September 2007 Newsletter

IBM Retirees Club (Midlands)

(www.retireesmidclub.org.uk)

September 2007 Newsletter

Editorial

Our trip to North Wales, based in Llandudno, took our party to Llandudno itself with lunch in a J.D. Weatherspoon establishment (I can't call it a pub as some of their establishments are rather splendid, including this one) followed by a trip up the Great Orme on a historical tram and icluding a visit to a copper mine. The following day travelling on trains of various types, all in excellent weather, and finally on our way back to Warwick we took to the water with a canal trip from Llangollen. All in all, a very varied and interesting weekend and our thanks to Simon for his organisation.

This month takes us to Chatsworth in Derbyshire. We last went here 10 years ago and the weather was dreadful so we hope that things will be better this time. Will let you know in the next Newsletter.

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Our Diary has been updated with the date for the Thai evening and there is also a piece from Ken Hope about a planned trip to Liverpool next year. Also, Rick has organised another trip to Spain next month to check out their wines (and do some sight-seeing) - you should contact him immediately if you want to go.

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

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2006 Member's Report of IBM Pensions

You will all have received a copy of the 2006 Member's Report of IBM Pensions and you will notice in the Chairman's Report, under the heading Member Nominated Trustee Directors, that Jim Lamb said 'the views of IBM Retirees ... were sought' . As Chair, I did receive some questions but, with the agreement of your committee, I wrote back stressing that this is a social club and we have been specifically instructed not to become involved in pension matters. Apart from that we do not have any means of finding out the opinion of the Retirees' Club members let alone the retirees who are not members. Nor of course do we have the knowledge to comment on pensions matters. At least two other club chairpersons answered the request along these lines, so the reference is totally misleading and I will be writing to Jim Lamb to point this out.

However, please note that pages 18 to 20 summarise the Trust's main proposals on these matters and you will notice you have the opportunity to make any comments directly to the Trustees over the next two months or so. If anyone would like a copy of the original questions/discussion points sent to me then please contact me.

Ken Hope, Chairman.

Telephone: 01926 624203 Email: kenhope@barford.org.uk

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Visit to Bletchley Park 18th October 2007 (organisers Roger Goodman/Brian Wilson)

Our trip to Bletchley Park has attracted a lot of interest from members and I have just about reached the limit in terms of numbers. If you want to go, I might be able to squeeze you in but it is possible that I may have to start a wait-list.

Please aim to arrive no later than 10:20, which will give time to park and walk across to the Mansion. If you have any problems on the day, please ring me on 0771 969 6312.

You can obtain directions (and other information) from www.bletchleypark.org.uk but I have included a map as an appendix to this Newsletter which can be obtained by clicking here.

Brian Wilson Telephone:- 01926 777710 Email brian_h_wilson@msn.com

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Wine Trip to Ribera del Duero 18th October 2007 (organiser Rick Paslawski)

There are a few places still available on this trip but you will need to be quick if you would like to go. Please contact the organiser immediately for availability. Details can be found by clicking here

Rick Paslawski Telephone 0121 705 7719 Email rickpaslawski@tesco.net

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Thai Banquet - Thursday November 15th (organiser Phil Dalton)

A Thai Banquet will be held at the Thai Boathouse, Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-on-Avon. Meet at 19:30 for a 20:00 start. The menu and directions are attached.

Cost is £19.95 for Retiree Club Members and first guests which includes the meal, at least 1/2 a bottle of wine and tea or coffee.

Bookings should be sent to Phil Dalton, Tanglewood, 22 Warwick Road, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9LX and will be acknowledged by email unless an SAE is included.

- Go to Booking Form

- Go to Menu and Directions

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Future Events

A final date for your diary this year - the Thai Banquet will be held on Thursday November 15th.

After a number of requests, we have decided to re-instate the card which lists the events for the following year. We hope to distribute it at the Christmas lunch. You will also see a new link at the end of, possibly the November but certainly the December Newsletter, entitled (amazingly enough) "2008 Diary".

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Ken Hope has sent me the following for your interest:-

Liverpool, Capital City of Culture Weekend June 13 -15 2008

IBM Club Liverpool is organising a weekend in Liverpool from June 13 - June 15 2008. It would be a chance to meet up with friends and colleagues from the past as it is also being offered to members of the Northern Retirees' Club as well as the IBM Club Warwick .

The proposed schedule is as follows :-

Friday 8 pm : meet at a famous city pub for drinks (included) and a buffet.

Saturday morning : Option of Duck city and dock tour or free time for shopping. Guided tour of city centre.

Saturday afternoon : All aboard the Mersey ferry for a guided cruise on the River Mersey.

Saturday evening : Exclusive IBM Dinner Dance. (space for 180-200 people)

7:00 pm meet in the bar for drinks (not included)
7:30 pm sit down to a 3 course meal
8:15 pm Beatles tribute band on stage for first of two 45 minutes sets
9:30 pm Beatles tribute band on stage for second of two 45 minute sets
10:15 pm DJ and dancing into the small hours

Sunday morning : Option of Duck tour for those who missed it on Saturday.

Good hotel accommodation is available in the city centre. The approximate subsidised costs our members and partners will be less than £300 per member/partner couple for the Friday evening, tours and Dinner Dance including 2 nights accommodation. Price will be firmed up when we know the numbers.

If you are interested in principle please contact Ken Hope before the end of September by e-mail, letter or by leaving a phone message.

Ken Hope, 12 High St, Barford, Warwick, CV35 8BU.

Telephone: 01926 624203 Email: kenhope@barford.org.uk

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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.