WINTER 2016
To all Spice members your coordinators would like to extend a belated Merry Christmas and a very ‘Spicy’ Happy New Year to you all…welcome to the winter edition of your Spice newsletter. So how did your festivities go? Did you see friends and family? Did you have a spicey Christmas? Were you with the group of 50 members on the Spice Christmas break in Lincoln? Whatever you did let us help you get over the all that overindulgence and excesses we all have over this period…well that’s one of the reasons you joined Spice isn’t it? After all the parties, Balls, weekends away, etc. it’s time to start planning your diary for 2016 but don’t worry your coordinators have all been busy arranging lots of things for you to look forwards to. The next quarter we are very heavily involved in the overseas ski trips – if you haven’t already booked anything, are looking for a second trip or maybe are thinking about trying skiing out for the first time then check the Spice UK website as there are still a few trips with places to spare! But it isn’t all about skiing of course there are lots of events in your local programmes to start looking forward to so make sure you have a good look through the local event pages of the newsletter and if you want more information on any of the events just pop on line or call your local group. Some of the big events coming up in the year are Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in June, Dragon Boat Racing again in June, the
Jamie Morris Spice Scotland Steve Dell Spice East Midlands
Dominic Renshaw Spice Thames Valley & Solent
Edinburgh Festival in August plus many, many more. Last year we had an excellent trip to Thailand where 45 members had a holiday of a lifetime read more about this later in this issue. Oh and I nearly forgot the little matter of Spice’s 35th birthday and anyone that was around for 25 or 30 years knows what that means… that’s right the Spice Anniversary National Ball! Just ask around and anyone that was at the 25th or 30th Balls will tell you this is something not to be missed! If you haven’t already booked then what are you waiting for – check out your local group website and we’ll see you there. Whatever your interests the Spice programme just gets bigger and better and I’m sure you’ll have lots of adventures to talk about over the next few months – and don’t forget to take your camera’s, phones, etc. with you. We love seeing all your pictures on Facebook often making us all quite jealous of the fun you’re having!
So, what are you waiting for…Live your Dream. Ian Purvis Spice UK
Richard Coulter Spice West Midlands
Lauren Fawkes Spice Manchster & Yorkshire
Dianne Livingstone Spice London & Spice Bristol/Cardiff
Name: Claire Foster Group: West Midlands How long have you been a Spice member? I will have been a member for a year in September
Name: Liz Whitehouse
Why did you join Spice? I joined Spice on a whim. I was fed up of spending Saturday nights in with my own company. As much as I love my dog his conversation isn’t up to much! Many of my friends were married or had children and didn’t really want to do the things I did. What has been your favourite event? I have loved so many events for different reasons but I must say my favourite event so far has been the parties. I love dressing up and Spice have so many themes...80’s, Las Vegas, Around the World, The letter P....i now have a huge dressing up box under my bed!
What would be your advice for a new member? To just go for it! If there is something you want to do then book it. Don’t think about not knowing anyone, or what if you don’t enjoy it. Spice people are amazingly welcoming, I assure you, you will have a good time!
What has been your most challenging event? I would say the Dragon Boat Racing. I am not a water fan so agreeing to be the drummer in the boat was a huge challenge for me. It was definitely friends that got me through the day and i was so proud at the end of it! What is your funniest memory in Spice? It has to be at the Activity Fun Day, we started off the assault course clean, dry and warm.... We got a small amount of mud on us at the beginning of the day and moaned about being dirty... By the end of it day we were walking fully clothed through the lake, water up to our chin! I made so many lasting friendships that day and have some excellent memories not to mention photographs. What is your life philosophy in one sentence. Dance like nobody’s watching, sing like nobody’s listening, Live like heaven is on earth...... Your favourite movie? Evita the musical. Four people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party? Michael McIntyre, Audrey Hepburn, Channing Tatum, My Nan.
Your favourite movie? Mannequin... Just love it Most treasured belonging? My dog Bailey.
Group: West Midlands. How long have you been a Spice Member? Since February this year. Why did you join Spice? I joined Spice after a very tough year in 2014. I needed to do something positive and wanted to make new friends and try new things
Name: Kelley Dawes Group: West Midlands How long have you been a Spice member? Nearly 18 months Why did you join Spice? For the opportunity to experience new things. What has been your favourite event? Barn dance had my chuckle muscles hurting for days after!!! What is your funniest memory in Spice? Dragon boat camping and party night! So much fun! What would be your advice for a new member? Take a deep breath, and jump straight in! Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Not yet. Your favourite movie? Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid.
What has been your favourite event? hard to choose but I loved the llama trek.. Oh and Battle Proms at Ragley Hall.
What is your funniest memory in Spice? ... funniest memory was me and the girls running around Llangollen trying to find our canal boat with one minute to spare! We couldn’t stop laughing which made us even later! Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Yes, went to Iceland in November. What is your life philosophy in one sentence. Live your day as its your last day on earth as it will never come around again. Four people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party? My darling Dad, Trevor Francis, Paul Weller and Henry VIII - all would have a story to tell! Most treasured belonging? my late mom’s engagement ring - I will treasure it forever.
Spice Scotland Jamie Morris January – Always my favourite month of the Spice year – we begin with the January Ball – are we ending the year on a high or starting the year with a party? When the rest of the world is experiencing the January blues we get to party. Later in the month I lead the Scottish skiers off on our annual ski trip – the best event of the year – if you’re me of course. I’ve made some real friends whilst hosting this trip. Can’t wait for 2016!
All events and holidays mentioned in the round ups are available to members via the website or calling you local group
February – One event springs to mind – that’s our biggest event of the year – our February Bargain Break. 100 Spice members enjoying a lively weekend in Scotland. March – No big events in March but the events that make Spice work – everyday events – dinners, quizzes and Kelpies to name a few.
East Midlands Year Steve Dell January: We saw the year in with our fabulous New Year’s Party at the Grand Hotel in Leicester. 150 members partied until 2am in the grand Victorian Ballroom. February: A group of us went on a walking and social weekend in Cheshire staying in a luxury hotel near Chester. There was wonderful walking in Delamere Forest and the Sandstone trail. We even had a bit of snow on the Sunday! March saw another party; this time for the second anniversary of Steve running East Midlands – we had a sleepover party with a Rod Stewart act. April was Easter and another great walking and social weekend. This time from Bournemouth with great walks to Swanage, Hengistbury Head, Christchurch and Corfe Castle. May had two bank holidays with visits to the beautiful Gower and Portsmouth. June was the annual pilgrimage to Sherwood Forest Centre Parcs and camping at the Leicestershire sausage and cider festival July saw two firsts – a joint East and West Midlands Summer Ball and our first win ever at Dragon Boat Racing! August was a great social weekend including visits to Buckingham palace, Houses of Parliament and we walked across the 02 arena. September was the magical trip to Las Vegas and rafting down the Grand Canyon October was our Spooktackular Halloween party which was a massive sell out success with 180 members dressing up. November saw some wonderful autumnal colours with forestry walks including a weekend walking in the New Forest December we have many festive events including themed quizzes, a Christmas Party and finishing up back in Leicester for our New Year’s party!
April – How the sun shone for us at Loch Fyne – still can’t believe that was all the way back in April – what a wonderful break, a stunning location with a great crowd – and glorious sunshine! May – May came and went – haunted pub crawl is always great fun, ten pin bowling – I am so bad at it, but will always have a go – Iain the bowling shark – well played. June – Theatre food at Mark Greenaway – lovely and a small but select group enjoying Montrose – not the most famous of places but really enjoyable nonetheless. July – BBQ with Maureen, always a lovely day and another Narrow boat – so many have done this event and one of the hits for members over the years August – Edinburgh comes alive with the festivals – I always look forward to welcoming our southern members to experience Scottish hospitality and the Edinburgh Fringe. We danced, drunk, watched, ate, and wandered. We also get to do it all again – how lucky am I! September – A quiet month with no real memories for me – apart from getting married! In my role as a Spice Coordinator I get to do lots of brilliant things and meet lots of lovely people. Little did I know on a Center Parcs weekend with Spice I would meet the lady who would change my life? Spice does really make a difference! October – Treasure Hunt on the Subway, Rotating Dinner – always enjoy them but a quiet month in general for me as I took my first non Spice holiday since 2010. I did check emails though; it’s a lifestyle choice for sure. November – Glencoe – another excellent trip and one of the highlights. We keep going back, year after year – I have now been 6 times and it doesn’t disappoint. We’ve already booked for 2016! December – It’s the most wonderful time of the year – apart from January that is! Glasgow parties, Edinburgh lunch big groups and it’s always lovely to see everyone happy and in the festive spirit. Did I say it’s nearly January? I feel very privileged to do what I do for a living and being able to get out with our members and experience moments with you is great I’ve hosted 24 preview evenings, played badminton around 40 times, eaten in excess of 40 meals out, walked, hosted and met so many people – my main memory of 2015 - Lorna and Donald – that Sella Ronda taxi – we’ll always have that story to tell.
Manchester & Yorkshire Lauren Fawkes
West Midlands Richard Coulter
January- The year starts with an influx of new members and it was wonderful to welcome them in to the group and share with them all the fun and friendship that Spice brings to our lives. Then we hit the end of January we were full tilt into the Ski Season and I was lucky enough to ski with a lovely group of beginners and intermediates on the Spice UK Soldeu trip.
January Our Spice West Midlands Ski Trip was to the famous French resort of Morzine. Here we enjoyed a wide variety of skiing and some great après ski nights!
Febuary - My second skiing trip was to Les Arcs where i met another fantastic set of members which was quickly followed by our Valentines Bunk Barn in Kirkby Stephens. In March we had our first visit to the lovely Grassington Bunk Barn which set the bar a bit higher for all the other bunks we use so much so we are going again in December and have it booked for the 1940’s weekend in 2016. April started with our Easter visit to the lovely Outdoor Alternative Centre on Holy Island, Angelsey which is always a treat in the calendar followed by our first visit to the Great Hucklow Bunk accommodation in the Peak District. May - Though not strictly a Spice event, I took an incredible opportunity to join the Spice Dragon Boat suppliers, Pershore Greyhounds to take part in the Vogalonga in Venice. This took place over the Spring Bank Holiday and we paddled a Dragon Boat around Murano and Burano islands then back over the lagoon in to the Grand Canal, a distance of approximately 26 miles in total in the company of around 2000 other boats – an exhausting but exhilarating once in a lifetime opportunity! Then early in June I headed up to Northumberland to host our first bunk weekend at Seahouses, again so good that we have it in the diary for 2016 and 2017. Then on to one of the highlights of the Spice calendar, the Center Parcs Sherwood weekend a fun, packed weekend of socialising, sports, partying, fancy dress and friendship with Spicers from across the U.K. July saw another two favourites in the programme, the Masham Beer and BBQ Camping weekend and The National Dragon Boat weekend, where we paddle, party and camp but not all at the same time. We had a super Summer Party in between the two camping weekends too. August saw a weekend visit to Beverley Friary which we try to fit in every year, a fabulous old building and a market town with plenty to offer – Beverley was ably hosted by one of our fabulous voluntary hosts freeing me up to join in on the London Social Weekend where you can dip in and do as much or as little as you like. The month culminated in the Timberlodge Bank Holiday weekend where we socialised, walked, ate, drank, barbecued and made merry. September saw me jetting off to Turkey, to celebrate the wedding of 2 well known Spice members Lyndsey and Dave Pokhan – the wedding took place down on the Marina in Turgetres followed by a celebration at the yacht club, it was a beautiful occasion that I was proud to be part of along with 60 or so other Spicers. Then with not much time to waste in October bought for me a real highlight for the year as I was lucky enough to host the Spice UK Thailand trip. With 45 Spicers meeting up in Dubai before flying on to Bangkok where we stayed for 3 nights whizzing around like whirling dervishes to take in all the sights followed by a visit to the River Kwai and all that it had to offer including 2 nights stay on the River Kwai Junglerafts, truly beautiful. Then for the chill out part of the holiday we were transported to Hua Hin where we relaxed and took in the Thai way of life. A magical couple of weeks with so many friends and memories made. Then it was back to the UK with a sharp jolt having left during an Indian Summer and returned to a very autumnal setting just in time for the Halloween Bunk Barn followed in quick succession by November’s Winter Warmer Bonfire Weekend. It is now Mid-November and we have started to ramp up (if that is possible!) for Christmas and New Year – we have some fabulous events still to come with our Grassington Festive Dickensian Festive weekend, some wonderful party nights to celebrate Christmas and New Year and our Christmas Break in Lincoln to come. Phew!
February Chinese New Year: We always make a big fuss of the Chinese New Year and this year we had a group of over 100 members plus firecrackers, dragon dancers and a huge Chinese banquet. March World War II Discovery Break: Simon Footer MBE, ex special forces pilot and great friend of Spice West Midlands took 26 of us on a fascinating and poignant tour of the DD Beaches, Glider Sites and War Graves of the Second World War. His knowledge and enthusiasm really brought the horrors of war to life. In a lighter vein, he also took us to the best bars and restaurants of Normandy. I am looking forward to joining his WW1 break in March 2016. April Paris by Eurostar with Lunch up the Eiffel Tower: Back in France again! This time I was lucky enough to lead a lovely Springtime visit to Paris by train. We had a great group of members along and took in lots of sights and enjoyed the Parisian joie de vivre together! May Has Spice Got Talent: There are some experiences you get in Spice that you just couldn’t find anywhere else! This was our third “Has Spice Got Talent” Night where we take over the Jam House (Birmingham’s prime live music venue) and make our members the stars! For me it meant dressing up as Conchita Wurst and singing “Rise Like a Pheonix”! Other acts ranged from African Drumming to a very entertaining Piper! We raised nearly £1000 for Edwards Trust through having fun! I believe that video evidence still exists of my performance and others on our Facebook Page – watch if you dare! June Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Party Weekend: Dressing up again? Well, Spice Center Parcs visits have a reputation for some of the biggest and most outrageous Fancy Dress Parties on the planet – so it would be pity not to! July Harry Potter Studios: The opening of Platform 9¾ was an ideal excuse to take a coach down to the amazing Warner Brother Studios to see how the Harry Potter series of films were made. We enjoyed being “big kids” and discovering the remarkable scenes, models and special effects. Butter beers all round! August Meet the Meerkats: Nothing to do with my car insurance, we spent a lovely summers evening at Lakeside Animal Centre discovering these incredible animals. We also met baby meerkats, wallabies and lots of other creatures who live there. A brilliant evening! September Fire Eating: One of the classic Spice adventures and still one of my favourite days. October Viva Las Vegas Sleepover Party: A Spice party is always a lot of fun and this year we decided to celebrate the 80th Birthday of “The King” with a very talented tribute! November Go Ape – Treetop Experience: Autumn is a great time to go into the forest, and we had one of our regular visits to Go Ape on Cannock Chase. It takes around 2 hours high up in the canopy to travel all the zipwires, rope bridges and cargo nets that make up this incredible treetop adventure playground!
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Key Spice Holiday Partners For many years Spice has enjoyed an excellent relationship with our travel partner Exodus Holidays – the UK’s leading adventure travel company.
5% discount for independent direct bookings! We know however that sometimes our scheduled group departures won’t always fit in with everyone’s personal travel needs. We also know that often members would like to visit some of the places we are not featuring in the group holiday programme… To book your independent holiday with Exodus and claim your Spice member discount call 0845 863 9606. To qualify for the Spice Discount, simply advise them you are a Spice Member AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, i.e., you are unable to add Loyal Customer Discount with an Early Booking discount to your Spice Discount!
