Parramatta Collectors fair organiser caught up in scandal

[UltraMarginal]

This isn't exactly toy news, but it relates to an event the NSW members attend on a regular basis. I'm going to tempre this with a disclaimer.

I tend to find a lot of ACA's material one sided, sensationalised, pointless or otherwise unnewsworthy.


this article (http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8806658/mo-awards-demands-answers-over-missing-funds) has been published by A Current Affair.

The man that is the centre of the circus of this article (Glenn Ware) is the same guy that runs the parramatta collectors fair. it looks to me like he has been using the cover of pretending to donate to these charities as an excuse to rip off the councel and to probably not give any money to any of these charities.


I never realised that there was supposed to be charity donations related to the parra fair, and there are certainly no banners, people advertising this fact at the fair.

If it's all true, it's very dissapointing and concerning also for the future of the fair. I would not be surprised if the councel expected him to pay a lot of money in unpaid fees and disallowed him any further use of the hall.


I feel for all the regular stall holders who attend the fair, it's most likely they are going to miss out on being able to set up stall here in the future.

I'm sad for us, it's been a great opportunity to get together as a group and enjoy our shared interest. I'd like to propose that if the fair does go under, we attend the food court every quarter anyway. If the fair does go ahead and this guy maintains his position as operator/owner I propose not attending the fair itself anyway. I might go line up like normal have our social cold morning catchup and then when the doors open, walk away.

[kup]

There are a few typical ACA 'sensationalist' tactics there for sure. It is possible that several of the people voicing their 'disgust' may actually be expressing opinions out of context.

However if there is indeed material advertising that fair revenue goes to charity and it does not. Then that's pretty clear cut that something dodgy is going on.

[UltraMarginal]

I tend to throw out the fare handouts, does anyone have one on hand they could post up a picture of?

[DELTAprime]

Well if it's true and not a typical ACA load of bull**** that sucks for you guys down south. I always see Parra Fair mentioned in the members sales threads.

[griffin]

I probably have a flyer or two in a box somewhere... but they showed two different ones on the Article, and got some hidden camera footage inside the Fair, so they were researching this for a while.
(did anyone see themselves in the video footage of the Fair?)

I got a bit confused by the end (which is often the tactic for those shows), as it sounds like Glen was the chairman of the Charity, and running the Fair which utilised the Charity he was in charge of, for his personal profit.

From what I could make of the details, the after-expenses money (profit) he was making at the Fair was ALL meant to go to the Charity he was Chairman of.... AND, he was getting about 90% discount on the hiring of the Hall, which adds to his profit margin. (the normal daily rate was $2,700, but he was paying about $270 based on the hourly rate quoted on the Article)

If he has now stood down as Chairman of that Mo Awards Charity, and the Parramatta Council don't giving a discount if he can't prove that past profits went to that Charity, I hope someone else steps up to host a replacement fair. It's one Fair I like to go to every year or two.

Considering his limited costs and revenue ($4 from attendees, and apparently $150 from dealers - which some of our members can actually confirm or correct), it was certainly a big money maker.

[Sinnertwin]

Found 3 flyers in the car

Nov 24th Flyer had the proceeds to the Registered Charity Support Act message
Feb 16th Flyer had the proceeds to the Mo Awards charity message
May 25th Flyer has the message replaced with the upcoming dates for the Fairs in Aug & Nov using larger font

[Trent]

The most disturbing news out of all of this UM is that you watch ACA :p

Given my opinion of ACA I will wait to see what a real investigation (as is no doubt now happening by Parra Council) finds.

Sucks if it means an end to the fair though :(

[1AZRAEL1]

Well this doesn't bode well.

It did seem that it was a little empty this time too. Mel said that there was noone in the kitchen either cooking brekkie and food, did anyone else see that?

If indeed he can't say where the money has gone, that's fraud, and he will more than likely go to gaol. Which would be the end of the Fairs.

But do not despair, I am going to call Jamie tomorrow about this because I am sure that Jamie would probably want to take over for it if it comes to that. He did mention he was looking to do another Hornsby one soon. I will keep you posted.

[Sky Shadow]

Such ridiculous hyperbole in that clip. Glen being dodgy isn't too surprising though, and it looks like the website is gone: http://www.collectableandmusicfairs.com.au/ I imagine there won't be a May fair.

[SMHFConvoy]

Love that they trotted out every washed out entertainer that's worked with channel 9

[Sharky]

The most disturbing news out of all of this UM is that you watch ACA :p

Given my opinion of ACA I will wait to see what a real investigation (as is no doubt now happening by Parra Council) finds.

Sucks if it means an end to the fair though :(

haha that would be my fault i directed him to the article via conversation UM Hursty and i had on Twitter....

[1AZRAEL1]

Well, all signs point towards there being no more Parramatta Collectable fairs. Turns out the last music fair was cancelled on short notice and with no explanation given to stall holders. Jamie had no knowledge of the ACA article which I pointed out to him. He's calling his mates to let them know about it now too.

So where does that leave all the stall holders and their customers?

Jamie is looking into putting another one at Hornsby again in May, and he will look into getting one organised for the Parramatta area too. I'll keep everyone posted on new information when I hear more.

Oh and those wondering how Jamie is doing, he's well aside from not having a car coz it blew up :p

[Danzvader78]

Is this fact confirmed Parramatta collectables fair is to be cancelled…

I am sure there is a lot of worthwhile charities that all proceeds from fairs to be divided..

Why can't the fair be located at Homebush olympic park? I don't know if it is free to hire or not although it is MORE spacious than Parramatta Town Hall and the "donna heat" inside during summer time.

[1AZRAEL1]

It's not confirmed yet, but it's not looking good. The music fair that is the following Sunday from the collectibles fair was cancelled on short notice.

Doesn't have to be another one around Parramatta, but somewhere close for public transport and fairly cheap to hire would be good. I'll be staying in close contact with Jamie and see what we can organise.

[i_amtrunks]

Guess this makes the Penrith fair more important for sellers in Western Sydney

[Trent]

I hope that another fair takes its place but if it's any further north I highly doubt that I'll continue to attend :(

[UltraMarginal]

The most disturbing news out of all of this UM is that you watch ACA :p
:(

In my defence, I was linked to it by Sharky. as he also stated:)





From what I could make of the details, the after-expenses money (profit) he was making at the Fair was ALL meant to go to the Charity he was Chairman of.... AND, he was getting about 90% discount on the hiring of the Hall, which adds to his profit margin. (the normal daily rate was $2,700, but he was paying about $270 based on the hourly rate quoted on the Article)

If he has now stood down as Chairman of that Mo Awards Charity, and the Parramatta Council don't giving a discount if he can't prove that past profits went to that Charity, I hope someone else steps up to host a replacement fair. It's one Fair I like to go to every year or two.

Considering his limited costs and revenue ($4 from attendees, and apparently $150 from dealers - which some of our members can actually confirm or correct), it was certainly a big money maker.

I recall LeigePrime being told he couldn't take any photos last time too?

I did some rough numbers yesterday,
it's $75 per 6' table, a little less if you get 2 or 3. I estimate there being about 70 tables and at least 600 paid $6 tickets (it's obviously been a while Griffin ;) ) it's free to get in after 12 or 1 I think.

so, 75 x 70 + 6 x 600 = 5250+3600 = 8850 per fair.
pretty much cash in hand and tax free as he's collecting it all in cash even from sellers and probably not declaring most of it, and even if declared it woiuld be a tax free donation.

two lots of 4 fairs a year, 8 x 8850 = $70800



haha that would be my fault i directed him to the article via conversation UM Hursty and i had on Twitter....
See, I don't watch ACA, most of the time. :)

[Hursticon]

two lots of 4 fairs a year, 8 x 8850 = $70800

Stretching that out to the 10 years (Gotta be damn close) that myself & 1Azrael1 have been attending the fair, that's $708,000 - 3/4s of a Million Dollars that this person has, allegedly, syphoned from between 2 charities over the course of a decade! :eek:

I think it's fairly certain that Parramatta Council is unlikely to permit another Fair to go ahead after having learnt of what has been happening under their noses for the past 10 years (Or thereabouts), as they too have been taken advantage of with their generosity of such a staggeringly large discount being exploited - The negative media-attention alone will have them running for the hills I'd imagine. :(

Indeed, it was a good although sobering & disheartening conversation that @Ultra_Marginal (https://twitter.com/Ultra_Marginal), @Sharky_Wattsy (https://twitter.com/Sharky_Wattsy) & I (https://twitter.com/Hursticon) shared yesterday. :o

[5FDP]

I'd like to propose that if the fair does go under, we attend the food court every quarter anyway.

