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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2011 19:01:54 GMT 10
Hi All. One of the overnight stays on this years east coast spring tour was at Tathra Beach Family Caravan Park. While there we had a few beers with "Frankie J Holden".. The discussion got around to sites for future vintage van gatherings.. They seemed really keen on enticing us down there for a weekend as a group. I have just recieved an email from Jane . Please read ... consider.. and reply with your thoughts.. Dear Jeff and Reddo, Hope the travelling has gone well. I’d just like to follow up on our chat with this email to highlight some of the reasons why you might like to consider bringing the vintage vans to Tathra Beach Family Park. The park itself offers: 66 powered sites, a huge camp kitchen with wood fired pizza oven, great amenities blocks, beach-front location, big screen facility, internet, 2 pools, kid’s playground, and very friendly staff. We are also pet friendly. Tathra offers: Great beach for surfing, fishing or walking, bowling club, golf club, tennis courts, several good cafes and restaurants, an iconic wharf and pub, lovely village atmosphere and all an easy walk from the park. Next door is a huge skate-park and council playground. We are on the doorstep of the Mimosa Rocks National Park, with more great walks and coastal scenery, and close to Bermagui and Merimbula. The Bega Valley is our back yard, with its rolling green hills, crafty little villages and markets. Tathra is almost exactly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, and 2 and ½ hours from Canberra. I’d like to suggest that you might like to have a pizza night in the park on the Friday night, and then on the Saturday night we could organise a meal deal for you at the Bowling Club or Golf Club with entertainment from yours truly. I’m sure that I could also organise group discounts for those wishing to play golf or tennis. Please encourage your members to have a look at our website www.tbfp.com.au to see what we can offer. Don’t hesitate to contact me or our manager Jane McKinnon for further information. Regards Frankie J Holden |
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Post by kaybee on Oct 27, 2011 20:53:50 GMT 10
Hi All. One of the overnight stays on this years east coast spring tour was at Tathra Beach Family Caravan Park. While there we had a few beers with "Frankie J Holden".. The discussion got around to sites for future vintage van gatherings.. They seemed really keen on enticing us down there for a weekend as a group. I have just recieved an email from Jane . Please read ... consider.. and reply with your thoughts.. Dear Jeff and Reddo, Hope the travelling has gone well. I’d just like to follow up on our chat with this email to highlight some of the reasons why you might like to consider bringing the vintage vans to Tathra Beach Family Park. The park itself offers: 66 powered sites, a huge camp kitchen with wood fired pizza oven, great amenities blocks, beach-front location, big screen facility, internet, 2 pools, kid’s playground, and very friendly staff. We are also pet friendly. Tathra offers: Great beach for surfing, fishing or walking, bowling club, golf club, tennis courts, several good cafes and restaurants, an iconic wharf and pub, lovely village atmosphere and all an easy walk from the park. Next door is a huge skate-park and council playground. We are on the doorstep of the Mimosa Rocks National Park, with more great walks and coastal scenery, and close to Bermagui and Merimbula. The Bega Valley is our back yard, with its rolling green hills, crafty little villages and markets. Tathra is almost exactly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, and 2 and ½ hours from Canberra. I’d like to suggest that you might like to have a pizza night in the park on the Friday night, and then on the Saturday night we could organise a meal deal for you at the Bowling Club or Golf Club with entertainment from yours truly. I’m sure that I could also organise group discounts for those wishing to play golf or tennis. Please encourage your members to have a look at our website www.tbfp.com.au to see what we can offer. Don’t hesitate to contact me or our manager Jane McKinnon for further information. Regards Frankie J Holden Hiya Reddo ,that would have to be one of the best van parks we've ever stayed at ,first class venue with facilities almost beyond belief.....and to get an invite from Frank is something special too. With the dwindling numbers at Coledale it's fairly clear that more people are looking for something a little more civilised than the limited facilities and lack of on-site power on offer there....not even allowed to have a fire there anymore ,and if you remember, Frank said he was looking at