Deborah Segaert has been in the quilting and fabrics industry for almost 40 years, beginning in her mother’s wholesale patchwork business in 1985. She went on to be the editor of Tracy Marsh’s Craft & Decorating magazine in 1989. In 1999 she acquired Australia’s first patchwork magazine Down Under Quilts. She was focused entirely on Australian talent and gave the artisans’ and their achievements wider recognition. During this time, she also launched the Annual Excellence in Patchwork Awards, which recognised the best patchwork and quilting shops in Australia. In 2017 Deborah was approached by Universal Media Co to be the editor of Quilters Companion magazine. Deborah’s strong voice in the quilting community, and her vision, are still inspiring quilters around the country and the world. In April this year Deborah was the recipient of the Hall of Fame award for the quilting industry. An accolade that she has spent decades earning! Join Deborah on the incredible quilting and fabrics tour to the UK in 2024. Deborah has hosted a few tours over the years, and next year she will host the Travelrite International/Quilters Companion tour to visit Birmingham’s Festival of Quilts. “Join me on this wonderful tour! I have been to most of the places on the itinerary and I am very excited to be visiting them again, with like-minded quilters!” Deborah now lives in the gorgeous beachside suburb of Avoca Beach and like many, often works from home. “I am close to my family and even closer to my own sewing room while I listen to the bell birds outside and compile the contents of Quilters Companion – it’s certainly the definition of ‘living the dream’.”
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Sunday 21 July, 2024 Departure
Today we board our flight to London, England
DAY 2 Monday 22 July, 2024 London, England
This morning we arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport. After clearing customs,
we will be met by our private coach and transferred into the city. We will have
an overview sightseeing tour of exciting London before we transfer to our
hotel. We will see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s
Cathedral and more.
DAY 3 Tuesday 23 July, 2024 London
Today we visit Hampton Court Palace, which is an interesting place to learn
about the lives of British Monarchs from Henry VIII onwards. We will enjoy
a talk at the Royal School of Needlework on their work bringing historical
textiles back to life. We will see superb needlework produced by the students.
There will be free time to shop at The Royal Needlework Shop, which sells
high quality kits and supplies, before travelling to Creative Quilting, which
houses about a thousand bolts. It has shop samples and a generous selection
of patterns and books. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner to
formally meet Deborah.
DAY 4 Wednesday 24 July, 2024 London
This morning we travel north to Walthamstow to visit the recently renovated
William Morris Gallery. William Morris (24 March 1834 – 3 October 1896)
was a British textile designer, poet, novelist, translator, and socialist activist.
Associated with the British Arts and Crafts Movement, he was a major
contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of
production. We will see an internationally important collection illustrating
his life achievements and influences. This afternoon we will visit the Fashion
and Textile Museum. We will see the fashion design and art of the Chelsea
set in swinging London in the 60’s. Deborah will make sure we get the most
out of the day.
DAY 5 Thursday 25 July, 2024 London
This morning is free for individual exploration. You may wish to visit Liberty
of London, where beautiful fabrics are available. In the afternoon we visit
the Museum of London’s Dress and Textile Collection. It includes clothes and
textiles made, sold, bought and worn in London from the 16th century to
the present. We will see clothing made by London fashion houses including
hardy Amies and Mary Quant and garments made for the Royal family. We
continue with a visit to the Antique and Textile Company of London. The
owner Christopher Wilson-Tate has just joined Moda as a fabric designer and
is a specialist in antique quilts.
DAY 6 Friday 26 July, 2024 Winchester
This morning we travel to Winchester. On the journey we stop at Lady Sew
and Sew quilt shop. It has very friendly staff and great fabric. On arrival in
Winchester we check into our hotel. Those wishing to have dinner with the
group will meet in the lobby.
DAY 7 Saturday 27 July, 2024 Winchester
Today we continue to Chawton, in East Hampshire to visit the Jane Austen
House Museum. This was where Jane lived for the last eight years of her
life and wrote many of her novels. She was very good at needlework and
we will see samples of this needle work. The museum also fosters research
and understanding of early women writers to restore them to their rightful
place in the history of English literature. We return to Winchester to visit
Winchester cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. The cathedral
is also the resting place of Jane Austen, now celebrated as one of England’s
greatest novelists. When she was buried in the Cathedral in 1817 at the age of
41, her original memorial stone made no mention of her books. We can read
the brass plaque erected in 1872 to redress the omission in the north side
aisle and an illustrated exhibition detailing Jane Austen’s life, work and death
in Hampshire, is displayed beside her grave.
DAY 8 Sunday 28 July, 2024 Bath
This morning we will drive to visit Lacock village. This gorgeous village, which
has been preserved by the National Trust was used as the village in Downton
Abbey. We will visit Lacock Abbey founded in the early 13th century by Ela
the countess of Salisbury and also visit the William Henry Fox Talbot’s country
house with its interesting museum of photography. We continue our journey
to Bath, where we will stay three nights.
