BUENOS AIRES - A VINTAGE EXPERIENCE...
All the elements necessary for a highly successful Vintage Rugby Carnival fell into place as the teams arrived in Buenos Aires – perfect weather all week, lush and firm grounds, great social functions, outstanding post match hospitality and entertainment and 52 teams from 13 countries who had come to Buenos Aires determined to enjoy their rugby and to party.

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT …
Rather than record our own highlights we have decided to reproduce extracts from one of the many similar post carnival reports received from satisfied team leaders.

"My overall opinion of this carnival is a very successful event , well run and enjoyed by a vast majority of participants." "The opening ceremony was elegant and simple. The speeches were short, but still managed to say all the right things. The buses were on time and everyone got there to enjoy it. The march, although short allowed all teams to be introduced to the carnival. This is important as teams like acknowledgement in front of their peers. "The opening cocktail party that followed went very well. Good venue with the river as a backdrop, good local entertainment, plenty of food and plenty of drink – a great start to the week. " "The games were all conducted at Belgrano Athletic & Rugby Club and this is always enjoyed by teams as it allows plenty of mixing with everyone. The venue was superb! Green soft grass, plenty of hot showers, cleanly marked fields, much shade and seating. Information was easy to access." "Everything ran on time. The refs always turned up! The Draw worked well with some minor alterations made to make the carnival as even as possible. This was well done." "The extra tours that were made available by the tour operators were well attended. They seemed to be good value and very interesting to the rugby tourists. Special mention should be made about the mid-week optional tour (750+ attended) to the country – “BIG DAY OUT”. A real highlight! A working Argentine farm with big meals, plenty of drinks, outstanding Argentine singers and dancers and the Cowboys! This was a show that would have been value for twice the price!" "The final dinner in such a big hotel (The Hilton) was fantastic! The entertainment was of a world class standard, and again the food and drinks both the quality and the quantity was pleasing. Speeches were again, short and to the point (No use in boring a captive audience!). A night to remember! " "At this carnival Vintage organisers got the merchandise right. Plenty of variety of items, with good sizes, and many available. In fact the teams that took advantage of the jersey manufactured by Argie sports were well in front. Good choice on the merchandise." "So overall the highlights of World Vintage II would be: a) Great city to host a festival b) All teams at one venue c) The hotels in Buenos Aires were comfortable, large rooms and great staff. Ideal for tired rugby players d) The tour operators had the whole festival moving with precision. Buses came and went on time. Functions ran on time. Pick ups happened. Any requests were handled in a professional and prompt manner. e) The weather was perfect f) The size of the festival. Vintage don’t try and have the biggest and so with only 1200 participants one feels a familiarity seeing the same faces. You feel you almost get to meet everyone at a Vintage Festival. A big positive." "So World Vintage II, a very popular festival and a very happy festival. Such was the success of this festival that if another Vintage Festival was to be staged in Argentina, the majority of participants would return." "WELL DONE VINTAGE! Buenos Aires 2006 was a real adventure!’"

There were 5 awards presented during the final Dine & Dance....

Team leaders have the last word ….
The following are a selection of extracts from messages received since the Buenos Aires Carnival ….

“BA 2006 -What a great carnival. Who could forget the opening & closing ceremonies with plenty of fun friendship and refreshments. Congratulations to all concerned for the organisation of the week and even the 3 days of Rugby was very enjoyable. The side tours arranged by Sundance Tours were great and especially the big day out with plenty to eat & drink and great entertainment. Apparently the Gaucho horsemen were good sorts according to our female tourists, who took far too many photos and video coverage on that day. BA has set a high standard for Christchurch to follow so we are looking forward to 2008.” Hugh Thompson, Manly Steamers (Australia)

“It was a great pleasure for us to be at the World Vintage Rugby Carnival in Buenos Aires. To take part was a great honour and, of course, it was a lot of fun to play against the other international teams. We enjoyed the carnival very much and , therefore, we want to say ‘Danke schon’ for your wonderful hospitality and organisation of an excellent Oldie carnival” Heinz Nass, Die alten Preussen (Germany)

Photo highlights of Buenos Aires Carnival... as seen
through the camera lenses of RugbyTime and Alberto Minnell....

