering if there has been any discussion on goodie bag/s yet?
As I recall each participant brought along one gift to the value of $50.00 at Hobart last year, will this also be the case at Melbourne? If so, I am definitely in.
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Cookie, I think that we will also go over Thursday and leave Monday but will wait awhile before booking airfares.
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Marina, that is what we did. I think most , if not all were vouchers. Everyone was pleased with theirs. Some of the fellas joined in that part as well. We had Bunnings vouchers, I think Gert got one of those, Dymocks ones, Katie's ( I'm glad the boys didn't get that one). It's probably best if the voucher will work for everyone in all states. It was great fun.
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I think the gift cards or vouchers were a great idea, no problem finding room in our bags for one. I propose that we do it again this year.
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I think vouchers are a great idea.
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Vouchers are a great idea. :)
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I second that. I'm sure everyone finds it easier. If anyone disagrees please say so.
Gert, you definitely deserve a Swanston room and I will take you to the Cocoon Bar and buy you a drink. Please remind me as I'm sure to forget. ;D ;D
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Looks good to me cookie. I will join you in the Swanston. I deserve a nice room.
Gert
Bubbles for me!
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So it's going to be another quiet group lol
Great to be able to join the cooking class too.
The vouchers worked well & for me I ended up with iTunes which was great as I have an iPhone & Apple TV.
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Looks good to me cookie. I will join you in the Swanston. I deserve a nice room.
Gert
Bubbles for me!
We may have company so Bubbles it is. ;D
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I'm sorry that I won't be able to commit to this. I would really love to come, but having recently started a full time job, I don't have a lot of holidays up my sleeve.
A dear friend from the UK is hoping she will be well enough to travel after chemo and wants to meet up in Singapore in October to sip a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel! :D
My dad is hopefully also coming over from the UK in November, so I need to save up my time off.
I am very jealous, though, and I know you will all have a ball! Maybe next time. :)
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Sue, we will miss you, but there is always next year.
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It would have been nice to meet another WA member Sue, another time perhaps.
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I'm sure there will be more Sue.
Congratulations on the job. We will hold up the WA contingent. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Sad you won't be able to join us Sue. Was lovely to meet you in WA and there is always next year. :D
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Some times it doesn't work out, but its great when it does. Hopefully you'll be able to go next year x
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After Judy and Cookie crunched the numbers, I have sent an email to Swanson and Welcome Hoteld, asking for quotes for a group booking. It is Cox Plate weekend.
Will let everyone know what happens.
Cooking class full with 3 on wait list. The 3 are my friends and know the situation. I have them there as a backup so that if someone must pull out, we can still get the cheap price.
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Good work Chookie, now for the response. Thanks for what you've done so far.
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Thanks so much Chookie. :-* :-*
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Thanks Chookie - we have decided to fly across Friday morning & home Monday afternoon. It will be the first flight Alayna will actually know what she is doing so will be exciting especially as we live walking distance to the airport & she has grown up with planes nearby (plus the last time we saw her Aunty off she wanted to get on the plane) .... Exciting 😄
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Thanks for all your organising Chookie. It's people like you that make this forum a great one!!!
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Thanks Trudy, but not doing it by myself. I've got Judy and Cookie doing most of the work and Gert keeping me on the straight and narrow.
Kerry, that will be exciting for all of you. Alayna a is such a bright spark, she won't miss a thing. I look forward to see how she has grown.
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Well done all the wonderful people who take the time to organise the F/F. It will be great to catch up with all of you!
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We've been working as consultants Chookie but you've taken on the major negotiating role and doing a great job. We're lucky to have you onboard.
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A big thankyou to all those organising our get together and time away. Much appreciated.
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Thank you from me too, you're doing a great job. We couldn't have a forum fest without the organisers, so you're time and efforts are greatly appreciated!
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Thanks from me too :)
We really appreciate your time and effort xox
KMW, how old is your DD? We are bringing our 4 year old and 4 month old. Not sure how much of the festivities we will all partake in as we will have 2 kiddies in tow.
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there are so many alleys and arcades in Melbourne, and one of the most memorable things I have done is a walking tour of these. They are really informative about the history of, interesting facts and relatively cheap to do. We can all go in a group and there is also a chance to do a bit of shopping now and then (quick browse and shop and then regroup before walking on). Great opportunity to get to know the shopping precinct and note where you want to sneak back to and have a more leisurely look around.
DD has also mentioned a cheese tasting somewhere, but she wasn't too sure about specific details. There is also a coffee tour. I've done an Italian Safari which was 10/10. A tramcar restaurant for $80pp. Melbourne river cruise $23 pp. We could do a market tour one day, and then a picnic another and bring a plate. We can do a Ramsey Street (Neighbours) tour. We can also see a 'show' and get half price tix (limited seating and tix purchased on the day).
Anyone coming should perhaps look up some touristy things they would like to do, and then list 3 things here. It would be great to be able to just choose from the majority so we can have a basic itinerary plan and how many people want to do it.
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I have lived in Melbourne for around 20 years and have never done a tour of the alleys, but have always wanted to do one as they are really fascinating places, so that would be of interest to me.
A Prahran market / Essential Ingredient visit would be very interesting - anyone doing this should have a good sized shopping bag with them.
The Tramcar restaurant is good, but tables can only sit four (from memory - it is a long time since we did this). It is a nice way to see parts of the city whilst enjoying a bite to eat and a drink - early booking for a group would be vital for this option and numbers may be limited.
Any of the market tours would be good, especially (Queen) Victoria Market; although I go there every week for my fruit and veg there is so much I don't know about what is there.
I haven't heard of the cheese or coffee tours, but it doesn't surprise me that they exist and if we discovered more about them I am sure we would find that they would be very professionally run and informative. We have a specialist tea shop down the road from us and I am sure Hannah there would be happy to have a group visit - she is very knowledgeable about her range and those who are looking for a more in-depth 'experience' would enjoy it. There are also chocolate tours ... in fact, I am sure we could dig out tours on just about anything and everything!
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Are these tours available on the weekend CP? Trouble is we will only have such a short time in Melbourne.
The alley/arcade tour sounds interesting, the river cruise is cheap so why not find time for that one too. The Italian safari, not sure what that is but if it involves Italian food I'd be all for that. I've seen that tramcar restaurant pass many times whilst I've been in Melbourne and always wondered what it would be like to be on it - it would certainly be something different. Cheese tastings sound good but I wouldn't be interested in a coffee tour. A show would be great but I imagine with Melbourne being so busy at that time of the year, it would be hard to get enough tickets for everyone.
I know the locals don't seem to enjoy shopping spree bus tours but I loved the one I went on many years ago with DD, we ended up having lunch in Lygon Street halfway through the trip and were taken to places we would never have found ourselves. We certainly 'shopped til we dropped'. A show would be great but I imagine with Melbourne being so busy at that time of the year, it would be hard to get enough tickets for everyone. Some great ideas there CP, thanks for your suggestions.
Marina, I met Chookie & Ral at the Prahran market/Essential Ingredient spot when I was visiting the kids once. I love the EI shop, it's nice to have a good browse in that one.
Queen Vic Market is definitely on my list of things to do at some stage whilst in Melbourne. I wonder if they have longer operating hours during those busy touristy times as when we will be there this year.
High Tea has been suggested but these are very pricey. Chookie has found out some prices for them and I'm sure she will let us know what and where they are in due course. Our first priority is to get those hotel prices, our enquiry is in and we are just waiting to hear back from Chookie's contact.
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A walking tour of the arcades etc would be lovely. Every time we go to Melbourne we seem to discover a new one.
The Vic Market tour would be great too. In face I'm ok for most things. I'm not a theatre person, bit of a cretin really. ;D
I'm sitting writing this while having a coffee in the CBD. I didn't need one but my feet, back and hip did I. I'm enjoying people watching.
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I have actually had some free time today so had a bit of a look around at tours / attractions mentioned and have noted below some links so you can have a look at them or, indeed, add more ideas.
I had a quick look for cheese, wine and chocolate tours but they all seem to be out of town. That would mean a full day, which is, perhaps, not appropriate for the FF weekend.
Vic market tours http://www.qvm.com.au/tours/
Essential Ingredient http://www.essentialingredient.com.au/
Tram restaurant http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au/
I had a look for laneways tours and there seem to be quite a few available. This is the Google list followed by one I picked at random. I am going in to the city this afternoon so if I have time I will try to get to a tourist office and see what I can find.
Google search: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=melbourne+city+laneways+tour&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=Qmz6VMWYHZSD8gXWwIDQAg
Random example: http://www.city-discovery.com/melbourne/search/Laneways?gclid=CPfVybiilcQCFcFvvAodpQEA2w
I have done one of the river tours but fell asleep :-[ I think it must have been rivetting, though!!
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Cookie that's my favourite pastime, people watching, enjoy your holiday.
I'm happy to join the crowd with regard to activities for the FFes. The arcade tour sounds like a great combo, a bit of history, exercise and shopping.
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Mostly I would be happy to go with the flow. We are doing the tramcar restaurant in a couple of weeks as enjoyed it when we were in Melbourne last. We are doing the early one as the late one is too late to eat for us.
The arcade tours sound interesting. Each time we go to Melbourne we meet friends in a different one.
I have also done the river cruise but wouldn't be fussed to do it again.
Prahan market/essential ingredient are also good to do.
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We were going to do the tram car restaurant when we went to Melbourne last year at Easter, can't remember why, but we weren't able to and we were disappointed. Both DH and I would love to to it.
The arcade tours sound like fun. I'm not too fussed on high tea, I think high tea is over rated.
Will be happy to go with the flow and do whatever is organised.
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I'l put my hand up for an early tram car dinner, the later one of 5 courses would be too much for me and like Trudy, I don't like eating too late at night either. Also the arcade tour.
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Judy, we have done the early dinner before and it's great to be able to look at the window and see the homes ect as you go by. Don't think if you took the later one you would be able to see much.
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Jamberie our DD is 2.5 yo & will be 3 in August. Last year my husband looked after her on our bus tour day on the Friday, we did the markets together as a family on the Saturday & we joined the group for two dinners (Thursday & Saturday had a night in Friday).
I've been to Melbourne a few times but the arcade tour sounds interesting & good to learn something new about the city.
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CP has done an Arcade Tour and loved it. Perhaps she could tell us which one. She has also offered to do the organisation for the other activities. She returns from Melbourne on Moonday.
We will go with what ever, although not keen on the boat on the river.
After the cooking class, we will have an hour to look around the South Melbourne Market before it closes.
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That will be great, thanks CP.
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I would be one for the early tramcar restaurant, the arcades / laneways tour (some are self guided but I think you learn and see more if it is a guided tour) and Vic market tour. The tramcar restaurant is always popular and if we wanted to do this I suggest booking now as we may have the same situation as we have with accommodation, i.e. it may already be booked out. As I recall, this has to be pre-paid. The starting point of the tramcar restaurant is quite close to South Melbourne Market.
I also found a chocolate tour (http://www.chocoholictours.com.au) yesterday. As Judy mentioned there are loads of shopping tours as well. It is beginning to look like this will have to be a week long FF so that we can do all the tours we want!!!
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CP that is extremely kind of you. Hopefully it won't be too difficult long distance. :-* :-*
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not too hard at all. I will pick up a couple of brochures when we go into Melbs today and make the calls this week
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Thanks, CP. Like Chookie, they are both big jobs you are each taking on, I know we all appreciate it very much.
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Thanks CP and Chookie, Cookie and Judy.
We all know these Forum Fest take a lot of organising and very much appreciate everyone's efforts.
XXXX
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Just in case I am missing in action when critical things happen, Narelle & I are very happy to go with the flow.
Thanks CP and Chookie, Cookie and Judy.
We all know these Forum Fest take a lot of organising and very much appreciate everyone's efforts.
XXXX
Ditto
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Thankyou to all the organisers, I will be a happy camper with everything that has been put in place. ;D
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Chookie has today received the following from Sarah at the Swanston/Welcome Hotels.
Subject: RE: Mercure Welcome Hotel
Good Afternoon Elizabeth,
Thank you for your email, I hope you enjoyed your weekend.
Further to your request, we will be happy to offer your group a 5% discount on our best unrestricted rates at both the Mercure Welcome Hotel and the Swanston Hotel - Grand Mercure. Each guest will need to contact the hotel directly to book and will need to provide credit card details as a guarantee. Rooms and rates will be subject to availability at the time of booking and they will have a 7 day cancellation policy.
Full Breakfast: $18 Nett per person (pre booked), $25 per person (Direct)
Parking: $15.00 Self Parking (per Exit-24 hours) / $35.00 Valet Parking per 24 hours
WiFi: $15 per 24 hours, per room
In regards to your dinner request for the 24th October, we could offer 2 Courses at $44 per person, or 3 courses at $54 per person and the menu would be sent out closer to the date.
Please note at this stage we are not holding a booking for you. This quotation is only valid for 5 working days from the date of proposal. If the requested dates vary or the original number of attendees is adjusted, the quoted prices may also be subject to change.
Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Sarah Maunder
Group Reservations Coordinator
The Swanston Hotel - Grand Mercure
Mercure Welcome Melbourne
E:H3028-RE7@accor.com
P: + 61 3 8662 1312
F: + 61 3 9663 7447
www.swanstonhotel.com.au <http://www.swanstonhotel.com.au>
www.mercurewelcome.com.au <http://www.mercurewelcome.com.au>
Chookie has advised the following prices.
If you book now and give Credit Card, it is for Fri, Sat and Sunday nights $491 at Welcome and $700 at Swanson. You can't book until Chookie has the code. Extra night at Swanson, $225, at the Welcome $179. This is the 5% discount rate for a room regardless of single or double.
Hopefully Chookie will have the code to pass onto us very soon.
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Well done, Chookie, what a marathon effort!
Do those of us who are not staying at the hotel need to pre-book the dinner on the 24th now so that we are part of the group or do we just book nearer the time?
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Well done, Chookie, what a marathon effort!
Do those of us who are not staying at the hotel need to pre-book the dinner on the 24th now so that we are part of the group or do we just book nearer the time?
I'll let you all know.
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Thanks Chookie for doing all this work for us , thanks to the others too , what a great bunch of friends you all are.
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Well I have booked two venues for our Victorian getaway. 15th to 22nd at Nepean country club, Mornington peninsular, then a week at Capri waters country club until 30th. We desperately needed to use some timeshare so not fussed on what the accomodation is like just didn't want to lose it.
Anyway we will now book into the hotel on Thursday 22nd.
Feels good to get it sorted. We are driving over, which will be interesting for me having not done it before.
Thanks for the push ladies, we always leave this sort of thing to the last minute.
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Thanks Chookie and everyone else for taking the time to organise this.
As there is a 7 day cancellation in place please add me to the list. Hopefully I will make it but will know for certain nearer the time.
At this stage I would like to arrive on the Thursday and fly home on the Monday.
Sorry I haven't been on the forum recently but lots going on here over the last couple of months. Hopefully things will settle down soon.
I miss you all :D
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Bedlam I'm sure you will love the drive over.
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You're on the list MF.
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Thanks Judy :D
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MF, we miss you too, but understand.
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OK guys, we are all set to go with our hotel bookings as under
From: MAUNDER Sarah <H3028-RE7@accor.com>
Date: 12 March 2015 9:46:00 am AEDT
Thank you for choosing the Mercure Welcome Hotel and Swanston Hotel for your group accommodation. I have now set up your special code which is THERMOMIX15.
Guests will need to quote this code to receive the 5% discount off our best available rate at the time of booking. This special rate will have a cancellation policy of 7 days prior to arrival, if anyone needs to cancel they will be able to do this up until 6 pm 7 days before they are due to arrive without any charge. Any cancellations received after this date will incur a charge of the first nights’ accommodation per room. To book their reservations guests will be required to provide valid credit card details as a guarantee, they will not need to pay for their accommodation until they arrive at the hotel.
This discount is available at both the Mercure Welcome Hotel (3.5 stars) and the Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure (4.5 stars) on all room types. If they wish to add breakfast, we can do this on booking at the discounted rate of $18 per person, per day. This is a special pre-booked rate, if they would prefer to wait and decide on the day breakfast is $25.
Please note that rooms and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking. Our rates are also dynamic which means they are constantly changing therefore not everyone will receive the same rates.
Bookings can be made via email or phone the details of which are as follows:
Phone: 03 8662 1312
Email: H3028-RE7@accor.com
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I've just rung Sarah and booked my room at the Swanston. Arriving Thursday 22nd October, departing Monday 26th. Not going far, will be staying with DD & SIL for 2 nights after the FF. Bed and breakfast booked, apparently I was the first to book.
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Thank you both. I will do my booking today or tomorrow. I will be at the Swanston with breakfast. In Thursday and out Monday.
Judy the hotels are both on the same site, just one to the left of reception and one to the right. However the rooms are bigger at the Swanston and I feel quieter as a lot of bus tours stay at the Welcome.
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Thanks Judy for posting Sarah's reply.
We are booked for the F, S, S nights and 3 breakfasts.
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thanks ladies for all of your organizing
i will book tomorrow
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Booked F/ S/S with brekkie. See ya all there.
Gerrbysea
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booked ;D in 22 out 26
cant wait see you all again
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Just booked :)
In Thursday 22nd and out Monday 26th
See you there and like Uni I can't wait to see everyone again ;D
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I'm just about to book I was thinking of coming up Friday morning be there by 10 if that suits the day's activities , and leave late Sunday afternoon , has anything been planned yet for what we may do and do you think these times will suit ?
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Nothing has been planned for Friday yet Brenda as some people will still be finding their way to Melbourne. Those times sound OK to me though.
Those who are booking, please let us know which hotel you choose and if you're booking for breakfast. I'm currently reworking and updating the details on page 1 so it will be easier for everyone to know what's happening. Back to the job LOL.