Spice Cancellation Spice CancellationPolicy Policy
5% Discount with Club Dance Holidays We are delighted to be working with Spice to promote our dance holidays whether it is salsa, Ceroc, ballroom or tango we cover it all – UK weekends or 7 or 14 night breaks . Club Free Sprit have taken 23,000 customers to various destinations over the years from Cuba, Miami, Jamaica to Calpe, Spain, Austria and Malta. We have increase our portfolio of activities from dance to fitness, ski and golf. In order to qualify for the Spice Discount, simply call reservation number on 0207 099 4816 and let them know you are a Spice Member AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, i.e., you are unable to add Loyal Customer Discount with an Early Booking discount to your Spice Discount! SOLOS Regretfully SOLOS have withdrawn their Spice Member Discount as from 1st August 2013.
as per the Tour Operators Terms and Conditions as supplied with Holiday Information Packs. Cancellation must be in writing. A back Evening up phone call is recommended. You should assume you are still General Eveningand andone oneday dayevents events booked until youishave written confirmation of your cancellation. cancellation received within the cancellation period prior to an Providing you you give give us us more more than than seven seven days days (includes (includes weekends weekends Where Providing and and bank bank holidays) holidays) notice notice you you will will receive receive aa full full refund refund as as aa Credit Credit event, you will lose all monies paid (and also be liable for any balance) General Note, Note, less less aa Cancellation Cancellation Fee Fee of of 20% 20% of of the the cost cost of of the the event event OR unless we can replace you. If you simply turn up forperiod an event Where cancellation is received within do thenot cancellation prior loss loss of of deposit deposit (whichever (whichever is is lower) lower) with with aa minimum minimum of of £3. £3. (Except (Except without contacting us you will automatically forfeit any monies and to an event, you will lose all monies paid (and also be liablepaid, for any where where stated stated otherwise otherwise in in the the Newsletter Newsletter event event description). description). Credit will balance) be liable unless for any we balance. can replace you. If you simply do not turn up Notes valid forvalid 12 months and only redeemable againstagainst events. Creditare Notes are for 12 months and only redeemable for an event without contacting us you will automatically forfeit any events. events Should Spice Cancel anbe event..... Ticketed monies paid, and will liable for any balance. Should Spice cancel any event you will be refunded directly back by Note: Theatre, Concerts, etc. These are non-refundable unless we Should Spice Cancel an event..... Ticketed events the payment method used. Our policy is that wherever possible we will can resell your place, as tickets will have already been purchased. Should Spice cancel any event you will be refunded directly back issue a refund. Note: Theatre, Concerts, etc. These are non-refundable unless we always Overnight and events costing overalready £100 been purchased. by the payment method used. Our policy is that wherever possible can resell Events your place, as tickets will have we willand always issue a trips refund. Note: This excludes overseas trips which have a separate Holiday Holidays Overseas Cancellation Policy. and Providing you give usover more than twenty Overnight Events events costing £100 Note: More than three overnights or outside UK. Cancellation is as Holidays and overseas trips eight and which bank holidays) notice you will per Note: the Tour Operators Terms and Conditions asUK. supplied with Holiday Note:days This (includes excludes weekends overseas trips have a separate Holiday more than three overnights or outside Cancellation is as receive a full refund a Credityou Note, Cancellation Fee Information Packs. Cancellation must be in writing and a back up phone Cancellation Policy. as Providing giveless us amore than twenty per the Terms and Conditions as supplied with Holiday Information of 20%days of the cost ofweekends the event OR deposit (whichever eight (includes and loss bankofholidays) notice you will callPacks. is recommended. You should you are still booked until Cancellation should beassume in writing. Where cancellation is you isreceive lower).a(Except where NewsletterFee have written confirmation of your cancellation. Where cancellation full refund as astated Creditotherwise Note, lessinathe Cancellation received within the cancellation period prior to an event, you willis event description). are valid fordeposit 12 months and only of 20% of the costCredit of the Notes event OR loss of (whichever received within the paid cancellation period priorfor to any an event, youunless will lose lose all monies (and also be liable balance) weall redeemable against events. is lower). (Except where stated otherwise in the Newsletter monies paid (and also be liable fordo any If you simplywithout do not can replace you. If you simply notbalance). turn up for an event up for an event contacting us youany will monies automatically forfeit event description). Credit Notes Holidays and Overseas tripsare valid for 12 months and only turncontacting us youwithout will automatically forfeit paid, and will any monies paid, and will be liable for any balance. redeemable against events. be liable for any balance. Note: More than three overnights or outside UK. Cancellation is
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0161 8 SP 2 KingTel: Street, Not info@spicemcr.com Bristol BS32 4UBLivingstone Co-ordinator: Dominic Renshaw Co-ordinator: Dianne Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter ww www.spicebham.com dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com NG1 2AS info@ www.spiceuk.com c Ge SPICE (East Midlands) 118, Shiplake Bottom, SPICE (Scotlan 32a Street, 6a, Burnett Road, Streetly, www.spicemcr.com Tel:High 01276 479Bagshort, 253 www.spicebristolcardiff.com SPICE (Manchester) Tel: 0845 017 Co-ordinator: Steve Dell 13,103 T Peppard Common, Surrey, GU19 5AZ Sutton Coldfield dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com SP Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes info@spiceeastmi SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) Co-ordinator: Jam Foxhall Business Center, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5HR Tel: 01276 479 253 Livingstone West Midlands, B74 3EJ (Thames Valley &S SPICE (W (West W est Midlands)Co-ordinator: SPICE (London) (Tham www.spiceeastmid SPICE (Scotland) CoStables, 11SPICE Poplar Dianne www.spicebristolcardiff.com 63 Easter Langsid 2 King Street,Road Nottingham, SPICE (East The Midlands) Tel: 0118 972 4810 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk Tel: 0121 353Co-ordinator: 6161 Co-ordinator: Dominic Rensha Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone Richard Coulter The Stretford, Manchester, 9AN 130 Aztec Dalkeith, 2F Co-ordinator: Jamie MorrisEH22 NG1 2AS M32 Co-ordinator: Steve Dell www.sp www.spicelondon.co.uk dominic@thamesvalleyspice.co.uk info@spicebham.com 118,Langside Shiplake Bottom, 32a High Street, Bagshort, 6a, Burnett Road, Streetly, Almondsbury, Stre Tel: 0161 864 3849 Tel: 0845 017 1031 Tel: 0131 531 2653 63 Easter Crescent, Foxhall Business Center, SPICE (East Midlands) www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk www.spicebham.com Peppard Common, Surrey, GU19 5AZ Street, Nottingham, Sutton Coldfield info@spiceeastmids.com Tel: info@spicemcr.com Bristol BS32 4UB info@spicescotlan 2 King Dalkeith, EH22 2FN. Co-ordinator: Steve Dell SPICE (Manchester) www.craigdon-edinburgh.com www.spiceeastmids.com Henley-on-Thames, RG9 (Tha 5HR Tel: 01276 479 253 West Midlands, B74 3EJ (W SPICE SPICE (West W est Midlands) SPICE (London) info www.spicemcr.com Tel: 01276 479 253 www.spicescotland NG1 2AS Tel: 0131 Foxhall Coulter Business Center, Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes SPICE (Yorkshire) Tel: 531 01182653 972 4810 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk Tel: 0121 353 6161 Co-ordinator: Co-ordinator: Livingstone Co-ordinator: Richard SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) ww dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com Promo Code - 15%SPICE Tel: 0845 017 1031Dianne info@spicescotland.com 2 King Street, Nottingham, The Stables, 11 Poplar Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes 118, Shiplake Terms &Road Conditions: Min Street, Spend. www.spicelondon.co.uk dominic@thamesvalleyspice.c 32aÂŁ20 High Bagshort, 6a, Burnettwww.spicebristolcardiff.com Road, Streetly, Co-ordinator:info@spicebham.com Dianne Livingstone SPICE (Scotland) info@spiceeastmids.com Maps and Vouchers are excluded. www.spicescotland.com NG1 2AS Stretford, Manchester, M3231/01/16 9AN The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Peppard Com www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk Surrey, GU19 5AZ Sutton Coldfield 130 Aztec www.spicebham.com Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris Valid tillwww.spiceeastmids.com UK Mainland As a m Stretford, Manchester, M32 Tel: 0161 864 3849 SPICE (Manchester) Henley-on-Th Tel: 01276 479 253 West Midlands, B74 3EJ Tel: 0845 017 1031 Almondsbury, for delivery Only 63 Easter Langside Crescent, 9AN SPICE (East Midlands) many Tel: 0845 094SPICE 2200 (Yorkshire) info@spicemcr.com Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes Tel: 0118 972 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk 0121 353 6161 Bristol BS32SPICE 4UB (BristolTel: & Cardiff) info@spiceeastmids.com Dalkeith, EH22 2FN. Co-ordinator: Steve Dell info@spiceyorks.com www.spicemcr.com The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes dominic@tham www.spicelondon.co.uk info@spicebham.com Tel: 01276 479 253 Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone Tel: 0131 531 2653 Spice UK National Office Spice East Midlands www.spiceeastmids.com Foxhall Business Center, www.spiceyorks.com Stretford, Manchester, M32info@spicescotland.com 9AN The Stables, 11 Poplar Road www.thamesv www.spicebham.com dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com 1308788 Aztec 0161 873 01827 767150 2 King Street, Nottingham, Vi SPICE (Scotland) Stretford, Manchester, M32 Tel: 0161 864 3849 SPICE (Manchester) www.spicebristolcardiff.com Almondsbury, www.spicescotland.com info@spiceuk.com office@spiceeastmids.com From the home9A pa NG1 2AS As Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris Tel: 0845 094 2200 info@spicemcr.com SPICE (York Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes Bristol BS32 4UB SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) sho Event button. www.spiceuk.com www.spiceeastmids.com As a amember of spice you can enjoy Tel: 0845 017 1031 member of 63Dianne EasterLivingstone Langside Crescent, The Stables, 11 Poplar Road info@spiceyorks.com www.spicemcr.com Co-ordinator: Tel: 01276 479 253 Co-ordinator: SPICE (East Midlands) info@spiceeastmids.com many exclusive and money In thesaving Search eve Spice you can enjoy Dalkeith, EH22 2FN. www.spiceyorks.com The Stables, Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN 130 Aztec Co-ordinator:dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com Steve Dell Spice Bristol / Cardiff www.spiceeastmids.com can search for a t many exclusive and deals. Tel: 0131 531 2653 SPICE (Scotland) Stretford, Tel: 0161 864 3849 www.spicebristolcardiff.com Almondsbury, FoxhallSpice Business Center, Scotland 01276 479253 by clicking onMan the From the home page click the money saving deals. info@spicescotland.com Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris Tel: 0845 094 info@spicemcr.com Bristol BS32 4UB 2 King0131 Street, Nottingham, on Category for e 531 2653 dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com As a member of spice you Do to start cW Event button. www.spicescotland.com 63 Easter Langside Crescent, Visit spiceextras.co.uk info@spiceyo www.spicemcr.com walking,parties, Tel: 01276 479 253 NG1 2AS SPICE (East Midlands) info@spicescotland.com www.spicebristolcardiff.com many and mone Visitshopping spiceextras.co.uk walk and exclusive start saving today. etc. Dalkeith, EH22 2FN. www.spiceyor dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com Tel: 0845 017Co-ordinator: 1031 Steve Dell www.spicescotland.com In the Search events block you to start shopping Tel: 0131 531 2653 SPICE (Scotland) can search for a typeYou info@spiceeastmids.com Foxhall Businesswww.spicebristolcardiff.com Center,Spice Thames Valley & Solent of event can find anlo e and startMorris saving info@spicescotland.com Co-ordinator: Jamie www.spiceeastmids.com 2 King Street, Nottingham, by clicking on theAs dropdown Spice Manchester 0118 9724810 area by selectingo a member Visit spiceextras.co.uk Do you want From63 theEaster homeLangside page click the www.spicescotland.com Crescent, today. and selecting you on Category for example NG1 2AS SPICE info@thamesvalleyspice.co.uk (East Midlands) 0161 864 3849 many exclusi Event button. shopping and start savin example Essex, K walking,parties, Weekend breaks Dalkeith, EH22 2FN. walking, mea Tel: 0845 017 1031 Steve Dell info@spicemcr.com Co-ordinator: www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk etc. Tel: 0131 531 2653 info@spiceeastmids.com www.spicemcr.com Foxhall Business Center, local area. 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Spice 35th Anniversary National Ball
Spice has a big National Anniversary Ball every 5 years and the chances are you have heard our 25th and 30th Anniversary Balls were both events that have gone down in Spice history and are still talked about today!
Spice UK is proud to present the Spice 35th Anniversary National Ball! This will be a truly fabulous night with loads of fun surprises, and a great celebration of all that Spice represents. The Anniversary Ball is at the iconic venue The 4* Queens Hotel in the vibrant city of Leeds. The Hotel was purpose built accommodation for rail travelers and it couldn’t be better located right in the heart of the city with its own entrance straight off Leeds Central station - why bother to bring the car! The bedrooms are all well-appointed and we have Ball weekend accommodation for 1 night (Sat night only) as well as the Friday and Sunday nights if you want to make a real weekend of it! Go on what’s stopping you? The Queens Hotel in Leeds is a beautiful art deco period building and when we saw it we immediately thought of a great theme for the evening! So the theme of the 35th Anniversary Ball will be ‘The Roaring 20’s!’. Think Flappers, gangsters, prohibition (don’t worry it won’t be a dry bar!), straw boaters and you get the gist – the possibilities are endless. And if you’re worried about being the only one dressed
Date: Saturday 01 October 2016 Place: 4* Queens Hotel, Leeds Costs: £79 – early bird ticket only for first 100 members £89 guest Includes: Ball ticket, Welcome Drink Reception, 3 courses plus coffee, ½ bottle of wine per person on table, Live Act on the night, Disco, plus some surprise extras. Deposit: £20 per person Accommodation: Available all details are on the website
**EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT FOR FIRST 100** Prices shown here include a £10 early booking discount for first 100 Tickets.
Spice Weekend Terms and Conditions apply. Your money is protected via our trust account. Balance payable 15 August 2016, No refunds after this date unless we resell all slots.
up for the night don’t be as all Spice Coordinators and Helpers (and there will be plenty of them) will be adopting the theme! But if you prefer then of course formal ball attire is perfectly acceptable. Arrive to a Welcome Drinks reception – there will be areas for each group to meet up and join the rest of their group and coordinator. After a little time to mix and mingle it’s time to proceed to the Queens Ballroom with beautifully decorated tables for the main event! Sit back and enjoy a delightful 3 course evening meal plus coffee, ½ bottle of wine on the table per person There will be a live act to which you can party hard and dance the night away before moving on to some fabulous tunes as our Disco takes us into the late evening and early hours.
We are still in the planning stages for this weekend so we can’t reveal too much however as those who attended the 25th & 30th balls know, you should expect a few other special ‘Extras’ to add to the whole evening. We will also be raising money on the night for charity so there will be a raffle on the night which we hope you will join in with. Spice Yorkshire will be putting on a number of events over the weekend including a meal on the Friday evening if you want to get to meet some of the early Spice arrivals! We are really excited about this event and can’t wait to share the evening with you! What are you waiting for, get it booked and let the good times roll… Remember - you need to book your accommodation and Ball ticket separately so don’t forget to do both!
My Thailand Holiday by Lauren Fawkes
It was almost a year before the holiday that I was found out I had secured the role of hosting the Spice UK ‘Thailand Chill Out + River Kwai’ holiday and I was excited about it from the outset. I had been lucky enough to visit Thailand in 1998 with a friend and had had a blast – I was so looking forward to seeing what had changed. I remember Bangkok being incredibly busy and the Thai people being absolutely lovely and I wasn’t disappointed this time around. We had members flying from Glasgow, London and Manchester and we all met up in Dubai to fly to Bangkok together. We were definitely spoilt flying on Emirates as their service was as always really good with great in-flight entertainment, service, food and drinks. It was great to meet everyone in Manchester and then to meet up with lots more members in Dubai, for me the holidays are always a treat as I get to catch up with members from all over the country many of whom I have met before but lots of new faces too. After picking up our bags in Bangkok we made our way through customs to be met by our very smiley tour guide Lek who was with us for most of our trip. He didn’t quite understand the concept of Spice at first and treated us as a ‘standard’ tour group but he soon realised that we were very much about interacting with each other and getting to know new people and he soon settled in to lots of banter and frivolity with us. Upon arrival at our first hotel, a tranquil oasis in the tangle of Bangkok just alongside the Chao Phraya River we were all exhausted but seeing the lovely pool invigorated us and we met there shortly after arrival.
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As at 15th December 2015
International Holiday Programme Welcome to the Spice international holiday programme, available to all Spice members as an exclusive benefit of membership! Over the years Spicer’s have travelled with us to every corner of the world enjoying action and adventure, amazing sights, interesting cultures and always great company with plenty of laughs along the way! Whether you’re after an easy going leisurely break, an active walking week or a trip of discovery we hopefully have something to suit. Over the next few pages we’ve picked out a few of our current holidays to highlight plus there’s a full listing of everything currently available including this seasons ski trips. If you do find something that you want some more information for then more information is available on the Spice UK website www.spiceuk.com – alternatively if you want to discuss anything at all don’t hesitate to call Spice UK on 0161 873 8788.
Spice UK team! Happy holidays from your
Spice Holidays
2016
Date Nights Spice Trip Deposit Price from 24/01/16
7
Ski Les Deux Alpes
Good single availability!
24/01/16
Ski Andorra 1
7
A very popular trip staying at Pas de la Casa
23/01/16
Spice Scotland – Ski Courchevel
7
Edinburgh flights available but others on request!
07/02/16
Ski Courchevel 1850
7
Always a popular choice & this year we have extra singles!
19/02/16
Nice Carnival Weekend
3
A super winter getaway with a packed itinerary – Gatwick & Liverpool flights available!
20/02/16
Ski Austria
7
Peak season skiing in the magnificent Alberg region!
06/03/16
Ski Courmayeur – Solo week
7
Skiing in Italy with lots of singles on this one!
06/03/16
Ski Andorra 2
7
A repeat of our very popular Soldeu trip!
12/03/16
Walking La Gomera
7
New walkwise holiday to the Canaries!
13/03/16
Ski Meribel
7
Ski the 3 valleys from a ski in/out chalet!
19/03/16
Spice London/Bristol/Cardiff – Ski Arabba
7
Gatwick flights available but others on request!
01/05/15
Cyprus Chillout
7
A Spring getaway to the sun to kick start your summer!
26/05/16
Wonderful Copenhagen
3
A short break in Denmark’s interesting and diverse capital!
£150
£695
£150
£680
£150
£799
£150
£835
£150
£469
£150
£864
£150
£635
£150
£699
£150
£939
£150
£875
£150
£785
£150
649
£150
£499
Date Nights Spice Trip Deposit Price from 05/06/16
6
Amazing Algarve 5* Chillout
After great feedback we return to the Algarve but have move along the coast a little!
11/06/15
Mark Warner Watersports
7
A great week of water and land sports to be had!
11/06/15
Mark Warner Watersports
14
Why not extend the fun and go on this trip for 2 weeks!
