IBM Retirees Club (Midlands)
(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)
March 2012 Newsletter
Editorial
Firstly, please note that the facility to park your car at IBM Bedfont Lakes has been withdrawn - further detail via the link at the end of the Newsletter. We hope nobody has been inconvenienced by this.
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Bookings for our 2012 events have been going well and we have had to close some off quite quickly due to the excellent response. There are still places available on some events but you would be advised to get your booking forms and cheques to the organiser concerned otherwise you might miss out. I have repeated some events details in full for your convenience.
Don't forget the AGM. Links to the Agenda and 2011 minutes will be found at the end of the AGM notice later in this Newsletter. In addition, Phil Dalton, our Treasurer, has asked me to mention that any member who wishes to have a copy of the audited accounts can contact him for a copy - email phil_dalton@btinternet.com .
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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.
16 March PC Group Meeting - see link at end of 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. Event closed.
13-17 May Joint trip to Isle of Wight with Rambling Group. Event closed.
12 June Weston Cider Museum and Hampton Court Gardens (Herefordshire). Places available.
20 June Day trip to Llangollen. Places available.
27 June Crich Tramway Museum and Denby Pottery. Announcement and Booking Form in this Newsletter
5 July Visit to Hampton Court (Surrey) Flower Show. Event closed.
24-27 July Three night/four day trip to Cardiff. Places available.
24-28 September Four night/five day trip to Kent. Places available.
New Year trip to Cornwall Contact organiser as soon as possible to confirm your room.
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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IBM Midlands Retirees Club AGM – Monday 19th March 2012
Warwick Room in IBM Warwick - coffee/tea at 10.30 for 11.00 start.
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, Location Manager, confirmed and we are actively seeking a second speaker from IBM HR. Carole has negotiated lunch in the cafeteria and will be giving out Luncheon Vouchers 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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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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Day Visit to Crich Tramway Village and Denby Pottery Visitor Centre - 27th June 2012 (organiser Simon Barratt)
On 27 June 2012, we will be running a trip to Derbyshire for a morning visit to the Crich Tramway Village, followed by a visit to the Denby Pottery Visitor Centre in the afternoon. The cost is £21 per person, plus £4 for the optional factory tour of the Denby Pottery (second guests £27 and £31), depending on final numbers.
We are asking for a deposit of £10 per person, made payable to IBM Retirees Club (Midlands) (returnable if there are insufficient numbers to make the trip viable). Please complete the booking form with details of both first and second guests and whether you want to take the optional Denby Factory tour, and send your cheque to Simon Barratt, Laurel House, The Green, Tredington, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire CV36 4NJ by Friday 20th April 2012.
Our coach will leave IBM Warwick at 9:00am, aiming to arrive at Crich Tramway Village at 11:00am. After lunch in one of the on-site restaurants (or bring your own picnic, if you'd rather), we will board the coach for a 2:00pm departure for the Denby Pottery Visitor Centre, to arrive around 2:30pm for some shopping therapy. For those that are interested, a 60-minute factory tour will be available for an additional cost of £4.00.
We will leave the Visitor Centre at 5:00pm, returning to IBM Warwick at around 7:00pm.
Simon Barratt
Please Note: I will be taking some days off between 16 April and 16 June. Any bookings received whilst I'm away will be acknowledged on my return.
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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 as soon as possible 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 email sjblaptop@yahoo.co.uk
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Announcements and Advertisments
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 any more information please email: Keith.Stainforth@btinternet.com
Keith Stainforth
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Alec Cassells Memorial Concert
As well as being a member of West Midlands Branch, Alec was a member of the Leamington Sinfonia. Now that the initial numbness over his death has abated his wife Rachel is organising a concert by the Sinfonia to remember the good times.
This will be held in St. Mark's Church Leamington on 7th July. The programme will be tuneful and easy listening, and there wil be ample time before and after the event to share memories and anecdotes. All will be welcome.
Fred Edgar Fred.Edgar@hotmail.co.uk
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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)