IBM Retirees Club (Midlands)
(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)
February 2012 Newsletter
Editorial
Quite a big Newsletter this month, partly because of the number of events which have been announced. I hope you find some of interest and we look forward to seeing you. In fact some have reached their capacity and this highlights the point that if you want to attend an event, BOOK EARLY.
And don't forget the AGM - it is a good opportunity to raise any issues which may be of concern.
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Alan Bridgman has asked me to include the note from David Livermore regarding the election of Member Nominated Directors and you will see this in the 'Announcements' section . Pensions are an emotive subject and it is important to get the right people in place to assist in achieving the best results for the retiree community and you will see that David is anxious for this to happen.
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Brian Wilson, Newsletter Editor. Telephone: 01926-777710 e-mail: brian_h_wilson@msn.com
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Events
Click here to see the list of the events which are planned for the current year. The following is the status of those which have been announced.
14 March Spring lunch with speaker at Three Ways Hotel, Mickleton. Details and booking form in this Newsletter.
19 March AGM at IBM Warwick with lunch afterwards in the IBM canteen.
16-20 April Arras. Event closed.
29 April Lunch on the Great Central Railway. Places available.
13-17 May Joint trip to Isle of Wight with Rambling Group. Event closed.
12 June Weston Cider Museum and Hampton Court Gardens (Herefordshire). Announcement and booking form in this Newsletter.
20 June Day trip to Llangollen. Announcement and booking form in this Newsletter.
27 June Crich Tramway Museum and Denby Pottery. Details later
5 July Visit to Hampton Court (Surrey) Flower Show. Announcement and Booking Form in this Newsletter.
24-27 July Three night/four day trip to Cardiff. Announcement and booking form in this Newsletter.
24-27 September Four night/five day trip to Kent.
Booking Conditions Click here to read the terms and conditions.
Photographs from Past Events Click here to view a selection of photographs from past events.
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SPRING LUNCH - WEDNESDAY 14TH MARCH 2012 @ 12.30 FOR 1.00
THREE WAYS HOUSE HOTEL, [PUDDING CLUB] MICKLETON, GLOS [www.threewayshousehotel.com]
The speaker is David Howe whose topic is "MANNERS"
Our Spring Luncheon this year is a MUST - the venue and menu is so attractive, together with an excellent speaker - with the opportunity for those with a sweet tooth to have their favourite sweet. Reservations for 57 have been received against a maximum of 60 - so now is the time to firm these up and complete the booking form and send to Carole Robertson with your cheque.
The menu is as follows - please indicate your choice on the booking form:-
Starter
Homemade Cream of Parsnip Soup with Herb Croutons
Avocado, Feta Cheese Tower
Salmon and Monkfish Terrine with Herb Oil
Chicken Liver Pate with Tomato and Apple chutney
Main Course
Roast Cod fillet with a Prawn and Herb sauce
Roast Vegetable Wellington with Squash Puree
Breast of Chicken with Smokey Bacon and Mushroom sauce
Sautéed Strips of Beef with Peppercorn, Mushroom and Brandy sauce
Dessert
Lemon Posset with Shortbread Biscuit
A selection of English Cheeses
THE FIRST TWO IN THE CONTEST FOR HOT PUDDINGS [to be announced on the day], front-runners to date are Bread and Butter Pudding, Spotted Dick, Rhubarb Crumble and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Carole Robertson Email: carole.robertson@talktalk.net
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IBM Midlands Retirees Club AGM – Monday 19th March 2012 – Warwick Room in IBM Warwick – start time 10:30am
Your Club needs YOU!! Please will you make every effort to swell the numbers at our 2012 AGM. For the first time for several years we are back in IBM Warwick. We have one IBM speaker, Chris Wynne, confirmed and we are actively seeking a second one with the help of IBM HR. Carole has negotiated lunch in the cafeteria and will be giving out Luncheon Vouchers (do you remember those?) in the meeting for your FREE LUNCH.
Please will you let Carole know if you plan to attend the AGM so that she can organise refreshments and lunch for everyone - carole.robertson@talktalk.net .
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
Alan Bridgman, Chairman, IBM Midlands Retirees Club
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April 29th 2012 - Sunday Lunch on the Great Central Railway (Organizer: Phil Dalton)
Railway travel offers countless pleasures, but best of all must be dining aboard a steam train. Back in the 1950s, travellers could take their seats in the restaurant cars of crack expresses like the 'South Yorkshireman' and the 'Master Cutler'.
They could become immersed in the thrilling experience of combining good food with excellent service at speed, whilst enjoying the ever absorbing countryside flashing by. As their train ran into a busy platform those people waiting opposite could only enviously regret that they were travelling second class.
Today, on Britain's only main line steam railway, passengers can reserve a table and be wined and dined in similar style, savouring sumptuous first class fare with every detail catered for. So, whether you're old or young, climb aboard, relax, and prepare yourself for an experience without equal.