18/06/15
Mark Warner Watersports
7
A great week of water and land sports to be had!
20/09/16
Croatian Chillout
7
A chillout with a different
09/10/16
Lake Garda Autumn Special
5
After 4 years the popularity of this trip shows no signs of stopping!
02/07/16
Andalucía Highlights
7
Sample the highlights of the region plus a free bar every day!
07/09/16
Grand Canyon Rafting Experience
13
Only 1 place left on this year’s trip – The ultimate Spice experience!
02/10/16
Thailand Chillout & the River Kwai
13
Amazing feedback last year we just had to repeat this one but with a slight tweek!
20/10/16
Cuba – Sun & Fun
12
Such a popular trip since it was first run 2 years ago and no price increase!
06/11/16
Iceland Discovery
4
Visit the land of Ice & Fire!
08/11/16
India: Bollywood, Palaces and Beaches
14
An unusual and interesting insight into this amazing country!
Spice Holidays
£150
£619
£150
£850
£150
£1290
£150
£850
£150
£679
£150
£499
£150
£799
£300
£2899
£160
£1599
£160
£1699
£150
£699
£200
£2099
– ones to watch out for!
These trips are not quite ready for release but worth keeping a look out for them. Date Sep 16
Nights Spice Trip 7
Costa Blanca Chillout
This trip as been very popular with members the last 2 years so we had to repeat it!
Oct 16
Magnificent Madrid
3
Weekend break to the Spanish capital!
Dec 16
Lapland Adventure
7
An incredibly popular trip for the past 3 years!
There are many other holidays being planned for 2016 but they are too early in the planning stage to even mention here! All Spice UK air holidays are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Each tour operators ATOL number is stated at the end of every holiday write up on our website www.spiceuk.com plus full terms and conditions. Your money is protected via our Trust Account in compliance with EC Package Travel Regulations.
Highlighted Holidays
SKI AUSTRIA – ST. CHRISTOPH 8 days, Saturday 20 February 16 from £864 Departs London Gatwick ,Manchester, Birmingham & Edinburgh St. Christoph, set in a spectacular open snow-bowl 500m above neighbouring St Anton, and just a short ski-bus ride from Lech & Zürs, share Austria’s No. 1 world-class ski area the Arlbeg with the other famous-name resorts. Without the distraction of many bars in resort (St. Christoph is very quiet!) this is a trip for anyone who wants serious skiing during the day and a relaxed chilled out evening – nearby St. Anton does however have plenty to offer if you do fancy the odd blow out! Skiing in St.Christoph offers a pretty, traditional village nestled in a picturesque setting, with a lovely blue run down from the Galzig peak running right back to our Chalet Hotel’s ski-room door!
SKI COURMAYEUR 8 days, Sunday 06 March 16 from £635 Departs London Gatwick only Not quite a completely sole occupancy week but almost. We have exclusive use of this chalet for a group of just 29 and we have 23 sole occupancy/single rooms available!
SKI ANDORRA 1 – PAS DE LA CASA 8 days, Sunday 24 January 16 from £680 Departs London Gatwick & Manchester Our trips to Andorra have become so popular in recent years we decided we just had to put on two holidays this year and many of those who have been to Soldeu with us felt that a week in Pas de la Casa would give the chance to ski over there a bit more! Known affectionately as ‘Pas’, the lively frontier town and mountain pass of Pas de la Casa (2100m) – with direct links to Grau Roig - is in north-eastern Andorra and close to the French border, with the airport at Toulouse less than 100 miles away. So there’s a distinctly French ambience. It’s not only the highest of the Andorran resorts, but the entire Pyrenees, with slopes as high as 2640m, and has a correspondingly good snow record – last year the resort claimed a 20-year high!
Lovely and leisurely with great snow, varied terrain, fabulous scenery and plenty of time for lunch, Courmayeur takes a very Italian approach to skiing. It has an excellent snow record, backed up with a very impressive snow-making system and a very efficient lift system, including a new gondola and a fast four man chairlift. The ski area has a varied selection of easy and intermediate runs liberally sprinkled with welcoming huts, each with its own panoramic sundeck and spectacular view. At the top of the cable car is the nursery area for beginners. For stronger skiers the possibilities are endless, with famous offpiste runs such as the Vallee Blanche into Chamonix, the Toula Glacier in the shadow of Mont Blanc and access to some of the best value heli-skiing in Europe (with a mountain guide). The Vallee Blanche descent into Chamonix is outstanding and one that you’ll never forget.
WALKING LA GOMERA 8 days, Saturday 12 March 16 from £939 Departs London Gatwick & Liverpool
4 days, Friday 19 February 16 from £469 Departs London Gatwick & Liverpool
A week on the island which many people have described as a walker’s paradise. Indeed this small island is blessed with natural beauty, the kind of which ranges from lush valleys to awe inspiring cliffs and impressive rock formations formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Why not discover the South Coast of France with Spice in February 2016 and forget the dull winter days. This is a short city break to Nice, including entry to its world-famous annual Carnival.
From the central mountain plateau where the mists swirl around the ancient laurel forests to the deep chasms of the many dramatic gorges that carve through from the mountains to the sea.
Nice Carnival dates back to 1294, when the Count of Provence Charles d’Anjou spent the “the joyous days of Carnival” in Nice. Over the centuries, the city of Nice has celebrated the end of Lent with masked balls, fancy dress, egg- and confetti-throwing, and most recently, parades of floats through the streets. Floats are decorated with beautiful flowers and fun characters such as His Majesty “Triboulet”, the rag puppet mascot who leads the festivities.
Add to this the charming white walled villages and the terrific network of walking trails and we can’t go wrong. The excellent accommodation is ideally situated in the island’s main town of San Sebastián and is a superb base from which to explore the island. Even the journey there will be an enjoyable adventure as we take the ferry over from the honey pots of southern Tenerife to the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful and untamed island.
NICE CARNIVAL WEEKEND
WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN 4 days, Thursday 26 May 16 from £499 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Edinburgh Denmark is known all over for it’s Vikings, but also the great story-writer H.C. Andersen has found his way into most people’s heart. So Spice would like to offer you the chance to discover Copenhagen, with its historical buildings and ancient streets, outstanding museums and galleries, the uniquely enchanting Tivoli Gardens and a resident monarchy that is the oldest in the world, the Danish capital has a host of attractions to suit all tastes. But this is no living museum; Copenhagen is a vibrant, modern city whose fascinating past coexists with the very latest trends in architecture, design and fashion. This is, after all, one of the world’s great design capitals, a status that is reflected in its dynamic new buildings and stunning shops making it a popular destination for tourists.
ANDALUCIA HIGHLIGHTS 8 days, Saturday 02 July 16 from £799 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Edinburgh La “Costa Tropical” (the Tropical Coast) is situated to the west of Málaga and runs along the shoreline of the province of Granada for more than 100 kms. It’s filled with picturesque beaches, cosy coves and charming little towns and villages.
CUBA – SUN & FUN 13 days, Tuesday 20 October 16 from £1699 Departs London Gatwick Join us on a wonderful Caribbean break to the historic island of Cuba! Get away from it all this autumn and enjoy some fun in the Caribbean sun with Spice! This 11-night break to the Caribbean’s largest island, famed for its rum, salsa, vibrant culture and stunning beaches will be amazing. Spend a few days in the happening capital Havana and immerse yourself in decades of history intertwined with a hot salsa beat and plenty of rum cocktails before transferring to quieter Varadero for 7 nights’ All Inclusive relaxation on the beach.
The Costa Tropical is blessed with a subtropical microclimate and its average annual temperature is 20º and has around 320 days of sunshine per year. This privileged climate has helped the fertile plains and gentle slopes that rise up from the beach to grow all kinds of tropical fruit, which is the one the most important economic resources in the area. There is also some tourism and some foreigners have settled in the area, but it has not happened in the massive way as it has done in the “Costa del Sol” to the other side of Málaga. There is still a Spanish atmosphere about the Costa Tropical, and it’s only a short distance away from locations as special as the Alpujarras (Sierra Nevada), the last Moorish stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula or Granada with its world famous Alhambra. Far from being overcrowded, the Costa Tropical is still an ongoing discovery, and the locals are hospitable and generous with visitors.
CROATIAN CHILLOUT 8 days, Tuesday 20 September 16 from £679 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham We have been looking to visit Croatia with a chillout holiday for some time and with this trip we thing we have something of great value and a little bit of fun too! Staying on the island of St Andrew just of the coast of the town of Rovinj we will enjoy the facilities of the lovely 4* Hotel Istra and although it is on it’s own island you are by no means cut off. The hotel runs a scheduled daily ferry service between 6am and 12.30am every hour and it’s free for guest in the hotel! And don’t worry; it only takes 15 minutes to cross!
INDIA: BOLLYWOOD, PALACES AND BEACHES 15 days, Tuesday 08 November 16 from £2099 Departs London Heathrow only This is a trip with a real difference and something we have never come across before! Taking in India’s must see Golden Triangle – Dehli, Agra and Jaipur – to see the Taj Mahal, Amber City Fort and Agra Fort amongst other things we then head down to Mumbai for our insight into the world famous Bollywood phenomenon! And finally it’s down the coast to Goa for a well-deserved chillout! This is a trip we are sure won’t be available for long so don’t hang around.
All Spice UK air holidays are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Each tour operators ATOL number is stated at the end of every holiday write up on our website www.spiceuk.com plus full terms and conditions. Your money is protected via our Trust Account in compliance with EC Package Travel Regulations.
To book visit www.spiceuk.com or call Spice UK on 0161 873 8788
‘Only 27,375 days in the average lifetime, what did you really want to do today….’
0161 873 8788 info@spiceuk.com spiceuk.com #spiceuk facebook.com/spiceuk
Coordinator’s Corner Welcome to your winter 2016 Live It. I hope you’ve had a brilliant Christmas and an excellent New Year and are ready to embrace 2016 with a desire to get out and about and meet lots of new people and make lots of new friends. We can help!
Welcome to new members You’ve taken the first steps and joined Spice; the next step is to come along to your first event. I know this can be a daunting prospect when you don’t know anyone else in the group but there’s no need to be apprehensive, Spice are a friendly bunch. Most of us come along on our own to events so we’re all well used to meeting and welcoming new people. A great way of getting into Spice is by booking your first events right away and getting your first event “under your belt”. Even better is to try a weekend away and get to know a smaller group of people really well. If you’ve not been to a Spice Preview Night we hold them most months, so do make an effort to come to one of these, and please next time I am on an event, come up and say hello so I can put a face to the name! After preview evenings we sometimes follow with new members dinners. A great way to get started immediately. st
If you want advice on a great 1 event or how Spice works, give me a ring and we’ll chat through it. Do you have a friend, work colleague or family member who could do with some added Spice to life? Tell them about us – we’ll thank you and so will they.
It’s been a memorable 2015 for many reasons and a really successful year for Spice in Scotland. We are growing as a group and selling out more events than ever. It’s all thanks to you, the more events you come on, the more we can plan and attract even more members to join us. Since the last newsletter we’ve spent time in Glencoe – another memorable break – we’re back again this year and already taking bookings, enjoyed lovely Christmas and New Year activities and had a great time in between. As we head through the early months towards spring there’s no excuse to not get out and about on one of the many events on offer. Selling particularly well but with some spaces still remaining are our Nearly New Year Ball, Ski Courchevel and February Bargain Break – all fantastic events that guarantee a great time – don’t miss out and book today. We have now added Wobbly and Ultimate Walking in the Lakes, Ballachullish Walking and a Scottish Week on Mull and in Killin – a two stop week to make the most of the stunning Scottish mountains. This will sell quick to don’t delay. Our social breaks in Arrochar and Mallaig are almost full and Copenhagen has just a few slots remaining too – we’ve never been so organised – 2016 looks like it’s be a bumper year for our weekends away. Glasgow Comedy Festival and Celtic Connections put Glasgow firmly at the front of Scotland’s event scene and again we head to both to enjoy a variety of nights out. th 2016 see’s Spice celebrate our 35 Year – amazing – we’ll be partying in October to celebrate this milestone on our National Ball in Leeds. This is a small selection of what’s on offer throughout January, February and March so make a promise to yourself and get something booked today. I look forward to seeing you out and about and sharing Spice experiences with you.
Jamie Contact us T: 0131 531 2653 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday except on public holidays. or leave a message on the 24 hour answer phone. Email us at info@spicescotland.com Book events online 24 hours a day at www.spicescotland.com/events Facebook at facebook.com/SpiceScotland Twitter @SpiceScotland Spice Scotland, 63 Easter Landside Crescent, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, EH22 2FN
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Events January & February 2016 Monday 4 January
Tuesday 5 Badminton Edinburgh
Wednesday 6
Thursday 7 Badminton Glasgow
Friday 8
11 January Preview Evening Find Out More - Glasgow O'Neill's
12 Badminton Edinburgh
13
14 Badminton Glasgow
15 Meal - Italian at Gali
18 January Preview Night - Find Out More Edinburgh 25 January
1 February
19 Badminton Edinburgh
20 Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn
21 Badminton Glasgow
22 Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
26 Badminton Edinburgh
27
28 Badminton Glasgow
29
2 Badminton Edinburgh
3
4 Badminton – Glasgow
5 The Chocolate Connoisseur at Coco
Thursday Night Comedy at The Stand
8 February Preview Evening Find Out More - Glasgow O'Neill's Theatre Blood Brothers 15 February Preview Night - Find Out More Edinburgh
22 February Theatre Hairspray
9 Badminton Edinburgh Theatre Annie
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11 Badminton Glasgow Fencing Taster with Edinburgh Fencing Club
12 Bar Night Buffet at Arta Live Escape Game - The Darker Side of Edinburgh
16 Badminton Edinburgh
17 Tastings at Demijohns
18 Badminton Glasgow
19 Walking Weekend Wobbly & Ultimate Lakeland Walking
23 Badminton Edinburgh Workshop What to Wear - Image Matters
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25 Badminton Glasgow
26 February Bargain Break 2016
Saturday 9 Spice Scotland Nearly New Year Ball 2016 16 Marks Meander George Square, Glasgow Celtic Connections Meal and Club 23 Spice Scotland Ski Courchevel 2016 30 Burns Charity Ceilidh in aid of the refugee crisis 6 Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk Section 1 Bowling to Stockingfield Rotating Dinner at Alla Italia 13 A Play, a Pie and a Pint Show TBC
Sunday 10
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24 Aerial Circus Classes – Beginners Trapeze 31
7 Concorde Experience at The Museum of Flight
14 Karting - The Spice Grand Prix at Scotkart
20 BBC Scotland Studio Tour and Lunch Rotating Dinner at Merchants 27
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Spice Scotland Ltd, 63 Easter Landside Crescent, Dalkeith, EH22 2FN – 0131 531 2653 info@spicescotland.com www.spicescotland.com Registered in Scotland: Company No. SC375093 Vat Reg. 990853577
Events February & March 2016 Monday 29 February
Tuesday 1 March Badminton Edinburgh
Wednesday 2 Theatre West Side Story
Thursday 3 Badminton Glasgow
Workshop What to Wear - Image Matters 7 March Preview Evening Find Out More - Glasgow O'Neill's
8 Badminton Edinburgh
14 March Preview Night - Find Out More Edinburgh 21 March
15 Badminton Edinburgh
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17 Badminton Glasgow
18 Ski Scotland Weekend Glenshee
22 Badminton Edinburgh
23 Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn
24 Badminton Glasgow
25 Spice Edinburgh Paub Crawl You Decide
28 March Theatre Rocky Horror Show
9 Meal - New Members Curry Night
10 Badminton Glasgow
Friday 4 Riddle Rooms - The Masion Room - The Big One
11 The Balmoral Cocktail Tastings
Meal - New Members at Metropolitan
29 Badminton Edinburgh
30 Tastings at Demijohns
31 Badminton – Glasgow Fencing Taster with Edinburgh Fencing Club
1 April Murder Mystery Dinner Death by Chocolate
Saturday 5 Guided Tour St Giles Cathedral and Breakfast
Sunday 6 Walk - Monks Rigg and Braid Law Sunday Stroll
A Night at The Dogs - Dinner and Racing 12 Segway Safari
Birds of Prey - Up Close and Personal 13 Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk Section 2 Stockingfield to Kilsyth
Glasgow Comedy Meal and Show Viva and Laughter8 19
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26 Clay Pigeon Shooting Cluny Clays
27 Golf Winterfield Golf Club
Glasgow Comedy Meal and Show Cafe Andaluz and Janey Godley 2 The Edinburgh Playhouse Tour
Guided Tour Glasgow Necropolis Cemetary
Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk Section 3 Kilsyth to Falkirk
3 Quad Biking Meal Sunday Roast at The Mariner
Spice Free New/Potential Member Preview Evenings No need to book, simply turn up! Each is in an area exclusive to Spice Scotland. All your questions answered – a short presentation about Spice and how it work’s.
Glasgow & the West Mondays 11 Jan, 18 Feb & 7 March 2016 at 8pm prompt Conservatory, O’Neill’s, 71 Albion Street, Glasgow, G1 1NY O’Neill’s is on the corner of Bell Street and Albion Street, the Preview Night is in the Conservatory (rear and left of bar), which is exclusive to Spice for the evening. Please get your drinks from the bar before joining us.