I second this proposal. Most of my spending is done before I get through the doors anyway and I mostly attend these days for the social aspect.


I think it's fairly certain that Parramatta Council is unlikely to permit another Fair to go ahead...

Sadly, I agree with you :(

[Sinnertwin]

I second this proposal. Most of my spending is done before I get through the doors anyway and I mostly attend these days for the social aspect.


Absolutely. I've been purchasing more from our members than the Fair itself & there's no reason why we can't continue to meet up quarterly :)

[5FDP]

The other thing I forgot to mention is that I've been turned off from buying at the fair lately due to the increase of KO toys. It was one thing being able to arm yourself with information on counterfeit G1, but after the last fair I learnt that MP (Red Alert) toys are now being KO'd :mad:

Much easier to sit behind my keyboard and do some quick research online before making a purchase than second-guessing myself on a bargain which may / may not be a KO.

[The_Damned]

I second this proposal. Most of my spending is done before I get through the doors anyway and I mostly attend these days for the social aspect.

Sadly, I agree with you :(

i dont think i would be getting up the time i do if there isnt a fair.

[kup]

From what I could make of the details, the after-expenses money (profit) he was making at the Fair was ALL meant to go to the Charity he was Chairman of.... AND, he was getting about 90% discount on the hiring of the Hall, which adds to his profit margin. (the normal daily rate was $2,700, but he was paying about $270 based on the hourly rate quoted on the Article)


So the fair is only $2700 hire venue from the council for a day? If that's the case I may actually take over and fund it myself.

Why the hell not and how can I get started?

BTW, I am serious :)

[griffin]

It is certainly profitable, even if you reduce prices on the first couple to get people to take a chance on a new organiser.
Probably best to communicate with Jamie (through Az), and look at getting the contacts of the existing dealers (if they shared each others' details), and go from there.
Advertising should be fairly easy (flyers in comic stores, or internet/facebook) if you are sticking to similar times of year, as the regulars would just expect it, and many might not even know that it is a new organiser.

If you need a business name to hire or purchase things, I or others here can probably help out (depending on the nature of the event, and your Insurance policy for hosting a public event - which is likely to be the other major expense).

[The_Damned]

So the fair is only $2700 hire venue from the council for a day? If that's the case I may actually take over and fund it myself.

Why the hell not and how can I get started?

BTW, I am serious :)

good luck with that kup. :)

[Trent]

Id still attend the meets as well. We could even pick somewhere better or rotate venues around the city or have a lunch and talk TFs :)


So the fair is only $2700 hire venue from the council for a day? If that's the case I may actually take over and fund it myself.

Why the hell not and how can I get started?

BTW, I am serious :)


It is certainly profitable, even if you reduce prices on the first couple to get people to take a chance on a new organiser.
Probably best to communicate with Jamie (through Az), and look at getting the contacts of the existing dealers (if they shared each others' details), and go from there.
Advertising should be fairly easy (flyers in comic stores, or internet/facebook) if you are sticking to similar times of year, as the regulars would just expect it, and many might not even know that it is a new organiser.

If you need a business name to hire or purchase things, I or others here can probably help out (depending on the nature of the event, and your Insurance policy for hosting a public event - which is likely to be the other major expense).

It could also be used to shamelessly promote OTCA too ;)

[kup]

It is certainly profitable, even if you reduce prices on the first couple to get people to take a chance on a new organiser.
Probably best to communicate with Jamie (through Az), and look at getting the contacts of the existing dealers (if they shared each others' details), and go from there.
Advertising should be fairly easy (flyers in comic stores, or internet/facebook) if you are sticking to similar times of year, as the regulars would just expect it, and many might not even know that it is a new organiser.

If you need a business name to hire or purchase things, I or others here can probably help out (depending on the nature of the event, and your Insurance policy for hosting a public event - which is likely to be the other major expense).

Thanks Griffin and will do :)

First order of businesses is dealer contacts and feasibility of hiring the hall from the council. No point organising a fair without dealers.

[crankcase76]

It could also be used to shamelessly promote OTCA too ;)

I reckon it would be good to have a fair under the Otca banner, having said that it is going to be a shame if their is no more parra fair. :( I have picked up a few good deals from their, but as well it was a chance to meet other members and grab some stuff from them as well.:) I hope you can sort something out Kup.:D

[griffin]

I think for this one, and it's "brand recognition" to the locals, if it is located at the Parra Town Hall, it should still incorporate the location name in the Fair title. (just not exactly the same as the previous full Fair name, to avoid any legal problems)

[GoktimusPrime]

I'd like to believe that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and ACA isn't exactly the pinnacle of journalistic quality. (-_-) Until Ware is legally proven guilty, I'd be willing to continue attending the Fair if it continues to run.

Otherwise perhaps it's time to go back to the old days before the Parra Fair when we used to have regular meetups in the CBD. It's a more central location and easier to get to for non-Westies, we started at midday so no need to get up at sunrise, and we still did fan-to-fan swap meeting and socialising which is the primary attraction of the Parra Fair anyway. The one thing we'd miss out is the "pot luck" of maybe finding something at the Fair, though most of the time we don't. :p So I would propose reverting back to just good ol' CBD meets like we used to. We could even do an Age of Extinction movie meet too on the weekend of that film's release -- haven't done that since the IMAX premiere of ROTF in 09. ;) (yeah, I'm not expecting the film to be great; I'm looking at this from the POV of a social occasion)

Sydney CBD fan meets
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/th_transfanmeet02.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/th_sydmeet.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/th_meetsyd_group.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20November%202008/th_sydmeet_2008_11_16d_full.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20October%202009/th_sydmeet_2009_10_03d.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20January%202008/th_sydmeet0108_10.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_02.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20September%2018%202010/th_zippomeet_heroicdecepticon.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20April%202009/th_sydmeet_2009_04_19b.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Sydney%20Movie%20Meet%20June%2030%202007/th_moviemeet08.jpg

[liegeprime]

Such ridiculous hyperbole in that clip. Glen being dodgy isn't too surprising though, and it looks like the website is gone: http://www.collectableandmusicfairs.com.au/ I imagine there won't be a May fair.

aaawww ;( ;(... well people since this might be indeed the end of the Parra fair, sigh... do we all still agree to do meet up at the food court? we don't need to be early if that's the case - prolly start around 10 am? we can have more of a show and tell and play - so bring your toys as always. :)

[5FDP]

A suggestion was made to look at possible other venues however I would prefer it to stay as Parramatta as it's fairly central to most people. But yeah, we wouldn't have to start as early as 8 AM or line up either so the time can be changed to whatever suits. We could even make it a 6 monthly BBQ in the park (every 3 months would be too much to organise) and those with items to sell could bring them. A fair in the park :cool:

[Starscream77]

So the fair is only $2700 hire venue from the council for a day? If that's the case I may actually take over and fund it myself.

Why the hell not and how can I get started?

BTW, I am serious :)

Well you know you would have a customer base with us already

Hope you can pull it off Kup !!!!

[Gamble Investigations]

To all,

We at Gamble Investigations are holding an independent investigation on behalf of the Mo Awards charity organization. We are appealing for any previous stall holders at the music or collectables functions to make contact with us to assist in our investigation to prove innocence or guilt in regards to the running of these events.

If you are able to assist or wish to discuss confidentially please contact myself at miles@gambleinvestigations.com


This isn't exactly toy news, but it relates to an event the NSW members attend on a regular basis. I'm going to tempre this with a disclaimer.

I tend to find a lot of ACA's material one sided, sensationalised, pointless or otherwise unnewsworthy.


this article (http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8806658/mo-awards-demands-answers-over-missing-funds) has been published by A Current Affair.

The man that is the centre of the circus of this article (Glenn Ware) is the same guy that runs the parramatta collectors fair. it looks to me like he has been using the cover of pretending to donate to these charities as an excuse to rip off the councel and to probably not give any money to any of these charities.


