Spice Bristol & Cardiff Skiing - Winter 2016 Ski Trip 1, Tignes, France - Sunday 24th to 31st January 2016 s!
£785 (deposit £125) Last few Place Includes: Twin share accommodation, Flights, Transfers, Welcome drink, 7 breakfasts, 6 evening meals with wine & afternoon tea. Extras: Travel insurance, Drinks & Some meals, Lift pass, ski/boot hire, Ski school Spice London is returning to one of our favourite resorts, Tignes which is linked to nearby Val d’Isere, together they make up the Espace Killy ski area offering over 300km of pistes. With such a huge area there is something for everyone, beginners and intermediates will love the many gentle cruising green and blue runs connecting the two resorts and also the long blue into Les Brevieres, a great lunch stop. For the more adventurous the long blue and red runs down from the magnificent 3400m Grande Motte glacier are a must do. For experts there are many un-pisted itinerary runs which should get the legs burning plus of course “La Face” the sheer black drop into Val. The two resorts are easily linked to each other but are quite different in character. Tignes comprises of 5 modern purpose built large villages all set on a beautiful open mountain plateau and offers easy access the slopes with plenty of bars for that all important après ski and a wide choice of mountain restaurants. Val is set is an open valley and is centred around a 17�� century church and has a great selection of lively bars, restaurants and shops. Val has 3 main ski areas, those linking to Tignes, Le Fornet area plus La Daille. We are staying in the recently refurbished Mark Warner Chalet Hotel Aiguille Percee which is in a great location just moments from the slopes and in the heart of Tignes Le Lac Village. The hotel has a new indoor swimming pool a steam and sauna area. Dianne, your Spice Coordinator, will be on this trip to organise you into ski groups and Apres ski activities and ensure everything goes smoothly. The tour operator for this flight inclusive holiday is Mark Warner (ATOL 1176) for whom we act as Agents. This holiday is protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Mark Warner 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.
Ski Trip 2, Arabba, Italy - Saturday 19th to 26th March 2016 £785 (deposit £150) Includes: Twin share accommodation, Flights, Transfers, Welcome drink, 7 buffet breakfasts, 6 evening meals. Extras: Travel insurance, Drinks & Some meals, Lift pass, ski/boot hire, Ski school We are very excited to have discovered a brand new destination for our 2ⁿ� ski trip this season in Arabba, Italy! Arabba is a traditional small village beautifully positioned between the stunning Gruppo del Sella and the Marmolada glacier, with fantastic views everywhere you look, although quiet there are a number of bars and restaurants offering great Italian food and a place for a relaxed après ski drink. The ski area around Arabba offers a varied mix of open and woodland slopes, the Porta Vescovo gondola above the village takes you to a variety of blue, red & black runs which return to Arabba or drop down towards the long red runs on the Marmolada glacier. This whole area is an intermediates/experts paradise (tip: for the best hot chocolate go to the top of Porta Vescovo). For more timid skiers a few easy blue runs take you to Covara where there is an amazing selection of cruising blues. No trip to Arabba would be complete without skiing the Sellaronda a panoramic 42km 5-6 hours ski route around the Gruppo del Sella taking in Arabba, Corvara, Canazei and Selva Val Gardena which may be skied either clockwise or anticlockwise (or do both!) and is a fantastic day out! The Dololmiti Superski pass also covers Chic Cortina, the Hidden Valley and the amazing compact but brilliant German speaking resort of Kronplatz. We are staying in the family run Hotel Olympia which is exclusive to Inghams. The hotel overlooks the village 400m away, Skis & boots may be left in lockers in the village and has a bar with lounge, it also has a sauna and Jacuzzi and a games room. The buffet breakfast and 4 course dinner with menu choice and salad buffet are taken in the panoramic restaurant (wine is not included). All twin rooms have a balcony with bath or shower. Dianne your Spice Co-Ordinator will be on-hand to organise everyone into ski groups and Apres ski activities and ensure everything goes smoothly. The tour operator for this flight inclusive holiday is Inghams (ATOL 0025, ABTA V4871) for whom we act as Agents. This holiday is protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Inghams 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.
Get involved with these fun social events… Social & find out more evenings Our regular social and find out more evenings are a great way for members to catch up with each other and socialise over a drink in relaxed surroundings, if you have never been why not drop by. They are also a way for prospective members to come along, meet a few existing members and find out more about Spice & maybe join on the night. A Spice coordinator will be there to welcome you & make some introductions and also give a short talk about how Spice works, it’s all very relaxed and friendly. These nights are always popular and its well worth dropping in. There is no need to book and there is no charge, you only pay for your own drinks.
