WEEKENDS HOLIDAYS
LEISURE
ADVENTURE
SOCIAL
Spring 2014
www.spiceuk.com Spice is the UK’s leading adventure, social and leisure group. Enjoy a jam-packed social life with over 100 events every month to choose from. All events are arranged for you, all you have to do is book and turn up. Spice membership is equivalent to a glass of wine or a ‘designer’ coffee a week.
Be part of it and join today to make friends, meet people, have fun
welcome! Welcome to our Spring newsletter, and a special big warm friendly welcome to each and every one of you especially the new members that have joined us in the last three months, we have had record recruitment quarter and we are going from strength to strength my best advice - just jump in the deep end and make the most of your Spice life! As we are growing we need to make some changes and this is my last ‘editorial’ as I am taking a little step back from the front line of Spice. I turn 60 this year and I always promised myself I would not want to lead the organisation as I get my Bus Pass and dementia looms (lol), so am very happy to hand the reigns over to my colleague and friend, Ian Purvis, who moves up from Holiday Manager to General Manager and I become Chairman of Spice UK. Ian will take over this piece from the Summer issue and I will be involved from a much more strategic view so watch this space! We have another batch of wonderful events and opportunities to meet people, make friends and have fun with a ready made bunch of like minded people, who joined Spice for all the same reasons you did! If you are new to Spice, the front and back coloured sections relate to the wider world of Spice groups, while the black and white middle section from page 7 onwards relate to your local branch, and finally the back pages feature some of our many wonderful group holidays. However as ever we are adding new events to the Events Programme every day, so do keep looking at the website! We also keep you up to date with weekly email updates from your group coordinators which will feature the coming weeks events, so make sure you are receiving those.
This edition features two of our biggest events, Centre Parcs in June – acting as our National Weekend, packed with fun and games, sports, parties – including a ‘Carnival themed its a knockout on the Sunday, which will be more laughs than you can imagine. We also feature National Dragon Boat Racing another firm favourite with Spicers and Edinburgh Festival Weekend which has grown in numbers over the last few years. Please take a look on page 3. I believe our local programme is better than its ever been, with a rich array of diverse, unusual, funky and fun events, sitting alongside all the standard socials, like Badminton, Rambles, Theatre and Dining, so we do hope to see you on something very soon, be in Walking with Wolves or Dragon Boat Racing. There are some wonderful new holidays announced too – Cuba Sun and Fun , a fab two centre chill out, our Highlights of China makes its regular bi-annual appearance, and is a not to be missed travel adventure, our popular Lake Garda Chill-out (the one with the free bar!) and the first of our 2015 Ski Trips have started to appear, with more to follow. Still a couple of slots available on our awesome Grand Canyon Rafting Trip in September if you fancy an adventure that you will remember forever. So enjoy the Spring, take a good look at all the fun times ahead, get booking and I will still be attending events so I hope to see you on soon.
Dave National co-ordinator
Steve Dell Spice East Midlands
Jamie Morris Spice Scotland
Dianne Livingstone Dominic Renshaw Spice London and Spice
Spice Thames Valley & Solent
Bristol / Cardiff
Spice West Midlands
meet the team
Lauren Fawkes
Ian Purvis
Spice Manchester & Yorkshire
Holiday Manager
Richard Coulter
We are excited to put the spotlight on our greatest asset, the members and will be featuring two or three Member Profiles each edition.
Paul Docksey Group: Manchester Member since: May 2013
Anne Allott Group: Spice Yorkshire Member for: 3 Months
Skye Loudon Group: West Midlands Member for: 2 years
Why did you join Spice I found myself absent of friends and having zero social life for a very long time. Life is not a solo adventure so I thought I would give Spice a chance before doing something drastic and relocating to Canada or New Zealand for a fresh start. These plans are long since obsolete.
Why did you join Spice? I realised that my spare time consisted mostly of sitting at home watching telly and decided where’s the fun in that? A friend told me about Spice and I signed up straight away.
Why did you join Spice? I joined Spice when looking for a local book club. It turned out to be the best move I ever made. Book club is ace and I have had so many more adventures alongside making some amazing friends.
What has been your favourite event? Is it to cheesy to say all of them? It’s rare for me to not have a good time. If I had to give an answer I suppose it would have to be seeing the Reduced Shakespeare company, you know something is funny when you jaw still hurts days after from laughing so much.
What has been your favourite event? Archery as I got a bull’s-eye. Only one but at least I got that.
What has been your favourite event? My favourite event is Dragon Boat Racing. It is a great weekend out on the water after a party night.
What has been your most challenging event? I don’t tend to do challenging events but to say the least a recent ramble around Pendle Hill was quite a challenge given my relatively low level of fitness. I learnt something valuable that day, Rod lies! Do not believe him when he says it’s all downhill from here, it won’t be! What is your funniest memory in Spice? Not sure if it was the delirium of so little sleep but the entire Winter Centre Parcs weekend getaway was one big laugh. What would be your advice for a new member? Don’t worry! An impossible task I am aware but there is no need. It takes a special kind of crazy to be in Spice and it makes everyone friendly in what is an unfriendly world. Have you been on a spice holiday? I took what is quite a risk for me and went on the Winter Center Parcs, and did not regret it one bit. From being up till 5 in the morning at a relaxed not-an-after-party party, to chilling out during the day reading a good book or an oddly hilarious game of crazy golf while waiting for brunch on a Monday (my new Center Parcs tradition I think) the entire weekend was simply awesome-sauce. Already booked on the summer weekend and I think people are getting tired of me publicising it so much, but can you blame me! Have you an embarrassing Spice moment? I don’t know how embarrassing it Is, but I have certainly fallen onto my backside a couple of times while out hiking in rather water soaked hills. But I think the fact that everyone was sliding all over the place makes it less embarrassing. What is your life philosophy in one sentence? Thanks to denial, I’m going to live forever! Four people (Dead or Alive) you’d invite to your dream party? Female Celebrity party – Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Alison Brie, Rachael McAdams. Male Celebrity Party – Gordon Joseph Levitt, Christopher Nolan, Ejiofor Chiwetel, Peter Jackson. Intellectual Party – Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Peter Higgs, Leonardo Da Vinci. Your favourite movie? Never ask a movie fan such a question! Which Genre? What mood are you in? What mood do you want to be in? The list would be to long! The best film I saw most recently would have to me the Lego Movie, “Everything is awesome” Most treasured belonging? Life itself! Actually, probably my car, it’s Awesome Sauce
What has been your most challenging event? Recently completed a Ramble, Scramble and Dangle. Hard work (I’m not as young as I once was) but felt a real sense of achievement, especially pulling myself up a very narrow climbing ladder on a vertical rock face. On an adventure/fun scale 11/10. What is your funniest memory in Spice? Loosing my footing on abseiling and swinging in the air is funny now I think about it - wasn’t at the time! What would be your advice for a new member? Jump right in and book as many events as you can before you change your mind. You won’t regret it. Have you been on a Spice UK holiday? Not yet, but I’m definitely looking for something in 2014. Have you an embarrassing Spice moment? Some people might say my ten-pin bowling skills are embarrassing! What is your life philosophy in one sentence. Don’t wait for your life to happen to you - go out and find it. Four people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party? My 3 grandparents who died when I was young as I never got a chance to know them, and Russell Crowe - in my opinion, the best actor in the world. Your favourite movie? Gladiator - seen it so many times I can recite the script backwards. Most treasured belonging? My Lego sets I’ve had since childhood. Real Lego, not like now where half of its built already!
What has been your most challenging event? My most challenging event has probably been fire eating. It was a great day and something I always wanted to try. Once was enough though. What is your funniest memory in Spice? There are way too many funny memories to just remember one. I laugh every time I am out with the Spice crew. If I have to choose one it woulda probably be sports day at Center Parks last year. What would be your advice for a new member? My advice to new members is to do loads of events in the first few months. Anyone you enjoyed talking to get their number or add them in Facebook. Talk about what events you are doing next and build up a bank of familiar faces. Also set yourself a challenge and do something you have never done before. Have you an embarrassing Spice moment? Embarrassing ?? - what happens on a Spice event stays on a Spice event, goes all over Facebook and follows you for the rest of your life. There are plenty of embarrassing stories but people will need to find them out for themselves :) What is your life philosophy in one sentence? Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming .... WOW what a ride. Four people (Dead or Alive) you’d invite to your dream party? I couldn’t just have four people to a dinner party but if I had to I would include Oscar Wilde, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Heath Ledger. Your favourite movie? My favourite movie is The Usual Suspects. The last sequence is out if this world! Most treasured belonging? my most treasured belonging is a stuffed deer called Hamish that my gran made me as a baby. It is still safe despite being much loved.
Spice weekends Here is a small selection of our up and coming breaks – three very different weekends with options, but there are many more so do check your local website.
Center Parcs Sherwood Weekend WHEN: WHERE: COST: OPTIONAL:
Fri 20 Jun 2014 - Mon 23 Jun 2014 Sherwood Forest, Rufford, Newark, Nottingham NG22 9DN £149 Member Twin, £224 Member Single, £109 Member Bunk (Deposit £50) It’s A Knockout: £25
Our unmissable summer Center Parcs Weekend is now a Spice institution- a brilliant weekend break with TWO great exclusive parties and as much sport or relaxation as you can cope with! Special this year is the return of It’s A Knockout on the Sunday, adding a brilliant fun event into the weekend which will be another hi-lite. The sub tropical paradise is the centre of attraction with giant waves, water chutes, Jacuzzi’s, flumes, a thrilling wild water rapids ride, and much more. You can spend all day in the tropically heated ‘dome’, or move outdoors- tennis, squash, sailing, bikes, canoeing, gym, badminton, bowls, archery,- the list is endless...(you pay extra for these). There a few extra Spice Events organised by your local Spice Group like our Welcome Drinks Reception, BBQs, Badminton and Volleyball group sessions, ten pin bowling games, etc, to provide some great group focal points during the weekend. Or you can just choose to chill! The Saturday has free Dance Classes – great for mixing and meeting people –this year we are running with 2 sessions each learning the dance steps for the Flash Mob at the disco this year – this is limited to max 100 per session and will be on a first come basis. On Sunday we have a very special optional event with our own Carnival themed It’s a Knockout see below. Our accommodation is in beautifully located villas surrounded by woodland alive with cheeky not so ‘wild’ life. Fully fitted bathroom and kitchens, lounge, TV (with video channels), central heating and even an open log fire. The Villas are 3 & 4 bed-roomed (6 or 8 people), each villa has a double room for couples (or can be booked for single occupancy), twin rooms and some have a smaller bunk room! We will arrange members into Villas- grouping people together- don’t worry if you’re on your own, so are many others booking, and with Spice you won’t be on your own for long, as soon as you meet your Villa mates! All bedding is provided, as is household equipment. Food is not included, so you can self cater or eat out at a variety of on-site restaurants. Friday Night sees our Welcome Disco and Saturday night a Spice Disco with a late bar. Both Parties are included in the price and a Spice wrist band will be included with your weekend joining pack, giving you entry to the parties and our events. The Saturday night party theme this visit ties in with this year’s football World Cup host country Brazil and is ‘Carnival!’ which couldn’t be easier and adds a bit of Spice to the weekend! Think Rio, Mardi Gras, Venice, Notting Hill and much more – please remember when creating your costume however that Center Parcs is a family resort so WHEN: Sun 22 Jun 2014 please be appropriate with your design; nothing WHERE: Sherwood Forest, Nottingham to risky or racy! You can also wear your costume COST: £25 Member, £27 Guest for the It’s A Knockout on Sunday if it isn’t going to damage either you or the equipment On Sunday at Center Parcs we have a very special optional (Knockout Challenge will have the final say on event with our own Olympics themed It’s a Knockout – this on the day)! starting at 11am at the Golf Driving Range. Massive bouncy inflatable’s, dressing up, bubbles, foam, water fights, races all in a thrilling atmosphere. Our supplier for this is So this could be a relaxed, laid back break, or an ‘Knockout Challenge’, check out their website at http://www.itsaknockout.org. energetic dash from one activity to another- you choose! You can check in from 12.00 noon on If you have done this event before you know how much fun it is and this year there are 4 Friday (villa available from 3.00pm) and leave NEW games. the Villa by 10.00am Monday morning. Many of us arrive Friday after work, and depart Due to the additional cost to bring in this event, there is an Sunday evening of course, but it’s your additional cost of £25 per person to take part. Book it here! You choice. You can remain on site all day on must also book a place on the Center Parcs weekend to take part. Monday if you wish, and many of us have a morning at The Spa as its quiet! Limited slots at 200, first come first served. Remember that this is only available to those who have booked the Center Parcs weekend.
Center Parcs - It’s A Knock Out
National Dragon Boat Racing WHEN: WHERE: COST:
Sun 13 Jul 2014 Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1AF £29 Member, £32 Guest
Please Remember that you need to book for the camping and the party separately. These are great days out - Enter the Dragon! Up to twenty people sitting side by side in a forty foot long boat, with a carved dragon’s head and tail attached. A drummer in the prow beating time, a steerer in the stern keeping the boat on course with a giant paddle, the crew, ten each side speeding the boat down the river to the finish line! The atmosphere is brilliant, which is why this is one of the essential events in the Spice calendar! This is The Big One! A huge national Spice event organised for Spice by a great group of specialists. As it’s the Official Spice UK National Finals, all groups will be sending a team to compete. We have our own trophies and medals to go for, and the races will be run on a timed basis over the day. Don’t worry if you’ve never been in a Dragon Boat before, we’ll have plenty of time to practice before the racing begins in earnest (and as this is Spice, it’s all just for fun anyway!). For colour, spectacle and excitement Dragon Boat Racing has it all and is also rapidly becoming the mass participation sport on water. If you want to know what a great day out this is ask any of the members who’ve attended previous events. Dragon Boat Racing caters for all ages, male and female, in one crew and requires no experience. It’s great fun and totally unlike any other kind of canoeing with team work being the key, not strength. Get the start right and you can feel the boat lift out of the water and start to plane to give you a fast racing start, it’s amazing how fast a 22 person canoe can travel! Each boat is provided with an expert helmsman to keep you on the right track, and with the help of your drummer beating out the time of the strokes you are sure to get the rhythm right...well that’s the theory anyway! The venue for this year’s events is the river Avon at Pershore, on the northern edge of the Cotswolds. This is a beautiful setting in one of England’s most picturesque areas so you may want to make a weekend of it. Changing facilities are available and there will also be food for sale during the day. Parking is available on site and a transport list with directions will be sent out to all those who book. No experience is necessary to participate but you must be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing.
“
No Spicer should miss a Dragon Boat Day. It really sums up what Spice is all about – fun, friendship, excitement & the chance to try an activity that anyone can enjoy!
”
Edinburgh Festival Weekend II Bank Holiday – WHEN: WHERE: COST: Includes :
Fri 22 Aug 2014 - Mon 25 Aug 2014 Pollock Halls, Holyrood Park Rd. Edinburgh EH16 5AY £229 Member, £329 Member Single, £249 Guest, £349 Guest Single (Deposit £50) 3 Nights B&B, Royal Mile Guided Walk, Arthurs Seat Walk, Ceilidh, Spice Host, Optional Ticket Purchases.
It’s that time of year when the world’s biggest and best comedy, music and arts festival takes place in Edinburgh making the city the most vibrant venue on the planet. This is one of the world’s great spectacles and should be on every ones ‘to do before I die list’. It’s so good you’ll want to come back again and again. The Edinburgh Fringe promises to be bigger and better than ever with star names appearing for your enjoyment along with some new undiscovered talent. Walk the Royal Mile absorbing the atmosphere with music and song all around you, it’s a real carnival. Visit one of the many whiskey outlets for a taster session from the experts or sit back and relax at one of the many, many Fringe venues scattered throughout the city. There are many extra Spice shows and events offered throughout your weekend. In the past 20 years over 2000 Spice members have attended these fantastic weekends, they are, without doubt, one of the highlights of the Spice Year, please book your place NOW! This is a Spice National Event organised and co-ordinated by Spice Scotland please book through your local Spice group.
spice gallery
Recent Events
Spice gives back
Spicers making pizzas
Building homes for otters
Canadian canoes
Fancy dress party with Spicers
Its time to hula!
Fencing taster session
Tubing on the slopes
Free info pack - Spice rack SPICE (West Midlands) Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter 6a, Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands, B74 3EJ Tel: 0121 353 6161 info@spicebham.com www.spicebham.com SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 130 Aztec Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UB Tel: 01276 479 253 dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com www.spicebristolcardiff.com SPICE (East Midlands) Co-ordinator: Steve Dell Foxhall Business Center, 2 King Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AS Tel: 0845 017 1031 info@spiceeastmids.com www.spiceeastmids.com
SPICE (London) Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 32a High Street, Bagshort, Surrey, GU19 5AZ Tel: 01276 479 253 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk www.spicelondon.co.uk SPICE (Manchester) Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0161 864 3849 info@spicemcr.com www.spicemcr.com SPICE (Scotland) Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris 63 Easter Langside Crescent, Dalkeith, EH22 2FN. Tel: 0131 531 2653 info@spicescotland.com www.spicescotland.com
Do you want to find a type of event (e.g. walking, meals out etc.) or events in your local area. You can do this quickly and simply on your local Spice web site. From the home page click the Event button. In the Search events block you can search for a type of event by clicking on the dropdown on Category for example walking,parties, Weekend breaks etc. You can find an event in your area by selecting Subcategory and selecting your area for example Essex, Kent, Surrey etc. You can also search on Words, by using Words When done click search to find what you want.