I never realised that there was supposed to be charity donations related to the parra fair, and there are certainly no banners, people advertising this fact at the fair.

If it's all true, it's very dissapointing and concerning also for the future of the fair. I would not be surprised if the councel expected him to pay a lot of money in unpaid fees and disallowed him any further use of the hall.


I feel for all the regular stall holders who attend the fair, it's most likely they are going to miss out on being able to set up stall here in the future.

I'm sad for us, it's been a great opportunity to get together as a group and enjoy our shared interest. I'd like to propose that if the fair does go under, we attend the food court every quarter anyway. If the fair does go ahead and this guy maintains his position as operator/owner I propose not attending the fair itself anyway. I might go line up like normal have our social cold morning catchup and then when the doors open, walk away.

[Bartrim]

(did anyone see themselves in the video footage of the Fair?)


LOL First thing I did. But no I didn't see any ozformers.

It is a shame if this is the end. It will definitely impact on my attendance to events.:(

I'm going to miss seeing that overpriced Jetfire. He was like an honorary Ozformer he was such a regular at the fair:p

[Gamble Investigations]

To all,

We at Gamble Investigations are holding an independent investigation on behalf of the Mo Awards charity organization. We are appealing for any previous stall holders at the music or collectables functions to make contact with us to assist in our investigation to prove innocence or guilt in regards to the running of these events.

If you are able to assist or wish to discuss confidentially please contact myself at miles@gambleinvestigations.com

Miles@gambleinvestigations.com

[griffin]

Sounds serious if the Mo Awards have called in the big guns (http://www.gambleinvestigations.com/) to investigate if this was indeed fraud... and significant fraud if he's been pocketing all those hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.

Probably worth contacting them if you were involved in the Fair in some way... to be sure if he was keeping the money (to be punished), or is totally innocent of the TV show's claims (and he can get back to hosting the fair again).

[tron07]

I attended the Parramata fair once and its not really my cup of tea, and since I stay near the city its a chore to wake up early to go to parramata.... attended the meets after the fair but its not a huge turn out after the fair as many had left or went else where, so didnt really go after that.

Sad to see the fair goes since so many like it, hopefully Kup can organise one. My friend told me recently that there is a camera fair at a local community center, perhaps such location can be used as well beside the town hall location.

Anyway I prefer the CBD meet up.

[kup]

Had a good long talk with Jamie. He has his heart set to doing it in Hornsby and is preparing to organising a toy fair there.

As it goes, I need Jamie's help in running the fair due to my lack of experience and most of all, he has all the dealer contacts. Plus it would be bad sport to open a 'competing' fair at about the same time. In short, moving forward the next toy fair will be at Hornsby not Parramatta if it goes ahead.

The question is: How many of us regular Parramatta Fair goers would actually attend a Hornsby toy & collectibles fair? Jamie has promised to set aside a long table just for us on the stage at the Hornsby hall. We could do our regular swap meets there just like at the Westfield foodcourt which is the highlight of the fair days.

Depending on how many people would be willing to attend a Hornsby fair, it will signal my own contribution so please voice your opinions.

[ILikeSoundwave]

Had a good long talk with Jamie. He has his heart set to doing it in Hornsby and is preparing to organising a toy fair there.

As it goes, I need Jamie's help in running the fair due to my lack of experience and most of all, he has all the dealer contacts. Plus it would be bad sport to open a 'competing' fair at about the same time. In short, moving forward the next toy fair will be at Hornsby not Parramatta if it goes ahead.

The question is: How many of us regular Parramatta Fair goers would actually attend a Hornsby toy fair? Jamie has promised to set aside a long table just for us on the stage at the Hornsby hall. We could do our regular swap meets there just like at the Westfield foodcourt which is the highlight of the fair days.

Depending on how many people would be willing to attend a Hornsby fair, it will signal my own contribution so please voice your opinions.

Hornsby seems a bit far for me, I'd probably attend every second one if it's every 3 months like Parramatta fair.

[liegeprime]

I'd prolly go, is the venue near a train station just like here in Parramatta? Coz I just go by public transpo. BUt, I might attend just every now and then - as in not every fair date, coz it's a bit too far for me. Waking up early for Parra fair is a chore enough but once it's moved to Hornsby I have to get up really earlier if I wanna make it there in time before any goodies are gone.

[Trent]

Had a good long talk with Jamie. He has his heart set to doing it in Hornsby and is preparing to organising a toy fair there.

As it goes, I need Jamie's help in running the fair due to my lack of experience and most of all, he has all the dealer contacts. Plus it would be bad sport to open a 'competing' fair at about the same time. In short, moving forward the next toy fair will be at Hornsby not Parramatta if it goes ahead.

The question is: How many of us regular Parramatta Fair goers would actually attend a Hornsby toy fair? Jamie has promised to set aside a long table just for us on the stage at the Hornsby hall. We could do our regular swap meets there just like at the Westfield foodcourt which is the highlight of the fair days.

Depending on how many people would be willing to attend a Hornsby fair, it will signal my own contribution so please voice your opinions.

Have fun at Hornsby then. I'll be permanently out. Was nice meeting you all.

[The_Damned]

well in the overall scheme of things it is only an extra 20 minutes or so. so i might still attend.

[dirge]

Hornsby is far less central; I may attend but it's an awkward spot.

Trent; if you're willing to drive to Sutherland I might be able to ferry you the rest of the way - I'd me more inclined to attend if I'm carpooling others.

[Starscream77]

Would be a bloody early wake up call
Will attend the first one and see if it's worth it

[Sharky]

hornsby is too far for me, maybe if the sharkticon wasnt around but that is too long a trip now.. unless it coincides with other business in the area i dont think i will be making the trek there too often

[kup]

Yep pretty much the concerns I had and already voiced to Jamie. It is too far away, even for me, the early start and long drive is also a bit of a nuisance.

I will speak to him again about it soon and and voice your concerns as they are mine too.

[The_Damned]

god you sydney guys need to harden up.

[Megatran]

^ Bag of cement magically appears. :p

[Sharky]

god you sydney guys need to harden up.

im not from sydney :p

[gamblor916]

As long as there's a place to sit with food and drink somewhere close I'll attend.

[Trent]

well in the overall scheme of things it is only an extra 20 minutes or so. so i might still attend.

Plus the tolls. Add that to the entry fee and petrol, it's getting expensive.


Hornsby is far less central; I may attend but it's an awkward spot.

Trent; if you're willing to drive to Sutherland I might be able to ferry you the rest of the way - I'd me more inclined to attend if I'm carpooling others.

Thanks dude :). I will probably take you up on that offer every now and then, but overall it's the early start that'll kill me. Plus the longer drive means later home too. But yeah, we'll see how it goes.


god you sydney guys need to harden up.


im not from sydney :p

Neither am I. Plus I don't do mornings.

[The_Damned]

im not from sydney :p

Campbeltown isn't sydney?. sorry my bad ;)

[Bartrim]

god you sydney guys need to harden up.

LOL. You can see who the committed fans are huh? :p

I'm not talking about the early start either. I'm talking about travelling with Hursticon for 2 hrs :p j/k

[bassbot]

Hornsby is far less easy for me than Parramatta, would make it hard for me to get there to be homest

[Tober]

Hornsby isn't such a big deal for me, but you want Parramatta.

The Parra Fair is established whereas the Hornsby Fair Jamie organised last time was lacking in attendees and vendors.

Have you contacted the Parra Council and the charity organisers? Or do you need to turn a profit to make this worthwhile?

[Seraphim Prime]

Hornsby is as good as Parramatta for me personally.

I remember I couldn't make the last Hornsby Fair Jamie organised, as I think I was away, but would make an effort if this was to replace other organised fairs.

[kup]

Hornsby isn't such a big deal for me, but you want Parramatta.

The Parra Fair is established whereas the Hornsby Fair Jamie organised last time was lacking in attendees and vendors.

Have you contacted the Parra Council and the charity organisers? Or do you need to turn a profit to make this worthwhile?

Where I fall short is dealers, I don't know who they are and how to get in touch with them - Jamie is the master of that. The Parramatta council would have the hall available as the Parramatta fair as it was is now dead.

