in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Where: Toowoomba Queensland, Australia
When: Friday 8th to Sunday 10th October 2021
Who: All Blinco/Blencowe (and other spellings) family and those interested in the history of our family.
Why: Reunion of the Blencowe Families Association members every 2 to 3 years
What: Programme Outline & Update – as at: 26 April 2021
5:00pm attendees arrive at the lobby of the Burke & Wills Hotel, 554 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba for event registration. Registration includes welcome packs, final programme details and last-minute updates. Registration fee of AU$15 per adult & AUAU$7.50 per schoolchild to cover venue hire and admin costs.
5:00 to 6:00pm gather at Zack's Bar and Restaurant to meet & greet other attendees over a drink & nibbles (own cost).
5:00pm to late migrate to the restaurant for an informal dinner (own cost or your own choice of venue).
6:30 to 9:30am A la carte breakfast at the Burke & Wills Hotel (own cost or your own choice of venue).
9:30 to 11:00am Mobilise to the Highfields Pioneer Village and check-in at the front gate (own transport* and entry cost Adults: AU$15.00; Concession: AU$12.00; Children (school aged): AU$8.00).
11:00am to 5:30pm Village activities.
Note: ramps are available at most sites. A free bus around the venue will be available every 10-15 minutes. A steam-powered bus will be operating for AU$5 per adult and AU$3 per child. Two electric scooters are also available for hire via a donation.
12:00 to 1:00pm Lunch at the Village (own cost - sausage sizzle: AU$3 + drinks).
2:30 to 3:30pm Reunion gathering at the hall and afternoon tea & damper (own cost - AU$6). Discussion on the latest on the BFA. Possible virtual linkup to BFA members overseas.
5:30 to 6:30pm Gather at the undercover dining area at the Village for pre-dinner drinks (BYO or purchase soft drinks etc from the Village). Dinner-only attendees
6:30 to 9:30pm Dinner at the Village (probably a spit roast - details are being finalised - cost about AU$25).
10:00pm Close.
6:30 to 9:30am A la carte breakfast at the Burke & Wills Hotel (own cost, or your own choice of venue).
8:00am to 1:00pm:
Option 1: Church services (various faiths present in Toowoomba).
Option 2: Toowoomba Sightseeing Tour (2hrs) leaving from the Burke & Wills Hotel at 8:30am** (AU$20 pp - pay driver).
Option 3: Cobb & Co Museum (own transport* and cost)
Option 4: Toowoomba city walking tour (1.5 to 2hrs, AU$35-50 pp)***
Option 5: Toowoomba Sightseeing Tour (2hrs) leaving from the Burke & Wills Hotel at 11:00am** (AU$20 pp - pay driver).
12:00 to 2:00pm Lunch at local venue (details TBA) including farewells for those leaving in the afternoon
1:30pm to 3:30pm:
Option 6: Toowoomba Sightseeing Tour (2hrs) leaving from the Burke & Wills Hotel at 1:30pm** (AU$20 pp - pay driver).
Option 7: Toowoomba city walking tour (1.5 to 2hrs, AU$35-50 pp)***
3:30 to 5:00pm:
Option 8: Cobb & Co Museum including afternoon tea at: (own transport* and cost – COVID restrictions on numbers apply)
Option 9: Picnic Point walking trails, lookout, waterfall & gardens and cafe (own transport*)
5:00pm to late. Gather at local restaurant (details TBA) in Toowoomba for informal dinner for those staying until Monday morning. Farewells for those leaving Monday morning.
* - Please advise the organisers if you require assistance.
** - Details of the tour TBA but it will include historical locations around the city and the Blinco gravesite at Drayton Cemetery. Please book with reunion organisers as numbers for each tour are limited. Additional tour options may be available depending on numbers.
*** - Several ideas are being considered for Toowoomba historical walking trails. Options being considered include 1.5 to 2 hours tours of the Royal Bulls Head Inn, Clifford House, and the Toowoomba railway station, street art and historical architecture. Prices likely to range between AU$35 and AU$50 per person and include morning or afternoon tea.
Reunion programme (PDF) revised 26 April 2021
Check out our Facebook page.
Note: Venues and costs are subject to change depending on numbers and COVID-19 restrictions
Contact: Rob Wallis +61 (0)417 952 609.
Mail: 246B Flamborough Street, Doubleview,
Western Australia, 6018
rev. 12 May 2021