installing a purpose built fire pit at his park. The massive"camp kitchen" is ideal for evening get togethers , with built in music, free barbeques, wood fired pizza oven, microwave, fridge, heaps of seating and tables , a heater,plenty of bench space , a massive overhead movie screen even a computer in there too.....also the van sites are sheltered from the weather ,so if it does get stormy and horrible, you don't get blasted off the foreshore like at Coledale ,and there's the big kitchen for us all to get together in if does get a bit grotty weather-wise. It would make a brilliant venue for a large caravan event,might even attract a few lazy Victorians ;D...maybe..... ;D....beats the hell out of dealing with a stingy minded local council run van park with an ever increasing ( it seems) list of things you can't do .....this could easily become the premier event Australia wide.....hope it happens!  |
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Post by Roehm3108 on Oct 28, 2011 6:42:01 GMT 10
Does anyone get the feeling kb likes Tathra Van Park  ;D ;D I've had one great Coledale experience a few years ago and it was a lot of fun. But with the increase of numbers going there in subsequent years, I did wonder what a 20-odd site park was doing, taking bookings for two and three times its capacity - totally illegal I would imagine and not something a privately owned park would get away with. Limited powered sites, limited ameneties, generators running etc etc, makes you wonder if people weren't voting with their feet this year, as to the viability of having such a major event there. Sometimes regular events such as this have a life of their own, and perhaps Coledale has reached its end. It was interesting that the Cora Lynn Car Show here in Vic changed its venue this year. Sounds like they too accepted that it had outgrown itself and needed a bigger/better venue. My two bobs worth! Ray |
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Post by cobber on Oct 28, 2011 7:41:43 GMT 10
As a Coledale regular right from year one..... (and a hogger of one of the five powered sites).... you've got no objections from me about relocating to Tathra. As kaybee has so eloquently put it......... Coledale has had its day so far as this vintage caravan rally is concerned. Personally.....I will still wander down there occasionally..... to sit and reminisce    Cobber. |
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Post by kaybee on Oct 28, 2011 7:49:19 GMT 10
Does anyone get the feeling kb likes Tathra Van Park ;D ;D I've had one great Coledale experience a few years ago and it was a lot of fun. But with the increase of numbers going there in subsequent years, I did wonder what a 20-odd site park was doing, taking bookings for two and three times its capacity - totally illegal I would imagine and not something a privately owned park would get away with. Limited powered sites, limited ameneties, generators running etc etc, makes you wonder if people weren't voting with their feet this year, as to the viability of having such a major event there. Sometimes regular events such as this have a life of their own, and perhaps Coledale has reached its end. It was interesting that the Cora Lynn Car Show here in Vic changed its venue this year. Sounds like they too accepted that it had outgrown itself and needed a bigger/better venue. My two bobs worth! Ray Hiya Ray ,everyone on the tour liked Tathra...it was great!.....and you make some good points about both Coledale and Cora Lynn . In the case of Cora Lynn it was clear that the event had outgrown the venue and the organisers were responsive to comments made by participants and the viewing public about the long lines to gain entry and exit to/from the grounds and other issues.....plus there were flood alerts on as well  . The move to just outside Warragul at the Lardner Park Field Days site saw a massive turnout of both cars and viewing public , making it a huge success. The on-site camping for the vintage vans was on good flat ground and the facilities were of a vastly higher standard than at Cora Lynn.....important things to consider if you are to attract people back for successive events. This is not about Coledale bashing , but simply that our group has been made a fantastic offer at Tathra that is well worth considering for a future event. It could even be made into a tour type run( like Reddo has done for the last 5 years) that starts at both Sydney and the Lardner Park show ( on the previous weekend) and finishes up at Tathra where a darn good time could be had by all,even if the weather is bad. |
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Post by sportsman 1 on Oct 28, 2011 8:15:24 GMT 10
I'm with you on this one KB.
Organise a tour starting at Cora Lynn and end up at Tathra sounds tops.
