Melbourne PRC – guest blog from B_Twin & Ithilien

Melbourne, Australia, PRC

On a pleasant summer afternoon, eleven Australian McKinley book-lovers gathered together in the grounds of a grand old Melbourne mansion for a picnic to celebrate the release of PEGASUS. The group consisted of bellringers, librarians, software engineers and an odd farmer^. Although dark clouds threatened nearby, there were only a few drops of rain during the afternoon.

The mansion in the gardens

Attendees (except for the late-comers)

Some of the attendees had already read PEGASUS, others were very excited by the prospect of a new Robin McKinley book. There was also much admiration of the gorgeous PEGASUS covers. After the posters were drooled over, the two mods – B-twin and Ithilien – conducted the official raffles for the 2 posters and copy of PEGASUS. All three items were won by excited fans.

A very happy librarian (wearing PINK!) with her prize copy of PEGASUS

The festivities continued with a feast inspired by SUNSHINE. There was blueberry pie, apricot pie, caramel mud cupcakes, sandwiches, vegies with crackers & dip, lemon bars, two types of choc-chip cookies, fruit & custard tarts and a huge punnet of fresh cherries! The drinks table groaned under the weight of the thermos for tea & coffee, water & grapefruit juice, ginger beer and cordial. No one left hungry!

Mmmmm. Thanks for the fruit tarts Audrey! :)

Conversation was non-stop and covered many Robin McKinley novels as well as libraries, e-readers, fantasy books and bellringing.

The afternoon was rounded off when 3 attendees went across the road from the park to ring bells^^ at St James, Gardenvale.

Thanks to forum members Audrey and Susan in Melbourne who worked hard to make this a success. :)

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^ 5am start… cooking, check sheep, more cooking, drive for 3 hours, PICNIC. ;)

^^ A highly unusual activity for readers of this blog… ;)