Click on any of these images to see a larger version then use your ‘back’ button to return.
Opening ceremony about to begin	Helvetes de Geneve (Switzerland) ready to parade	Torcuato XV (Argentina) strutting their stuff
UCT Alzheimers ..I think on their way to the party	The New York Vintage Whines - no strangers to Vintage Rugby	The Cracked Conchs Bahamas) ready to party
This group knew all the great songs	Fabian Vega, Daniel Foradori, Mario Gallo (Barba Roja) with Jimmy Minehan & Peter Moore (Manly Steamers)	Its important to meet the ref first
That was a good game	Now we can relax	Two old friends share a quiet moment - Denis Nick (73) and Puppo Roberto (76)
The Texas XXX's had enough for 2 teams	The older we get the better we were	Where does Yuri (Dedy Russian Stars) think he's going with the ball ?
What a lot of fun this is	Ooh that's so much better	Where is the ball?
A new warm-up technique ?	Harrow Barbarians (England) in relaxation mode	Lunch is on the way
What a pity I have to wait another two years to do this again!	750 sat down to lunch	6 players shared their birthdays at the Big Day Out - Barry Wheelhouse, Bill Welsh, Denis Nick, James Dowling, Quentin von Stein and Kani Kailene
There were no volunteers for this test	The Hilton looked its very best for our dinner	Top class international entertainment
And there were songs to be sung	Then the dancing really started	Still time to talk to old friends
The Evergreens take a breather	Dinner must be coming soon?	Thank you Buenos Aires - see you all in Christchurch

AND THEN.... ENJOY THIS FURTHER SELECTION OF CARNIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Over 500 additional photos can also be viewed on www.rugbytime.com/vintagerugby/ )

CHRISTCHURCH BECKONS....
By now everyone knows that the 3rd World Vintage Rugby Carnival will be staged in Christchurch - the heartland of New Zealand Rugby and home of Canterbury Rugby - from September 14 – 20, 2008. This announcement made in early September resulted in dozens of messages from the Vintage Rugby database confirming support and intentions to enter. It was a very encouraging response. Full details about every aspect of the Carnival are on the Carnival website >>>  and more details will be included in future newsletters.

It is however important to emphasise at this early stage that the organisers will definitely restrict overseas entries to 80 teams and will also only accept local entries in proportion to the international entries received. Local entries will be carefully monitored to ensure that they are not out of proportion to other entries received.

The official Carnival entry brochure (English version) is now available and loaded on the website. View or download >>>. Additional printed copies and Christchurch publicity brochures are available on request to the Vintage Rugby Office >>>  

ENTRIES FROM 7 COUNTRIES RECEIVED....
11 entries from teams in 7 countries have already been received for the 2008 Carnival in Christchurch. The entries are from:
 

New York Vintage Whines (USA) Battleship RFC Old Boys (USA) Bustard Eagles (Australia) Marist Marauders (New Zealand) Union Bulldogs (South Africa) Old Bangkok Bangers (Thailand)

Lansdowne Treasures (Ireland) Pinguisaurios (Argentina) Manly Steamers (Australia) All Virgins (Argentina) Jackson Hole Mangy Moose (USA)

CARNIVAL DVD PRODUCED....
The Vintage Rugby Office has produced an informative 7-minute DVD which provides details about the Carnival programme, host clubs, Christchurch City and the Canterbury region.

The DVD has also been loaded on the website. To view simply click here>>  and follow the links to view streaming video, or even, save them to your own PC for repeated viewing or forward this message to a team mate or colleague who may be interested in being part of the 2008 Christchurch Carnival.

To request a personal copy of the DVD send this email to the Vintage Rugby Office >>>
 

VINTAGE RUGBY GOES TO NEW ZEALAND HEARTLAND....
Vintage Rugby will take its international carnival to New Zealand for the first time, with confirmation that the 2008 event will be staged in Christchurch.

