Vintage Rugby players and their partners have simple needs - attractive carnival destinations, good value packages, no sophisticated facilities just nice soft grounds and good post match hospitality facilities, good weather and lots of cold beer - natural ingredients for anyone to have a good time (especially rugby players) and the very reason that our 4 previous carnivals have been so successful.
For those very reasons we’re off to Hawaii which has all the above ingredients and much more for the 5th World Vintage Rugby Carnival to be staged between Sunday 23rd and Saturday 30th September, 2012. The week-long program includes 3 match days, 2 social functions, a mid-week excursion and plenty of time for fun and rugby in one of the world's most beautiful environments.
In this 3rd newsletter you will read news about 6 teams who have already registered for the Hawaii Carnival, learn how some teams were affected by the recent Queensland floods, get a birds-eye view of just how close our hotels are to the playing fields, view the first in a series of Hawaii videos and learn lots of other details about Hawaii.
Read on, and welcome to Newsletter No 3 - Take a wander ... everything is just a click of the mouse away.
HAWAII ENTRIES
The response to the launch of the 2012 Carnival program was immediate and enthusiastic. Within a few days of the announcement five teams had formally lodged their entries. The 6 teams currently registered include The Ohio Barking Dogs (USA) based in Mason City, Iowa who are bringing a group of 36; the Bustard Eagles (Australia) (Ғ) who are based in Queensland but include players from all over the world; the Old Orcas (Argentina) based in Buenos Aires who have attended two previous Carnivals; Battleship Old Boys (USA) (Ғ) from Mobile, Alabama, Creaky ol Convicts (Norfolk Island) and Archiball Association USA (Ғ) who are based in Augusta, Georgia. 
Note: (Ғ) indicates Foundation teams who have played in every Carnival.
Teams from New Zealand, France, Canada, England, Switzerland, and South Africa have also indicated their intention to take part and if they all make the trip, the 5th World Vintage Rugby Carnival will be another fantastic rugby experience in a superb location.
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ROLY WITT - A DEDICATED RUGBY MAN
Vintage Rugby was sad to recently learn that Roly Witt had passed away. Rugby at all levels in Canada and especially British Columbia and veteran rugby in particular formed an important part of Roly’s life. We invited Dave Aitken a long-time friend and rugby colleague (and Vintage Rugby Advisor for Canada) to write an obituary.
Roly Witt (1931-2010)
Roly Witt passed away August 2010 after a very brief illness. Throughout his life rugby was his abiding passion. His playing career began at the age of 8 and continued until he was 75.
Roly managed the Canadian National Rugby team for two years but it was his involvement with over 40’s rugby that was his greatest legacy. He was a member of the Evergreen Rugby Club for nearly 40 years, serving as President for 5 years.
Amongst his milestones were initiating contacts with over 40 Japanese rugby teams in the 70s (relationships that continue to this day), organising many overseas trips for the Evergreens, a member of the 1997 Vancouver Golden Oldies committee and oldest player at the 2006 World Vintage Rugby Carnival in Buenos Aires (pictured here).
At the time of his passing, Roly was spearheading a fundraising drive to facilitate renovations at Brockton Pavilion in Stanley Park, home of the Evergreens and Vancouver Rugby.
Vintage Rugby extends its sincere sympathy to Roly’s family, friends and the rugby community of British Columbia. May he rest in peace.
FLOOD VICTIMS SAFE
Significant flooding occurred in many areas of Queensland (Australia) during late December 2010 and early January with 75% of the state declared a disaster zone.
Over the past few weeks Vintage Rugby has received several enquiries about the Queensland floods and the safety of the many Vintage Rugby teams in the area. Obviously we were delighted to receive the following reports from Arthur Eustace-Earle (President of Veterans Rugby Queensland incorporating Australian Veterans Rugby) and his colleague Greg Cree.
“As you would probably be aware the flooding and subsequent damage has been extensive. The preliminary clean -up work has in most areas been nearly completed but this is only the first stage of a lengthy process.
Veterans Rugby Queensland has for the past two weeks been coordinating volunteers and has also been distributing food, water etc to those in need particularly in the Goodna/Ipswich areas. We are currently planning how we can be best involved in the next stage of the rebuilding. Over the past weekends we have deployed over 90 people to assist with the clean-up operation.
