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MARCH 2003 NEWSLETTER
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Lump in throat time ! - this is my last newsletter for this Club. As from April the editorship of this work of literary merit passes to Brian Wilson. All the best Brian! It's probably time for a change - I made two c__k-ups in the last edition; the most serious of which resulted in a not-so-near neighbour of Gordon Jones receiving a bonanza of IBM cheques. I trust it is now sorted, but in confirmation, here are the Retirees names for Tenby:-
**** Last minute crisis re Tenby see below ***
The Coach Operator has somehow managed to book the wrong weekend - they've got us in for Spring Bank Holiday (May 23rd/26th) instead of our traditional May Day. Gordon has frantically tried to obtain accommodation for May 2/5 without success Will the undermentioned contact Gordon re suitability or otherwise of date change.
Jones(2), King(2), Dunston(2), Davies(2), Howell(2), Suckling(3), Edgar(2), Tovey(2), Bradshaw(2), Calladene(2), Hay(2), Mayne(3), Dickson(2), Pickering(2), Taylor(2), Robertson(2), Paslawski(2), Smith(2), Wiggins(3), Hampson(2), Whitehouse(2), Hewitt(1), Simpson(2). Total = 48
Booking Form re-issued in case of cancellations Go there now
*** Another date change - Summer Lunch now Sunday, June 22nd (Dormie House) not June 18 as advertised. ***
March 12th Midlands Retirees Cub - Annual General Meeting
We held a well supported and highly animated meeting - plenty of light hearted banter revolving around the Chaiman's and especially the treasurer's reports. Joan Suckling's long period of service as Secretary recognised with many nice words, a bouquet, and a set of earrings. I gave mine back - they didn't match my eyes! Hearty welcome to our new Secretary - Carole Robertson, known to many I'm sure. Surprisingly enough, without too much arm-twisting, we also managed to fill the two Committee vacancies - Put your virtual hands together for Ray Castle and Rick Paslawski. Rick's name should give us problems!. Business raised from the floor included naturally further discussion on Pensions, progress towards a National discount scheme for Retirees, request for E-mail contacts to the Committee members, and as I recall - the desire for a national Health Insurance scheme. Some useful Web addresses and further information later in this newsletter.
Ashorne Hall - Postponed Not enough takers to make this event either economically viable or to to provide the necessary atmosphere to stage a good evening's entertainment. Brian is looking to re-organise in the Summer ( July likely)
Leeds city break:- Friday 4 / Sunday 6th April 2003 (Organiser John Smith) Warwick pickup 08.30,
If you would like to join in the fun and dress up -- Dont hire a costume, its easy to make your own. A few suggestions below
LADIES - Ankle length skirt, Blouse or dress with high lace collar, colourful shawl and (most important) a big hat with flowers, feathers etc
GENTS - Straw boater, Blazer,bow tie: Bowler hat, bow tie , fancy waistcoat: Cap, collarless shirt and neck muffler
The theatre offer prizes for the best dressed lady and gent. But the most important things to bring are ...... YOURSELVES !!!!!!!!
Parking in Top Car Park - have your reg Nos ready
Rambling weekend - May 23rd/26th 2003 (Re-scheduled see above)
Apologies again for confusion Contact Gordon to re-confirm or submit new booking Go to Booking form
Your Racing Calendar - 2003 - Regret to say that the advertised Ludlow meeting (July) is not being held this year. We are therefore going severely up market and planning Ladies day at Royal Ascot which is Thursday June 19th (Yes I know it's the day after the Summer Lunch - we should all be in the festive mood!) We are infilling a Coach, but Warwick will be last pickup and first return drop-off so not too tedious. Price includes admission to the Silver Ring, and 3 course meal on the return journey. Are you sitting down? - it is £50 per head member/1st guest price - probably extra guests by negotiation! John Smith organising - Booking form attached
Euro Trip - Highlights of Normandy Sept 8th/12th 2003 Deposits required to ascertain requirements
Normandy sights - Honfleur, Bayeux, M. St Michel etc. Hotel in central Caen 4 nights HB Coaching out via Portsmouth to Caen, returning Cherbourg to Portsmouth. Members price is £185 ph; second and further guests £250 ph Deposits (£50 ph) required now please.
Look ahead to New year 2003 - Those of us who went to Guernsey in the Autumn were so impressed with the Peninsula Hotel and the New Year package they were offering, that some of us decided to sign up for next New Year, and there's nothing like getting in early. The price is expected to be around £180 pp. You will also need to make your own travel arrangements or possibly we could get some group travel. This note is for anyone who may be interested to add on to those already with their names down. This event is not on our programme as it is a private arrangement at the moment. There is a strong possibility however, that dependent on Club finances at YE, we could get a subsidy Contact Brian Wilson (01926 777710) for details.
Newsletter Distribution in the future:- . For E-mail notification and all membership changes contact Gordon Jones
Back numbers - You can use this link here to view condensed versions of this year's newsletters >>> go to archive file
Matters arising from AGM
1) Pensions : Concerned IBM Retirees have formed a working group -"Association of Members of IBM Pensions Plans " (AMIPP) They have an active Web site - http://www.amipp.org.uk This site merits a visit to grasp what is going on. You can register and receive past and present Newsletter. hard copy your friends without web access.
The Company site is at http://www-5.ibm.com/employment/uk/pensions/pensionplans.html for the long-running ombusman saga and some other info.
2) Discounts - Human Resources (previously Personnel) are looking to re-publish the Retiree handbook containing discount deals and maybe post them on the Web. Don't hold your breath - I think Human Resources are very short of resources!
3) Committee contacts -
Jean Eysenck fred-jean@w-bourne.freeserve.co.uk 01789 841365 Barry Wiggins bwiggins@southbank.freeserve.co.uk 01926 854580
Carole Robertson carol&cal@qrob.fsnet.co.uk 0121 704 9677 Brian Wilson brian_h_wilson@email.msn.com 01926 777710
Gordon Jones gordon_jones@lineone.net 01455 556192 Brian Chilver 01386 443173
Iain Hewitt iain.hewitt@tiscali.co.uk 01295 670316 John Smith jsatqb@whsmithnet.co.uk 01384 860882
Rick Paslawski rickpaslawski@aol.com 0121 705 7719 Ray Castle 01789 751228
4) Health Insurance - Progress being chased - more next month
Local Charity Assistance required - Warwick action for Leisure provides Play and Leisure facilities for the disabled. They are seeking a Treasurer and others to act as Trustees for the Charity. If you have the spare time and are so inclined, contact one of the following:-
Avril bagg 8baggavr@uk.ibm.com (01926 464920 (IBM) or Judy Denziloe judy@actionforleisure.org.uk (01926 650195) (Charity)