SPICE UK (Head Office) National Co-ordinator: Dave Smith 13, Thorpe Street, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9PR Tel: 0161 873 8788 www.spiceuk.com info@spiceuk.com SPICE (Thames Valley & Solent) Co-ordinator: Dominic Renshaw 118, Shiplake Bottom, Peppard Common, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5HR Tel: 0118 972 4810 dominic@thamesvalleyspice.co.uk www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk SPICE (Yorkshire) Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0845 094 2200 info@spiceyorks.com www.spiceyorks.com
As a member of spice you can enjoy many exclusive and money saving deals. Visit spiceextras.co.uk to start shopping and start saving today.
Finding events in your local area
Spice International Holiday Programme As at 15th March 2014 How time flies, it seems only last week it was Christmas but here we are again with the latest set of holidays over the next 12 months – weekends to fortnights; water sports to walking and cultural sightseeing with everything in between. A Spice holiday is a great way to extend your Spice playground, experience new things and expand your friendships! This is 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 some of next seasons ski trips (more to follow so keep an eye on the web and Facebook!). 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.
2014/2015
Winter Holidays
More ski trips to follow but this is what we have for you so far!
Date
Nights Spice Trip
Deposit
Price from
20/12/14
7
Ski Christmas
£130
£889
27/12/14
7
Ski New Year
£130
£999
11/01/15
7
Ski Courmayeur
£150
£669
18/01/15
7
Ski Meribel
£150
£714
31/01/15
7
Ski Italy - Cortina
£130
£669
08/03/15
7
Ski Courcheval
£150
£970
21/03/15
7
Ski Val Thorens
£130
£719
22/03/15
7
Ski Val D’Isere
£150
£945
03/15
4
TBC
TBC
An exclusive Spice chalet in Les Arcs – festive skiing anyone? Always a popular trip – this time it’s Alpe D’Huez! Not quite an all single room trip but nearly – 21 single/sole occupancy rooms! A Mark Warner chalet on the slopes – ski in/ski out! Skiing in the Dolomites! Includes 3 Valley lift pass! You don’t find many higher resorts in Europe! Includes Espace Killy lift pass!
Arctic Dog Sledding
Our 2 trips this year have just returned and everyone loved it! Keep and eye on the web for next years visits.
Date
Nights Spice Trip
Deposit
Price
10/04/14
3
Rome Mini Break
n/a
£479
24/04/14
3
Stockholm – Mini Break
n/a
£499
02/05/14
3
Granada & the Festival of Crosses – Mini Break
n/a
£495
18/05/14
7
Cultural Andalusia
n/a
£849
07/06/14
7
07/06/14
14
09/06/14
7
14/06/14
7
06/06/14
Enjoy a short break away to this wonderful city! A lovely weekend break – enjoy Tapas & the Alhambra! A lovely weekend break – enjoy Tapas & the Alhambra! Enjoy the cultural delights of Spain!
Mark Warner 5* Watersports (1st week)
Mark Warners’ newest resort on Rhodes. Great sailing and windsurfing conditions for all levels, plus land activities
Mark Warner 5* Watersports (2 weeks)
£150
£745
Mark Warners’ newest resort on Rhodes. Great sailing and windsurfing conditions for all levels, plus land activities
£150
£1195
Turkish Blue Coast Cruise
£150
£795
Mark Warners’ newest resort on Rhodes. Great sailing and windsurfing conditions for all levels, plus land activities
£150
£745
3
Hidden Gems of Barcelona
£150
£469
17/06/14
12
Best of the Baltics Cruise
£150
£1099
22/06/14
7
Zumba Spectacular!
£150
£639
23/06/14
7
Walking the Turquoise Coast
£150
£699
26/06/14
9
Sicily – Myths & Legends
£150
£1199
27/06/14
3
Berlin Bonanza
£150
£399
26/07/14
7
Walking the Italian Dolomites
£150
£869
02/08/14
20
Best of the West
£270
£2685
18/08/14
7
Turkish Blue Coast Cruise
£150
£1095
21/08/14
7
Walking in Tuscany
£200
£899
24/08/14
4
Hiking & Biking in Austria
£150
TBC
09/09/14
13
Grand Canyon Rafting Experience
£1450
£2899
12/09/14
14
Highlights of China
£210
£2099
14/09/14
6
£150
£979
21/09/14
7
Costa Blanca Chillout
£150
£599
29/09/14
7
Turkey Autumn Chillout
£150
£565
04/10/14
9
Petra & Wadi Rum by bike
£150
£1349
06/10/14
14
Borneo Adventure
£290
£2895
06/10/14
7
Turkish Blue Coast Cruise
£150
£795
08/10/14
5
Lake Garda Autumn Special
£150
£499
23/10/14
11
Cuba – Sun & Fun
£170
£1749
A wonderful 7 night gulet cruise along Turkey’s Blue Coast
Mark Warner 5* Watersports (2nd week)
Get under the skin of this great city with our local guide & party with the locals! Visit Tallinn, St. Petersburg (including 2 excursions), Helsinki, Stockholm & Copenhagen! Something new and a little bit different! Why not try a Zumba® trip with Spice? An old favourite walk returns after 5 years away! Join us and explore this magical island! A sociable weekend getting to know Europe’s most happening capital Walkwise make a welcome return for this destination after 4 years! Experience the West of America from San Francisco to Las Vegas and lots in between! A wonderful 7 night gulet cruise along Turkey’s Blue Coast – one for the Teachers! Stunning walking in the Tuscan scenery! Keep an eye on the web for more details – we are just finalising this one! The Ultimate Spice Experience!
Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and the Great Wall all in a great package!
The Italian Lakes
Enjoy Como, Maggiore & Garda on this wonderful break! Chillout in the Mediterranean! Our 8th consecutive year and it’s as popular as ever! Cycle through spectacular desert scenery & visit Petra! A stunning trip of discovery A wonderful 7 night gulet cruise along Turkey’s Blue Coast Always a popular trip with Spice including 3 hours free bar on 4 evenings! Join 20 Spicers’ enjoying a bit of Cuban excitement!
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 GRANADA & THE FESTIVAL OF CROSSES
4 days, Fri 2 May 2014 from £495 Flights from London Gatwick, Manchester & East Midlands • A traditional Spanish festival atmosphere • Optional visit to the Alhambra Palace This weekend takes place during “Las Cruces de Mayo”, Granada’s biggest street festival. During “Cruces” the streets of Granada are awash with elaborate floweradorned crosses, celebrated with dancing, street food and Sangria into the early hours. Las Cruces de Mayo celebrates the triumph of life over death. Each square has amplified music for dancing and every corner of the town is filled with ‘alegría’ well into the small hours in true inimitable Andalucian style. Las Cruces de Mayo finale takes place every year on the 3rd May!
MARK WARNER 5* WATERSPORTS - RHODES 8 days, Wed 4/Sat 7 June 2014 from £745 8 days, Wed 11/Sat 14 June 2014 from £745 15 days, Wed 4/Sat 7 June 2014 from £1195 Flights from London Heathrow & Manchester • A superb 5* resort • Returning after a hugely successful trip in 2013
After superb feedback this year we are delighted to revisit Mark Warners’ new Levante Beach Resort as our watersports destination for 2014. This 5* resort is located on one of the longest sandy beaches on the eastern coast of Rhodes, in the resort of Afandou, 20kms from Rhodes Town. Rhodes is an island steeped in history, dotted with picturesque little villages, heavenly scented pine and cypress forests and miles upon miles of golden sandy beaches.
ZUMBA® SPECTACULAR
7 days, Mon 22 June 2014 from £639 Flights from London Gatwick, Manchester & Glasgow • A first for Spice • Official UK Zumba® Instructors Something new for Spice and a little bit different! We’ve done a Yoga holiday so why not try a Zumba® trip with Spice? Fitness with Zumba® in the stunning resort of Calpe. A fantastic opportunity to spend a revitalising week immersed in a full programme of fitness and well-being including Zumba® in the Spanish sunshine. We offer a highenergy daily schedule of classes with George Martini and friends, including Zumba®, Aqua Zumba, Masala Bhangra, Booiaka and more as well as time to enjoy the local beaches, sample the cuisine and dance the night away in a like-minded social group.
SICILY – MYTHS & LEGENDS 10 days, Thu 26 June 2014 from £1149 Flights from London Gatwick only • Home of Mount Etna • A wonderful trip of discovery
In the central Mediterranean just off the ‘toe’ of Italy, Sicily is a wonderful island to explore. Home to Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, our 10 day discovery uncovers the truths and mysteries behind this islands ‘Myths & Legends’. So why not join Spice on this super trip!
BERLIN BONANZA
TURKEY COAST CRUISE
8 days, Mon 9 June 2014 from £795 8 days, Mon 18 August 2014 from £1095 8 days, Mon 6 October 2014 from £795 Flights from London Gatwick & Manchester • A date for the teachers! • If you want to relax then look no further Sailing from Marmaris in the clear turquoise waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas you will discover the delights of the Turkish Coast. The Captain and crew expertly handle the traditional sailing gulet, East Meets West leaving you free to explore the secluded coves and bays. You’ll have no worries about cooking meals, sailing or dropping anchor.
4 days, Fri 27 June 2014 from £399 Flights from London Gatwick & Liverpool • A superb weekend destination • So much history to uncover
Twenty years after its post-Wall rebirth, Berlin is a scenestealing combo of glamour and grit, teeming with top museums and galleries, grand opera and guerrilla clubs, gourmet temples and ethnic snack shacks. Berlin staged a revolution, was headquartered by fascists, bombed to bits, ripped in half and finally reunited – and that was just in the 20th century! Famous landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and what’s left of the Berlin Wall are like a virtual 3-D textbook in a city where you’ll find history staring you in the face every time you turn a corner
WALKING: THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES
8 days, Sat 26 July 2014 from £869 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham • Walkwise return after 4 years • Superb walking in the Dolomites
Costa Blanca, located on the central Eastern coastline, is a popular destination for tourists who arrive every summer to take advantage of the warm climate, sun-drenched beaches, laid-back lifestyle and lively evening culture. Calpe’s two main beaches, the Cantal Roig and the Playa Arenal, are renowned for their long stretches of fine sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming and also popular with surfers. Protection from the wind by surrounding mountains means that the town’s beaches generally remain warm and the sea calm.
TURKEY CHILLOUT
8 days, Mon 23 September 2014 from £649 Departs London Gatwick & Manchester • Always a popular Spice holiday • Kick back and relax This trip has been a popular Autumn addition to our holiday programme and it always gets great feedback! Tamarisk Beach Hotel in Ortakent is the perfect holiday location and we should know as we’ve been there for the past 7 years! A relaxed and friendly atmosphere, plenty of activities to keep you busy and a beach shaded by Tamarisk trees on which to relax and watch the world go by.
CUBA – SUN & FUN With excellent feedback from WalkWise’s many previous International Walking Holidays to Switzerland, Austria, Lake Como, the Spanish Pyrenees, and many many more, WalkWise have responded to your requests to return to the superb hotel in Arabba in the Italian Dolomites. It’s four years since we visited the delightful Hotel Alpenrose in the picturesque village of Arabba in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. At an altitude of 1602m, our base is at the foot of the magnificent Sella Massif and you are immediately captivated by the most serene and charming of natural landscapes. In every direction there are perfect panoramas of peaceful lakes and blossoming meadows, which are corralled by towering jagged peaks that form a stunning backdrop.
COSTA BLANCA CHILLOUT 8 days, Sat 21 September 2014 from £599 Departs London Gatwick & Manchester • New chillout destination • Includes a visit to a waterpark
Another Spice Chiilout for some late summer sun! Spain’s
12 days, Thu 23 October 2014 from £1749 Departs London Gatwick direct • New Spice holiday • Enjoy the delights of Havana before chilling in an all inclusive beach resort 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.
To book visit www.spiceuk.com or call Spice UK on 0161 873 8788 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.
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spiceuk.com
Only 27,375 days in the average lifetime What did you really want to do today? Spice membership benefits! • Spice is the largest adventure, social and leisure group in the UK. • Established in 1981, with over 10,000 members across the UK, split into 8 regional groups. • 100s of events every month, professionally organised. All you have to do is book and turn up! • Unique events you normally wouldn’t have the chance to do, in the company of likeminded people. • Free personal accident insurance. • Meet new people, make new friends and widen your social circle. • Guest spaces so you can bring a friend along. • Book events with friendly staff during office hours, or online at your convenience. • Regular email updates for events local to you. • Regional and friendly Volunteer event Coordinators to host our events and make you feel welcome. • Member profiles of our Volunteer Coordinators so you know who to look out for on the events. • Events discounted wherever possible. • Transport Share List allows you to contact other members prior to attending events. • Free events, including cinema nights, gigs and member link ups. • Your local group for local people.
With always something to do and something to look forward to, life will never be boring again!
Spice Scotland Local Pages Welcome to the spring Spice ‘Live It’ Newsletter. It’s been a hectic but brilliant start to the year – so many memories and great times. Another hugely successful ski trip in France, if you were there I’m sure you’ll have great memories – we are now taking bookings for Ski Dolomites 2015 – we already have over 20 booked! Over 100 of you also enjoyed the February Bargain Break up in Pitlochry, great venue and even better company – we look forward to doing it all again next year. Don’t wait however as we are bursting with trips for you to enjoy this year – we have our Fife and St. Andrews, Braemar Bargain and the brand new Autumn in Otterburn social breaks. We are also taking bookings for the legendary Ballachulish Bargain Break. If you enjoy walking don’t miss your opportunity to walk in Hadrian’s Wall country, Fort William and the Western Highlands, Arran, Carrbridge and the Cairngorms and Inchnadamph and the Sutherland mountains. The Spice Masters Golf Trophy is up for grabs in August and our Edinburgh Festival Breaks return. Tennis Coaching, Centre Parcs and National Dragon boating are also on offer! In early January we descended on The Hilton Grosvenor in Edinburgh for our annual January Ball – how wonderful you all looked! Again I’m sure those who were there will have brilliant memories of a brilliant night. There is so much coming up over the next few months, lots of dinners of every kind, regular sports nights (badminton is back in Edinburgh), walks and adventure activities almost every weekend. More theatre and shows than Broadway and great value get togethers. Do you have a Facebook account? Have you liked the Spice Scotland Page? This is the best place so share pictures and feedback of Spice events, we have dedicated pages to our Bargain Breaks too. Your missing out by not connecting. Lastly – as always – we are seeking walk leaders from all over and members who would be interested in hosting events – there are perks and we’ll thank you, as will the members. Spice is growing and we need your help to keep it great. If you would like to know more drop me an email or give me a call. Lastly, Spice Scotland has a new home and phone number – 0131 531 2653 – please note all previous numbers have now been switched off.
Jamie
Welcome to New Members You’ve taken the first steps and joined Spice, and 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 – Spicer’s are a friendly bunch. Most of us come along on our own to events so we are all well used to meeting and welcoming new people. A great way of ‘getting into’ Spice is by booking a soon as you can and getting the 1st event ‘under your belt’. If you have any queries at all please give me call at the office and I’ll always do my utmost to help you.
Spice Free Preview Evenings No need to book, simply turn up! Each is in an area exclusive to Spice Scotland.
Glasgow & the West Mondays 7th April, 5th May & 2nd June 2014 at 8.00pm 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 Tuesdays 1st April, 6th May & 3rd June 2014 at 8.00pm 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.
Aberdeen & the North
Mondays 14th April & 9th June 2014 at 8.00pm prompt O’Neill’s, 9 – 10 Back Wynd, Aberdeen, AB10 1JN We will be in the upstairs function suite. Please get your drinks from the bar downstairs before joining us.