Both weekend camps I organised this year went nowhere. Perhaps we should look at something different.
Cheers, Leigh.
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noblesgarage
Full Member
A Man with many projects Dosen't have a lot of time."Cause He Walks Round In Circles"
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Post by noblesgarage on Oct 28, 2011 8:55:54 GMT 10
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Post by Daggsey on Oct 28, 2011 9:43:46 GMT 10
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Post by Cruz on Oct 28, 2011 16:46:03 GMT 10
Tathra was a great park and the idea of cora lynn then a few days on the road heading north sounds great. A little early for me to commit at this stage but i will be there if i can if it gets off the ground.
PS note to self DO NOT LOOK AY ANY OLD CARS FOR SALE WHILE ON TOUR
Cruz
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Post by Geoff & Jude on Oct 28, 2011 17:11:05 GMT 10
Hi All, Tathra Van Park does sound fantastic and at Coledale it was discussed having a weekend down there in Feb 2012. As for moving Coledale October 2012 to there, I'm not sure that was ever discussed and would mean a lot of people wouldn't be able to make it. There are still lots of people not yet lucky enough to be retired & can only be there Friday & Saturday nights and the drive to Tathra for us is about 6 hours & we live on the southern edge of Sydney, so it would be worse for lots of other people. Sure I agree Coledale is very basic, but in some ways that is what makes it so good. The numbers at Coledale are always variable, & yes they were fairly low this year but does that necessarily sound the death knell on this event? It's just a case of everyone has an opinion and are entitled to that opinion & with everyone spread so far & wide it is always difficult to find dates & places that will suit everyone. ( Just to make it very clear, I am NOT having a go at anyone - we know how quickly things can flare up if the written word is misinterpreted - love to all ) Jude & Geoff |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2011 20:17:17 GMT 10
To Clarify.
The email i recieved from Tathra and placed here on the forum was simply to let people know that the managers of Tathra Caravan park are more than keen to have the vintage van groups attend thier park for a gathering.
Nowhere in my post did i mention that Coledale should be abandonded as a venue for a weekend away with the vans.
I was thinking more along the lines of what Kaybee has suggested ..
That is.. end up at Tathra again after a few days touring. and possibly catch up with those that want to head straight there for what could be a highly enjoyable weekend...
I feel that even if the numbers wherent enough to coax Frank and Wilbur out of retirement for a night, Frank would certainly bung on a good night and ensure we had an enjoyable stay ( as he did this year for us "blow ins")
The idea of hooking up withn the Vic mob sounds great.
Maybe meet up over Cooma way somewhere after a few days of casual driving heading north for the vic.. south for the NSW crew.. then travel over and down to Bega /Tathra ( Browns mountain.. GULP) ,
Tour(s) end at Tathra on Wednesday for those wanting to stay on there until sunday..
Those wanting to head to Coledale can stroll up the coast and rock in to Coledale on Friday...
Or .. to simplify matters..
Just make Tathra another vint van Gathering someother time of year so it dont clash with Coledale/school holidays.
Those that are over Coledale can make Tathra thier annaul pilgramage if they wish.
No one is forcing anyone to go anywhere they dont want to..
Both venues have certain points that appeal to different people for different reasons
its simply a matter of choice as to what suits the individual vintage caravanners.
Its not about driving division between the rank and file or getting record numbers at either venue.. its about planning weekends away with good mates and enjoying our hobby.
Variety is the spice of life
Regards
Reddo
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Post by Jennison on Nov 6, 2011 12:41:32 GMT 10
Shoulda found and read this thread before I started the other yesterday!(may as well delete that one please mods) Yep I am all for a tathra meet.
As I said in the other thread feb will be too hard to get a block booking as they are still flat out then, march is too close to the nats so that leaves sept or oct as only option. thats why I suggest for the oct long weekend.
