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" Caves and Candles "
September 2004 UK Convention
Somerset
September 4th 2004

Convention News - Table of Contents

HNUK Flier            -  ?? November 2003

Announcement          -  24 November 2003

This convention weekend will begin Saturday 18th September, a coach will transport us the 13 miles to the beautiful village of Cheddar.  Once here, we can take in the sights of the Gorge, and then visit the show caves themselves.  Here, we will be able to see Gough's cave (which is where we will be having our candle ceremony later on in the evening) and take the full Cave experience.  Your ticket covers Gough cave, the Crystal Quest, Jacobs Ladder, Pavey's lookout tower, cliff top gorge walk, seeing the Cheddar man museum, and Cox's cave;  An open top bus may be on offer to do the Gorge tour, this is dependant on the Gorge subjections.

After the tip to the caves, you can visit the rest of the village, see the great shops which sell homemade ciders, cheeses, pickles etc... There are plenty of small gift shops also, as well as tea rooms, take out places, small hotels offering great meals.

After leaving you all to your devices, if we can meet up afterwards (this will be specified on your schedules) A Winterfest candle lighting ceremony will take place in Gough's cave about 6.00pm (this time because the caves close at 5.30pm, leaving enough time for the staff to close down the Gorge to the rest of the public).  So if you would like to dress in tunnel togs or fancy dress, please feel free to;  My aim for this ceremony is to repeat the episode Dead of Winter... You will all be given Winterfest Candles, so please do not forget them for the evening.  Red and white wine, as well as hot punch will be served also.

The Gorge also offers Rock sports, such as adventure caving, abseiling, all of which can be done at the cost of £12.50 per person, the sports lasting 1.5 hours, should you wish to do both sports, this can be done, and it will cost £24.00.  Again, please let me know.

Train services:  Although Bristol Temple Meads is the easiest train station to get to from most destinations, Weston Super Mare will be the station you need, and the distance by car to the hotel is around 10 minutes, taxi fare will be around £3 - £3.50.

I have also looked into the disable facilities both for the gorge and the hotel;  At the hotel there is passenger lifts.  And for the Gorge; There is a narrow gate at the entrance to the cave (77cm wide - wide enough for most wheelchairs) then three shallow steps down.  Once past this point, wheelchair users can access the whole of the lower level of the cave, about 2/4 of the distance.  The upper level can only be reached by lengthy flights of steps, while the floor is damp, it is smooth and safe, and there are handrails on the slopes.

Our accommodation will be at the Dauncey's Hotel in Weston Super Mare.  Please can I remind you all that when arranging your accommodation, you mention that you are attending the Caves and Candles convention.  You are solely responsible for booking all your accommodation requirements.

These are the prices quoted to me at the time of this registration going to print:  1 Night Stay: £48; 2 Nights and Over: £45.  Now these prices are full board en suite accommodation, including tea and coffee making facilities in the bedrooms, bed and breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in the evening.

We will have the use of a function room, so I have arranged for us to have tables which we can use for dealer's tables.  Dealers tables will be £5 each, so please bring along your merchandise for sale.  Also, I am asking for fandom members to donate goods to the convention.  These will go into Auction, and the proceeds will be split between the NSPCC, and The Cancer Research charities.  All donated goods are extremely welcome.

Form: Select the following Bold text and print out and complete to use as an application form:-

The most important things is that I find out how many of you are definitely wishing to attend.  This is required for the hotels Information, so we can work out how many singles, double rooms will be required.

I am also going to ask for £10 deposit from each of you.  These are non-refundable deposits.  Please make cheques payable to "The Caves and Candles 2004 Convention".

NAME:  ______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:   ___________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER:  ______________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS:  _____________________________________________________________

NUMBER OF PERSONS ATTENDING:  ____________________________________________

WHAT TYPE OF ROOM IS REQUIRED?  (single / double) - delete as appropriate

GOODS THAT YOU WISH TO DONATE  ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

DEALERS TABLES REQUIRED  ___________________________________________________

ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS NEEDED  _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Registration costs will be £39.50 per person; method of payment; cash / cheque / postal order.

I look forward to hearing from you all soon.  Please remember to include a 45p SAE when replying, so I can then send you receipts and flyer information.  Address info:

Amy Hazzard, 1 Nightingale Walke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7HH, UK

or fax me on 00 44 1722 324765 outside the UK or 01722 324765 inside the UK.  Your registration costs include: Cave Hire and Drinks, Cave Explorer Tickets, Coach Hire and Disco.

Be well everyone.

Amy.

Announcement Email

24th November 2003