K&C's Aussie Tour July 2009 (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

Thought I’d tell you about a great little trip K&C is taking later this year in July to Australia.

One of our top dealers, Mr. Brett Williams of “The Military Workshop” extended a kind invitation to go “down under” to “meet ‘n’ greet” some of his collectors over the long weekend of 24, 25 and 26 July in Brisbane.

Together we decided to move onto Canberra, the Australian capitol and visit the fantastic War Museum there and, if we get the chance meet up with some more K&C collectors.

After leaving Canberra we (K&C’s Managing Director, Helen and yours truly) will head onto Sydney and link up with Mr. Peter Nathan who many of you know runs one of the biggest and best toy soldier operations in the world.

K&C has a growing and dedicated “band of brothers” down in Oz and I’m really looking forward to seeing and talking with as many I can during our all-too-brief visit.

I’ve been to Australia before and love the place and the people. Our MD Helen liked them so much she even married as Aussie! Both of us are very excited about the upcoming visit.

In honour of the visit (and to help promote it) K&C has produced a very special figure… An Australian Lighthorseman of the First World War. These men took part in one of the world’s last major cavalry charges at Beersheba in October 1917. The highlight of the battle was the now famous charge of the Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade. As a tribute to our Aussie hosts and collectors this dismounted figure will be available to one and all in the next couple of weeks. I hope you like it.

Best wishes and happy collecting!
Andy C.

P.S. Here’s a brief summary of the itinerary

BRISBANE 22 July—26 July
CANBERRA 26 July—28 July
SYDNEY 28 July—31 July

Aussie collectors can get more detailed info from both Brett and Peter.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Hi guys,
For those interested to meet Andy C Neilson and Helen Mok, plus of course myself if you don't already know me, here is a brief outline of the itinary for Brisbane and Canberra :

24 July Friday - 3-7pm Andy in The Military Workshop shop (in Brisbane !!) incl snacks/drinks - no charge. At this time customers will be able to chat with Andy and if they so wish ask him to sign boxes, their babies heads etc.

25 July Sat - Daytime Visit to History Alive (see below). Later Dinner and talk to collectors (probably north side of Brisbane near to shop and open to suggestions from those in the area).

26 July Sun - K&C and The Military Workshop at History Alive in the morning.

Later on Sunday fly to Canberra. (please note I have to confirm something with the History Alive organisors and once that is confirmed we will know which flight would be suitable for trip to Canberra)

Sun night Canberra
27 July Monday Visit to War Memorial - Evening Talk by Andy K&C
28 July Tuesday morning War Memorial again. This time the Annex.

The timing of the visit has been chosen to co-incide with History Alive, the biggest gathering of re-enactors in Australia. This show features many groups from Romans, Medieval, American Civil War, Napoleonics, WWI, WWII and Vietnam (see www.historyalive.org.au ). They camp out as they would have done in the old days and re-enact fights and battles (the Gladiators are totally insane !). This is a two day event but both days are the same. I have just come back from an event over the weekend that featured WWI and WWII re-enactors and if you look here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UNGum0vKOs&feature=related
you will see some of the soldiers and vehicles that also appear at History Alive.

In Canberra there is the attraction of a visit to the Australian War Memorial. If we get sufficient numbers we will also get a guided tour of the Annex where there are some interesting items not usually seen by the public.

There are two distinct parts of Andy's visit involving The Military Workshop, Brisbane and Canberra.

Obviously you will have to make your own way. I will be checking out suitable accomadation and see if I can get a good deal in Brisbane and Canberra. I am thinking Canberra is likely to be more expensive hotel wise but I will get more info in due course.
In relation to the dinner cost this will be split equally between attendees. More info will be provided on hotel choices in due course but rest assured I aim to keep costs down. For Brisbane the hotel will probably be near to my shop (10 km north of CBD). The History Alive location can not be reached by public transport so once I know numbers we might be able to organise hiring or sharing of cars.

If you are interested to attend eitheir or both events. Please either call 07 3855 3566 or email brett@themilitaryworkshop.com.au

If there are any collectors in other countries planning a trip to Australia you are most welcome to join in.

Regards
Brett Williams
The Military Workshop

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Hi guys,
For those interested to meet Andy C Neilson and Helen Mok, plus of course myself if you don't already know me, here is a brief outline of the itinary for Brisbane and Canberra :

24 July Friday - 3-7pm Andy in The Military Workshop shop (in Brisbane !!) incl snacks/drinks - no charge. At this time customers will be able to chat with Andy and if they so wish ask him to sign boxes, their babies heads etc.