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Judy I booked a standard Queen room at the Swanston with breakfast.
Just took the bull by the horns and booked my flights.
Departing Perth 9.35am Thursday arriving Melbourne 4.05pm.
Departing Melbourne 3.00pm Monday arriving Perth 4.05pm.
I am determined to come ;D
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Thanks Norma, I hope you can pull it off. It will be lovely to see those from WA again. I think it's great that you are prepared to fly from one side of the country to the other for our catch ups and look forward to the day when we return to WA for another forumfest over there.
I have now updated the first post of this thread to make it easier for us all to see all the details as they come to hand. We're on a roll now it seems.
CP, how are you going with the tramcar restaurant and arcade tour enquiries?
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Just booked, Mercury Welcome, Friday and Saturday night with Breakfast.
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I have just lifted this quote by the hotel from the first post on this thread (I tend to think that they have overstated both the cost of a taxi and the time, but they are probably looking at it from the view of traffic hold ups, etc.):
We are approximately 30 minutes by Taxi from Melbourne Tullmarine Airport and it will cost approximately AUD $65.00 including 10% tax to the Hotel per taxi per way. Alternatively, the Skybus Airport Shuttle is only AUD $18.00 including 10% Tax per person each way and takes approximately 1 hour. The Skybus will drop you off at Southern Cross Station and from there you can take their complimentary hotel shuttle right to our door (within certain time periods). Advance bookings are not required - simply proceed to the Skybus desk at the airport terminal. For the return trip, our Concierge Desk will be happy to help you book the hotel shuttle back to Southern Cross Station; you will need to book at least 24 hours in advance for this service. For more information on the Skybus please click on the below link.
http://www.skybus.com.au/
If you get to the Skybus desk at Southern Cross Railway Station and there is not an appropriate hotel shuttle to catch, then you can easily walk out of the depot onto Bourke Street, which is pretty well right across the road (the tram stop is on the left hand side going away from Southern Cross), and catch the Bundoora RMIT or East Brunswick tram to the corner of Bourke and Swanston Streets (the stop is outside Target – immediately after the Bourke Street Mall) – this trip is within the free travel zone so you will not have to pay for the tram and, depending on the time of day, will take approx. 10 minutes max. I would imagine it would be quicker than that.
Get off the tram outside Target and walk back approx. 10 m to Swanston Street, turn right and the hotel is less than a one minute walk (diagonally across the road).
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Thanks Marina, local knowledge is very handy. I've printed that info off for myself.
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Very useful Marina. Thanks. However I don't think I will be lugging my case onto a tram. ;D :D sky us isn't bad but again you have to lift your case on and place it in the luggage rack things.
I agree with you re the taxi cost. Perhaps some of us may be able to co ordinate our arrivals and share a taxi.
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I agree with you re the taxi cost. Perhaps some of us may be able to co ordinate our arrivals and share a taxi.
Once we get nearer the time I may be able to make a run to the airport to pick some people up as well. I can’t make any commitments about this yet, but there is plenty of time to finalise such arrangements.
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Sure is.
I have booked my accommodation. I just need confirmation of it.
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The one and only time I've been on the Sky bus was my last trip to Melbourne when I stayed with the kids for a couple of days before going onto the Hobart FF. My SIL was telling me when to get off at the airport when the chap behind told him that he would look after me. He did just that and lifted my case on and off the bus plus we chatted during the whole trip. It was a very pleasant experience, I really enjoyed the bus trip.
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CP, how are you going with the tramcar restaurant and arcade tour enquiries?
Skybus to Southern Cross is about $30 return for 1 person.
I've booked in for Thur to Mon, and DH is coming along for the ride. He probably will do other things but will join us in the evening. I've told him that I will be hanging out with the TM crowd as he finds food & cooking related things boring unless its to do with sitting down eating or drinking, and he finds shopping boring too, so he'll just have to make his own fun.
I've got some brochures and I'll do some phone calls next week as I have been busy with work this week catching up.
Does anyone know how far in advance airlines usually do specials? Just wondering if its worthwhile booking now or waiting to see if a special comes out in the future...
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Thanks CP and it will be nice to meet your DH - has he met any of the girls before?
I wondered about specials too but thought perhaps with Melbourne's busy horse racing programme at that time, maybe it will be better to get in now.
Which hotel have you booked CP, are you doing breakfast as well?
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Yes we had a bbq last year and had a few of the Perth chapter and their hubbies, so I guess he's met a few people that will be there.
You're probably right about getting in, however being the horsey season you'd think they'd probably put on a few more flights (although no necessarily discounted perhaps)
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I booked mine this morning CP and one way cheapest today with Qantas was $275 but I only went in early as I wanted to use FF points.
I was lucky as only a few FF seats available with decent times. I didn't want to do the midnight horror.
Jetstar may be a bit cheaper. I agree with Judy the earlier the better. Keep checking over the next month and see if any specials come up
Just looked and Jetstar for our dates one way $221
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I'm hoping they may have a special offer round soon. If not I will just book.
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I've booked the Swanston with breakfast for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We will arrive sometime Thursday afternoon and fly home late Sunday. I'm not sure when we will book our flights.
CP my DH is coming along too - he had a wonderful time in Tassie last year and all the DH's seem to get on well. Richard will probably do his own thing whilst we are at the cooking class, but he'll join in with most other events.
Last time we came to Melbourne we used the Skybus and it was easy and convenient (easy, because DH organized everything and I just followed along).
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Judy, if we go over at the same time you are welcome to go in our taxi to the hotel.
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Thanks Trudy.
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I have booked for Thursday to Sunday, including breakfast at the Swanston.
We thought it might be easier driving out of Melbourne on a Sunday afternoon (sounds scary, glad I will be the passenger).
Feeling excited and remembering the fun of the last ones.
CP, look forward to meeting your DH, he will enjoy himself. Really not much food talk, lots of eating and drinking though.
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I've just booked a room for DH and I at the Swanston with breakfast. We will fly in on the Friday and head off Monday.
Don will join in with everything with the exception of the cooking class. We will keep an eye out and hopefully find some cheap flights. Looking forward to meeting everyone and catching up with those I've met before. ;D
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Narelle & I are booked at the Swanston for Fri, Sat and Sun nights (with breakfast). It's so exciting.
Really not much food talk, lots of eating and drinking though.
So true :D :D :D
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I have booked my flights. Arrive Melbourne Thursday and I have decided to visit my close friends in Sydney for a few days, so will fly to Sydney on the Monday morning. I have emailed hotel and requested Swanston. How exciting!
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It will be a little holiday Kezza.
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Have you had confirmation of your booking kezza? Just looking at the list and practically everyone on it has made their booking. Just 2 to go - thanks everyone.
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I will book asap! Just lots on at the moment and every chance I get to book I sleep instead!!
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I'm booked Thurs - Monday at the Swanston with breakfast.
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Yes JD. Received confirmation today :)
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My week hasn't gone to plan, my Dad has been in hospital & ended up with a funny cold that you don't fully get sick but really tired & fuzzy head. My DH has said he will do the room which will be good to get it booked.
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I hope your Dad is feeling better as well as you kmw.
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Kerry, don't panic, do what you can.
Hope Dad is getting better.
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Hope your dad is OK Kerry. :)
I just got an email from Sarah and apparently we were over charged $60. An adjustment has been made, that means I have an extra $60 pocket money. ;D
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Thankyou ladies - Dad is out of hospital & has been diagnosed with spasm angina. Whilst worrying it's good to have an answer and hopefully medication & action plan will help.
Mcmich that's a nice bonus.
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What good news to hear your Dad is out of hospital Kerry.
Enjoy your extra $60 Michele :D
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Good news about your dad Kerry. :D
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You're right Kerry, it's good to put a name to health problems. Nice to hear Dad is out of hospital.
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Great news Kerry. There is a little kitchen shop outside The Welcome hotel in Little Bourke St Mich and a lovely lot of new shops over the road for you to dispose of your $60.
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Love to you Kerrie, hope your Dad stays well.
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Glad you Dad is out of hospital Kerry. Hopefully now they know what the problem is he can be helped .
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Yes its good to have him out of hospital, sounds like he is doing ok with the medication but will check it out tomorrow when I visit.
We have decided to go with the Welcome Hotel & upgrade to a privilege room to get more room plus a sink etc which will come in handy with Alayna as it easier to have breakfast in our room with her. At least we will be closer this year if we need to take Alayna back to the room.
Next flights.
Yay a little holiday to look forward to :)
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Only 1 to go then we're all booked. Please check the first posting on Page 1 to make sure I have all your booking details correct and haven't forgotten anyone.
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I'm still here and noting. We have plenty of time up our sleeves to organise tours.
Hate to sound like a Diva but I have you know that there is a dress code called "Feather Boa" with anything that I organise (yep, all partners are in on this also). You can wear whatever you like but you have to have a feather boa. Another thing you will need to have is a masquerade mask. This must be brought along to anything after 6pm. I don't care if it's a paper plate with 2 eyeholes cut in it, but if you think about embellinshing this it will take it to another level. Going over the top is so much fun and sets the mood, so go all out xox
PS. Can all peeps please PM me their personal details - someone needs to be a control freak and I'm offering my services :D Copy and paste this:
Include:
Full name/s:
Address:
Home phone:
Mobile phone:
emergency contact number 1:
emergency contact number 2: (If applicable)
Email:
Date of arrival:
Date of departure:
No. of people:
Accommodation booked into:
How are you planning to arrive and what time is your flight arriving:
How are you planning to depart and what time is your flight departing:
During my stay I am interested in:
Alleys and arcade tour: yes / no (delete applicable)
Tramcar restaurant : yes / no
Victoria Market tour: yes / no
Anything else?
Alyce Alexander class is in place and other arrangements will be fitted in around.
Will do our own thing and meet up after 6pm:
Here is the tricky part ( and I am on my IPad mini which is not behaving ATM and I will need to amend later)
Do you know of any businesses that can give us a special deal or discounts?
Do you have any allergies or anything that may be good to bring to our attention, and this can include disabilities, phobias, expectations, etc:
Please note that we are not a professional tour company and so you are making a booking in good faith based on your own capabilities. You may also arrange to have a tour buddy who is aware of important medication or medical issues who will be able to assist you should it be necessary. We recommend you take out travel insurance under all circumstances as there is no cancellation policy.
If you have any issues or queries please let me know and when I have an answer I'll let you know. This is not a professional tour so we may not be able to answer your queries straight away , but we'll try ;)
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Thanks CP, will do early next week.
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Thanks for stepping up to the plate CP, these trips always need a Mother hen ;D I can't wait to see the guys in their feather boas and masks. It sounds like fun and would certainly make us stick together and not wander away from the group. :D
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Thanks CP, a good organiser is irreplacable. PM on its way to you today.
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I won't be coming to the Forum Fest, however I'm not sure whether any of you gals have heard of ''The Melbourne Shopping Spree bus Tours' (Formerly called The Pink Bus Tours).
I have heard from ladies that it is really a good fun outing, which includes pick ups from Hotel, shopping outlet stores, glass of wine, lunch.
All details are on the website. Just a thought :)
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CP you are too kind. Thanks. Will send you the details sometime today.
Thanks Katj. I have been on a shopping tour before so would probably not do it again, however for those that haven't it could be fun.
If anyone is interested there is a bus that will take you to Chadstone Shopping Centre from the city and return later in the day for no cost. It leaves about 10 near Federation Square and leaves Chadstone about 3/3.30 or so. I've done that several times and it is fun.
I'm sure we won't have any trouble filling our time.
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I think Chadstone would keep us quiet for quite some time!
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I have bought my Feather Boa and Mask from local op shop, $1.50.
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I finally finishd up at work last week...so one of the first things I did on my first day off was book our stay!
We are staying at the Swanston from 22-26 October. And will be driving (don't think I could handle flying with 2 kiddies and all the bits and pieces). Driving will also enable us to do a few day trips too. I can't commit to much more than the Alyce cooking class due to kiddies but we will be doing breakfast too. :)
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That's great Jamberie, everyone has now booked.
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Jam, that is great.
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Fantastic. I can't wait to meet you.
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That's great news Jamberie.
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anyone booked flights yet?
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Yes, some have Uni - see page 1 of this thread
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We are driving over Uni.
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I think you will love that Bedlam. I'm not telling DH. ;D
I think I will book my flights when I get home as I want to get on the same plane as Kezza. It's also sneaking up on is.
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Let me know when you do cookie and kezza, time is flying fast.
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Jetstar birthday sale on now
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CP Kezza is flying over on QF 762 leaving Perth at 7.25am on the Thursday I think. That's the one I hope to book on.
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Only just catching up on thread. Hope you could get on the same flight girls.
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Ill book when I get home Kezza. I'll let you know.
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I can,t remember. Are we booked into the hotels?
Gert
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Gert, as I understand it, most are booked into the hotel. We haven't had to pay anything yet. Closer to the time we will need to confirm our bookings.
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Yes Gert, list of bookings is in the first thread on pge 1 of this topic.
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Thanks girls. Should have looked.
Gert
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Our airfares are all booked. Will be arriving on Thursday and home again Monday.
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Looking forward to seeing you Trudy. I haven't booked my airfare yet. I must get off my backside and do it.
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Decided to bookie Cookie before we head off then it's all done and dusted!!!! See you in Melbourne xxx
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Well done Trudy. I have sorted respite for my new little one today. Excited to drive over but anxious to leave my little one behind. As DH says, be good to refresh. Looking forward to catching up with all you lovely people in person.
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Trudy, nice to see you planning ahead.
Bedlam well done although difficult.
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I have just booked my flight. I will arrive Thursday afternoon and leave around midday Monday. I realised that it was getting closer and I had better do something about it.
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i've sort of forgotten too what I've organised but I think I've done the accommodation and flights. I will check into the tours, but there was little response other than about 5 people so I will find out about prices and times etc and post them on and peeps can organise what they want to do or organise on the day. I will get my daughter who lives in Melbourne to pick up brochures so I can give them out when we are at the hotel also and maybe peeps can decide in a group if they want to do this and that and go separate ways. I would not like to separate because its our time to come together on at least 1-2 x tourist things other than Alyce Alexander. If peeps want me to organise something I am happy to do so, but can't if the numbers are not up and I'm not willing to put a deposit down if no one is wanting to commit or give me details. Please tho can peeps have a feather boa and a mask just for fun and for posting in pics ? not much expense for a whole lotta fun and a little bit of anonymity but tell me if that is a stupid idea but some peeps do not want to be on social media so they can just cover up or anyone just misbehave and hide behind a mask if they are quick enough to hold it up (haha). There are also half price tix that you need to buy on the day if you want to go see a music/show. Happy to organise anything but need a bigger show of hands. Cmon what do you want to do?
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Put me down for anything and everything. Today is moving day so no time to search something out but as a group it would be nice to go to,the Victoria Markets and find place for lunch.
Gert
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I'm easy too CP, mainly want an opportunity to socialise with all you lovely people. Can't see DH with a boa, but I will start looking!
Glad you have booked Cookie.
Best of luck with your move Gert, sounds like there will be no regrets, look forward to hearing all about it in October.
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Put me down for everything too please (well except for extreme adventure sports like bungee jumping or white water rafting ;D). Like Denise I am looking forward to seeing everyone. I would love to
We have a big business launch scheduled the week before Forum Fest and things are very bust ATM so please bear with me. I try to check in at least once a week to see what's happening.
Big day Gert. Hope it all goes well.
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CP don't worry too much. I'm sure we can do things and be together without tooooooo much organising. I'm not really interested in a show but would love to either do a tour of the Vic markets or at least go to them. Otherwise I am up for most things.
We are going over very soon if anyone wants me to check specific things I am happy to do so. We are staying at The Swanston of course. DD and the concierge are apparently going to have a competition of the most steps in a day or something.
If anyone wants to do anything special let me know and I will pick up the information and post it.
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Cookie, when in Melbourne, and walking through Vic markets, there was a Stall that sold masses of Cake Tins every size imaginable, unusual shapes too. Lots of muffin papers and other stuff. We were in a hurry to get back to car because meter was running out. Would love to have got back for a closer, longer look. As you walk from Elizabeth st up, it was on the left side about half way along.
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Cookie, when in Melbourne, and walking through Vic markets, there was a Stall that sold masses of Cake Tins every size imaginable, unusual shapes too. Lots of muffin papers and other stuff. We were in a hurry to get back to car because meter was running out. Would love to have got back for a closer, longer look. As you walk from Elizabeth st up, it was on the left side about half way along.
... if it is the shop I am thinking of, it is in one of the central enclosed shops, i.e. not one of the more open stands, and it is fairly near the Elizabeth Street end of the middle building at the market.
Actually that could be more confusing than helpful! - I'll see if I can take photos for you tomorrow and post them on here, it may help.
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Will try to check it out Katj.
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OK, I don't know if this will work, but I'll try.
Books for Cooks have recently moved next to the market. They just moved about a month ago so there is no signwriting yet. If you orient yourself alongside McDonalds and look up the street towards the market, Books for Cooks is on the left hand side, right next to Minh Phat, the Asian supermarket.
The first photo is of a shop which I think is called The Party Shop - if you walk up past Books for Cooks and turn left at the corner it is a little way along the street, opposite the big car park and just beyond Sweeneys, the luggage shop. It has all sorts of odds and sods in it, but I really like some of the storage jars, not particularly handy for hauling back to Perth, but it's just a thought.
The next photo is of the entry to the kitchen shop (shed F) and the next photo is the kitchen shop, it is the second one along.
I haven't been able to post any of the photos unfortunately :'( , but hopefully you will be able to find your way around from the above couple of paragraphs - they were really good photos too ;D
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Thanks anyway Marina. When I go over soon I will be checking out Books for Cooks so will look. This new place will certainly be better than the old shop, it was so very tiny.