Events April & May 2014 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7 April Preview Evening - Glasgow O'Neill's
8 Badminton Edinburgh
9
10 Badminton Glasgow
11 Meal - Cosmo Edinburgh
12 Meal - Banquet at Royal Thai – Aberdeen
13 Falconry Hawk Walk
14 April Preview Night Aberdeen
15 Badminton Edinburgh
16
17 Badminton Glasgow
18 Meal - Spanish at Cubatas
19 Meal - Boteco Do Brasil Edinburgh
20 Ice Climbing Taster at The Ice Wall
26 A Play a Pie and a Pint - The Queen of Lucky People
27 Alison's Walk – Dalmeny
Newcastle Easter Party Weekend 21 April
22 Badminton – Edinburgh
23
Theatre - Fame 29 Badminton Edinburgh
30
1 May Badminton – Glasgow Ghost Tour Doomed, Dead and Buried
5 May Preview Evening - Glasgow O'Neill's
6 Badminton – Edinburgh
25
Stockholm in Spring WAIT LIST
The Cookery School - Herb School
28 April Theatre - Let It Be
24 Badminton – Glasgow
7 Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn
8 Badminton Glasgow
2 Live Music Bar Night at Molly Malones Walking Weekend Hadrians Wall
9 Meal - Sopranos - Aberdeen
Preview Night Edinburgh
3 A Play - Pie and a Pint - A Tale O Fanny Cha Cha – Aberdeen
Sightseeing Cruise and Inchcolm Island Landing 4 Narrow Boat Day and Picnic
Meal and Casino Night – Edinburgh 10 Canyoning at Keltney Burn Gorge
11 Alan's Walk The Smugglers Trail
Meal L'Escargot Bleu
Segway Experience Aberdeen
Meal and Casino Night Glasgow 12 May
13 Badminton – Edinburgh
14
15 Badminton Glasgow
Cinema Night Glasgow
19 May Theatre - Rock of Ages
20 Badminton Edinburgh
16 Fife and St. Andrew's Social Break
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18 Golf - Charleton Golf Club
24 Bar Night Buffet and Live Music at The Albyn – Aberdeen
25 Lazy Sunday Stroll - Falkirk Wheel Canal Circuit
Walking Weekend - Fort William and the North West Highlands 21
22 Badminton Glasgow
23 Forth Belle Latin/Salsa Dance Cruise
Meal and Entertainment Wild Cabaret 26 May Friends in a Flash Aberdeen
27 Badminton Edinburgh
28 Meal - New Members at Calistoga
29 Badminton Glasgow
30 Guided Tour Walking with Scientists Pizza Making Class
31 Workshop Meetings Without Masks
1 June Hot Air Ballooning Dawn Flight over Edinburgh Ina's Walk - The Pentlands from Swanston
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 June & July 2014 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
2 June Preview Evening - Glasgow O'Neill's
3 Badminton Edinburgh Preview Night Edinburgh
4 Games Night Cluedo
5 Badminton Glasgow
6 A Night at The Dogs - Dinner and Racing
7 Karen's Walk Kirkhill Forest – Aberdeen
8 Mad Hatters Tea Party Meal - Debbie's Sunday Lunches - The Buttery
Murder Mystery at The Maitlandfield
Theatre - Let It Be Theatre Tonight's The Night
Tank Driving New Recruit Experience
9 June Preview Night Aberdeen
10 Badminton Edinburgh
11 Meal - New Members at Lychee Oriental
12 Badminton Glasgow
13 Braemar Bargain Break
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15
16 June Theatre - Buddy (The Musical)
17 Badminton – Edinburgh
18 Golf - 9 Hole @ Musselburgh Links
19 Badminton Glasgow
20 Center Parcs Sherwood Weekend
21 Explore Mackintosh
22 Hovercraft Flying
Meal - Greek at Christos Taverna Aberdeen
It's a Knockout at Center Parcs Sherwood
Tennis Lesson Glasgow
Pizza and Cocktails at Sygn
Lazy Sunday Stroll - Hailes Castle from East Linton 23 June
24 Badminton – Edinburgh
25 Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn
26 Badminton Glasgow
Cinema Night Glasgow
27 Meal and Music - Cafe Source and Cosmopolitan Big Band
28 Guided Tour Aberdeen Blood and Granite
29 White Water Rafting - The River Tay
Meal - Italian at Caciopepe Scottish Walking Week Inchnadamph and Sutherland
30 June
1 July
2 Meal - Rotating Dinner at The Hampton Hotel
3
4 Meal - Indian at Daawat
5 Horse Trekking Lasswade Riding Centre
6 The Tibetan Buddhist Experience
Meal - Rotating Dinner at La Lombada – Aberdeen
Golf – Cordrona GC
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
Alpes d’Huez 14 – La Folie Douce
Feb Bargain Break Treasure Hunt – Where’s Santa?
Spice Scotland Weekends and Holidays Weekend/Holiday Stockholm in Spring Hadrian’s Wall Walking Fife & St Andrew’s Social Fort William Walking Braemar Bargain Break Centre Parcs Sherwood Scottish Walking Week National Dragon Boating Scottish Golf Break 2014 Arran Walking Break Edinburgh Festival 1 Edinburgh Festival 2 Perth Tennis Weekend Autumn in Otterburn Carrbridge Walking Ballachulish Bargain Break Spice Ski Trip 2015 – Cortina
Date th
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24 - 27 April 2014 nd th 5 May 2014 2 th th 16 - 18 May 2014 th 16 - 18th May 2014 13th - 15th June 2014 20th - 23rd June 2014 th th 28 June – 5 July 2014 th July 2014 13 3rd August 2014 1st st 3rd August 2014 1 th th 10 August 2014 8 22nd - 25th August 2014 12th - 14th September 2014 th th 26 - 28 September 2014 th th 10 - 12 October 2014 th th 9 November 2014 7 24th - 31st January 2015
Cost
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£499 £239 £129 £175 £119 £149 £599 £29 £119 £179 £170 £229 £149 £139 £169 £99 £739
Due Due Due Due £30 £40 Due Due £30 £50 £50 £50 £30 £30 £50 £30 £130
10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 18
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. st Perth Tennis Weekend will be due 1 August 2014 unless specified otherwise For the most accurate and up to date availability on all Spice breaks please visit www.spicescotland.com
Stockholm in Spring WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
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Thursday 24th - Sunday 27 April 2014 Based at the Hotel Rex, Stockholm £539 Member, £559 Guest. Single Rooms £130 supplement Includes: Return Flights from Edinburgh to Stockholm, transfers to/from hotel, 3 nights accommodation in a central hotel, Breakfast each morning of our stay; Stockholm Tour & Vasa Museum entrance; Services of a Spice Coordinator throughout. SLOTS: Max. 26 (18 twin/doubles, 8 single) – Full – Wait List in operation Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia. It’s the place towards which people from all over Scandinavia gravitate. Beauty, food, design, music, shopping and history – Provisional flight info Thur 24 Apr 2014 12.50pm Edinburgh – 4pm Stockholm, Arlanda Sun 27 Apr 2014 7pm Stockholm, Arlanda - 8.15pm Edinburgh Our Tour (Saturday Morning): “Introducing Stockholm and the Vasa Museum”: Stockholm is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most beautiful cities and is often called the Venice of Scandinavia. Dramatically situated at a point where the cobalt blue Lake Mälaren meets and clashes with the darker hue of the Baltic Sea, the city has been splendidly endowed by nature. At the hotel we board our coach and drive to Fjällgatan from where you will have a magnificent view of 8 out of the 14 islands, which Stockholm is built upon. The great new warship Vasa keeled over and sank on her very first voyage on August 10, 1628 and was found almost intact, after 3 centuries on the bottom of Stockholm Ström. The Vasa is now the oldest fully preserved ship in the world. Adorned with more than 700 carved sculptures; she is also a unique treasury of arts. You will have free time to explore the museum after your guided tour. Our tour lasts 3 hours and includes bus, English speaking guide and entrance fee to the Vasa Museum. Eating & Drinking: A buffet breakfast is included to start the day, but other meals are not. There is no shortage of places to eat out in the evening. It is usual for us to split into smaller groups for eating out and then to meet up in the many bars. Exploring: This is very much a “go as you please” trip, and I am sure that people will have a variety of “must sees” on their agenda. The trip coordinator will always have a “group option” for those who wish to explore together. You can opt in or out of the main group as you wish, but this approach means that there is always a sociable option available. The tour operator for this flight inclusive holiday is Spice UK (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 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. Spice further protect your payments through our own Trust Accounts.
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Bank Holiday Walking Weekend Hadrian’s Wall
Friday 2nd to Monday 5th May 2014 Gilsland Spa Hotel, Gilsland on Hadrian’s Wall, CA8 7AR £239 Member ; £259 Guest, Single Supp £60 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals and a choice of 2 guided walks on the Saturday and the Sunday. SLOTS: 51 (in 15 Singles and 36 Twin rooms) WalkWise Overview: Hadrian’s Wall is the most famous and impressive Roman fortification in the Roman Empire. The wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast and was begun in AD122 under the command of Emperor Hadrian to mark the northern limit of the mighty Roman Empire. It may come as a surprise to some to know that it is not just a wall, there are numerous forts, mile castles, bridges, roads, towns, dwellings and temples. Today nearly 2000 years later, much of it still remains, so much so that it is now designated a World Heritage site. The best preserved sections of the wall lie between Lanercost Priory in the West and Chesters Cavalry Fort in the East and it is no coincidence that this also happens to encompass the wildest, most inaccessible and arguably the most beautiful landscape with dramatic ridges, open moors, long escarpments, lochs and deep river valleys. The bank holiday walking programme of 6 walks over the three days concentrates on the very finest sections of the wall and the surrounding area. Our hotel for the trip is the comfortable Gilsland Spa which with ensuite rooms, well stocked bar and hearty food is ideally located just a mile from the wall itself. The WalkWise Walking Programme: This remote area of the country is often forgotten by the tourists and walkers alike, yet it is a beautiful wild landscape, with friendly market towns and villages nestled in deep valleys surrounded by high windswept moors. It is ideal walking country with lots of variety and interest from sparkling Lochs, dramatic crags, open fells and lush river valleys complete with tumbling waterfalls, museums, cafes and wayside inns and so much more, in fact something for everyone, oh and the romans have left there mark too!! Accommodation: The Gilsland Hotel has an elevated position above the valley, which gives you have access to 140 acres of peaceful park and woodland the hotel grounds offer but provides extensive views over the unspoilt countryside beyond! Couple that with its comfy bar, coffee shop and restaurant as well as large function rooms. All the en-suite bedrooms are comfortable and well equipped with colour television and drinks making facilities. All in all, this makes an ideal base for our weekend. WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Fife and St. Andrew’s Social Break Friday 16th - Sunday 18th May 2014 The Craws Nest, Bankwell Road, Anstruther, Fife, KY10 3DA Members £129.00; Guests £149.00, Single room supplement £35 (includes 2 nights bed, breakfast & dinner, walks on Saturday and Sunday or St Andrew’s visit) (calling golfers, this is the perfect destination for some excellent local courses, please advise when booking if you want to play golf and we’ll arrange local tee times) SLOTS: 24 (8 single rooms, 8 twin/double rooms) Anstruther and St. Andrew’s: Anstruther is a charming fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife and amongst other things is home to the award winning ‘Astruther Chippy’ – regularly voted Britain’s best Fish and Chips over the years – worth a visit to the area for that alone! This is the ultimate place to relax and enjoy the many fantastic walks in the area and breathe the ‘sea air’. A short drive away is one of Europe's finest towns, St Andrews is a place of history, learning and culture, a wonderful coastal resort, and the world's home of golf. St Andrews is crammed with places of interest, the best way to discover St Andrews is just to wander around and explore, enjoying the wealth of quirky lanes, historical buildings, glimpses into hidden gardens, plaques featuring famous former residents ….. the list is endless. Accommodation: The World Famous Craw's Nest Hotel is in the coastal town of Anstruther in the East Neuk of Fife. Locally known as "The Craw's" is a perfect location for relaxing social getaway. The hotel is a former manse with well maintained gardens, fish pond and lots of floral blooms in the summer making it a perfect spot to relax. The beauty of the Craw's is it gives you a central base to enjoy the freedom in which to explore the rugged scenery of the Fife coastline to do as much or as little as you like, whether visiting the historical town of St Andrews or playing one of the many East Neuk golf courses. Having 50 en-suite bedrooms, large function room, meeting rooms and various dining opportunities makes it one of Anstruther's premier choices with the added bonus of free car parking. Activities: Over the weekend you have the opportunity to join our Saturday and Sunday led walk along the Fife Coastal route or head into St Andrew’s to explore the historic market town. If you want to play golf please let us know when booking and we’ll book some tee times for the weekend. You can of course enjoy the local area and do your own thing at your own pace. This will be a great weekend so please book early to secure your slot. WHEN: WHERE: PRICE:
Walking Weekend – Fort William th
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Friday 16 – Sunday 18 May 2014 West End Hotel, Fort William, PH33 6ED £175 Member ; £195 Guest, Single Supp £40 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and a choice of 2 guided walks over 2 days. EXTRAS: Transport to and from walks. SLOTS: 34 (in 4 Singles and 30 Twin/Doubles) Overview Ideally located to explore the North West Highlands, WalkWise have secured this cracking family run hotel in the heart of Fort William, It has great food, a good bar and is at the end of the high street so its within staggering distance of the shops, cafes and pubs. However, the main reason for the weekend is the amazing access that this destination gives to the North West Highlands. Needing no introduction to anyone with a love of the outdoors, this area contains some of Britain’s finest scenery. Our walks will explore some of the wildest, most rugged, remote and romantic areas in the country! And there is wonderful walking for everyone whether you want to gently wander alongside the beautiful lochsides and through the enchanting glens or wish to climb up into the high mountains and enjoy the endless panoramas! 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 south 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! 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 concludes in the delightful Glen Nevis. There are 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! There’s also Neptunes Stair Case and numerous forgotten Glens to be explored, all offering sumptuous views and delightful walking. 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. Accommodation: The West End Hotel is a family run hotel with a tastefully furnished restaurant, lounge bar and delightful patio which overlooks the beautiful Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour hills. The hotel offers has a reputation for excellent service, highland hospitality and personal attention all wrapped up in a relaxed atmosphere. WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Braemar Bargain Break WHEN: WHERE: PRICE: SLOTS:
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th June 2014 The Fife Arms, Mar Road, Braemar, AB35 5YL Members £119.00; Guests £139.00, Single room supplement £30 (Deposit £30) (includes 2 nights bed, breakfast & dinner, walks or places of interest) 24 (8 single rooms, 8 twin/double rooms) Braemar: World famous for its annual Highland Gathering and Royal associations, Braemar lies in a spectacular position 1,000ft (330m) above sea level near the junction of the Rivers Dee and Clunie, amid magnificent mountain scenery and beautiful countryside. The area is renowned for its superb walking, cycling and country sports, as well as its abundant wildlife and rich local history. The village has a number of small shops offering local arts, crafts and produce and is great place to explore. Braemar and its surrounding area is steeped in history dating back to the earliest Kings of Scotland through to the contemporary acquaintance of royalty.
Accommodation: Built as a hunting lodge in the 19th century by the Duke of Fife, the Fife Arms Hotel offers en suite rooms. The building retains many period features and the lounge has a magnificent open fire with the original coat of arms above it. The hotel is at the centre of Braemar village life and has a restaurant, a coffee shop which serves light lunches, and a public bar which is open all year round serving evening meals. Included in our weekend is 2 nights bed and breakfast with evening dinner with walks or places of interest. Activities: Over the weekend you have the opportunity to join our Saturday and Sunday led walk in the stunning Royal Deeside countryside or head out for the day exploring some local places of interest – destinations will be arranged nearer the time. 12
Center Parcs – Sherwood Forest Friday 20thJune - to Monday 23rd June 2014 Sherwood Forest, Rufford, Newark, Nottingham (NG22 9DN) st Double / Twin Room £149pp (Guests £25 Supplement) Deposit £50; Balance Due 1 May Single Room £224pp (limited number available) EXTRAS: It’s a Knock Out : £25 (Limited slots to first 200) Our unmissable summer Center Parcs Weekend is now a Spice institution - a brilliant weekend break with TWO great exclusive parties and as much sport or relaxation as you can cope with! Special this year is the return of It’s A Knockout on the Sunday, adding a brilliant fun event into the weekend which will be another hi-lite. Our accommodation is in beautifully located villas surrounded by woodland alive with cheeky not so 'wild’ life. Fully fitted bathroom and kitchens, lounge, TV (with video channels), central heating and even an open log fire. The Villas are 3 & 4 bedroomed (6 or 8 people), each villa has a double room for couples (or can be booked for single occupancy), twin rooms and some have a smaller bunk room! We will arrange members into Villas - grouping people together - don't worry if you're on your own, so are many others booking, and with Spice you won't be on your own for long, as soon as you meet your Villa mates! Please advise at the time of booking if you have rooming requests, we will do our best to accommodate these but due to the mix of rooms, and villa sizes, cannot be guaranteed. We have 500 beds max., spread across all Spice Groups and this is always a sell out, so as usual it's strictly first come first served. Deposit £50 non-refundable; after 1st May full fees are payable. Regret no dogs can come as we don’t have special dog villas. Balances due 1st May, and no refund for cancellation unless we/you can replace you from a wait list - i.e. Villas still have to be paid for! WHEN : WHERE: COST :
Scottish Walking Week Inchnadamph & Sutherland Mountains WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Saturday 28th June 2014 to Saturday 5th July 2014 Inchnadamph Hotel, Assynt, Sutherland, Scotland, IV27 4HN £599 Member ; £619 Guest, Single Supp £140 (Deposit £150) 7 nights’ accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 6 evening meals and a choice of 2 guided walks over 5 days. EXTRAS: Transport to and from walks. Cost of boats to Handa Island and along Loch Glencoul. Dinner on the rest day. Travel Insurance SLOTS: 36 (in 5 Singles and 12 Twin and other room types) Overview: Inchnadamph and Sutherland is quite rightly one of our most successful and popular Scottish walking weeks we have ever run partly because the hotel at Inchnadamph has the best reputation for food of all our Walkwise destinations. True it is remote, but that is the true beauty of the area, everything is remote and in the Highlands they always say that ‘the best is in the North and the West’ and you cant go much further Northwest than here. Sutherland is quite simply the wildest and remotest corner of Britain, and quite possibly the most beautiful! Much of it is untamed and unpopulated, its geology is unique; individual mountains rise majestically from the landscape and the wildlife loves it. Red deer stags wander around the hotel, eagles soar above and Handa island is a living David Attenborough moment!. Together the grandeur of the scenery combined with its unique natural history naturally attracts hill walkers and backpackers but it also makes this Sutherland one of the Europe’s premier walking and wildlife destinations. WalkWise Walking Programme: So what delights will encourage us back again. Well we could just rerun the previous walks as they were so successful, but there is so much more here too…Foinaven was amazing, Arkle is wonderful, there’s always the most northerly munro of Ben Hope, the shapely Ben Loyal, the amazing triple topped Quinag, the attractive Ben More, or the anglular Assynt, the impregnable Suilven, and the playground of Stac Pollaidh, and then on the doorstep is the temptations of Ghlas Bheinn and Beinn Uidhe. Of course there are many other peaks that just seem to tower up out of the ground as if some giant had just placed them there. In truth, we will blend some of the classic “must do” mountains with some new and exciting routes to create a varied interesting and exciting walking programme with something for everyone. On our last visit here people alternated between the high and low level walks, to a much greater extent than on any other trip and I believe that this is testament to the merits and the temptations that the lower level walks have to offer so read on… Accommodation: Never heard of Inchnadamph? It’s a remote small hamlet in Assynt, Sutherland on the shores of Loch Assynt which has its own ruined castle (Ardvreck). The name ‘Inchnadamph’ means ‘meadow of the stags’ and on an evening or a morning the Stags are often found grazing the meadows that surround the hotel, and sometimes they are even in the car park. Beyond these meadows the hotel is surrounded by the most incredible and breathtaking mountains, rivers and lochs. The Inchnadamph hotel has a great reputation, for its friendly staff, relaxed service, great Scottish food and comfortable bedrooms. In fact the food has become legendary due to the quality and quantity we experienced on our last visit, even tall paul couldn’t finish some of the main courses! The hotel comes with comfortable bedrooms all with tea and coffee making facilities. In addition, luxurious feather-and-down duvets with cotton bed linen to guarantee a comfortable night’s sleep and the bathrooms are all provided with generous, fluffy white towels. There is also a comfortable guest lounge and bar, a restaurant and for the ones who need to be connected, there’s free Wi-Fi in public areas. (There are no TV’s in the bedrooms due to there being no signal and note that there is no mobile phone signal either, so you have to be sociable, but and don’t bring any work with you either, that’s illegal here) 13
Spice National Dragon Boating Some events are worth the journey…….. th
WHEN: Sunday 13 July 2014 WHERE: Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1AF COST: £29 Member, £32 Guest “No Spicer should miss a Dragon Boat Day. It really sums up what Spice is all about – fun, friendship, excitement & the chance to try an activity that anyone can enjoy!” MEMBER QUOTE These are great days out - Enter the Dragon! Up to 18 people sitting side by side in a 40 foot long boat, with a carved dragon's head and tail attached. A drummer in the prow beating time, a helmsman in the stern keeping the boat on course with a giant paddle, the crew, ten each side speeding the boat down the river to the finish line! The atmosphere is brilliant, which is why this is one of the essential events in the Spice calendar! Today we’ll be racing for fun with other Spice groups from all over the UK. We have our own trophies and medals to go for, and the races will be run on a timed basis over the day. Don't worry if you've never been in a Dragon Boat or anything similar before, as we'll have plenty of time to practice before the racing begins in earnest (and as this is Spice, it’s all just for fun anyway!). For colour, spectacle and excitement Dragon Boat Racing has it all and is also rapidly becoming the mass participation sport on water. If you want to know what a great day out this is ask any of the members who've attended previous events. Dragon Boat Racing caters for all ages, male and female, in one crew and requires no experience. It's great fun and totally unlike any other kind of canoeing with team work being the key, not strength. Get the start right and you can feel the boat lift out of the water and start to plane to give you a fast racing start, it's amazing how fast a 18 person canoe can travel! Each boat is provided with an expert helmsman to keep you on the right track, and with the help of your drummer beating out the time of the strokes you are sure to get the rhythm right...well that's the theory anyway! The venue for this years event is the river Avon at Pershore, on the northern edge of the Cotswolds. This is a beautiful setting in one of Englands' most picturesque areas so you may want to make a weekend of it. Changing facilities are available and there will also be food for sale during the day. Parking is available on site and a transport list with directions will be sent out to all those who book. No experience is necessary but you must be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing.
