IBM Retirees Club (Midlands)
(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)
November 2011 Newsletter
Editorial
Three events have taken place since the last Newsletter - these are reviewed later. Our thanks to Peter Barnes, Alan Bridgman and Dave Compton for organising these.
Only two more events before the end of the year - doesn't it come round quickly! One is energetic (the skittles evening), the other being the Christmas Lunch which is more leisurely. Then it's into another year - you will have seen the announcements for our trips to Arras and Cardiff and we hope to have more dates for your diaries at the Christmas Lunch.
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Events Status
20th December Christmas Lunch - places available.
30 December - 2nd January New Year in Cornwall. Fully booked.
16-20 April 2012 Arras. Full announcement and booking form in this Newsletter
24-27 July 2012 Three night/four day trip to Cardiff. A date for your diary.
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Brian Wilson, Newsletter Editor. Telephone: 01926-777710 e-mail: brian_h_wilson@msn.com
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Event Reports
Windsor Castle -Private and Public tour --5th October 2011
Twenty nine intrepid travellers met at 7am in the Warwick car park and boarded the bus for Windsor, arriving at 9:45.
We made our way to the castle entrance where we were met by Rod our 'sweeper' for the day, (his role was to ensure that no members of the party were lost neither was the party increased by 'hangers on' this latter task proved to be not so simple as three German ladies insisted on trying to join us). We were led to the entrance to the Great Kitchens where we were met by Tony in his immaculate black and red morning suit. We were all treated to coffee or tea and biscuits and after the refreshments Tony gave us a detailed presentation of what we would see, including the effects of the great fire that took place in 1992 and what had been done to mitigate the damage and the steps taken to bring the castle back to its glorious past including some remodelling that was originally designed in the 12th century.
Tony and Rod then gave us a detailed tour which included the enormous kitchens and the prep areas where the staff prepare and then deliver the meals via one tiny lift to the banqueting rooms. We also explored areas which are not open to the general public. All in all a fascinating tour. Tony and Rod then left us at the state rooms where we were allowed to explore at leisure, these areas included Queen Mary's dolls house, the drawings gallery which included a superb exhibition submitted by the Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate his 90th birthday. We went on through further state rooms including the magnificent St Georges Hall, (56 metres by 9 metres) developed by Wyatville for King George IV. At this time most of us were ready for our lunch and all members of the party made their way into Windsor town for refreshments. (Note: if you go there for the day unless there is a particular restaurant that you want to go to then take advantage of the numerous food and drink facilities within easy walking distance from the castle).
Some of us returned to the castle in the afternoon to view St George's chapel and the Albert Memorial chapel. Most, then made their way via numerous coffee bars and shops back to the coach. A splendid day was had by all despite the tired feet that afflicted most of us in the late afternoon.
Peter Barnes
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Day trip to the London Olympic Site - 12th October 2011
We had a packed coach trip to visit the London Olympic site. 35 of us started out from IBM Warwick very early in order to cross London and pick up our Blue Badge Guide from the No. 15 bus stop at Tower Hill. Ann, our Guide, conducted us to Stratford (the other one!) and then we drove around the Olympic Park to see all the Olympic arenas. We finished with a walk to get us a little closer to the Main Stadium. It all still looks like a building site, but we were assured that it will be alright on the night! We lunched at the Excel Exhibition Centre and then drove on to the Thames Barrier Park where there was a small cafe for tea. It was worth seeing the site, but disappointing that it isn’t possible to get closer to the main facilities.
Alan Bridgman
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Turkish Meal - 26th October 2011
15 members and first guests enjoyed a delightful meal at the Aubergine Turkish Restaurant in Smith Street, Warwick in October. Although numbers were less than planned, the intimate group was much more able to share conversation during the meal than might have otherwise been the case. The evening started with a variety of hot and cold meze, followed by freshly cooked Turkish ‘bar-b-que’ consisting of grilled chicken; beef; lamb; and kofta on a bed of fragrant couscous, with a green side salad. There was also a vegetarian option which, I am told, was absolutely delicious. This was followed by a selection of Turkish sweets and coffee. The whole meal was washed down with wine or beer or soft drinks, according to individual taste. Everybody said what a most enjoyable evening it was and how it represented excellent value for money.