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I wish I had seen Books for Cooks when in Melbs 2 weeks ago. Oh well next time.
Cookie, you better put a day aside just for that haha.
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We now have a space for a member to attend the Yum Cha cooking class on Sat 24 th October. $83. Please send me a PM if you are interested.
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Nikki and Nerissa won a cooking class with Alyce and flew over with their Mums especially for it. They raved about it. I'm looking forward to this.
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I wish the Yum Cha class was here in Perth.
I've eaten a lot of Yum Cha since youngest DS married a lovely Vietnamese girl. Truly Yum!
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Katj you should think about coming over. You would fit in with the people who are attending really well. We may sound wild but we aren't really.
I was checking chocolate tours yesterday. One that sounded quite good was $49 per person. You do get tastings and a small goodie bag. http://www.chocoholictours.com.au/melbournes-chocolate-wonderland-tour/
I have been in touch with them, but given no details.
Most of these places are easy to find yourself, so as an alternative you could go on a 'self drive' tour saving yourself $49. You would then need to spend your own money to buy some tastings and have a drink and cake at Koko Black. Hopefully I will be doing a self drive tour of this next week. ( fingers crossed all the ailing rellies stay well)
Is there anything else you would like checked out? I'm happy to do so, with no commitments.
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Kat, there is a place if you want it. No pressure.
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Cookie the chocolate tour sounds good, forum Fest is coming up quickly now it was so far away when we booked.
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I haven't been on here much recently but looking forward to the weekend. Unfortunately DH is doing the ride to conquer cancer the same weekend so won't join me at all. I'm currently working in Brisbane so away from home most weeks, so while home last weekend treated DH to a night at The Westin, the hotel was nice but glad we were there using points rather than paying and would much prefer the boutique Adelhpi than the larger Westin. Anyway while waiting in the foyer on Saturday morning there was a tour group which was doing a lane way tour and its sounded really interesting. I'm not sure if it was specially designed for the particular group as the guide was saying it was much shorter than he generally does but he sounded very knowledgable and had a lot of information on the history of Melbourne as well as the graffiti and artwork. If anyone else is interested I would be interested in one of these types of tours.
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Thanks Wonder, sounds good to me. I think CP has done one similar and thought it was great.
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Yes the alleys and arcade walking tour was fantastic. I learnt a lot about the lay of the land as well as the history. We also stopped in and had a chocolate drink at Koko Black ;)
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If I get to fly out tomorrow I will check this tour then. (keeping an eye on ailing relatives)
I've just done an on line checking out of these. http://www.viator.com/booking/tourOptions.jspa?productCode=3671ARCADES&productID=PRODUCT&day=24&month=8&year=2015&itemId=&selectedHotelId=
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Hope you get to fly out tomorrow Cookie, I know how much you have been looking forward to it.
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All safely arrived thanks Katj.
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I was in the city today and thought of you, Cookie ... there was a couple, obviously visiting from out of town, being given directions by a local who didn't know much more than they did. When the 'local' left visitor lady said to visitor man "I didn't understand a thing she said". I nearly spoke to them, but was scared I would make them even more confused than they already were!
Hope you enjoy your stay over here and find your way around without too much bother.
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At one stage there was discussion about the tramcar restaurant. I checked and unfortunately both Friday and Saturday nights are fully booked. Sunday lunchtime is totally free at the moment, but I doubt that that would work for most of us - one weekend simply is not long enough to do everything we want to do! Anyway, if there is any interest in the Sunday lunch tramcar restaurant let me know and I'll take it from there.
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Marina I'd enjoy lunch on the Tramcar Restaurant, but not by myself. ;D ;D
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It would be up my alley too girls.
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OK, I'll start a list for the tramcar restaurant as I would also like to go on this. We do not need a minimum number, although there is a maximum of 36 per tram. I asked if we could request the route that the tram takes (I was hoping that we could go down Chapel Street, Prahran or St Kilda) but there are designated routes and that's that!
Lunch is from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm and costs $85.00 per person (this is current as at today's date).
So far we have:
Cookie
Judy
Marina
Gert
CP
Trudy & Wayne
Kezza
Djinni (Gayle)
kmw (Kerry)
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Sounds good to me. I'm in.
Gert
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count me in (DH will probs do something else)
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Wayne and I are happy to come along. Let me know how and when you need the money, I'm overseas at the moment but can do a bank transfer.
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I had coffee with my cousin here in Melbourne today and she said the Tramcar restaurant was lovely.
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This is an exclusive Forum Festers offer - if you want a copy of my latest fattest and inexplicably greatest favourites book, please PM me. A single copy costs me $50 and weighs 1.2kg (based on a book I recently got printed). No profit made from this book, its a love job. I am capping the total at 20 as beyond that it gets harder to incorporate luggage costs and load into the taxi along with our suitcases and feather boas :( Final numbers before 1 October because I always have issues with the printing side of things and need at least a couple of trips before they get it right.)
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How exciting CP, pm on it's way.
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That is very kind of you CP. I'm sure lots of people will take advantage of your offer.
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TRAMCAR RESTAURANT BOOKING
I need to put a deposit down within seven days of booking the tram then pay in full 31 days prior to the date of “travel”. I will book the restaurant on Friday 11 September, so could all those who want to join us please get your name added to the list by then. I will need to pay in full by 25 September for our booking on 25 October. After 11 September I will contact everyone on the list with my bank details so that all money is available when I confirm on 25 September.
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Thanks Marina. It sounds like great fun.
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Tank you for the kind offer CP, but I'm afraid we won't be coming to Melbourne :( I'm really super disappointed.
Our DS is just not settling very well with severe colic and reflux, there is no way we can travel such a distance with him at the moment. If he was to have fit of colic at the hotel, then no one would get any sleep! To help with his tummy pains, I'm also milk and soy protein free at the moment, and it is no fun when eating out (a certain chef decided he knew better than me and put sheep yoghurt in my food- poor DS paid for it for about a week!) and soy is hidden in nearly everything!
On the up side the executive suite at the Swanson is now available for anyone else who needs a larger room :)
I will be looking forward to all the photos during the fest!
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Sorry to hear that Jamberie but I completely understand. I hope the situation turns around soon and your little boy can start enjoying life.
I was even wondering if I was going to make it myself after being sick with the flu & then whooping cough over the past 3 months. Today is the first day I have felt on top of things so I know I can now look forward to this year's FF.
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Jamberie that is disappointing but I fully understand. It would be upsetting for you all with the little one not well. You will be there in spirit.
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Oh that's disappointing Jam but more important for you to be rested and comfortable. I'm sure there will be more fests.
We will give the tramcar a miss. My DS is getting married in February and I might try and find a mother of the groom dress while in Melbourne, I can use that time. Any ideas of places to look from those in the know would be appreciated. I'm not an easy body to dress so not really looking forward to trying to find something.
Judy, I am pleased to hear you are feeling better at last.
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Thanks Denise.
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Jamberie, I hope your DS gets better, Judy glad you are feeling better at last. :)
i wish I could come to FF, but looks like Melbourne for us will be end of September :)
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Thanks Robyn.
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Bit slow on the uptake. Please add me to tramcar lunch.
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I'm so sorry Kezza. I should have let you know. :'( :'( :'(
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Richard has a few things he wants to do in Melbourne, so we are planning to do our own thing on the Sunday, therefore we won't be able to make the tramcar lunch. Thanks for the great job organising it though Marina.
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Thanks Katie, it's a shame you can't make it. I always knew Sunday would be problematic for us, but for those who want to go on the tramcar restaurant it was the only choice. Perhaps you and Richard can join us next time??
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And where, next year, might be our next Forum Fest?
Sydney? Brisbane? Cairns? Back to Perth? Alice Springs? Kangaroo Island? Norfolk Island?
Gert
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If it's not too late I would love to go on the tramcar lunch thanks Marina. Apologies for my absences but life is very hectic ATM. Looking forward to a break in Melbourne :)
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No need to apologize Cookie. It was me that missed the post.☺
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DH and I won't be able to make the tramcar lunch unfortunately - a shame as we have had dinner on the tram and it was wonderful.
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On Friday I will be putting the deposit down on the Tramcar Restaurant. I don’t need any money just yet, but could anyone else contemplating joining us please add your name to the list in the next day or two.
When it comes time to pay in full all bookings will then become non-refundable, so if you cannot make it I will not be able to refund your money.
After we have got the final numbers on Friday I will pm everyone with my bank account details.
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Thanks Marina, perhaps everyone should respond with a yes or no so that you can be sure they all know this option is available.
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I'm a definite yes thanks Marina.
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Thanks Marina, perhaps everyone should respond with a yes or no so that you can be sure they all know this option is available.
Good idea, Judy. Could everyone please follow up on this.
Thanks.
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Yes please.
Gert
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yes x 1 person
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Yes!
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Just catching up on posts now and I would love to do the tram car - 1 person. Adrian has said he happy for me to do it and he will do something with Alayna.
Jamberie sorry to hear that you can't make it and Judy good to hear that you are on the mend. Looking forward to going away as its my first trip away this year.
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Yes x 1 thanks Marina
I am really looking forward to catching up with you all!!!
Sorry for another flyinflyout post :-))
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I'm really sorry to say but Richard and I now aren't able to make it to the forum fest.
We are cancelling our flights and the hotel accommodation.
Richard's favourite Aunty (who lives in the UK) has been diagnosed with cancer and doesn't have that long to live. Richard's parents are going over to visit, along with Richard and one of his sisters. Having to organise the availability of 4 people, Richard's annual leave and other factors means the dates they are going to the UK clash with the forum fest dates. It couldn't be avoided.
I guess I could technically still go to Melbourne on my own, but with Richard's parents away we have no one to look after the dog and it would be hard with us both away in different places at the same time. The UK trip is going to cost a fair bit, so the finances will be helped by not going to Melbourne. Sad, but we couldn't see any other way around it.
I'm so disappointed as we were both really looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up. I'm also disappointed that I won't be able to make it to the Alyce Alexander cooking class that Chookie organised.
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That's bad luck for you Katie but these things happen. How nice that most of Richard's family are going over.
I let Trudy know that her DH is the only male on the tram trip Marina so if you haven't already booked, please remove him from the booking. If you have booked, they're fine with that too.
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Just catching up , it is coming fast , I will say no to the tram car, thanks girls.
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Never rains but it pours Katie. Will miss seeing you.
Gert
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I have now confirmed this booking for 9 people for 25 October at $85 per head.
The 9 are:
Cookie
Judy
Marina
Gert
CP
Trudy
Kezza
Djinni (Gayle)
KMW (Kerry)
I'll be in touch with you all in the next day or two but, in the interim, if anyone has any special dietary requirements, please let me know when you make the final payment.
Thanks.
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Will miss catching up with you Katie. Lovely that the family can be together at this sad time.
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Rotten luck Katie. We will miss both you and Richard. I'm sure we will drink to your good health some time during the weekend.
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What bad luck Katie.
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Katie, so sorry you won't be able to make it over to Melbourne. You will be missed.
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I've deposited my Tramcar lunch money into your account Marina. Thanks for doing that.
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Yes it's really sad that we now can't come.
I'm going to be jealous when the weekend arrives, but I look forward to reading about what you're all up to, and seeing the pictures of course!
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Paid the lot into your account Marina, thanks a lot.
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Paid the lot into your account Marina, thanks a lot.
Me too,Judy. Getting excited now. Need a break from this year's traumas.
Gert
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Sorry to hear you and Richard won't be going to Melbourne Katie, you will both be missed.
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Thanks for depositing your money so quickly, Cookie, Judy and Gert. It should get into my account on Monday or Tuesday and I'll confirm with you then.
Time is certainly racing by and we will all be in Melbourne before we know it. Looking forward to catching up with some of you again and meeting those whom I have not had a chance to talk to 'face to face' before.
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I realised how close FF was when I went to make the 6 weekly appointment with my podiatrist. I will soon have to start getting excited.
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;D ;D No time like the present cookie.
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Katie, there will be another FF and we will all catch up then.
We now have several places for the cooking class, so if any one has a friend who would be interested , please let me know.
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Transferred the full amount to your account Marina. Thanks for organising.
Katie & Richard you will be missed but $#)% happens. See you next year.
Wow this is coming around very quickly. Looking forward to seeing you all 8) 8) 8)
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Ive deposited mine too Marina. A big thankyou for organizing.
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I just transferred the full amount into your account too Marina - much appreciated in organising this.
Katie unfortunate that Richard & you can't make but it can't be help hopefully we can catch up before Christmas in Adelaide.
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Cookie, Judy, Gert, Djinni, KMW and Kezza - thank you all very much, your payment is now in my bank account. I am not sure if I have linked the details of the tramcar restaurant before, it is all here (http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au/). The no. 96 tram from Bourke Street, right next to your Melbourne hotel, goes to the departure tram stop, but I would guess we will probably be travelling together so we can keep each other company on the way.
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It looks as if we will have to have an odd number Marina, how do we work round that. I was thinking 3 tables of 3 but they wouldn't want empty seats would they? Does the tram only have seating for 4?
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Mama Fergie will be booking as well Judy.
Gert
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That's great Gert, I hope she's contacted Marina.
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That's great Gert, I hope she's contacted Marina.
That's wonderful news. I haven't heard from her yet, Judy, but the table settings are either groups of 4 or groups of 2 so that should work out nicely.
MF, if you are coming could you get in touch with me by next week at the latest as that is when I need to make the final confirmation and payment. Ta.
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Kezza has a friend who will replace Katie at the cooking class. Thanks Kerry for organising this. Could your friend pay Katie the $83 ?
We still have a spot to replace Jambarie. Would like to return her money if possible.
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That's great Gert, I hope she's contacted Marina.
That's wonderful news. I haven't heard from her yet, Judy, but the table settings are either groups of 4 or groups of 2 so that should work out nicely.
MF, if you are coming could you get in touch with me by next week at the latest as that is when I need to make the final confirmation and payment. Ta.
Just sent you a pm Marina.
Hi everyone I apologise for my absence but life here has been a roller coaster since march. I would still like to come to Melbourne if you will have me . I have missed everyone. :)
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Thanks, MF, good to have you join us. Your PM has been received and responded to.
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Of course we still want you Norma, I hope things have settled down for you.
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Thanks Judy. I am now looking forward to Melbourne very much. Still dramas here but life goes on.
I hope you and the family are all well. I have 6 months of posts to catch up on! :)
Marina I have just transferred the money into your account now. Thank you so much for organising this. I have always wanted to have a meal on the tramcar :)
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Norma, good to see you here again. Looking forward to catching up at FF.
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Thanks Chookie and Kezza for sorting out someone to take my place at the cooking class, it's greatly appreciated :)
It's nice to see you posting MF. I'm sorry I won't be at FF to catch up with you and everyone else again this year.
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Thanks ladies I am very happy to be coming to Melbourne and looking forward very much to catching up with everyone.
So sorry to hear that you and Richsrd won't be coming Katie. Sad news for the family. Hope to see you both again next year.
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Marina, is it too late to add one more to the tram lunch. My friend is a late inclusion to joining us in Melbourne and is now coming to Alyces class on Saturday. If you confirm it is ok, I will send money straight away. Thank you.
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Kezza, did you / your friend get Katie's Bank details for the cooking class swap?
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Kezza, I have been able to book a seat for your friend. May I have her name please.
Because our seating arrangement has now been changed to 3 x back-to-back tables each seating four people we can take one more booking if anyone else wants to put their name down.
For those who haven't paid (with the exception of Trudy whom I can work around), full payment will be required by next Friday.
Don't forget to let me know by then if any one has any specific dietary requriements.
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Thankyou Marina. My friends name is Colette Dixon.
Chookie, I am still waiting on Katies banking details.
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I have just sent you a pm Kezza.
Thanks again Chookie and Kezza for organising for Colette to take my place at the cooking class, it's greatly appreciated.
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Today I've been to Spotlight so I picked up my feather boa and mask for the FF. Don't forget we're all also giving a $50 gift voucher for our lucky dip gift to each other.
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Thanks for the voucher reminder Judy. If anyone does forget their boa or mask I know a place very close to the hotel where you can probably get them.
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Katie, I just read about Richard's Aunt. How sad for you all but lovely that Richard and his parents can make it over to the UK to spend time with her. You both will be missed in Melbourne!
Hope your on the mend from your op.
Love
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Is it essential that we are in dress up?
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Gee I think I better make time tomorrow and read this thread through, I had forgotten all about a mask and feather boa, and the gift voucher, very busy every week, and I'm going to be on a cruise the week before better get myself into gear.
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Katie, I just read about Richard's Aunt. How sad for you all but lovely that Richard and his parents can make it over to the UK to spend time with her. You both will be missed in Melbourne!
Hope your on the mend from your op.
Love
Thanks Trudy. I am sad that we can't make it to Melbourne, but it is important for Richard to make this trip with his Mum & Dad to visit his Aunty. I'll certainly be keeping an eye on the forum that weekend to see what everyone is up to.
I'm doing ok after my surgery, but I still can't use my hand. I go back to see the surgeon on Monday to have the stitches out and to start my hand therapy. Richard is doing a great job looking after me.
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I’m starting to get really excited now. The Tramcar Restaurant has been fully paid up for a group of 11 people. I hope you are all looking forward to it as much as me. I know we’ll have a great time.
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I'm really looking forward to it too Marina.
We haven't made any specific plans for those of us that will be around on Friday, but there are lots of options available. The markets, a walk around the chocolate shops ( spending the money we saved on not doing a tour) , catching a tram too ???? And heaps of other things. For those that haven't been to Melbourne before there are Explorer buses. I'm sure we won't be bored.
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I'll be happy to tag along after you cookie, you seem to know so much about Melbourne. I do want to go to the Queen Vic market though as I haven't been there for years.
