IBM Retirees Club (Midlands)
(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)
April 2009 Newsletter
Editorial
30 members and guests enjoyed a day out in Greenwich and we found there was quite a lot to see and do. After a trip down the river on a rather splendid catamaran (well done, Alan, for losing half the party!), there was a break for lunch at the historic Trafalgar Inn where several members were seen to be enjoying their whitebait speciality. Members took in the various items of interest in the area such as the Royal Naval Museum, the Greenwich Observatory, the market and some even braved the foot tunnel under the Thames. Thanks to Alan Bridgman for organising an excellent day out - and he did manage to rescue the members who had got lost!
The Annual General Meeting was held on the 16th March at the Falcon Inn with 48 attendees. Our thanks to Carole for all her hard work, particularly with having to organise the change of meeting location from IBM. If you were not at the AGM and would like to see the minutes, please click the link at the end of this Newsletter.
Did you like the idea of holding the AGM at a non-IBM location? I didn't get any negative comments and there were no points raised during AOB so do the Committee assume that everybody is happy with what we do? On the positive side, informal polling elicited the following suggestions for future events:-
Please let the Committee know if any or all of these would have your support as we can feed them into our Planning meeting which is held in August. And of course any other suggestions will be welcomed - we are keen to run events that YOU want to take part in.
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I have added a new link at the end of the Newsletter entitled IBM and IBM Club which points to three further links which are:-
You will notice that some of the information is fairly basic but I will be adding to it as more becomes available. Input from members is always welcome!
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Brian Wilson, Newsletter Editor. Telephone: 01926-777710 e-mail: brian_h_wilson@msn.com
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Committee Changes
As often occurs at an Annual general Meeting there have been some changes to the Committee:-
Ken Hope. After a somewhat strenuous two years, Ken has left the Committee and his position as Chairman, although I am sure we will see him at some of our events. Many of you will have know that IBM HR wanted to make changes - some fairly radical - to the way in which the IBM Clubs operated and some of these changes would not have been to the Retirees' advantage. I know that Ken would be the first to acknowledge the help that other members have given him but the main burden has fallen on his shoulders and that the fact that we have got such a good deal in the process is no small thanks to him. Well done Ken and our thanks to you.
Alan Palmer. Alan has 'volunteered' to take Ken's place as Chairman and our good wishes go to him.
Ron Barber. Ron has felt unable to remain on the Committee due to personal committments but hopes to re-join us at a future date when circumstances permit. Our good wishes go to him with our thanks for his work on our behalf.
Peter Barnes has joined us as of the AGM. Welcome on board and we hope you enjoy your stint.
Brian Wilson
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Events Update
Bristol. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are not able to run this trip at the moment but we will certainly be running it at a later date.
Northumberland. Tony tells me that there are still a few places on this trip but if you want to go, please let him know as soon as possible as he needs to give final numbers to the coach company. Full details appeared in the February Newsletter.
Jazz - 27th June. Announcement and Booking Form in this Newsletter.
Duxford - 12th July. See announcement in this Newsletter.
Summer Lunch - 22nd July. Further details and a booking form will be in the May Newsletter.
Sezincote and Bourton - 30th July. Announcement and Booking Form later in this Newsletter.
Houses of Parliament. We are having trouble finding somebody at Westminster who can arrange this. We are not giving up though as quite a number of people have expressed a wish to go.
Shrewsbury - 14th August is the date for this one. Further details will appear nearer the time.
Northern Ireland - 21-25 September. Still places available.
Brian Wilson
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Upton Jazz Festival - Saturday 27th June 2009 (organiser - David Williams)
We had a great day of jazz last year at Upton-upon-Severn, and we are planning more of the same this year! Whatever your taste in jazz; traditional, modern, dixieland, big-band, manouche, you are likely to find what you want at Upton's Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival. A wonderful atmosphere - if you are new to jazz festivals its a great place to start. Find further details at www.uptonjazz.co.uk .
Your Day Ticket for Saturday 27th June will allow you to park free and to attend all events at all venues. The music on Fish Meadow starts at 10.00am but there's a Parade through the centre of Upton starting out from the church at 11:30am. For those with the stamina, the entertainment continues until 11:30pm. Food-wise, Upton has some fine hotels and pubs and around the marquees on Fish Meadow there will be the usual wide range of stalls for eating and for shopping.
The cost this year for members and first guests is just £16 for a Jazz Day Ticket, the cost for further guests will be £25. Great value for a good day out!
Please enclose a SAE with your cheque and booking form so we can send you your tickets.
David Williams, 20 Park Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 6LG
Email:- dggw@talktalk.net
Your booking will be acknowledged by email.
Tickets, when available, will then be sent to you by SAE (please send one with your booking form).
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Preliminary Announcement - Sunday July 12 - Flying Legends Airshow, IWM Duxford (organiser Phil Dalton)
Surely one of the world’s greatest air shows, Flying Legends features a phenomenal selection of classic American and European aircraft such as the Hurricane, Mustang and Spitfire – to name a few.
Set against Duxford’s historic backdrop, the mile of excitement provided on the ground by specialist traders, Second World War crew re-enactors, flight simulator and much more all contribute to the unique nostalgia and atmosphere of Flying Legends.
Already confirmed flying participation:
Sunday 12 July – Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster
Event will include coach travel to/from IBM Warwick and entrance to Duxford. Details and booking form will apear in the May Newsletter.
Queries to Phil Dalton email:- phil_dalton@btinternet.com
Phil Dalton
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Sezincote and Bourton House Gardens July 30th (organiser Alan Palmer)
Sezincote and Bourton House are close together in Bourton on the Hill. As this is a "self drive" event, directions are given below.
Sezincote is a house in the Mogul style of Rajasthan. Brighton Pavillion is modelled on it. The house and extensive grounds will be opened at 10:30 especially for us, so we have it to ourselves. The house tour will be at 11:00am prompt and lasts about 30 minutes (the house is well into the gardens, so allow a good ten minutes after arrival to get there). Then there is free time to wander the gardens. You will probably need over an hour.
For more, see http://www.sezincote.co.uk/
Lunch is not provided, but there are numerous eateries in Moreton-in-Marsh (about 2 miles down the road).
Our group visit to Bourton House Garden is from 2:30pm onward. The garden with its amazing borders won the HHA/Christie's GARDEN OF THE YEAR 2006.
Tea or coffee and cake will be served during the unguided visit.
For more, see http://www.bourtonhouse.com/
Sezincote is off the A44 roughly opposite the Garden Centre, Falconry and Arboretum, west of Moreton-in Marsh. Bourton House Garden is just a bit further along that road (car park on the right -north- side of the road). HHA membership is not applicable on the day.
Cost is £12.50 or £19.50 unsubsidised. As the current maximum number is 25, second guests will not be booked until the booking close date which is 22nd June.
Alan Palmer, Wheatfield Barn, Fosse Way, Ettington, Warks. CV37 7PD
Telephone:- 01789 741908 Email:- aandapalmer@tiscali.co.uk
Alan Palmer
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Click on the links below for specific information. Links to booking forms are from the event announcement.
2009 Diary General Notes about Events AGM Minutes Committee Contacts
Membership Information Newsletter Archives Newsletter Production
PC and Technology Group (Founded by Harry Green) IBM and IBM Club