Crow Chronicle #2 – 2019

First up … an apology for the delays in processing some bookings. There has been a gremlin in the eftpos machine with sticking keys and it had to go back for service.  And what do you know – they couldn’t make the problem go away, hence we now have a new you-beaut state of the art monster which arrived Friday afternoon. Also there was one problem … only part of the software had been installed. Finally this morning it is operational so all those outstanding transactions can be processed.

Squawkers Permits should be sent out in January 2019. There is a new big road coming in from Copland Street and as a result extra works being done in several areas, necessitating some minor (no where near as major as last year thank goodness) changes to some sites and locations. Once these are finalised, the map will be revamped and sites will be allocated very early in January. Your excitement is contagious one lady even asking today if the permits were ready, not quite yet!

And especially for our first time nesters – welcome to the flock

Just a bit of background as many of you have decided to come after hearing how much fun others have at Stone the Crows.

Firstly the ACTA grounds are like a large rectangle and to facilitate ease for the siting team, we fill from the centre outwards and towards both ends. To make best utilisation of the grounds we allocate sites based on special needs, vehicle lengths, and allow groups to be sited in close proximity. For this reason, no site is exclusively yours but if you have been before and ask for a specific area we will endeavour to accommodate the request …. but no guarantees as it depends on a heap of factors.

For 2019, first timers will be invited to come in on Thursday afternoon April 18 at a time shown on your Squawkers Permit (probably between 2 pm and 3 pm we think). This document also shows your site number, whether you are a member of a group and other pertinent information for the guys and gals who will make sure you end up where you belong. To alleviate traffic congestion, we operate two gates, one in Copland Street, the other Tasman Road. For this reason, we do need you to come in at the time nominated on the Squawkers’ Permit.  If you have a problem, when you receive that document, email Chrissy and we will endeavour to work out a solution.

The siting team will point out the big convention building, also known as Crow Central and once you are settled you will need to meet on the verandah with other newbies. From there you will be joined by Crow Helper Pam who will take you to the registration point at the Club House where you will get your info packs, name badges, etc. Once that is done, you will get a tour of the main venues with Pam so you know what is on where … it will be a lot easier to see when the grounds aren’t full. There is a map given to everyone on arrival so please bring this with you so you can orientate yourself.

By then it will probably be happy hour and you are welcome to join the volunteer team in the Club House and socialise.  The main portion of the flock will come into nest in a similar manner on Friday morning so please give the siting and registration teams space to get the rest of the flock settled before things start around lunchtime.

Hopefully that gives a great start to your indoctrination to the flock.

Volunteers arrival

After such a crazy short time for setup at the last Festival, you will be relieved to know that there will be no championships just before our arrival.  At this stage the plan is for the siting and meet and greet teams to arrive on pm Sunday April 14 and get to work laying out the grounds starting Monday morning.  Other volunteer teams will arrive Monday April 15 and Tuesday April 16 – look out for details on your Squawkers Permits please.

Venues

Another question which keeps being asked relates to venues … Marquees for Crafty Crows and Daddy Day Care have been increased in size due to numbers partaking in these activities and the Squawkers’ Tent and the Rookery will accommodate seminars, line dancing and other program events, with the games arenas in full play, the Club House hosting musical tuition of ukulele and keyboard, hula dancing and the Crow Choir. Crow Central in The Range Convention Centre will be our main entertainment venue.

Availability of sites

At the time of writing we are 80% booked with six months to go, so if you have friends thinking of coming, probably the earlier they book the better. Still unpowered sites available but power is waiting list only for essential needs. Great to see the online booking form is working so well with most people having no issues filling out the necessary info. Any queries as always email Chrissy.

For those following the Melbourne Cup Jim has a tip ….. Avilius – it’s all royal blue if you are Into colours. He is, in his own words, a racing tragic and takes no responsibility for the result. Good luck if you are having a bet!

Till next time, travel safely and take care
Chrissy, Jim, Grant and our fantastic team who make it all happen