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It's pretty easy to find your way around Judy. The free tram goes up to the Vic Market now and Books for Cooks is also up there now.
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For those of you who are not familiar with Melbourne's trams, I thought I might bore you with how Melbournians think they work - I am not sure any of us really know - they are certainly a mystery to me , but here's a bit of a run down anyway.
Trams are free within the CBD area only, there will be maps at the hotel that will show you the area that is free to travel in - and, yes, Vic Market is within the free zone.
There is also a free "City Circle" tram that takes you around the edge of the CBD and out to Docklands. It has a commentary telling you where you are and what you can see, places of interest, etc. I believe it can be pretty hectic during rush hour and lunch time, but other than that it should be pretty comfortable.
Once you venture out of the CBD area you will have to purchase a MYKI card (I think they cost $6.00). They are not available on the tram, but there are various outlets scattered around town that sell them. You will also have to purchase some credit for it. The minimum may be $10.00, but I am not sure of that. I think Alyce's cooking course is being held near South Melbourne market and this is outside the free CBD tram zone, so a MYKI is mandatory. I think the Tramcar Restaurant departure point is also outside the free tram zone, so, one again, you will need a MYKI. To use it you simply hold it next to the lower half of the ticket machine as you board the tram. The machines are situated just inside the tram doors. You do not need to touch the cards to the ticket machines when you get off the tram, only when you are boarding.
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Thanks Marina. I have one of those cards from a previous visit. I don't think I used it much, maybe only the time I visited you at the shop then went in to town so how can I find out how much is left on it please? At the point of sale perhaps?
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There are three ways of checking the value left on the card. Firstly when you touch on when boarding - if you are really quick the value left will show on the screen of the touch on pad. Secondly, at some of the bigger tram stops scattered around the CBD (also at train stations I should imagine) there are machines where you can top up the value. You can put your MYKI on the card holder and it will give you the value. The final way is to go to one of the outlets that sell and top up MYKI cards and they can tell you what value is left on the card. The only other way is to ask one of the ticket inspectors to check it for you - but they move randomly around town so you may never see one ... then again, you will probably meet up with one on the tram the one time you forget your card, then you are in trouble!
I have also been told, and I do not know if this is true or not but I am noting it here just in case it is, if you have a MYKI and do not use it for a certain period of time (that period being a number of years, possibly 3, but I am not sure of this) apparently any existing, unused credit on the card is 'gratefully accepted' by the government and your card is left with no credit. As I say, I don't know how true that is, but just in case anyone is coming down with an older MYKI and doesn't realise it, it would be best to check the credit on your card before you start using it.
As I said in my last post, most of us hate the MYKI and don't know exactly how it works, but we have no choice. The system was rejected by at least one other major city (Manchester, UK) before our wonderful city decided it would be perfect for us :-))!
... and finally - if you board the tram in the free CBD zone then travel out of it you must touch on your MYKI either when you leave the free zone or anytime before you leave the free zone.
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I'll definitely be checking mine then, thanks Marina.
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Thanks Marina.
I am wondering if I have missed any activities. I am doing the cooking class but not the tram car meal.
I also was wondering if anyone has organised a large table for breakfast, I know we ( maybe me!) caused inconvenience in Tasmania. I'm happy to make a phone call if required. It was a nice way to start the day.
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Great idea Denise. The hotel would know which of us have booked for breakfast.
I've removed Katie & Richard and Jamberie and her family from the original list of bookings on page 1 of this thread, not sure if anyone else who had booked has cancelled.
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Thanks Bedlam. It isn't as lovely as in Hobart, but breakfast isn't bad.
There is a Myki thing just outside the Swanston. You can read what is on your card or top it up. We were surprised when we found out people didn't like the Myki. We've had similar over here for ages and I guess we have got used to it.
Just to be on the safe side I tagged on every time we went out of the free zone.
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I have just bought my Myki card, I better start to get organised.
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Great idea Denise. The hotel would know which of us have booked for breakfast.
I've removed Katie & Richard and Jamberie and her family from the original list of bookings on page 1 of this thread, not sure if anyone else who had booked has cancelled.
Could you remove Narelle from that list too please Judy. Sadly she can't make Melbourne either. Thanks xx
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Done, thanks Gayle.
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That's no good. I was looking forward to meeting her. Maybe another time.
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Re the cookbooks, I've got your messages and apologise for not getting back to you individually but my business is taking up so much of my Thermie time. Katie I will print you off a copy and I'm assuming JD will take it back for you. Cash will be the way to go as I give them to people so I don't have to reconcile my bank account. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone...it won't be long now...
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I feel the excitement, or maybe that's Grand Final fever. ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks CP!
Yes Judy will act as courier and bring my copy back to Adelaide for me. I will fix her up with the money for you prior to that weekend.
Happy I'm still able to get the book, it will make me feel a little less sad about not being able to make it to Melbourne to catch up with everyone. Thanks again :D
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Thanks Marina. I'm getting excited too.
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This is until the time I have to be at the airport on the Thursday.
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Countdown aye cookie? LOL
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My brother's partner showed me this app. I hardly ever look at it, but it is fun.
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Unfortunately it is frozen on my screen at 19: 17: 33 : 06 ... but I get your anticipation.
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I only took a photo of it Marina, I need to practise sharing it properly.
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I only took a photo of it Marina, I need to practise sharing it properly.
Ah, that explains it. I thought my computer was doing something wrong .. again!!
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booked my flight last night i am on the 6.30 am flight ;D
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Blimey Uni that will be an early start for you :D
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its the middle of the day for me lol :o
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Good on you uni. It has been a hell of a year for me and am so looking forward to seeing everyone. My lovely card and drawing I received last year in Hobart have been a constant reminder of our true friendship.
Gert
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You'll probably be the first there Uni, I don't leave Adelaide until 11.35 am on the Thursday.
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I leave here ( so does Kezza) at 7.25am our time. But we don't arrive in Melbourne until 1.55pm. As well as flying I lose 3 hours on the way. At least I get it back when I come home.
Is that on the Thursday Uni?
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yes cookie , thursday
JD i will start the party early :o
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I'm sure you will Uni LOL.
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Oo it's feeling like it is really happening now.
DH and I are leaving next Sunday.
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I'm so jealous Bedlam. We haven't driven over the Nullabor for a couple of years. I miss it. If you get a chance there will be whales out from the Nullabor road house.
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Thanks Cookie now I am feeling excited.
I am not looking forward to dropping my Bub at a respite carer Sunday morning but after that will enjoy I am sure.
Looking forward to seeing all you lovely people.
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Anyone needing a stopover in sydney, are more than welcomed at my place
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Wondering if we made an arrangement for dinner on Sat night?
Seems like a few of us will be there for dinner on Thursday as well.
So looking forward to a group hug and a glass of.
Gert
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I haven't been on here much recently so will need to read through this thread to find out what arrangements have been put in place to make sure I don't miss anything.
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How exciting. It is getting close.
AA , Yum Cha cooking class. Have been in touch with them this morning to firm up arrangements. They are ringing back. When all OK will post full names and details.
Have also made enquiries at Brunetti Cafe/ restaurant in Lygon Street for Thursday Night Dinner for 6.30 pm . It is a glitzy cafe that serves coffee, cake, pasta, and Pasta. Etc. Can look on Internet for menu and prices. I think you can use the free trams to get there. Gert, Norma, Ral and I will be having dinner there. Anyone else interested is welcome. Just let me know so I can give them numbers.
If it is decided that the group dinner is to be at the Hotel, I think they do a discounted, DBB. I think it is a set menu, to be decided before hand.
More later.
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Thanks Chookie, put me down for Thursday night please.
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I'd love to come with you on Thursday night too please. I'm not sure about the free tram going that far. I will try and check as I have the PTV app. (Public transport Victoria )
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Cookie, please check. I really have little knowledge of public transport. Thanks
Cookie and Judy, names on list.
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I'll get in touch with Kerry too and ask her.
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i am IN for Thursday nights dinner, thanks ACW
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Kerry has asked that she be included for Thursday night dinner too please.
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I THINK that we are out of the free tram zone for dinner. http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2014/free-cbd-tram-zone-from-1-january-2015/
The free zone seems to stop at the markets and in Swanston St it stops at Melbourne Central.
To travel to Brunetti it is 1 zone only and we need to walk about 380 metres.
DD usually does all this so I may well be wrong. Hopefully not.
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Thanks for looking into it Cookie.
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Yes, you are defintiely out of the free tram zone for Brunettis.
The trams do not travel down the part of Lygon Street where Brunettis is located so a short walk will be on the cards ... although the walk from the tram stop to Brunettis would probably be shorter than the walk from the nearest available car parking space to Brunettis! If you are concerned about travelling on the tram and there are quite a few of you travelling together from the hotel, a taxi might be a good idea, although that would be more expensive than the tram.
As Lygon Street is very near the university there are quite a few trams that run parallel to Lygon Street. You should get any of the trams going up Swanston Street (very conveniently, the hotel is on Swanston Street) then get off at Stop no. 1 which is pretty well on the corner of Swanston and Faraday Streets (I think about 8 stops from the hotel). Walk down Faraday and when you get to Lygon Street turn left and it is a very short walk to Lygon Court Shopping Plaza / Cinema Nova – Chookie, am I right in thinking that Brunettis has now moved to Lygon Court, I think you know this area of Melbourne better than I do?
I refer to tram stop no. 1. All tram stop signs show the route number, location and unique tram stop number for that route – watch the stops as you travel along and you will catch on quickly to which stop you are at. Just to confuse matters totally, the stop after no. 1 is stop number 111 – but that is a whole different story.
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Thanks Cookie and Marina. Marina, you are correct, Brunettis shifted to Lygon Street from around the corner. I have spoken to AA about the Yum Cha Cooking class.
I am now ready to post final info. Will put it where? Help Judy and Cookie!
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Thanks Marina.
Chookie I'd just put it here. I think this is where most people look for Forumfest information.
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Yes just post it here Chookie and I'll make sure a copy gets put into the first posting with all the other information.
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If this is inappropriate please delete.
I just received this notification (https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-wholesome-cook-an-afternoon-with-martyna-angell-tickets-18948227659?ref=enivte001&invite=ODUzMzc5NC9hZG1pbkBncmFudHZpb2xpbnMuY29tLmF1LzA%3D&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=invitemodernv2&utm_term=eventpage) from Books for Cooks – for those wandering around Victoria Market during the afternoon on FF Saturday in Melbourne, you might be interested in this presentation by Martyna Angell.
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That looks very interesting Cuilidh. :)
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Yum Cha class at Alyce Alexandra cooking School for Forum Fest
24th. October, 10.00 am to 1.00pm, with 1/2 an hour for shopping, if desired.
( the South Melbourne Market, close by is open until 2.00pm).
There will be a booklet of recipes available and plenty of food to sample. No lunch needed afterwards.
Parking available. Details to come.
Participants ( please tell me by PM if there is a problem with the list.)
Chookie
Marina
CP and DD
Jeninwa
Kimmyh
Kezza
Cookie
Gert
Judy
Bedlam
Wonder
Bruce( friend)
Aussie Brenda
Mamma Fergie
Trudy and Wayne
Djinni
Michele
Bogie 1, ( Jenny)
Kerry
Kezza's friend
Wendy, ( my DIL) and GD.
Anita, ( Ex TMX consultant)..
Oops, forgot to put in address
417 city road
South Melb
Phone 9690 5509
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Great to see you managed to fill the quota Chookie, a job well done. Looking forward to it.
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Is Jeninwa coming over?
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She's not on the list on page 1 cookie. Chookie will look into it I'm sure.
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I just remembered that Kerry's friend is coming.
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Jen has paid and I haven't heard that she is not coming. Hope she is.
Kezza's friend is replacing Katie.
Yesterday I visited Brunetti Cafe to investigate having Dinner there on Thursday night. I was very disappointed in what they offered and the venue which was stuck down the back of the shop.
After discussions with Gert, I have 2 suggestions,
Number 1. Ral ,Gert and I have booked an apartment in the Clock Tower for Thursday night. We could host a buffet dinner there, we could supply basics, a cooked chicken, quiche and salad and wine, and anyone who wishes to partake could bring something extra, to the value of $10 to share. This would be from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm and then to Brunetti for Coffee, cake and / or Gelato. Could also visit Readings Bookstore.
Option 2. Most Cafes in Lygon Street don't take bookings. However some of the cheaper ones do. We have eaten at Papa Gino's who do a good pizza and pasta as well as other dishes. Quite cheap. Could then also go to Brunetti for coffee and cake etc.
Please tell me what you would like to do by Friday. Majority wins.
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Hi girls and all coming to the forum fest, getting close now, I am heading off tomorrow on a cruise out of Sydney be back home late on the 17th, so I will be off the air until then, can you please include me in anything that you are arranging I should be in the city by lunchtime Friday and will leave for home probably lunchtime Sunday, so defiantly dinner on both nights. Thanks looking forward to meeting you all xxxx
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I'm easy Chookie but can't help thinking you will be stuck with a lot of food if we all bring something. Food that you wouldn't want to take with you to the Swanston. Perhaps it would be easier for everyone concerned to go out for a meal.
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I really don't mind either. However Judy has a point about leftovers. Unless the three of you wish to have a midnight feast!!!
I'm am more than happy with anything. I even love the burgers at Emporium!
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i don't mind either, its the company that counts
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Good point Judy. I think we can find something even if we don't book. I am sure the restaurants are user friendly and we are good a furniture arrangement.LOL!
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We are easy but think that going out somewhere would be a lot less work for you Chookie.
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Please can we be included Thursday evening too, Evan and I. We will fit in with whatever is decided.
Thank you
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Not long to go now I am really looking forward to catching up with everyone and having a drink :)
Chookie I have sent you a message about yum cha as I couldn't see my name there but it looks like there is another Kerry going to the Fest and presuming Kerry's friend is not me??
We fly out 6.35am Friday morning and maybe if timing is right we can join you for breakfast. Alayna is really excited as to her its the first time she has been on a plane (that she can remember). Count us in for dinner Friday night as well.
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Kerry, my mistake. It is you.
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Could I double-check the arrangements for Melbourne pls?
I fly in Friday morning and flyout Monday noon.
So I am on the list for the tramcar lunch Friday, and the cooking class, and dinner (I think) on Saturday.
I am going to be at a conference in Victor Harbor SA the week before Melbourne so I am trying to make sure I am organised before I go!
Have I missed anything? Apologies for being so disorganised. Will fill you in when I see you!
Thank you so much to all the lovelies involved in organising!
Gaylexx
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Hi Gayle - The tramcar restaurant is on Sunday lunchtime, not Friday.
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Have there been any plans made for dinner on the Friday and Saturday night yet?
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I THINK Saturday night there may be Wonder. I don't think so for Friday night. Do you have any suggestions?
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If anyone is interested I know a really good Indian restaurant, it's on a tram line, not far from the hotel, but out of the free zone. If there is any interest I would be happy to make arrangements but would need to know fairly soon so that I can book. I assume it would be for Friday night. I don't know what, if anything, is arranged for Saturday night.
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We love Indian, Marina. As has been mentioned before its all about the company and seeing all again.
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The hotel where we are staying had offered to do dinner on Sat night $44 for 2 courses. It hasn't been followed up. I am too busy to look into it.
Marina, Indian sounds good.
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Cookie, weve been focussing more on out of city restaurants at the moment but a few of our favourites are Longrain, Cumulis Inc, Chin Chin, Red Spice Road, Hellinic Republic and Blue Bonnet BBQ. Of these I think Red Spice Road is the best for a big group and best value for money (not cheap though, more reasonable), there are lots of sharing type plates and large communal tables, there are also two locations within the city centre easy walking distance to the hotel although we would need to book fairly quickly. They are "famous" for their sticky pork belly dish which I'm sure I would overdose on if I lived closer.
I'm also happy to organise a dinner there if people are interested. It really depends what cuisine people are interested in.
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Sold Wonder. Sounds Red Spice Road would have something for everyone. Haven't eaten in a decent restaurant since I moved to Cairns. They mainly cater for the tourist trade up here and are not interested in the repeat business of the locals and they charge Melbourne prices anyway.
Gert
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Sounds great Wonder.
We will be on the road from Sunday so please include us in the bookings for Thurs, fri and sat nights. I think we will say our goodbyes Sunday morning as we will be heading to Mulwala for our second week.
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http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/good-food-guide/red-spice-road-wins-the-age-good-food-guide-2016-peoples-choice-award-20150817-gixbnl.html
Highly recommend restaurant. It gets my vote.
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Sounds good to me too, which night are we talking about here - Friday or Saturday?
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Thanks Wonder. Chookie I am thrilled you can make it to FF without worrying about us getting fed.
I'm in if whatever is decided. Red Spice Road sounds great and anything else you select Wonder.
Take care Chookie.
Thanks again Wonder and Marina. Much appreciated.
The only fairly posh place I have eaten is the restaurant within The Grand Hyatt. The food is lovely and not too pricey. Drinks are though. It is on the free tram ride.
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Wonder, count me in, I am happy to go with whatever you come up with.
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I'm in. Sounds good to me too thanks Wonder 8)
Tram Sunday lunch. Got it right now I think. Thanks Marina :)
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Thanks Wonder, count Don & I in too please. :)
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Grossi Florentino is up Bourke St. It's not far to walk. I haven't been there though.
http://www.grossiflorentino.com/menu-grill
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I'll give red spice road a call tomorrow and see if they are able to accomodate us all on the Friday or Saturday then we can choose a second option for the other night.
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Wonder, thank you.
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Go for it Wonder, thanks.
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If we all go out to dinner, I make it 25 adults and 1 child - is that right.