During daylight journeys, the train pauses on its journey between Loughborough and Leicester North on Swithland viaduct, with its magnificent views across the reservoir to Charnwood Forest.
The train departs Loughborough at 13:15 and is scheduled to return at 14:47. See below for connecting train times.
Your ticket includes:-
- Sunday Lunch on the Great Central Railway's "Elizabethan" service
- 1st Class All Day Rover ticket on the Great Central Railway valid on all trains
and will be sent by post nearer the time.
Menu
Starter:
Soup of the day (suitable for vegetarians)
Main Course:
Roast sirloin of beef with chef's selection of vegetables
Vegetarian Options:
Asparagus tart with a hollandaise sauce
Peppers stuffed with Mediterranean risotto
Caramelised red onion and goats cheese filo tart
Tagliatelle with a four cheese sauce
Dessert:
Pear crumble served with elderflower cream or custard
Coffee and mints
Cost for members and 1st guests = £26, Second guests = £39
Parking at Loughborough is fairly restricted, although there is unrestricted street parking in Great Central Road. (Postcode for Satnav: LE11 1RW)
As attendees have an All-Day Rover ticket, why not use the more extensive parking available at Quorn & Woodhouse (LE12 8AL) or Rothley (LE7 7LD)stations and take a Great Central service from there? These services start from Leiceter North station, but again car parking is fairly restricted. Train times are as follows:-
Leicester North dep 10:10 10:45 11:45
Rothley dep 10:21 10:57 11:57
Quorn and Woodhouse dep 10:29 11:08 12:08
Loughborough arr 10:36 11:15 12:15
Trains depart Loughborough to the station where you left your car at 15:15, 16:00 and 16:45.
Please send a completed booking form (stating, if appropriate, which vegetarian option is required) and a minimum of a deposit of £10 per person to the organizer:-
Phil Dalton, Tanglewood, 22 Warwick Road, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9LX by Friday February 24th
Phil Dalton Email :- phil_dalton@btinternet.com
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Trip to the Weston Cider Museum and Hampton Court Castle Tuesday 12th June 2012 - (organiser: Dave Dagley)
Let me ensure that we all understand we will be visiting Hampton Court CASTLE in Herefordshire, NOT Hampton Court Palace Surrey!.
The trip is on with the following itinerary….
Pick up IBM Warwick at 08:15 hrs
Arrive 10:00hrs at Weston Cider Museum, Ledbury, Herefordshire
http://www.westons-cider.co.uk/Visitors-Centre/
Experience the unique history of the Westons family, learn how Henry Weston founded the business in 1880 and how this independent and family owned cider and perry maker has developed into the one of the country's finest producers of quality ciders and perries.
We will take lunch at the Westons Scrumpy House.
http://www.westons-cider.co.uk/doc_get.aspx?DocID=77
The charming dining area, which was once a cowshed in the original cattle yard, is full of original features and character. It can seat 44 comfortably and offers customers casual dining in a relaxed setting. In the colder months, a wood burning stove adds a warm welcome and in warmer months there is an option to eat "alfresco" on our spacious terrace, which overlooks the delightful, award winning Henry Weston Courtyard Garden.
Depart Weston Cider Museum at 13:20hrs
Arrive 14:00hrs at Hampton Court Castle, Leominster, Herefordshire
http://www.hamptoncourt.org.uk/index.php
Hampton Court, Herefordshire is a castle on the meadows of the river Lugg, backed by a steep wooded escarpment and surrounded by woodland and grounds of 1,000 acres. Founded by King Henry in the early 15th century the castle has been completely restored. The Gardens at Hampton Court are spectacular. The trip includes a guided tour.
Depart Hampton Court Castle at 16:30hrs to return back to IBM Warwick for approx 18:30hrs
Dependant on final numbers the cost will be between £28 - £35 for members and first guest, and £38 - £45 for second and subsequent guests.
Dave Dagley
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Day Trip to Llangollen - Wednesday 20th June 2012 (Organiser: Alan Bridgman)
Llangollen is a lovely small town, which I am sure that many of you know, set in the beautiful Dee Valley. On this trip we plan to take in two of its most impressive attractions. In the morning we shall travel on the Llangollen Steam railway as it steams its way through the Welsh countryside to Carrog. On our return to Lllangollen station we shall partake of lunch at the CornMill pub which overlooks the River Dee and is a converted 18th century watermill. In the afternoon we will take a trip on the Llangollen canal over the incredible Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was built by Thomas Telford and celebrated its 200th birthday in 2005. It takes the canal 126 feet over the valley in a cast iron trough and is now a World Heritage site.