We have been in contact with our member clubs and can report that the folks from Condamine and Bundaberg have come through the disaster fairly well although Condamine was subjected to two bouts of flooding. They are a pretty hardy bunch. They will regroup well I believe. Not sure what they are going to do to quench their thirst though as the pub was literally submerged on two occasions. They have had the Army assisting them along with the State Emergency Services people.
We have evolved into a logistical support base, at Ballymore, for the front line suburban and country centres.The Queensland XXXX team have selflessly allowed the use of their clubhouse for the VRQ operation. Currently this centre is open daily from 10.00am to 2.00pm for the receipt of goods. The staffing of this is currently being carried out by a small bunch of people who have come to us ‘off the street’ when they have donated goods.
The day to day survival and rebuilding for all of those affected is very real and constant.
The Rugby community and in particular the veterans community worldwide has been fabulous. We have had messages of support and physical support from all over.
One example - the Colorado Old Pokes have had a fund raiser and are sending the money over to a Trust account the VRG has set up.We will use these funds and other donated funds to purchase items as required that are not or can’t be donated.
I hesitate to single out companies or individuals who have helped but just as an illustration of what can happen I give you this.
Some of the most vulnerable during this time are babies. Getting the correct food for them is an issue. So amongst our members is a company called Motherly Foods which make Organic baby food, when asked they immediately donated a large amount for distribution. This food is frozen. Another of our members is with Fysher and Paykel, they came to the rescue with freezers. This is ongoing so the VRG bought (at cost) another lot of baby food and the company cut a lot of the fancy packaging to save costs. We will need to buy more.
From the world wide broadcasts of our emails we have been contacted by a chap on the Gold coast who got our email via America. He has a warehouse full of furniture for us.
All this happens because the three “ Fs” of our movement, Fun, Friendship and Fraternity kick in, you all care and want to help."
For more information about how you can help or simply to send a message of support contact Arthur Eustace-Earle - Arthur.EUSTACEEARLE@communities.qld.gov.au - Veterans Rugby Queensland and Ken Brown at Condamine Codgers - kenbrown1968@bigpond.com
Postscript - just prior to publication, Ken Brown, team leader of Condamine Codgers, made contact and confirmed the team was in good spirits. He said that although their hotel (Cod Hole) had been flooded twice the ‘Codgers Corner’ (a place in the pub where they have their memorabilia etc from past ‘conquests’) was up high and dry. The Cods Oval better known as the Fish Tank was used by Army Blackhawk Helicopters to evacuate people from the town and bring in supplies.
We will report further details as they come to hand.
HOTELS WILL BE CLOSE TOGETHER WITH EASY ACCESS TO ALL FACILITIES
Carnival organizers have reserved an excellent range of quality hotels and apartments which are grouped close together - to suit everyone’s needs and budget - some with dramatic views of Diamond Head or the ocean and many have self-catering kitchens or kitchenettes. The selected hotels include:(Click the relevant hotel to view further details.)
All properties have been inspected and are of excellent quality. The 7 hotels are centrally located in Waikiki with easy access to restaurants, bars & nightclubs, supermarkets, pharmacies and the medical centre - as can be seen from this special map produced for Vintage Rugby by Hawaii Tourism.
DON’T MISS THE HAWAII CARNIVAL - REGISTER NOW !
The 7-day Hawaii Carnival will include 3 playing days, two huge social functions, an exciting optional midweek trip and a comprehensive sightseeing and activity programme.
BE PART OF THE 5TH WORLD VINTAGE RUGBY CARNIVAL BY REGISTERING NOW ... You can enter on-line here
And there is more ... a special prize for ‘early bird’ entries.
Sail along Oahu's beautiful coastline with Outrigger Catamaran and enjoy a Hawaiian Sunset Cruise in the Hawaiian tradition! Let the trade winds take you as you sail along picturesque Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Crater, and Black Point.
Yes this fantastic Hawaiian experience could be your teams to win as the ‘early bird’ prize which must be won by one of the teams who register for the 2012 Carnival prior to April 30, 2011. The prize includes a 90 minute sunset cruise for the whole team (max 40 people) on the 45 foot Outrigger Catamaran. Beverages will be complimentary. See what this catamaran can really do when she stretches her sea legs!
To be in to have a chance to win this great prize and secure your team’s place in the Carnival all you need to do is register before April 30, 2011.
