May Update
As we are now only three months away from the Symposium in Aberdeen here are a few updates about the event and practical matters for those coming to the event. Also, some more information that we need to collect from everyone coming to the Symposium.
Headings with an * will need responses please, by Friday 12th June. Group leaders - could you please ensure that we get a return, where necessary, from or about each member of your group. Other ringers please check with friends who are coming to ensure they have received this email.
*Foam for massed ringing tables
We have secured a very good deal with each piece of 3 foot x 2 foot 6 inch x 3 inch foam costing £18. This is a 25% reduction on the price paid 14 years ago at the Liverpool Symposium.
Everyone will need to purchase the foam for their tables in the massed ringing hall.
In the next few days, Group leaders and independent ringers will each receive an email with a link to an order form. Group leaders are asked to check the names of the members of their group (any errors/amendments please email registrar@handbell.org.uk) and make a single purchase for their foam based on the length of table space required. Each table will accommodate 2 pieces of foam. Any individual ringer not in a group will need to buy a single piece of foam.
We have sourced foam in the most economic and environmentally friendly way possible. Our supplier will remove and recycle any foam not taken away by the ringers at the end of the event.
*Solo concerts
The solo concerts will take place each evening Tuesday – Friday.
Many teams/choirs indicated on their registration forms that they would like to perform a solo piece during the Symposium. If you indicated that you wanted to play a solo, please could you complete the attached form with details of your chosen piece and return it by email to symposium26@hrgb.org.uk
If any group or individual would like to play a solo piece and have not previously notified us please email symposium26@hrgb.org.uk
*Personal Mobility
We are aware that some ringers coming to the symposium have personal mobility challenges. If you use a mobility aid could you please let us know by emailing Diane our registrar registrar@handbell.org.uk. We can then make any necessary arrangements to support you and place you appropriately in the massed ringing hall.
Allergies
Thank you to everyone for returning your allergy and dietary information. From this information we now know that some of our ringers have severe nut allergies with the risk of anaphylaxis. YOU MUST NOT BRING ANY NUTS INTO THE BUILDING FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR FELLOW RINGERS.
Weather
Although it will be summer when we are in Aberdeen the weather cannot be predicted. We would advise everyone to be prepared for the possibility of some rain and for average temperatures that range from 11-20 Celsius. Of course, we hope for good sunny weather but no promises!
Classes/Workshops
Thank you to all those who have offered to lead workshops/classes and the Guilds who have co-ordinated these offers. Details of the workshops/classes will be published soon.
The full details of the programme and how to register for your preferred choices will be sent to all registrants by email. Please make and submit your choices without delay as all workshop/classes will have a specified number of places which will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Tartan & Highlandwear
We are pleased to announce that, as part of the workshop/classes programme we will be offering a chance to find out more about the history and development of Tartan and Highlandwear. These will be led for us by staff from McCalls Highlandwear, one of Scotland’s leading suppliers of Highlandwear since 1887.
McCalls are also offering a special deal for registrants to hire Tartan items to wear at the closing banquet. An opportunity not to be missed!
For gentlemen they are offering a range of options including full Highlandwear hire – Kilt, waistcoat, jacket, neckwear, shoes, socks and sporran for only £99 - all you need is your own shirt! Normal hire rates start from £125. They are also offering hire of individual items and Trews for those who feel a kilt is a step too far!
For ladies they are offering tartan sash hire, to be worn over your own outfits for £20.
For more details of the items available for hire and purchase, how to measure for a kilt and booking forms use this link https://form.jotform.com/261233692431049
McCalls will also be opening a pop-up shop for us on Thursday 6th August for those interested in purchasing tartan items.
Final Concert Saturday 8th August
We are delighted that the Lord Provost of Aberdeen will be joining us for the Final Concert. Tickets for the concert will be available to purchase closer to the event at £5 each. All non-ringers have a concert ticket included in their registration fee. Ringers will not require a ticket of course.
Daily Transport
The daily shuttle coach will run each morning from Argyll Way to P&J Live starting at 7.45am. The evening return service from P&J Live to Argyll Way will start at 9.00pm. The following hotels are all close to Argyll Way: Leonardo Inn, Leonardo Hotel and Conference Centre, Hampton By Hilton Aberdeen Airport, Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen Airport, Moxy Aberdeen Airport, Courtyard By Marriot Aberdeen Airport, Premier Inn Aberdeen Airport and Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport.
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 reusable water bottle (not glass) you wish to use during the event it can be brought in empty and filled from the water fountains. Exemptions are in place As above NO NUTS must be brought into the building.
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.
Friendship Reception Monday 3rd August 7.00 - 9.00pm
After registration and the load in of bells and equipment on Monday 3rd August we are delighted to invite everyone 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
Bookings are still open for the optional excursions on Sunday 9th August. Bookings will close Friday 5th June. Booking links and excursion details can be found here on the Symposium website
Solar Eclipse
For those of you who are staying in Scotland after the Symposium there will be chance, weather permitting, to see a partial solar eclipse with about 90% of the sun being obscured. It will happen on Tuesday 12th August shortly before sunset peaking at around 7.00-7.20pm
Non-Ringers' Programme
Welcome to all our non-ringer registrants. We will be contacting our non-ringers by email with more details and specific requests
Tuesday: am Join the ringers for the opening ceremony and group photo
pm Walking tour of Aberdeen City
Wednesday: Day tour to Dundee including visits to The Victoria and Albert museum, The Discovery experience of polar exploration and a photo opportunity at Dunnottar Castle
Thursday: Day tour of the Cairngorms and Royal Deeside including visits to Crathes Castle, Brig O’ Feugh and Ballater
Friday: Day tour of the NE Coast and Morayshire including visits to Deans of Huntley shortbread makers, the Fraserburgh Lighthouse museum, the village of Cullen and Bow Fiddle Rock
Saturday: Final concert, banquet and closing ceremony
Martin Winter - Organising Group Chair.