DAY 9 Monday 29 July, 2024 Bath
Today we enjoy a tour of Bath with a local guide. Founded around naturally
occurring hot springs, the Romans built baths and a temple. Bath has been
listed as a world heritage city. During the Georgian period, it became a
popular spa resort. We will see the Roman Baths and Georgian assembly
rooms, as well as the beautiful terraces, built during Georgian times. We
will visit No 1 Royal Crescent, a museum which features historic furniture
and objects which give the viewer an idea of what life was like for Baths
fashionable residents. In the afternoon we visit the Jane Austen Centre,
where we will get a snapshot of life during Regency times and explore how
living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen’s life and writing. There is
a superb gift shop for you to enjoy.
DAY 10 Tuesday 30 July, 2024 Bath
Today we will visit the American Museum in Britain. In the Manor House you
will visit the American Heritage Exhibition. There is also a Folk Art exhibition.
After visiting the museum there are three shops to explore: The Country Shop,
the Herb Shop, and the Gallery Shop. We continue with a visit to the Fashion
Museum in the Assembly Rooms, which focuses on fashionable dress for men,
women and children from the late 16th century to the present day and has more
than 100,000 objects. This afternoon will be free for individual exploration.
Deborah will give the group tips on where to explore. Later in the day we will
enjoy afternoon tea in the Pump Room Restaurant. We will be served finger
sandwiches, warm scones, and a selection of mini cakes to the sound of the
Pump Room Trio or a pianist. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
DAY 11 Wednesday 31 July, 2024 Birmingham
Today we will travel north stopping in the pretty village of Great Doddington.
Located in the village, St Nicholas Church dates back to Norman times. Mary
and Sam from the Poppy Patch will welcome us into their barn conversion
with over 1500 bolts of sumptuous fabrics. We arrive in Birmingham in
readiness for the opening of the Festival of Quilts tomorrow. It is the largest
patchwork and quilting event in Europe with an International following.
DAY 12 Thursday 1 August, 2024 Birmingham
We visit the Birmingham Festival of Quilts on its opening day. The Festival
has over 1000 quilts on display, in competitions and general displays for
inspiration and adoration. Get a taste of all the different styles of quilting, with
stall holders from all over Europe amongst the 200 stands. Fabrics, threads,
kits, bags, French magazines, workshops, patterns and much more, will be
showcased at this annual event. Deborah will point out the best exhibits.
DAY 13 Friday 2 August, 2024 Birmingham
A day to enjoy exploring the Festival of Quilts. In the afternoon group
members can stay on at the show or enjoy free time to explore Birmingham.
DAY 14 Saturday 3 August, 2024 York
We travel through the picturesque English countryside to York today. On the
journey, we visit Sheffield where Patchwork Garden is located. Along with
friendly advice and courses in quilting and dressmaking, Patchwork Garden
brings a riot of colourful fabrics and carefully selected sewing & crafting
supplies. We will stop in an attractive town on the way to York for lunch. The
city of York has retained so much of its medieval structure that walking into
its centre is like entering a living museum.
DAY 15 Sunday 4 August, 2024 York
This morning we have a sightseeing tour of York with a local guide. During the
tour we see York Minster, containing the largest selection of medieval stained
glass in Britain. We walk through the Shambles, a row of ancient houses with
second stories leaning over the street. We continue with a visit to the York
Castle Museum, which houses a collection of costume, textiles and household
furniture mainly from the 19th century. Gallery guides often dress in Victorian
clothes. There is also a collection of textiles and fabrics. In the afternoon we
will visit Gillies Fabrics, which has a large range of fabrics, haberdashery and
patterns. The people serving in the shop are very knowledgeable.
DAY 16 Monday 5 August, 2024 York
This morning we will visit Castle Howard. The castle was used as the
location for “Brideshead Revisited”, its garden is described as one of the
finest examples of “The Heroic Age of English Landscape Architecture”. The
grounds were first designed by Sir John Vanbrugh to compliment the castle
he also designed. We will enjoy a free afternoon to explore York.
DAY 17 Tuesday 6 August, 2024 Manchester
Today we travel to Manchester. On the journey we visit Eme Cloth & Yard
in Ilkley a small cute quilt shop. We continue with a visit to one of the
outstanding collection of clothing and accessories in Britain, the Gallery of
Costume. It is housed in the elegant surroundings of Platt Hall. This evening
we will have a farewell dinner to celebrate our wonderful time in the UK.
DAY 18 Wednesday 7 August, 2024 Departure
Today we travel the short distance to Manchester airport to board our flight
back to Australia.
DAY 19 Thursday 8 August, 2024 In Flight
DAY 20 Friday 9 August, 2024 Arrival Australia
We arrive in Australia today and the tour concludes.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $11,280 | $13,680 |
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal additional cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. All passengers must complete and sign a Travelrite International booking form.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
A non refundable deposit of $900 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form. The confirmation advice will contain all details. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 60 days prior to the commencement of the tour. A1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards. Cancellation 60 days or less the that the departure date will result in a cancelation fee of 100% of the full fare.
TOUR ORGANISATION:
Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport with six month validity. If not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
BAGGAGE:
Passengers qualify for 30kg of luggage on the flight.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The fly/tour arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 61 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the tour. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour arrangement and/or make such changes to the tour arrangements as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of these tours. The contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAY and UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $900 for the Quilters Companion quilting tour. Please send to:
Please send to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868 or
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au
www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has an ATAS accredited office at Balwyn, which is also accredited with IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