Dave Compton
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CHRISTMAS LUNCH 20TH DECEMBER 2011 at ARDENCOTE MANOR HOTEL,
THE CUMSEY, LYE GREEN ROAD, CLAVERDON NR WARWICK CV35 8LT
Again we have managed to keep the cost of the Christmas lunch at £12.50 per head for members and first guests. There will be the usual welcome drink on arrival and wine with the meal.
Those of you with access to the internet can view details of Ardencote at: www.ardencote.com
MENU
STARTERS
Winter Vegetable Soup [v] with Crème Fraiche and Chive [S1]
Chicken and Butter Bean terrine with cranberry and White Port Dressing [S2]
Grilled Goats Cheese [v] with Melon and Curly Endive Salad [S3]
MAIN COURSE
Roast Norfolk Turkey served with all the traditional trimmings and a light Rosemary jus [M1]
Sea Bream fillet with Baby Fenneland Caper Dressing [M2]
Wild Mushroom Risotto [v] withroasted Cherry Tomatoes [M3]
DESSERT
Traditional Christmas pudding with Brandy Sauce [D1]
Rich Chocolate Torte with Baileys Anglaise [D2]
A selection of Local cheese with Celery, Grapes and Savoury Biscuits [D3]
Coffee with Mini Mince Pies
To book a place, fill in the booking form and mail it with your cheque £12.50pp for member and first guest, £33 second guest - made payable to IBM Retirees Club [Midlands] - to arrive not later than Monday 5th December, to:-
Carole Robertson, 27 Austcliff Drive, Solihull, B91 3XT
Email carole.robertson@talktalk.net Telephone: 0121 704 9677
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Trip to Arras 16-20 April 2012 (organiser Brian Wilson)
I am pleased to say that we have been able to keep the cost of this trip to £350 per person inclusive of coach travel and accomodation at the Mercure Hotel on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
The following is the schedule:-
· Day 1. Travel from IBM Warwick with appropriate comfort breaks to the 3* Hotel Mercure Atria in Arras for four nights bed and breakfast. Dinner and welcome drink included on the first night.
· Day 2. An included visit to the Wellington Quarry, WW1 underground city used by our Tommies and dug out by the New Zealand Tunnellers, with time at leisure in Arras. Dinner at hotel.
· Day 3. Included visit to Lille, stopping off at the Arques Glass Factory for a factory tour together with a visit to their shop and including a stop at the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge. Dinner at Hotel.
· Day 4. A full day tour of the Somme Battlefield, calling first at Peronne for a short stop before continuing to La Boisselle to view the Lochnager crater, the largest British mine crater on the western Front. We then head to the Thiepval Memorial with time to visit the new visitor centre and then on to Ulster Tower and Beaumont Hamel Memorial Park, over 80 acres in size with its trench system still intact. Dinner at hotel.
· Day 5. Return to UK via V2 rocket site at Saint Omer with the possible alternatives of Saint Omer itself for those who do not wish to visit the rocket site. All being well, we will stop in Calais for you to top up your wine cellar.
The cost for all this for members and first guests will be £350 per person - we may be able to accommodate second guests so please indicate on your booking form. Deposits of £35 per person required by 12th December 2011 with the remainder due 1st March 2012 - I will send out reminders nearer the time. Send your booking form and cheque to me at: 7 Knightlow Close, KENILWORTH, CV8 2PX.
Email: brian_h_wilson@msn.com
Brian Wilson
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Announcements and Advertisments
Access to Bedfont Lakes
Our IBM Retiree Administrator has a number of Retiree badges which can be used to access the Bedfont car park. If anyone would like one, please let me know.
Alan Bridgman Email:- abri@waitrose.com
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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.
2011 Diary Booking Conditions for Events Photographs from Past Events
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)
Parking at Bedfont Lakes and Harrow
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