25 July Sat - Daytime Visit to History Alive (see below). Later Dinner and talk to collectors (probably north side of Brisbane near to shop and open to suggestions from those in the area).

26 July Sun - K&C and The Military Workshop at History Alive in the morning.

Later on Sunday fly to Canberra. (please note I have to confirm something with the History Alive organisors and once that is confirmed we will know which flight would be suitable for trip to Canberra)

Sun night Canberra
27 July Monday Visit to War Memorial - Evening Talk by Andy K&C
28 July Tuesday morning War Memorial again. This time the Annex.

The timing of the visit has been chosen to co-incide with History Alive, the biggest gathering of re-enactors in Australia. This show features many groups from Romans, Medieval, American Civil War, Napoleonics, WWI, WWII and Vietnam (see www.historyalive.org.au ). They camp out as they would have done in the old days and re-enact fights and battles (the Gladiators are totally insane !). This is a two day event but both days are the same. I have just come back from an event over the weekend that featured WWI and WWII re-enactors and if you look here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UNGum0vKOs&feature=related
you will see some of the soldiers and vehicles that also appear at History Alive.

In Canberra there is the attraction of a visit to the Australian War Memorial. If we get sufficient numbers we will also get a guided tour of the Annex where there are some interesting items not usually seen by the public.

There are two distinct parts of Andy's visit involving The Military Workshop, Brisbane and Canberra.

Obviously you will have to make your own way. I will be checking out suitable accomadation and see if I can get a good deal in Brisbane and Canberra. I am thinking Canberra is likely to be more expensive hotel wise but I will get more info in due course.
In relation to the dinner cost this will be split equally between attendees. More info will be provided on hotel choices in due course but rest assured I aim to keep costs down. For Brisbane the hotel will probably be near to my shop (10 km north of CBD). The History Alive location can not be reached by public transport so once I know numbers we might be able to organise hiring or sharing of cars.

If you are interested to attend eitheir or both events. Please either call 07 3855 3566 or email brett@themilitaryworkshop.com.au

If there are any collectors in other countries planning a trip to Australia you are most welcome to join in.

Regards
Brett Williams
The Military Workshop

Brett if I come and meet Andy does this meen I have to take a bath.It's been awhile.Simmo

 

[The Military Workshop]

Simmo,
Not sure if security were going to let you in anyway !!!!
In my next update I will specify bath is required.
Regards
Brett

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

So bath and shoes .Its a big ask .Simmo

 

[Capitolron]

Brett

Congratulations on lobbying the Grand Master (ACN) to come to OZ !

I am sure you are going to have a grand time and your local collectors (and Customers ) will be pleased. It's great to have the opportunity to spend time with Andy and discuss products, ideas and even now & then get a sneak peak at future releases. I have always enjoyed my conversations with Andy and found him a very charming and great guy.

Also, congratulations on your successful lobbying campaign for more Aussie figures !! - WOW, those are great and I plan to buy them as well.

With all this LOBBYING SUCCESS - I might have to bring you over to the United States and put you on my payroll in Washington.

Have a great time and don't forget to take lots of pictures - so we all can see the fun !

Regards, Ron

 

[Louis Badolato]

I also received a kind invitation to take a trip down under and give a talk at the K&C event, and I wish I could have done it, but with the economy where it is, it was just not doable for me. I hope you have a great time, and I wish I could have met all the Aussie and New Zealander treefroggers in person!

 

[OzDigger]

That's a shame Louis, maybe next time

Btw, if anyone wants to save on accommodation costs they are welcome to stay at my house which is One hour North of Brisbane. I have several spare double beds and I promise to keep any vitriol down to an "almost" acceptable level. Actually I'm really not that bad in person, just ask Brett, but if he lies ask Simmo

 

[The Military Workshop]

Louis & Ron,
Actually Louis some credit must go to Simmo (but don't tell him !) and Howard the collector who emailed you. Plus you guys ! We could see the fun you guys have at shows and talks by Andy and Louis's gathering in NY and we were getting jealous down here. So I approached Andy of K&C just before he went to Westcoaster.
In relation to Aussie figures you will note we have incxluded a visit to the Australian War Memorial so it will not be a surprise for Andy if we point him in the right direction for subject matter !!! Luckily somebody invented digital cameras. Only a hour ago I was discussing with Howard the photos we can take.
I understand three months of K&C releases have been set aside for Aussie figures sometime soon !!! I wish to emphasise (in memory of Ron's Arnhem post) that is wishful thinking on my part and is not based on fact. Yet !
On a seperate issue I think CF20 goes well with EA11 Alexander and MP with them thinking doesn't this guy know how to stand to attention !
Regards to all,
Brett