Dragon Boat Camping WHEN: Friday 11th and/or Saturday 12th July 2014 WHERE: Pershore Rugby Club, Mill Lane, Pershore, WR10 2JF COST: £9 (£10 Guest) per person per night Piddle Park is the home to Pershore Rugby Club – and due to restrictions put on our previous venue this year its home to Spice as well! The facilities are very good, and we just ask that members respect the rules laid down by their licence, such as rules regarding fires, and no music to be played (except live musical instruments) after 11pm. We have use of a lovely club house and facilities. There will be a Spice staff member or volunteer on site to ensure things go smoothly.
Dragon Boat Party WHEN: Saturday 12th July 2014 WHERE: Pershore Working Mens Club, 55- 57 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU COST : Cost: £12 (£15 Guests) including venue, DJ & fish & chip supper - 8.00pm to 11.30pm A lot of people (rowers and spectators) traditionally stay over the night before to make a weekend of our Dragon Boating. Some camp atPershore Rugby Club (see above) and others find accommodation nearby. The atmosphere is always great on Saturday night, with a DJ and bar, for a very special Spice exclusive party with fish & chips (served the proper way – out of the paper!).We can take around 150 people, but I suspect that the tickets will go fast! For those camping, the Rugby Club is around 2 miles up the road, there will be an optional minibus transfer at 7.45pm and from 11.45pm at £1 each way.
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Scottish Golf Break 2014 – Newtonmore WHEN: WHERE: PRICE:
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Friday 1 – Sunday 3 August 2014 The Balavil, Main St. Newtonmore, PH20 1DL Members £119.00; Guests £139.00, Single room supplement £35 (Deposit £30) (includes 2 nights bed, breakfast & dinner) (extras – Golf Package – Saturday and Sunday Options) SLOTS: 18 (6 single rooms, 6 twin/double rooms) 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 Newtonmore 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. Introduced last year, the cup (if won) will be engraved with the winner’s name – you also get to keep the trophy until the 2015 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. Accommodation - The Balavil Hotel offers the perfect highland comfort with 51 ensuite bedrooms that have all been recently refurbished. With traditional decor, each room has a new flat-screen t.v, tea and coffee facilities, and an en-suite bathroom. Our weekend includes dinner, bed and breakfast taken in the restaurant. After a day out golfing you can relax in the Balavil lounge with a tea/coffee, enjoy one of the local ales, where you could access free wifi or go for a relaxing swim in the pool. Golfers: We can’t finalise details of the courses and costs until the numbers wishing to play are known but the intention is to offer rounds on Saturday and Sunday. Looking at current green fee costs, I would imagine (depending on numbers) we will be able to secure a round on Saturday and Sunday for about £58 for both days. Local courses including Newtonmore, Kingussie and Granton on Spey Golf Clubs all offer a great day out for all abilities. (NB. This is a guide and subject to numbers attending and course availability). Golf courses booking and costs will be advised nearer the weekend – the more who attend the cheaper the golf will be so get your Spice golf friends to come along. This golfing break is suitable for most golfing standards. Relative beginners and experienced golfers help to give a great mix of abilities and even better company at the 19th hole.
Walking Weekend – The Isle of Arran WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
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Friday 10 – Sunday 12 October 2014 Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AT £179 Member ; £199 Guest, Single Supp £40 (Deposit £50) 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and a choice of 2 guided walks over 2 days. EXTRAS: Transport to and from walks. SLOTS: 34 (in 10 Singles and 24 Twin/Doubles) EXTRA NIGHT: Extend your stay by staying over on the Sunday and enjoy another walk on the Monday? INCLUDED: £75.00 (£20.00 single sup) 1 night DB&B accommodation and a walk WalkWise Overview: The Isle of Arran is often referred to as being ‘Scotland in Miniature’ and this is very true. It is also true is that there are no munros here, yet everyone who visits the island becomes enchanted by it; breath-taking views abound and there is some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in Britain too from the rocky mountains, wild glens to coast, rugged coastline not to mention and a unique and interesting flora and fauna too! Arran is the most accessible of the Scottish islands being well services by ferry and buses. Add to all of this our wonderful hotel at Blackwaterfoot and we are in for a great trip. Here we will enjoy our evenings, dine overlooking the sea and enjoy a splendid Scottish fare and in true Scottish hospitality. The hotel also has a good sized pool. WalkWise Walking Programme: Arran has something to capture the hearts and minds of every outdoor enthusiast, irrelevant of their walking capability. Super mountain scenery includes some magnificent jagged ridges, lofty peaks and beautiful horseshoes which contrasts wonderfully with the clear blue waters below and the secluded silver sandy bays. There is also a profusion of wild flowers so communing with nature will be part and parcel of our time there. With regards the actual specific walking programme, we have a repertoire of over 20 routes that we have previously walked on the island. These range from coastal walks, to rolling hills and of course all of the classic ridges. Precisely what we walk is best left to until we see what the weather has in stall for us. But for the time being let me assure you that there are some stupendous horseshoes, ridges and valleys around the north west and central areas such as Beinn Bharrain, Beinn Tarsuinn, Cir Mhor, Caisteal Abhail and of course the highest peak of all at just under 3000 ft Goat Fell. 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 day there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with 3000+ft of ascent and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent. All walks are weather dependent and own transport may be taken to the walk starts. Accommodation: Let’s start with a beach front location and add a swimming pool, sauna, squash court, snooker room. 15
Edinburgh Festival Weekends 2014 WHEN : WHERE : COST :
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3 Day (2 Night) Weekend Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August 2014 (36 Slots) 4 Day (3 Night) Bank Holiday Weekend Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August 2014 (62 Slots) Edinburgh, Scotland – based at the excellent Pollock Halls, Student Residences (near Holyrood Park, excellent central location) 3 Day (2 Night) Weekend £170.00 (Guests £190.00) Single Supp £75 (Dep £50) 4 Day (3 Night) Weekend £229.00 (Guests £249.00) Single Supp £100 (Dep £50) 2/3 Nights Accommodation in Single/Twin/Double en-suite rooms, (well furnished with spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat) in the excellent Chancellors Court, 2/3 Fantastic as much as you can eat Scottish Buffet Breakfasts Saturday Guided Tour of the Royal Mile (Castle to John Knox House) Spectacular Arthur’s Seat Walk – voted Top place to visit in Edinburgh on Trip Advisor, Coordinators Throughout Friday Night Welcome followed by Fringe Act Ticket Option to purchase a Saturday night Ticket for the astonishing Edinburgh International Military Tattoo with spectacular end of show fireworks – the hottest ticket in town! An opportunity to book superb extras such as Merv Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe, Saturday Dinner at Merchants, the Festival Farewell Lunch plus lots more…. Friday Night Welcome followed by traditional Scottish Ceilidh with caller and buffet. Option to purchase a Saturday night Ticket for the astonishing Edinburgh International Military Tattoo with spectacular end of show fireworks – the hottest ticket in town! An opportunity to book superb extras such as Merv Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe, Saturday Dinner at Merchants, Fosters Comedy Awards, Picnic in the Gardens the Festival Farewell Lunch plus lots more….
Perth Tennis Weekend – with Coaching WHEN: WHERE: PRICE: SLOTS:
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Friday 12 - Sunday 14 September 2014 The Station Hotel, 1 Leonard Street, Perth, PH2 8HE Members £149.00; Guests £169.00, Single room supplement £35 (Deposit £30) (includes 2 nights bed, breakfast & dinner and all Tennis including coaching) 18 (6 single rooms, 6 twin/double rooms) Our annual Tennis Weekend makes a welcome return to the Spice programme as we head to the city of Perth. This great value weekend includes accommodation, breakfast, evening meals, and lots and lots of tennis. We have also included coaching from regular Spice Scotland Tennis coach Dale Scott. Accommodation: The 4 Star Station Hotel is a historic building, located in the heart of Perth, just a minute walk from town centre, the theatre, concert hall and the River Tay. With fantastic transport links, the hotel has its own car park for over 100 cars and is situated next to both Perth railway and bus stations.
Tennis : Indoor/Outdoor courts will be reserved when we know numbers and coaching from of our very own Spice Tennis Coach Dale Scott who will accompany the party. We will reserve courts for 10 hours over the weekend (5-7 pm on Friday; 10-12am and 2-4pm Saturday and Sunday) (Times subject to change depending on court availability). For those who can arrive sufficiently early on the Friday we will have court time from 5.00pm till 7.00pm to allow us to loosen off, play some social rubbers and allow Dale to assess our abilities (or inabilities!); We will also have a similar session on the Saturday morning where Dale will assess and divide the group and concentrate on the coaching of the beginners and intermediate players whilst the better players (assuming there are some!) will enjoy some more social play. After lunch on Saturday Dale will coach more advanced skills to the better players whilst the rest of the group get to play fun games. On the Sunday morning Dale will again coach beginners and intermediates and after lunch we will all get together for our last session. Courts will be booked when we know numbers to ensure maximum playing and coaching time for all. This will be an absolutely super weekend – please book early!
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Autumn in Otterburn WHEN: WHERE: PRICE: INCLUDES: SLOTS:
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Friday 26th - Sunday 28 September 2014 Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel, Otterburn, NE19 1NS £139.00 Member, £159.00 Guest. Single Rooms available at £35 supplement (Deposit £30) 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner, plus excursions/walks on Sat & Sun Max. 24 (16 twin/doubles, 8 single) A real treat for you as we head to the gorgeous Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel for a relaxing autumn in Otterburn. The weekend will feature the usual walking or places of interest but from a luxurious base. Our package consists of 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast with activities included.
Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel – The original building was founded in the 11th Century as a bastion to repel the marauding Scots. Robert Umfraville, a cousin of King William I, was charged with protecting Tynedale and Redesdale and keeping them 'free from wolves and enemies'. In 1388 the Tower withstood its fiercest attack from the Scots following the bloody battle of Otterburn. A monument to the battle is within walking distance just north of the hotel. Its most famous owner was 'Mad Jack Hall', a well-known Jacobite who was executed at Tyburn for high treason. His initials are still carved above one of the original doors. The historic beauty of the hotel is seen in every room, which have been individually refurbished to the standards of comfort and luxury expected by today's visitors. Let the Scots invade again – but this time to relax and enjoy the surroundings! Our Accommodation - The Otterburn Castle Hotel is all you would expect from a stunning country house hotel. Ensuite bedrooms, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, a trouser press, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers, irons, free wifi (in most rooms), etc. Great care has been taken to enhance and cherish the features that date back in history and make up the character and charm of this unique and impressive building. Behind the hotel is woodland and open farmland with a choice of walks whether you want a stroll or a day exploring. Walk through the bluebell wood and down to the old boating lake. Walk the Otterburn Trial and see the views from the old Roman settlement. Walk the Pennine Way, hire bicycles, or fish the River Rede which is complimentary for all residents of The Otterburn Castle Hotel. The Local Area – Otterburn on the banks of the River Rede lies in the Cheviot Hills south of the Scottish Borders. This Northumberland village is steeped in history due to its location close to the Scotland. Here you will find some of the finest walks available and with Spice walk leader Ina Grimson joining us walking on each day will be stunning. We will also have an option to visit some local places of interest – details will be available nearer the time but with so much available the problem will be cramming it all in.
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Friday 10 – Sunday 12 October 2014 The Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge, PH23 3AB £169 Member ; £189 Guest, Single Supp £40 (Deposit £50) 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and a choice of 2 guided walks over 2 days. EXTRAS: Transport to and from walks. SLOTS: 32 (in 8 Singles and 24 Twin/Doubles) Overview: Well its time for us to revisit the Cairngorms which became Scotland’s 2nd National Park on the 01st Sep 2003; it is also the largest National Park in the UK. The area features the highest, coldest & snowiest plateau & is also home to five of the nine highest mountains in the UK. One of the outstanding joys of this precious area is the wildlife and its habitats. The Cairngorms National Park is home to a diverse & spectacular range of species that either make this their home all year round, or return annually after seasonal migration. The area has high arctic mountain plateau’s, ancient Caledonian pine forests, lochs and rivers all of which have thriving and various species breeding throughout the year. The Cairngorms: WalkWise Walking Programme: Having visited the Caringorm mountains on several occasions before we have a broad repertoire of walks that will delight everyone. The northern corries of the Cairngorms are an absolute must and there is a huge range of towering mountains to attract us. Obviously there is cairngorm itself, but then there’s Bynach More, A Choinneach, Ben Macdui, Sgor Gaith, Carn Ban Mor, Mullach Clach a’ Bhlair and Braeriach not to mention the stunning Cairn Toul and The Devils Point; all of which are names that will stir the passions of any mountain walkers and if you don’t know them you need to make their acquaintance and there are many, many more to be discover too! In truth the walking programme can only be finalised when we know the weather and meet the group! 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 day there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with 3000+ft of ascent and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent. All walks are weather dependent and own transport may be taken to the walk starts. Accommodation: The magnificent The family run 3* Carrbridge Hotel was originally established as an Inn for weary travellers in 1803; the hotel has been sympathetically extended and refurbished over the years. Each guestroom has a television, direct-dial phones, tea & coffee making facilities and of course their own private bathroom. The hotel also has its own restaurant and a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café WHEN: WHERE: COST: INCLUDES:
Ballachulish Bargain Break WHEN: WHERE: PRICE: INCLUDES: SLOTS:
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Friday 7 November - Sunday 9 November 2014 Based at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Leisure Centre, Ballachulish, PH49 4HL £99.00 Member, £119.00 Guest. Single Rooms available at £35 supplement (Deposit £30) 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner, plus excursions/walks on Sat & Sun Max. 74 (66 twin/doubles, 8 single)
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Our Ballachulish Bargain Break is back once again and at the same great price! This legendary weekend at a super hotel right on the loch with superb food, is one of the best deals we are ever able to offer. Back in the programme, and at under £100, this is your chance to stay at the fantastic Isles of Glencoe Hotel right on the shores of beautiful Loch Leven a short drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The Hotel: Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Leisure Centre - Almost afloat, nestling on the lochside on the side of a peninsula reaching into Loch Leven, this friendly hotel offers everything for which you dream whilst on a weekend away; spacious bedrooms with loch and mountain-views and a relaxed , convivial ambience. Luxuriate in the Leisure Centre - pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, exercise room and solarium, marvel at the awesome surroundings - enjoy all aspects of The Isles experience. Listen as the water laps outside your bedroom. Step down to the spectacular lochside conservatory restaurant and savour a lively Bistro by day or casual fine-dining by night. Dive into the sparkling waters of the heated pool as they entice to the delights of the Leisure Centre: jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, exercise room and solarium. Outside you can explore easy lochside trails. There will be an additional Spice programme of optional activities during the day on both Saturday and Sunday, we will be offering one of our reasonably easy VC walks on each day led by one of our VC walk leaders there will also be a visit to a local place of interest on Saturday and Sunday. On previous visits many members have enjoyed the fantastic Ballachullish Guy Fawkes Fireworks Display and the plan (if on this weekend) is to ensure dinner is later so all can go along to the quarry and enjoy. The scenery will be stunning, the hotel fantastic and in the excellent company of Spice members a weekend to remember is certain. A joining pack will be sent out 2 weeks beforehand to help with lift share planning, directions etc.