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count me in Wonder and thanks
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Hi ladies, I'm not sure what I am doing yet. I am definitely coming to the cooking class Saturday but can't commit to anything else just yet. As I will be driving up from Geelong for the day, I need to work out what to do with my car and if I need to return home before dinner! It's come around so quickly!
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It will be lovely to meet you Kimmy.
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Hi ladies, I'm not sure what I am doing yet. I am definitely coming to the cooking class Saturday but can't commit to anything else just yet. As I will be driving up from Geelong for the day, I need to work out what to do with my car and if I need to return home before dinner! It's come around so quickly!
We're pretty close to the CBD and there is usually easy, free, parking around our place. You could also park in our back driveway, but it is a nasty one to get into, however, it is a worry free option if you want to go with that. PM me if you want more details.
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Looks as though we have to cancel plans to come to Melbourne. DH had a heart attack in the early hours this morning. He is fine and I will have him transferred to The Private Hospital where his cardiologist is. They plan to do some tests today then hopefully home tomorrow and furthers tests as an outpatient. Home to pick-up some gear for Don and then heading back to the hospital.
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So sorry to hear your bad news Michele, I do hope DH's tests are encouraging. We will miss you at our FF. Xx
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So sorry Michele. Hoping the best for Don.
Gert
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So sorry to hear your news. DH is a good strong southlander from NZ he will be come through this!! Take care.
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Oh Mich you poor darling. My heart goes out to you. Sending much love to you and Don.
Take care and my very best wishes for a speedy recovery to Don.
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Oh Michele that's awful news.
Take care and I hope Don is better soon xx
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Michele, that is really bad luck for you both. Please pass Ral and my best wishes to Don and you look after your self. We will see you both next year at the FF.
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Michele, so sorry to hear your bad news. Best wishes to Don and hope everything works out OK.
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I spoke with Red Spice Road and below are the options which unfortunately seem a little limited to me and might depend on the numbers we end up with.
For either of their restaurants they can accommodate us for the 6.00pm session which requires you to be finished at 7.45pm or the 8.00pm session which has no end time.
While the 6.00pm session seemed a little rushed for me, upon further thinking maybe it would be good to have dinner and then go back to the more open (and probably cheaper) bar at the hotel for post dinner drinks, gift exchange and talking.
For all bookings in excess of 12 there is a requirement to order one of the banquet menus which are different prices at the different restaurants, and I would suggest the middle menu ($69 or $79 per person) which does include a number of dishes for each of the three courses but no drinks. I have this banquet a number of times and they have been able to cater to a number of food concerns including my no seafood without any issues.
Our other option is to have a private room at the McKillop St restaurant which isn't limited by numbers but does have a minimum spend including food and drinks of $2000 so really only an option if we have in excess of 20 people attending.
let me know what you all think.
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Thank you for all for your well wishes. I will pass them onto Don. Doesn't look like he will be home tomorrow, still have him monitored. Still awaiting transfer to The Private. I've been sent home for the evening, to rest :-)) I've always got by on little sleep.
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What awful news Michele.Sending hugs to Don :-*
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Don has been transferred to Intensive Care. So hard to get information. I'm not allowed to see him??
I have been given very little information - a bit worrying.
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I do hope you can get some more information from them Michele, it does seem strange they won't let you see him. Can you stomp up and down and demand it?
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Just bringing up a portion of a posting from Page 20 of this topic in regard to dining.
"Chookie has today received the following from Sarah at the Swanston/Welcome Hotels.
In regards to your dinner request for the 24th October, we could offer 2 Courses at $44 per person, or 3 courses at $54 per person and the menu would be sent out closer to the date."
Is there any reason we have not proceeded with this offer? It seems a pretty good price to me.
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Don is in intensive care because there are no beds in cardiac. I understand that. Still being monitored, so all good.
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Best place for him Michele. Get some rest. He is in good hands.
Gert
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Wonder I know nothing about restaurants in Melbourne so I am in your hands. Whatever you choose is fine with me.
Gert
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Judy we could do that Sat night after our busy day.
Gert
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That sounds a great idea. Wonder's selection for Friday evening and the hotel for Saturday evening.
Mich, sending love to you and Don.
Wonder I am happy to go with whatever you think best. We may not make the 20 people for that choice.
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I'm going to make an executive decision, or maybe a Moderator's one. Let's have dinner in the hotel on Saturday evening. We can always buy some drinks of the alcoholic variety and consume them in someone's room after dinner.
If the worst comes to the worst we can buy food at The Emporium and drinks and consume them at the hotel.
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Dear Michele, only just read your news. I am hoping Don makes a full and speedy recovery. So disappointed we will not be catching up and travelling to Sydney together. Take care of yourself.
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Good idea cookie, most people have said they'll go along with any plans made so an approximate number shouldn't be hard to come up with. Thank you.
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I'm up for dinner both nights.
This may be elsewhere on the thread, but as things stand at the moment:
Dinner / get together somewhere for Thursday night?
Nothing planned for Friday during the day
Friday dinner getting organised
Saturday Alyce Alexandra's class / South Melbourne Market visit
Saturday evening dinner at the hotel
Sunday lunch on tramcar restaurant
I am sure I have got something wrong there. Have I included something that is no longer happening or has been change? Have missed anything out?
I keep reminding myself that I have to get a $50 gift voucher, a boa and a mask as well. I am planning on using Friday as a shopping day if I am in the mood. I might go down Bridge Road, but that is pretty well dead now. There is a big new factory outlet shopping centre out towards the airport / Essendon way ... has anyone been there?
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As far as I recall Marina, you are pretty well right with your list of activities. It seems to slowly be coming together. Friday as a shopping day sounds good to me, who doesn't like to go shopping. Last time I did Bridge Road I did notice lots of empty shops but still managed to pick up some bargains in a few stores.
I haven't done the Queen Vic market for years and would like to do that at some stage. I've checked opening times on the days we have still have some free time. Friday 8-3 and Sunday 9-4 (our tramcar lunch is at 1pm from what I've read).
I've not heard of the outlet out Essendon way but have been to the one near the Exhibition Centre which I wasn't really impressed with. I really would have liked to have gone on a shopping tour which included lunch. I did one many years ago with DD when she first moved over there and we had a great time, it was a small group of 4 so we were transported in a Tarago and had lunch in Lygon Street.
As CP did in W.A. and I did in Adelaide, once again it is essential that someone has a list of your mobile phone numbers in case we get separated, also a next of kin contact number and once you know your hotel room number, that would be handy as well. I'd be happy to take charge of that list if you'd like to pm your information to me. It is now only 10 days before some of us start arriving, time is running out to finish planning this get together.
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If dinner at hotel is an option for Sat night, could someone pick up the organizing as things have gone gang busters here. Thanks.
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We understand that dear Chookie, cookie is going to take that one on.
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If dinner at hotel is an option for Sat night, could someone pick up the organizing as things have gone gang busters here. Thanks.
Complete change of subject here, but does that mean a good type of gang busters ... perhaps you've sold your house Chookie?? I do so very much hope so.
Judy, I think you may have all my relevant details, but I will PM them to you so you don't waste time searching for the information.
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Dinner at the hotel on Saturday sounds great - good decision Cookie.
I'll make a tentative booking at the Red Spice Road in QV for Friday night at the 6pm session, and those who are interested can let me know and I can update (or cancel) the booking as the time progresses.
Marina, I went to the Essendon DFO a little while ago and was very disappointed, I think they seem to be focusing on the Harbour Town and University Hill (Bundoora) venues these days. I'm not a big fan of the outlet stores in general these days although I've been known to get some bargains it's very hit and miss. There seem to be so many sales in the shops now that I find I prefer just shopping in the city.
If the weather is good I would also recommend a rooftop bar for a drink - there's lot of good ones around the city now.
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...
Marina, I went to the Essendon DFO a little while ago and was very disappointed, I think they seem to be focusing on the Harbour Town and University Hill (Bundoora) venues these days. I'm not a big fan of the outlet stores in general these days although I've been known to get some bargains it's very hit and miss. There seem to be so many sales in the shops now that I find I prefer just shopping in the city.
If the weather is good I would also recommend a rooftop bar for a drink - there's lot of good ones around the city now.
Good to get your feedback on the Essendon outlet - I onl ymentioned it because whenever I drive past there at the weekend there are long queues of cars waiting to get in and I thought maybe I was missing out on something - clearly I am not and I am very happy about that!
A rooftop bar sounds great - do you know if there any that do not have music blasting you off your seat?
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Marina that looks right to me. Thursday evening I THINK we are heading out to Chookie, Ral and Gert for some sort of meal, I believe. If not there is Jones the Grocer and others at The Emporium
for those of us that are around.
Friday I think we had planned the markets, if you wish I can take anyone who wishes for a walk round the chocolate places. No free samples but it will save you the $49 for the tour, so you can buy.
I know of a Dianne Ferrari outlet in Swan St with a Wittner outlet over the road. It's a short tram ride out of the city.
My visit to the DFO was disappointing a few weeks ago. Bridge road has a good Bendon outlet that is cheaper than the DFO but Bridge Road is getting very sad.
We can probably decide what people wish to do Friday at breakfast. It is pretty easy to find your way. There are also people who are dressed in red on street corners who will help you. There is a great information kiosk in Bourke st, close to the hotel. A Myki checker out the front of the hotel and a taxi rank in Little Bourke St. A kitchen shop in Little Bourke St.
The concierge at the hotel is helpful too.
If the weather is pleasant people may select to walk along the 'river' to the Casino.
My feeling is that with such a lovely place to explore it is best that we have so e choice.
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I'm with Marina over the drink at a roof top bar. As long as we don't have to queue to be permitted onto the roof top, the music isn't too loud and the drink toooooooooexpensive.
I just remembered Hardware Lane is close to the hotel and used to have some nice, casual eating places. As do some of the other lane ways.
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=hardware+lane+melbourne+restaurants&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari
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I'm not into queuing or loud music so will look for a few options for bars. I've tried a few with DH and they do seem to get busy so hard with a bigger group but we might be able to book a table at one. I'll do some investigating over the course of this week.
for those who might be taking a walk along the river "The Arbory" is a great new café/bar which runs along between the train line and the river on the city side of the river just near flinders St. DH and I have spent a few nice hours with a cold drink overlooking the goings on of the river. It does get very busy though.
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That sounds wonderful Wonder. Perfect for a FF for all or a msall group. Chatting is by far the moist popular pastime as we haven't seen each other for 12 months. It isn't far from the hotel either. A pleasant walk.
I have been in touch with the hotel re our dinner on Saturday night. When I hear from them I will pass on the information. As long as they make a booking in the dining room for us.
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Extended forecast for Melbourne 22/10 - 27/10, not bad. I hope they're right.
High
25°c
24°c
21°c
22°c
25°c
26°c
Low
11°c
13°c
13°c
12°c
12°c
16°c
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I wouldn't rely on those figures, Judy, after all this is Melbourne!!!
Cookie, count me in on your chocolate tour!
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I'll check in there a bit closer to the FF Marina, I know how inaccurate forecasters can be.
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The more the merrier Marina. I will base it on the places I've been and CP may have some ideas to add. Don't tell anyone but I will also base it on a tour that I looked into earlier. They won't know. ;D ;D
I will get DD to help me devise it so that we don't back track. It will include the Lindt cafe and Koko Black.
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Ral and I will go with the flow as much as we are able. Put our names down, if we can't attend, we will still pay.
Thursday dinner, we can eat out or in it is up to members to decide. Cheap eat out at a pizza place or bring food to our apartment which is 2 steps from Lygon Street.
Took the car back to Bendigo today for them to fix the small things that were not right. They had the cheek to tell us that they needed the car for a few more days as they couldn't fix the parking alert thingy. Yes I really spat the dummy. I think Ral was even shocked! The result is that we have a loan car ( nice Merc) for as long as we need it. ( this was all arranged by a man who has a TMX)
We need to go to Ballarat for a few days,
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Enjoy the Merc Chookie and Ral. My chocolate tour is free to anyone who wishes to come so that will be fine.
Good on you spitting the dummy. Sometimes it needs to be done. Our DH's don't see it very often but the sure sit up when we do.
Take care and enjoy driving the Merc.
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When it's necessary, it usually works Chookie. Good on you for sorting them out.
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Just catching up. Mich I'm so sorry about don. You must be beside yourself. Sending big hugs and hoping everything turns out well.
Thanks Marina I will see how things go.
Chocolate tour sounds great cookie. Is that for Saturday arvo?
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Friday afternoon Kimmy. It isn't a proper one. It's a Cookie devised one with stops to purchase chocolates and have coffee/hot chocolate and cake along the way. I decided I could walk those interested around to the places listed on the tours. You won't get free tastes and the chat but you can use the $49 saved to have afternoon tea and buy a few chocolates.
I don't expect everyone to tag along, only those that want to. Others may like to walk along the river and have coffee on Southbank or at the place Wonder suggested.
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I've been away from the computer for a few days & a lot to catch up on.
Michelle sorry to hear about Don & I hope he doing ok now?
Count us in for dinner Friday night, I love asian. Not sure about Friday yet, there is an Alice in Wonderland exhibit on at the museum I want to take Alayna to and will do that either Friday or Monday but I think I will see how we are all going after our early flight that morning first.
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Sorry to hear about DH Mich - lucky he has a loving nurse to take care of him and I hope he makes a speedy recovery :-* I think there are a few more states that the FF hasn't been that you will be able to meet up again, but I'm sad to not catch up this year with you :'(
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Just yesterday I read the address and relevant details for Alyce's cooking class but cannot find it anywhere now ... :P Can it be posted again please. Thanks.
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You make me laugh cookie! 5 minutes in a chocolate shop is about 4 minutes and 45 seconds too long for me.
I need to buy something special for my DD who is moving into the "old farts" village while I am away to look after the dog. Plus her birthday is coming up.
Cairns is a wasteland for any decent shops so I am looking forward to some window shopping, a visit to the MAC counter in Myer and eating in a few decent restaurants of which there are very few in Cairns. I have need of absolutely nothing but a nice break away and to see my best buddies. I see all of you dancing on my fridge every day.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/13/dee3f3765a0dca0f00631115b7104ac7.jpg)
Gert
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Marina, the details have also been posted in the first posting on page 1. When all other details have been posted we can post an itinerary for you all to print out.
Great picture Gert, looking forward to seeing everyone again.
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Marina. Info about cooking class is on the first page.
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Got it! Thanks Judy and Chookie, I had forgotten I had checked out page 1 yesterday and, obviously, that is where it was all along. Ah well, I must get used to senior moments I guess.
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Ouch, the print on my iPad is so tiny I can. Are ly read it this morning.
I have received a reply from the man doing our booking about dinner. He can't find any information so I will email him a copy of what Chookie received from Sarah early on. He is very good and prompt so there will be no worries.
Gert I know how much you enjoy chocolate!!!! The Mac counter isn't far away and there is also a great Mac shop up in Melbourne Central too. I know as DD uses Mac and I use their foundation.
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I've come onto the big computer and now everything is far too big. I can't win.
Ladies, I can't find the email bit that says the hotel was going to do a meal for us to let Owen at the Swanston know. If anyone can, would you let me know please. He has taken over from Sarah and things seem a bit messy.
I need to send him numbers as soon as possible please. I will start a list for Saturday evenings meal and if I miss you please add yourself in another post.
Cookie
Judy
Gert
Chookie and Ral
Denise and Evan
Cream Puff and DH??
Kezza
Kerry and DH??
Uni
Marina
Wonder
Kimmy??
Gayle
Brenda
Trudy and Wayne
MF
I might email these numbers to Owen for starters and see what they will do for us. My feeling is that as long as they have the booking the food can be settled later. If some small businesses ran like these larger businesses they would soon be out of business. Will keep you informed. I have to go out for a few hours but will up0date when I get home.
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Cookie - everything does seem big on this page.
Its in a post from Judy, on page 20 of this thread
I will pm it to you.
Owen was very helpful when I had to contact him to cancel our accommodation when we found out we couldn't make it.
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Thanks so much Katie. I would have gone out but Jeninwa rang and we were chatting. So I've completed the email to Owen. Yes Katie he does seem very nice and helpful.
Thanks again Katie.
I have given Owen the number for dinner as being around 21 give or take a couple. I'm sure we can give him the final number on Friday.
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I've made a booking at Red Spice Road QV (37 Artemis Lane) for 15 at 6.00pm (out at 7.45pm) for the Friday night. They do open at 5 so if we want to go a little earlier I can check that will be OK, and I'll also look into any bars that are close by for post dinner drinks, or we can just go back to the hotel which is only a 5 - 10 min walk.
I wasn't sure who was interested so booked for 15 as a starting point, and I can add to it if there's a few extras. The list below has 20 but I think there are a few on their that won't be coming along. If people could confirm if they are interested that would be great.
Cookie (yes)
Judy
Gert (yes)
Chookie and Ral (yes)
Denise and Evan (yes)
Cream Puff and DH?? (yes)
Kezza & Colette (yes)
Kerry and DH?? (Yes + 1child)
Uni (yes)
Marina
Wonder (yes)
Kimmy?? (no)
Gayle (yes)
Brenda
Trudy and Wayne (yes)
MF (yes? to be confirmed)
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Yes please.
Gert
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I'd say we will probably meet up with DD for dinner and then join the revelry afterwards
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Yes for me please Wonder. It will probably be a yes from Kezza too.
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Yes, Chookie and Ral, Wonder, thanks.
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Cookie, on the 10 th March this is basically what Sarah sent me.
Dinner request for 24 th. 2 courses at $44 per person, or 3 courses at $54 per person. And the menu would be sent out closer to the date.
Also of interest is parking. $15 self parking, ( per exit - 24 hours), $35 Valet parking per 24 hours.
Also Breakfast, $18 net per person( pre booked), $25 direct.
Also, WiFi $15 per 24 hours per room.
I also believe that the real value of the rooms will be set closer to date.