I'll speak to Jamie and voice our concerns. If he still set for Hornsby then I'll see if we can coordinate his Hornsby fair and a Parramatta one.

At this stage, I am just checking where the wind blows and what's involved. Obviously most people here are not for the Hornsby idea.

[griffin]

Just so that it wouldn't compete with a Hornsby fair (if it was intended to be the same months as the Parra Fair), I wonder if the "regular" toy dealers would be keen on doing both, with a new Parra Fair being brought forward a month (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct). More often would mean more profit for them.

If so, perhaps Jamie could be the middle man to notify the regular dealers, and we just administrate (fund and at least break even) the Parra Venue... and Jamie can still do his Hornsby one.
That would give you three regular collector meets around Sydney (Parra, Penrith, Hornsby) for the members to check out every few months.... leaving the most central option available for the big fan meets.

[UltraMarginal]

I've been to the Hornsby one once, it was OK, the idea of haveing a table inside the fair, on the stage to have our meet is really weird to me.

Hornsby is about as easy to get to for me as Parra but I think I prefer parra as a venue, for early parking, the hall and the proximity to the foodcourt and westfield.

there is a westfield not far from the Hornsby town hall but I can't recall the foodcourt, there is probably something comparable there.

And surely as Griffin mentioned it wouldn't be too hard to stagger the fairs by a month so they all work together.

[kup]

I've been to the Hornsby one once, it was OK, the idea of haveing a table inside the fair, on the stage to have our meet is really weird to me.

Hornsby is about as easy to get to for me as Parra but I think I prefer parra as a venue, for early parking, the hall and the proximity to the foodcourt and westfield.

there is a westfield not far from the Hornsby town hall but I can't recall the foodcourt, there is probably something comparable there.

And surely as Griffin mentioned it wouldn't be too hard to stagger the fairs by a month so they all work together.

What was weird about it if you don't mind me asking? Can you please give a brief description of the Horsby venue and the fair itself from your perspective.

[UltraMarginal]

What was weird about it if you don't mind me asking? Can you please give a brief description of the Horsby venue and the fair itself from your perspective.

I just picture the hall with tables for all the sellers and people wondering around buying stuff and here we are on our raised dais at the end of the hall swapping toys, having a chat and ignoring the event that everyone else is there to attend. heaps of people wondering who these posers are at the end of the hall too good to mix with the common folk.

there's nothig weird about the hornsby event, I'd just find it wierd having our meet within the hall while the fair is happening around us.

[crankcase76]

I could attend the hornsby fair, but the parra idea is probably still a good alternative. :)

[gdmetro]

I think I attended one of the first Hornsby fairs a few years ago - early 2011. I recall there were the same few dealers from parra fair, but less of them, less inventory. A small group of us made the best of it and trekked to the food court and did a scaled down food court meet. I remember walking around the shops with Fatbot, ultramarginal and a few others after.

The issue with a food court meetup at Hornsby is that the westfields is a fair distance away from the hall( if it's the same hall) and difficult to walk to. Also the mall is quite large and the food court is far from the entry nearest to the side of the fair (from what I recall).

Since the mall is big it has a number of the brick n mortar stores to shop around but requires navigating through fair distances between each store.

Notwithstanding the Hornsby location, Parra fair is a lot more convenient in many minor factors. At parramatta, Westfields is a lot more closer and convenient to get to and from the fair. it feels natural to head to the food court to grab some breakfast and chat. whereas at Hornsby would feel more like forced effort to go to the food court. The train station is also right there and the parking lot is actually quite convenient compared to Hornsby- which I recall was just street parking. These are minor differences that may be enough to make the trip to Hornsby not worth it for some.

Personally, I'd prefer parra as it's convenient for me and considering the other minor advantages parra has. Having said that, if there is no real alternative than the Hornsby one, I'd probably still go but maybe not as frequently or as dedicated to it.

Also I'm assuming it has gotten better, or going forward, will have at least equivalent turnout as the parra fair in terms of dealers attending, the quantity and level of merchandise and the people attending.

[Tober]

I've been to the Hornsby one once, it was OK, the idea of haveing a table inside the fair, on the stage to have our meet is really weird to me.

Agreed, for the reasons you gave.



there is a westfield not far from the Hornsby town hall but I can't recall the foodcourt, there is probably something comparable there.

The food court is up the top. We went there afterwards with Le (gamblor). It's mostly smaller circular tables/booths similar to Macquarie, but without the longer tables - from what I remember of it anyway.

[UltraMarginal]

you guys seem to remember a lot more about that food court than me, perhaps i was in a food coma:o

[GoktimusPrime]

I can make it to Hornsby, but I would prefer Parramatta for reasons mentioned by others. IMHO we should aim to go for the venue that's preferable to the majority, which seems to be Parramatta.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I think for this one, and it's "brand recognition" to the locals, if it is located at the Parra Town Hall, it should still incorporate the location name in the Fair title. (just not exactly the same as the previous full Fair name, to avoid any legal problems)


Where I fall short is dealers, I don't know who they are and how to get in touch with them - Jamie is the master of that. The Parramatta council would have the hall available as the Parramatta fair as it was is now dead.

I'll speak to Jamie and voice our concerns. If he still set for Hornsby then I'll see if we can coordinate his Hornsby fair and a Parramatta one.

At this stage, I am just checking where the wind blows and what's involved. Obviously most people here are not for the Hornsby idea.

If it is financially and logistically viable to have dual fairs run concurrently, maybe you could name them the Para-fairs ;):p

[Sky Shadow]

If it is financially and logistically viable to have dual fairs run concurrently, maybe you could name them the Para-fairs ;):p

Ingenious. :cool:

[Bartrim]

If it is financially and logistically viable to have dual fairs run concurrently, maybe you could name them the Para-fairs ;):p

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm218/Bartrim/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps934a889a.jpg (http://s297.photobucket.com/user/Bartrim/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps934a889a.jpg.html)

[Hursticon]

LOL. You can see who the committed fans are huh? :p

I'm not talking about the early start either. I'm talking about travelling with Hursticon for 2 hrs :p j/k

Why do you think 1AZRAEL1 moved to Sydney? :p:D
(Smart Arse! :p)

[crankcase76]

Why do you think 1AZRAEL1 moved to Sydney? :p:D
(Smart Arse! :p)


http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd430/megatron84/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsc74a27b6.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/megatron84/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsc74a27b6.jpg.html)

[1AZRAEL1]

LOL. You can see who the committed fans are huh? :p

I'm not talking about the early start either. I'm talking about travelling with Hursticon for 2 hrs :p j/k

Hey at least it's only 2 hours. I used to train it up with him early in the morning to go, and that was a 3 hour trip :p

And I didn't move to get away from him, I moved for a woman :p And then met my wife :D

[5FDP]

I didn't mind driving to Hornsby for the last fair. Parking was easier in that it was directly across the road, but yeah, I'll go with whatever the majority suggests considering Hornsby and Parramatta are pretty much equal distance from me.


I'd prolly go, is the venue near a train station just like here in Parramatta? Coz I just go by public transpo. BUt, I might attend just every now and then - as in not every fair date, coz it's a bit too far for me. Waking up early for Parra fair is a chore enough but once it's moved to Hornsby I have to get up really earlier if I wanna make it there in time before any goodies are gone.

I got you covered liege :)

[Bartrim]

I got you covered liege :)

Me too? :)

[5FDP]

Me too? :)

Sure... I'll pick you up from liege's place as well ;) :p

[jazzcomp]

Sure... I'll pick you up from liege's place as well ;) :p
I can do that :D

[5FDP]

I can do that :D

Since we're all meeting at liege's place let's just have our meet-up there. I'm sure he wouldn't mind :p

[Trent]

Since we're all meeting at liege's place let's just have our meet-up there. I'm sure he wouldn't mind :p

We can have the BBQ there too! Hey Liege, when do we have to have our food orders in by?? :p

[The_Damned]

we can go make him offers for his transformers too.

[Wheelie]

Just wondering how Kup was going with taking over the show?

[crankcase76]

Good question Wheelie, hopefully something has been worked out.

[kup]

Just wondering how Kup was going with taking over the show?

