Opening Dinner

Exeter Village Hall

Friday 7pm

Come in your Regency costumes or appropriate formalwear to enjoy an evening of refined Regency entertainment. Guests will be treated to an elegant seated dinner, accompanied by a variety of Regency amusements showcasing the sights and sounds of the era, and providing a convivial setting for conversation and enjoyment.

Limited studio portrait opportunities available

Grand Ball

Bundanoon Memorial Hall

Saturday 7:30pm

Come in your finest attire to the Regency Ball on Saturday night at our new venue, the Bundanoon Memorial Hall. Enjoy dancing under the guidance of our dance callers, or simply relax and listen to the wonderful music of Short Dented Potts, who will play traditional favourites along with a few surprises. Card tables will be available for non‑dancers.
Supper will be served midway through the ball, and limited photography studio will also be available for portrait photographs.

Important note: As the Ball is being held at a new location, please bring your supper contribution with you when you arrive at Bundanoon Memorial Hall, as we are unable to transport food from Exeter.

Sunday Service

St Aidan’s Anglican Church

Sunday 10am

St Aidan’s Anglican Church would like to invite any who would care to join the service at 10am on Sunday morning.
The service will reflect on the time when Jane Austen would have attended her father’s church in Steventon, with Hymns and prayers harking back to that time.

Note: All those who attend will be assured of first provision of picnic lunch, prior to the service, and transport to Golden Vale at the service conclusion.

Picnic Lunch

Included in your ticket

Sunday 9:30am

A selection of picnic provisions will be available for you to create your own custom snack box. Enjoy a relaxed outdoor meal on the beautiful grounds of Golden Vale Homestead, surrounded by nature. Take a moment to unwind, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a delicious bite in the fresh air.

Golden Vale Homestead

Included in your ticket

Sunday 11am

We will all be visiting historic Golden Vale Homestead. Bus transfer has been arranged, as private cars are restricted. After morning tea and collecting your picnic lunch, we will depart Exeter Hall at 11am by bus, returning at 3:30pm in time for afternoon tea.

Whilst at Golden Vale, you will be able to tour the grounds at your leisure. Inspection of the house will also be available with National Trust volunteer guides (gold coin donation appreciated).

Note: transport is by bus, private cars restricted. BYO picnic rug or chair.

Maypole

Included in your ticket

Sunday 11am

Watching our ribbons making patterns, as we duck and weave to the caller’s guidance – a tradition that goes back in time, but is just as much fun today. Set on the glorious stretch of lawn behind the Golden Vale Homestead, the Maypole and the dancers make a beautiful picture. Come and join in!

Horse & Carriage

$10 – pay on the day (card or exact change)

Sunday 11am

Southern Highlands Carriage Club will present a display of historic carriages for inspection and photography at Golden Vale. Carriage rides may be purchased on the day.

Note: Carriage rides cannot be pre-booked and works on a first come, first serve basis.

Archery

$15 – pay on the day (card or exact change)

Sunday 11am

Step into the refined world of Regency-era archery, guided by the esteemed David Potter. Amidst our estate grounds, embrace tradition and grace in this genteel pursuit. Your esteemed presence is welcomed as we celebrate camaraderie and skill beneath the azure skies of the Golden Vale Homestead.

Note: Archery cannot be pre-booked and works on a first come, first serve basis.

In the Regency Ballroom

Included in your ticket

Friday & Saturday

Across two days of immersive workshops, dancers of all levels are guided from foundational skills to confident performance in the ballroom. Beginning with Easing into English Country Dancing, participants build core steps and figures through sessions such as Regency Footwork and Figures and The Village Maid. From there, the focus shifts to style, energy, and ensemble dancing with Currency Lasses Quadrille, Lively Regency, and ‘Downfall’ of Scottish. The program culminates in Opening the Ball, ensuring all feel prepared, polished, and ready for the evening’s festivities.

Note: some workshops may be held in a new location, Sutton Forest Hall which is a 5 minute drive north of Exeter Village Hall

Choir Practice

Included in your ticket

Friday 3:30pm

Join Kathy Potter and other musically-minded individuals to practice and perform some songs at the Friday Night Opening Dinner. The songs you will sing will include Let No Man Steal Your Thyme and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

Musician Session

Included in your ticket

Sunday 9:30am

An informal practice session with the band. Bring your own musical instrument and join them in providing some of the music at Golden Vale Homestead.

Easing into English Country Dancing

Colin Towns

Friday 11am & Sat 9am

This workshop will assist beginners to be in the right place at the right time and will give more experienced dancers the fun of applying their skills to familiar and new dances. The dance program is based on English Country Dance with traditional favourites and new variations sympathetic to the era.