Hope this helps.
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Yes to the dinners thank you Wonder and Cookie.
Michele I've just looked back to read your news. So sorry you won't be at FF. You'll be missed. Take care :-*
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Cookie, on the 10 th March this is basically what Sarah sent me.
Dinner request for 24 th. 2 courses at $44 per person, or 3 courses at $54 per person. And the menu would be sent out closer to the date.
Also of interest is parking. $15 self parking, ( per exit - 24 hours), $35 Valet parking per 24 hours.
Also Breakfast, $18 net per person( pre booked), $25 direct.
Also, WiFi $15 per 24 hours per room.
I also believe that the real value of the rooms will be set closer to date.
Hope this helps.
WTH no free wifi
i called today and they said $15.00 for Breakfast
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Yes to the dinners for me too thanks
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Thanks Chookie. Katie helped me find the information and I sent a copy on to Owen. Hopefully he will get back to me tomorrow I asked him to make the reservation for us and we can go from there.
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I can't believe how much hotels charge for wi-fi, it's not as if people sit in their room all day using their computers.
I hope we're all going to be charged $15 for our breakfast Uni, we were quoted $18 as you saw in Chookie's posting.
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Yes for both dinners for Adrian & I. Also could you please include a seat for Alayna but not count her food - thanks :)
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I just posted this on Uni's thread following a discussion on what clothes to pack for the FF weekend, but I have copied it as it should really belong here:
If the current weather pattern carries through to next week you will have to pack for all weather conditions. It is totally unpredictable at the moment, although warming up, it can be 30+ one day and drop down to high teens low 20s the next. Judy did a minimum / maximum forecast a day or two ago, I have just had a look at this again and the min / max temperatures, starting at today and going through to next Wednesday are:
18 / 34 sunny
20 / 26 rain
12 / 20 showers
9 / 20 sunny
10 / 26 cloudy
15 / 25 rain
13 / 21 rain
And the longer range forecast is indicating the possibiilty of showers throughout the FF weekend. So, there you have it, typical Melbourne weather in a nutshell!
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As you say Marina, typical Melbourne weather. That is what makes Melbourne so special, several seasons in a day.
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I've just had a call from the lady in charge of our dinner on Saturday night. She is making the booking for 23+1. She is sending me through menu ideas today. I'll let you know as soon as I get them.
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An alternative to getting the wifi in your hotel room is to tether your mobile to your device. You are using data though so if you don't have much data in your plan you may go over, and then it could cost you more than the hotel wifi depending on your provider...if you are only using it very briefly though its probably not going to use much
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Like most people, I have 4G so not a problem for me. I just think paying for wi-fi anywhere is a rip off.
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I have 3G and it works well at the hotel.
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It has been a hot one today in Melbourne. We have arrived at the Mornington Peninsula it feels very humid.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
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You have a bit of a wait for the rest of us Denise but glad to hear you've arrived safely. Enjoy your week.
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We are staying for a week at the napean country club Judy. We plan to sight see this area and visit Cloudehill nursery where my son proposed earlier this year.
Driving the Nullarbor was a terrific experience and lovely to share with my dearest.
Looking forward to seeing everyone too.
Memories of Forumfest of past, I took DH to Hahndorf, sunny this time!
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I am a no for all things on Friday and Sunday, including no for Friday night dinner wonder
I am a yes for dinner Saturday night cookie.
At this stage I plan to drive up Saturday morning and can pick up 3(comfortably) to 4 (squishy) lucky ladies and drive to the Alyce cooking school. First in best dressed, just post on hear if interested. Have we decided plans for Saturday arvo in between cooking class and dinner?
I read somewhere I need to buy a boa, mask and $50 gift voucher. Where do I buy the voucher from or is it my choice?
Do I need anything else?
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The voucher is your choice Kimmy.
You can buy a mask and a boa over the road from the hotel ( sort of) at Daiso. Where Readers Feast used to be.
No plans for after the class before dinner. Possibly coffee and chatting.
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Cookie, I am hoping I can tag along with you to the Alyce cooking class. I will buy a tram rider as soon as I get into the city. Is this ok?
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Wayne and I will be there Wonder, thank you.
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No worries. Those that can't get a lift can easily go by tram. It is just out of the free zone and a bit of a walk. However you do get to go by a car place that does vintage restorations!!
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Don't we have the option of spending an hour at the South Melbourne market near Alyce's class on Saturday girls?
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So glad you found Hahndorf sunny this time Denise.
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I'm planning on catching public transport on Saturday and was hoping to hang around with everyone between the cooking class and dinner, but may have to go home in between depending on DS basketball game time.
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You are very welcome Wonder.
For dinner on Friday Kezza ( Kerry) and her friend Colette will be coming with us too.
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Wonder, can you please add DH and myself to Saturday night dinner please x
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Nadine, Friday night sounds great. Count Evan and I in please.
Thanks for organising this.
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Hi CP, did you mean me to add you to Friday night dinner at Red Spice Road?
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was there one on the saturday night? I thought that was the one we had to choose from the menu. We were hoping to get tix to Lion King
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CP I've sent you a pm. You may look here instead though.
Wonder has organised for us to go to the Asian restaurant on Friday night.
Cookie has organised dinner at the hotel for Saturday night. That is what the menu selection was for.
I hope you are able to get tickets to The Lion King I think it would be very nice.
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I managed to escape from work for an hour or two today and ended up at Victoria Market. It was the first time in many years that I had had any sort of leisure time to wander around there.
What I found, on a Friday late morning / lunch time, was that there were lots of school groups milling around the place and I was disappointed to find that perhaps 10 – 15% of the stalls were closed. So for those planning a trip to the market, if you can fit it in, it might be worth thinking of going on Saturday or Sunday – unfortunately it will probably be teaming with people on both of those days, but it is always worth visiting and good fun just wandering around enjoying the atmosphere. I noticed that there was a lot of duplication in clothing, etc. so what you miss on one stall you will probably see on another one.
I usually go around 8.00 am on a Saturday and it is sensible, but getting busy by 8.30 am (that is just in the deli and fruit and vege areas). When I have gone up into the big sheds at the back, quite a few of the stalls are still only partially set up that early on a Saturday morning but they should be ready to go by about 9.00 am.
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Marina that is very important research. ;D I'm glad you were able to grab a bit of time for yourself.
I guess we will work it out on Thursday evening. I hope to be able to peek in Books for Cooks too as I haven't been there since they shifted.
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Thanks cookie for your quick reply. I too want to hang around with you guys between the class and dinner.
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Thanks Marina, I've always found the market hours hard to work around and used to end up going on a busy Sunday when most stalls are open. I haven't been there for years but I guess not a lot has changed.
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Kimmy that will be really good.
If either you or Wonder want to shower before dinner or anything I am happy to share my room with one of you and I'm sure someone else will be willing.
I almost wrote 'share the shower' but that didn't sound too good. ;D ;D you know what I mean and there are always plenty of towels in the room.
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Just re-posting Wonder's Friday night dinner venue and list of attendees here as some have still not responded.
Wonder has made a booking at Red Spice Road QV (37 Artemis Lane) for 15 at 6.00pm (out at 7.45pm) for the Friday night. They do open at 5 so if we want to go a little earlier she can check that will be OK, and will also look into any bars that are close by for post dinner drinks, or we can just go back to the hotel which is only a 5 - 10 min walk.
She wasn't sure who was interested so booked for 15 as a starting point, and can add to it if there's a few extras. The list below has 20 but she thinks there are a few on there that won't be coming along. If people could confirm if they are interested that would be great.
Cookie (yes)
Judy (yes)
Gert (yes)
Chookie and Ral (yes)
Denise and Evan (yes)
Cream Puff and DH?? (yes)
Kezza & Colette (yes)
Kerry and DH?? (Yes + 1child)
Uni (yes)
Marina (yes)
Wonder (yes)
Kimmy?? (no)
Gayle (yes)
Brenda. probably a yes
Trudy and Wayne (yes)
MF (yes? to be confirmed)
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CP will need to confirm this but I think she and DH were going to try for tickets for The Lion King on Friday night.
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Thanks very much Judy. I also don't think CP is coming along on the Friday night but will wait on her confirmation
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There is a chance that Ral and I won't be attending the FF. DD had a bike accident last Sat and has spent some time in hospital. We have been in Ballarat on and off the last week. Today she was re admitted .
We are hopeful that the problems she is having are just due to the accident.
Keep us on all the lists and if we can't come are prepared to pay for any bookings made on our behalf.
Hope we will know by tomorrow night or Monday at latest
Keeping our fingers crossed.
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I'm in as well, please, Wonder. Thanks for sorting this out.
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Chookie and Ral that is awful news about your DD. Of course she and her family are your very first priority. We all understand that completely. Our thoughts are with you.
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I have just written to Chookie telling her to forget about me and I have booked into the Swanston on the 20th rather than change my plane ticket. So looking forward to the extra few days in Melbourne City.
Will miss out on a lovely country visit with Chookie and Ral but I am sure I can wrangle a booking in their new place sometime.
If anyone is in town early please let me know for an early catchup.
Just for anyone else the pub is fully booked so I was lucky. The love reservation Annie was telling me how lucky I was as there is a new Emporium across the street. New shoes?? Now I do not have to pack a dressing gown!!
So so sorry about Chookies DD and hope it goes well.
Gertbysea
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The Emporium is lovely to wander round. Lots of floors. There is a lovely T2 somewhere there too.
Enjoy your extra time in Melbourne Gert.
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Have T2 vouchers will shop!
Gert
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I could look it up but does anyone know where the MAC store is?
Gert
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Wishing you all the best of luck with DD and her problems Chookie, fingers crossed all will be well in the next couple of days and you will be able to join us. Love to you all.
Uni will be the first there on the 22nd Gert, you will know the city backwards by the time we get there. Can't wait, I'm getting itchy feet now.
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Gert I think there is one at Melbourne Central. It is on the other side of the Emporium. You can actually walk through the Emporium, come out near the Top Shop I think and go into Melbourne Central. I will check with DD, she' south at the moment.
The concierge will be able to help with Melbourne Central, not sure about Mac though. I don't think he uses it. ;)
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You are right cookie it is on Swanston Street. Too easy
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I'm so sorry to hear that your DD is unwell Chookie.Hugs to you all :-*
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Wishing your DD a speedy recovery Chookie. Such a worry for you both. Fingers crossed that she improves and you both can make it to FF.
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Chookie and Ral, speedy recovery wishes for your DD.
So many dramas this year. Take care all.
Have fun Gert, see you soon.
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DD is back from hospital and feeling much better. They think that it is just the progression of the accident and the antibiotics upsetting her. Her Ex has offered to pick up the slack with kids. She needs rest.
We are looking forward to the FF very much and hope Gert will cancel her extra days at the hotel. We are looking to Gert to bring a change of luck. We have had a rotten 3 months and are certainly looking for things to improve.
See you all soon.
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Thanks so much for letting us know Chookie. I'm glad DD seems to be ok.
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Thank goodness for that Chookie, it's time for things to start running smoothly for you. :-* :-*
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Sorry to hear about your DD Chookie. Glad to hear things are looking up, I hope she will be fully recovered soon.
I also hope that you and Ral have a wonderful time at FF. Take care xx
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Great news that your DD is feeling better Chookie.
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What huge relief, Chookie. You have had so much stress this past couple of months I hope Gert and the FF will help you to simply relax and unwind.
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Chookie, great to hear that DD is on the mend and you will be able to make FF.
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Good news Chookie, so looking forward to seeing you both. Here's to a relaxing FF.
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Great news chookie.
Thanks for the offer cookie. I will definitely need somewhere to change. Thank you x
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My pleasure.
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Ladies and gents and cute little girls. Dinner for Saturday is at 6pm. I said that was ok, so I hope it is.
3 sleeps to go.
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Me again. Or as I am known at Teh Swanston, the pest from the west.
I have heard from Nikki again and I will probably collect the money for the dinner before hand and we can pay for our drinks as we go. I have sent a few more questions to her so will let you know as they come.
I have also checked about Alyce's new book and it won't be available for purchase on Saturday as it hasn't arrived yet. However we can pre order it if we wish. She has lots of Herbie's Spices in her little shop and other bits and pieces.
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Cookie, thanks for the offer but it looks like I will now have to drive and go back home in between the cooking class and dinner to sort DS out for basketball. I'll let you know though.
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Dammit I wanted to get the book while I was there >:(
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Hi ladies sorry for my absence once again.
Can you please count me in for all the organised dinners.
Thanks to everyone for all the organisation and looking forward to catching up on Thursday.
Yes cookie only 3 more sleeps 😄
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Dammit I wanted to get the book while I was there >:(
Same here. I could have ordered it before and saved 10%.
No worries Wonder. The offer is open.
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Me too, that's dissapointing. Oh well, still looking forward to the class.
Dammit I wanted to get the book while I was there >:(
Same here. I could have ordered it before and saved 10%.
No worries Wonder. The offer is open.
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Hi forumfesters, later today an itinerary will be posted for you all to print out. I still need your mobile phone numbers and next of kin contacts, both CP and I had a very poor response to previous requests. It's important to have these details so please help us to help you if there's an emergency. Looking forward to catching up with you all again.
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I have just pm you judy. Hadn't seen a request for phone numbers, sorry.
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That's OK Kimmy, this is a very long thread and things are easily missed. Thanks to those who have responded, I have details of 10 people now.
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CP at the moment I have you included for the dinner at Red Spice Road on Friday night - is that correct?
For everyone else that is attending I need to confirm numbers with the restaurant today so everyone is sure, the details are:
Red Spice Road - Artemis Lane (with is in the QV building complex)
* 6pm - 7.45pm. They are pretty quick with their service so I suggest we are there and ready to eat at 6pm
* Due to numbers we will be choosing a set banquet for the table. My suggestion would be to go for the middle one which includes their "famous" sticky pork belly and a good sampling of dishes across the three courses. Details of the different banquets are on their web page (just be sure you are looking at the Artemis Lane venue as the menus are slightly different. When we've had this one before there was more than enough food for everyone.
* From past meals there, they seem to cater well for food intolerances and vegetarian options in the banquet and the chef has also agreed to a single plainer dish of vegetables for a few so we were able to all go to a single restaurant.
* Drinks are purchased separately
And lastly, it looks like my DD might join us for dinner so I hope that's ok by everyone.
When I had some time in the city on Saturday, I went and looked at a few of the rooftop bars which are close by and none were able to guarantee us a table so our best option for post dinner I think is to make our way back to the hotel.
Looking foreword to seeing you all on Friday
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I am not sure if you want a final confirmation, Wonder, but jut to be ont he safe side, I am definitely coming on Friday night.
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Me too and I'm sure Kerry and Colette will be too.
I've checked out their menu and it has a lot of tasty sounding dishes on it. It will be lovely to meet your DD Wonder. My DD had hoped to wangle time off to come over too but they wouldn't give her leave from work.
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I think it's only CP who needs to confirm. Cookie could you post a link to the menu please.
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The middle banquet looks great, certainly want to try the pork belly.
Thanks for organising wonder.
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Oops, I need to make a phone call to DD to check whats happening with her...I'll be back shortly x
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I think this is the menu Wonder is speaking about. If not you can navigate around and find it.
http://redspiceqv.com/menus/69-tasting-menu
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Thanks Cookie, that's the one we have gone with in the past although a few of the dishes are different to what was included last time and I don't eat seafood so mine is always slightly different. I would recommend this or the $79 one purely because they both include the pork belly dish which the restaurant is known for - I think if you Google best pork belly in Melbourne this comes up ;D
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So, who has arrived in Melbourne already and is melting fromt he heat?? Melbourne's weather is totally unreliable!
Wonder, I am glad you have asked them to cater for vegetarians because there is not a single vegetarian option on the $69.00 menu!
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I have arrived and the weather is delightful. I seem to have a curvy room, maybe a corner. The hotel is as expected but we will cope. Lol!
Changing gear and out for a walk as the city empties. I know now why cookie loves this place as Haighs in in your face in the lobby. Too funny.
The Cocoon bar has a $10 cocktail daily according to the entrance sign. The Louden has improved breakfast buffet according to the sign.
Had a lovely lunch in the plane and 3 mini bottles of Grant Burge Bubbles ( well not so mini actually but it is a Three hour flight) so although not all all hungry or thirsty must go out and see what is available.
In the hour since arriving all is well. Got the Skybus into town for $18 and a free bus to hotel. Bought the bus ticket on line. Too easy.
Thought I might get. Seasick in the big smoke but this old girl ain't dead yet!
Gert by river
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Oh oh first problem noted. There are no bubbles in the fridge. First port of call is a bottle shop .
Gert
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Hey Gert, I've been thinking of you and waiting to hear you've arrived. What floor are you on? Wish I was there already, we could get up to some mischief. I might be tempted by the cocktail of the day, just 1 per day though. Hang in there, we won't be much longer.
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Welcome to Melbourne, Gert. You are probably the only one who would find today's heat 'normal'. See you in a day or two.
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What's the temp over there?
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30 at the moment, Judy (6.45 pm)
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Great for Gert but it's not going to stay that hot is it?
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Gert will have all the important aspects sorted out by the time we get there 😉
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Welcome Gert.
I have found today quite awful, it might only be 30 but very humid. Probably to welcome you Gert.
Good news about the cocktails. See you soon.
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Gert I hope you found a bottle shop. There is a Dan Murphy's or BWS up at the QV building up on the first floor I think. I'm sure you will find it.
I think we may all need to do that. We used to use the Swanston as it is so central but our next visit will be back to The Grand Hyatt. That is perfect.
Enjoy tomorrow Gert and we will see you Thursday. .
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Having a glass of Prosecco in the bar after some shopping and dinner locally of soft shell crab with a few chillies. Saved half for breakfast. (http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/fbb1778a8e83f365723a9068d1b88e56.jpg)
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Lovely gert. No judy hot weather to be replaced by rain! That's Melbourne!!
