IBM RETIREES CLUB (Midlands)
(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)
October 2005 Newsletter
Links to Booking Forms by individual events
Click here to see 2005 Diary Click here for Committee Contact List
Click here for General Notes About Events Click here for 2005 AGM Minutes
Click here for Archived Newsletters Click here for Membership Information
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Editorial
Our trip to Wales for the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway and Powis Castle proved to be a great success and several members were heard to say that they would be making a return trip to the castle as there is too much to take in at one visit. Our thanks to John Smith for his efforts - he even had the weather organised as the rain held off until we were boarding the coach for the return journey.
There was a somewhat disappointing response to our visit to Malvern for the performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado. The performance by the Carl Rosa company was extremely professional and drew well-merited applause from the capacity audience. Thanks to Terry for sorting out the tickets and organising the meal at the theatre - particularly for doing so at short notice when Anne, who had done the initial work, had to stand down due to other committments. We were impressed with the theatre itself and also with the programme of events which you can see on their web site and, I think, worth the journey even if you live some distance away.
Two event booking forms this month. One is for a pub lunch in Welford on 22nd November and the other is for the annual Christmas Lunch on 14th December. Further details later in this Newletter.
I know that many IBMers are involved with their local communities and retirement can of course give a chance to be more involved. IBM itself encourages this sort of activity and I have therefore included a piece from Bernard Spatz which members might like to consider.
On a completely different topic - are there any bridge players amongst out there? I have received a note about the IBM National Bridge Tournament from Peter Breakell and thought it would be worth drawing to members attention.
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Gordon Jones, our Membership Secretary, maintains the membership database so if you change your e-mail address or any other personal details - address, telephone number, etc. - please note that Gordon is the only person who can action changes. He can be contacted by e-mail at gordon_jones@lineone.net or telephone 01455-556192.
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Brian Wilson, Editor. Telephone: 01926-777710 e-mail: brian_h_wilson@msn.com
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Pub Lunch Tuesday 22nd November (organiser, Ray Castle)
Join us for a pub lunch on Tuesday 22nd of November. The lunch will be held at The Shakespeare Inn, Welford on Avon. Plan to arrive around 12.30; lunch will be served at 1.00pm. The cost for members and first guests only will be £5.00 for a main course and desert followed by coffee. Other drinks are not included. Numbers are limited. The cut off date is Friday November 11th so please get your booking forms back to Ray as soon as possible.
The Shakespeare is in Chapel Street. Turn off the B439 Stratford on Avon/Evesham Road into Welford where signposted, go over the bridge, past The Four Alls and up into the village. After approximately one mile you will see the maypole on your left. You can't miss it, as it's 64 feet high. Immediately turn left into Chapel Street and the Shakespeare is on your right. There is limited parking at the pub otherwise park in the street.
The menu options are listed on the booking form.
Ray Castle, Box Acre, Barton Road, Welford on Avon, Warks, CV37 8EY
Telephone 01789 751228 Email: ray@boxacre.freeserve.co.uk
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IBM Retiree's Club Christmas Lunch Wednesday 14th December 2005 (organiser - Tony Mancell)
Following on from the successful lunch last year, this year the Christmas lunch will again be held at :-
The Woodhouse Hotel, Leamington Road, Princethorpe, Warwickshire, CV23 9PZ.
For your reference, their web site is www.woodhouseatprincethorpe.co.uk . This shows the location of the hotel and also the Orchard Room Restaurant which we will be using.
The cost is £12.50 per head for members and first guest.
Drinks ( Sparkling Wine or Orange ) will be served on arrival from 12:00 and lunch will be served at 13:00.
For the meal we have booked a Carvery style menu, with the starter and dessert courses being served at the table; you will be able to choose which of the roasts you want when you visit the carvery, with a fish course (Grilled Halibut) or vegetarian option (Lentil, Bean & Vegetable Ragout) also available. Please specify on the booking form your selections for all of the courses.
Anyone who requires assistance, disability etc., for the carvery can be served at the table - the fish course and vegetarian options will be served at the table in any case.
We will pre-order all the courses, in line with our normal practice. Tables plans will depend upon our final numbers, planning for 8 to 10 per table. As normal, you should place our name tags (Gordon is supplying them) on the tables when you arrive.
Wine will be served at the table, allowing half a bottle per person.
Please send your booking form together with a cheque for the appropriate amount as soon as possible to the organiser:-
Tony Mancell , 73 Mill Street, Harbury, Warwickshire, CV33 9HS
Telephone: 01926-613313 Email: Tony.Mancell@btinternet.com
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New Committee Member
Simon Barratt has been co-opted to serve on the Committee until the Annual General Meeting when he will be proposed to serve as an elected member. Simon will be be able to offer advice and assistance in several areas, so "Welcome, Simon" and we hope you enjoy your stint.
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Get More From IBM
IBM can grant up to about £650 cash or about £2,200 in equipment each year to most charities and other non-profit groups that an IBM retiree supports by volunteering. IBM also provides resources that can be freely used anywhere. These include presentations on Internet Security that could help schools and youth groups and, my personal favourite, information on free, open source software to help individuals and organisations avoid the high costs of proprietary programs like office suites and anti-virus software.
Eligible schools and charities may also take advantage of technology discounts - similar to the IBM Employee/Retiree Purchase Programme. This IBM "initiative" is called "On Demand Community". To find out more and to see which organisations would be eligible for a grant, click on :-
www.ibm.com/uk/news/ondemandcommunity
You will have to register on this site. When registering, use your home email address for the "IBM ID". You will have to enter your employee number and your email address, again, at later stages. If you have problems or need more information, you can phone Ros Coffey (in IBM Corporate Community Relations) on 020-7202-5860.
Last year our local Citizens' Advice Bureau received two complete PC systems, with nice LCD monitors, from IBM. This year, two systems (a Thinkpad and a PC) have been approved for our local Credit Union.
Bernard Spatz
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IBM National Bridge Tournament - Sunday 27 November 2005 12:00 to 21:00
This competition used to attract large numbers but possibly through a lack of awareness the numbers have dwindled in recent years. It is a good day out for all levels of bridge players and a chance to meet up with old acqaintances in very pleasant surroundings at the South Bucks Bridge Centre.
Time is short so responses from those intending to play need to be as well!
A great day out for all bridge players - social, friendly, yet competitive established parnerships and individuals welcome!
Fees include Bridge, lunch snacks, tea, dinner and prizes
IBM Club Members £30 , Guests £50,
Enrolments via email to Graham Cunningham:- graham_cunningham@uk.ibm.com by Friday 11th November
Email preferred but you can also phone:- 020 7202 5672 / 435672 (work) 07802 461162(mobile)
Post cheque payable to IBM United Kingdom Ltd to:-
Peter Breakell, 1022 Whitehouse Apartments, Belvedere Road , London, SE1 8YW.
020 7787 6677 or 07985 093416 email peter_breakell@hotmail.com for further information.
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