Edinburgh & the East Mondays 18 Jan, 15 Feb & 14 March 2016 at 8pm prompt The Outhouse, 12a Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH1 3LY The Outhouse is in Broughton Street Lane, off Broughton Street (through archway near top). We are in the upstairs lounge which is exclusive to Spice for the evening. Please get a drink from the bar and join us.
Spice Scotland Weekends and Holidays Weekend/Holiday
Date
Cost
Dep
Page
Ski Courcheval 2016 Wobbly Walking Ultimate Walking February Bargain Break 2016 Ski Weekend – Glenshee Ballachullish Walking Arrochar Bargain Break See Glasgow Break Scottish Walking Week Wonderful Copenhagen May Sailing Break Mallaig Summer Weekend Montrose Golf Break August Sailing Weekend Scottish Sailing Week th Spice 35 Birthday Ball
23 – 30 January 2016 19 – 21 February 2016 19 – 21 February 2016 26 – 28 February 2016 18 – 20 March 2016 15 – 17 April 2016 22 – 24 April 2016 13 – 15 May 2016 21 – 28 May 2016 26 – 29 May 2016 27 – 30 May 2016 1 – 3 or 4 July 2016 29 – 31 July 2016 26 – 29 August 2016 3 – 10 September 2016 1 October 2016
£799 £189 £189 £119 £149 £179 £109 £149 £649 £499 £299 £164 £119 £299 £659 £79
Due Due Due Due Wait List £40 £40 £30 £130 £100 £60 £40 £25 £60 £140 £20
12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 19 18 18 19 19 20
All Spice Scotland Weekends can be booked with a deposit (amounts vary depending on weekend cost) – full balance will be due the month preceding weekend date, ie. Montrose Golf Break will be due 1 June 2016 unless specified otherwise
Spice Scotland Ski Courcheval 2016 – last 2 spaces! WHEN: WHERE: PRICE: INCLUDES:
EXTRAS:
Saturday 23 January – Saturday 30 January 2016 Call 0161 873 8788 to book. Chalet Hotel Les Anemones, Courchevel 1850 – Location, Location, Location! £799 Member, Single Supp £180 – Save over £80 on Inghams current web price! Flights from Edinburgh to Geneva, all flight supplements, transfers, chalet accommodation, room supplements, 7 breakfasts, 6 evening meals with choice of menu, including pre-dinner apèritif, choice of complimentary wines with dinner followed by tea/coffee & chocolates, 7 afternoon teas. Wi-Fi (public areas) Spice coordinator (Jamie) Insurance available through Spice UK if required. Drinks, some meals, optional extras. Ski Requirements (Last season’s prices as a guide) – 3 Valleys Lift Pass £245; Local Lift Pass £205; Ski hire from £79; Ski Boot hire from £35; Ski Saver Pack £479 (area lift pass, red ski hire, 6 days tuition); Ski Carriage £35 per skis/board. We are delighted to have secured another of Europe’s ultimate ski destination for our Scotland ski trip in 2016 – Courcheval 1850. Ski Courchevel! In this Sahara of snow, skiers can undertake the ultimate ski safari. If you want to ski till you drop – this is the place. Courchevel and its neighbours in France’s celebrated Three Valleys – including Méribel, Les Menuires, Val ThorensOrelle (Europe’s highest ski resort) and St Martin de Belleville – comprise what is arguably the largest ski “domaine” in the world. It offers great skiing for all abilities, with immaculate pistes and stunning scenery. This fantastic trip offers great skiing for st all abilities – 1 time skiers along with experienced skiers will love it. Our hotel this year is ski in ski out and is in an excellent central location just 30 metres away from La Croisette lift. The stylish, world-famous amenities of Courchevel 1850 are all within a short walk also.
Chalet Hotel Anémones: has a cosy and intimate style, with the attractive restaurant setting the scene for enjoying your delicious Chalet Hotel cuisine. The atmospheric bar offers Free WI-FI access and TV/DVD, as well as some of the best value prices in Courchevel! The 30 bedrooms are arranged on three floors, including the ground level and two floors below but all with views over the lower part of the resort. The rooms are simply but comfortably furnished and all en suite. Food and Drink: Meals include buffet breakfast with hot options, afternoon tea and freshly baked cakes, 5-course dinners with choice of menu, followed by coffee & chocolates, Aperitif and choice of complimentary wines with dinner. Tea and coofee is also available free all day, every day. Provisional Flight Details: Jet 2 – Outbound – Edinburgh 12.05pm to Geneva 3.25pm Return - Geneva 3.55pm to Edinburgh 5.15pm The Tour Operator is Inghams (Atol 0025), for whom we act as an agent and their terms and conditions of booking apply. Your money is further protected via our Trust Account, in accordance with EC travel regulations. To book this holiday please call Spice UK on 0161 873 8788.
Walking Weekend – Wobbly in the Lakes WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Friday 19 February to Sunday 21 February 2016 (2 nights) Glaramara, Borrowdale, CA12 5XQ Member £189.00 Singles & £199.00 Twin En-suite Share; Guest £20 Supplement 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, 2 picnic lunches and a choice of 2 guided walks on the Saturday and the Sunday, and a themed wine tasting evening on Saturday night EXTRA: Transport if taken to walk starts SLOTS: 35 (in 15 Singles and 10 Twin en-suite rooms) The WalkWise 'Wobbly' Walking Programme: Wobbly walking offers a great weekend with a usual WalkWise-style walking programme on the Saturday and Sunday, and the added bonus of wine tasting on the Saturday evening! For this ‘Wobbly’ part on the Saturday night, there will be a themed dinner based on the wine’s country of origin. After dinner there will be a chance to learn about the wines, why they were chosen and of course to sample a number of wines from the chosen country! This centre is simply one of the finest walking locations anywhere in the country, with mountains and fells reaching upwards in every direction. By contrast, there are numerous river valleys with tranquil lakes, dancing waterfalls and peaceful woodland, providing wonderful lower level walks. For the hard walkers there are some truly wonderful high level options Great Gable, Glaramara, Allen Crags, Eagle Crag, Sergeant Crag, High Raise, Ullscarf, Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson are all possible walks from the front door of the centre, or it's only a short hop over Honister Pass to a range of walks in the beautiful Buttermere valley. The final choice of walks and routes will be selected closer to the time when the weather and everyone’s ability and previous experiences of Borrowdale have been established. Meanwhile for the gentler walkers there are some beautiful lower fells that can be reached without too much effort: Castle Crag, Kings How and Bessy Boot are all wonderful viewpoints. Styhead Pass and Sprinkling Tarn lie at the very heart of the most spectacular mountains in England, and there is also the dramatic scenery of Dale Head Tarn and the Newlands valley. But we must not forget the beautiful Langstrath and Buttermere valleys, and the hidden tea shops in the hamlets of Watendlath, Seathwaite and Rosthwaite, all of which add to the delights of the lower walks.
Walking Weekend - Ultimate Walking WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Friday 19 February to Sunday 21 February 2016 (2 nights) Glaramara, Borrowdale, CA12 5XQ Member £189.00 Singles & £199.00 Twin En-suite Share; Guest £20 Supp 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, 2 picnic lunches and guided walks on the Saturday and the Sunday EXTRA: Transport if taken to walk starts SLOTS: 16 (in 8 Singles and 4 Twin en-suite rooms) This ‘Very Hard’ WalkWise Walking Programme: This very hard walking programme is running alongside a more sedate ‘wine tasting and walking’ package and we shall dine with them Friday and Saturday but leave to the bar, pub or television room after the meal on Saturday night. On the Saturday we will attempt a re-run of the very satisfying ‘Four Passes Walk’, an infamous ex Long Distance Walkers Event favourite, almost designed for challenge walking in extreme conditions. This involves four big pulls over the four passes and we would be ascending over 15 miles and 5,131ft. Although tough it can be done in nearly all weathers incorporating Honister Pass, Scarth Gap, Black Sail and Sty Head, and providing belting walk amongst a variety of hard high and low level terrain. On the Sunday having attained much of the walking to the west of Honister we will aim to extend this fine walking to incorporate the fells to the east of Honister Pass. This extended Newlands Round, is a very big day out in summer so we would have to be moving well to even accomplish it as it incorporates Dalehead, Hindscarth, Robinson, Knott Rigg and Ard Crags before making its way back to Glaramara. At approx 14 miles and 4,700ft this is another mega achievement when you add to that the compound effect of the previous Four Passes too!
We are delighted to team up with Scotland’s leading sports equipment retailer – just in time for you winter walking, ski gear and anything else needed to enjoy the great outdoors.
Promo Code - 15%SPICE – use this when booking online at www.craigdon-edinburgh.com or visit the new Edinburgh Superstore just off the Lothianburn Junction of the city bypass. Terms & Conditions £20 Min Spend, Maps and Vouchers are excluded Valid till 31/01/16, Uk Mainland for delivery Only
February Bargain Break 2015 WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Friday 26 February - Sunday 28 February 2016 Based at the Fishers Hotel, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BN £119 Member, £139 Guest. Single Rooms £35 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner, entertainment including ceilidh and disco, walks with VC Walk Leaders, Mark’s Meander & Treasure Hunt, and Friday Welcome Spice Rotating Dinner SLOTS: 90 – 30 Singles and 30 Twin/Doubles th Now into its 12 year, join us for the biggest and best weekend in the Spice calendar – our February Bargain Break. This year was brilliant so we are heading back to Pitlochry and The Fishers Hotel. The Fishers Hotel situated in the lovely town of Pitlochry and offers exceptional accommodation and facilities for the perfect Spice weekend. At just over 1 ½ hrs from Glasgow, Edinburgh and easily accessible from all over the UK this weekend is the perfect destination. The hotel is also in a great location for those wanting to travel by train with a station just 1 minute away. Fishers Hotel, sits within two acres of spectacular, award-winning gardens and a putting green, it is one of the town's finest, a reminder of the Grand Days blending Victorian elegance with modern day luxury and comfort. All public areas have been refurbished to a high standard and provide wonderful lounges with open fires, an exclusive cocktail lounge, a Courtyard restaurant and a lively public bar and bistro. All bedrooms are en-suite with colour tv, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, wireless internet and direct dial telephone.There is a lift to the bedrooms in the main building. Your weekend includes a 3 course sit down dinner on Friday and Saturday evening in our own exclusive function room, full Scottish breakfasts, daytime walks or places of interest and full evening entertainment. The Area: Pitlochry is a delightful Victorian town nestling on the River Tummel, amidst mountains, lochs and forests and some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. A popular holiday resort for over 150 years since first visited by Queen Victoria, famous for its Festival Theatre, salmon ladder and woollen shops and activites including, hill-walking, fishing, boating and golf, it is well placed for exploring the scenic beauty of the Perthshire Highlands. Pitlochry has grown into an attractive, busy town, solid with a strong Victorian air and a lot of stone buildings. Activities: This excellent weekend is jam packed with activities to suit everyone. On Friday evening we will attempt a Spice Rotating Dinner – over 90 members moving between courses! The perfect chance to meet loads and loads of your fellow Spice weekenders in one action packed evening. Beware – if you come with a friend we cannot guarantee you will sit together during dinner. After dinner we will enjoy a lively private disco. On Saturday enjoy a lovely Scottish breakfast before heading out for the day. You will have the option to join one of the 2 walks on offer from out walk leaders or for a more leisurely day a place of interest will be available too. After our 3 course dinner in the evening we welcome a live ceilidh band to entertain us. Sunday sees us want again start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading out again. There will also be 2 walks on offer or a chance to do some sightseeing before we head home. This is always a brilliant weekend and whilst we have 30 single rooms they will go quick so get booked now to avoid disappointment.
Ski Scotland Weekend - Glenshee WHEN: WHERE: COST: SLOTS:
Friday 18 March - Sunday 20 March 2016 Gulabin House, Spittal of Glenshee, PH10 7QE £149 Member, £169 Guest. INCLUDES: 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner, transport to and from Glenshee Ski Centre on Sat and Sun in our own luxury house. Max. 12 (4 x twin/double and 1 x 4 bed ensuite – Wait List in operation Glenshee Ski Centre offers the UK's most extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities - we hope you will enjoy the mountains of adventure. Only a short drive from our base Glenshee offers the opportunity to ski in Scotland for skiers of all abilities. Gulabin House is a beautifully designed modern building with fantastic features. The lounge is open plan with a 60 inch flat screen TV, a feature swedish log burning stove (16kw) and a spiral staircase to the upper level. The kitchen is equipped with all the modern appliances including a dishwasher and wine cooler. There is a bathroom downstairs, and a further family bathroom upstairs and 2 ensuite bedrooms. In total there are 5 bedrooms sleeping 12 in total (4 upstairs/1 downstairs). 17
Walking Weekend – Ballachullish and Glencoe WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Friday 15 April to Sunday 17 April 2016 (2 nights) Ballachulish Hotel, Glen Coe, PH49 4JY Member £179 Twin & £229.00 Single, Guest £20 Supp (Deposit £40 + single supp) 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, 2 picnic lunches and guided walks on the Saturday and the Sunday EXTRA: Transport if taken to walk starts SLOTS: 32 (in 22 Twin and 10 single, Sole Occ rooms) The WalkWise Walking Programme: This area really is one of the nations favourite walking areas and certainly all the guides fight over this trip as they simply never tire of visiting and exploring it. The harder walkers have a smorgasbord of choice with some of the finest mountains in Britain. To the east lies fantastic Bidean nam Bian, the tremendous Three Sisters of Glencoe and the legendary Lost Valley are breathtaking! However, stunning though it is, there is obviously more to Glencoe than just Bidean! The Ballachulish Horeshoe, Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag are also classic mountains days out, with far-reaching views of some of the most amazing terrain Scotland! We can head out up loch leven which gives us great access to the Mamores another superb range of mountains there are also some lovely lower walks in this area which follow some of the tumbling rivers through the meandering glens up cataracts and waterfalls to some beautiful and stunning lochans. We are also on the coast and there are some opportunities to head out along the coast and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery too. However, don't fear if the above sounds overly energetic, because the easier walks are absolutely beautiful! Various routes snake out of Kinlochleven into the wild hinterland of the River Leven, with wonderful waterfalls cascading into the gently lapping waters of Loch Eilde Mor, Dubh Lochan and Blackwater. Ancient forests add further interest to the northern stretch of the famous West Highland Way which passes the head of the valley. There are also some beautiful mini peaks and such as Mam na Gualainn, which offer wonderful viewpoints across Loch Leven with the jagged teeth of the Aonach Eagach in the distance! So rest assured we are definitely not short of some superb walks on this weekend. The only difficulty will be working out which ones to leave out To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 9-12 miles with 3000+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent.
Arrochar and Loch Lomond Bargain Break WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES: SLOTS:
Friday 22 April – Sunday 24 April 2016 Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar, G83 7AU £109 Member, £129 Guest. Single Supp £35 (Deposit £40) 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner, walks on both days, (Places of Interest may incur a small charge) 34 – 10 Singles and 12 Twin/Doubles
Arrochar lies at the head of Loch Long, in an idyllic location that offers the best of Scotland: a sea loch surrounded by mountains, all within easy reach of Edinburgh and Glasgow with train station nearby. Originally designed and built in the 19th century, the Arrochar Hotel is one of the most enviably positioned hotels in Argyll and Bute. It is based at the very foot of the ‘Arrochar Alps’ on the shores of Loch Long, only two miles from Loch Lomond. Accommodation: Perfectly positioned to revel in the rugged and majestic charm of the area, the hotel is magnificently situated at the very foot of the 'Arrochar Alps' on the shores of Loch Long. The fully refurbished Arrochar Hotel is only two miles from Loch Lomond and is ideal for a relaxing break or great to discover some of Europe’s finest scenery. Here a warm welcome awaits you when you step into the former coaching inn and soak up the peace and tranquility for which the Scottish Highlands are famous. Relax with a fine malt whiskey in the lounge bar, before dining in the restaurant with many a fine Scottish meal to choose from. Sit back, unwind and enjoy the magnificent Loch Views. Needless to say the hotel has magnificent views across the sea loch and up to the famous mountains beyond. All the rooms are en suite. Our package includes evening dinner, bed and breakfast. Activities: As with all Spice Scotland Bargain Breaks there will be an option to join on a relatively easy local walk or visit places of interest on each day. Should you wish to just get away from it all there is lots to do around the area, here’s just a few ideas to wet your appetite: Loch Lomond, Gardens of Argyll and Bute, Ardtornish, Crarae and Ardencraig, Loch Lomond Championship Golf Course, River and Loch fishing in Lomond, Glengoyne, Malt Experience, Balmaha Harbour. For those wishing to take along their golf clubs we will arrange tee times on the Saturday at a nearby course.
