Medieval Carcassonne

We've made a change to our itinerary in Southern France, now visiting the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne on Easter Sunday. Rather than stopping at Montpellier, we will make a detour and visit this amazingly picturesque city in the Languedoc region. Made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Carcassonne looks like something from a fairy tale. In fact, Walt Disney got his idea for the castle in Sleeping Beauty from the fortified city. 

The 1991 Warner Bros film, 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' used the exterior views of the walled city of Carcassonne as Nottingham in the film.

It is also the location for the 2012 'Labyrinth' miniseries based on the 2005 best-selling book by Kate Mosse.

See a preview of the miniseries and Carcassonne in all its splendour:

http://youtu.be/TSeKCTtEnBI

In Carcassonne, the turreted rampart surrounding the city is made up of two walls, dating between 400AD and 1300AD. Within the fortified walls, Carcassonne was impregnable and the La Cite with 52 towers, a moat, drawbridge, Chateau Comptal and the St Nazare Basilica have remained relatively intact throughout the centuries. The city has experienced many battles including the crusades and the Inquisition. 

Carcassonne will be a fantastic addition to our itinerary!

Successful fundraising at Art Exhibition

Thanks to our wonderful helpers at the recent art exhibition. We held a successful stall with handmade cards, student designed tea candles, lemonade making kits, specially printed linen tea towels, fabulous cookbooks and our French inspired hamper raffle that was drawn on the night. Lots more opportunities to come, so keep posted.

Fundraising tea towel design

Have a look at our specially designed linen tea towel, printed for our fundraising stall at the art exhibition and for Gordon markets. Thanks to Hammerprint in Brookvale for their expert service!

Upcoming Fundraising Opportunities

After another successful sausage sizzle on a beautiful balmy winter's day, we have a number of fundraising activities in action over the next few weeks:

• Don't forget to sell your raffle tickets for a chance to win the French themed hamper - its full of scrumptious goodies!
• We will be having an art tour fundraising stall and a sausage sizzle on the opening night of our annual Visual Arts Exhibition - Wednesday, 28 August. Lots of fantastic goodies will be on sale including gift cards, design tea light candle holders, and specially printed linen tea towels. Our wonderful student travelers have assisted in creating these products. Many helpers are needed to man the barbeque and the art tour stall.
• On Election Day, 7 September, we will be having a sausage sizzle and fundraising stall. Keep posted for more details.
• We have booked a Christmas market stall at Gordon markets in December to sell more of our designed products. More details to come.

Next Payment Due

The second payment installment of $1500 is due on the 1st August. Invoices have been given to students at the fundraising meeting.

Student Fundraising Meeting

All student travellers need to attend a meeting in D1 at lunchtime on Friday 26 July to discuss fundraising proposals. Bring your lunch and your creative thinking!

Hotel Accommodation Booked

Our itinerary has been updated with the inclusion of booked hotels. Check out your French, Spanish and UAE accommodation on the designated blog page.