Episode 16: 28 May 2005
This week on Postcards Glen gets introduced to the ancient art of fencing, Sallianne targets in on Laser Skirmish, Bridget travels to the Woodman Estate before relaxing at the Spring Creek Winery and Sallianne visits William Ricketts Sanctuary.
Fencing
Fencing is the original European martial art with a history dating back 1,000 years. Glen finds that fencing as a sport dates all the way back to the 17th century. The name alone conjures up images of swashbuckling heroes who used trusty blades as self defence. While many still regard the sport as elite and expensive a lot has changed and clubs, such as VRI Fencing in Richmond, are attracting a new generation of eager musketeers.
Glen discovers that like all sport, co-ordination is the key and it helps to have a bit of confidence, grace and a fighting spirit. David, one of the club's senior coaches, shows Glen the three types of weapons used in fencing; the foil, the epee and the sabre. The foil has certainly stood the test of time, not only is it the oldest of the three blades, but it's the weapon used to teach beginners the basics.
VRI Fencing is a non-profit community sport organisation. A beginner's course for adults is $180 per term and includes membership, tuition and full use of equipment. The Musketeers children's program runs every Saturday and costs $100 per term.
VRI Fencing
15 York Street, Richmond
Ph 03 9417 0659
www.vrifencing.org
Laser Skirmish
Laser Skirmish is a great day out for all the family. You can enjoy the fresh air of the bush in a temporary war zone. Laser Skirmish is an Aussie creation and can be played by anyone over 10 years of age.
Laser Skirmish is an outdoor combat team sport much like paintball but without the bruises. It is a tactical game of team based skirmishes and is also known as 'electronic' paintball. It is Ideal for corporate team building, buck's and hen's parties, sporting club get-togethers and birthday parties.
Unlike the old style arena indoor laser games, Laser Skirmish is played outdoors. Each team is equipped with infrared lasers and sensors fixed to hats. Players shoot an invisible and harmless infrared beam, similar to the ones used in your television remote control. With outdoor laser tag you can play stand-alone missions like 'Capture the Flag'. Laser skirmish is suitable for the whole family as you are able to adjust the number of hit points needed to 'die' and configure re-generative shields, to make the game fun for everyone.
There are three Laser Skirmish venues in Victoria; at Carrum Downs, Wallan and Pipeworks Market. Sessions at Carrum Downs and Wallan, run 7 days a week. Pipeworks Market in Campbellfield, is open Tuesday–Thursday.
Teams require a minimum of 10 people to play (15 for Pipeworks), but if you don't have the numbers, you can call and organise to join in with another group.
Challenge Laser Skirmish
315 South Mountain Road, Wallan
Ph 03 9572 1430 or 0418 355 621
www.challengelaserskirmish.com.au
Woodman Estate
Woodman Estate is a place where you can really escape the bustle of city life and it's one of the Mornington Peninsula's finest accommodation options with an impeccable reputation both on home soil and abroad. Bridget finds that if you desire some seclusion, then it's a must to lash out on a night in one of their six chalets; the ultimate in luxury and comfort with marble bathrooms, four poster beds, open fires, all the trimmings and views over the property's magnificent lake.
With such a scenic lake, Bridget can't resist the temptation to go fishing with local expert David Albiston. Dave has 30 years of fly fishing experience and offers private lessons for guests on this very private lake. With no luck hooking a big one, Bridget then meets Annis Dawson, head chef at Woodman Estate, and if you do catch a fish she will cook it up just the way you like it. It's an incentive to give your fly fishing lesson one hundred and ten percent.
Woodman Estate is in Moorooduc an hour from Melbourne. A night in a chalet will set you back $645 including breakfast. Fly fishing lessons cost $120 for 2 hours for 2 people.
136 Graydens Road, Moorooduc
Ph 5978 8455
www.woodmanestate.com.au
William Ricketts Sanctuary
William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity. Its charm lies in the natural bush setting and the many detailed sculptures that blend into the rocks and trees along pathways. Sallianne finds it easy to see why some visitors see the sanctuary as a place for reflection and contemplation and perhaps this is the reason it attracts many travellers from all over the world – some who return time and time again.
In the 1930s, William Ricketts bought a four-acre bush block on Mount Dandenong and named it Potter's Sanctuary. Word soon spread amongst the community about the extraordinary sculptures that began to adorn the property. William Ricketts lived at the Sanctuary until he was in his nineties and continued to create his sculptures until he died in 1993 aged 94. The William Ricketts Sanctuary contains 92 ceramic sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surroundings. Admission is $6 adults, $4.50 concession, $2.50 children (age 10–14) and free for the under 10s.
Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong
Ph 03 9751 1300
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Spring Creek Farm
Spring Creek Farm offers a winery tour that's a little out of the ordinary. You can take your winery tour on horseback.
The tour takes you through the beautiful vineyards of Red Hill and Shoreham or alternatively through the magnificent bushland of the Mornington Peninsula National Park.
The tour visits three wineries, Spring Creek Winery, T'Gallant Winery and Mantons Creek Vineyard. On your journey you can stop off and enjoy a spectacular feast at one of these three award-winning wineries.
The winery tour ranges from three to six hours and, with safe and reliable horses, is suitable for even the most beginner rider. It's a great chance to experience the thrill of the ride and some of the best wine in the region.
Spring Creek Farm is at Main Ridge an hour from Melbourne. A three hour horseback winery tour costs $75 per person. Spring Creek also offers high class B&B accommodation in a quiet farm setting.
356 Shands Road, Main Ridge
Ph 03 5989 6119
www.springcreekfarm.com.au
Postcards Diary
28–29 May 2005
Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
In the past 12 months the Salvation Army has helped over one million Australians in crisis. This year they celebrate 125 years of service and this weekend, 40 Red Shield Appeals.
Donations over $2 tax deductible
3–4 June 2005
Crusty Demons
Don't miss the world's greatest freestyle motocross riders in action when the Crusty Demons 10th Anniversary Tour comes to Rod Laver Arena next Friday & Saturday.
Rod Laver Arena
8pm–10.30pm
Tickets: Ph 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
What's On
29 May 2005
The Age Run to the G
The Age Run to the G is one of the finest scenic courses in Victoria, so whether your goal is to beat your previous times or just to finish, join in tomorrow for a great morning out.
4km run/walk starts 8.30am
10km run/walk starts 9.00am
Adult $35, concession $30, child $18
Daily 10am–5pm
ACMI Screen Lounges
For a limited time only anyone over 18 can access the three Screen Lounges at ACMI for free. So come to Federation Square and test the 'lounge rooms of the future' daily 10am–5pm.
Federation Square
Sessions 75 mins – free
Ph 03 8663 2583
www.acmi.com.au
Saturdays during June and July
The Real Ned Kelly Story
Experience what life behind bars was like for some of Australia's most notorious criminals and learn the truth behind the Ned Kelly legend at the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Old Melbourne Gaol
12.30pm and 2pm
Adult $12.50, child $7.50
Ph 03 9663 7228