Spice Scotland Ski Trip – 2015 – Cortina WHEN: COST: WHERE: INCLUDES:
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Sunday 24th – 31st January 2015 £739 twin share/double Chalet Hotel Parc Victoria, Cortina, Italy Flights from Edinburgh to Innsbruck, transfers, chalet accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 6 evening meals with choice of menu, including pre-dinner apèritif, choice of complimentary wines with dinner followed by tea/coffee & chocolates, 6 afternoon teas. Wi-Fi (public areas) Insurance available through Spice UK if required. Drinks, some meals, optional extras. Ski Requirements (Last season’s prices as a guide) – Area Lift Pass £205; Ski hire from £59; Ski Boot hire from £35; Ski Saver Pack £355 (area lift pass, red ski hire, 3 days tuition) ; Ski Tuition £239; Ski Carriage £35 per skis/board. 31 – over 20 already booked Cortina d’Ampezzo - The most fashionable ski resort in Italy with stunning scenery and great skiing Cortina is one of the most filmed, photographed, skied and visited resorts in the Italian Alps. Set to the east of the Sella Ronda circuit, it is called the 'Queen of the Dolomites' and is renowned for the excellent selection of skiing as well as superb accommodation, bars, restaurants and shopping. The main skiing areas are the Cortina Cube (Crystal, Faloria and Mietres), Tofana, and Lagazuoi5 Torri, with plenty of challenging runs as well as some of the most amazing views. All the areas are either linked by the great network of lifts or local skis buses. The Tofanas Ski Area's accolade is the famous women's downhill world cup run. Cortina hosts this famous event in January and has done for the past 18 years.
Accommodation The Chalet Hotel Parc Victoria is one of the most iconic hotels of Cortina and has been since 1892 when the original 'Villa Vittoria' was transformed into one of the resort's first hotels. This elegant hotel is located in the centre of Cortina and holds the most sought after address, No. 1 Corso Italia, which is the main pedestrianised street that runs through the centre of the town where people go to see and be seen! With superb facilities such as the attractive and spacious bar/lounge with its roaring fireplace the hotel provides a cosy and pleasant ambience. Take time to admire the old photographs of the original hotel and Cortina which are displayed with pride throughout the hotel. At the end of the day head for the spa area with its sauna, steam room, 'experience' showers and whirlpool, perfect for reviving those tired muscles. 18
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Preview Evening - Glasgow - O'Neill's Date: Monday 7th April 2014 Place: The Conservatory, O' Neill's, 71 Albion St, Glasgow (G1 1NY) Time: 8pm All your questions about Spice answered. Great for new members recently joined online or prospective members. Bring a friend along?
Badminton – Edinburgh - Weekly Date: Every Tuesday Place: Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, Edinburgh (EH7 6AE) Time: 8pm to 10pm Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest Join us for a midweek social game of badminton – some light exercise is also a bonus. All abilities are welcome but please book in advance to help with court allocations.
Badminton – Glasgow - Weekly Date: Every Thursday (NB – badminton is taking a break in Glasgow for the duration of the commonwealth games – see the Spice website for full dates and times available) Place: Scotstoun Leisure Centre, 72 Danes Drive, Glasgow (G14 9HU) Time: 7pm to 9pm Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest Badminton suitable for all standards. Come along, get some light exercise. You can pay the coordinator on the night for this event.
Meal - Cosmo - Edinburgh Date: Friday 11th April 2014 Place: Cosmo, The Omni Centre, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 7pm Cost: £19.50 Member, £21 Guest Includes: 3 Course Buffet Dinner, Service Tonight we are going global as we enjoy the Pan Asian and Global Kitchen at Cosmo. We will dine on 3 courses from the menu (buffet style) and as always with Spice, in great company. The menu is huge – too vast to list here, but expect from around the globe prepared buffet style at cooking stations. There will be something for everyone and with it being a buffet, plenty to eat.
Meal - Banquet at Royal Thai - Aberdeen Date: Saturday 12th April 2014 Place: Royal Thai, 29 Crown Terrace, Aberdeen (AB11 6HD) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £27.50 Member, £30 Guest Located on Crown Terrace, the Royal Thai may evoke some well-loved traditions in Thai cuisine but this is not a place to rest on past glories Recently acquiring head chef Yiam Dokpudsha from Edinburgh, new menus reflect the consummate skills brought to Aberdeen by this master of Thai food preparation and cooking. All the bright flavours and contrasting textures of the Thai culinary ethos are in play, combined with the exotic ingredients and the freshest local produce which help define the very best Thai dishes and specialities. Tonight we will enjoy a 3 Course Thai Banquet giving you the opportunity to try an array of dishes. As with most Spice dinners, we have paid the service too. Includes: 3 Course Banquet, Service. Extras: Drinks 19
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Falconry Hawk Walk Date: Sunday 13th April 2014 Place: Strathblane Falconry, Strathblane, Glasgow (G63 2EH) Time: 1pm Cost: £25 Member, £27.50 Guest Swoop! - Our Falconry Hawk Walk 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).
Preview Night - Aberdeen Date: Monday 14th April 2014 Place: O'Neill's, 9 - 10 Back Wynd, Aberdeen (AB10 1JN) Meet: Upstairs (get a drink at the downstairs bar) Time: 8pm All your questions about Spice answered. Great for new members recently joined online or prospective members. Bring a friend along?
Meal - Spanish at Cubatas Date: Friday 18th April 2014 Place: Cubatas, 108 Elderslie Street, Glasgow (G3 7AR) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £19.50 Member, £21 Guest Join us for a Spanish evening at Cubatas Tapas Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant aims to serve both authentic Spanish and global fusion tapas. A modern, almost minimalist space, with stripped walls and tiled floors. We will dine on 3 tapas from the huge tapas menu with desert included. We will also enjoy an authentic sangria and the tip has been paid too. Book now to enjoy this great night out. Includes: 3 Tapas, Dessert, Sangria, Service. Extras: Extra Drinks
Newcastle Easter Party Weekend Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: Copthorne Hotel, Quayside, Newcastle (NE1 3RT) Cost: £199 Member, £219 Guest Includes: 3 nights' bed and breakfast at the 4 star Copthorne Hotel, river cruise on Saturday evening, free use of hotel's leisure facilities See Weekends and Holidays Pages 7 – 18 for full details
Meal - Boteco Do Brasil - Edinburgh Date: Saturday 19th April 2014 Place: Boteco, 47 Lothian St. Edinburgh (EH1 1HB) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £15.50 Member, £17 Guest Originating in Glasgow, Boteco Do Brasil is a new, vibrant restaurant and bar in Edinburgh, bringing a taste of Brazil to the capital’s diners. Located on Lothian Street in the Old Town, Boteco Do Brasil is home to a wide range of traditional dishes, unique cocktails and bright decor. With a large tapas menu, visitors can sample the true taste of Brazil and enjoy Brazilian music in the evening, which creates an exciting carnival buzz. Tonight we will dine on 3 dished from the tapas menu with glass of wine and service included. Includes: 3 Tapas, Glass of Wine, Service 20
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Ice Climbing Taster at The Ice Wall Date: Sunday 20th April 2014 Place: The Ice Wall, Snow Factor, Xscape, Braehead, Glasgow (PA4 8QX) Time: 1:45pm Cost: £35 Member, £38 Guest A truly remarkable experience - become an Ice Warrior! Experience the challenge of climbing up steep ice at the world's biggest urban ice climbing walls at Snow Factor, Xscape Braehead. Your instructor will coach you on the basic skills required and supervise your session throughout to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Starting on easy angled slabs, you will get the opportunity of climbing and belaying (holding your climbing partner's rope, through an approved belay device and helping lower them slowly back to the ground) with as much climbing as you can handle during your session. Your instructor will issue you with boots and crampons (the metal points for climbing up the ice), ice axes and harness/helmet. You should bring warm clothing with you (clothing can be hired on site if needs be). The session is not a skills session, the emphasis is on fun and enjoyment. This is a private group session lasting around 1 ½ hours with a maximum of 4 spaces. Please book early to secure your slot.
Theatre - Fame Date: Tuesday 22nd April 2014 Place: Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £20 Member, £22 Guest Based on the Oscar winning musical film and hugely successful TV series; Fame: The Musical is back - and it’s gonna live forever!
The Cookery School - Herb School Date: Tuesday 22nd April 2014 Place: The Cookery School, 53 Virginia St. Glasgow (G1 1TS) Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm Cost: £12 Member, £13 Guest The A-Z of Herbs. Knowing how to maximize herbs is at the root of cooking. Discover what part each herb plays in the culinary map. How to match your herb with each dish. which herb works best with which dish - you will be surprised at some of the answers. You will be able to smell and touch a much wider range of herbs than you thought existed. Directions - The Cookery School, Jacobean Corsetry Building at 53 Virginia St, Glasgow G1 1TS. This is a ground floor entrance. They are situated round the corner from Marks & Spencer in Argyle St (the same street as the M&S car park) and a minute’s walk from George Square while Queen St, Argyle St and Central Station are a few minutes walk away as are Buchanan St and St Enoch subway stations. An NCP car park is round the corner in Glassford St and there are also car parks at the bottom of Glassford St at the St Enoch Centre.
Stockholm in Spring Date: Thu 24th Apr 2014 - Sun 27th Apr 2014 Place: Hotel Rica, Stockholm Meet: Joining will be sent beforehand Cost: £539 Member, £559 Guest, £689 Member Single Slots: WAIT LIST ONLY Includes: Includes: Return Flights from Edinburgh to Stockholm, transfers to/from hotel, 3 nights accommodation in a central hotel, sharing a twin room (we will link up shares); Breakfast each morning of our stay; Stockholm Tour & Vasa Museum entrance; Services of a Spice Coordinator throughout
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
A Play a Pie and a Pint - The Queen of Lucky People Date: Saturday 26th April 2014 Place: Oran Mor, Great Western Rd, Glasgow (G12 8QX) Time: 12pm Cost: £16.50 Member, £18 Guest We return to Oran Mor where entry includes a drink of your choice, a pie, and a short play. The Queen of Lucky People - Taking early retirement and discovering the joys of social networking, the shine comes off Patrice French's new life when her technophobic pal Helen goes into hospital with Patrice's old laptop and is short of things to do. Iain Heggie's new comedy The Queen Of Lucky People finds human nature wanting in old familiar ways. Come and meet Patrice, Helen, a dog with a severe barking addiction, a chronically constipated, morbidly obese locksmith, a tough-talking Eastern European nurse and a middle-aged alcoholic who seems to be having an on/off relationship with Patrice's female neighbour upstairs. Please meet at the ticket office at Oran Mor at 12pm
Alison's Walk - Dalmeny Date: Sunday 27th April 2014 Meet: Entrance to Dalmeny Station Time: 11:15am Cost: £3 Member, £4 Guest Join Alison Burns for a relaxing walk on spring Sunday morning. We meet at Dalmeny railway station, then head through the small village to enter the Dalmeny Estate at the top entrance. The path goes down past Dalmeny house, then follows the shore round past Barnbougle Castle and Hound Point to emerge from the estate beside the Forth Bridge. We will stop for refreshments in South Queensferry at the end of the walk, before taking the steps and path beside the bridge back up to the railway station. Please bring a snack and drink, weather permitting we will have this on the beach by Barnbougle Castle. The walk is about 6 miles, more or less flat and all on good paths or tarmac. Meet at Dalmeny station at 11:15. There is a train from Edinburgh arriving at 11:10 and there is ample parking in the station car park.
Sightseeing Cruise and Inchcolm Island Landing Date: Sunday 27th April 2014 Place: The Forth Belle, The Firth of Forth Meet: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry Time: 12:45pm Cost: £18.50 Member, £20 Guest, £13 Historic Scotland A popular excursion for Spice Scotland as we take to the waters of the Firth of Forth for a 3 hour trip to the beautiful and historic Inchcolm Island, known as the Iona of the East! This trip includes an hour and a half ashore and admission to Inchcolm Abbey (included in the price). During the cruise you are likely to see seals, dolphins, porpoises as well as an interesting variety of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, shags and several species of Terns. Once ashore you will have time to visit the historic abbey and explore the island, which is a significant place in Scottish history and lore. There are picnic areas, gardens and a sandy beach so you may want to bring a packed lunch. BOOK EARLY!
Theatre - Let It Be Date: Monday 28th April 2014 Place: King's Theatre, 297 Bath St. Glasgow (G2 4JN) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £32 Member, £34 Guest Come Together and experience the iconic music of The Beatles with Let it Be, the spectacular concert jampacked with over 40 of The Beatles greatest hits! Direct from the West End, this international hit show celebrates the legacy of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band. ‘A non-stop parade of hits’ 22
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Ghost Tour - Doomed, Dead and Buried Date: Thursday 1st May 2014 Place: The Blair Street Vaults and more Meet: The Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Time: 8:15pm Cost: £16 Member, £18 Guest Explore the sinister history that lies beneath our feet and discover tales of Edinburgh characters who were doomed to die and doomed to haunt the living.This is an exclusive opportunity to visit BOTH the long buried Blair Street Underground Vaults and the atmospheric Canongate graveyard, where the spirits of the dead await you… Please meet at the Mercat Cross on the High Street. This is a public tour for which Spice have secured tickets. The tour will finish at the Canangate Graveyard.
Live Music Bar Night at Molly Malones Date: Friday 2nd May 2014 Place: Molly Malones, 244 Hope St. Glasgow (G2 3PT) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest A chance of venue for our popular Glasgow bar night as we head to Molly Malones for an evening of good company and live music. Also included in the evening will be sharer plates to enjoy be fore the music starts. Please book beforehand as we need to notify the venue how many tables we require and arrange the sharers these will be served buffet style. Always a great night!
Walking Weekend - Bank Holiday Hadrians Wall Date: Fri 2nd May 2014 - Mon 5th May 2014 Place: Gilsland Spa Hotel, Gilsland on Hadrian' (CA8 7AR) Cost: £239 Member Twin, £259 Guest Twin, £299 Member Single, £319 Guest Single (Deposit £60) Includes: 3 nights accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals & 3 days of walks See Weekends and Holidays Pages 7 – 18 for full details
A Play - Pie and a Pint - A Tale O Fanny Cha Cha Aberdeen Date: Saturday 3rd May 2014 Place: The Lemontree, 5 North West St. Aberdeen (AB24 5AT) Time: 12pm Cost: £13 Member, £14 Guest We head to the Lemontree for a lunch time Play, a Pie and a Pint. It really is that simple – a one hour theatre production by some of the countries top writers with tasty bite and tipple included. Today we will see A Tale O Fanny Cha Cha – A Scottish emigrant took the 'baw' to Brazil. A Brazilian immigrant took Samba to Scotland. Based loosely on true stories this multi-cultural musical tells a heartwarming love story set doon by the Broomielaw in the hey-day of the Clyde. Get your cutlery and shakers at the ready! Tickets are limited and st available on a 1 come basis. Meeting details will be sent beforehand. Price includes booking fee and Spice host.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Meal and Casino Night - Edinburgh Date: Saturday 3rd May 2014 Place: Grosvenor Maybury Casino, 5 South Maybury, Edinburgh (EH12 8NE) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £30 Member, £33 Guest A visit to the Grosvenor Maybury Casino for what is always an excellent fun evening with super food and a few laughs. We begin with a superb 3-course dinner in the Casino’s restaurant. After dinner we will enjoy a fun session under the expert guidance of one of the casinos staff. You will learn the basics of how to play black jack, casino stud poker, and roulette. After our tuition those who wish will have the chance to play the tables for real and those who don’t want to gamble can enjoy the bar and the sight of the high rollers in action. PLEASE READ MEMBERSHIP TERMS (BELOW) CAREFULLY: Membership can now be obtained (free of charge) on the night upon production of a current passport or driving licence – please remember to bring either of these forms of ID on the night to claim membership if you are a non-member. Please DO NOT come without them! Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the event. Dress Code: Smart Casual. No sportswear. Book now for this high (or low) stake fun night out!
Narrow Boat Day and Picnic Date: Sunday 4th May 2014 Place: Leomington, Canal Basin, Manse Road, Linlithgow (EH49 6AJ) Time: 11am Cost: £22 Member, £24 Guest We have chartered the Leamington Narrow Boat, a traditional narrow boat 30ft long with a diesel engine. There is an enclosed cabin and an open foredeck (with curtains), a toilet and sink. The Leamington can carry 12 passengers each of whom takes turn of being the skipper for the day. We will have full and private access to the narrow boat from 11am to 4pm as we take it in turns to drive this remarkable boat along the Linlithgow Canal. The Leamington is a simple vessel but the best (and possibly) and only way of experiencing the Linlithgow Canal at it’s very best – on the water. Also included in this unforgettable day out will be our Spice Picnic – always impressive – Prosecco, strawberries, cheeses, cold meats, dips, chocolate – you get the idea! (eating utensils, plates, wine glasses etc will also be provided). This event is easily accessible by train and a great opportunity to leave the car at home. Directions By Train Linlithgow station is on the line from Edinburgh Waverly to Falkirk and Glasgow Queen Street and to Dunblane. Walk out of the station from the westbound platform, turn right into Back Station Road and the Canal Basin is 100 yards on the far side of the bridge. From Edinburgh and the East: Leave the M9 at junction 3 northbound and follow the A803 into Linlithgow. The Canal Basin is signposted from the roundabout at the east end of the High Street in Linlithgow. Take the B9080 towards Winchburgh. Immediately after going under the railway bridge at the lights turn sharp right up Back Station Road, 300 yards further on bear left over the canal bridge. The basin is on the right From Glasgow and the West: Leave the M8 at junction 4 and follow the A706 into Linlithgow. Turn right at the T-junction onto the High Street and through the town to the roundabout.
