Beltane 1999 Newsletter 1999 Australian Wiccan Conference Report A New Time for Old Wisdom

The 1999 AWC was a total success! There were just 4 people on the Committee who have been working on the conference for nearly a year. The Committee were: Jilli Roberts, Marianne Cherrie, Jeanette Gormley and Allannah Turner.

On registering, delegates received a pewter necklace made especially for the conference. Marianne designed the beautiful necklaces in the concept of using an Ogham mark (single coil) for phagan beech (indiginous to Tasmania). We wanted to continue the theme that we originally started with 'A New Time for Old Wisdom'. We also delegated an old gum tree as our Wisdom Tree that we decorated with a pentagram and forest flowers. Again following our theme and the preamble on the registration form.

The band for this year's conference was Finigans Wake - they were brilliant. In fact we were their first pagan gig ever! They liked us so much they have decided to delve further into pagan music! Tasmania previously lacked a pagan band, but it would seem now no longer!

We were informed by the site owner that the atmosphere created was just beautiful. Apparently we are the nicest crowd they have ever had. On saying that the caterers were a little perplexed Saturday evening when I came running ahead of everyone in my cloak. I had to arrange for a 'special' table for the Spring Queen and her consort. However, all was well in the end as they joined along with our cheers to the Spring etc. We also presented them with a bottle of wine and chocolates as appreciation for their hard work. That went down very well indeed particularly when we all cheered and applauded them.

We were overwhelmed with the number of interested people wanting to attend this year's conference. However, we had to turn away people who registered late. Sadly we were restricted by catering numbers. As it was caterers had to squeeze us all into the one room. Aside the squish, the food was great and there was plenty of it. People couldn't believe the amount of food and you should had seen the feast tables! One of our local Sponsors, Lactos, donated local cheeses that we had with fruit afterwards and of course red wine throughout the evening for those interested. Workshop holders received a bottle of Tasmanian Cider again donated by one of our Sponsors. I can confirm that the cider is of excellent quality!

The workshops were of high quality and very interesting. To name only a few workshop holders, there were: Dr Doug (Trowenna), Julia Phillips (founder of the Pagan Alliance), Andrew Daws, Julie Daws, Don McLeod, Cheryl Maddox. The feedback that these delegates received was not surprisingly, brilliant!

If anyone would like a copy of the AWC handbook (compiles all workshop notes and more), send a cheque or money order for $12 to PO Box 2046, Hobart 7001. The cost is to cover the printers and p&h. I think it will be well worth having it for your library. We ask that you contact us before the end of November as we have a limited run of copies.

On the Sunday at the last community moot, Tasmanians started shouting that they wanted us to host the AWC next year. No doubt you can imagine our reaction! However, it was Chris (Selly) who put up his hand for Adelaide to host the 2000 conference. Back to it's state of origin!

On closing, many thanks to all who came and/or showed interest. What a wonderful community!

Blessed Be
Allannah Turner