JANUARY 2003 NEWSLETTER
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Happy New Year to all you 370+ members out there and partners, friends, and relations! - here we go again with a brand new programme for 2003.
Sadly we have one bereavement to announce at the request of a Relative - see later
The Christmas Lunch pulled in a record attendance with the traditional fare and fun and frolics as accompaniment. At that lunch, Jean, in her after-dinner chat, announced that our Secretary, Joan Suckling, will be retiring at the AGM. What she didn't announce is that I am also retiring then. Both Joan and I have done 10 years + on the Committee and it's time to move on! Other long-serving Committee members may also decide to follow our example and make way for what they call "Young Blood" Jean has received a note from a newly-retired member implying that maybe our events are not "trendy" enough. All I can say is that if that gentleman cares to communicate his specific ideas to the Committee or at the AGM, they will be fully considered, and the membership will eventually decide on the type of event it wants. Suffice to say there will be vacancies on the Committee - anyone interested should prepare themselves and their proposers for nomination and possible election at the AGM. More on that next month.
Events coming shortly :-
The Bolougne trip fell on its face so we have a blank month for January
Sunday February 16th - Glebe Hotel Barford - !2 noon for 12.30
Lunch and animated, highly amusing return visit from David Howe, (with us last year). His subject this time :- " Laughter - the best medicine" Don't miss this! Find the menu and other details on the booking form
March 12th Midlands Retirees Cub - Annual General Meeting - all invited - details next month
Ashorne Hall - Wednesday, March 19th (Evening event - 7 pm)
A return visit to this popular venue. We do an organised tour of the Hall with its collection of mechanical musical marvels, followed by a carvery meal (veggie option), to the accompaniment of the resident organist. There may even be dancing! Price to be £12 for member and one; £20 extra guests
Both Glebe and Ashorne are being organised by Brian Wilson : there is some urgency with the bookings, as we have to get expected numbers into the venue. Especially required are the menu choices for the Glebe. Get them to Brian by Feb 7th please.
Leeds city break:- Friday 4 / Sunday 6th April 2003 (Organiser John Smith)
As explained last month we need early bookings to hold seats at the Palace of Varieties Music Hall in Leeds, so anyone interested in the Leeds weekend - could you get your deposits in smartly!
No. of nights : 2 Meals : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Hotel : Metropole Hotel, Leeds city centre
Friday:- Leave IBM Warwick a.m. Lunch stop at Meadowhall Shopping Centre, Sheffield ( meal not included in price) Visit to Holmfirth (Last of the Summer Wine Country) Check in hotel in time for dinner 19:30
Saturday:- Short guided city centre walk including visit to Market Hall. Visit to theatre for short talk on the history of Leeds City Varieties. Afternoon free Dinner at 17:00 Coach to/from the theatre for the Evening performance of "The Good Old Days"
Sunday:- Visit to YTV for tour of the Emmerdale studios Collect anyone not going on the tour from the hotel. Lunch stop at the ORIGINAL Harry Ramsdens ( meal price not included). Return to Warwick
You have all seen the program on the TV Now is your chance to take part in a very special event. The Golden Jubilee of the world famous Good Old Days at the City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds takes place in April 2003. We shall be attending the evening performance on 5th April 2003 as part of a very full weekend break in Leeds. Why not get into the spirit by dressing up for the evening. You do not need to hire costumes, you can make your own very easily (more details in a later newsletter). All the events in Leeds are optional, the hotel is easy walking distance from many major attractions. The Tower of London Armory Exhibition is an excellent place to visit during Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. If shopping takes your fancy, you can visit the famous Market Hall or shopping centre to spend any money you have left over. As you can guess the tickets are in great demand, so in order to ensure that we get the required number, we need a deposit of £50 per person by 29/1/2003. Full price for the 3 day event will be approx £125. (£160 second + guests)
Further to Leeds:-
N B:- The coach will be travelling to Leeds via the M1, which gives us the option to collect members at either the Nottingham or Leicester Services. Could you please indicate if you would be interested in this option with your booking. Further details in future newsletters but the deposit is required to secure the Music hall seats.
Early announcement of the Rambling weekend - May 2nd/5th 2003
Coach from Warwick with 3 nights full board at the Clarence House, Tenby, S Wales
Suitable for walkers and non-walkers alike. Price =£100 pp (Members+1) £130 pp others
Newsletter Distribution in the future:- Further to last month you know by now the Newsletter is at www.retireesmidclub.org.uk. This year I will create a link site which will store back numbers of booking forms and newsletters for the year. Thanks to Fred Edgar for that suggestion. We are earnestly requesting members to migrate to the electronic distribution method. To subscribe contact me at Pat Hay (01455 635000) Jphay@compuserve.com
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We regret to report the death last November of Mrs Joan Clark who retired from a secretarial position at Warwick around 1985. Previously she had worked in Birmingham, North Harbour, and I believe even Wigmore St. I am sure some of you will remember her from her days at Warwick. This news was passed to me by her daughter, Mrs Gillian Perry, who continues to take a keen interest in the activities of our Club. We extend our deepest sympathy to Gillian, whose address or Tel no. could be given out on request