Preview Evening - Glasgow - O'Neill's Date: Monday 5th May 2014 Place: The Conservatory, O' Neill's, 71 Albion St. Glasgow (G1 1NY) Time: 8pm All your questions about Spice answered. Great for new members recently joined online or prospective members. Bring a friend along?
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Preview Night - Edinburgh Date: Tuesday 6th May 2014 Place: The Outhouse, 12a Broughton St. Lane, Edinburgh (EH1 3LY) Time: 8pm All your questions about Spice answered. Great for new members recently joined online or prospective members. Bring a friend along?
Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn Date: Wednesday 7th May 2014 Place: The Sheep Heid Inn, 43 The Causeway, Duddingston, Edinburgh (EH15 3QA) Time: 8pm Cost: £8 Member, £9 Guest A great night….. 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.
Meal - Sopranos - Aberdeen Date: Friday 9th May 2014 Place: Sopranos, 18-22 Guild Street, Aberdeen (AB11 6NF) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £28.50 Member, £32 Guest Sopranos Wine Bar and Bistro is part of the Sopranos St Magnus Court Hotel on Guild Street, just a stone’s throw from Aberdeen Harbour. Right in the heart of Aberdeen’s fashionable Merchant Quarter, Sopranos Wine Bar Bistro is an elegant spot for a great night out in one of Aberdeen’s most buzzy neighbourhoods. Live music and DJs keep it lively at the weekends. We will dine on 3 courses from a set menu with ½ bottle of wine and service included. Book now for a fabulous start to the weekend. Includes: 3 Course Dinner, ½ Bottle of Wine, Service. Extras: Supplements and Extra Sides
Canyoning at Keltney Burn Gorge Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: Keltney Burn Gorge Meet: Splash, Aberfeldy Time: 1:30pm to 5pm Cost: £44 Member, £47 Guest For the many members who claimed that they joined Spice Scotland for new adventures, here is the challenge you’ve been waiting for! If you have already tried canyoning, gorge walking, and the like – remember that these are natural phenomena – each has its own beauty and each offers its own challenges. Although manageable for all levels of fitness (and bravery) with expert instruction and supervision from the Splash team, this will be an exciting and memorable day for even the biggest adrenaline junkie! Keltney Burn Gorge provides one of the country’s most exciting and exhilarating adventures with its atmospheric canyons and breathtaking scenery where fully qualified and insured instructors will ensure your safe descent down fast natural water flooms, rapids, cliffs and waterfalls. You will be provided with a full safety briefing as well as a wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid, harness and cagoule before heading off to the gorge. Please wear robust footwear (boots are recommended), loose fitting comfortable clothing, jogging bottoms and bring any medication that you may need. It is strongly advised that items of value, such as rings, watches, etc. should not be brought along with you. BOOK NOW! Directions: Splash, Dunkeld Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2AQ Take the A9 North and turn off at junction for A827 and continue to through Grandtully to Aberfeldy.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Meal - L'Escargot Bleu Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: L'Escargot Bleu, 56 Broughton St. Edinburgh (EH1 6AJ) Time: 6:45pm Cost: £17 Member, £19 Guest L’Escargot Bleu is a popular French restaurant on the ever buzzy Broughton Street in Edinburgh. The restaurant often finds itsself near the top of any poll dedicated to finding Edinburgh’s most authentic French restaurant. At L’Escargot Bleu, vintage drinks adverts, efficient service and a soundtrack of Edith Piaf set the scene for satisfying, French culinary classics. Scottish produce marries French technique - the menus at L’Escargot Bleu make the most of carefully sourced, seasonal, Scottish produce and the chef patron’s classic French training. We will dine on 2 courses from the chefs specials blackboard daily’s – these change regularly! rd Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Service. Extras: Drinks, 3 Course, Sides
Meal and Casino Night Glasgow Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: Grosvenor Casino, 18 Glassford St. Glasgow (G1 1UL) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £24 Member, £26 Guest Includes: Welcome Drink, 2 Course Dinner, 1 Hours Tuition, £10 Tokens Join us in Glasgow for what is always an excellent fun evening with super food and a few laughs for an event which has proved to be hugely popular in the Spice programme. We begin at 7.30 p.m. with a welcome drink before we sit down to a superb 2-course dinner in the Casino’s restaurant. After dinner we will spend 1 hour with our own croupier to show us the ropes. You will learn the basics of various casino games. Everyone will then receive £10 in chips to play the tables for real. PLEASE READ MEMBERSHIP TERMS (BELOW) CAREFULLY: Membership can now be obtained (free of charge) on the night upon production of a current passport or driving licence – please remember to bring either of these forms of ID on the night to claim your membership if you are a non-member. Please DO NOT come without them! Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the event. (New members will receive a free drink on arrival) Dress Code: Smart Casual. No sportswear. Book now for this high (or low) stake fun night out!
Segway Experience - Aberdeen Date: Sunday 11th May 2014 Place: Templers Park, Nr Aberdeen Meet: Meeting Details will be sent beforehand Time: 12:45pm to 2pm Cost: £35 Member, £38 Guest Get on, get going… come and enjoy the experience of riding a Segway at Templars Park. Our hosts today are local suppliers Segway Aberdeen who have the largest fleet of Segways in the North East of Scotland. Segways are not all about speed, they are about control and agility and are a great new experience of moving on 2 wheels. There will be varied terrain, with flat grassy areas, rolling hills, woodland section and footpaths. Segways have inbuilt gyroscopes and motors that work to keep upright and balanced, which make them a unique experience to travel on. They have a top speed of 12 mph, but will be restricted to about 5 mph whilst off road and training. By moving your weight forward or backwards you control the speed of the Segway and tilt the lean-steer column and you can change direction. All very simple and intuative, so you can get on, get going. Don’t worry if you don’t pick it up straight away as all the instruction you need is included you will be escorted by an instructor at all times. You need to be able to step on and off the Segway without assistance and stand on your feet for up to an hour. Over the hour you will be on the Segway, you will experience the training area, the off-road track and the Agility relay, where you can show how well you can control a Segway. There is an area on the grass entrance of the site for you to park if needed.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Alan's Walk - The Smugglers Trail Date: Sunday 11th May 2014 Place: Smugglers Trail, West Coat Time: 10:45am Cost: £3 Member, £4 Guest Join VC walk leader Alan Wylie for an excellent Sunday walk on the west coast – The Smugglers Trail. This historic route has been in regular use from early times and was a popular route used by smugglers, bringing their th 'booty' back from the Ayrshire shores. The 18 century route offers fantastic views of the Firth of Clyde and the island of Arran. You may see wildlife species including buzzard, roe deer and a rare species of beetle known as Coleopterra. Dundonald wood has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1975 and is also designated an Ancient Woodland. Please bring suitable footwear dress for all weathers. Directions: Please meet at car park adjacent to Royal Troon Golf Course at 10.45am. This walk will take around 4 ½ - 5 hours and covers a distance of around 9 miles. Please book early to ensure we have numbers for this walk to run.
Cinema Night - Glasgow Date: Tuesday 13th May 2014 Place: Cineworld, 7 Renfrew Street, Glasgow (G2 3AB) Meet: See Event Write Up Time: 7:15pm A midweek night out and the opportunity to watch the latest blockbuster release. We don’t know what we’ll see yet but come along and we’ll decide on the evening. NB: Please meet at the ticket desk at 7.15pm. This is a pay on the night event but please let us know if you are planning on going along.
Fife and St. Andrew's Social Break Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Sun 18th May 2014 Place: The Craws Nest, Bankwell Road, Anstruthe (KY10 3DA) Meet: Venue Cost: £129 Member, £149 Guest, £164 Member Single, £184 Guest Single (Deposit £30) Includes: 2 nights bed, breakfast & dinner, walks on Saturday and Sunday or St Andrew's visit See Weekends and Holidays Pages 7 – 18 for full details
Walking Weekend - Fort William Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Sun 18th May 2014 Place: West End Hotel, Fort William (PH33 6ED) Cost: £175 Member Twin/Double, £195 Guest Twin/Double, £215 Member Single, £235 Guest Single (Deposit £50) Includes: 2 nights accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches & 2 days of guided walks with a choice of walks each day See Weekends and Holidays Pages 7 – 18 for full details
Golf - Charleton Golf Club Date: Sunday 18th May 2014 Place: Charleton Golf Club, Colinsburgh, Fife (KY9 1HG) Time: 11:15am Cost: £28 Member, £30 Guest Overlooking the magnificent Firth of Forth, Charleton offers a unique parkland course experience.’ The testing 18 hole, par 72, SSS 72, Parkland Course lies along side a 9 hole Pitch & Putt, Driving Range and Club House with Restaurant & Bar with golf buggies to rent. Whatever your golf level your day out at Charleton will be one to remember. This golf day is linked to the Fife social break and ideal for those wanting to enjoy a weekend away with some golf as an option. 27
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Theatre - Rock of Ages Date: Monday 19th May 2014 Place: Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £23 Member, £25 Guest Still rocking after 5 years on Broadway and following 3 years of ovation-inducing performances in London’s West End, the legendary Rock of Ages now heads out on UK Tour starring Ben Richards (9to5 The Musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Guys & Dolls) as rock god Stacee Jaxx and Noel Sullivan (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, We Will Rock You) as Drew Boley. This 80s-themed hilarious musical features over 30 eyebrow scorching tunes including: Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is.
Forth Belle - Latin/Salsa Dance Cruise Date: Friday 23rd May 2014 Place: The Forth Belle, Hawes Pier, South Queensferry Time: 8:10pm Cost: £24 Member, £26 Guest Tonight, take full advantage of fantastic cruising, dancing and partying as we experience the fun aboard the ‘The Forth Belle’ as it makes its way along the Firth of Forth for a Latin/Salsa Dance Cruise. Professional dance instructors will walk you through the steps along to lively Latin rhythms. The Latin/Salsa Dance Cruise offers great entertainment as we watch the sun slowly set behind the Forth Bridges while we dance the night away! And, to make it even better value, an excellent on-board buffet is included in the price. The Forth Belle also has a licensed bar. The boat has a large heated observation lounge (with glass roof) and a bar, as well as outside seating. Even if the weather is wet, you will be able to dance the night away on deck under cover. BOOK EARLY and please be on time as the boat leaves at 8.10pm and won’t wait for latecomers!
Meal and Entertainment - Wild Cabaret Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: Wild Cabaret, 18 Candleriggs, Glasgow (G1 1LD) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £32 Member, £35 Guest Located in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City, Wild Cabaret and Wicked Lounge combine scintillating performance art with fine dining and top quality drinks. Featuring a cabaret restaurant and late night lounge bar, the Candleriggs venue aims to provide a memorable experience. Guests are gently encouraged to dress to impress. Tonight is Cabaret night and we begin with a 2 course dinner from a set menu with a glass of wine and service included. After dinner we get to enjoy a live cabaret – the following details are a sample as the evenings entertainment has not been confirmed at the time of writing this – The Big Show is a cabaret variety performance that will dazzle and excite! The evenings host, Sarah-Louise Young is an internationally renowned cabaret performer, actress and writer, named one of Time Out's Top 10 Cabaret Acts and voted Best Musical Variety Act in the London Cabaret Awards. The Big Show will present side stitching comedy, graceful and elegant displays of athleticism wih our resident showgirls, and hustling and mind bending from our mentalist who is sure to bamboozle the sharpest mind! Join us at Wild Cabaret for entertainment that will carry you through the weekend in style! Preceding the big show will be City Duo who are a collaboration of guitarists Tom Ion & Stuart Drever. Together they create a fun, energetic and original popular tunes with a Jazz, Latin and Blues twist. Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Glass of Wine, Service, Live Entertainment
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Bar Night Buffet and Live Music at The Albyn Aberdeen Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: The Albyn, 11 Albyn Place, Aberdeen (AB10 1YE) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £8 Member, £9 Guest We are delighted to have reserved an area in the fantastic Albyn for a Bar Night Buffet in Aberdeen. The Albyn is stylish and contemporary, with a modern feel. Relax in the bar area to the live bands and resident DJs downstairs. Included in the cost of the evening is a selection of buffet style food (benta boxes and sides) that will be served at 8pm. Whilst there should be plenty to eat this shouldn’t be your main meal of the evening – this is a lite bite. This is a great way for members to enjoy an excellent mix and mingle in the city. At 10.30pm Feeva will take the stage to provide live music. Meeting details will be sent beforehand. Please do not turn up to this event without booking as we need to confirm numbers in advance.
Lazy Sunday Stroll - Falkirk Wheel Canal Circuit Date: Sunday 25th May 2014 Place: Falkirk Wheel, Lime Road, Falkirk (FK1 4RS) Meet: Details will be sent beforehand Time: 11am Cost: £3 Member, £4 Guest Join us for another Lazy Sunday Stroll in West Lothian. A short circular walk starting from the Falkirk Wheel and linking the two canals joined by the modern boatlift - includes a short section of tunnel. Good surfaced paths, short tunnel (can be wet), towpath, roads with pavement make this walk suitable for all. Please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. The walk is 3.5 miles long with 60m ascent and should take around 1.5 - 2 hours. There will be the chance afterwards to enjoy the Falkirk Wheel visitor centre. Situated approximately 23 miles from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, this is easily accessible in the heart of Scotland.
Friends in a Flash - Aberdeen Date: Monday 26th May 2014 Place: O'Neill's, 9 - 10 Back Wynd, Aberdeen (AB10 1JN) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £5 Member, £6 Guest This event is perfect for new members or those who want a kick-start in activating or reactivating their Spice Scotland membership. With simple games, and the chance to meet and mix with lots of new members, the night revolves around a series of light-hearted icebreaker games, all great fun.
Meal - New Members at Calistoga Date: Wednesday 28th May 2014 Place: Calistoga, 70 Rose Street North Lane (EH2 3DX) Meet: Edinburgh Time: 7:30pm Cost: £15.50 Member, £17 Guest Tonight is an opportunity for us to welcome new members to the club at out New Members Meal. All are welcome to book but those who have joined in the past few months are especially welcome. Tucked away on Rose Street North Lane just off Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town area, Calistoga has the distinction of being Scotland’s only Californian restaurant. As the Napa Valley name hints, Californian wine is a big part of Calistoga restaurant’s appeal and vineyard posters line the walls. Healthy, fresh and zingy are the key ideas driving the food in Edinburgh’s Calistoga. The restaurant’s menus bring west coast America to central Edinburgh. Tonight we will dine on 2 courses from a set menu with service included. rd Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Service. Extras: 3 Course, Drinks
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Guided Tour - Walking with Scientists Date: Friday 30th May 2014 Place: Edinburgh University District Meet: Meeting Details will be provided Time: 7pm to 9pm Cost: £12 Member, £14 Guest Join us for a walking tour around the University district featuring fascinating stories from the lives of some of those scientists who lived and worked in this most beautiful and inspiring of European capital cities; Hutton and geology, Hume and philosophy, Maxwell and electromagnetism and the medical exploits of Conan Doyle, Darwin, Sophia Jex Blake, Elsie Maud Inglis and James Miranda Barry. Stopes, Smith and Nightingale are amongst the other compelling characters that will be explored. Actor and local historian Colin Brown will be your host for this insightful and fascinating evening. Meeting details will be provided beforehand.
Pizza Making Class Date: Friday 30th May 2014 Place: Fanelli's, 62 Candleriggs, Glasgow (G1 1LE) Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Cost: £32 Member, £35 Guest Learn how to create this classic Italian dish. The evening class includes demonstration on pizza making and the opportunity to create your very own pizza from scratch. Side orders will accompany your pizza and a recipe sheet will also be provided for you to take home. We received great feedback when we run this event last year.
Workshop - Meetings Without Masks Date: Saturday 31st May 2014 Place: Stockbridge House, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh (EH4 1JB) Time: 10:30am to 6pm Cost: £55 Member, £58 Guest We spend a lot of time telling people that Spice is not a singles group and that we don’t offer events exclusively to singles. Occasionally however an event comes up that will appeal to the individuals within Spice that are not in a current relationship. This is that event – a day workshop Meeting Without Masks. Are you looking for love, connection, intimacy and relationship? Are you finding it hard to meet the right person? Have you tried the Internet, speed dating or the singles scene and felt it ring a bit hollow? Are you looking for more but not quite sure how to find it? It can be tough to make real connections in our fast and busy, big city lives. Work, pubs, clubs and the dating industry can feel like a market place. So where and how do we find and meet each other in a different way? This exciting new event has been specifically designed and developed to provide a very different kind of experience for people who are looking for love and partnership. We invite you to participate in a wonderful day. In a gender-balanced group, we will explore how to meet each other more authentically as men and women. The day has been carefully structured to help this happen with fun and creative exercises to open and relax you. Run by coach and relationship expert, Natasha Hood it is safe, supportive and both professionally and compassionately delivered. It is a singles event that includes mind, body, heart and soul, alongside humor and tenderness. There will be fantastic food, conversation, dancing, laughter and play. Whether you meet your soul mate or not, it is a great opportunity to enjoy, and maybe risk, being a little (or a lot!) more intimate and human and alive. A light lunch and refreshments are included in the day. Please note this is not a Spice exclusive event and non Spice members may be present.