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It is a beautiful evening with a lot of people enjoying the weather. Had quite a long walk and spotted one or two Aussies! Lol!
Gert
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Blimey Gert that a lot of chillies :o
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You don't see too many Aussies around in the late afternoon in Melbourne. All the students seem to be stocking up for the evening.
Gert that is so many chillis. I couldn't go near it. I knew you liked chilli, but that is a lot.
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I would never be able to sleep if I ate that Gert, big time heartburn.
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Did you actually have anything with the chillies, Gert?
Don't worry about the weather everyone, it's going to cool down to 18 or so tomorrow and be fairly sensible most of the weekend, although 29 on Sunday - hope the tramcar restaurant is air conditioned!
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Thanks Marina. Surely it would be!
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Welcome to Melbourne Gert.
Cocktail of the day sounds great. Like Cookie we've found the hotel central and "serviceable"!
If you didn't find out yesterday the food areas at Emporium are pretty good with a few of the more well known Melbourne restaurants having shops. There is a Jimmy Grants (George Columbaris), and they have not only great souvlaki but also the Hellenic grain salad that JulioO posted a recipe for.
Also not sure why I didn't think of it earlier but the rooftop bar which hosts the outdoor cinema is only a short walk and is a bit of quiet night time fun if you are able to get tickets.
Marina, I find it strange they don't clued vegetarian options as I'm sure it turns people off if they don't know the restaurant is happy to cater for them. In the past I've had some seafood dishes shaped for vegetarian and I thought they were lovely but there is also the plainer vegetable dish the chef has offered.
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Welcome Gert, glad you are sussing everything out. Those chillies our unbelievable.
Can't wait to get to town tomorrow and start catching up.
Will be contacting AA today to enquire about parking. They were to send me info but it didn't happen.
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Hi Gert it maybe a bit cool for you today hope you brought your Cardi 😃.
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As Judy and I have found out there is a Target very close to the hotel if you need extra clothing, py's or anything similar.
As Wonder mentioned there are lots of delicious food places at Emporium. Jimmy Grants is great and right near it there is Charlie and Co. Lovely burgers and Parmesan chips. There are also a couple of sit down restaurants not in the food hall. There is a quaint little tea place for cups of tea and cake. Lots and lots.
ONLY ONE MORE SLEEP. This time tomorrow, all being well, Kerry and I will be. One third of our way to Melbourne. I have checked in online and raring to go.
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PARKING for Yum Cha cooking class
There are 2 options.
1, best as won't have to shift car but a bit more expensive.
Market parking, first 2 hours free and $6 for next 3 hours.
2. Street parking , 2 hour limit so would have to shift car in middle of class.
Sorry this is late notice but have been waiting for AA to get back to me. I had to ring.
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We might be on the same plane as you both, leaving at about 9:20am I think off memory. Haven't started packing as yet, but I've got the important stuff like my mask, feather boa, gift card, and the cook books. Will chuck clothes in a suitcase tonight and that will be that.
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Kerry and I fly out at 7.25am CP. It will be early to bed and early to rise.
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Just visited DH & Mum, had my nails done, bought another handbag and cardigan for the trip - the spending has begun before I even get to FF.
I asked DH what he had to do whilst I was away - be good he said! Not quite what I expected him to say as I'd just told him that he had to tell staff if he was uncomfortable (he never complains), he has to accept help if he needs it with his meals and he has to make sure there's always water on his tray. I had a word with the DON so that she knows I'm away.
Mum said to have a good time and she'll let me know if she dies !
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Just checked FF weather, happy with what I saw as it makes packing easier. Off to do that right now.
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That's very kind of your Mum Judy. ;D ;D nothing like being upfront.
I was asked if I wished to be informed if MIL or BIL did the same thing. When my cousin was killed last week, his aunt and cousin were in Bali. That was what probably bought on my questions.
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My kids wait for my "will" talk. Apparently I bring it all up before we go away.
Judy, I'm sure they will be ok. It's only a weekend really.
Cookie, how awful for your family. Particularly the ones away. I would always want to be told.
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They Mum and daughter in Bali were told Bedlam, but they were also told don't come home there is nothing you can do. Quite true really.
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I have pm'ed a few with no success.
We have a weeks accomodation fully paid and prebooked from the 23rd to 30th at Capri Waters Country Club. It's a self contained unit. We are now unable to use it and would love to gift it on rather than waste it. Must be over 18 and be able to put up a bond of $200. ( to be returned at end of the week)
If anyone can use it please pm me please.
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Such a shame your plans have had to change Denise and a very generous offer to pass it over to someone else. I hope you do find someone.
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Do put in a cardi or light jacket in for Melbourne. It has turned quite cold. I had part packed and now adding a warmer jacket.
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Thanks Chookie.
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All packed. Taxi booked for the morning. CP don't be mad but we won't be wearing masks or boas! Wane is allergic to feathers and masks are not our thing - sorry!!!
See you all tomorrow. Can't wait to see you all.
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Travel safely Trudy and Wayne.
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Safe travels tomorrow everyone who is on their way. I get to go to work but only 1 more day before we will be on our way too 😄
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Hi everyone. Unfortunately I had to cancel my flight and hotel booking today as I am unwell.
I am very disappointed and sad to miss out as my case was all packed ready to go.
I hope you all have a wonderful time and wish you all safe travels.
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MF that's such a shame & will be missed. Hope you get well quickly.
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M.F , we will miss you. Get well quickly. See you next time.
Trudy, Wayne and Ral can hang out. Ral doesn't look good in a feather boa.
Travel safely everyone.
You are not going to believe this, but as soon as Gert arrived in Melb our luck changed. The broken bit for our big ride on mower arrived yesterday from Japan. We have been waiting 3 weeks for this. And my iPad that I left in the loan car arrived from Bendigo.
Gert assures me that the house will sell while we are in Melb.
See you all soon.
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MF such a shame, hope you feel better soon.
Safe travels to everyone making their way to Melbourne today. It's quite cool so make sure you have a something warm to wear.
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Sorry for you MF. Speedy recovery. Yes quiet cool this morning. Getting excited now, I hope to get to the hotel around 10am tomorrow.. I haven't been into the city for decades looking forward to having a little look at the shops, see everyone at 2. 😛😛😛😛
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So dissapointed Norma, take care X
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Get well quickly Norma - we will all miss you!!!!
So glad your luck is on the up Chookie - perhaps Gert you should loan yourself out!
Not long now!!
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CP, apologies for not sending a PM but I can't on my work computer for some reason. Can you please let me know if you are coming to Red Spice Road on Friday night? also apologies if you answered this earlier and I missed the response. I'll be updating the restaurant with the numbers today.
As the group is now at 20, the restaurant have also asked if we are able to let them know if there are any Dietary requirements they need to cater to within the banquet. Marina I've included you as vegetarian and my DD and I both do not eat seafood, but if there is anything else specific please PM me.
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Norma, I've had to cancel holidays at the last minute on occasions due to my circumstances so I know how disappointed you will feel. Do get well soon and hopefully wherever we meet up next year you'll be able to join us once more. xx
So Gert is our lucky charm,that means this FF is going to be a huge success. Glad to hear your luck has changed Chookie.
Wonder, you already know my preference for Friday night dinner and I thank you for organising that.
My neighbour is taking me to the airport, I'm all ready to go so just vegging out in front of the TV. I can't believe the day has finally arrived.
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Kerry and I are at the airport waiting for the plane.
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Norma I'm sorry to read your news - I wish you a speedy recovery, take care. You will be missed in Melbourne.
Safe travels everyone and have a wonderful time. I'll be keeping an eye out for the photos.
I'm sorry that I'm not able to make it. Richard and his parents fly out to the UK tomorrow night, so I'll be spending the next 2 1/2 weeks home alone with only the dog for company.
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At the airport - should be boarding shortly!
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Where are you Trudy, I can't see you
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Have a fantastic time everyone and I will wave from the Melbourne airport tomorrow morning around 6am looking very tired.
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I hope everyone travelling to the FF and those who already live near Melbourne have a wonderful time meeting each other or just catching up again.
I look forward to seeing all your pictures online. Travel safely ladies and a few gents.
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Kezza and I are here and I know the Adelaide group were in the taxi as we waited for our luggage. It is quite cool here in Melbourne. I may even need a jacket!
I'm sorry that you have pulled out MF. Have you seen a doctor? There is always next year.
I was dying ( well almost) for a cup of coffee so I popped down to the Woolies just down and over the road. Picked up some juice for when I wake up and milk for coffee. I then decided I was hungry so I grabbed some bananas and yoghurt.
I was disappointed in the breakfast on the plane. I had continental and it was yoghurt, and a little muesli, nut crunch bar and a slice of pear and raspberry bread, that was extremely sweet.
We're off to meet Chookie and Ral for pizza tonight.
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Have booked a table at Papa Gino's for 15 for 6.
See you there.
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I went for a walk after unpacking to see my SIL, turned left instead of right, ran into Bedlam and her DH, kept walking then realised I was going in the wrong direction. Came back past the hotel to start again then turned right instead of left. Good thing Melbournites are friendly and helpful, eventually found the shop but got lost again on the way back to the hotel. Talk about a hopeless case !
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Have booked a table at Papa Gino's for 15 for 6.
See you there.
Not if I'm leading the group Chookie LOL.
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Sorry to hear you can't make FF Norma. I hope you get well soon.
Have a fabulous time everyone. :-*
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Dinner was very tasty, thanks Ral and Chookie. We walked up to Readings book store and some of ours bought something. I didn't dare look at the cookbooks.
We caught the tram back into the city and some of us have retired to our rooms and others are in the bar.
It's been so lovely to see everyone again and tomorrow we welcome a few more.
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My head hurts :o
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Great to catch up with everyone. Just picked up where we left off in Tassie last year. Looking forward to the new ones arriving today.
Took a couple of photos, will need help uploading them.
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Waiting to board to the plane see everyone soon 😄
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I have to take my computer in for a service first thing - hope to find you somewhere around late morning or else at the hotel for the chocolate tour. Until then, have a great time everyone.
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A few of us had a great night in Uni's room with her bottle of limoncello, I bet the adjoining rooms were glad when our night broke up.
I'm sharing my room with a large moth, he scared the life out of me when he dive-bombed me!
Looking forward to breakfast.
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It sounds like the fun has begun.........be there later this morning ;D
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Nuff said!(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/22/d0dc6f53d3d456ea774f3235a8d3c091.jpg)
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Is no one coming for breakfast?
Gertbyyarra
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We have arrived in Melbourne & on the sky us call from virgin to say we left a bag behind ... Not sure how we managed that one. skybus have been great & letting us go back to the airport. So we are having a nice tour of the freeways!
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KMW was a buggar, I have arrived and just having a coffee and a look around the shops
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It's amazing who you bump into in a big city. Firstly Marina came across our little group of 3 crossing the road to the tramstop at Queen Vic market then having lunch in the Emporium I look around and see Kerry, Adrian & Alayna sitting very close to our table. As we were walking through Myers this strange man ended up in the middle of Jean and me. Thinking our luck had changed, we look up to see dear Ral on the loose from Chookie.
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Trying to post some of Judy's photos
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What a lovely group of people we have on this forum. Lots of photos have been taken and I am sure you will see them all before too much longer.
I have just taken a break to get changed for dinner tonight following lunch and the chocolate tour led by Cookie. I think everyone seems to be fairly well recovered from last night ... now for tonight's festivities!
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Thanks a lot Katie.
Today we've been to the Queen Vic market, had lunch at the Emporium and followed cookie around on her chocolate tour which was good fun. Had a rest for coffee etc then back to our hotel after a few of us checked out a kitchen shop around the corner.
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It is certainly lots of fun. It seems like we all saw each other yesterday instead of 12 months ago. So where is next years to be held?
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Looks like you are all having a great time. Wish I was there
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Some photos from Uni
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The photos I posted are also from Uni
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Thanks for that MF and Uni.
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More photos from Uni. Looks like they are having a wonderful time!
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We had a fab meal organised by Wonder. Different and tasty. Don't think I can convert any to TMX.
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Great photos and lovely to see everyone. I wish I was there.
Hope you are all having a fabulous time. Hi to all from me 😄
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Hi Norma, you would have loved the meal tonight. Hope you're feeling better Everyone seemed to enjoy it so well done Wonder.
Wish you were here too Katie. You are participating though being our photo poster. Thanks so much for doing that.
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Great photos.Thanks Katie and Norma for helping to post them.
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I hope you're feeling better Norma.
I wish I was there too Judy.
Here are some more photos from Judy.
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Thanks Katie.
Wonder I loved the meal. Thanks so much for organising it. We appreciate it.
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Great photos. Hope youre feeling better MF.
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A bit better thanks Michelle but still have a nasty cough but not whooping cough as second test also came back negative.
How is Don doing? I hope all is ok. Maybe we will eventually meet up at the next FF.
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What a great collection of photos, thanks for sharing.
Your meal looked lovely!
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I totally agree great photos and food looks lovely.
A few new faces but I can't put names to them.
Kerry Alayna looks so cute and grown up. A lovely little girl and always so good.
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Thank you for posting the lovely photos! I'm thinking of you all and am there in spirit :)
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Fantastic class today. Thank you Chookie for organising today. It was especially nice having the whole class for the forum.
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Thank you indeed Chookie. I can't wait to try the custard tarts. It was lovely to meet Kimmy and see Wonder again.
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Thanks girls. I enjoyed the class and have collected recipe booklets for Jam, MF and Michele, who all paid but were unable to attend. Judy has a book for Katie.
I thought it was nice also, to have a class just for us.
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Thanks for organising the class today Chookie. Wayne and I really enjoyed it!
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Although I have not had the time to be active on the Forum recently, I am really enjoying reading about the Forum Fest. Maybe if you have the next Fest in Sydney I might be able to join for at least for part of it!!
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I enjoyed it too, thanks Chookie for organising a special day together. I've never been to a cooking class where I knew everyone before. Plenty of tasting samples and a surprise glass of bubbly which was put to good use to toast our birthday girl.
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So sorry I missed the class - it sounded like you all had a great time.
Some more photos courtesy of Uni.
Gert and I'm guessing Aussie Brenda (apologies if it's not).
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Lovely photos. Hope you are all having a great time. So happy this yearly event takes place. Friendship is what your Forum is all about.
I'll be present one day.
Have a lovely weekend.
MM
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One lucky voucher man.
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The wording on this card is "Happy Memories of FF Melbourne October 2015.
I hope this gives you an uplifting experience".
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What a clever idea! And lucly recipient for such a 'fitting' gift card :D
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Thanks for all the fun everyone. Wayne I do hope you enjoy spending your voucher.
Such a lovely class, thanks Chookie.
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Another nice meal, this one organised by cookie. Thanks cookie, your chocolate giving was fun too. One more day for many but to those who leave us in the morning, thanks for coming and have a safe journey home.
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Ditto.
Kimmy had,to go home tonight as did Wonder and Marina. We will see Marina tomorrow but thanks Kimmy and Wonder. Kimmy I hope you arrived home safely....Little Black Duck.
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One lucky voucher man.
LOL
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Thank you to Cookie for organising last night's dinner. My meal was very tasty and the company was entertaining. Loved Cookies frog awards. Lots of laughs and a great night for Evan and I to finish on.
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Another great night with Forum Family. Thanks Cookie for organizing the Dinner. Safe travels to all heading home and thanks to local girls for coming.
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Thanks to Chookie and Cookie for the class and dinner last night, both were great. Thanks to everyone for coming to Melbourne, I've loved meeting lots of new faces and being able to meet everyone in person has been great.
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For those looking for the egg custard tart tins I just got some on eBay from this link although there are quite a few sellers.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/20pcs-Cake-Egg-Tart-Shell-Liners-Cup-Mould-Mold-Pudding-Baking-Pan-Tins-5-Size/121646894808?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D3ad2d52f8a0548a498ad76f0e9d91c82%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D121646894808 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/20pcs-Cake-Egg-Tart-Shell-Liners-Cup-Mould-Mold-Pudding-Baking-Pan-Tins-5-Size/121646894808?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D3ad2d52f8a0548a498ad76f0e9d91c82%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D121646894808)
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Just back from a 3 hour eating and drinking fest on the tramcar restaurant. Thanks to Marina for organising this outing, we had the best time. Great food, plenty of wine and lots of laughs.
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#Fantastic lunch , #bestbunchofladies,# thanksmarina
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It was a magnificent experience. Thanks Marina.
The print in this topic is so small I can barely see it. ,
Entree. Salmon and Avocado Mousse.
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Entree for some, a Duck Terrine.
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Main of steak.
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Fantastic photos.It looked as though you had a wonderful time.
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Farewell lovely friends and safe travels home. What a great weekend .. even when things didn't go perhaps as well as planned or hoped, it didn't matter, we will always remember those times as well as those times when things went without a hitch. I loved meeting you all and getting a chance to spend time 'face to face' with my forum friends.
I am sorry I dropped out this afternoon after the tramcar restaurant (which was great, wasn't it?), I started walking along the river and was going to head up to the hotel to see who was around, but I didn't have sun protection on and began to feel grotty so decided it would probably be wise just to head home. So, to everyone still in Melbourne to whom I haven't said a proper goodbye, you are in my thoughts and I am sending 'goodbye' vibes to you all. Kimmy and Wonder, I think I also wandered off without saying cheerio to you both last night. Sorry about that ... I am easily distracted, it seems!
Until we meet again ....
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Sending big hugs out your way Marina. It was warm in the sun today, I quite agree.
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We were all over the place like a dog's breakfast when we returned to the hotel this afternoon Marina so you probably wouldn't have found too many of us anyway. It was lovely to see you again and thanks so much for your input into this year's FF. It was another success and I'm sure no-one was disappointed. Bye till we catch up again.
