March Update
As we are now only a few months away from the Symposium in Aberdeen these are a few updates about the event and practical matters for those coming to the event. Also some information that we need to collect from everyone coming to the Symposium.
Headings with an * will need responses from everyone, please, by Friday 17th April using the forms attached or the online form using the button below. Group leaders - could you please ensure that we get a return from or about each member of your group. Other ringers please check with friends who are coming to ensure they have received this email.
Registrations
Thank you! We have received more registrations than we expected, the event is now full and a waiting list is open. If for any reason you are unable to come to the symposium, please contact Diane, our registrar, at registrar@handbell.org.uk
Classes/Workshops
We have sent a request to all Guild leaders asking for details of possible classes/workshops and presenters. If you have an idea for a class/workshop that you would like to present please contact your Guild leaders as soon as possible. We hope to have the programme sorted ready for ringers to make their choices in early summer.
Daily Transport
For those registrants who are staying in hotels near the airport we have arranged a 48 seat shuttle coach service for each morning and evening. The coach will run from 7.45am making 5 trips to P&J Live and from 9.00pm making 5 trips to the hotels each day. The evening trips will be later on Saturday following the closing ceremony.
*Symposium Polo Shirt
All registrants will receive a Symposium polo shirt printed with the Symposium logo. Please complete and return the polo shirt order form with your details and shirt size. Please check the measurements on the sizing guide when ordering as there will not be any exchanges. Please return form by Friday 17thth April.
*Dietary Information
In order to help our caterers provide you with the best possible meals we need to know about any allergies or special dietary requirements you may have. Please complete and return the dietary information form with your details and specific dietary requirements. The caterers will do their best to meet your requests and are used to dealing with the standard dietary and allergen requirements. If you do not notify us of any dietary requirements we cannot accept any responsibility for any issues that may arise. Please return by Friday 17h April.
Foam for massed ringing tables
We are working hard to source foam for the massed ringing tables in the most economic and environmentally friendly way possible. We are seeking a supplier who will commit to removing and recycling any foam not taken away by the ringers at the end of the event. We will be contacting registrants as soon as we can with pricing information and an order form.
P&J Live
Our venue P&J Live was chosen for its great facilities and helpful and supportive staff. We hope that you will enjoy being there.
Security is very important at P&J Live and we need everyone’s co-operation. Under new UK law, venues are required to security check people coming into the building each time they enter. There will be security staff on duty throughout the day, bags will be checked either visually or by scanner, individuals will also be scanned. Liquids cannot be brought into the building, if you have a water bottle you wish to use during the event it can be brought in empty and filled from the water fountains. Once inside the building everyone must wear their symposium badge at all times.
If you are coming to P&J Live each day by car we have negotiated a reduction in the daily £29 parking charge to £7. Final details of how this will operate will be provided nearer the time.
The onsite coffee shop will be open during Symposium days for those of us who wish to purchase coffee/tea/other soft drinks. Water will be provided from the fountains and at meal times. At the closing dinner a bar service will be available. Please note P&J Live is a cashless venue, all standard VISA and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted.
Shipping of Bells
If you are planning to ship your bells rather than carrying them with you as part of your luggage you may wish to consider getting a carnet to make customs clearance easier, for more details click here on the Symposium website
If you wish to ship directly to P&J Live this is possible for delivery from 29th July (weekdays only). Please make sure your packages are marked clearly with your group name and addressed:
Attention:
Lynne Reilly
22nd International Handbell Symposium
P&J Live
East Burn Road
Stoneywood
Aberdeen
AB21 9FX
UK
Friendship Reception
On Monday 3rd August from 7.00pm everyone is invited to gather to meet old friends and to make new friends. There will be a buffet available and P&J Live are sponsoring two drinks per person. This will also be an opportunity to exchange pins and small gifts if you wish to do so.
Sunday Optional Excursions
For those who are not leaving on Sunday 9th August we have arranged two optional excursions. More details and booking links can be found here on the Symposium website
Non Ringers Programme
Welcome to all our non-ringer registrants. We have had an amazing response from non-ringers with over 60 registering! We have arranged a programme, details below, for you that we hope will be interesting and enjoyable.
Tuesday: am Join the ringers for the opening ceremony and group photo
pm Walking tour of Aberdeen City
Wednesday: Day tour to Dundee with a photo opportunity at Dunnottar Castle
Thursday: Day tour of the Cairngorms and Royal Deeside
Friday: Day tour of the NE Coast and Morayshire
Saturday: Final concert, banquet and closing ceremony
*Arrival and Hotels
As we plan for registration and load in of bells etc. it would be helpful to know your planned day of arrival in Aberdeen and at which hotel you will be staying. We have included this on the dietary information form.
Martin Winter - Organising Group Chair