We will leave IBM Warwick at 8:00am. We have to reach Llangollen in time to catch the 11:00am steam train. The train returns to Llangollen at 12:30pm and there is a 5-minute walk to the CornMill where we are booked in for lunch. After lunch the coach will take us to the village of Froncycyllte (10 minute journey) which is on the far side of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Here we will board the boat to take us over the Aqueduct and along the Llangollen Canal back to Llangollen Wharf. We then pick up our coach and head back to IBM Warwick, where we should arrive at about 6:30pm.
The cost of the trip will be a maximum of £29 per member (depending on the number of people who book) and 1st guest; £33.50 for 2nd guests. This cost includes coach, return steam train ticket and boat trip over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct back to Llangollen Wharf. Numbers are limited so it is advised to book early.
Alan Bridgman Telephone: 01789-267134 Email: abri@waitrose.com
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Coach Trip to the Hampton Court RHS Flower Show - Thursday 5 July 2012
A day at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show, set in the spectacular grounds of Hampton Court Palace (alongside the River Thames), in East Molesey, Surrey.
This Annual event offers an abundance of gardening ‘extravaganza’ including:-
Floral Marquees
Show Gardens
Food Market
Artisan Demonstrations/Displays/Products
Country Living Magazine Pavilion
The cost of this magnificent day out will be £30.00. for members and first guests. Further guests will be £50.00. To reserve a place please complete the booking form and mail it, with the full amount (payable to ‘IBM Retirees Club Midlands’), to
Barry Wiggins, 24 Southbank Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1LA.
Acknowledgement will be sent by email or post (SAE required).
Barry Wiggins Email:- Bwiggins@southbank.freeserve.co.uk Telephone:- 01926 854580
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24-27 July Three Night/Four Day trip to Cardiff (Organisers Mike Davies/Brian Wilson)
Members have been asking if we can organise a trip to Cardiff so here we have one created by Mike Davies to whom thanks are due for his efforts. The itinerary will be as set out below but there may be a few tweaks along the way.
Tuesday 24th July
Leave IBM Warwick 08:30 to arrive in Cardiff about 10:30.
Arrive Cardiff Castle att 10:45 with 45 minute tour at 11:45 - http://www.cardiffcastle.com
Light Lunch at Cardiff Castle
Book in to Marriott Hotel for three nights dinner, bed and breakfast.
The afternoon is free
Wednesday 25th July
Free morning to explore Cardiff.
Two course lunch with wine at Cardiff and County Club, Westgate Street at 12:30 hosted by Michael Davies. Jacket and tie required.
Aqua bus options from 16:00 - Cardiff and Penarth. One hour cruise with tea.
Thursday 26th July
Bus to Rhossili
Light lunch at Worms Head Hotel
Rhossili/Worms Head - scenic walk options.
Friday 27th July
Book out from Marriott Hotel
St Fagan's National History Museum, Cardiff - http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans
Lunch in self service cafeteria (not included)
Return to IBM Warwick.
There may be some minor changes to the above itinerary but we will publish the final version nearer the time. Costs for the trip are likely to be no more than £270 for members/1st Guests and £325 for Second Guests. At this stage we are asking for a deposit of £35 per person with the remainder to be requested later.
Please return your booking form and cheque to:-
Brian Wilson, 7 Knightlow Close, KENILWORTH, Warwickshire, CV8 2PX.
Brian Wilson Email: brian_h_wilson@msn.com
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TRIP TO KENT - 24TH TO 28TH SEPTEMBER 2012 (organisers - Tony Mancell & Simon Barratt)
We are planning a trip to Kent in September 2012 for a 4-day sightseeing visit.
The details, so far, are below and we would like to know how many of our members are interested, there is no need for a deposit at this time, just a note to tell me or Simon of your interest.
We will be based at the impressive 4-star Mercure Hotel Imperial situated in the historic south east coastal resort of Hythe, which is located approx 27 miles from Leeds Castle, 11 miles from Dover castle and just 18 miles from Canterbury.
The hotel enjoys a fantastic panoramic seafront location with extensive gardens as well as an 18-hole golf course. All of the hotel's 100 bedrooms provide TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities, plus the Hythe Imperial features a superb spa natural leisure club with a stunning indoor pool, spa bath and steam room. Many of the rooms offer views of either the sea or golf course.
The current thoughts for the itinerary are as follows, although these may change depending on availability and numbers:
Monday 24th Travel down for 4 nights, dinner, bed and breakfast. We plan to call in at Leeds Castle before continuing to the Mercure at Hythe.
Tuesday 25th A day at Dover Castle, visiting the underground museum etc. Details to be finalised.
Wednesday 26th A full day visiting Canterbury, Cathedral, town etc.
Thursday 27th A day of rest, free in Hythe taking the sea air and the delights of Hythe. The delights of Hythe must include the opportunity to ride the RH&DR amongst other attractions
Friday 28th Travel back to Warwick, with a stop en-route to break the journey.