See Glasgow – A Cultural & Social Break WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES: SLOTS:
Friday 13 May – Sunday 15 May 2016 Alexander Thomson Hotel, Argyle St. Glasgow, G2 8LY £149 Member, £169 Guest. Single Supp £50 (Deposit £30) 2 Nights B+B accommodation, Saturday evening Spice exclusice party night. 32 – 8 Singles and 12 Twin/Doubles See Glasgow – a cultural and social break. Glasgow - European City of Culture, Commonwealth Games host is just Pure Dead Brilliant. st Join us on our 1 Glasgow weekend and your chance to experience this lively city. We stay right in the city centre; at The Alexander Thomson Hotel, a short walk from Central Train Station which makes all the attractions and bars! very accessible, either walking or on the subway. There will be a set of coordinated activities throughout the weekend; you can do all of them of just dip in and out as you please (although many will need to be booked in advance). Activities are yet to be finalized but walks in Kelvinggrove Park, The Botanics with Peoples Palace, Macintosh Trails with afternoon tea in the world famous Willow Teas Rooms, Clyde Rib Boat Tour and much more. Full details will be available early 2016. The Evenings On Friday night Jamie will arrange for somewhere to eat as a group, possibly one of our famous Scottish rotating dinners. After dinner we will take in Glasgow’s nightlife. On the Saturday there will be a Glasgow Party Night with hot fork buffet, cakes and disco till late. (included in the cost of your weekend) The package includes two night’s bed and breakfast, party night and a host throughout the weekend. Extras: Travel to Glasgow, meal on Friday and any activities. Throughout the weekend Spice Scotland members will be invited to book the events – remember – people make Glasgow!
Scottish Walking Week 2016 Isle of Mull, Iona and Killin WHEN: Saturday 21 May to Saturday 28 May 2016 (7 nights) WHERE: The Isle of Mull Hotel PA65 6BB & Killin Hotel in Highland Perthshire, FK21 8TP COST: Member £649 Twin & £749 Single (Deposit £130 + single supp) INCLUDES: 7 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, 5 picnic lunches and 5 days of guided walks EXTRA: Transport if taken to walk starts SLOTS: 39 (in 28 Twin and 11 single, Sole Occ rooms) Overview: In response to your requests we have incorporated another another Scottish Island into our Scottish walking week for 2016. This year we have put together an exciting 2 centre Scottish walking week for 2016. The Isle of Mull - Hills, glens rocky coasts, sandy beaches, hidden bays, a rugged remoteness, a wealth of wildlife,a dramatic geological past, and a turbulent history all combine to make Mull one of the most varied and interesting walking destinations in the country., Mull has the only island munro outside Skye, Ben More dominates the western hills, with its impressive ridges it is a delightful climb too. But there is much more to walking than Ben More the island has a Corbett and some stunning grahams to explore. It may come as a surprise to discover there is over 300miles of coastline which hide secluded bays, fishing villages, caves and a massive biodiversity, greater than anywhere else for its size in the UK. Here Golden and Sea Eagles nest and hopefully we will be able to see them as we explore the island. We may also be able to pop over to the islands of Iona or Ulva (weather dependent). As always in Scotland the final choice of walks will be made once we have the forecast but you will find yourselves with difficult choices as the lower walks will seek out secret hidden glens and wander the wonderful wild rugged coastline with its basalt towers, cascading waterfalls, sea arches and seal colonies as the harder walkers head to the rugged mountains and the eagles! NB remember to book your ferry early. In 2015 Oban to Mull it was £26.00rtn for a car www.calmac.co.uk (summer 2016 timetable not out yet 9/12/15) Killin and the Central Highlands - And what of the walking, well of course the area is surrounded by Mountains, lochs and Glens which make it a favourite destination for walkers of all abilities. One beauty of Killin as a destination is that it offers good road access east to Loch Tay and Ben Lawers, west to Loch Lomond, south to Loch Earn and north up to Rannoch moor Glen Coe. So we may be able to work with the weather gods a little bit and go wherever the weather is best. There closest hill range is the Lawers Group which contain eight Munros, Ben Lawers, Tarmachan Ridge, Ghlas Ben and Ben More and some lesser known ones too. From these tops the views of Scotland are so vast that on clear days they stretch to the coastal fringes of the Firth of Tay in the east and the Firth of Clyde in the south west. Of course you never really know what conditions we are going to get and there are is a smorgasbord of exciting opportunities around here too! To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On each walking day there will be a choice of a harder walk of 1012 miles with up to 3500ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. 16
Classic Copenhagen WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES: SLOTS:
Thursday 26 May – Sunday 29 May 2016 Copenhagen, Denmark £499 Member; Single Supp £160 (Deposit £100) Flights (incl hand luggage), transfers, 3 Continental breakfasts. 3* hotel accommodation on a twin share basis (local rating). Hop on/hop off city tour ticket. 26 – 6 Singles and 10 Twin/Doubles
Denmark is known all over for it’s Vikings, but also the great story-writer H.C. Andersen has found his way into most people’s heart. So Spice would like to offer you the chance to discover Copenhagen, with its historical buildings and ancient streets, outstanding museums and galleries, the uniquely enchanting Tivoli Gardens and a resident monarchy that is the oldest in the world, the Danish capital has a host of attractions to suit all tastes. But this is no living museum; Copenhagen is a vibrant, modern city whose fascinating past coexists with the very latest trends in architecture, design and fashion. This is, after all, one of the world's great design capitals, a status that is reflected in its dynamic new buildings and stunning shops making it a popular destination for tourists. While you are there you should not miss out on spending some time in The Queen’s city. Pay a visit to the beautiful Amalienborg Palace (Winter Residence of the Royal Family), Rosenborg Castle (where the crown jewels are kept), The world famous Little Mermaid, the colourful old canal district of Nyhavn, the Old Stock Exchange or one of the many museums – just to mention a few of the major sites. The world famous Tivoli Gardens is a must for all those who like to play. Tivoli is the world's second oldest amusement park and is one of Copenhagen's most famous attractions; it is filled with wild rides, green oases, gourmet food, and rock concerts - and much more! The entertainment and shopping possibilities in Copenhagen are numerous. A range of excellent restaurants and cafés offer you a wide variety of first class menus. All kinds of concerts are held throughout the year, and you find a nightclub for every taste in the bustling nightlife of Copenhagen, or how about a Night at the Opera or the world famous Royal Danish Ballet. The longest pedestrian shopping street in the world, “Strøget”, is lined with a broad variety of fashion and designer shops alongside some outstanding department stores. So you are guaranteed the chance to pick up a bargain during your stay. Welcome to wonderful Copenhagen, a City with never ending possibilities day and night! We will be staying in a minimum 3* hotel in central Copenhagen we will be well located to explore the city! We have also included a hop on/hop off city tour ticket to help you get your bearings. This is a great way to start exploring the city and seeing some of the well-known places to visit. Your coordinator will arrange to start this tour with everyone together but if you find that you want to spend more time in any one place then feel free to leave the group and continue your exploration later! Reward yourself with a well-earned break, visiting a new or well-loved city, and making new friends. Simply book and we will do the rest! Provisional Flight Information 26/05/2016 29/05/2016
Edinburgh to Copenhagen Copenhagen to Edinburgh
Dep: 1035 Arr: 1310 Dep: 1640 Arr: 1730
Please see the Spice UK Booking Conditions The tour operator for this flight inclusive holiday is Spice UK Ltd (ATOL 9046). This holiday is protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Spice UK Ltd holiday terms and conditions apply, as supplied with the full holiday information pack. Your money is protected via our trust account in compliance with EC travel regulations.
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Mallaig Summer Weekend - Social & VC Walking Break 2 or 3 night options WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES: SLOTS:
Friday 1 July – Sunday/Monday 3/4 July 2016 Morar Hotel, Morar, Mallaig, PH40 4PA 2 Night - £164 Member, £184 Guest. Single Rooms £40 Supp (Deposit £40) 3 Night - £245 Member, £265 Guest, Single Rooms £60 Supp (Deposit £50) 2/3 Night Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Extended VC Walks Sat and Sun, Spice Coordinator. (Places of Interest may incur a small charge) 24 – 8 Singles and 8 Twin/Doubles
Visit Harry Potter Country! The Morar Hotel is a friendly family owned hotel on the romantic "Road to the Isles", 3 miles from Mallaig, the Southern Gateway to the Isle of Skye. With the introduction of the steam train, the journey takes only one and a half hours from Fort William which is just 50 minutes distance by new road or by the special steam-hauled service that runs on the West Highland line in the summer months (“the Hogwarts Express”!). There is however a year-round scheduled service from Fort William, Glasgow and London Euston (overnight) right to the hotel door. You traverse the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. Accommodation: The Morar Hotel features breathtaking views of the famous Silver Sands of Morar and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum & Eigg, its panoramic views and comfortable accommodation make it the perfect coastal escape. Built in 1902, originally as the Station hotel, and is only metres from the train station, yet with 2-3 services a day it is never noisy. During its quiet history, the place has seen just 5 owners and has a long tradition of being a family run hotel. Original owners the MacKellaig family ran it until 1973, following by the MacLeod family until 2003 then the Mansons to June 2005 with Scott Hoteliers to 2014. Our weekend will consist of 2 or 3 nights dinner bed and breakfast with activities as outlined below (golf will incur green fees). Activities: This time we have asked Ina Grimson, one of our VC walk leaders to arrange an extended social walk (between 8 and 12 miles) on Saturday and Sunday. These walks are for members who enjoy walking and are looking for more of a challenge than our usual social weekend walks. If numbers permit we will also aim to offer a shorter walk suitable for all. We will also have the option for a social day out exploring the local area and with all the Harry Potter influences I see a theme already in the making. There will possibly also be the option for a day trip by ferry to the Isle of Skye. For the golfers out there we will also look to book tee times on the Saturday (and possibly Sunday if interest is sufficient). Extra Night Option: Due to the distance from the central belt of Scotland and further afield this break can be booked as a 2 or 3 night stay (or more if wanted). Arrival is from Friday afternoon and check out is either Sunday or Monday morning depending on the package booked. This break is an excellent opportunity to join walking, social and golfing members on one memorable weekend in a stunning area of Scotland.
Montrose Golf Weekend WHEN: WHERE: PRICE: INCLUDES: EXTRAS:
Friday 29 July - Sunday 31 August 2016 The Park Hotel, 61 John Street, Montrose, DD10 8RQ £119 Member, £139 Guest. Single Rooms available at £35 supplement 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner. Golf Package – Saturday and Sunday Course Options SLOTS: Max. 18 (6 twin/doubles, 6 singles) Our Golf and Social Weekend is an annual favourite with members offering a thoroughly enjoyable break for golfers of all standards. This year we head to Montrose to enjoy a weekend of good company, lovely surroundings and leisurely golf. All participating golfers also have the opportunity to compete for the Spice Masters Golf Trophy. Now into its 4th year, the cup (if won) will be engraved with the winner’s name – you also get to keep the trophy until the 2017 competition. There will be also be a nearest the pin, longest drive and best beginner competitions. All golfers will be allocated a handicap so everyone is in with a shot of winning. Each golfer will also receive a simple golf goodie bag. This year (2015) the trophy was won by Dominic Renshaw from Spice Thames Valley – can we bring the cup back home to Scotland in 2016? Accommodation and Golf - The Montrose Park Hotel is located in the quiet mid-links area of Montrose, yet only a few minutes walk from the busy High Street and the beach. The hotel is an excellent base with many golf courses locally including the Montrose Links, the fifth oldest golf course in the world, Brechin GC, Edzell GC and Arbroath to name a few. The course will be booked nearer the time when we know numbers. We will be playing Saturday and Sunday and expect the golf to cost around £50 at the most. When confirmed the golf cost will be added to your booking. Our weekend includes bed and breakfast accommodation and dinner each evening in the Parkers restaurant. This great weekend also offers train links for both Glasgow and Edinburgh and further afield. As with all our weekends a great group and great time await. This golfing break is suitable for most golfing standards. Relative beginners (this covers individuals who have had some lessons or played a few 9 or 18 hole rounds) and experienced golfers help to give a great mix of abilities and even better company th at the 19 hole. 18
Scottish Sailing Breaks 2016 Inner Hebrides May or August Bank Holiday Sailing Weekend - Firth of Lorne WHEN: WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Friday 27 – Monday 30 May 2016 (3 nights) Friday 26 – Monday 29 August 2016 (3 Nights) The Aislig Bheag Yacht (Departure Oban) £299 Members, £319 Guests 3 Nights on board, Tuition, Safety Equipment, Meals and Snacks Participate in an enjoyable trip afloat exploring Scotland’s West Highland Shores while learning a range of sailing skills. Visit islands, secluded anchorages and view wild life in its natural environment while making passage in a luxurious ocean going sailing yacht. Your ‘home for the weekend is the "Aislig Bheag" (Gaelic for small dream or vision and is pronounced Aishlick Vaick in a soft lilting highland accent). She is a Jeanneau Trinidad 48', which for ease of handling, has roller reefing on the foresail and lazyjacks on the mainsail. The inconspicuous pilot house is equipped with large panaoramic windows making the main saloon light and airy. Your skipper John Vickers is a professional seafarers and fully qualified RYA Offshore Yachtmaster. Cruise Ecosse have been providing Spice with sailing holidays since 1993 and know how to get everyone involved while maintaining a relaxed social atmosphere. The Skippers prepare the meals but need help with the washing up. Arrive Friday evening at Oban. During the first evening you meet the Skipper and get to know your sailing colleagues. Then it’s time for a safety briefing followed by a demonstration of the yacht’s equipment and, if possible, a short practice sail in sheltered waters where the Skipper will show you how to steer the yacht and handle the sails. In the morning, with a fair wind, we will set sail across the Firth of Lorne. The crew’s progress in learning how to handle the yacht, and the wind direction, will decide on Saturday evening’s destination. It would be our intention to sail around the Island of Mull over a 3 day weekend and visit the Islands off the west of Mull like Iona and Staffa. This also applies to whether we stop for lunch or eat while sailing. Our second night will be at a remote anchorage such as Tinker’s Hole or the Island of Ulva. Our third night will probably be spent in Tobermory Bay where we can end up enjoying the local nightlife. Whatever our destinations we will stop in sheltered waters and the yacht’s inflatable tender may be used for excursions ashore. The price includes tuition, the use of all safety equipment, meals and snacks. If you have a favourite nibble or tipple you are welcome to bring it along. You will have to bring waterproofs (some help can be given with those), warm clothes, a hat, sleeping bag, soft soled non-slip shoes and wellington boots. Cars may be parked free of charge at Oban. Scotrail run a regular service between Glasgow Queen Street station and Oban. Citylink run 3 express coaches a day from Glasgow and once a day from Edinburgh. Joining instructions and a kit list are sent out prior to the event.