Carnival Co-Coordinator Paul Gleeson from Vintage Sports & Leisure says the number of visiting teams will be restricted to 80. Entries are expected from all over the Rugby world, including the USA, UK, Europe, South Africa, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

The above comments were included in a recent press release issued by the Vintage Rugby Office to sports writers around the world. You can read the full press release >>>
 

CHRISTCHURCH HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER …
Located on the east coast of the South Island Christchurch City is renowned for its expansive gardens and tree-lined avenues and is often referred to as the Garden City. Christchurch City is also the gateway to one of the most diverse regions in the World – from majestic mountains, to extinct volcanoes to the glistening blue waters of the Pacific, the region of Canterbury has it all.

Spring in the Garden City is when it really comes alive. The tree lined streets are paved with joggers and cyclists of all ages. Christchurch Cathedral Square hosts a myriad of lively and different characters all trying to get their views across to the people passing by. On the weekend the Arts Centre is home to ethnic food and live entertainment as both locals and tourists alike browse through the craft stalls looking for that perfect bargain.

If you want to escape the city, turn on the sounds and go for a drive, there are many short break options available. In roughly two hours you could be lounging in the therapeutic thermal waters of Hanmer Springs, marvelling at giant sperm whales, then exerting yourself on a mountain trek in Kaikoura or immersing yourself in culture and history in one of the unique villages of Banks Peninsula.

For another excellent day trip visit one of North Canterbury’s internationally recognised vineyards. Spend a glorious sun drenched afternoon sampling the unique cuisine and premier wine amongst the rustic copper/gold plains of the Waipara Wine Valley. Partake in some complimentary tastings to choose that perfect vintage to take back as a gift or savour for that special occasion.

Back in the Garden City entertainment is never too far away. At night the atmosphere changes as the bars pack away their table and chairs and the dancing scene begins. If you’re looking for a more casual evening check out some of the live theatre or relax in one of the city’s many beer gardens. The locals being very patriotic and ever good hosts will be willing to share a story or two about their beloved rugby team the Canterbury Crusaders, and why they make Canterbury their home! We look forward to you spending some time in Christchurch and Canterbury!

Here are some useful links for additional information about Christchurch

• www.christchurch.org.nz
• www.christchurchnz.net
• www.bethere.org.nz

TWO GOOD REASONS TO REGISTER FOR THE 2008 CARNIVAL NOW !....
There are two sound reasons to enter your team as quickly as possible:
Entry for the 2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival will be strictly limited to the first 80 visiting teams to complete the entry process AND you can also discover why Christchurch is known as the ‘Garden City’ on a special sightseeing tour. Southern World New Zealand  is offering an ‘early bird’ prize to be won by every (yes every) team that registers for the Carnival before January 31, 2007. This fantastic prize includes a half-day escorted Christchurch sightseeing excursion for up to 30 members of your team. To win this great prize you just need to complete the team’s registration before January 31, 2007 !
Who needs any other incentives to enter now? You can enter on-line >>>
 

OVER 500 CARNIVAL PHOTOS TO BE VIEWED....
Rugbytime were the official media partners for the Buenos Aires Carnival. The company took many photos during the week of the carnival – on the field, off the field and at the social functions. You can view over 500 photos and a small number of short videos by visiting the Rugbytime website www.rugbytime.com/vintagerugby/  - also available for sale.
 

CARNIVAL MERCHANDISE STILL AVAILABLE....
Many people commented favourably on the range and standard of Vintage Rugby merchandise available during the Buenos Aires Carnival. Argie Sports have a small selection of most items available for a limited period for anyone who couldn’t be at the carnival or wants to buy additional merchandise. Items are available now and can be viewed and ordered online - http://www.argiesports.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc  - click on the Vintage Rugby logo to view the range.
 

YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT ….
Take a look at this collection of photos which include wonderful images of Christchurch, the Canterbury Region and New Zealand – all just waiting for you to come and see yourself >>>
 

FINALLY....
We will keep you updated about Vintage Rugby and the 2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival in Christchurch.

Your next issue of the Vintage Rugby update will be sent in six weeks and will feature more exciting news and views about Vintage Rugby and Christchurch 2008.

And we can keep others up to date too....

• If you’d like us to mail you material about the 2008 Christchurch Carnival please please ask> or,

• If you would like to forward this and future newsletters to teams or friends, follow this>

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