I don't think that it is that hard for workers to get a day or two off to make a 4 day weekend or better of it and as suggested you can always punch thru to coledale for those who can attend both. It was a great drive on the tour this year and the roads between sydney and eden are all great. Come on you mexicans here is a chance to get some real numbers on an east coast meet.
For me personally I think the massive camp kitchen/bbq area and the sites in three rows close to everything and everyone promote a better chance for all to participate/interact as one big gathering/party as opposed to the two or three seperate little groups/parties spread out 250m along the road chatting of an evening which is the way it has been at coledale the last couple of years. Top it off with sandhills protecting the sites from any possible inclement weather and free musical entertainment from FJ himself as Kaybee pointed out........and to have a manager/owner willing to do whatever he can to get us there is not to be sniffed at either.
It has indeed the facilities, management and touristy location to become as KB suggested a premier East Coast event and location
jenno
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Post by Jennison on Nov 11, 2011 21:18:59 GMT 10
silence is deafening here  ... is anybody interested in taking up this great offer from FJ and any suggestions for what time of year  jennison |
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Post by Geoff & Jude on Nov 11, 2011 21:57:00 GMT 10
hi jenno/reddo
we've been interested in tathra from the getgo, but don't see any reason to have it replace or contend with coledale.
coledale is the epitome of vintage vanning and for all the purists could not be a better place for the experience.
bring on tathra but don't bury coledale.
we talked about tathra for feb or march, has there been a change of mind there.
geoff 'n jude
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MRFJ55
Full Member
" KEEP HOLDEN ON "
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Post by MRFJ55 on Nov 12, 2011 5:18:57 GMT 10
HI SPINNERS ;D YOU WOULD THINK WITH THE AMOUNT OF FJ HOLDEN OWNERS ON HERE YOU WOULD GET A LOT OF INTEREST . I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW MANY FORUM MEMBERS HAVE VV's AND FJ's . I RECKON IT WOULD HAVE TO BE AROUND 20-30 OUT THERE IN VINTAGE CARAVAN LAND "RUSTING IN PEACE" . I HAVE ALLWAYS BEEN AN "FJ MAN" AND ALLWAYS WILL . SEE YA AT TATHRA , CANT WAIT , WHEN EVER IT IS I'LL START POLISHING THE GLOVE BOX LID FOR FRANKIE ! REGARDS , 8-)MAURIE KEEP HOLDEN ON . p.s FX/FJ HOLDEN NATIONALS AT BATHURST 27th-31st DECEMBER 2012 .
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Post by Cruz on Nov 12, 2011 6:33:34 GMT 10
Sounds like someone just needs to pick a date,put on the calander and see who can go. As most people need to travel It would seem ideal to make it a 3 or 4 day stay, with perhaps a tour from north and south AKA reddo style to get there. See you on the road. 8-)Cruz |
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Post by humpty2 on Nov 12, 2011 11:24:15 GMT 10
Can't find the reply I put to this.....so here goes again. ?? Tathra would be great....as a stand alone event. Coledale is what Coledale is....a tradition!. When exactly is the WA event in October 2012?.....in case people are looking at Tathra to Coledale. Late Feb/ March as a suggestion by G&J sounds good, but don't forget the Nationals at Cowra .....is it too close? |
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Post by Koala on Nov 12, 2011 17:32:04 GMT 10
Tathra sounds great to me.
By the beach, good company, offer of good music, somewhere different, some food thrown in, electricity for all, hot showers..............and somewhere to meet if the weather turns bad, a weekend or a long weekend.
No need to worry about Coledale it will always be there for those who like going there.
We will be at Tathra whenever the group decides.
Ken & Judy
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noblesgarage
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A Man with many projects Dosen't have a lot of time."Cause He Walks Round In Circles"
Posts: 363
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Post by noblesgarage on Nov 12, 2011 19:42:00 GMT 10
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Post by Jennison on Nov 18, 2011 13:13:11 GMT 10
I have been in contact with FJ and tathra van park. As I thought, they are pretty flat out in feb and mar and could not guarantee a block booked area for us all .
