July 2007 Newsletter

IBM Retirees Club (Midlands)

(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)

July 2007 Newsletter

Editorial

58 members and guests attended the Summer Lunch at the "Gate Hangs High" in Hook Norton. We did have a couple of criticisms, mainly to do with space. It was felt that dining space was a little tight and also that there was a lack of gathering space where people could circulate and talk to other guests. Most people enjoyed themselves and the event was rounded off extremely well by our guest speaker, Marie Parietti, who gave an insight into Lizzie Wiggins and entertained us in fine style into the bargain. Thanks to Carole and Simon for all their efforts.

There are several problems which can manifest themselves at our lunch events and your Committee are always mindful of these when choosing event locations. Obviously food is the main priority and this is closely followed by space. Food is a little bit out of our hands - we do check this out beforehand but there can be problems on the day and we will always take up any issues with the staff to ensure it doesn't happen again. Space is more under our control but the problem here is that when catering for large numbers it is not that easy finding a suitable location - some are far too expensive, either because they charge too much for the meal or because they impose a room charge. Some are suitable from all points of view but do we want to go back to they same location every year?

We will keep working to get it right but, as always, you comments are appreciated.

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Phil Dalton still has a couple of tickets for the train trip to the Nene Valley Railway - see notice later in this Newsletter.

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Sadly we have not had too much interest to the proposed Christmas Markets trip to Lille so have cancelled this event.

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Brian Wilson, Newsletter Editor. Telephone: 01926-777710 e-mail: brian_h_wilson@msn.com

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Chatsworth House Tour - Thursday 6th September 2007 (organiser Barry Wiggins)

It is a number of years now since we last visited Chatsworth on what will be remembered by some as a very wet day and by others as the day Diana PoW died

On this occasion a private guided tour of the house has been arranged to take place before the main house opens. This tour will start at 10:30 and takes about 1½ hours

This will necessitate an 8.00am start from Warwick

Publicity for days out at Chatsworth is at:- www.chatsworth.org

There is the possibility of a buffet lunch which will not be included in the initial cost and will depend on your stated preferences on the booking form . In any case there are several places to eat including: Carriage House restaurant, Farm Shop restaurant, Farmyard cafe, Jean Pierre's bar and Food to go.

The rest of the day is available to wander in house and gardens. We will leave around 4.00pm to return to Warwick

Member and first guest cost will be £15.00. Second guests will be £25.00

- Go to Booking Form

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Train Trip from Birmingham Railway Museum (organiser Phil Dalton)

The IBM Midlands Retirees Club committee will be running a trip on a Vintage Train tours starting from the Birmingham Railway Museum with steam haulage, for which tickets are still available. The tour is on Saturday 29th September - Nene Valley Railway 40's Weekend - Steam Hauled by 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall"

Travelling through Rutland, Stamford and Peterborough, the train will run onto the Nene Valley Railway via Fletton Junction and Longueville Junction and then steam along to Wansford, the headquarters of the railway, where they will be holding a nostalgic '40's weekend. You are invited to dress in 1940's style, although ration cards will not be required!

The tour will be in Pullman class which includes a Full English breakfast and a traditional 3 course roast dinner.

Route: Tyseley (Warwick Road (Birmingham Railway Museum)), Nuneaton, Leicester, Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Stamford, Peterborough, Wansford.

Detailed timings will not be supplied until approx 10 days before the trip, but it is hoped that Network Rail will provide a 07:30 - 08:00 start from Tyseley, with an approx 20:30 return.

Finalised fare including return journey on the Nene Valley Railway: £64

Completed booking form should be returned to the organiserby no later than Tuesday July 31st:

Phil Dalton, Tanglewood, 22 Warwick Road, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9LX

- Go to Booking Form

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Future Events

Dates have not yet been finalised for the visit to a Thai restaurant and the Christmas Lunch. We hope to announce dates in the August Newsletter.

You may remember that Rick Paslawski ran a very successful trip to Spain in 2006. He is offering to run another one but to a different area. I have included the details as a separate attachment as you might like to print it off for reference if you fancy going - click here to view. No dates as yet but contact Rick at rickpaslawski@tesco.net or on 0121 705 7719 for further details.

Brian Wilson

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Newsletter Links

Click on the links below for specific information. Links to booking forms are from the event announcement.