IBM RETIREES CLUB (Midlands)
(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)
Links to Booking Forms by individual events
Click here to see 2005 Diary
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February 2005 Newsletter
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Editorial
Looks like we have almost a full house at Ryton Gardens for the lunch. Please see my note later in this newsletter about the diversions and watch out for the speed cameras along the A45. Apart from the lunch, there is quite a lot of interest at Ryton so allow time to look round the shop and check out why it is a 'good thing' to go organic.
You will see under the note about the AGM that we are laying on a buffet at the Falcon Inn. Makes a change from previous years and we hope to see many of you there. As always, your comments appreciated.
There is a note about Stratford races later in this Newsletter but if you want to go, I suggest you give Barry a ring to confirm your attendance.
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If any of your personal details change - address, telephone number, e-mail addresses, etc. - please note that the only person who can action changes is our Membership Secretary, Gordon Jones. Gordon can be contacted by e-mail at gordon_jones@lineone.net or telephone 01455-556192.
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Brian Wilson, Editor. Telephone: 01926-777710 e-mail: brian_h_wilson@msn.com
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Lunch at Ryton Gardens 20th February 2005
After my previously published directions to the venue, we find that there is a new roundabout being built right on the junction where you turn off the A45 to Ryton Gardens. Very necessary as there have been quite a number of accidents over the years but it does mean we have to take a diversion. You can either follow the diversionary signs, which are quite clear, but Gordon Jones has checked alternatives that you might like to try, as follows:-
"From the SouthWest to West, Warwick, Kenilworth, Birmingham, etc, the best way is to get to Baginton Island on the A45 by Coventry Airport and turn Left along the A46 in the direction of M69 and Leicester. A bit under a mile from Baginton island turn Right at the next island (TGI Friday on far left)and go through Binley Woods into Brandon. About 100 yds after entering the 30 limit in Brandon turn right, signed Wolston and Brandon Marshes, and follow the signs through to Wolston village centre. At the main street through Wolston turn Right, Ryton Gardens are about a mile or so up that road.
From the Fosse Way Wolston is signed twice at junctions just South of the railway bridge at Bretford. Left if you are going North."
Brian Wilson
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Stratford Races - Monday 14 March (Irish Day) (organiser Barry Wiggins)
We have had a good response to this event but anybody who has not yet booked and would like to attend, please fill in the booking form and send it to Barry immeditately. Last chance, folks!!
Lunch will be at 12.30, racing starts at 2.00pm
Barry Wiggins Phone: 01926-854580 E-mail BWiggins@southbank.freeserve.co.uk
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Annual General Meeting, Thursday 17th March 2005
The Annual General Meeting of the IBM Retirees Club (Midlands) will be held in the Stratford Conference Room at IBM Warwick.
AGENDA
10.30 - COFFEE
11.00 - WELCOME BY CHAIRMAN
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF LAST YEAR'S MINUTES
MATTERS ARISING
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
TREASURER'S REPORT
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
BARBARA CLARKE, CHAIR, SOUTH HANTS CLUB
AOB
After the meeting, a buffet is being laid on at the Falcon Inn, Warwick Road, Hatton, to which all members are invited (drinks at own expense). We are not issuing booking forms but PLEASE ring Carole Robertson on 0121 704 9677 if you intend to be there so that she can give the Falcon an idea of numbers.
This is a good opportunity to informally raise any issues arising from the AGM together with anything else you would like to discuss.
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Historic Portsmouth and Exbury Gardens, 5th - 7th April 2005. (Organiser Ray Castle)
Join us for a three-day, three-city tour, with luxury coach travel, two nights accommodation at a seafront hotel with en-suite facilities, breakfast and dinner. Also included are entry tickets to the two major attractions.
Tuesday April 5th
We leave from the top car park at IBM Warwick at 09.30 for Winchester allowing time for sight seeing and lunch. Winchester has many city centre visitor attractions, including museums, galleries and the Cathedral. There are many small and large eating-places where a leisurely lunch can be taken before departing for our South Coast hotel.
We plan to arrive at The Best Western Queens Hotel, Southsea, in the late afternoon, which, after checking in should allow time to explore Old Portsmouth and the many seafront attractions before dinner. This Edwardian Hotel enjoys panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, the accommodation is en-suite, and includes full breakfast and dinner. We have reserved a selection of double and twin rooms and also a limited number of singles at no extra cost. Please make sure to identify your preference on your booking form.
Wednesday April 6th
After a leisurely breakfast the coach will transport us the short distance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Your all-inclusive admission ticket gives entry to each of the many attractions, including: HMS Warrior, HMS Victory, Mary Rose, Action Stations, and a Harbour Cruise. Within the dockyard facility are many places to eat, drink, and of course - shop!
An alternative for those who do not want to spend a whole day at the historic ships, or if the weather is bad, we have planned an afternoon trip to Exbury Gardens in The New Forest. Your entry ticket will provide access to the gardens, world famous for their magnificent displays of camellias, magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons. Other attractions include the tearoom and miniature steam railway. The costs for these are not included. 2005 is the 50th anniversary of public opening for the gardens.
If you do not wish to visit Exbury, close to the dockyard is Gunwharf Keys. This is a major new harbour side development with over 90 designer retail outlets, more than 20 waterfront bars and restaurants, many entertainment facilities and the Millennium Tower with viewing platforms that allow magnificent panoramic views. This should be open in time for our visit. (A tad late for the millennium though). The hotel is just a short walk from Gunwharf Keys.
Thursday April 7th
After breakfast and check out we leave the hotel for the journey to Salisbury, our third city. Salisbury has excellent visitor attractions, city centre and water meadows walks, and the Cathedral. Our stay in Salisbury will allow plenty of time for you to find a suitable place for lunch before the final leg of our journey, planning to arrive back in Warwick around 17.30.
The cost for this all-inclusive trip is £135.00 for members and first guests, travel insurance, recommended if you do not already have annual cover, will cost an extra £6.00 per person. The cost for additional guests, space permitting, will be £165.00.
Please send you booking form, with full payment, to the organiser to arrive no later than Saturday February 26th.
Ray Castle 01789-751228 e-mail ray@boxacre.freeserve.co.uk
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Rambling Weekend 29th April - 2nd May 2005 (organiser Gordon Jones)
Final payments are now due for this event. Return the attached booking form, together with your cheque, by 6th March , please.
Gordon Jones 01455 556192
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IBM Retirees PC Group
Some members may not be aware that the Retirees have a sub-group devoted to matters concerning PCs (and other related subjects, e.g. digital cameras). The group meets every other month under the chairmanship of Harry Green and a wide range of topics have been covered in the past, some with a formal talk and others in the form of informal discussion. Technology marches on so we are never short of something to talk about!
If you would like more details, meeting dates, etc., drop an e-mail to Harry at HDRGreen@aol.com.
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