Scottish Sailing Week 2016 WHEN: Saturday 3 – Saturday 10 September 2016 (7 Nights) WHERE: The Aislig Bheag Yacht (Departure Tobermory) COST: £659 Members - £30 early booking discount applied, £679 Guests (Deposit £140) INCLUDES: 7 Nights on board, Tuition, Safety Equipment, Meals and Snacks st Early booking discount of £30 – the cost will rise to £689 on 1 December 2015. This is a suggested cruise plan for the week but may vary depending on weather : Participate in an enjoyable trip afloat exploring Scotland’s West Highland and Island Shores while learning a range of sailing skills. Visit islands, secluded anchorages and view wild life in its natural environment while making passage in a luxurious ocean going sailing yacht. Your skipper John Vickers is a professional seafarer and fully qualified RYA Offshore Yachtmaster. Cruise Ecosse Ltd have been providing sailing holidays in Scotland since 1993 and really know how to get everyone involved while maintaining a relaxed social atmosphere. John will also prepare the meals but need help with the washing up. There are many destinations and islands that are possible in the week. One itinerary could include the west side of Mull, including Staffa (where the basalt columns and Fingals cave inspired Mendelssohn to compose the Hebrides Overture), Iona (where St Columba first landed in Scotland) and do some rock hopping into Tinker’s Hole or Rubh Ardlanish on the Ross of Mull. Following days the Isle of Coll and then a sail across the Hebridean sea to the Island of Mingulay and Barra, visiting the Isle of Canna on the way back. Alternatively there is the island of Muck, Eigg and Rum which are all a day’s sail from Tobermory . Then it’s a short hop to Skye and the wonderful anchorage of Loch Scavaig nestling at the foot of the 4000 (plus Cuillin mountains at the South end of Skye. Turner, the artist, has captured the sole of the place on canvas. This anchorage allows easy access by foot to the fresh water Loch Coriusk a few metres above sea level. The islands of Canna and South Uist are all a day’s sail away. Cars may be parked free of charge at Oban. Caledonian MacBrayne have regular ferries from Oban to Craignure on Mull where a connecting West Coast Motors bus takes you from Craignure to Tobermory Marina. Scotrail run 3 trains a day between Glasgow Queen Street station and Oban. Citylink run 3 express coaches a day between Glasgow and Oban and once a day between Edinburgh and Oban. 19
Spice 35th Anniversary Ball WHEN: Friday 30 September – Sunday 1 October 2016 (2 Nights) WHERE: 4* Queens Hotel, City Square, Leeds, LS1 1PJ – yards from Leeds Central Station COST: £217 Members - £10 early booking discount applied, £237 Guests (Deposit £50) INCLUDES: 2 Nights B+B Accom, Ball Ticket OTHER BOOKING OPTIONS Saturday Night Only Accommodation and Ticket £158 member - £10 early booking discount applied st Ball Ticket Only £79 member - £10 early booking discount applied – 1 100 tickets A 4* hotel in central Leeds, the Queens is the most famous landmark hotel in Leeds. The imposing building with a Portland Stone façade enjoys an enviable location, adjacent to Leeds train station and stands proudly over City Square with restaurants, bars and shops just a stone's throw away. The Queens offers striking Art Deco opulence throughout its bedrooms, public areas and restaurant. The Queens Hotel has 215 elegant bedrooms and suites and you won't fail to be impressed by the seamless mix of style and comfort that awaits you in your room. Spice has practically taken all rooms in the hotel and these are your accommodation options. It’s great to be on site, so you can pop back to your room at any time, just fall into your bed and don’t have to travel to and from by taxi or walk. For those making a weekend of it, we will have a welcome reception on Friday night in the Bar and an evening meal option, plus we will also have other events you can book laid on by Spice Yorkshire, so there will be plenty of chance to meet other Spice members who are extending their stay. We have single rooms and twin share rooms available, and we will room you with a same sex roommate if required. Double rooms are also available, and if booking these please advise both names at the time of booking. Lots of members book on a twin share same sex basis for a variety of reasons, some preferring not to pay a single supplement, whilst others enjoy the social aspect of sharing. If we are unable to find you a roommate, Spice UK will pay a single supplement for you. Please be aware that if you choose the room sharing option, you will be allocated a same sex roommate. Spice UK is proud to present the Spice 35th Anniversary National Ball! This will be a truly fabulous night with loads of fun surprises, and a great celebration of all that Spice represents. Keeping the roaming feel of the Anniversary Ball, we have again moved around the regions after Birmingham and Manchester, this time we’re into Yorkshire and Leeds which really is a vibrant and thriving city and our friends from Spice Yorkshire will make us all feel very welcome. The venue is the 4* Queens Hotel which was purpose built as accommodation for rail travellers and it couldn’t be better located right in the heart of the city with its own entrance straight off Leeds Central station - why bother to bring the car! The bedrooms are all well-appointed and we have Ball weekend accommodation for 1 night (Saturday night only) as well as the Friday and Sunday nights if you want to make a real weekend of it. The Queens Hotel in Leeds is a beautiful art deco period building and when we saw it we immediately thought of a great theme for the evening! So the theme of the 35th Anniversary Ball will be ‘The Roaring 20s!’. Think Flappers, gangsters, prohibition (don’t worry, it won’t be a dry bar!), straw boaters and you get the gist – the possibilities are endless. And if you’re worried about being the only one dressed up for the night, don’t be as all Spice Co-ordinators and Helpers (and there will be plenty of them) will be adopting the theme! But if you prefer to keep it more straightforward, then of course formal ball attire is perfectly acceptable. Arrive to a Welcome Drinks Reception – there will be areas for each group to meet up and join the rest of their group and co-ordinator. After a little time to mix and mingle, it’s time to proceed to the Queens Ballroom with beautifully decorated tables for the main event! Sit back and enjoy a delightful 3 course evening meal plus coffee, ½ bottle of wine on the table per person. There will be a live act to which you can party hard and dance the night away before moving on to some fabulous tunes as our Disco takes us into the late evening and early hours. We are still in the planning stages for this weekend so we can’t reveal too much, however as those who attended the 25th and 30th balls know, you should expect a few other special ‘Extras’ to add to the whole evening. We will also be raising money on the night for charity so there will be a raffle on the night which we hope you will join in with. Spice Yorkshire will be putting on a number of events over the weekend including a meal on the Friday evening if you want to get to meet some of the early Spice arrivals! More news to follow over the coming months but we have a maximum of 500 places with prices at the early bird special price for the first 100 bookings at which time they go up by £10 a head. The tables, which seat 10 or 12 per table, will be placed around the dance floor. You book with your local Spice group who will put you on to tables with your fellow Spice group members, however if you have either 10 or 12 people who do want to sit together, we can reserve your table for you (but it does have to be this number) and we have to know this no later than 1st September. Remember - you need to book your accommodation and ball ticket separately so don't forget to do both! Balance payable 15th August 2016, no refunds after this date unless we resell all slots.
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Spice Scotland Nearly New Year Ball 2016 Date: Place: Time: Cost:
Saturday 9th January 2016 The Edinburgh Hilton Grosvenor, 21 Grosvenor Street, Edinburgh (EH12 5EF) 7pm to 1am £46 all tickets
Includes: Welcome Drink, 3 Course Dinner with Coffee/Tea and Glass of Wine/Bottle Beer, Entertainment courtesy of the amazing Hip Operation The highlight of the Spice programme and the must do event to kick start your year in style. Dinner Menu Carrot and Coriander Soup (V) **** Roulade of chicken with a wild mushroom and tarragon mousse, chive mash and a chardonnay cream Potato gnocchi with a wild mushroom and watercress cream sauce (V) **** Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce **** Freshly brewed coffee or tea For your entertainment we welcome back Edinburgh’s top cover band - Hip Operation – brilliant, awesome – some of the words used to describe this 7 piece band last time out! Enjoy an enormous spectrum of classic pop, rock and soul from the past fifty years with commitment and style sure to keep you partying all night. Dress to impress: Ladies – Cocktail/Evening Dresses; Gents – Kilts/Lounge Suits/Tuxes. Bring along a friend – All member, guest and ex member tickets are priced the same and everyone is welcome. All tickets must be pre booked in advance for this event. This year we will be arranging a table plan so we can look after you all even better – this is great if you want come alone and if you want to sit next to friends please let us know when booking and we can arrange that too. Want to stay over? – We have secured a great deal on overnight accommodation – Twin/Double room just £47.50 per person (requires 2 booking per room) or Double for sole occupancy just £85 – breakfast included – Why not make a real night of it and perfect for those members in Glasgow and beyond. Rooms are subject to availability. Accommodation needs to be booked direct with the hotel. Call 0131 5271453 and mention Spice. You will also find even more affordable accommodation in the local surroundings if required.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Badminton – Edinburgh - Weekly Date: Tuesdays throughout the year Place: Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road (EH7 6AE) Time: 8pm to 10pm Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest A sociable badminton evening suitable for beginners and experienced players. All are welcome
Badminton – Glasgow - Weekly Date: Thursday 7th January 2016 Place: Scotstoun Leisure Centre, 72 Danes Drive, Glasgow (G14 9HU) Time: 7pm to 9pm Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest Badminton suitable for all standards. You can pay the coordinator on the night for this event.
Spice Scotland Nearly New Year Ball 2016 Date: Saturday 9th January 2016 Place: The Edinburgh Hilton Grosvenor, 21 Grosvenor Street, Edinburgh (EH12 5EF) Time: 7pm to 1am Cost: £46 Includes: Welcome Drink, 3 Course Dinner with Coffee/Tea and Glass of Wine/Bottle of Beer, Entertainment courtesy of the amazing Hip Operation - and of course a great night! See the Spice Scotland website for full evening details.
Meal - Italian at Gali Date: Friday 15th January 2016 Place: Gali, 29 West Maitland Street, Edinburgh (EH12 5DX) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £17 Member, £19 Guest Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Tea/Coffee, Service; Extras: 3rd Course, Drinks Gali is an Italian restaurant and pizza house, established in May 2005 by the acclaimed Italian Chef, Gianni Gali. The restaurant, renowned for its great authentic Italian food and wines, is modern, fashionable and has a great atmosphere. Tonight we will dine on 2 courses from a set menu with tea/coffee and service included.
Marks Meander - George Square, Glasgow Date: Saturday 16th January 2016 Place: George Square, Glasgow (G2 1DU) Meet: Details will be sent to those booked Time: 11am Cost: £4 Member, £5 Guest George Square is the principal civic square in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. It is named after King George III. Laid out in 1781, George Square is today home to the headquarters of Glasgow City Council, and boasts an important collection of statues and monuments, including those dedicated to Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott. It is generally regarded as the de facto centre of the city. Today we will explore the fascinating stories of the statues and monuments we have probably all seen or passed many times. This is possibly the shortest Meander we have ever offered in terms of distance but sure to be one of the most interesting. We will lunch at The Counting House (payable on the day).
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Celtic Connections Meal and Club Date: Saturday 16th January 2016 Place: Anti Pasti and The Festival Club (G2 3HQ) Time: 8pm Cost: £26 Member, £29 Guest Includes: 3 Course Dinner, Service, Celtic Connections Club Ticket, Booking Fees, Spice Host. An annual favourite returns to the programme – the Meal and Celtic Connections Festival Club Night! First we dine at Antipasti, a lively, bustling restaurant in Glasgow’s city centre. The ruggedly rustic interior, designed by a local artisan, blends woodcraft and ironwork in neutral tones to create a relaxed, comfortable dining space. An inviting menu prides itself on blending authentic Italian cooking with modern presentation. We dine on 3 courses with tip included! After dinner we head to The Art School, this years venue for the famous Celtic Connection Club. Join local and international artists as they make special unbilled appearances with sparkling host Kevin Macleod to guide you through proceedings. Spaces are limited so please book early.
Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn Date: Wednesday 20th January 2016 Place: The Sheep Heid Inn, 43 The Causeway, Duddingston, Edinburgh (EH15 3QA) Time: 8pm Cost: £8 Member, £9 Guest A great nightE.. the chance to mix and mingle over a game of skittles in Scotland’s oldest surviving public house – The Sheep Heid Inn. The evening includes 2 games that usually take around 2 hours. Teams will be allocated on the night. Early dinner? If you would like to meet at 7pm for dinner (payable on the night) please let us know when booking and we’ll reserve a table. Spaces are limited so please book early.
Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour Date: Friday 22nd January 2016 Place: Edinburgh (EH1 2AS) Meet: Outside The Beehive Inn, The Grassmarket Time: 7:10pm Cost: £15 Member, £16.50 Guest Always a very popular event as we return to this unique tour around some of the best hostelries in the city. This will be a public tour for which we will purchase tickets. The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour combines literary history with drinkingEwhat better way to spend 2 hours on a Saturday night! We meet at the historic Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket (please arrive at 7.10 p.m. prompt) and then follow a route past the Martyr’s Cross, the site of the old gallows, through the winding streets, wynds and courtyards of the Old Town, over the Mound and down to Rose Street in the New Town. Led by a professional group of actors this is an entertaining, witty and dramatic romp through the life and work of Scotland’s great poets and novelists from th the early 18 century to the present day (Burns, Scott, Stevenson, Spark, Welsh and many more). Performed in and out of Edinburgh’s famous taverns and ‘howffs’, the tour takes the form of an impassioned debate between two fictional characters, Clart (as in muck!) and McBrain. A great night out – PLEASE BOOK EARLY!
Spice Scotland Ski Courchevel 2016 Date: Sat 23rd Jan 2016 - Sat 30th Jan 2016 Place: Hotel Les Anemones, Courchevel 1850 Meet: Edinburgh Airport Cost: £799 Member – last 2 spaces at the time of writing this. Please see weekends and holidays section for full details. 23
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Aerial Circus Classes – Beginners Trapeze Date: Sunday 24th January 2016 Place: Aerialedge, Glasgow and Websters (G4 9HZ) Meet: (formerly Landsdowne Church) Time: 2pm to 3:30pm Cost: £22 Member, £24 Guest Your chance to try your hand at Trapeze with Aerialedge. Static Trapeze is one of the easiest of aerial acrobatic disciplines to begin with but perhaps one of the hardest to master. Static trapeze starts with you learning simple moves on and under the bar which can be achieved with very little strength. The beginner class takes members of any fitness level and work on improving strength and fitness while learning good trapeze technique. Static Trapeze is an ideal entry point for anyone wanting to start in aerial circus or who just want a fun way of getting fit. Please ensure you wear suitable clothing – as a guide please cover arms and legs to avoid scrapes and burns on the skin. We recommend leggings/men's running tights, or you can wear shorts and trackies over the top. With a close-fitting long-sleeved top or leotard as you will be upside down often. This will fun, healthy and 100% safe. This is the type of event you can tell your friends about on Monday morning!! Please meet at Glasgow and Websters (formerly Landsdowne Church), 416 Great Western Road , Glasgow, G4 9HZ 10 minutes before start time.
Burns Charity Ceilidh in aid of the refugee crisis Date: Saturday 30th January 2016 Place: Lauriston Hall, Edinburgh (EH3 9DJ) Time: 7pm to 11pm Cost: £10 This is a joint event between several Edinburgh based social groups. All profits from this event will go to support refugees - more details to follow. Tickets £10 in advance - this event will sell out!!! Tonight the Canned Haggis Ceilidh Band will play for us, they really know how to get the party started. Don't worry if you do not know the dances, they will be walked through first. There will be a licensed bar.
Thursday Night Comedy at The Stand Date: Thursday 4th February 2016 Place: The Stand, York Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3EB) Time: 8pm Cost: £12 Member, £13 Guest The weekend starts here! Five acts on a two hour stand-up showcase. Featuring ace comperes, the best headliners on the circuit, several support acts and a short spot for a newcomer. Great show and great value as it’s usually the same line-up as our premium Saturday night show for a few quid less. With With Fred MacAulay, Paul Pirie, Dan Bland and host Scott Gibson. Tickets will be purchased according to demand. Includes booking fee.
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The Chocolate Connoisseur at Coco Date: Friday 5th February 2016 Place: Coco, 174 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh (EH10 4ER) Time: 6:45pm to 8pm Cost: £17.50 Member, £19.50 Guest A visit to Edinburgh’s premier chocolate shop and Gold Award Winner – Great Taste Awards. Join us for our Chocolate Connoisseur Evenings where you will learn about chocolate and taste a variety of sublime samples. You will learn the Process of Making Chocolate from Bean to Bar, tasting cocoa nibs and cocoa butter in its pure state. You will discover the history of the most delicious food from its very beginning. Find out what Chocolate Tempering means and how it is achieved by the Coco Chocolatiers. Learn how to know what is REAL chocolate. You will learn five sensory tests of what makes a superior chocolate bar. You will have an opportunity to taste and enjoy chocolate from Madagascar and The Caribbean – comparing the two distinct cocoa beans. To complete your connoisseur experience we will finish with some exciting wine and chocolate pairing. After the hour of fun, tastings, knowledge & wine you will become a true connoisseur! Coco is a specialist chocolatier of organic, graded luxury cocoa with a strong ethical policy. Places are strictly limited and will booked once we get to 4 so please book and enjoy the ultimate chocolate experience.
Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk - Via the Forth and Clyde and Union Canal Date: Sat 6th Feb 2016 - Sun 10th Jul 2016 Place: 6 Sections from Glasgow to Edinburgh Time: 11am Cost: £20 Member, £24 Guest We’ve been looking for a walk series that will also offer the participant a real sense of achievement – with this set of 6 walks we think we’ve found it. Join us as we walk from the west coast to the east coast of Scotland via the Forth and Clyde and Union Canal paths. We have specifically chosen this route as it offers good transport links and is suitable in most weather conditions. The route also offers sturdy ground underfoot with little or no ascent making it challenging in distance but possible for many members to complete. The walk will be set as 6 separate day walks and you can choose to do any one walk individually or as many as you like but doing all six really will mean you have walked Scotland coast to coast. The walks are outlined below: Section 1 – Saturday 6 February 2016 – Forth & Clyde Canal: Bowling to Stockingfield Jcn – 9 Miles Section 2 – Sunday 13 March 2016 – Forth & Clyde Canal: Stockingfield Jcn to Kilsyth – 11 Miles Section 3 – Saturday 2 April 2016 – Forth & Clyde Canal: Kilsyth to Falkirk – 11 Miles Section 4 – Sunday 8 May 2016 – Union Canal: Falkirk to Linlithgow – 9 Miles Section 5 – Saturday 11 June 2016 – Union Canal: Linlithgow to Ratho – 13 Miles Section 6 – Sunday 10 July 2016 – Union Canal: Ratho to Lochrin Basin – 7 Miles
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Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk - Section 1 Bowling to Stockingfield Date: Saturday 6th February 2016 Place: The Forth and Clyde Canal (G60 5AH) Meet: Bowling Station Time: 11am Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest Section one of our coast to coast walk – Bowling to Stockingfield Jcn. This early part of the walk offers leafy paths with plenty of wildlife. As we head along under the towering Erskine Bridge towards the Clydebank Shopping Centre, a heavily regenerated area of Glasgow is upon us. We continue along the Kelvin Walkway on to our destination at Stockfield Jcn. This section of the walk is 9 miles and should take around 4 hours. Whilst we are walking on designated paths etc please ensure you have suitable walking boots and clothing. We will look at all transport options when we know booking options but car shuttles will be an option. Please meet at Bowling Train Station at 11am
Meal - Rotating Dinner at Alla Italia Date: Saturday 6th February 2016 Place: Alla Italia, 194 Pitt St. Glasgow (G2 4DY) Time: 8pm Cost: £21.50 Member, £24 Guest Includes: 3 Course Rotating Dinner, Tea/Coffee, Service A return to Alla Italia for an old favorite as we enjoy a Spice exclusive Rotating Dinner. Opened in early 2014, Alla Italia is an Italian restaurant on Pitt Street in Glasgow city centre. As well as the welcoming dining room, it has a cocktail bar where guests can enjoy drinks while listening to the live background music played at weekends. Authentic Italian classics with fresh produce is the name of the game here. The chefs at Alla Italia take great pride in locally sourcing as many ingredients as possible. The dishes are freshly prepared and cooked daily. Tonight we have exclusive use of the downstairs restaurant area and your opportunity to enjoy a unique Spice Dines evening. At our rotating dinners we will move you between courses to new tables – thus meeting and mingling with other members as you go. It’s great fun and with great food too, this is the perfect
Concorde Experience at The Museum of Fli Date: Sunday 7th February 2016 Place: Museum of Flight, East Lothian (EH39 5LF) Meet: Entrance Time: 10:45am Cost: £12.50 Member, £14 Guest A great attraction which will start with an audio tour of Concorde, the world’s first supersonic aircraft, and allow ample time to explore the museum (and its tearoom) at your leisure. The Concorde Experience is one of the most unique attractions to open in Scotland in recent years and our trip will allow time to explore the entire museum with four hangars boasting an aviation collection that is one of the best in the UK with over 40 aircraft to see, from the Comet to Concorde. On arrival we will move into hanger 4 for The Concorde Experience. Take this chance to see the supersonic icon, restored to her former glory, and discover the Concorde story, from the race to break the sound barrier to the arrival of the aircraft to its final home at the Museum of Flight. Go under her majestic wings and find out about the technology behind supersonic flight and the luxury lifestyle so closely associated with her. BOOK EARLY to see the world’s most glamorous plane and follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous!