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Hot Air Ballooning - Dawn Flight over Edinburgh Date: Sunday 1st June 2014 Place: Dawn Flight Meet: Meeting Details will be provided Time: 5:45am Cost: £139 Member, £149 Guest An unforgettable ‘once in a lifetime’ experience – a truly magical balloon flight with Alba Ballooning over the Lothian region on a magical dawn flight! You will be very involved with the process of getting the balloon ready for launch before climbing aboard. The flight will last at least an hour (depending on wind speed), before you land. Once grounded, you will toast your flight with some bubbly, and will be presented with a commemorative flight certificate. Be well wrapped up and don't forget your camera. Although the flight lasts about an hour, allow around 3 hours for the whole event. Make a dream come true…BOOK NOW BEFORE THIS EVENT SELLS OUT! Note: Alba Ballooning policy on cancellations/rescheduling will be applied to all bookings. Hot air ballooning is one of the most weather dependent of events – you will be offered alternative dates in the event of postponement – see cancellation details on website
Ina's Walk - The Pentlands from Swanston Date: Sunday 1st June 2014 Place: The Pentland Hills - Meet - Swanston Golf Club Car Park (EH10 7DS) Time: 10am Cost: £3 Member, £4 Guest Join walk leader for a spring walk in the Pentlands heading off from Swanston. This circular walk will take in great views whilst offering a good opportunity to stretch those legs. The walk should take around 3 hours depending on conditions and suitable walking boots and clothing are essential. You may want to bring a snack for the walk. Expect to walk in the region of 6 miles with some ascent involved. Not sure if this is the walk for you? Come and try our Lazy Sunday Stroll in February. Please meet at Swanston Golf Club at 10am.
Preview Evening - Glasgow - O'Neill's Date: Monday 2nd June 2014 Place: The Conservatory, O' Neill's, 71 Albion St. Glasgow (G1 1NY) Time: 8pm All your questions about Spice answered. Great for new members recently joined online or prospective members. Bring a friend along?
Theatre - Let It Be Date: Monday 2nd June 2014 Place: Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh (EH1 3AA) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £22 Member, £24 Guest Come Together and experience the iconic music of The Beatles with Let it Be, the spectacular concert jampacked with over 40 of The Beatles greatest hits! Direct from the West End, this international hit show celebrates the legacy of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band. ‘A non-stop parade of hits’
Theatre - Tonight's The Night Date: Monday 2nd June 2014 Place: King's Theatre, 297 Bath St. Glasgow (G2 4JN) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £32 Member, £34 Guest Rod Stewart is quite simply one of the best selling recording artists of all time. In a career spanning five decades he’s as popular now as ever with his acclaimed new album ‘Time’ topping the UK charts, a sell-out Arena Tour in 2013 and last year’s No.1 Bestseller Rod - An Autobiography. 31
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Preview Night - Edinburgh Date: Tuesday 3rd June 2014 Place: The Outhouse, 12a Broughton St. Lane, Edinburgh (EH1 3LY) Time: 8pm All your questions about Spice answered. Great for new members recently joined online or prospective members. Bring a friend along?
Games Night - Cluedo Date: Wednesday 4th June 2014 Place: O'Neill's, Albion St. Glasgow (G1 1NY) Time: 7pm A games night – just come along and enjoy some traditional board games. Tonight we play Cluedo – the original ‘who dunnit’. If you have a particular character you want to be let us know and we’ll reserve the slot for you. Why not wear some purple for Prof Plum, or red for Miss Scarlet? We have access to the conservatory before the event starts so come along and enjoy a bite to eat beforehand. Please let us know if you would like to eat beforehand so we can make arrangements. Whilst this event is free we ask you book in advance so we know how many players we have.
A Night at The Dogs - Dinner and Racing Date: Friday 6th June 2014 Place: Shawfield Greyhound Stadium, 137 Rutherglen Road, Glasgow (G73 1SZ) Time: 7pm Cost: £27.50 Member, £30 Guest Spice head to Shawfield Greyhound Racing Track for an excellent evening of dog racing. This is a top night at the dogs…guaranteed 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. This night just may be your lucky night but even if it’s not, a sure bet is that you’ll have loads of fun and excitement! BOOK NOW! Includes: 3 Course Dinner, Entry to Stadium, Racecard, Service. Extras: Drinks, Betting Money!
Karen's Walk - Kirkhill Forest - Aberdeen Date: Saturday 7th June 2014 Meet: Mountjoy Car Park, Kirkhill Forest Time: 11am Cost: £3 Member, £4 Guest Join Walk Leader Karen Cochlan for this lovely winter walk in Kirkhill forest. Kirkhill is a working forest which really has something for everyone! There are way marked routes to ensure we get the best from the area and enable us to enjoy the stunning scenery. The main entrance is less then 5 miles (7km) from the outskirts of Aberdeen - a real 'green lung' for the city. The main car park is at the south end of the forest, just off the A96 (Aberdeen-bound side). This circular walk is around 5 miles long and should take no longer than 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Please ensure you have suitable walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing. You may want bring a light snack with you.
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Murder Mystery at The Maitlandfield Date: Saturday 7th June 2014 Place: Maitlandfield House Hotel, 24 Sidegate, Haddington (EH41 4BZ) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £34.50 Member, £37 Guest Could you murder a good night out? The Maitlandfield House Hotel provides a really super night out with a difference as we return for one of their famous Murder Mystery Dinners. The event will include a five course dinner and the theatre, so you have the best of both worlds - food and entertainment. Imagine the scene, stepping straight into the pages of a medieval story set in history and savour a unique atmosphere that has been centuries in the making. From the time of the early English Conquests. A feast of fine local food, local ale and entertainment awaits you. This is a new plot combining murder, intrigue, suspense and entertainment, with audience participation. This is a must for all budding detectives. A group of actors will present a plot and remain in costume and character, mixing with you throughout the meal and giving you the opportunity to question and grill them. You guess who the murderer is and after the meal all will be revealed in the final act with prizes for the winners.
Meal - Debbie's Sunday Lunches - The Buttery Date: Sunday 8th June 2014 Place: The Buttery, 652-654 Argyle Street, Glasgow (G3 8UF) Time: 1pm Cost: £26 Member, £29 Guest st I am delighted to feature our 1 ever Debbie’s Sunday Lunches to the Spice programme. West of Scotland member Debbie Bland has kindly offered to host occasional lunches on a Sunday throughout the city. We start with a real cracker – The Buttery. The Buttery is one of Glasgow’s oldest, most enduring and celebrated restaurants, well known for its relaxed atmosphere and unique interior of oak panelling, stained glass and wonderful mahogany and marble bar. Under the hands of the Two Fats team, it has earned plenty of awards and great reviews – not least for the five star quality of the service. Eating in Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery is pretty special at any time. One of Glasgow’s oldest and best loved venues, every meal here feels like a memorable occasion. Included in the lunch are 3 courses from the lunch menu, glass of house wine and service. Treat yourself and book onto this spectacular Sunday lunch. Includes: 3 Course Lunch, Glass of Wine, Service. Extras: Sides, Extra Drinks
Tank Driving - New Recruit Experience Date: Sunday 8th June 2014 Place: Tank Driving Scotland, The Haugh, Blairg (PH10 7ER) Meet: Meeting Details will be sent Time: 12:30pm Cost: £65 Member, £70 Guest Aaaa-Ten-Shun! – Drive a real 18 tonne army tank, test your extreme off-road driving skills, or get your boots muddy as a soldier… Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive a real army tank?? Wonder no more! Grouped with our other ‘Spice New Recruits’, you will each take turns in testing your tank driving and tank commanding skills in this introductory tank driving experience. The New Recruit experience is an activity allowing you to experience the thrill of driving a real 18 tonne army tank! The rest of the troop will take turns in the crew and commanders compartments, so you will have to negotiate the obstacles on the course with consideration (only a little)! Geared up in army kit, you will firstly have the opportunity to experience traveling in the hull with your troops. There are seats, but not much else in there. The tanks are ex-military and have all seen active service - you will see the bullet holes for yourself! This gives you a chance to see what real soldiers encounter, and all you have to worry about is telling your friends what a great time you had! You will also act as commander during the experience, riding out of the hatch directly behind the driver. We’ll also drop you off at the observation bunker in the centre of the course, where you’ll have a great opportunity to take some shots at your comrades (Photographic or video of course)! After the experience you will be awarded a Tank Driving Scotland Certificate of Achievement. We have a maximum of 8 people, who will all have the opportunity to drive. The event will last around 1 ½ hours. 33
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Preview Night - Aberdeen Date: Monday 9th June 2014 Place: O'Neill's, 9 - 10 Back Wynd, Aberdeen (AB10 1JN) Meet: Upstairs (get a drink at the downstairs bar) Time: 8pm All your questions about Spice answered. Great for new members recently joined online or prospective members. Bring a friend along?
Meal - New Members at Lychee Oriental Date: Wednesday 11th June 2014 Place: Lychee Oriental, 59 Mitchell Street, Glasgow (G1 3LN) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £18 Member, £20 Guest Tonight is an opportunity for us to welcome new members to the club at out New Members Meal. All are welcome to book but those who have joined in the past few months are especially welcome. Located on Mitchell Street in Glasgow’s city centre, Lychee Oriental is a stylish restaurant specialising in traditional Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant aims to provide guests with an Oriental fine dining experience within relaxed surroundings, perfect for our evening. We will dine on 2 courses from a set menu with service included. rd Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Service. Extras: Drinks, 3 Course at £2.20)
Braemar Bargain Break Date: Fri 13th Jun 2014 - Sun 15th Jun 2014 Place: The Fife Arms, Mar Road, Braemar (AB35 5YL) Cost: £119 Member, £139 Guest, £154 Member Single, £174 Guest Single (Deposit £30) Includes: 2 nights bed, breakfast & dinner, walks or places of interest See Weekends and Holidays Pages 7 – 18 for full details
Theatre - Buddy (The Musical) Date: Monday 16th June 2014 Place: Kings Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow (G2 4JN) Time: 7:10pm Cost: £17.50 Member, £19.50 Guest Now in its 25th year, the sensational multi award winning West End show is coming to a theatre near you. Forget feel good, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story is feel great! Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a cast of phenomenally talented actors and musicians tell Buddy Holly’s story, from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Raining In My Heart, Everyday, Shout and many many more, this show is just Peggy Sue-perb!
Tennis Lesson - Glasgow Date: Tuesday 17th June 2014 Place: Scotstoun Leisure Centre, Danes Drive, Glasgow (G14 9HU) Meet: Venue Time: 7pm to 9pm Cost: £8.50 Member, £9.50 Guest A tennis lesson courtesy of Spice member and tennis coach Dale Scott offer players of all tennis standards the opportunity to improve their game. We have booked courts at Scotstoun Leisure Centre for the session so there’s lots of time to learn the basics or even enhance your game. This event is suitable for all standards and those new to the sport.
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Golf - 9 Hole @ Musselburgh Links ..play 9 holes on one of the oldest Golf Courses in the world! Date: Wednesday 18th June 2014 Place: Musselburgh Links, Balcarres Road (EH21 7SB) Time: 6pm Cost: £12 Member, £13 Guest An evening 9 hole round of golf suitable for all standards, so don’t worry if your long shots are short and par is something you only dream of, this is for you! It should be particularly popular with those who have recently enjoyed our golf lessons. Musselburgh Links is a delightful nine hole links course weaving in and out of the Musselburgh race course with a fascinating history. The links was originally seven holes, with another added in 1870 and a ninth, the "sea Hole" added in 1870. The Open (yes, the Open Championship!) was held here 6 times between 1874 and 1889 and the first ever Women's Golf competition was played at Musselburgh Links, the old Golf Course in 1811. The holes are a reasonable length and challenging for all but the course welcomes beginners and you should get round in two hours.
Center Parcs Sherwood Weekend Date: Fri 20th Jun 2014 - Mon 23rd Jun 2014 Place: Sherwood Forest, Rufford, Newark, Nottin (NG22 9DN) Cost: £149 Member Twin, £224 Member Single, £109 Member Bunk (Deposit £50) Host: A Spice National Event Special this Year: It’s a Knock Out (optional) See Weekends and Holidays Pages 7 – 18 for full details
Pizza and Cocktails at Sygn Date: Friday 20th June 2014 Place: Sygn Bar, 15 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh (EH2 2QZ) Cost: £18 Member, £20 Guest A night out in town with a simple mix of Pizza and Cocktails. Having visited Sygn for a buffet bar night we were hugely impressed with the venue and in particular the pizzas and cocktails. That’s all the reason we need to go back – this time we will enjoy a selection of pizzas to share with half a jug of cocktail per person too. Pizzas include; Smoked ham hock and pineapple; Bocconcini mozzarella, tomato and basil; Crayfish, rocket and chilli oil; Roast chicken, pancetta and sweet peppers; Pulled lamb, peas, sweet onions and parmesan. The cocktails will be in jugs and with at least half a jug per person there will be lots to go around. (The cocktail jugs are from the set menu). Please book now to secure your slot.
Explore Mackintosh Date: Saturday 21st June 2014 Place: Glasgow and Surrounds Meet: Meeting details will be provided Time: 10am Cost: £24 Member, £27 Guest Join us as we Explore Mackintosh, a must for fans of architecture and the legendary Charles Rennie Mackintosh. In a packed day, we will take in several of the major Mackintosh sites and include all admissions, transport by bus and underground, and a bite to eat at the famous Willow Tearooms with much of its original interior still intact. The full itinerary is yet to be decided but Kelvingrove Gallery, House for an Art Lover, The Lighthouse and others will feature. This really will be a superb day discovering the Mackintosh Trail – Book Now!
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Meal - Greek at Christos Taverna Aberdeen Date: Saturday 21st June 2014 Place: Christos Taverna, 14 John St. Aberdeen (AB25 1BT) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £26 Member, £29 Guest Christos Greek Taverna is a small part of Greece in Aberdeen, dedicated to bringing you the traditional tastes and sounds of Greece. The restaurant has been welcoming the people of the Granite City since 1991. The aim is to create an authentic experience for all visitors at the Taverna. A warm and friendly welcome awaits us at this family run restaurant. All the dishes are made with fresh local produce, and any speciality products needed to achieve these unique flavours are imported directly from Greece. All the usual favourite Greek dishes are on offer from a specially arranged set menu. We will dine on 2 courses, with tea/coffee and service included. rd Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Tea/Coffee, Service. Extras: 3 Course, Drinks
Hovercraft Flying Date: Sunday 22nd June 2014 Place: Craigluscar Farm, Dunfermline (KY12 9HT) Time: 12:45pm Cost: £35 Member, £40 Guest Spice heads to Fife to experience the exhilarating Hovercraft Flying. We booked 2 hovercrafts for an hour so there will be ample time to learn how to ‘fly’ these fantastic machines before the group participates in a special time trial course. For the uninitiated hovercrafts move on a bed of air, actually hovering above the ground, and are suitable for land or water use. Helmets and waterproof clothing will be provided.
Lazy Sunday Stroll - Hailes Castle from East Linton Date: Sunday 22nd June 2014 Place: East Linton High Street, East Lothian (EH40 3AB) Time: 11am Cost: £3 Member, £4 Guest Join us as we head to East Lothian for a Lazy Sunday Stroll. A visit to the extensive ruins of Hailes Castle is the objective on this straightforward riverside walk from the attractive village of East Linton. The alternative return route is along a quiet minor road. Riverside footpath, can be muddy in places; return route is along quiet minor road. This walk is suitable for all and covers 3.25 miles and should take a couple of hours max (not including time at Hailes). Please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. Please meet on East Linton High Street at 11am.
Cinema Night - Glasgow Date: Tuesday 24th June 2014 Place: Cineworld, 7 Renfrew Street, Glasgow (G2 3AB) Time: 7:15pm A midweek night out and the opportunity to watch the latest blockbuster release. We don’t know what we’ll see yet but come along and we’ll decide on the evening. NB: Please meet at the ticket desk at 7.15pm. This is a pay on the night event but please let us know if you are planning on going along.