More food for thought....come on ideas/ suggestions please!
jennison
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Post by kaybee on Nov 18, 2011 13:39:43 GMT 10
I have been in contact with FJ and tathra van park. As I thought, they are pretty flat out in feb and mar and could not guarantee a block booked area for us all unless booked WAY in advance More food for thought....come on ideas/ suggestions please! jennison G'day Jeff , I still think the week prior to Coledale will be the best timing.....it would fit in as part of a "Reddotour" style of cruise from either direction and allow Coledale to remain undisturbed and also remain as another event for folks to take in on their way home ( if that makes sense ....I know what I'm trying to say ;D). Thus far there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of enthusiasm for Tathra ( apart from those of us that were there)......which surprises me a little. There aren't too many caravan parks that welcome you with open arms when you try to find somewhere that can accomodate a bunch of early vans , some can be totally disinterested in the notion as we found out when Kris was researching a location for the last national event which finished up at Mildura. Others might be a bit more willing but lack the space or the amenities are not up to par.....or the location has nothing to offer......or it's too far for people too travel,etc,etc. That's why the offer from Frank for the use of his immaculate park is such a great deal, we don't have to do anything except be there. It's all served up for us in a brilliant location , facilities are the best we've seen anywhere and the enthusiasm for the concept shown by Frank means this venue will probably exceed the success that we saw at Morgan in SA , where everybody had an absolute ball......and this place is just down the road a bit from Sydney , not part way across the country. We'd have to be bonkers not to act on it , and it needs to be put into place fairly soon or we might just miss out...... I know MAURIE and Koala Ken have said they'll go and I'm sure those of us who have just been there would jump at the chance , so perhaps it's time for a show of hands to get the ball rolling. Even if there's only 10 or 12 vans , it'll still be a fun event..... |
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Post by Jennison on Nov 21, 2011 19:58:58 GMT 10
You are right Kaybee. That's it! ;D I have decided that we should just act now and, as you suggested, confirm that the weekend/week before Coledale 2012 is THE date for Tathra. So thats it, it's set. I will have to find out what the exact date of the month that is to put up here on site but there is no more mucking around. The onus is on all of us SE coasters to put up and commit. This is a beautiful location, central to both Sydney region, mexican and ACT/inland NSW VVers and would also be a great start point or final stop on the way to Coledale. So come on you lot, look at the wonderful turnout to Canungra. Surely we can scratch together 30+ VVs' to enjoy some woodfired pizzas and BBQs sitting around in a top class camp kitchen with entertainment supplied by a great character and musician in the form of FJ Holden and co. jenno |
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Post by humpty2 on Nov 22, 2011 19:46:22 GMT 10
So that will mean that we still have in effect only one main event in NSW.!?
Weather wise ....if the weather is not good at Coledale..it won't be any better down further South.
I pass.............
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Post by Jennison on Nov 24, 2011 8:30:14 GMT 10
Not intended to clash with coledale Pete, and as kaybee suggested it will flow in nicely for those who are attending both, either as individuals or part of a reddostyle tour .
As far as the weather goes its not so much an issue at tathra with the large undercover BBQ, Pizza, eating & entertainment area where we can still congregate and carry on ;D
So.....anyone interested in attending?
regards
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Post by Geoff & Jude on Nov 24, 2011 9:03:06 GMT 10
hi jenno
we think it's a bit too close to coledale for us.
we're usually pretty involved for the week or two before coledale sorting out all the sites with norm, fundraiser items, etc etc so being away probably wouldn't be too good an idea.
we'll see how things go and finally decide closer to the day.
it would be a great place to go to though.
geoff 'n jude
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. The move to just outside Warragul at the Lardner Park Field Days site saw a massive turnout of both cars and viewing public , making it a huge success. The on-site camping for the vintage vans was on good flat ground and the facilities were of a vastly higher standard than at Cora Lynn.....important things to consider if you are to attract people back for successive events.
May have to pack the bags and move over. Brian.