Slow, like I said, it is something I am looking into but there is enough involved and information gathering that needs to be done first. If it was just throwing money at it, I would have done so already.

I will repeat this one more time - don't count on it and assume it won't happen until I say it is. When I have something solid, I will tell you guys, until that happens there is no Parramatta fair.

It may even be that if I ever get to go ahead, it probably won't make it to what would be the next fair day.

[liegeprime]

We can have the BBQ there too! Hey Liege, when do we have to have our food orders in by?? :p

I don't own a BBQ, somebody has to bring their protable one . BUt yeah somebody needs to bring a tent to open at the back I have some tables and chairs for outdoors, foodwise you guys bring what you want cooked heheheh. :p:D

[Bartrim]

I don't own a BBQ, somebody has to bring their protable one . BUt yeah somebody needs to bring a tent to open at the back I have some tables and chairs for outdoors, foodwise you guys bring what you want cooked heheheh. :p:D

You don't have a granny cart with a BBQ in it?:p

[Deceptic_Optic]

if its at liege counet me in :)

[brickiez4u]

2 different organizers
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x88/kennethalania/10169312_1403332196608711_2041093028673508983_n_zp sc41b4d3b.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x88/kennethalania/1797581_10201851453584754_679706916_n_zps254ca6e9. jpg

[kup]

None are particularly good locations, at least not for the consensus here.

No news on my end, looks like this endeavour to resurrect the Parra Fair may not see fruit.

Last I heard, Jamie has his heart set on Hornsby which is an unpopular choice here and automatically negating my own interest in the location. I have been unable to get in contact with Jamie since our last chat so no progress at all.

Without dealer contacts, there is no point so I can't really go forward. I can't just hire a hall and have it empty.

[jazzcomp]

Did you/anyone sign up when some girl was asking for email/contact details to inform you about the next fair or so? Maybe if someone emails them, they can get the dealers' info.

I didn't signup.

[kup]

Did you/anyone sign up when some girl was asking for email/contact details to inform you about the next fair or so? Maybe if someone emails them, they can get the dealers' info.

I didn't signup.

That could be breach of privacy and the girl did work for the original fair organiser. Given the circumstances, I don't think they would be willing to give any info.

[jazzcomp]

That could be breach of privacy and the girl did work for the original fair organiser. Given the circumstances, I don't think they would be willing to give any info.
For the dealers, don't think so since they give their cards/details freely. If you ask for the emails/contact details of those who signed up, that's more like breach of privacy.

But it is conflict of interest for the girl if she's obligated to not provide the dealer info if the original organiser deems you as competition. But if they are no longer organising fairs in the future or banned from the hall, then it should be ok.

Yeah, i could see why they would be unwilling. But it shouldn't hurt to ask.

[kup]

Trying to ask information from such sources can possibly be more troublesome than it's worth - Imagine if I get the fair to go ahead again and ACA or some other dodgy 'news' show tries to confront me about my "Association with the fraudulent former organiser" citing phone calls and other stuff. They won't care at all if my interactions with him had been completely benign as I would be guilty just by association.

As Jamies was telling me, Parramatta fair already has a stigma about it so disassociation with its 'past' is best. I will not seek information or assistance from that source at all but you are more than welcome if you are that interested ;)

[UltraMarginal]

. I will not seek information or assistance from that source at all but you are more than welcome if you are that interested ;)

i'd say that's a wiser, safer approach.

[jazzcomp]

Trying to ask information from such sources can possibly be more troublesome than it's worth - Imagine if I get the fair to go ahead again and ACA or some other dodgy 'news' show tries to confront me about my "Association with the fraudulent former organiser" citing phone calls and other stuff. They won't care at all if my interactions with him had been completely benign as I would be guilty just by association.

As Jamies was telling me, Parramatta fair already has a stigma about it so disassociation with its 'past' is best. I will not seek information or assistance from that source at all but you are more than welcome if you are that interested ;)
I do understand what you're saying. Like you said you have no dealers and therefore no fair.

I would ask if that could help but I didn't sign up so I don't have that info. Parra fair has always had more stuff compared to the Penrith and Hornsby fairs. I've always preferred it. Send me the email/contact info, I'll see if they will reply.

[kup]

I do understand what you're saying. Like you said you have no dealers and therefore no fair.

I would ask if that could help but I didn't sign up so I don't have that info. Parra fair has always had more stuff compared to the Penrith and Hornsby fairs. I've always preferred it. Send me the email/contact info, I'll see if they will reply.

I don't have email or contact info for the original organisers.

[Trent]

2 different organizers
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x88/kennethalania/10169312_1403332196608711_2041093028673508983_n_zp sc41b4d3b.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x88/kennethalania/1797581_10201851453584754_679706916_n_zps254ca6e9. jpg

Is this that Jamie guy? I can't see this being that good. Traditionally the guys that have gone to these collectormania fairs have reported nothing but disappointment. Are the stall holders from Parra now moving to these ones or is this just a plug to try and get us there? Because you have 2 chances of getting me that far north. And Jack left town.

[Tober]

We should just meet up at Parramatta Westfield next month anyway. :cool:

We don't even need the Fair, it's had sfa there for the last few years at least.

"Yeah, well... I'm gonna start my own Parra Fair! With blackjack... And hookers. In fact, forget the Fair!"

[brickiez4u]

I'm a stall holder at paramatta and what i've heard news that the council is denying all fares this year.Personally not happy as i had paid for my tables for the next event im on a vendetta to get my money back:mad::mad:

[brickiez4u]

ohh and yes most probably us boys will head down to Penrith Fair to trade

[jazzcomp]

maybe you and your boys can contact kup?

[liegeprime]

I think I'll just show up in Parramatta on May 25 just for the heck of it :D.. out of Nostalgia, since Im day off that day anyways... pass by Town hall, look at it, and sigh... then walk on by straight to Westfields, hang a bit in the foodcourt , sigh a bit, and then go around Westfields to see any stuff I might wanna buy, then go home in the afternoon.

Really not so sure I wanna start going to the Penrith fair thing since there wasn't anything there the first and last time I went...a lot of effort for nothing..:(

[kup]

We should just meet up at Parramatta Westfield next month anyway. :cool:

We don't even need the Fair, it's had sfa there for the last few years at least.

"Yeah, well... I'm gonna start my own Parra Fair! With blackjack... And hookers. In fact, forget the Fair!"

Yeah this is probably the best thing to do come May.

[kup]

maybe you and your boys can contact kup?

Council is not allowing fairs to happen at Parra dude - The consensus here is that they want it at Parra otherwise not worth it.

[UltraMarginal]

I'm a stall holder at paramatta and what i've heard news that the council is denying all fares this year.Personally not happy as i had paid for my tables for the next event im on a vendetta to get my money back:mad::mad:

Spewing about pre-paying for your table dude, I hope you can get your money back but I don't like your odds.

[jazzcomp]

Council is not allowing fairs to happen at Parra dude - The consensus here is that they want it at Parra otherwise not worth it.
Didn't know it was confirmed. It's just news but not officially made. If you know that to be true, then it's farewell to the Parra fair at least for 2014.
It couldn't hurt to have their contacts if you want to resurrect the fair in 2015. :cool:

[kup]

Didn't know it was confirmed. It's just news but not officially made. If you know that to be true, then it's farewell to the Parra fair at least for 2014.
It couldn't hurt to have their contacts if you want to resurrect the fair in 2015. :cool:

lol you seem to be the one pushing the most for the fair to happen. Perhaps you should organise it ;)

I did call the Parramatta council - The girl that answered the phone did not really inspire a lot of confidence as she at first told me it was not possible but later in the conversation she said that it was.

From what I could piece together, it seems that the former organisers are banned from doing the fair but a new organiser is not. However they seem weary about anyone doing a 'Collectables Fair' there again so perhaps it's too soon to do.

Anyways the bottom line is that it isn't as easy as just throwing money at it. There are now political and social (contacts) issues associated with it which are more troublesome than anything else.

It may be that the fair could be permanently over.

[jazzcomp]

lol you seem to be the one pushing the most for the fair to happen. Perhaps you should organise it ;)

I did call the Parramatta council - The girl that answered the phone did not really inspire a lot of confidence as she at first told me it was not possible but later in the conversation she said that it was.

