The Club accepted the project and set about to raise funds for the motor bike. In conjunction with the Toowoomba Chronicle, a fund raising project was set in motion with a barometer, showing the scale of money raised, appearing regularly in the Chronicle.

Sufficient money was raised and reverend Toungonei got his motor bike plus approximately 12 month’s supply of fuel.

Following the successful motor bike project the Club became more interested in the people of Goodenough Island and approached the Local Government Council to see whether there was any worthwhile project in which the Club could assist the Islanders. The Council considered the matter and advised that the most beneficial project we could undertake would be to supply a saw-mill for the Island.

The Club was informed that there were good stands of timber available and the Island could become self-sufficient in timber instead of having to obtain all of this material from off the Island. Once timber was available, more permanent buildings such as housing, medical aid post, community centres, bridges, wharf etc. could be erected on the island. This could also develop into basic furniture, boat building and other trades. .

From inquiries made, the most suitable basic type of saw-mill would cost in the vicinity of A$25,000 to set up. It was proposed that the main fund raising project would be a Toowoomba Hobby & Craft Exhibition.

George Shaw and his group pursued the idea with vigour and on the 6th, 7th and 8^th May 1977 the first Hobby & Craft Exhibition, which was to become an annual event, became a reality. The venue selected was the Cec Shannon Catering Hall at the old Toowoomba Showgrounds. Unfortunately, around this time Jim Smallbone was transferred to Ipswich and George Shaw carried on the relentless research into the possibility of setting up the saw-mill. Approximately twelve months later George Shaw was also transferred, and the task next fell on Ted Collins’ broad shoulders.

The need, the will and the effort was there from Toowoomba South and the Catholic Mission acting on behalf of the people of the Island, but due to bureaucracy and red tape by both the Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments, it was decided to cancel the project.

In April 1979 a letter was received from Father O’Brien outlining a Community Training Centre for Christian Leaders as an alternative project. While preparing feasibility study for the Club Father O'Brien was transferred and was replaced by Father John Fallon who took over the job.

After a great deal of correspondence and many phone calls the proposed Training/Accommodation Centre was recommended to the Club by the International Service Committee, the cost being A$4,608.00. This money was presented to Bishop More upon his visit to the Club during his Australian visit.

As previously stated, the Exhibition became an annual event, but without very much variety. The Catering Hall had some constraints, in that the size would only allow space for approximately 25 exhibits. As most of those exhibitors chose to participate each year, the Exhibition reached the stage of simply being a repeat of the previous year with scant possibility of change. In addition to this problem, the timing of May/June meant it was often held in miserable weather.

Alvin Huth, the 1981-92 International Service Director, decided that it was time to either "get big or get out". After some opposition, he convinced the CIub that the possibility was there to "get big" and formed his committee. He also decided to change the date to a time when the weather would be less unpredictable and more favourable, and also when there would be less possibility of conflicting with other functions in and around Toowoomba. A weekend towards the end of February seemed the most likely to suit these requirements.

The main pavilion of the old Showgrounds was selected as the venue: a frightening prospect when comparing its size with the Catering Hall (more than 5 times larger). The date was to be 19-21 February 1982. It was also decided to adopt a new name, the "Hobby-n-Craft Spectacular", because if Alvin’s. vision proved to be correct, it would certainly be spectacular.

An article subsequently published in RDU (and reproduced in this manual) could only begin to describe the success of that first Spectacular.

The infant Exhibition had finally matured into an exciting successful adult.

It has taken a great deal of thought, discussion and hard work by dedicated Committees over many years to refine organisational, booking and operational procedures to bring the Spectacular to the smooth operation which we now enjoy.

The policies which were formulated in those early years of the Spectacular have become the accepted principles in the subsequent organisation of all Spectaculars.

Our aims are fourfold:

1. We aim to provide a venue where hobbyists, collectors. Clubs, artists, craftsmen etc. can demonstrate and/or exhibit to the public and fellow enthusiasts at a cost which will encourage their participation.
2. We aim to provide a show where the public can see as great a variety of hobbies, crafts etc. as possible at a cost which will encourage families as well as other enthusiasts to attend.
3. We aim to raise as great an amount of finance as possible to enable the Rotary Club to assist local, national and international worthy organisations and individuals in line with the Principles of R.I.
4. We aim to operate a function which shall enable our Rotarians, Rotaryannes, Rotaractors, Interactors and other willing helpers to participate in at least one combined fellowship event each year.