Friday location will be advised on the day, based on the weather

We highly recommend inexperienced dancers attend this Beginners Workshop on Friday or Saturday and at least one workshop on Saturday before the Ball in preparation.

Regency Footwork & Figures

Katherine Tammaro

Friday 1:30pm

Step into the elegance of the Regency era with this workshop on footwork and figures. Aimed at dancers who are already comfortable with basic steps such as skipping or who have attended previous workshops, this session will build on your existing skills. Learn some new stylish steps and embellishments which can be used for a range of dances. Time permitting, we may also explore a small selection of more intricate figured dances.

The Village Maid

Dr Heather Blasdale-Clarke

Friday 3:30pm

The beautiful flowing Regency dress allowed women a great deal of freedom of movement. The advantage of this was manifest in the new and exciting steps they could now dance. Together with soft ballet slippers, flesh coloured tights, and shorter hemlines women, could point their toes and enjoy a new level of artistic expression.

Join dance historian Dr Heather Blasdale-Clarke to learn the Village Maid, a graceful ladies’ solo dance. The melody was first published in 1789 and was also popular for country dances. It’s a relatively easy dance and having just a little dance experience will make the it both achievable and enjoyable for most people. Gentlemen are also welcome to learn this elegant dance because Regency gentlemen loved to dance too!

Currency Lasses Quadrille

Dr Heather Blasdale-Clarke

Saturday 9am

This June marks the 200th anniversary of the Currency Lasses Quadrille, a significant milestone in Australia’s cultural heritage. First danced in Sydney in 1826 at a private ball where “the muses and graces mingled together most harmoniously,” the music was composed by Tempest Margaret Paul. It is the earliest known surviving instrumental composition written in Australia—and notably, dance music.
As no original instructions exist, a period-appropriate version has been devised in consultation with leading quadrille authority Ellis Rogers. This single-figure quadrille will be taught in this workshop, alongside a selection of Regency dances known in the early colony.

Lively Regency

Katherine Tammaro

Saturday 10:45am

Join Katherine Tammaro for a lively Regency dance workshop, where you’ll learn the energetic and sociable dances featured at the Saturday night ball. Guided step-by-step, you’ll build confidence in the figures, timing, and style of the period, ensuring you can take to the floor with ease and enjoyment when the evening festivities begin.

‘Downfall’ of Scottish

Bill Unger

Saturday 1:30pm

Explore the lively finale of the ball, Downfall of Paris, a dance dating to 1816 when English Country Dancing closely resembled Scottish Country Dancing. In this workshop, Bill Unger—an experienced Scottish Country Dance teacher—will guide you through key formations and help build confidence, precision, and speed. By the end, you’ll be well prepared to enjoy this much-loved and energetic closing dance.

Tea & Tempers

Included in your ticket

Friday afternoon tea

Whispers abound that Friday’s afternoon tea shall be anything but tranquil. A certain gentleman’s honor has been called into question, and tensions are set to boil over. Could it be a matter of the heart? A long-standing feud? One cannot say, but one would be wise to be in attendance—lest they miss the scandal of the season.

Making a Sari Gown

Adrienne Unger

Saturday 9:15am

Unable to attend the sari gown consultation workshop? Join Adrienne Unger for an inspiring presentation showcasing the many ways she has transformed saris into Regency gowns since 2009. Through a rich collection of photographs, Adrienne will explore design approaches, fabric placement, and creative adaptations, offering valuable insight and inspiration for anyone considering working with sari fabrics in their own Regency wardrobe.

Printed Fabric in Regency Clothing

Wendy Wildemoth

Saturday 11am

Are regency fabrics are boring and pale? Come and see how diverse they really were: strawberry, hibiscus & a 70s sofa! Wendy is back with even more fabulous prints for you to admire & be surprised by.

Wendy Wildemoth has been interested in both sewing and historical costuming since her teenage years and obsessed over Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion on it’s first release. Regency clothing remains a special area of interest.

Fashion Plate to Fashionable Lady

Rebecca Noble

Saturday 1:45pm

Often when we see a gown, we pine for it. Imagine ourselves wearing such a creation but unknowing where to start? Join Rebecca as she will teach you how to break down fashion plates and extent garments into workable pieces of art you can create yourself. Do you have a gown in mind? Bring a copy of the plate or extent garment and we will dissect this into a workable plan for you to create yourself. Tips on creative exploration, pattern basics to work with what you already have and comfortable with each skill level.
Provided – a work book
What you will need – a printed out copy of a fashion plate or extent gown.

Redcoats & Rifles

Included in your ticket

Saturday afternoon tea

Immerse yourself in the captivating spectacle of musket firing and regimental marching, transporting you back to the era of Lydia Bennet’s fascination with the Meryton Redcoats. Experience the thunderous echoes of history as the prowess and precision of the military unfold before your very eyes, igniting a fervor of excitement and admiration

⚠ Trigger Warning: This display includes musket fire with loud bangs. Those sensitive to sudden and/or loud noises may wish to prepare accordingly.