STORIES FOR HAWAII - A VIDEO PRESENTATION
‘The Stories of Hawaii’ is a collection of 2 minute videos produced by Hawaii Tourism which features local personalities sharing their stories of what makes Hawaii so unique. We will feature these stories in our newsletters starting with ‘Beyond Pearl Harbour’. We hope you enjoy these unique presentations. Click here to view.
The 2012 Carnival ground packages are very well priced and represent excellent value. There are three Carnival ground package categories and 47 options (based on occupancy) to choose from.
The Hawaii Carnival package prices start at US$ 1035 per person. Click here to view packages and prices.
What do you get for your money?
The packages include:
- Seven nights’ accommodation in the category of your choice.
- Meet and greet on arrival in Honolulu with a traditional Lei welcome.
- Souvenir Carnival programme Guide and survival kit with discount vouchers, maps c.
- Transfers on arrival and departure from Honolulu Airport.
- A quality 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival souvenir.
- A 3-hour Cocktail Party to include entertainment, dancing, unlimited wine, beer and
- soft drinks and a substantial finger food buffet.
- A 5-hour finale Dine and Dance function to include entertainment, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks and a table served 3 course meal.
- Local service charges and taxes.
HONOLULU PROMISES WELCOME MAT
The city of Honolulu is delighted that their city was chosen to host the 2012 Carnival. In a letter received from Mayor Peter B Carlisle he confirms that Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the USA and commends the Hawaii Tourism Authority for their hard work in securing the hosting rights for the 2012 Vintage Rugby event. He describes it as an honour for Honolulu to be the first US city to host this exciting carnival and offers ‘E komo inai’ (a big welcome) to visitors coming from all over the world to participate in and support Vintage Rugby. To read the full letter >>>>>
The Hawaiian Islands provide a unique paradise blessed with excellent weather, breathtaking beauty, cultural diversity and, of course, the Aloha Spirit. Each Island’s unique geography provides awe-inspiring natural wonders - from the active volcano, Kilauea, on Hawaii’s Big Island to the waterfalls cascading from the sea cliffs on Molokai’s North Coast.
For rugby players looking for beautiful and warm crystal water (between matches), Hawaii is the perfect destination. Swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, body boarding, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, Kayaking, fishing charters, whale watching and submarine cruises are just some of the water activity choices. Or venture on a short flight to one of Hawaii’s six beautiful islands, each with their own unique and contrasting experiences. Explore the lush, laid-back beauty of Kauai; recharge the batteries on Maui; or marvel over the dramatic lava landscapes of Hawaii Island.
Here are just a few of the many things you can experience on O’ahu during the 2012 Carnival:
- Battleship Missouri Memorial
Take a special tour of the Battleship Missouri, the last battleship ever built and now newly refurbished! Stand on the Surrender Deck, the official site of the end of World War II.
- Diamond Head Crater Hike
The most famous volcanic crater in the world is Mt. Leahi, better known as Diamond Head, and is located along the southeast coast of Oahu, at the end of Waikiki.
- Dole Plantation: Pineapple Express and Plantation Garden Tour
A visit to the Dole Plantation is a must for visitors to Oahu, and the Dole Plantation Pineapple Express train tour is a great way to hear the history of the pineapple and the story of James Dole.
- Grand Circle Island Tour
The Grand Circle Island Tour is Oahu's most popular narrated tour, and a great way to get oriented to the island if it's your first visit.
Follow this link to see the full list of the most popular sightseeing opportunities
Hawaii has it all and it’s just waiting for Vintage Rugby teams to explore.
KAPIOLANI PARK PROVIDES UNIQUE PLAYING VENUE
Matches will be played on 5 rugby pitches at Queen Kapiolani Park under majestic Diamond Head and just a stone’s throw from the world famous beaches of Waikiki. Kapiolani will be transformed to provide a real ‘carnival’ atmosphere and the Hawaii Harlequins RFC will be using all their experience gained through hosting many international rugby tournaments to ensure a smooth event. Post match hospitality will provide the unique opportunity to mix with all the teams as you watch the sun going down on one of the most famous beaches in the world!
Teams will be able to walk from their hotels to Queen Kapiolani Park and to the opening and closing function venues. This photo shows the hotels and playing venue.