From what I could piece together, it seems that the former organisers are banned from doing the fair but a new organiser is not. However they seem weary about anyone doing a 'Collectables Fair' there again so perhaps it's too soon to do.

Anyways the bottom line is that it isn't as easy as just throwing money at it. There are now political and social (contacts) issues associated with it which are more troublesome than anything else.

It may be that the fair could be permanently over.
I wish I could do that but I don't think so. I'm just supporting whoever can do it. ;)

Sorry to hear if it is permanently over.

[Wheelie]

lol you seem to be the one pushing the most for the fair to happen. Perhaps you should organise it ;)

Im seriously considering it, would you mind?

[crankcase76]

Well thats a shame, liked attending the fair for the hunt and social meet up. :( But penrith is still an option, for most of us to get together.

[kup]

Im seriously considering it, would you mind?

If you wish to do so, please do :) Just keep in mind that it's not just a money thing, you need the dealer contacts too as there is no point opening a fair just for 'us'.

[Tober]

Were the stall holders who pre-booked last time or were regulars been informed that the May Fair has been canceled?

If not then whoever wants to pick up the pieces could show up early morning on the 25th as there is a decent chance that a lot of previous stall-holders might also show up not knowing it has been canceled.

[liegeprime]

hmmm then it might end up in a street fair instead of one inside the hall, sweet! :D:D

[kup]

Were the stall holders who pre-booked last time or were regulars been informed that the May Fair has been canceled?

If not then whoever wants to pick up the pieces could show up early morning on the 25th as there is a decent chance that a lot of previous stall-holders might also show up not knowing it has been canceled.

That's why I lost heart with this. It just became too cumbersome and that's not counting all the political/media BS. There is merit in your suggestion but still, going to Town Hall at the crack of dawn on a Sunday, hoping for people to mistakenly show up so you can take their details sounds ludicrous.

[Sky Shadow]

Were the stall holders who pre-booked last time or were regulars been informed that the May Fair has been canceled?

If not then whoever wants to pick up the pieces could show up early morning on the 25th as there is a decent chance that a lot of previous stall-holders might also show up not knowing it has been canceled.

Yeah, I'm sure I mentioned that somewhere - there should be lots of pissed-off stallholders with nowhere to put their boxes and already $75 out-of-pocket per table.

[5FDP]

I can feel the birth of a regular Oz-Con coming on :cool:

[crankcase76]

I can feel the birth of a regular Oz-Con coming on :cool:

That would be awesome, especially here in sydney.:)

[Bartrim]

I can feel the birth of a regular Oz-Con coming on :cool:

How far apart are the contractions? :p

[Wheelie]

How did you guys originally find out about the parra fair?

Not the scandal, but the fair itself

[liegeprime]

How did you guys originally find out about the parra fair?

Not the scandal, but the fair itself

Well for me I learned about the fair by accident - I stumbled upon it one Sunday that I was on day off and happen to go about Parramatta. This was back in 2006. Then when I joined here I made mention of it here and there in some of my posts and apparently since it's been on for quite a few years already, a few other members have apparently posted it before in the forum as well and have been regularly attending without us knowing we (Ozformers) were there :p. So someone decided to post a thread to start a meet-up, put a face to the name so to speak, since it was a quarterly event and it snowballed from there.

[Sinnertwin]

How did you guys originally find out about the parra fair?

Not the scandal, but the fair itself

A poster on a telegraph pole on the Cumberland Highway

[1AZRAEL1]

Found a flyer in Galaxy bookshop in the city. This was back in 2002. Been attending since about then.

[Starscream77]

A poster on a telegraph pole on the Cumberland Highway

^ this

[crankcase76]

From this site. :)

[kup]

How did you guys originally find out about the parra fair?

Not the scandal, but the fair itself

I had just gotten into collecting and was looking for some way to complete my G1 Magnus as I was unfamiliar with the ebay parts trade. At this point I had no idea about the local TF community and figured I was likely on my own. While looking for local TF resources online, I came across someone mentioning it.

[5FDP]

I honestly cannot remember where I heard about the fair. Been going since mid-2000's. I think it was through Jamie when I was after a replacement part for my G1 Megs.

[CHILENO20]

So the Parra fair looks like its down for the count huh? Bummer, being a Victorian I'd always wanted to go up and see what's what. Heard a lot of good things about it from you guys and from a friend who used to live in NSW. I'm guessing its early days to think about how it can be restarted huh? The fairs we have in Victoria are crap, in terms of Transformers anyways. Only good thing about them is you can meet up with some fellow Ozformers.

[jazzcomp]

This forum I believe. I informed two other friends to check it out.

[Trent]

Heard about it from here. Used to go to the music fair all the time when I was a teenager but never realized that there was a toy fair too.

[Hursticon]

The 1st time I heard about the Parra Fair was forever ago when Azrael called me one day, saying something along the lines of:

"Hey, you lazy bastard, rather than us going to the Markets next Sunday, did you wanna come with me and Burnie to this fair at Parramatta Town Hall? - We'll have to go by train, so it'll be a 4:00am start - if you can handle it, but it has heaps of stuff!..."
...or something to that nature. :rolleyes::p


All I know is that it was awesome and for the next 2 or so years he & I made that journey almost every quarterly time, then once I joined up here at OTCA I learnt that it was used as a regular meeting point - I've lost count of how many I've attended now. :D

...so with that I've got to say, it's really sad to see that it looks like it's come to an end; typically, it's always a few who spoil it for the many. :(

[The_Damned]

I was just thinking we should try and at least have one meet a year if nothing else eventuates.

[Trent]

I was just thinking we should try and at least have one meet a year if nothing else eventuates.

Agreed. While we didn't do it last year the BBQ is a great day :)

[dirge]

Personally I like the idea of meeting at Westfields every 3 months anyway.

The BBQ is more fun, I agree but it's weather dependent & more work to actually organise (which goes to waste it if rains). Just my 2c..

[Hursticon]

Personally I like the idea of meeting at Westfields every 3 months anyway.

I'd very much like to see this continue going forward. ;):)

[Tober]

Personally I like the idea of meeting at Westfields every 3 months anyway.

The BBQ is more fun, I agree but it's weather dependent & more work to actually organise (which goes to waste it if rains). Just my 2c..

Yep, and at 10am instead of 8... preferably. ;)

[liegeprime]

Personally I like the idea of meeting at Westfields every 3 months anyway.

The BBQ is more fun, I agree but it's weather dependent & more work to actually organise (which goes to waste it if rains). Just my 2c..


Yep, and at 10am instead of 8... preferably. ;)

Agreed. BUt as Trent pointed out, a BBQ once in awhile in one of the meets would offer a variation and extra fun to look forward to especially on months that are weather friendly for such outdoor fun. :):)

[GoktimusPrime]

How did you guys originally find out about the parra fair?

Not the scandal, but the fair itself
Word of mouth... but this was YEARS ago... I've been going there for well over a decade now. IIRC we started having organised meets at the Parra Fair in 2007.

August 19, 2007
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20August%202007/th_sydmeet190807_5.jpg

Btw, without the Parramatta Fair itself, what do you guys think would be a decent starting time for Parramatta Fan Meets? Because back when we used to have CBD meets we started at 12:00 and finished later, whereas Parra Meets we start before 08:00 and typically finish before midday. It'd be nice to sleep in a little bit on Sundays now that there isn't a Fair to have to line up for (and Sunday is the only day that I don't have to get up early for :p), although I'm not necessarily saying we should start as late as 12:00. Whaddaya guys reckon?

[Bartrim]

Personally I like the idea of meeting at Westfields every 3 months anyway.

The BBQ is more fun, I agree but it's weather dependent & more work to actually organise (which goes to waste it if rains). Just my 2c..

I don't really see the point in meeting at Westfields as most of is import our toys, so there is no real hunt like years gone by.

Of course it can be a great contingency plan if the BBQ is washed out.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, I think the advantage of meeting in the downstairs Westfields food court is the comfort/convenience factor. :) People coming in by train would have a shorter walk, and even drivers can choose to park directly inside Westfields -- both of which would be extra convenient if it was urinating down rain outside. It might also be more convenient for any late comers and new attendees to find. ;) The barbecue could still be done perhaps once a year -- I think end of year would be good (and also summer weather would be better for it anyway).