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Theatre - Blood Brothers Date: Monday 8th February 2016 Place: The Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £26 Member, £28 Guest Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail). Lyn Paul returns to the iconic role she has played many times in the West End, in fact she was the show’s final Mrs Johnstone when it closed at The Phoenix Theatre in 2012. Lyn also starred in Bill Kenwright’s tour of Cabaret with Will Young in 2013 and rose to fame as a member of the pop group New Seekers whose numerous number one hits include ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’ which sold over 20 million copies. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
Theatre - Annie Date: Tuesday 9th February 2016 Place: Kings Theatre Glasgow, 297 Bath St. Glasgow (G2 4JN) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £35 Member, £38 Guest Annie, the world’s favourite family musical, starring acclaimed actress, comedienne and panto star; Elaine C Smith (Rab C Nesbitt, Burdz Eye View) as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan! Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s searchE With its award-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow. Don’t miss Annie – you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Fencing Taster with Edinburgh Fencing Club Date: Thursday 11th February 2016 Place: Thomas of Acquins RC High School, 2-20 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh (EH3 9ES) Time: 6:45pm to 9pm Cost: £11 Member, £12 Guest A chance to experience Fencing as we head for a group taster session with Edinburgh Fencing Club. In this Fencing Taster, we will play fun fencing games that will help us learn the grip and stance, how to move, and how to score – all more complex than they sound and all great fun to learn. We will fence with foil swords and you are recommended to wear a tracksuit (or loose trousers) and trainers. We will receive instruction from Club Coach Alex McLeod and his team of experts. Generally considered one of the most fun sports to learn book your slot now as spaces are limited. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. NOTE: Please advise us in advance if you are left-handed when booking. Meeting details will be provided beforehand.
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Bar Night Buffet at Arta Date: Friday 12th February 2016 Place: Arta, 62 Albion Street, Glasgow (G1 1 NY) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest Join us for another of our popular bar nights in the Merchant City. Arta for those who have yet to visit is a stunning venue in the heart of the Merchant City. A light buffet will also be served around 8pm. The evening is a great way for new, returning and existing members to enjoy a night on the town. We ask that all attending book in advance to help planning and table allocations.
Live Escape Game - The Darker Side of Edinburgh Date: Friday 12th February 2016 Place: 1 Colme Street, Edinburgh (EH3 6AA) Time: 7:15pm Cost: £13 Member, £14 Guest In order to beat the live escape game you and your team must solve many puzzles, riddles, brain teasers and identify clues. Using your powers of observation and problem solving you and your team will have to work together to escape. The Darker Side of Edinburgh is a game based around the history and legends of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a city with a dark past. There was the thievery of Deacon Brodie who was actively living a double life. The body snatching and murders of Burke and Hare provided bodies for Dr Knox and his experiments. There are also the mysterious stories of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. All of these relate to the Darker Side of Edinburgh. Situated in a city centre basement you will need all your wits about you if you are going to Escape in the 60 minute time limit. Locked away under the guise of learning about the city’s history, you must now get in touch with the dark history of “Auld Reekie” in order to get the clues to escape. Can you recognise the hints and clues given and translate them into success? Does your team possess the skills to find the final key? Do you have what it takes to free yourself from The Darker Side of Edinburgh? You have one hour!
A Play, a Pie and a Pint - Show TBC Date: Saturday 13th February 2016 Place: Oran Mor, Great Western Rd, Glasgow (G12 8QX) Time: 12pm Cost: £17.50 Member, £19 Guest A Play a Pie and a Pint at Oran Mor does exactly what it says on the tin. Join us for an afternoon drama with food and drink included – a pie/quiche and a pint, glass of wine or soft drink! We are ahead of the planners of the shows so will update the play here when released.
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Karting - The Spice Grand Prix at Scotkart Date: Sunday 14th February 2016 Place: Scotkart, Westburn Road, Cambuslang (G72 7UD) Time: 11am to 12:30pm Cost: £35 Member, £38 Guest We make a long awaited return to Scotkart in Cumbuslang for one of the best karting experiences in Scotland This will be a full Grand Prix – an exhilarating 1.5 hours of Karting! Your all-inclusive package starts with race suits, helmets and gloves being provided (you just need casual clothes and trainers), a safety briefing, 10 qualifying/practice laps to get used to the track and karts, followed by a guaranteed 14 lap race per driver. The circuit has a viewing gallery, so you can see all the race action, and there will be full race commentary from our Race Director. The karts are lightweight 200cc racing machines, a world away from fun fair karts. Don’t worry if you’re inexperienced as the karts have light steering and are fully automatic. Following your safety briefing, all competitors receive several practice laps to familiarise themselves with the karts and the track. Then everyone is ready for high-speed wheel-to-wheel action! For hygiene reasons head socks are required, reusable ones are available for only £2 each.
Tastings at Demijohns Date: Wednesday 17th February 2016 Place: Demijohn, 32 Victoria Street, Edinburgh (EH1 2JW) Time: 6:30pm to 8pm Cost: £14 Member, £15 Guest This is a very special chance to sample the wares of this unique shop. Demijohn is a family run prestigious food and drink shop with a unique display of liquid products in large demijohns that enable the liquids to be bottled on the premises. There is a remarkable collection of products from around the world, including delicious liqueurs, mature Single Malt Whiskies, rare spirits, complex olive oils, exciting vinegars and unusual spices all presented in the most magnificent way. Your tastebuds will thank you for the experience! We will enjoy a brief talk on the background of the shop and will then experience an extensive and intensive guided tasting of liqueurs, wines, whiskies, spirits, olive oils, etc. with breads and accompaniments. You’ll also receive a £5 Demijohn voucher to purchase goods on the night including a huge range of things which make unique and memorable gifts. Please note that you are advised not to drive if sampling the full range of products on offer. For more information, visit www.demijohn.co.uk
Wobbly & Ultimate Lakeland Walking Date: Fri 19th Feb 2016 - Sun 21st Feb 2016 Place: Glaramara, Borrowdale (CA12 5XQ) Meet: Anytime from 4pm Cost: £199 Member Twin Ensuite, £219 Guest Twin Ensuite, £189 Member Single Standard, £209 Guest Single Standard (Deposit £40) See weekends and holiday sections for full details
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BBC Scotland Studio Tour and Lunch Date: Saturday 20th February 2016 Place: BBC Studios Pacific Quay and La Fiorentina (G51 1DA) Meet: Meeting details will be provided Time: 11:15am Cost: £19 Member, £21 Guest Includes: Guided Studio Tour, 2 course lunch, service, Spice host. This is your opportunity to explore the BBC Studios at Pacific Quay. Under expert guidance our tour will last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. This is a walk around the building, including the central staircase and broadcast studios when programme requirements permit access, and includes the chance to try out producing or acting in a 'just for fun' radio drama. On our last visit our group headed to the Mrs Brown set, sat at Jackie Bird’s news desk along with other famous rooms. The Pacific Quay studios offer an insight into the state of the art way our tv showsare made today. After our tour we will make the short walk to La Fiorentina for a light 2 course lunch. (NB. We will need to move any cars parked at the studios). Please meet at BBC Scotland, 40 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1DA. The entrance to BBC Scotland is through the reception area where your tour guide will meet you. Access is from Millennium Square, directly opposite the entrance to the Glasgow Science Centre. Parking is available free of charge in the BBC Scotland car park. On arrival press the buzzer on the entrance barrier to connect to the security office. Please quote Jamie Morris group at the barrier. Still photography is permitted at certain points on the tour, our tour guide will let you know when these opportunities arise. Video cameras are not permitted. There is a reasonable amount of walking on the tour. Please wear sensible footwear, trainers/soft soled shoes are ideal. This tour will have other members of the public in attendance – Spice have pre purchased 12 tickets. When our allocation is gone there will be no more available. Please book early to secure you slot.
Meal - Rotating Dinner at Merchants Date: Saturday 20th February 2016 Place: Merchants, 17 Merchant Street, Edinburgh (EH1 2DQ) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £30 Member, £33 Guest Includes: 3 Course Rotating Dinner, Glass of Wine, Tea/Coffee, Service Tonight join us to enjoy a unique Spice Dines evening. At our rotating dinners we will move you between courses to new tables – thus meeting and mingling with other members as you go. It’s great fun and with great food too, this is the perfect Saturday evening dinner. Please book early as early bookings will almost certainly generate more and more bookings – the more who come along the better the rotations! We return to the lovely Merchants restaurant, a favourite with Spice members. Everyone is welcome but this event is particularly great for new or returning members. If you come with a friend, beware, you may not sit together! We will dine on a 3 course menu with tea/coffee, service and glass of wine is also included in the cost.
Theatre - Hairspray Date: Monday 22nd February 2016 Place: Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £28 Member, £30 Guest Hairspray is back, with a brand new production of the smash hit musical comedy. It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!
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Workshop - What to Wear - Image Matters Date: Tuesday 23rd February 2016 Place: The Conservatory, O'Neill's, 71 Albion Street, Glasgow (G1 1NY) Time: 7pm to 9pm Cost: £12 Member, £14 Guest We are delighted to welcome image, style and colour consultant Lindsay Kirkwood of A Good Look to host this fun, colourful and stylish interactive workshop. IMAGE MATTERS Do you identify with any of these? •
have you ever noticed how some people always look effortlessly stylish, yet you never quite feel you’ve got it right?
•
have you got items in your wardrobe that you bought some time ago but they still have the labels on as you’ve never worn them?
•
do you have clothes that you keep bringing out of your wardrobe but they never quite feel right, so back in they go?
•
can't understand which colours and styles flatter you and why
•
you want to select clothes and accessories that suit your colouring, shape, personality and your budget
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you want to make ‘bad clothes days’ a thing of the past
• •
you want to save time and money you want to look good and feel fabulous
If so, book in for this Spice exclusive workshop today.
February Bargain Break 2016 Date: Fri 26th Feb 2016 - Sun 28th Feb 2016 Place: Fishers Hotel, Atholl Road, Pitlochry (PH16 5BN) Meet: Venue Cost: £119 Member Twin, £154 Member Single, £139 Guest Twin, £174 Guest Single (Deposit £30 Member Twin, £65 Member Single, £30 Guest Twin, £85 Guest Single) Includes: 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner, entertainment including ceilidh and disco, walks with VC Walk Leaders, Mark's Meander & Treasure Hunt, and Friday Welcome Spice Rotating Dinner
Workshop - What to Wear - Image Matters Date: Tuesday 1st March 2016 Place: The Outhouse, 12a Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh (EH1 3LY) Time: 7pm to 9pm Cost: £12 Member, £14 Guest Please see write up for Glasgow above for details.
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Theatre - West Side Story Date: Wednesday 2nd March 2016 Place: Kings Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow (G2 4JN) Meet: Venue Time: 7:10pm Cost: £20 Member, £22 Guest Hot on the heels of their smash-hit production of Hairspray, PMOS is now ready to bring their exciting new production of West Side Story to the King’s. With the truly beautiful Leonard Bernstein musical score coupled with Stephen Sondheim’s emotive lyrics, the unforgettably athletic dance sequences, and the dramatic and haunting portrayal of a modern day Romeo and Juliet love story, this show ranks as one of the all-time theatrical greats. The story follows the lives of Tony and Maria, the star-crossed young lovers who find themselves caught between two warring street gangs in New York; the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative and heartwrenching musical dramas ever written. With famous songs like Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, I Feel Pretty and America, it is no surprise that this is one of the most well-known and best-loved musicals from the 20th century. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.
Riddle Rooms - The Masion Room - The Big One Date: Friday 4th March 2016 Place: Riddle Rooms, 35 Bath Street, Glasgow (G2 1HW) Time: 8pm to 9:45pm Cost: £14 Member, £16 Guest Sir Riddles died in complete solitude as he had decided to turn his back to the world decades before. His home mansion at the edge of lands stood still forgotten until one day you and your friends sliding slightly off beaten tracks arrived at its doors. Inspired by tales of ghosts and treasures, you entered and made your way to the main Hall, closing the heavy door behind you... Trapped and desperate to escape before darkness falls, you also feel the adrenaline racing in your veins - is there a chest of fortune waiting to be lifted? Who was this Lord, and why did he exit society? What mystery does the old Mansion hide? You do not have long to find out... This is the big one – up to 16 can participate (Min of 8 required). This room will last up to 90 minutes.
A Night at The Dogs - Dinner and Racing Date: Saturday 5th March 2016 Place: Shawfield Greyhound Stadium, 137 Rutherglen Road, Glasgow (G73 1SZ) Time: 7pm Cost: £27.50 Member, £30 Guest Includes: 3 Course Dinner, Service, Racecard, Stadium Entry, Spice Host Spice head to Shawfield Greyhound Racing Track for an excellent evening of dog racing. This is a top night at the dogsEguaranteed great fun and possibly quids in if your dog comes home! Shawfield Stadium is Scotland’s premier greyhound racing venue where we will enjoy the full spectacle of Greyhound Racing from the comfort of the Race View Restaurant, with a 3-course meal! We will gather at 7.00 p.m. for our meal in the restaurant from where we can watch the races in warmth and comfort and even have a flutter without leaving our seats, although four bars are open in the stadium, which all overlook the racetrack. Entry is included in the price as well as a racecard for the greyhound racing which will start at 7.50 p.m. and end at around 10.00 p.m. 32
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Guided Tour - St Giles Cathedral and Breakfast Date: Saturday 5th March 2016 Place: St Giles Cathedral and Deacon Brodies (EH1 1RE) Meet: St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Time: 9:45am Cost: £20 Member, £22 Guest Includes: Guided Tour of St Giles Cathedral, Photograph Permit, Breakfast, Service We’ve been working to put this event together and are delighted to have a date in place. We begin our morning with a guided tour of St Giles Cathedral. St Giles Cathedral is also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle. (Our start time is early as tours are not available once services start at 11am). We will be guided around this famous landmark by a knowledgeable guide from the cathedral. During our tour we will be taken up to a walkway on the roof to enjoy spectacular views of the Royal Mile. The whole tour should last around an hour. After our visit we will head to Deacon Brodies for a wee earned breakfast – might as well seen as it’s early enough!
Walk - Monks Rigg and Braid Law - Sunday Stroll Date: Sunday 6th March 2016 Place: Monks Rigg and Braid Law, Nine Mile Burn Meet: Parking area at Nine Mile Burn, off the A702 Time: 11am Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest A Sunday Stroll as we follow the old Monks Road up over Cap Law into the heart of the Pentlands before returning via an old path through the Braid Law col. This fairly straightforward hillwalk gives some great views. The original Monks route ran from Newhall Monastery to South Queensferry on the Forth. We continue up the now open moorland; the views back get better with each step, with the Quarrel Burn reservoir well seen. The path passes close to an old stone which may once have been the base for a cross, marked on the map as a font. West Kip comes into view near this point, the steepest and shapeliest of the Pentlands, whilst there are great views looking back over the Strath towards the Moorfoot hills. Soon we will be passing the top of Cap Law, the highest point on this walk at 497 metres. Please note that this walk whilst being just 4 miles in length is a hill walk with an ascent of 251m and should take no more than 3 hours. If in doubt whether this is the walk for you please contact the Spice office. Please wear suitable walking boots and dress for all weather. Please meet at the car parking area at 9 Mile Burn sign posted off the A702 at 11am
Birds of Prey - Up Close and Personal Date: Sunday 6th March 2016 Place: Strathblane Falconry, Strathblane, Glasgow (G63 2EH) Time: 12:30pm Cost: £25 Member, £27.50 Guest Swoop! - Our Birds of Prey experience is the ideal opportunity to enjoy nature at its finest. Strathblane Falconry is housed in a purpose-built centre in the grounds of Strathblane Country House Hotel. In our session you will be shown around the centre and told about the birds before going out into the grounds where you will have the amazing opportunity to fly an Eagle Owl and a Harris Hawk and get the chance to handle a couple of other birds, including an eagle! Cameras are essential to capture this superb and unique experience! Strathblane Falconry is situated in the grounds of Strathblane Country House Hotel. Directions: Strathblane can be reached by Glasgow via the A81 (Milngavie) or from Edinburgh via the A803 (Kilsyth) and the A891 (Lennoxtown).
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Meal - New Members Curry Night Date: Wednesday 9th March 2016 Place: Indian Lounge, 129a Rose Street, Edinburgh (EH2 3DT) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £13 Member, £14 Guest Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Service; Extras: Drinks Indian Lounge is a family-run Punjabi restaurant on Rose Street in Edinburgh city centre. Serving curries to visitors and Edinburgh residents for over thirty years, the 80 seat Indian Lounge is one of the capital’s oldest Indian restaurants. The award-winning chef at Indian Lounge grinds carefully selected spices to make a wide variety of traditional and innovative Indian dishes. While the menus are rooted in northern Indian, or Punjabi, culinary traditions, the choices reflect all of India’s regional cuisines. Tonight we will dine on 2 courses from the pre theatre menu. Whilst this is a new member meal, all members are encouraged to come along, particularly those who like a curry as this is highly recommended.
