in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Where: Toowoomba Queensland, Australia
When: Friday 6th to Sunday 8th October 2023
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: May 2023
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 (AU$15/adult, AU$7.50 for school children) 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* Costs: AU$40/adult, AU$35/concession & AU$28/school child).
11:00am to 5:30pm Village activities.
Note: there are ramps are available at most sites. A free bus around the venue will be available every 10-15 minutes. A steam-powered bus will likely be operating for. Two electric scooters should also be 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. 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 (spit roast AU$50/adult, AU$25 children 4-10 years, free for children <4 years old – dietary options available).
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).
7:00am to 10:00am:
Church services (various faiths present in Toowoomba).
Queens Park Botanic Gardens (Take a slow walk to the Cobb & Co. Museum)
10:00am to 12:00pm:
Cobb & Co Museum (walk or own transport* and cost)
Toowoomba city walking tours (1.5hrs, AU$40 per person) ***
Blinco Bus Tour (1.5hrs) leaving from the Burke & Wills Hotel at 10:00am** and Cobb & Co Museum shortly after and finishing at the Cube Hotel (cost AU$30/adult, AU$15/school child).
12:00 to 2:00pm Lunch at Cube Hotel (own cost) including farewells for those leaving in the afternoon.
2:00pm to 3:30 / 3:45pm:
Stroll to the Cobb & Co Museum (walk or own transport* and cost)
Toowoomba city walking tours (1.5hrs, AU$40 per person) ***
Blinco Bus Tour (1.5hrs) leaving from the Cube Hotel and finishing at the Burke & Wills Hotel (cost AU$30/adult, AU$15/school child).
5:00pm till late. Gather at local restaurant (details TBA) in Toowoomba for informal dinner for those staying until later Monday morning. Farewells for those leaving Monday morning.
* - Please advise the organisers if you require assistance.
** - Details of the tour are being finalised but it will include historical locations relevant to the Blinco family such as the gravesite at Drayton Cemetery. Please book with reunion organisers as numbers for each tour are limited.
*** - Details of the tours (by two operators) are being finalised but will include the Toowoomba railway station, street art and historical architecture. Please be aware these tours require a moderate level of fitness, and you should bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and an umbrella if we encounter wet weather.
If you are interested in attending, please fill out the Registration Form.
Cost Calculator (Excel file).
Check out our Facebook page.
Note: Tours have minimum and maximum numbers, so book early.
Contact: Rob Wallis +61 (0)417 952 609.
Mail: 246B Flamborough Street, Doubleview,
Western Australia, 6018
rev. 9 July 2023