[dirge]

I don't really see the point in meeting at Westfields as most of is import our toys, so there is no real hunt like years gone by.

Of course it can be a great contingency plan if the BBQ is washed out.

It's not about the shops, it's about the covered, indoor location that's an easy landmark & taking crappy weather out of the equation. As Gok alluded to, it's also much easier for those arriving by public transport.

[Trent]

It's not about the shops, it's about the covered, indoor location that's an easy landmark & taking crappy weather out of the equation. As Gok alluded to, it's also much easier for those arriving by public transport.

Yep. The BBQ should remain a once a year thing, mainly due to the logistical issues if nothing else. I'd still attend the food court meet. 9 or even 10am as Tober suggested would be a good time. It's a nice place to meet where we we don't have to give a damn about the weather :)

[kup]

Parking at Parramatta becomes a big problem the later it gets.

[UltraMarginal]

Parking at Parramatta becomes a big problem the later it gets.

This is so true.
i'd prefer an earlier start, 8 or so. I'd still park behind the hall, it's halfway between phantom zone and Westfield.

[Sinnertwin]

True. I think 10 would be a good time, any later & parking may be an issue

[5FDP]

So, now that it's the first of the month, have we got this meet thing nailed down or are we still talking it through? If we are going ahead, it would be wise to start another topic so the details aren't lost within this thread.

[UltraMarginal]

True. I think 10 would be a good time, any later & parking may be an issue

Even 9, I think. if we get there too late we won't be able to have a maccas hashbrown, one of the highlights of the day.


So, now that it's the first of the month, have we got this meet thing nailed down or are we still talking it through? If we are going ahead, it would be wise to start another topic so the details aren't lost within this thread.

you and you're flawless logic:rolleyes:

:cool:

[5FDP]

you and you're flawless logic:rolleyes:

Wait! What? Did I miss something? :o

[UltraMarginal]

Wait! What? Did I miss something? :o

I was using sarcasm to imply you had a good idea and should start that thread.

[Sinnertwin]

Even 9, I think. if we get there too late we won't be able to have a maccas hashbrown, one of the highlights of the day.


They serve breakfast until 10:30 ;) :p

[jardeevee_06]

Hi there,

I just saw this board online. I am not sure if anyone here is also in the FB groups thinking about the Parramatta toy fare.

You can check the conversations about it in this group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/521161417948980/

I hope there is a toy fare this month in Parra. :confused::confused:

Kind regards,

[1AZRAEL1]

Latest news on this scandal


From Kyle at 2nd Childhood Collectables post on Facebook

Just got off the Phone from Glenn who runs the Parramatta Collectables fair. He said he will find out tommorrow if the fair is going to be running. Am i getting played or should i really hope that the council allows the fair to proceed. He may just not be willing to refund me my table costs that I paid in advance. Has anybody else got any contardictory information.

And in the comments when someone asked if he has been charged


No he said the department of fair trading has cleared everything. He said that the council is the one stopping the fair but they havent come to a decision yet.


Still, take this with a grain of salt for the time being until we hear some official word.

[Sinnertwin]

On a side note Parra town hall is being renovated and they are not taking bookings for at least 12 months one of the stall holders told me

That may be a factor in the council's decision

[5FDP]

So, the Dept. of Fair Trading have found no case to answer for. You know what, I'm inclined to believe that considering who broke this news in the first place - A Current Affair. Wouldn't be the first time they've manipulated public opinion to create something 'news worthy'.

[crankcase76]

So maybe in hope the fair might continue? This is good news if it does.:)

[DarkHyren]

Just got this email from the fair.


Due to circumstances beyond our control,

The Collectables Fair has been cancelled.

…

PARRAMATTA COLLECTABLES FAIR

SUNDAY MAY 25



We apologise for all and any inconvenience

And we will advise of our future fairs…

[5FDP]

^ Suspected as much. Nice to get official confirmation though.

[UltraMarginal]

I guess that's that then.

I hope dealers who've pre-payed will be able to get their money back.

[griffin]

At least it just mentions the one Fair... not the Fair in general. Could be hope for it to return, maybe in a year if the renovations thing is true. (the Brisbane Town Hall was closed for a couple years for its renovations recently, which kicked out everyone as well during that time)

[jazzcomp]

Just got this email from the fair.
Ooh, you're in the mailing list. :). Keep updating us :)

[1AZRAEL1]

I'm on the mailing list too and got that email while I was asleep :o

[jazzcomp]

Is there an explanation why their site is down? Or when the next one will be?

[The_Damned]

apparently it is on the 24th of august

12 hassall st

[Starscream77]

apparently it is on the 24th of august

12 hassall st

Source? Hope they do have it

[The_Damned]

one of the dealer's on facebook

[The_Damned]

http://i.imgur.com/rvtwbHr.jpg?1

[brickiez4u]

Well guess what people. the Parramatta collectables fair run by Glen is back and starting in a new location at Parramatta in August. For those that were previous patrons and sellers at Parramatta please conatct glen on 0412514897 to organise your tables again. lets get this back to the awesome glory that it once was. I will be there again, same business different stage.http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x88/kennethalania/10455424_957841770926991_1439202436894220566_n_zps c60ad61a.jpg

[Trent]

How is floor space at the PCYC compared to the town hall? More or less?

I should be able to wander up if a few board members are attending.

[shado]

Collectormania Fairs who run the Penrith Fair 3 times a year had also set up a new fair when the May Parramatta Fair was cancelled. This show is being held in Granville at the Blouza Hall at 157 Blaxcell St on August 17 from 9am til 2.30pm. There are a lot of ex Parra dealers attending this show as well as a few new faces. The show was first promoted at Supanova back in June and at Penrith in July and on facebook and several other sites. We already have 60 tables booked and displays. Would love to see your members there. If you need any info go to the facebook page 'Sydney SciFi / Pop Culture Fair' or email me at 'shado1@live.com.au' for details. This show will be held 4 times a year like Parra was. I had heard recently that Glen was restarting his show but this does not affect the running of the Granville show.

[Rob]

The Parramatta Collectables Fairs were canceled yesterday by the PCYC. Given the shady past of its organizer it can't really come as too much of a surprise to anyone...

[Sinnertwin]

The Parramatta Collectables Fairs were canceled yesterday by the PCYC.

Do you have any links etc that you can show us confirming this decision?

[CBratron]

I haven't heard anything official. Just a few unsubstantiated facebook comments which could've been fanboyism rearing it's ugly head.

[1AZRAEL1]

Shady past? So guilty until proven innocent I guess, and even after charges dropped.

And yes, would like to see links to your claim it is cancelled again.

[liegeprime]

Well I haven't received an email yet. They usually send one even if it's jutst to say the event is cancelled...

[CBratron]

Even if it is cancelled we can still do a food court meetup.

[Rob]

Hey guys, Call the PCYC they can confirm it. Here is their number 9635 8242. As for innocent until proven guilty.... Ken Gamble (one of the world's most respected and experienced private investigators) found Glenn Ware guilty of all charges that are now pending with police.
The council did not cancel his fairs for no good reason and neither have the PCYC (who are obviously connected with the police...think about it...)
It's not hard to work out unless you follow blindly in which case there would be no point in presenting facts to you anyway.
Cheers,
Rob

[Tober]

The Parramatta PCYC have confirmed that the Collectors Fair on the 24th has been canceled as they no longer have a contract with the organizer. :(

Thanks for the info Rob. :)

[Sharky]

The Parramatta PCYC have confirmed that the Collectors Fair on the 24th has been canceled as they no longer have a contract with the organizer. :(

Thanks for the info Rob. :)

boo guess i have to attend granville now.. not sure if i can...

[Rob]

No probs guys! I'll be at the Granville Fair, it's my birthday!

[The_Damned]

The Parramatta Collectables Fairs were canceled yesterday by the PCYC. Given the shady past of its organizer it can't really come as too much of a surprise to anyone...