Meal - New Members at Metropolitan Date: Wednesday 9th March 2016 Place: The Metropolitan, 5 Candleriggs, Merchant City, Glasgow (G1 1LE) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £17 Member, £19 Guest Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Glass of Wine, Service; Extras: 3rd Course, Extra Drinks Metropolitan is a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant venue, situated in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City. Offering a varied selection of local produce in a range of styles, Metropolitan brings a modern twist to traditional Scottish fare and fine dining. Tonight we will enjoy a new members meal with 2 courses from a set menu with glass of wine and service included. Whilst this is a new members meal, everyone is encouraged to book and all members will be made very welcome.
The Balmoral Cocktail Tastings Date: Friday 11th March 2016 Place: The Balmoral Bar, Princes St. Edinburgh (EH2 2EQ) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £48 Member, £52 Guest Based on the concept of a Michelin-starred tasting menu, The Balmoral Bar Cocktail Tasting Menu offers guests a sampling of the finest and most seasonal of ingredients in liquid form. It is designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace and is suitable for a wide variety of occasions. Enjoy an Amuse Bouche followed by five ‘courses’ of cocktails. Sample Tasting Menu available online
Segway Safari Date: Saturday 12th March 2016 Place: Can We Experience, Loch Lomond (G83 8QL) Meet: Loch Lomond Shores Time: 11:45am to 1pm Cost: £40 Member, £44 Guest Forget 4x4's - try your hand at these fabulous, funky off road 2x2 machines. Today we head to Loch Lomond shores at Balloch to try our hand at Segways. Enjoy a 1-hour guided safari and experience the real joy of the Segway. We will begin with a short trial run on the beach before we head into the woods for our safari trek. Please meet at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch at 11.45am for a midday start. Please wear comfortable clothes (no heels) and take a waterproof jacket if you have one. 34
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Glasgow Comedy Meal and Show Viva and Laughter8 Date: Saturday 12th March 2016 Place: Viva and YesBar, Glasgow (G2 6TS) Meet: Viva, 77 Bothwell Street, Glasgow Time: 6pm Cost: £28 Member, £31 Guest Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Service, Comedy Show Ticket (ins of booking fees), Spice Host Extras: 3rd Course, Drinks A great value combi is on offer this evening as we enjoy dinner at Viva followed by an evening of comedy ay Laughter8. Viva Ristorante is an Italian restaurant in the heart of the city centre on Glasgow’s Bothwell Street. The restaurant has a traditional look with warm terracotta colours, dark wood, high ceilings and candle-lit tables. After dinner we head to nearby Yesbar and take our seats for Laughter8. Plenty of comedians and plenty of laughs at Yesbar's all round comedy club. Join resident MC Viv Gee as she introduces the cream of the festival with guests from home and abroad.
Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk - Section 2 Stockingfield to Kilsyth Date: Sunday 13th March 2016 Place: The Forth and Clyde Canal (G23 5LF) Meet: Stockingfield Canal Junction, Maryhill Time: 11am Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest Section two of our coast to coast walk – Stockingfield Jcn to Kilsyth The canal now regains a decidedly rural feel, but remains within the Glasgow suburbs as it passes Possil Marsh Nature Reserve, a shallow loch surrounded by a range of habitats providing food and shelter for over 150 bird species including reed bunting, redshank and water rail. Kirkintilloch is soon entered, a town that experienced rapid growth once the canal arrived in 1773 and an inland port was established. A railway link to Glasgow was built in the 1820s allowing Kirkintilloch to further develop as an industrial centre for weaving and a major shipbuilding centre for both canal and ocean-going vessels. Hillhead Bridge, a swingbridge, marks the former location of Kirkintilloch's inland harbour that brought so much prosperity to the town. Pass this and stride out into farmland once more. This section of the walk is 11 miles and should take around 5 hours. Whilst we are walking on designated paths etc please ensure you have suitable walking boots and clothing. We will look at all transport options when we know booking options but car shuttles will be an option. Please meet at Stockingfield Jcn at 11am. The postcode on this write up is for Gilschochill Train Station, a short walk from the walk start.
Ski Scotland Weekend - Glenshee Date: Fri 18th Mar 2016 - Sun 20th Mar 2016 Place: Gulabin House, Spittal of Glenshee (PH10 7QE) Meet: Venue Cost: £149 Member, £169 Guest (Deposit £30) Slots: WAIT LIST ONLY Includes: 2 nights bed, breakfast and evening meal, transport to and from Glenshee Ski Centre on Sat and Sun
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn Date: Wednesday 23rd March 2016 Place: The Sheep Heid Inn, 43 The Causeway, Duddingston, Edinburgh (EH15 3QA) Time: 8pm Cost: £8 Member, £9 Guest A great nightE.. the chance to mix and mingle over a game of skittles in Scotland’s oldest surviving public house – The Sheep Heid Inn. The evening includes 2 games that usually take around 2 hours. Teams will be allocated on the night. Early dinner? If you would like to meet at 7pm for dinner (payable on the night) please let us know when booking and we’ll reserve a table. Spaces are limited so please book early.
Spice Edinburgh Paub Crawl - You Decide Date: Friday 25th March 2016 Place: Venues to be suggested by members Meet: Meeting details will be provided. Time: 7:30pm We love a pub crawl as it’s a great way to start the weekend. Tonight you can decide where we go in Edinburgh – a few rules however – there must be a few pubs, be on the bus route and accessible from the city centre – other than that the area or street of Edinburgh with the most suggestions wins. Once decided we will map out a route to enable us to explore some new hostelries ensuring a fun night out is had. Spaces are limited to ensure we can all get into the pubs and served within a reasonable time so please get your name down early. We will advise everyone who is booked the start point a few days beforehand.
Clay Pigeon Shooting - Cluny Clays Date: Saturday 26th March 2016 Place: Cluny Clays, Cluny, Fife, (KY2 6QU) Time: 11am Cost: £29 Member, £32 Guest Experience the bang and kick of a Shotgun. Cluny Clays is one of the most sophisticated, clay-pigeon-shooting facilities in the country. They have over forty electric traps, set in native birch woodland. These set the small, clay discs flying at a variety of height, speeds and angles, singles and doubles, to accommodate all abilities from beginners to Olympic champions. The clays mimic the flights (and running) of natural targets. For example, you can test your aim on a walkedup grouse, a driven pheasant, a running rabbit and many others ... The clays are released on an On Demand Basis, which is controlled by you. The number of clays released are automatically counted by the Claymate Counter. Today we will enjoy a 10 Clay Taster session that should last around 45 mins. Everything you need is included - a trained Cluny Instructor, cartridges, use of a shotgun, hearing protection and a jacket.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Glasgow Comedy Meal and Show - Cafe Andaluz and Janey Godley Date: Saturday 26th March 2016 Place: Cafe Andaluz, 2 Cresswell Lane, Glasgow (G12 8AA) Time: 5pm Cost: £35 Member, £38 Guest Includes: Dinner at Cafe Andaluz, Janey Godley Comedy Ticket, Comedy Fest Booking Fees, Spice Host; Extras: Drinks, Service A real treat as we enjoy two great events in one fab evening. We begin at the excellent Café Andaluz in Glasgow’s West End for dinner before we head along to watch Janey Godley. Set out in a slightly more open plan fashion than its city centre counterpart, the original Cafe Andaluz looks like the interior of a stylish, white-washed hacienda. Stained glass lamps, carved wooden furniture and alcoves filled with colourful ceramics all make the sunken dining room look like the sort of authentic Spanish restaurant that you remember from your holidays. We will dine on 3 tapas each from the menu followed by dessert. After our dinner we head to Oran Mor for our comedy show - Janey Godley. Glasgow's godmother of comedy Janey Godley brings her solo show to Oran Mor. True stories, outrageous tales and more moxy than one woman deserves to have. The slightly wicked, award-winning author, podcaster and comic returns to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival to say things most people might think but few would dare to say. Janey reveals her top tips in avoiding death, diets, keep fit and fighting with people in the street and online.
Golf - Winterfield Golf Club Date: Sunday 27th March 2016 Place: Winterfield GC, North Road, Dunbar, East Lothian (EH42 1XE) Time: 11:10am Cost: £18 Member, £20 Guest Links golf over a short but spectacular course! Winterfield Golf Club is a superb 18 hole links golf course with stunning sea views of the Firth of Forth, the Bass Rock and Isle of May and with the Lammermuir Hills providing a spectacular backdrop. It has a par of 65 and is under 5,000 yards long, so suitable for all standards of player but more than a challenge for the best Spice has to offer! The clubhouse has extensive facilities and provides an ideal venue for that post-round pint and bite to eat! The first floor dining room offers spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and Belhaven Bay and we a variety of catering options.
Guided Tour - Glasgow Necropolis Cemetary Date: Sunday 27th March 2016 Place: Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow Meet: Details will be provided beforehand Time: 12:45pm Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest The Glasgow Necropolis – one of the finest garden cemeteries in the British Isles is yours to explore as we join the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis for a unique guided tour. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, view the Egyptian Vaults and see tombs designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Alexander "Greek" Thomson and Talwyn Morris. The day will be filled with lots of things to see, to find out, with tales of body snatchers, pioneering industrialists, eminent medics, brewers, publishers, travellers, et al. Sensible shoes are recommended. Meeting details will be provided beforehand. The cost includes a donation to the Friends of the Necropolis Charity.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Theatre - Rocky Horror Show Date: Monday 28th March 2016 Place: Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £26 Member, £28 Guest The world's favourite rock 'n' roll musical is back by popular demand to thrill you once again with its frothy fun and naughty moments! Following over 40 years of worldwide productions, Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show is a non-stop party! Starring Diana Vickers as Janet, Ben Freeman as Brad, Paul Cattermole as Eddie / Dr Scott and Kristian Lavercombe is back as Riff Raff. The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank 'n' Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit a college professor. It is an adventure they'll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. Featuring all of its famous musical classics, including Science Fiction/Double Feature, Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet and of course, the classic floor filler The Time Warp. This is the boldest bash of them all, so sharpen those stilettos and get ready for the biggest bash in town! Be warned, this show has rude parts!
Tastings at Demijohns Date: Wednesday 30th March 2016 Place: Demijohn, 382 Byres Road, Glasgow (G12 8AR) Time: 6:30pm to 8pm Cost: £14 Member, £15 Guest This is a very special chance to sample the wares of this unique shop. Demijohn is a family run prestigious food and drink shop with a unique display of liquid products in large demijohns that enable the liquids to be bottled on the premises. There is a remarkable collection of products from around the world, including delicious liqueurs, mature Single Malt Whiskies, rare spirits, complex olive oils, exciting vinegars and unusual spices all presented in the most magnificent way. Your tastebuds will thank you for the experience! We will enjoy a brief talk on the background of the shop and will then experience an extensive and intensive guided tasting of liqueurs, wines, whiskies, spirits, olive oils, etc. with breads and accompaniments. You’ll also receive a £5 Demijohn voucher to purchase goods on the night including a huge range of things which make unique and memorable gifts. Please note that you are advised not to drive if sampling the full range of products on offer. For more information, visit www.demijohn.co.uk
Fencing Taster with Edinburgh Fencing Club Date: Thursday 31st March 2016 Place: Thomas of Acquins RC High School, 2-20 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh (EH3 9ES) Time: 6:45pm to 9pm Cost: £11 Member, £12 Guest A chance to experience Fencing as we head for a group taster session with Edinburgh Fencing Club. In this Fencing Taster, we will play fun fencing games that will help us learn the grip and stance, how to move, and how to score – all more complex than they sound and all great fun to learn. We will fence with foil swords and you are recommended to wear a tracksuit (or loose trousers) and trainers. We will receive instruction from Club Coach Alex McLeod and his team of experts. Generally considered one of the most fun sports to learn book your slot now as spaces are limited. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. NOTE: Please advise us in advance if you are left-handed when booking. Meeting details will be provided beforehand.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Murder Mystery Dinner - Death by Chocolate Date: Friday 1st April 2016 Place: Loks Bar and Kitchen, Newlandsfield Road, Glasgow (G43 2XU) Time: 7pm Cost: £26 Member, £28 Guest Includes: 3 Course Murder Mystery Dinner Join our cast, Madeleine Smith, Pierre L'Angelier, Janet Smith, James Smith, William Minnoch and Christina Haggart in the year 1857 as they celebrate Madeleine's birthday, but do BEWARE, because all is not as it may seem. There is deceit in the air and as you enjoy your evening buffet alongside the household, you must pay attention, have your wits about you, as someone will be murdered....................... who will it be? Come join us and you will find out! Who did it, why and how did they do it will be for you and your team to find out. Join our cast, Madeleine Smith, Pierre L'Angelier, Janet Smith, James Smith, William Minnoch and Christina Haggart in the year 1857 as they celebrate Madeleine's birthday, but do BEWARE, because all is not as it may seem. There is deceit in the air and as you enjoy your evening meal alongside the household, you must pay attention, have your wits about you, as someone will be murdered....................... who will it be? Come join us and you will find out! Who did it, why and how did they do it will be for you and your team to find out. Please book early as spaces are strictly limited and may be taken back at any time. This is a public event for which Spice have reserved a table.
Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk - Section 3 Kilsyth to Falkirk Date: Saturday 2nd April 2016 Place: Forth and Clyde Canal (G65 9SG) Time: 11am Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest Section three of our coast to coast walk – Kilsyth to Falkirk Our last section of the Forth and Clyde canal starts at Kilsyth. From Auchinstarry head along the towpath on the north side of the canal, which runs wide and straight for some distance as it cuts through the Dullater Marsh SSSI - a particularly remote section of the canal. Leaving this beautifully desolate wilderness at Wyndford Lock the canal bends to the right before being confronted by the busy A80 bridge. The canal follows the course of the Antonine Wall - a Roman turf and stone fortification bisecting Scotland - on the southern bank. The walk continues via the Falkirk wheel. This section of the walk is 11 miles and should take around 5 hours. Whilst we are walking on designated paths etc please ensure you have suitable walking boots and clothing. We will look at all transport options when we know booking options but car shuttles will be an option. Please meet at Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth at 11am.
The Edinburgh Playhouse Tour Date: Saturday 2nd April 2016 Place: The Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 10:15am to 12pm Cost: £13.50 Member, £15 Guest It’s your chance to explore Edinburgh’s one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks – The Edinburgh Playhouse. Learn about the history, the working and the spectacle of this fascinating building. You will have the opportunity to get behind the scenes to the paces only the stars get to go (and the cleaners) and experience the auditorium from an actor’s viewpoint – spaces must be booked early as this will be extremely popular. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes. Price includes booking fee.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS WINTER 2016
Quad Biking Date: Thursday 3rd March 2016 Place: Craigluscar Activities, Dumfermline, Fife (KY12 9HT) Time: 12:40pm Cost: £42 Member, £46 Guest We head to Fife and Craigluscar Activities for an amazing 1-hour trek – these four-wheeled all terrain vehicles (ATVs) allow the rider to experience the thrills of off-road driving in the beautiful surroundings of Craigluscar Hill. After instruction on controls and safety procedures, we will test these machines to their limits by following an experienced leader over winding hill and forest tracks. You will see wonderful views over the Forth Valley and a variety of wildlife. All the bikes are easily controlled providing a safe but thrilling challenge. All instruction, safety equipment and insurance are supplied, including helmets, gloves and coveralls. The trek lasts for an hour and is suitable for all. This will be an exhilarating experience – Book Now. Meeting details and directions will be sent beforehand.
Meal - Sunday Roast at The Mariner Date: Sunday 3rd April 2016 Place: The Mariner, Crown Plaza, Congress Road, Glasgow (G3 8QT) Time: 1pm Cost: £17 Member, £19 Guest Includes: 2 Course Sunday Roast, Service, Spice Host; Extras: 3rd Course at £3 and drinks The Mariner Bar & Restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes that would keep any diner happy. The restaurant decor has a maritime theme in homage to the city’s shipbuilding industry and the River Clyde which is just a stone’s throw away, and the open plan dining room allows for some rather spectacular views. Today we enjoy a Sunday roast – the perfect way to relax at the end of your weekend.
See Glasgow – May Glasgow Party Night th
Date: Friday 13 May 2016 Place: The Pond Hotel, Great Western Road, Glasgow (G12 0XP) Time: 7pm Cost: £28 Member, £32 Guest Includes: 3 Course Dinner, Tea/Coffee, Entertainment As part of our See Glasgow weekend we invite you to join us and over 30 Spice members from our southern groups for an evening of great food and dancing (dancing is optional of course but if I know our Scottish members the floor will be full all night!). We arrive for 7pm and take our seats for a 3 course sit down dinner with tea/coffee and tablet followed by entertainment. A spice party wouldn’t be a true party night without a great disco. We have booked the resident DJ who kept the floor full at the Christmas Party Night and he will be spinning out tunes both past and present to keep you on the dance floor all night! Please book early to help make a night to remember – for you and our guests. We expect the evening to be exceptionally busy so please book early to secure your slot.
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