THE VINTAGE RUGBY CARNIVAL
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2008
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH
ISSUE 4, MARCH 2, - 2007

*Explosions of joy are normally few and far between. If you join the Vintage Whines there are explosions all over the place*

1.NEWSFLASH – The cost of the trip *excluding* airfare will be $1455 US Dollars per person. This $1455 US Dollars includes 6 nights in a 5 star hotel – fully cooked breakfast every day – Team dinner and presentation of the Tim Cassidy Award – Complete team uniform – Whines pub crawl - local transport and taxes. It does not include local tours, which will be discussed later.

2. I need to know no later than Friday April 6 if you are joining us. If you need a reminder on when to sign up check out http://home.tiscali.nl/annejan/swf/timeline.swf

3. Some of you have already sent in confirmation however, please send again as original list was inadvertently destroyed.

3. The team will comprise a minimum of 25 PLAYERS and as many wives, girlfriends and children who want to come. And don't forget to invite your parents, friends and neighbors.

4. BAD NEWS DEPT. – Goodbye Mrs. Melissa Daley. Missy has finished up as treasurer of the Vintage Whines. She has been an excellent partner in keeping the books and making sure wire transfers took place at the right time, team dinner's were paid for, pub crawl money, laundry money was on hand etc. etc. Thanks Missy for a great 3 years.

5. GOOD NEWS Dept. – Welcome Mrs. Rachel Flanagan. Rachel has agreed to take on the role of Whines treasurer and is best known as a nifty little winger with a great turn of speed. Rachel is married to the great PJ Flanagan and both are coming to Christchurch in 2008.

6. Team Motto. So far I've received suggestions for "New York More Pork" and one of the lads from the Buxton Rugby Club in UK suggests – "Obesi, mali sitientes sumus, sed ludere desideramus" - We are fat, bad and unfit but we love to play.

7. The Carnival is still 18 months away and the organizers expect 80 teams from 20 countries. So far the following have signed on….
New York Vintage Whines (USA)
Lansdowne Treasures (Ireland)
Battleship RFC Old Boys (USA)
Pinguisaurios (Argentina)
Bustard Eagles (Australia)
Manly Steamers (Australia)
Marist Marauders (New Zealand)
All Virgins (Argentina)
Union Bulldogs (South Africa)
Jackson Hole Mangy Moose (USA)
Old Bangkok Bangers (Thailand)
Archiball Association (USA)
Southern Downs Golden Oldies (Australia)
Raging Rodents (Australia)

6. MUSING WITH JIM DALEY: - "I lost the remote control in the sofa the other day, but I discovered I could still change the channel by bumping the cushion with my ass. I may be on to something here."

7. FROM MIKE ROONEY "ATTN EVERYBODY" "Start a search party; I've just been informed that I have no life. Forwards start looking under the cushions. Backs start in the kitchen"

8. CHRISTCHURCH INFO: - Christchurch became New Zealand's first city by Royal Charter in July 1856, and its Cultural Precinct is the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 150 years ago, the city's visionary founders planned a unique cultural heart for the province of Canterbury. Education, art, science, government, religion, history and recreation were provided for within an area of less than one square kilometer, all entwined by the gently-flowing Avon river.

This cityscape of unrivalled natural and architectural beauty – 19th century buildings, majestic trees, extensive gardens, interesting bridges and meandering paths – now provides a striking backdrop for a vibrant scene of ever-changing arts, cultural and heritage activities.

The Cultural Precinct is easy to walk around, or you can travel by tram and hear stories about the area's history and personalities from a friendly tram driver.