Hey guys, Call the PCYC they can confirm it. Here is their number 9635 8242. As for innocent until proven guilty.... Ken Gamble (one of the world's most respected and experienced private investigators) found Glenn Ware guilty of all charges that are now pending with police.
The council did not cancel his fairs for no good reason and neither have the PCYC (who are obviously connected with the police...think about it...)
It's not hard to work out unless you follow blindly in which case there would be no point in presenting facts to you anyway.
Cheers,
Rob


No probs guys! I'll be at the Granville Fair, it's my birthday!


did you just join up to post about it being cancelled, that doesnt look dodgy at all..............

[griffin]

did you just join up to post about it being cancelled, that doesnt look dodgy at all..............

His second post may be too presumptuous (maybe not knowing that only Judges & juries can find someone guilty... other people can only find evidence to be processed by Police and the Courts), but he provided useful and helpful information, since people didn't yet know that it was cancelled and it was only a week away (so were still planning to go).

[The_Damned]

i just thought it was a bit weird that someone joined up and made three posts in total all relating to to the cancellation of the fair and that is it, just seems a bit odd to me.:confused:

[1AZRAEL1]

Yes odd, but he passed on information to us that being checked turns out to be true. So thank you Rob for notifying us.

[griffin]

i just thought it was a bit weird that someone joined up and made three posts in total all relating to to the cancellation of the fair and that is it, just seems a bit odd to me.:confused:

True... we may have been burnt by some suspicious people in the past, but we shouldn't be quick to jump on everyone (publicly), particularly if they went to the trouble of signing up to selflessly help us out with info we didn't yet know about.

[Rob]

I did actually join up to give you this information why is that dodgy? I've been reading the forums for a while and finally had a reason to post... Thanks for the awsome welcome....

[The_Damned]

i have seen on facebook some who talked to the organizer and they say it is still on and they will confirm it tomorrow.

[Starscream77]

i have seen on facebook some who talked to the organizer and they say it is still on and they will confirm it tomorrow.

Hopefully it's just a mix up and they sort it out so it can go ahead

[crankcase76]

Well hope it gets sorted out soon, if its gone will have to try and make it to the Granville fair. If not Will have to get UM to post my stuff.:confused:

[liegeprime]

aaaw. well this sucks :(... I'll give Granville fair a try then... no budget yet though... sigh....:(

[1AZRAEL1]

Well hope it gets sorted out soon, if its gone will have to try and make it to the Granville fair. If not Will have to get UM to post my stuff.:confused:

If need be I can play courier?

[jazzcomp]

If Parra is cancelled, I'll show up for this one. Hey Cbatron, just letting you know :)

[griffin]

i have seen on facebook some who talked to the organizer and they say it is still on and they will confirm it tomorrow.

I would have thought Tober's word would be confirmation enough...


The Parramatta PCYC have confirmed that the Collectors Fair on the 24th has been canceled as they no longer have a contract with the organizer. :(

Thanks for the info Rob. :)

And would you trust anything the organiser says?

[CBratron]

If Parra is cancelled, I'll show up for this one. Hey Cbatron, just letting you know :)

ok

[jazzcomp]

I would have thought Tober's word would be confirmation enough...

And would you trust anything the organiser says?


i have seen on facebook some who talked to the organizer and they say it is still on and they will confirm it tomorrow.
What's the final word?

[The_Damned]

lol i think he is looking for a new venue.

this rob person complained to the manager of the hall and got it cancelled from that venue and keeps ranting on facebook about the guy that runs the fair.

[Starscream77]

So has the guy that runs it actually been charged with anything?

[griffin]

lol i think he is looking for a new venue.

this rob person complained to the manager of the hall and got it cancelled from that venue and keeps ranting on facebook about the guy that runs the fair.

If it is the same Rob as here, then that sounds a bit spiteful... and ruins our chances of having a fair at all. There is not going to be a better fair at this point in time without this host, so it only punishes us (the toy fans) if someone tries to undermine the guy hosting it.... because he still has other ways of making money, but we don't another (big) collectors fair option in Parramatta (or another centrally located, convenient location).
I think if anyone is going to a lot of trouble to prevent us having a Parramatta fair, they'd better darn well host it themselves, and make it just as good... otherwise, back off and let us have our fair. :mad:
(and leave any penalties up to the Criminal Justice System)

[Starscream77]

Bossbot you wrote that a lot more restrained than what I was thinking to write.

It really sucks as this was the best fair we had available and was quite looking forward to its return.
Hope he finds another venue that 'Rob' can't undermine

[crankcase76]

If need be I can play courier?

Thanks AZ, will call you later to organize it. :)

[1AZRAEL1]

New venue for Parramatta. Le Spot Cafe 100 George Street Parramatta.

[Starscream77]

New venue for Parramatta. Le Spot Cafe 100 George Street Parramatta.

Brilliant !!!!!!!!

[fatbot]

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/87FE90ED-B4EC-4093-9D24-31C2BE05C3E3_zpsylvdenm1.png (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/87FE90ED-B4EC-4093-9D24-31C2BE05C3E3_zpsylvdenm1.png.html)

I wonder if this Rob character is going to run crying to the owners about the fraud allegations?

[The_Damned]

anyone know how big the venue is?

[i_amtrunks]

How big is this cafe? Floor space will be at a premium...

[liegeprime]

geez how fast are they driving? 3 minutes from Parra Station, what no stopping at red lights? in a straight line? LOL. Glad they were able to find a new venue on short notice, it's a big building from what Ive seen in google maps. :D:D

[brickiez4u]

Hi im a stall holder and ive got an email from Glen the organizer and yes due to short change venue the entry fee will be for free so what do you have to loose be there or be square:D

[liegeprime]

Oh we'll be there.... by the way are you the guy selling the posters?

[kup]

So Parramatta fair is cancelled right??

[Tober]

So Parramatta fair is cancelled right??

No. Currently still scheduled for this Sunday at 100 George St Parramatta at 8.00 AM.

The PCYC venue was canceled.

Check the first post in the meet thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19030).

[jazzcomp]

So Parramatta fair is cancelled right??
Nope, it's back on with a new venue and free entry.

[kup]

No. Currently still scheduled for this Sunday at 100 George St Parramatta at 8.00 AM.

Really?

100 George St is an office block. What space is there?

[Tober]

Really?

100 George St is an office block. What space is there?

Check the first post in the meet thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19030).

It's a hotel/restaurant. Not sure of actual floor space.

[kup]

Check the first post in the meet thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19030).

It's a hotel/restaurant. Not sure of actual floor space.

I just saw it on Google Street view, it looks tiny.

[Tober]

I just saw it on Google Street view, it looks tiny.

I really don't know. The Collectors Hotel is capable of large functions, but I don't think it is actually in there. I'm just going to show up on the day, deliver stuff and check it out. :)

If someone has a direct line to the organiser maybe they can ask.

[kup]

I really don't know. The Collectors Hotel is capable of large functions, but I don't think it is actually in there. I'm just going to show up on the day, deliver stuff and check it out. :)

If someone has a direct line to the organiser maybe they can ask.

Le Spot cafe right? Unless that venue has a giant back room, it all seems a bit odd to me.

[Starscream77]

It is comparable in size internally to the main hall of the town hall, without the second hall.
They just need to clear the floor basically but may be a little squashy

[jazzcomp]

How many sellers will show up to this one? Many at the Granville fair were saying it's cancelled. Is it the same set as in Granville? Though there were a lot more TF stuff, there weren't any that I was really interested in.

[CBratron]

It's free. I'll turn up anyway, poke around and meet up for the usual food court debriefing.

[liegeprime]

My friend said, the venue is L shaped, so he's wondering as well how the set up for the fair is gonna look like. I'm just gonna show up there since it's free anyways nothing to lose as they said ... well except some cash hehehehe:p. At least it's still walking distance to Westfields so we can still do the post fair meet up like always :D Hope the sellers checked their emails since this is indeed happening.

[brickiez4u]

Oh we'll be there.... by the way are you the guy selling the posters?

Hey buddy iam the guy who sells the vinyl posters:D

[brickiez4u]

How many sellers will show up to this one? Many at the Granville fair were saying it's cancelled. Is it the same set as in Granville? Though there were a lot more TF stuff, there weren't any that I was really interested in.
stall holders in granville including I wasnt to sure whether the fair was on or off all we knew that pcyc was cancelled and glen had another venue coming up but we had to wait. We only got told Monday Midday

[komikskolektor]

I'm going.. paid Glen in advance