Skittles at The Sheep Heid Inn Date: Wednesday 25th June 2014 Place: The Sheep Heid Inn, 43 The Causeway, Duddingston, Edinburgh (EH15 3QA) Time: 8pm Cost: £8 Member, £9 Guest A great night….. 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. 36
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Meal & Live Music Cafe Source & The Cosmopolitan Big Band Date: Friday 27th June 2014 Place: Cafe Source, 1 St Andrews in the Square, Glasgow (G1 5PP) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £33 Member, £36 Guest We’ve featured the Cosmopolitan Big Band a few times over the years with fantastic feedback. To ensure we get the best seats we will enjoy dinner at Café Source before relaxing to enjoy our evening. Carefully chosen Scottish ingredients are the focus of Cafe Source, a stylish cafe bar in the historic setting of Glasgow’s St Andrew’s in the Square. A former church, St Andrew’s in the Square is now a stunning cultural venue with an emphasis on roots, folk, country and traditional music and dance. Downstairs from the sympathetically restored auditorium, Cafe Source is a sleek contemporary space which specialises in modern Scottish cooking. We will enjoy 3 courses per person from the new Evening Jazz Menu – we have also paid the service. After dinner the Cosmopolitan Big Band entertain - an exciting Glasgow-based 18 piece Big Band playing a real mix of music including swing standards (Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble), jazz classics (Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea) and a range of funk/soul material (Blues Brothers, Average White Band, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes). The Band features a selection of high quality guest vocalists from across the city to round off a highly entertaining evening. We only have 10 slots for this evening so early booking is strongly encouraged. Includes: 3 Course Dinner, Service, Entertainment. Extras: Drinks
Guided Tour - Aberdeen Blood and Granite Date: Saturday 28th June 2014 Place: Aberdeen City Centre Meet: Details will be provided Time: 6pm to 8pm Cost: £12 Member, £13 Guest We are delighted to feature this Spice exclusive evening tour courtesy of Hidden Aberdeen Tours. Visit the sites and hear the stories from our city's dark and criminal past. War and bloodshed, murder and mayhem, it's all under your feet!! Combining stories from local archives, the research of Norman Adams, and tour leader Fiona Jane Brown (folklorist, educator and storyteller) the tour brings out the horrors behind the doors of some of our most innocuous tenements and monuments. 1. Bombs & Bullets in the Cemetery - damage to the gravestones tells the sad tale of two casualties from World War II (TRINITY CEMETERY) 2. The Gallows Hill - hear of the horrors of late medieval punishment (GALLOW HILL) 3. Aberdeen's Last and Worst Hangman - Meet Johnny Milne of Tullyskukie, a crook who becomes city executioner 4. Suicide in the Barracks - a war-weary captain takes his life rather than go back to the Trenches of the Great War (KING STREET BUS DEPOT) 5. The Last Man Hanged in Scotland - a tale of forbidden love, a jealous, unstable young man and a flighty young woman which ends in bloodshed and execution! (JACKSON TERRACE) 6. The Sack Murder - Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never harm me, not true in Jeannie Donaldson's case (URQUHART ROAD) 7. Catherine Humphrey, Poisoner of Albion Street - Drink got the better of Catherine and she ended up ‘Lookin Doon Marischal Street’ (WALES ST/ BEACH BOULEVARD) 8. The Butcher of the Saltoun Arms - madness strikes a slaughterhouse employee which ends in the deaths of two colleagues (FREDERICK STREET) Please meet at Trinity Cemetery, Park Road gate near Pittodrie (Aberdeen F.C. ground) – the tour will end at Frederick Street, opposite the Saltoun Arms Public House. The tour will last around 2 hours and please wear suitable clothing. This tour will run in most weather. www.hiddenaberdeen.co.uk
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Meal - Italian at Caciopepe Date: Saturday 28th June 2014 Place: Caciopepe, 87 Hanover Street, Edinburgh (EH2 1EE) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £13 Member, £14 Guest A friendly Italian restaurant in Edinburgh city centre, Caciopepe is located on Hanover Street a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and George Street. The restaurant offers delicious Italian food with a warm welcome and the atmosphere and buzz of a traditional Italian brasserie. The chefs at Caciopepe aim for an enticing balance of classic and contemporary Italian dishes. Tonight we will dine from 2 courses from a delicious set menu with service included. Includes: 2 Course Dinner, Service. Extras: Drinks, Steak Supplement, £2.95 for dessert)
Scottish Walking Week Inchnadamph and Sutherland Date: Sat 28th Jun 2014 - Sat 5th Jul 2014 Place: Inchnadamph Hotel, Assynt, Sutherland (IV27 4HN) See Weekends and Holidays Pages 7 – 18 for full details
White Water Rafting - The River Tay Date: Sunday 29th June 2014 Place: Splash, Dunkeld Road, Aberfeldy (PH15 2AQ) Time: 12:45pm Cost: £39 Member, £42 Guest We are delighted to team up with Scotland’s leading White Water Rafting suppliers, Splash, for our only White Water Rafting session of the season – a moderate grade – The River Tay. The Tay offers rafting suitable for all standards and the Splash combination of fun and excitement is sure to provide a good day for all. This half day trip is about six miles in distance, and starts from the old market town of Aberfeldy. The paddle crew has ample opportunity to practice their newly learnt rafting skills before the river drops away and creates challenging rapids that flow down to Grandtully. Rapids such as 'Zoom Flume' and 'The Washing Machine' will keep you on their toes! Grandtully rapid is where the trip ends. This is the longest rapid on the river and provides one or two surprises for the unwary rafter. Although you don’t have to be able to swim you should be comfortable in water. All equipment is provided plus an experienced guide will accompany each raft along the river with a logistics manager on land. Transport on and off the river by bus from the base is also included as is a FREE photo of your rafting trip by a professional photographer. You should bring a swimsuit (to go under the wet suit), towel, jumper, and fleece jacket to keep warm. Also it’s a good idea to bring woollen socks and old trainers and any medication that might be required, e.g. inhaler. Please leave valuables (e.g. watch, jewellery, etc) at home just in case they get lost. Only bring waterproof cameras. Directions: From Perth take the A9 North and follow signs for Aberfeldy. As you head into Aberfeldy on the A827 Splash can be found on the right hand side and is well signed. The postcode for Sat Nav is PH15 2AQ.
Meal - Rotating Dinner at The Hampton Hotel Date: Wednesday 2nd July 2014 Place: The Hampton Hotel, 14 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh (EH12 6HN) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £18.50 Member, £20.50 Guest Our Rotating Dinners are always one of the most popular events on the Spice Scotland programme, a chance to mix with other diners and the added twist of rotations between each course. You will enjoy your starter at one table and move to another for the main course and so on. There will be four rotations during the evening. Please be aware – if you come with a friend you may not sit with them for most of the evening. A 3-course meal followed by coffee/tea is on the menu along with the convivial company of a great group of Spicers changing tables between each course. This event is ideal for exisiting, returning and especially new members. Includes: 3 Course Rotating Dinner, Coffee/Tea, Service. Not Included: Drinks. 38
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Meal - Indian at Daawat Date: Friday 4th July 2014 Place: Daawat, 82 Howard Street, Glasgow (G1 4EE) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £14 Member, £16 Guest An innovative Indian restaurant, Daawat is on Howard Street, just behind the St. Enoch Shopping Centre and right in the heart of Glasgow city centre. Daawat means mother’s kitchen and the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes from all over India. The chef at Daawat has extensive experience. For a number of years, he was the private chef for India’s Prime Minister. While the chef’s restaurant CV may have some very grand highlights, the food on offer at Daawat on Howard Street aims more for the home style flavours enjoyed by millions of Indians. We will enjoy a 3 course dinner – Appetiser, Starter and Main Course from an extensive set menu with accompaniment (rice or naan), service is also included. The restaurant also offers a bring your own policy with a very reasonable £1.50 corkage per bottle. Please feel free to take your own drinks if wanted. The restaurant is licensed however and drinks are available on site. Includes: 3 Course Dinner, Accompaniment, Service. Extras: Drinks, Supps, Corkage
Horse Trekking - Lasswade Riding Centre Date: Saturday 5th July 2014 Place: Lasswade Riding Centre, Kevock Rd, Lasswade. (EH18 1HX) Time: 10:40am Cost: £29 Member, £32 Guest After a long absence we return to the Edinburgh & Lasswade Riding Centre, the premier riding school in the Lothians, for our Horse Trekking. The Edinburgh & Lasswade Riding Centre promise to provide exciting rides across country and on path, by and across the River Esk, through woodlands with deer, foxes, heron and other attractions. They have an excellent range of horses for all standards and sizes and are noted for the quality of their instruction. Beginners can have a lesson if required instead of going out on the ride, (numbers permitting) advanced riders can be assured of a challenging route. A great event so please BOOK EARLY! Directions and meeting details will be sent beforehand. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate when booking whether you are a Beginner ,Intermediate or Advanced
Meal - Rotating Dinner at La Lombada - Aberdeen Date: Saturday 5th July 2014 Place: La Lombada, 2 King Street, Aberdeen (AB24 5AX) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £27.50 Member, £30 Guest Join us for a popular Spice Rotating Dinner – a meal with a difference – after each course members will move tables - this gives the best chance to mix and mingle and adds some fun to proceedings. La Lombarda is a traditional, rustic Italian restaurant located on King Street in Aberdeen city centre, which claims to be to the oldest Italian in the UK, having been established in 1922. La Lombarda uses only the freshest, local produce to create its trademark Italian fare. The restaurant has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere with a traditional Italian décor – dark wood, gingham table cloths and opera in the background – suggesting all the comforts of home. We will dine on a 3 course menu with tea/coffee, rotating 3 times (service is also included in the cost). After dinner there will be an opportunity to head downstairs and enjoy music at Sinatra’s. Includes: 3 Course Rotating Dinner, Tea/Coffee, Service. Extras: Drinks, Main Course Supplements on a couple of dishes.
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
The Tibetan Buddhist Experience Date: Sunday 6th July 2014 Place: Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery (DG13 0QL) Meet: See Directions Time: 10:45am to 3pm Cost: £17.50 Member, £20 Guest We are delighted to feature the Tibetan Buddhist Experience at Europe's oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery The Kagyu Samye Ling. The Kagyu Samye Ling monastery is an international centre of Buddhist training, known for the authenticity of its teachings and tradition. It offers instruction in Buddhist philosophy and meditation within the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also a centre for the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, medicine, art, architecture and handicrafts. Founded in 1967 by two spiritual masters, Dr. Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Samye Ling was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to be established in the West and was named after Samye, the very first monastery to be established in Tibet. Samye Ling is home to a residential community of over 60 people, made up of both monastic and lay volunteers. Our day a will encompass a variety of activities to give a real taste of the daily lives of the resident monks. We will take a guided tour of the temple and stupa, the chance to attend a Buddhist prayer session, guided meditation session and an opportunity for questions and answers. You can also take time to stroll around the peace garden and grounds, relax in the Tibetan Tea Rooms and with a resident vegetarian lunch included in the cost of the day, a real experience is promised. This is a remarkable experience you don’t want to miss. Please book early. Please note that smoking, alcohol, unprescribed drugs and pets are not allowed on the premises. Directions: Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre, Eskdalemuir, Langholm, DG13 0QL Come off the A74 at Lockerbie and follow the B723 to Eskdalemuir. Turn left onto the B709, following the sign post to Samye Ling, and drive through Eskdalemuir village. Samye Ling is 1.5 miles past the village on the right hand side.
Golf - Macdonald Cordrona Course th
Date: Sunday 6 July 2014 Place: Cordrona Hotel, Peebles (EH45 6LZ) Meet: Venue Time: 11:30am Cost: £26 Member, £28 Guest The Cordrona course is situated in the heart of a truly magnificent setting. The Dave Thomas 6856 yd Par 72 course is regarded as one the jewels in the Borders golf crown. There are some fine holes, particularly the on the front nine which follow the meanderings of the river. It’s hard to classify the course, some holes have a st moorland feel, while others parkland with some more American styled. What is known is that the facilities are 1 class.
Forth Belle - Evening Jazz Cruise and Buffet Date: Friday 18th July 2014 Place: The Forth Belle, Hawes Pier, South Queensferry Time: 8:10pm Cost: £24 Member, £26 Guest The ‘The Forth Belle’ once again sets sail along the Firth of Forth, this time for a Jazz Cruise and Buffet as we take a relaxing river cruise to sound of the smooth vibes of Live Jazz. The Jazz Cruise offers great entertainment as we watch the sun slowly set behind the Forth Bridges while we dance the night away! And, to make it even better value, an excellent on-board buffet is included in the price. The Forth Belle also has a licensed bar and a large heated observation lounge (with glass roof) and a bar, as well as outside seating. Even if the weather is wet, you will be able to dance the night away on deck under cover. BOOK EARLY and please be on time as the boat leaves at 8.30pm and won’t wait for latecomers!
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SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Showboat Cruise on the Waverley Date: Place: Meet: Time: Cost:
Friday 18th July 2014 Glasgow (G3 8HA) Quay at Glasgow Science Centre 7pm £22 Member, £24 Guest
Welcome aboard the Waverley for a traditional cruise and sail back in time on one of the world’s greatest historic ships – magnificently restored with her towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass. This time we’re sailing from the Glasgow Science Centre on a ‘Party Cruise’ featuring live music. With live music and dancing on this evening showboat cruise…this will be a trip to remember! A sell-out in previous visits, please BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment, this boat is always a sell out! Includes Booking Fee.
Spice Commonwealth Farm Yard Barbeque Date: Sunday 20th July 2014 Place: Braidfield Farm, Hardgate, Clydebank (G81 5RA) Time: 2pm Cost: £10 Member, £11 Guest A Spice Sizzling Farm Yard Barbeque – this year with a twist! – Today we celebrate the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. We return to Braidfield Farm (also known locally as Moreland’s Farm) – a working farm in Clydebank. The Spice Rotisserie BBQ is back – not a disposable tray; this is a real authentic charcoal burning delight! The focus will be foods from the Commonwealth - throw in salads, soft drinks, tea/coffee etc and we have the perfect Sunday outing. As an added extra we are asking everyone to wear something appropriate to the theme – as fancy dress as you want – Commonwealth countries or sports are all appropriate! There will be a prize for best outfit. There will be plenty of room for our own games – rounders (if weather permits) – and should it rain – our very own barn to stay dry! All eating and drinking utensils will be provided and toilet facilities are available on site. All you need to bring is your sun cream, blankets and foldaway chairs if you have one. Please book early to help with food planning. Directions to Braidfield Farm will be sent beforehand. You may wish to bring your favourite tipple! Public Transport – First Bus 62 from Glasgow city centre – to Duntocher (get off at Hardgate Fire Station and head along Braidfield Road – turn left at the top of the road – make sure you check where Braidfield Road is on a map beforehand. Train – Queen Street Station – Helenburgh service via Singer – get off at Single Station – Braidfield Farm is 10 min walk or 5 min taxi – again please check on a map beforehand if you are planning on walking.
2.8 Hours Later - Glasgow - The Zombie Chase Date: Friday 15th August 2014 Place: Details to be advised to those booked Meet: Top Secret - Somewhere in Glasgow Time: 7:30pm Cost: £35 Member, £38 Guest We are delighted to have secured tickets for the City wide Zombie Chase Game – Understand that at every moment you are being hunted; by zombies, by police, by vigilantes. Starting from a secret Glasgow location, you are issued with a map and the address of the first location you must reach, somewhere in your quarantined city. Each location will immerse you further into the world of 2.8, where being bitten by a zombie doesn't just mean infection, it could mean quarantine. As you journey further into the game you uncover clues to the location of the mysterious Asylum. Once there, you will be scanned for infection - if you are infected you are transformed into one of the zombie horde. Asylum is a place of refuge for the infected and non infected alike, where both can live in harmony and get down at the Zombie Disco - THE party at the end of the world. In the meantime good Luck with your apocalypse training. Remember the basics: bring a phone and wear comfortable shoes or running shoes. The game ends with a zombie disco, complete with bar that the most resourceful apocalypse survivor would be proud of. However, for safety reasons we do require that you don't drink alcohol before or during the game. Drunk people always hurt themselves or get eaten. It's a rubbish survival plan. Cardio! You might not be able to outrun one of the slathering infected, but you’ll be ok if you can outrun the person next to you... This is a real event and is taking the UK by storm – tickets are limited to 8 – we didn’t want to feed too many Spice members to the Zombies – Book Now! 41
SPICE SCOTLAND EVENT LISTINGS SPRING 2014
Laithwaites Wine Tasting Experience Date: Tuesday 9th September 2014 Place: Orangebox Gallery, The Lighthouse, 11 Michell Lane, Glasgow (G1 3NU) Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Cost: £19 Member, £20 Guest We are delighted to team up with Laithwaites Wine for an evening of fabulous tastings. Join us in the Orangebox Gallery for a relaxed evening where you will find over 30 wines open to taste. This informal setting will give you the opportunity to try the selection of wine in your own time, with the friendly team from Laithwaites and a selection of knowledgeable wine producers on hand to help to give you the stories behind the wines. You’ll be encourage you to talk to them and find out about life in the vineyards! The tastings are very relaxed and informal. You’ll be welcomed you with a drop of Champagne (in a glass that is yours to keep). You then simply pass from table to table at your own pace, tasting whatever wines you like. There will be around 25 - 35 favourites from the Laithwaites range for you to try, from everyday drinking through to classic and fine wine. There will be some old heroes as well as new and unusual styles that you might not have had the opportunity to try before. There will be a sprinkling of sparkling wines, dessert wines, and fortified too – a real assortment from all corners of the wine world. Water, biscuits and a little cheese will be provided to help ‘soak up’ the wine and we will have spittoons/pour away vessels beside every table (use of which is optional!). It’s also worth knowing that any orders made on the evening will benefit from a 10% discount and free delivery. Dress Code: Unless otherwise stated, all events are ‘smart casual’. This is a public event for which Spice members have been invited – public price of this event is £20 – save and come with us.
Laithwaites Wine Tasting Experience Date: Wednesday 10th September 2014 Place: The Playfair Library, Edinburgh Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Cost: £19 Member, £20 Guest We are delighted to team up with Laithwaites Wine for an evening of fabulous tastings. Join us in the Orangebox Gallery for a relaxed evening where you will find over 30 wines open to taste. This informal setting will give you the opportunity to try the selection of wine in your own time, with the friendly team from Laithwaites and a selection of knowledgeable wine producers on hand to help to give you the stories behind the wines. You’ll be encourage you to talk to them and find out about life in the vineyards! The tastings are very relaxed and informal. You’ll be welcomed you with a drop of Champagne (in a glass that is yours to keep). You then simply pass from table to table at your own pace, tasting whatever wines you like. There will be around 25 - 35 favourites from the Laithwaites range for you to try, from everyday drinking through to classic and fine wine. There will be some old heroes as well as new and unusual styles that you might not have had the opportunity to try before. There will be a sprinkling of sparkling wines, dessert wines, and fortified too – a real assortment from all corners of the wine world. Water, biscuits and a little cheese will be provided to help ‘soak up’ the wine and we will have spittoons/pour away vessels beside every table (use of which is optional!). It’s also worth knowing that any orders made on the evening will benefit from a 10% discount and free delivery. Dress Code: Unless otherwise stated, all events are ‘smart casual’. This is a public event for which Spice members have been invited – public price of this event is £20 – save and come with us.
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