Balls, Banquets & the King’s Birthday

Scott Carlin

Saturday 3:45pm

Step into the social world of early colonial society as cultural historian Scott Carlin explores the balls and dinners that shaped its calendar, from King’s Birthday festivities to Waterloo commemorations. Through a rich slideshow of period illustrations, this presentation examines how these themed occasions combined dining, dancing, and display, offering insight into the customs and cultural aspirations of colonial New South Wales.

Sari Gown Consultation & Design Layout

Bookings essential, $30

Thursday 10am

Have a sari you love but feel unsure how to begin transforming it? Bring it along for a personalised consultation with Adrienne Unger, who has been creating Regency dresses from sari fabrics since 2009.

You’ll receive personalised guidance on design possibilities, layout, and how to make the most of your fabric. This masterclass format also allows you to observe consultations on a variety of sari styles, offering inspiration and insight beyond your own piece.

Equipment to bring: sari fabric, any Regency dress patterns you have, lots of pins, tape measure, notebook & pencil

Note: lunch is not provided during this workshop, please bring your own.

Regency Entomology

Bookings essential, $30

Friday 11am

Step into the world of Regency natural history in this hands-on workshop exploring the art of butterfly preservation. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, entomology was a fashionable pursuit among “gentleman scientists,” with carefully pinned specimens displayed in elegant cabinets of curiosity. In this 90-minute session, you’ll learn traditional pinning techniques, specimen handling, and presentation methods—creating your own display piece inspired by the scientific curiosity and aesthetic sensibilities of the Regency era. Kits and butterflies will be provided.

Equipment to bring: apron (optional)

Theatrical Fencing

Bookings essential, $25

Friday 11am, Fri 1:30pm

Step back into the Regency period and learn the basic rapier sword skills used in theatrical fencing and stage combat. This workshop offers a hands-on experience in creating a duel, immersing you in the elegance and precision of Regency-era swordplay.

All weapons will be provided. A relief for those of us without a weapons chest.

Fletching: Feather Your Arrows

Bookings essential, $20

Friday 11am

Join our hands-on fletching workshop to learn the art of crafting arrows, just as it was done in the Regency period. Discover historical techniques and create your own arrows with traditional materials. All tools and materials provided

Equipment to bring: an apron to protect your clothing

Regency Watercolours

Bookings essential, $15

Friday 11am, 1:30pm

The Regency period saw watercolour move from a utilitarian draftsman’s tool to the establishment of the Society of Painters in Watercolours in 1804.

Jenny Wardrobe invites you to explore watercolour painting using professional grade watercolour paint and paper. The materials sourced from modern art supplies will closely reflect those used in the Regency period. Suitable for beginners. A full kit will be supplied.

Equipment to bring: an apron/overshirt & a small hand towel that may get paint on it.

Welt Pockets

Bookings essential, $25

Friday 11am

Adrienne Unger will walk you through 3 ways of making welt pockets. This will include the way the way they are used in Regency mens vests and coats as well as a guide to pattern matching. You will take home notes and 3 different samples.

Equipment to bring: basic sewing kit including fabric scissors, needles, sharp pins, thimble and cotton thread.

Regency Biscuits

Bookings essential, $12

Friday 11am

Lorelle Smith, a former chef with a passion for historical cooking, will lead a discussion on biscuits in the Regency period. Participants will recreate Shrewsbury biscuits from “The New Practice of Cookery, Pastry, Baking and Preserving” by Mrs Hudson & Mrs Donat, gaining insight into period recipes, techniques, and flavours.

Equipment to bring: an apron

Regency Stockings

Bookings essential, $60

Friday 1:30pm AND 3:30pm

During this two-session workshop, participants learn to measure their own legs, draft simple patterns, cut fabric, and sew elegant Regency stockings. Guided by Mary Kingsford, you’ll build practical skills and leave with a custom-fitted pair. White and baby blue fabric is provided, with sewing machines available if preferred.

Mary will be in touch via email prior to the workshop to collect your measurements, saving time on the day.

Equipment to bring: Fabric scissors, more sewing pins than you think you will need, needles, white or baby blue cotton thread, tape measure, 1m elastic OR 1metre of 1 inch wide ribbon, small embroidery to embellish (optional)

Note: This is workshop is a DOUBLE SESSION

Ruffled Cap

Bookings essential, $20

Friday 1:30pm

Ruffled caps were popular among women in the Regency era and the 18th century. These caps were typically made of linen or cotton and featured a round, gathered or pleated design with a frilled or ruffled brim. They were worn by married women, and women “of a certain age”, both indoors and under bonnets when going out. Join Adrienne Unger as she leads you through making your own cotton ruffled cap.