In addition, the success of any Spectacular will not be measured by the amount of finance which is raised. If we successfully provide the venue for participants, can encourage excellent public patronage, and raise only a small amount of finance, the show will have been successful.

We aim to encourage family patronage. Alcohol is never to be sold at any Spectacular thus ensuring that Mum will not be left with the kids while Dad spends his visit at the bar.

No participant including the Rotary Club will be allowed to operate a raffle at the Spectacular. Patrons will be not be subjected to any possible harassment by ticket sellers. If they so wish, the only cost to them will be their entry fee.

Only as a last resort shall we pay for anything necessary for the operation of the show. We will firstly try to borrow, beg, scrounge the equipment etc. from ANYONE.

FREE is not a word which is in the Spectacular vocabulary. For example, if there is a particular exhibit we would like to have and, for some reason payment cannot be made, we will arrange a "sponsor" for that particular exhibit.

This is only a brief history of the Hobby-n-Craft Spectacular, and there are many stories associated with its operations over the years, many amusing, some sad, but all adding their own bit of flavour to its history.

Unfortunately it is impossible to relay them to you here, but most of the people associated with its operations can recall same experiences if you ask around.

However, Alvin and his committee won the day and planning went ahead. They produced lists of hobby and craft groups and clubs from all over the Darling Downs and members were given the task of rounding up entries.

Corner stoned by Alvin, Basil Vander-plas, Ellis Blanch and Graham Newnham, the organisation was put together and the myriad of detail involved in the massive show was sorted out.

With the full co-operation of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Radio Station 4GR the area was literally saturated with publicity. The Chronicle also designed, printed and donated the 16-page program.

Many organisations presented prizes and donated material with Sharp giving the major prize of a three-in-one radio-TV cassette. Various entertainments were arranged ranging from a Lego competition for children to a full-scale talent show.

With the show opening on the Friday night the early part of the day was spent getting exhibitors into place, a venture which was not without some problems.

Because of work commitments, many members could not help during the afternoon and there was a near-critical shortage of help. As Alvin Huth said, "It was often a case of looking into the mirror and telling that fellow to do the job."

Somehow it was done and at 6.30 p.m. the Mayor of Toowoomba Alderman Jack Duggan arrived at the head of a vintage car parade to perform the official opening.

Because nobody knew how many would attend, all members were asked to be at the pavilion to provide audience for the opening. There was no need to worry: from the time the gates were opened the ticket-sellers were swamped by spectators with money in hand and that was how it continued over the whole weekend.

In fact, on the Sunday the doors were scheduled to open at 10 a.m., but from 8.45 a.m. onwards people were lining up and going in, despite being told there was still an hour to go and not all exhibits were manned.

The Hobby-n-Craft spectacular exceeded all expectations and nowhere was this shown more than in the catering which was handled by the Rotaract Club of Toowoomba South in conjunction with wives of Rotarians. Again, they coped, but it was an amazing scene to see the huge pavilion continually filled with people - and a large proportion lined up at the food bar. It not only amazed, it also delighted those who had to count the takings.

Speaking after the event, President Michael Browning of the Rotary Club of Toowoomba South, paid tribute to the faith Alvin had shown in the project and pointed to the results as completely fulfilling that confidence.

It is likely that other parts of Queensland will see similar spectaculars because a segment of the 1982 District 963 Conference was given over to Alvin Huth who was commissioned to tell of that receipe: Bite off more than you can chew then chew like hell; the results will delight you.

ROTARY DOWN UNDER/MAY. 1982

Dates & Times

The 2004 Hobby-n-Craft Family Fair will be held over 2 days on Saturday & Sunday October 16th & 17th. The Show times will be 9:00AM to 6:00PM Saturday and 9:00AM to 4:00PM Sunday.

Stall Charges

Stall charges are similar to previous years. All sites are priced as per frontage metre at the rates set out below.

Corner sites inside the pavilion attract a 50% surcharge.

Non-selling Hobbies, Displays & Exhibitions (all areas): $10.00 per metre.

Non-commercial pavilion selling stalls providing demonstrations: $20.00 per metre.

Non-commercial pavilion selling stalls not providing demonstrations: $30.00 per metre

All other pavilion selling stalls: $45.00 per metre.

Outside stalls between the pavilions (demonstrating): $20.00 per metre.

Outside stalls between the pavilions (non-demonstrating): $30.00 per metre.