 

[The Military Workshop]

Oz,
I am not sure if Simmo is around. He might be out looking to buy a pair of shoes judging by his previous post.
Brett
PS I noted the kind offer about accomadation and will bear it in mind for those coming from interstate.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Ron,
In relation to the lobbying job could I specialise in the following areas ?
a) lobbying for ex Royal Hong Kong Police Members (I suspect this might involve seeking favourable treatement at a certain NY Chinese restaurant for our reunions which will probably become weekly instead of yearly)
b) lobbying to remove all state taxes, import duties etc on any kind of soldier figure and seeking Government funding to buy collectors cabinets so they can display their "heritage" collections (OK - I guess this will only apply if you have American figures (and their enemies !). I will work on incluiding Zulu War and Napoleonics after my initial success.
c) Lobbying for Federal funding for Louis's Museum (now I am not sure if this is appropriate or should be kept secret but I am guessing this will involve Louis paying me, after deductions by my employer, a suitable contribution in a very large paper bag).
d) Lobbying for Federal funding for the King and Country books Volume 1 - 99 in full colour with leather binding for distribution to all schools and libraries and anyone who owns more than one K&C figure (Andy of K&C should bear in mind the paper bag as in c) above).
e) Lobbying for even more British and Aussie shows to be played on US TV.
f) and finally lobbying for Paris Hilton and Lyndsay Lohan to be deported to say Italy where they can become politicians (apologies to any Italian forum members !).
and please note that I would prefer you do not display any of your your collection in your office as this will only cause resentment.

and one more thing........nothing wrong with Washington DC I am sure but I think I would prefer to lobby from Hawaii.
So now that I have worked out the job description when can I expect to start ?
Regards
Brett
Soon to be super lobbyist.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Brett,

I am all for federal funding for the museum, and will happily arrange for a little "goody bag" for you from the proceeds if you make it happen . . .

 

[Louis Badolato]

That's a shame Louis, maybe next time

Btw, if anyone wants to save on accommodation costs they are welcome to stay at my house which is One hour North of Brisbane. I have several spare double beds and I promise to keep any vitriol down to an "almost" acceptable level. Actually I'm really not that bad in person, just ask Brett, but if he lies ask Simmo

Oz,

My wife and I wanted to honeymoon down under, but I couldn't get enough time away from my practice, so we ended up in Puerto Rico for a shorter trip. One of these days if my practice and the economy allows it I really want to get to Oz and New Zealand. Who knows, maybe next year?

 

[OzDigger]

Oz,

My wife and I wanted to honeymoon down under, but I couldn't get enough time away from my practice, so we ended up in Puerto Rico for a shorter trip. One of these days if my practice and the economy allows it I really want to get to Oz and New Zealand. Who knows, maybe next year?

Louis, let's hope so. Meanwhile there's a 20 million dollars Oz lottery this week - so fingers crossed

 

[The Military Workshop]

Oz,
I did not win the lotto but I hope one of my customers did !!
Brett

 

[OzDigger]

Oz,
I did not win the lotto but I hope one of my customers did !!
Brett

I didn't win either, so no extended overseas trips for me, I'll just have to restrict myself to the necessities of life, such as K & C models

 

[The Military Workshop]

Update.
Andy has informed me The Lighthorse figure will be available in early July. I believe all dealers will be able to get it so if you want one contact your usual source.

For those Aussie forum readers (or from overseas) who are interested I have made bookings for Andy and Helen and myself and some Aussie collectors at hotels in Brisbane 24/25 July (A$85 single and $100 double per night) and Canberra 25/26 July (A$131 per night - walking distance to the War Memorial).
Dinner in Brisbane will cost A$35 and Canberra dinner will be at cost to be shared.

39 days to go !!!

If you need any further info please email me or phone 07 3855 3566 (Int 0011 61 7 3855 3566).

Regards to all,
Brett

 

[The Military Workshop]

20 days to go !!!!

 

[Harrytheheid]

If there are any collectors in other countries planning a trip to Australia you are most welcome to join in.

Regards
Brett Williams
The Military Workshop

Why thank you Brett, that's a very kind invitation indeed. I'll have a think about it.

Best Regards
H

 

[The Military Workshop]

14 days to go !.

Note to Harry :
Please let me know the flight details and I will inform Customs and Immigration to gve you priority (if you know what I mean !!!). Once you make it through I will arrange for OzDigger to pick you up !!!
Moderators please note this is a joke. I would love for Harry to turn up because I am sure once we had met we would actually have a good laugh.
Now, on which oil rig should my scuba divers attach the limpet mine ?

Regards
Brett