Equipment to bring: basic sewing kit including fabric scissors, needles, sharp pins, thimble and cotton thread.

Croquet

Bookings essential, $10

Friday 2pm, 3:30pm

Saturday 2pm, 3:30pm

Members of the Southern Highlands Croquet Club, which is located next to the Village Hall, will show you the finer points of this traditional Regency past time.

Note: Soft flat soled shoes must be worn (ie sneakers style). You will not be permitted on the court in hard shoes. No food or drink on the courts.

Regency Ladies Hairstyles

Bookings essential, $15

Friday 3:30pm

Left in the lurch by your ladies’ maid? Whatever shall you do for the ball? Let Marie-Therese guide you through the ever-evolving hairstyles of the Regency period. Develop skills in braiding, curling and bun-making. Then, craft your own signature hairstyle to flaunt at the ball. You will be sure to catch Mr. Darcy’s eye!

Equipment to bring: All materials will be supplied. However, participants are encouraged to bring extra supplies to individualise their hairstyles.

Buckram Bonnet

Bookings essential, $40-$50 (price TBC)

Saturday 9am AND 10:45am

During this two-session workshop, create an elegant 1814 walking bonnet to complement your existing outerwear, guided by Kelly Lock. Using traditional buckram hat-making techniques, you’ll shape and construct a bonnet with period-accurate structure and style. The pattern is designed for a 56cm head and can be adjusted as needed.

A team member will be in touch prior to the workshop to confirm your head size and ensure the best possible fit.

Kit provided: Instructions, pattern, buckram, pellon wadding, millinery wire.

Equipment to bring: needles, pins, thimble, white cotton thread, 1m of fabric to cover the bonnet (inside and out), scissors.

Note: This is workshop is a DOUBLE SESSION

The Feathered Headdress

Bookings essential, $20

Saturday 9am

Ever dream of being the envy of the ton with a headdress adorned with sumptuous feathers? Join Rebecca Noble and learn how to combine feathers together to create a plump, bouncy array to join to your bonnet or hair tyle for the evenings activities. In this workshop you will learn how to attach feathers using historical methods and then create an evening headdress suitable and fashionable for the concerning lady, to dine or dance the evening away. You will be provided with a headdress base, suitable trims, two feathers, hairclips (optional), thread and booklet.

Equipment to bring: basic sewing kit (scissors/snips, hand sewing needles) and any additional trims you may wish to add to your headdress e.g. brooch, fancy button, trim to match your gown.

Regency Fruit Jellies

Bookings essential, $5

Saturday 9am

In this hands-on workshop, former chef with a passion for historical cooking, Lorelle Smith will lead you through the discussion and recreation of Fruit Jellies enjoyed in Jane Austen’s time, using whole fruits as the flavouring and mold. All equipment & materials provided.

Equipment to bring: an apron to protect your clothing

Quill Cutting & Writing

Bookings essential, $15

Saturday 10:45am

Published author & historian Bronwyn Parry will walk you through how to cut a quill and the art of writing with a quill. Participants will receive a quill to cut, paper to write on, and a handout with notes about cutting and writing. There will be some sealing wax available for you to seal your letters.

Equipment to bring: sharp craft knife and a small cutting mat or board.

Art of Smocking

Bookings essential, $20

Saturday 1:30pm AND 3:30pm

In this 2-session hands-on workshop, discover the art of smocking led by Keshini Richards! Explore its rich history in period dress and learn to create textured designs on gathered fabric using traditional stitches. Participants will start a project, choosing between a bag or a Regency bib front dress bodice insert.

Equipment to bring: needles, white cotton thread, sharp pins, thimble, measuring tape, fabric scissors, embroidery scissors

Note: This is workshop is a DOUBLE SESSION

Historic Hand Stitching

Bookings essential, $15

Friday 1:30pm

ADVANCED LEVEL

For those who know the basics of sewing but want to learn more about historical hand-sewing techniques, Bronwyn Parry will demonstrate techniques such as the Mantua maker’s seam, the English stitch, and cartridge pleating.

Equipment to bring: please bring a basic sewing kit including scissors, pins and needles.

Regency Turbans

Bookings essential, $2

Saturday 3:30pm

Embrace the glamour and convenience of the Regency era’s simplest headwear! If you find yourself sighing over hair that is too short, straight, thin, or generally frustrating or if your bonnet does not match your ensemble, keep your ears warm, is too bulky for your trunk, or is simply non-existent, this is the workshop for you. Bring along scarves, light shawls, and/or matching fabric to craft various headdresses from the simple, Grecian-inspired wraps of the early Regency to the fantastical creations of the late Regency and early 1830s!

Equipment to bring: scarves, light shawls and/or matching fabric