We try always to provide the stall size and area asked for, although this is sometimes difficult for applications arriving after the requested return date (this year 30th July). With our limited number of corner stalls, early applications for these are also vital.

All Stallholders must have current Public Liability Policy. The completed attached Public Liability forms together with payment of the appropriate site fee must accompany the completed application form. Those Stallholders without a current Public liability Policy should apply to be part of the Rotary Club’s bulk Policy for a cost of $50.00.

Stall Classification

The Committee places a strong emphasis on demonstrations. Non-commercial Exhibitors and all outside Stallholders who provide demonstrations of the craft they are selling qualify for the lower fee of $20.00 per metre. Exhibitors who consider that they qualify for a lower fee than they have been charged, may take the matter up with the Committee at the Fair. The Committee reserves the right to increase the fee for non-demonstrating non-commercial stalls if the lower fee has been paid.

Outside Stalls

We are able to place a limited number of outside stalls between the 2 pavilions. Exhibitors wishing to locate in this area should state "outside stall" on their application form and will need to supply their own shelter. The frontage requested should be sufficient to include the shelter and any support ropes and pegs. The outside stalls have a minimum depth of 6 metres. The inside stalls have a depth of 3 to 4 metres.

Some Important Notes

Our Security Firm will be operating on Friday and Saturday nights. All woodturning/woodworking demonstrations must be conducted behind an appropriate protective screen. Non-protected demonstrations will not be permitted. The only items of food that may be sold by Exhibitors are homemade lines of confectionery, biscuits, jams, pickles, sauces, preserves, etc. Absolutely no raffles may be sold at the Family Fair. Both pavilions are smoke free zones. The Rotary Canteen will be operating in the north-west corner of the Founders pavilion in the same area as last year. Entry fees for the public this year will be adults $5.00 and students a gold coin.

Return of Applications Due By July 30

Applications for stall space are invariably far heavier than we are able to supply, so it is important that Exhibitors return their applications promptly. The early return of the application forms will ensure that we are able to place your stall in your preferred area. Gate & Vehicle Passes 2-day tear off gate passes will be issued for stalls being manned by the same personnel each day. Stallholders with rostered personnel should apply for the appropriate number of "1-day" passes. Parking in the Exhibitor's parking areas will be available only to vehicles displaying our special vehicle passes. The number of passes required should be requested on the application form.

Stall Erection

Stalls may be erected from 7:00AM to 7:00PM on the Friday and from 6:00AM to 8:OOAM on the Saturday. We require the stalls to be completed and all vehicles and trailers cleared from the pavilions by 8:OOAM on Saturday in readiness for the arrival of the customers at 9:00AM. All stalls must continue operating until closing time at 4:00PM on Sunday unless special arrangements have been made with the committee. Earlier dismantling will endanger future invitations. All stalls must be freestanding and firmly placed within their allotted area. No nails, screws, or any other penetrating objects may be used to secure fittings to the wall or floor. Stallholders must take care not to obscure or obstruct access to Fire Fighting equipment.

Stall Equipment

For the benefit of Exhibitors who are unable to supply their own tables, chairs or backdrop frames (uncovered), these items will be available for hire. To assist our bulk hiring arrangements, please order your requirements on the application form. Power is supplied at no charge.

Publicity

This year we will be undertaking extensive media advertising and associated with this will be editorial opportunities. So if you have an interesting story about your particular craft, please include it together with a bright and clear photograph of yourself (smiling) with your exhibit, with your application. We will be looking to include as many Hobby-n-Craft stories as possible in our prior publicity. A map of the Hobby-n-Craft site showing Stallholders’ locations will be handed out at the entrance gates. This map will only include bookings that have arrived in time for inclusion.

Advertising

Exhibitors wishing to advertise their stall in the Toowoomba Chronicle should indicate this on their application form and we will arrange for the Chronicle to contact you direct.

Need More Information?

We can be contacted on our special Hobby-n-Craft line on 07 4639 8908, fax 07 4632 5888 or e-mail peirce5@bigpond.com

Thank you for your anticipated support.

Bob Peirce.

