ASE Spring Experience – Hogsmere Two
The 2023-24 ASE President, Peter Browning (#49104), would like to invite you to join him in North Wales for the ASE Spring Meeting, from Thursday 11th April to Sunday 14th April 2024.
The theme for the event is Harry Potter. For those not familiar with the books or the films, a translation will be provided… The event is open to Wizards and Muggles (Senators and partners).
The value for money is outstanding – from just £355 for the full package, including drinks and accommodation. Our base will be Ellesmere College in North Shropshire, staying in single or twin-bedded rooms sharing toilet & shower facilities. (There is a waiting list for ensuite rooms).
We will be using 4 different school houses, each with their own common room to enable you to make your own magic potions into the early hours of the morning as well as a Wizard Bar where everyone can gather together.
Thursday 11th. You are invited to arrive from Thursday afternoon from 2.00 pm for a relaxing afternoon, followed by an evening meal and Senate fun and friendship.
For those who are flying by scheduled airline (or broomstick) there will be an airport shuttle at 12 noon from Manchester airport.
Friday 12th. We have booked a Magical Mystery Tour which will include a canal trip on the awe-inspiring 127 feet high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or spending some time in the beautiful town of Llangollen. After lunch we all go to Platform 9 ¾ to board the Hogwarts Express, for a trip through the beautiful Dee Valley countryside before returning for a Sparkling afternoon tea when we will also be joined by those just arriving for the weekend.
On Friday evening we will gather for a Cocktail Concoctions drinks reception and traditional Sorting Ceremony where you will be allocated to your House. An evening meal and more fun and frivolity will follow and of course the Wizard Bar.
Saturday 13th. The 5th ASE Board Meeting and the 3rd Presidents’ Forum of the year will be held in the morning plus an afternoon Bumble Bee gathering at the pool.
There will be a full day of activities in the College grounds where you can take your choice from a range of activities. Why not fly an owl, learn how to play golf, have a go at archery or take a gentle walk through the grounds or learn how to make cocktails? A hog roast lunch and refreshments will ensure you are well-fed and watered.
Then dress up in your robes or hats, with wands at the ready, for the Wizards’ Dinner in the Great Hall.
Sunday 14th. A gentle start to Sunday will include a local walk, treasure hunt or visit to the Ellesmere Heritage Boat Yard before lunch overlooking Ellesmere Mere and the programme ending at approximately 2.30 pm.
There is plenty of free parking on site, and we will happily help with arranging transport for those coming by plane or train. There will be an Airport Shuttle to Manchester Airport on Sunday.
There will be a pre-tour starting on Saturday 6th April from Manchester Airport with further details being available soon.
You can book by completing/returning the booking form either as a PDF, Word document or via Google forms https://forms.gle/gUa3zivJzmP6HmPe7 or by emailing asespringmeeting24@gmail.com. They contain further details of cost and methods of payment.
Sally-Anne Greenfield (#59166) is leading the team organising the event and Rachael Shah (#81540) is responsible for marketing in the team.
In Senate and Wizard Friendship, the ASE Spring Meeting organising team
Professor Dumbledore, the Headmistress of the Dark Arts, the Potions Master, Librarian, Herbology Teacher, Matron, Quidditch Referee and the other members of the Wizardry team.