The costs are expected to be around £320 to £345 per person, depending on the excursion costs and the IBM Club's subsidy, which varies with the number of members booked on the trip.
Please email me (or Simon) with your interest so that we can finalise the planning and costs.
Tony Mancell email tony@mancell.com
Simon Barratt email sjblaptop@yahoo.co.uk
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Proposed Trip to Cornwall -- New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Programme, Porth Veor Manor Hotel, Newquay
As a result of the note in the January Newsletter asking for expressions of interest, we have already had several cheques from people who went last year - how's that for a recommendation! There is still time to be included in the party at this excellent hotel but we must have your booking form and cheque by 29th February in order to make sure of the rooms - the hotel will hold all available rooms for us until then.
The hotel is charging £10 more per person this year with no change to the extra day charge. There is no subsidy as yet, although this may well change and we are keeping our fingers crossed.
Please complete the booking form and send it, together with a cheque for £15 (fifteen) per person, to Simon Barratt, Laurel House, The Green, Tredington, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire CV36 4NJ. Any bookings made after that date will be subject to availability.
If we get insufficient numbers, and the excursion has to be cancelled, your cheques will be destroyed.
Simon Barratt
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Announcements and Advertisments
Pensions Trust - Election of Member Nominated Directors
Dear Friends
I know some of you have supported my nomination and may even have voted for me last time. I therefore feel obliged to inform you that I have decided to withdraw my nomination from this year's election and to explain why I have chosen to do this.
I have been very concerned to learn that Jim Lamb will be leaving the Board of Trustees of the IBM Pension Trust at the end of April, as well as the two independent directors, who are leaving in October 2012 and April 2013 respectively. As you know, the MNDs are also being reduced from four to three, with only one MND representing all the retirees. As such, I am very worried that MNDs could be seriously 'outgunned' by the Company-appointed directors in the key financial debates unless our representative has significant expertise and standing in the IBM financial community.
However last Friday I received a phone call from Peter Cruttenden who informed me that he had decided to stand. I have worked with Peter over the years : he was my finance manager in the Southern Region before becoming the Finance Director of IBM UK and, after he left IBM, he became my hon. treasurer at the RNID. In addition to his outstanding financial expertise, I have an immense respect for his Intellect, his integrity and judgement which are the qualities that we will unquestionably need to protect our interests over the next four years.
I have no hesitation therefore in commending him to you as your candidate and would ask you please not only to give him your full support but to ask your contacts to do the same.
Kind regards,
David Livermore
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PS/1 Pro, Monitor and Printer
Would any member be interested in a PS/1 Pro, monitor and printer? Collect from Gloucestershire.
Mike Pezet Email:- michael.pezet@homecall.co.uk Telephone:- 01451 860915 or 07837 974420
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Reunion to mark the 20th Anniversary of Closure of all IBM Birmingham Locations
There is a 20 year reunion to celebrate the closure of all Birmingham locations. The date for the reunion is Friday 18th May from 17.00 at The Garden House on the Hagley Road Edgbaston Birmingham. People are asked to drop in anytime from 17.00 for a welcome drink and buffet snack to meet up with old colleagues who may have worked in any of the five Birmingham locations ( I have been advised that Smallbrook Queensway was the first).
If people require anymore information please email: Keith.Stainforth@btinternet.com
Keith Stainforth
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Sub-Groups of IBM Club and Retirees Club
IBM Retirees PC and Technology Group (founded by Harry Green)
The IBM Retirees PC and Technology Group meets every alternate month for a lively discussion on PC and technology topics in the digital age. There are usually one or two specific presentations given by members or by outside speakers, which the members of the Group have requested. We try to provide a reasonable balance between PC "techie" topics, new technology, and topics of a more general nature such as digital television, Internet telephony and digital photography . So whether you are a newcomer to the PC or a more experienced user, we hope you will find something of interest. You are very welcome to join us.
Contacts:- Roger Goodman email:- ladevie@dsl.pipex.com Alan Bridgman email:- abri@waitrose.com
- Go to meeting dates and other information
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IBM Midlands Golf Society
IBM Retirees and spouses/partners are eligible to play, the events being subsidised by IBM. The fixture list for 2011 is attached, together with proposals for 2012.
Please contact one of the undersigned with any queries.
Contacts:- Graham Seal email:- gaseal@sky.com Michael Davies email:- enosmd@ntlworld.com
- Go to Fixture List and contacts
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Click on the links below for specific information. Links to booking forms are from the event announcement.
IBM Midlands Retiree Club Constitution Committee Contacts Agm Minutes
Newsletter Archives Newsletter Production
IBM Alumni Programme IBM Shares
IBM Pensions Trust (Rewards, IBM Contacts, IBM EPP and other useful information)