Bookings Officer, Hobby-n-Craft Family Fair Committee

Dates and Times to setup and operate

The Hobby-N-Craft Spectacular will be held over 3 days the 14th, 15th and 16th of October 2005. The show times will be 4:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday 14th, 9:00AM to 6:00pm on Saturday 15th, and 9:00AM to 4:00PM on Sunday 16th. Stallholders will need to be set up by the start of the show 4:00PM on Friday 14th. Single day exhibitors will be able to arrange setup before the start of each day. Cars and trailers must be removed from the pavilion by 3:00PM on Friday or 8:00AM on Saturday and Sunday. Stalls must continue operating until closing time at 4:00PM on Sunday unless special arrangements have been made with the committee. Stalls must be freestanding and firmly placed within the allocated area. (Please, no nails or screws may be used to secure fittings to the floor or walls of the pavilion.)

Stall Charges and Public Liability

Stall Charges have been simplified this year. Rates for the weekend are listed below.

Category 1………..Hobbyist - Display only $10 per metre frontage

Category 2………..Hobbyist - Display and Sales $30 per metre frontage

Category 3 ……….Commercial Sites $45 per metre frontage

Category 4………..Commercial Sites outside the pavilion $25 per metre frontage

Corner sites inside the Pavilion attract a 50% surcharge.

Sites in the pavilion have a depth of 3 to 4 metres.

We will always try to provide the stall size and area asked for, although this is sometimes difficult for applications that arrive after July 29th 2005. Corner stalls are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

All stallholders must have current Public Liability Policy. The attached Public Liability Forms must be completed and returned with the Site Application Form and the appropriate site fee. Those stallholders who do not have a current Public Liability Policy should apply to be part of the Rotary Club’s bulk Policy for a cost of $50.

There may be an opportunity for exhibitors to be able to display for one day only rather than for the whole weekend. Depending on how popular one day exhibits will be, a small section of the pavilion will be reserved for these groups. Please discuss your proposal with the Booking Officer to see if we may be able to accommodate you...

Stalls outside the Pavilion

We are able to accommodate a number of stalls outside the main pavilion on the pathway from the main pavilion to the Berghofer Pavilion. Exhibitors will need to supply their own shelter. The frontage meterage requested should be sufficient to include shelter and any support ropes and pegs.

Gates and Vehicle Passes

3 day tear off gate passes will be issued for stalls being manned by the same personnel each day. Stallholders with rostered personnel should apply for the appropriate number of 1 day passes. Parking in the Exhibitors parking areas will be available only to vehicles that display the special vehicle pass provided. The number of passes required should be requested on the application form.

Stall Equipment

For the benefit of Exhibitors who are unable to supply their own tables, chairs or backdrop frames (uncovered), these items will be available for hire at reasonable rates. To assist our bulk hiring arrangements, please order your requirements on the application form. Free power is available.

Publicity and Promotion

Exhibitors who wish to advertise in the Toowoomba Chronicle should indicate this on the application form and we will arrange the Chronicle to contact you. We plan to have a Liftout in the Chronicle as well as a map that will show the stallholders locations. A site map will be available at the entrance gates and will include only those bookings that arrive by the due date.

Return of Applications……….Due July 29th 2005

Applications for stall space are usually far heavier than we are able to supply, so it will be important for Exhibitors to return their applications promptly. The early return of the application form will help the committee to place your stall in your preferred position.

Need More Information?

If you have any concerns or require further information please contact me on our special Hobby-N-Craft HOTLINE on (Number Deleted), or e-mail me at (Address Deleted)

We look forward to hearing from you

Bob Peirce - Booking Officer, Hobby-N-Craft Spectacular

“It’s a huge job” said co-ordinator Peter, “ But this is our 30th anniversary show and we aim to make it the biggest and best yet”

To do this club is seeking to implement a number of new ideas and to build on some old ones.

“To stay in front of the competition we have to keep coming up with fresh ideas, but our priority at this early stage is to find as many new exhibitors as we can. Anybody out there who is involved in any sort of hobby or craft and wants to get their product or service in front of the public, then these are the people we want to talk to”

The club is also looking to introduce “Around the clock” entertainment to this year’s show.

“Yes, we’re setting up a stage inside the main pavilion right next to the kitchen area so that after looking at all the exhibits, people can sit down to a cup of coffee or lunch and be entertainment at the same time.”

“We’re looking for up and coming local musicians, singers, dancers, magicians, mime artists and buskers as well. If this sounds like you, then please, give us a call.”

The Hobby-N-Craft Spectacular will be held on 14/15/16 October 2005 and further information can be obtained by contacting the Rotary Club of Toowoomba South on - (contact details deleted!)