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Tramcar sounds like it was a great day.
Thanks chookie and cookie for organising everything yesterday. I had a wonderful time. Loved the yum Cha class. Tina is the perfect demo lady....funny and clever.
I enjoyed the meal last night too. You are all wonderful warm people (hubbies too) and it was lovely to chat in real time face to face with you all. Cookie thanks for the change room and yes this little black duck made it home safe and was tucked up in bed just after 11pm. Although I had one little drama.... ds6 and I bumped into each other in the dark passage last night. I was tip toeing around and he was sleep walking! Poor thing woke with a fright and there was lots of tears followed by lots of cuddles. And I thought I was well practiced at sneaking in late!! Safe travels everyone and thanks again X
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As mentioned last night, for those that have the Philips pasta machine (and those that don't, not mentioning anyone.....Denise) here's a video link to the new cookie discs (hope it's ok to post this. Sorry if it's not)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GNVmPkWE_Ss
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Thank you Kimmy. Denise and DH left this morning to drive home.
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Sounds like you all had a fantastic lunch on the tram. I was so sad to miss out on it but was so happy that Uni was able to enjoy my spot
today. Hopefully next time I can be there in person instead of being there in spirit as I was this weekend.. Love u all xxx😄
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Sorry we missed the tram. Wonderful feed back.
DIL went back home after cooking class and made pork buns. She has sent me a photo, will try and send it to CC to see if she can post it.
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They look lovely Chookie.Well done to your DIL.
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Perfect buns Chookie.
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Wow Chookie your DIL has done a wonderful job with those buns. They look great.
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Photos from Judy from last nights dinner. L to R. Ral, Chookie (Bess), Djinni (Gayle) and cookie (Jean)
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Kmw's DH Adrian, little Alayna, kmw (Kerry) and Trudy's DH Wayne. Photo of Trudy further down.
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Thanks CC for posting the buns. Yes they do look good.
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They are such lovely photos of our final evening out. Thanks Chookie and Katie.
I felt quite miserable saying goodbyes this morning. It has been so wonderful to catch up with such dear friends. We seem to just pick up each year and carry on.
Thank you all for a wonderful long weekend.
Chookie those buns look so delicious and white. So perfect.
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I'm planning on emailing Nikki and Owen in the next day or two regarding the food and the hotel. If you have any positives or negatives please pm me or pop them here.
Thanks. I
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Just catching up on this thread, thank you all, I had a wonderful time. It was so great meeting all my friends face to face.😃
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Chookie those buns look so delicious and white. So perfect.
Only those of us who were on the cooking course would appreciate that comment :)
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Cookie, just a couple of comments about the dinner at the Hotel.
Price for 2 courses was very reasonable considering the quality of the food.
They should serve the entrees first, all the mains together and then the desserts.
The mains were cold by the time they were served. I think some of the problem may have been cold plates.
Hope this is helpful.
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Thanks to all the lovely ladies that I met on Saturday at the AA cooking school. Chookie, your DIL and granddaughter have done a fabulous job on the pork buns! Sorry that I had to run off to Swan Hill. I hope you all had a lovely time in Melbourne, it certainly looks like you all had a great time.
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Thanks for the feedback Chookie. I'm still trying to get over that serving problem. I have never seen or heard of it before and it is definitely on my feedback.
Bogie1 I'm so sorry I missed you to chat to. Perhaps next time.
I'm home after a good flight. I was impressed with the lunch I had today. Smoked salmon, brown rice and quinoa salad. The dressing was served separately and it was delicious. Qantas excelled themselves.
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Just arrived home safe and sound after 4 and a half wonderful days of fun & learning! Wayne and I both had a great time catching up with new and old friends and look forward to next years FF. Well done ladies, you did yourselves proud!!!
Cookie, perhaps you could also add to Chookies comments that some people didn't get cutlery until we asked for it.
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The buns are perfect chookie. You must have taught your DIL well!
My comments re dinner sat night are as per chookies. Could not have said it better.
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Thanks Trudy.
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Thanks to all that played a part in organising a wonderful few days. Alayna wanted to know where all her friends were when went downstairs today & had to say you are stuck with Mum & Dad today.
Arrived home after a freezing day in Melbourne after yesterday's weather it was a shock.
Adrian in letting his Mum know we were on the way home via SMS, the auto correct changed "Kerry's thermomix"group to "thermonuclear" group 😉
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Melbourne won't be the same now that our group has left.
The others have nailed it with their comments re Saturday night's meal. My meat was cooked to perfection so I can't complain about that portion of the meal.
It's nice to hear that Alayna thinks of us as her friends Kerry, maybe she'll invite us all to her wedding one day if she wants a lively table of guests.
LOL at Adrian's iPad's new name for us.
I've enjoyed my day with DD & SIL and this bed is so soft and comfy that I should sleep well tonight.
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Good to see that everyone is getting home safely and had an enjoyable time.
Thanks to our 'lucky dip', I am now faced with a serious decision ... what do I purchase with my gift card?????? There's something about a gift card - you want to buy something 'special' because the occasion was special, but the choice is overwhelming (unless you are a man receiving a gift card from Bras'n things, that is). I have narrowed it down to about 5 choices so I am sure I can whittle it down to one sometime in the next decade or two! Is anyone else suffering this same problem? ;D
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I am just realising now that it is all over that there were so many people I didn't get a chance to talk to at FF! I found I was sitting down chatting to someone, looked up and thought "Oh, I must go and catch up with ...." then got distracted again. I must learn to concentrate more next time and stand up instead of sitting down and that should get me moving around a bit more. :(
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i hear you Marina i feel the same , next time we should do like they do on speed dating
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LOL
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Marina, I agree about not spending more time with different people.
Maybe we could do what happens at some dinners we have been to and shift 3 seats to the left at each course.
I would like to thank everyone who organised, attended or worked in the background posting photos for making this FF such a memorable event.
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I'm the same Marina, I get comfortable somewhere and just sit there but mostly I had different dinner partners and whilst out walking I found it easier to just move onto a different group every now and then.
Bogie1, I'm sorry I didn't speak to you. I did wonder who you were but didn't bother to find out who the stranger in our midst was.
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Bogie1, I'm sorry I didn't speak to you. I did wonder who you were but didn't bother to find out who the stranger in our midst was.
Bogie1, sad to say, the same goes for me. I heard someone say your name was Jen / Jenny, but thought you must have been a friend of one of the other attendees. It's a shame you couldn't have stayed longer ... there's always next year.
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Bogie, it's such a shame that you weren't able to spend more time in Melbourne. Hopefully next year you can make it. I also have fingers crossed for next year and hope the dates will suit!!! It's hard to get back into the hum drum of everyday life after such a great few days. We have two of our grandchildren today so I am sure that will help!!!
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True Marina. However sometimes I find that being with one person and chatting I get to know them better.
I wanted to chat at length with lots of others, especially virgins to the thermonuclear group. Sorry girls, next year perhaps. X
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Sunday morning when you thought I was out perusing the shops again, I took a few photos. I used my phone so there are a few more I have to download using the home wifi. Here are a couple.
The purse is near the GPO arcade.
The other is for those who were unable to get to church Sunday morning.
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A couple more.
Flowers down near the Town Hall.
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And more!
I loved these. I think they are pin cushion Hakea.
The flowers at the flower seller always smell and look so beautiful, I wish I could bring them all home.
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And again. My print is already too small to read so I'm afraid these are large photos and I feel can't make the print much smaller or it would disappear.
These are around the trees down near the Town Hall and a bit further along. You may have noticed them.
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If thermonuclear refers to lots of chatting and laughter over food and wine then the Melbourne FF was definitely thermonuclear 8) 8) 8) What a great group!
Hope all have arrived home safely (safe travels Denise and Evan if you are still on the road).
Despite arriving at the airport more than 1.25 hrs prior to my flight, I had to be fished out of the baggage drop queue to board the plane :-X
The two tiny egg sandwiches (on white bread) on the flight were a disappointment after the offerings on the Tramcar Restaurant :-)) Thank you very much to all who were involved in organising. I will have to make an effort to move around more next year too!
Can't add anything new to the food comments Cookie except that half my plate was chips :P. However the steak, greens and lemon tart were very nice.
Back to work for me now.
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Gayle I had better keep my meal on the plane a secret then. It was smoked salmon with brown rice and red quinoa salad. Lovely dressing too. A very nice meal.
A jolly nuisance about the queue. I was lucky. I was there about 1 1/2 hours before my flight and it was very quick, everyone had obviously gone.
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Chookie I agree with all previous comments. My salmon was overcooked and cold though. Im glad I changed rooms.
It was wonderful catching up and meeting new people. Thankyou so much to all those lovely people who organised different components of the weekend. You are all angels. Colette had a great time, so thankyou for being so welcoming to her.☺
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We got to the airport an hour before take off and it was a night mare and only 4 staff on.
Basically all I can say is:
. why was our 2 course meal $44, when they had on the placard near the entry stairway to the restaurant a special advertising a 3 course meal with a glass of wine for $45
. each meal should have been served at the correct time (as per other comments) as it seems wrong to be eating a dessert and watching someone eat their main course
. our air con was quite noisy turning itself off and on every 10 secs (must be an auto setting) and even though we were told a technician would come and fix it whilst we were out on Sunday, it appeared to be the same. Our room was otherwise very quiet.
. wifi was unreliable, I used my own
the positives:
. excellent central location to shops and public transport
. room was clean and had all the facilities required
. staff were very polite, and could not do enough for guests
. Haighs was maybe too convenient
. tariff was reasonable enough
All in all a wonderful weekend catching up with other Thermomixers, and of course our DD.
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What a great time you had taking photos cookie, I loved the purse and hadn't seen any of those things you posted.
Colette was a bright spark and fitted in well with our group kezza. As a TMX owner, she should join our forum now that she knows quite a few of us.
Gayle, I panic if the line is long and boarding time is approaching - bet that doesn't surprise anyone LOL.
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Great photos Cookie. 8)
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Thanks for your comments too CP. I found that the hotel has scrimped on a lot of things since August. Eg shower gel. I get the feeling it has been taken over by another group (although it is still an Accor hotel) and they are looking at ways to save money.
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Wonderful photos :) Looks like you all had loads of fun!!
But as I am new to the forum, couldn't recognize everybody.. Just could make out Gert and Judy I guess :D
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When I get time, I'll put names with the photos thermilover. I've just done a couple.
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Thermilover you can easily pick Chookie. She looks exactly like the avatar she uses on the forum.
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Thermilover you can easily pick Chookie. She looks exactly like the avatar she uses on the forum.
Ha, Cookie. That is why I keep the avatar. GD drew this for me.
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Thermilover you can easily pick Chookie. She looks exactly like the avatar she uses on the forum.
Ha, Cookie. That is why I keep the avatar. GD drew this for me.
It's true ... the first time I met Chookie I knew it was her immediately. Her GD did a great job with the drawing.
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CP comments are on the mark & for me my steak was cooked lovely (but topped by the tramcar main the next day).
We were meant to have a toaster & microwave but didn't apparently the small kitchen was ripped out a fortnight ago but it was a larger room & bathroom was pretty new.
Cookie lovely photos I didn't see any of the flowers.
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As mentioned last night, for those that have the Philips pasta machine (and those that don't, not mentioning anyone.....Denise) here's a video link to the new cookie discs (hope it's ok to post this. Sorry if it's not)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GNVmPkWE_Ss
Kimmy, I'm sure it will be hard to clean! Translated to read, I want one,I want one and yes I want one.
Fantastic seeing you all again. Evan and I were saying how lovely to see all and it really does feel like old friends because that is what you all are. Really enjoyed meeting some new to the fest too, Brenda, Nadine,Kim and Marina.
We thought the drive was wonderful, we went through Bowra going home ( Clare Valley another beautiful location to visit). Eucla was booked out so drove onto to Mundrabila (not the best) and had a delicious meal cooked for us in Kal by my dear brother who after 3 very angry years appears to have turned the corner and was in great spirits, in fact hardly dare say it, happy. This topped off a wonderful albeit short holiday.
I can't add too much regarding the hotel other than location, location,location. Yes it seemed very tired.
Our baby was pleased to see us and really doesn't appear impacted from his adventure. Our two beautiful daughters were very tired and very happy to see us ( but would do it again in a heartbeat) bless them. A very lucky person to have all in my life, including all you forum friends.
Again thanks to everyone that had imput in the organising offsets other successful weekend. Also to our two wonderful moderators who helped pull it all together.
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Bedlam, so pleased you are home safe with the baby. Yes you do have 2fab daughters.
Bedlam, tell your DH that my DH really enjoyed the motor show, and thank him also.
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Chookie, I was very pleased that DH noticed it was on and thrilled Your DH joined him. It sounded like a great show. Not quite as good as our class though, thanks for organising that. Your DIL' s steamed buns looked perfect, had she made them before?
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I can imagine your homecoming was met with great excitement Denise, just like mine was at the nursing home (including staff for some reason). I bet bubby's little face lit up instantly.
Your road trip sounded wonderful, not something I would ever have had the chance to do with my DH as he didn't like the outback at all. It was nice to hear you enjoyed your short stay with DB, that certainly would have been the icing on the cake.
You deserve all those wonderful people in your life (including us LOL) and on the flip side, how lucky are we to have met up on so many occasions now. :-* :-* :-*
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Yes Judy, wonderful to have had the opportunity to see you and the others again.
I am pleased you found your Mum and Geoff well and happy.
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I've just watched the video of the cookie extruders for the pasta machine. It would make making a batch of cookies so quick and easy, especially using the AF to bake them. But I don't need them. ;D ;D ;D ;D
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It was fortunate that we had FF last weekend - thunder, lightning and rain this weekend.
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Beautiful rain Marina, my garden will love every drop😃. Yes I too am pleased FF was last week.
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I'm sure we would have still had fun with the rain, but catching trams would have been a bit wet.
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I'm sure we would have still had fun with the rain, but catching trams would have been a bit wet.
Catching the trams is fine - it's the bits before and after that would be problematic!
Yes, my weeds have gone mad, Brenda - but the roses and honeysuckle are in full bloom and it smells gorgeous outside.
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We have had wonderful growing weather here in the last 3 weeks too.
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So true Bedlam. I have grown a little wider, not taller though. :D ;D
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anyone taken the survey that the swanton hotel have sent
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You bet I have. I didn't hold back either. I have also emailed Nikki and Owen with feedback. Both positive and negative. I tried to be honest.
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Glad to hear you all had a wonderful time in Melbourne.
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You bet I have. I didn't hold back either. I have also emailed Nikki and Owen with feedback. Both positive and negative. I tried to be honest.
Good on you Cookie. I couldn't be bothered. Just won't stay there again. Terrific position but too expensive for the room.
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I sort of mentioned that I had been stating there for the last 15 or so years and would never stay there again. Especially with the free trams in the CBD if DD has lots of parcels we can just jump ona tram and drop them at our hotel, or have a toilet break. I think it will be the Grand Hyatt with the club access next time. What is money, if not to be spent? :D ;D
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I sort of mentioned that I had been stating there for the last 15 or so years and would never stay there again. Especially with the free trams in the CBD if DD has lots of parcels we can just jump ona tram and drop them at our hotel, or have a toilet break. I think it will be the Grand Hyatt with the club access next time. What is money, if not to be spent? :D ;D
Good idea Cookie.
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Trying to post photos
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Another one
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Yeah, well done.
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No stopping you now Chookie ;D
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Love , I have been running around taking photos. I should be getting lunch as visitors arrive in 15 minutes.
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We appreciate your photos Chookie. Enjoy lunch.
I had a reply from Nikki this morning re our dinner. She said she felt it was the "intension" of them to have everyone eating at the same time. I will not post my reply, it was quite to the point.
I'm also rather a spelling nazi so that put me offside to a degree.
All done and dusted now.
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Not a fan of a spelling police on our forum :'(
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What about those who wrap you over the knuckles for naughty words Uni ;D ;D ;D
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Definitely not a fan !!!!!!! :-)) :-X :-\
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;D ;D ;D
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What naughty words? Am I missing out?
Mr iPad does some funny things with words. Thinks he knows better.
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I didn't do the survey that was sent but instead sent my comments directly to the person who's email address was on the email as he said that we had a choice. I also mentioned to him that I had filled in the survey that was in our rooms and asked if he receives these! Will be interesting to see if I get a reply.
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I filled in the survey too!
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I have just received a reply from Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer - Pacific.
He thanked me for my comments and asked for the name of the hotel that we stayed at and also the groups name and dates when we stayed there.
I have forwarded this infor but ask that any of you who have comments to make send them directly to him rather than or as well as the survey as then perhaps things like window glazing may be addressed!!
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Well done and thanks Trudy. I'm sure that my comments were probably binned as they had a positive or two and several negatives. But I was truthful.
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Surprise! Surprise! I have had a phone call from Accor who operate the Swanston. They pulled my name and several others from a hat to offer me some wonderful deals!!! Would you believe it.
It took me half an hour to tell this twerp that I wasn't interested in his 50% off deals. I should have hung up.
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You would think that they had picked up on the 'idea' that you were not happy, wouldn't you. I am sure you explained in great detail what you thought of them!
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G r e a t detail Marina. :D
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Your lucky Chookie! He didn't offer me any deals when he called last night!
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He didn't seem to believe that I could say no!
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For those who enjoyed the Pork Belly (http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/recipe/red-spice-roads-pork-belly-with-chilli-caramel-and-apple-slaw-20150831-41x76.html) at Red Spice Road this recipe was linked into the GoodFood section of The Age today.
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An enormous thank you Marina.
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Oo yes, thanks Marina
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I didn't have any but everyone around me seemed to enjoy it so thanks Marina.