Bristol Preview Nights The Badminton - Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2QJ Monday 12�� Oct, 9�� Nov & 14�� Dec from 7:30pm The Swan, Bath Road, Swineford BS30 6LN Tuesday 20�� Oct, 17�� Nov from 7:30pm
Bath Preview Nights The Crystal Palace - 10-11 Abbey Green, Bath, BA1 1NW Wednesday 14�� Oct, 11�� Nov & 9�� Dec from 7:30pm
Gloucester Preview Nights Robert Raikes Inn, 38 Southgate St, Gloucester, GL1 2DR Wednesday 18�� Nov from 7:30pm
Cheltenham Preview Nights The Brown Jug, 242 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7NB Wednesday 21�� Oct & 16�� Dec from 7:30pm
Cardiff Preview Nights Chapter, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff, CF5 1QE Wednesday 21�� Oct, 18�� Nov & 16�� Dec rom 7:45pm
Pub Quiz nights - Free Tredegar Arms, 4 Caephilly Rd, Brassaleg NP10 8LE Tuesday from 8:30pm 6�� & 20�� Oct, 3�� & 17�� Nov, 1�� & 15�� Dec
Keep fit and active evenings Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd BS10 5PY 8:00pm for beginners lesson Wednesday nights weekly
Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury Armstrong Hall Complex, 4 Chapel St BS35 2BU 8:00pm for 8:15 beginners lesson Thursday nights weekly
Badminton drop in and play The Boulevard, Hengrove Park, Bristol, BS14 0JZ Monday from 6:45pm 5�� & 19�� Oct, 2ⁿ�, 16��& 30�� Nov, 14�� Dec
Scuba diving taster session Dean Lane, Bedminster, BS3 1BS Tuesday from 8pm 16�� & 20�� Oct, 3��, 11�� & 17�� Nov, 1�� & 15�� Dec
Meet & Eat Socials Our Meet & Eat & Local Socials are a relaxed fun way to make friends with Spice members in your area. Usually you can just turn-up but please take a look at our web site as you may need to book these events. These events are free, you just pay on the night for any drinks or food you have on the night.
Pay as you go socials and meals The idea of our pay as you go events is to have a fun evening with other Spice members. You do need to book these events and we charge a small administration fee of £2 to secure your booking. On the night you are free to choose what to eat and drink and how much to spend. It’s a great way to socialise and also keep and to eye on the pennies.
White Horse, Coychurch, Bridgend CF35 5HD 18�� Oct, 22ⁿ� Nov & 20�� Dec The Brown Jug, 242 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL35 7NB 8�� Oct & 16�� Dec The Volly, King Street, Bristol BS1 4EF 6�� Oct, 10�� Nov & 8�� Dec
..and make the most of your Spice membership!
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Sailing Weekend around the Solent
Fri 2nd Oct 2015 - Sun 4th Oct 2015 Fri 16th Oct 2015 - Sun 18th Oct 2015 Place: Chichester Marina, Chichester, Sussex (PO20 7EJ) Friday evening 8pm to 4pm Cost: £238 Shared Cabin The Solent is an ideal location for a weekend sailing cruise. There is so much to see, the beautiful Isle of Wight, many boats and ships passing by and many characterful and historic harbours from which to choose our Saturday night stop. The Solent offers sheltered sailing and experience has shown that normally we sail for the whole day lunch is most often eaten underway. Teas/coffees or soft drinks with chocolate, snacks and biscuits are also available throughout the day. We aim to moor before dark to give time to relax and, if you wish, have a shower at the marina, before we set off to a restaurant or pub for the evening meal. On Sunday, after breakfast we set sail to return to Chichester Marina, mooring or anchoring for lunch.
Ten Pin Bowling - Cardiff
Date: Friday 2nd October 2015 Place: The Red Dragon Centre, Hemingway Road (CF10 4JY) Hollywood Bowl inside the bowling alley 7:30pm Cost: £15 Includes: 2 Ten pin bowling games, Shoe hire, Host Tonight, it’s back to the traditional Ten Pin Bowling so it’s a case of strike em down and rack up the score. Ten Pin Bowling is a great laugh and it doesn't matter if you've never bowled before or if you are at the top of your game, join us tonight for some fun. We’ll meet inside Hollywood Bowl by the shoe collection point at 8.00pm. Tonight we’ll be playing 2 full games and we’ll add up the scores from both games to find a winner. At the end of the game there will be a small prize for the best overall scorer.
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Walking Weekend Llangollen's Hills and Dales
Fri 2nd Oct 2015 - Sun 4th Oct 2015 Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen, Wales (LL20 8AD) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 guided walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Our annual pilgrimage to the Wonderful Wild Pheasant Hotel is here again and we can’t wait to get back. Their food, hospitality and relaxing spa facilities make it far too alluring for us not to return. This year we are going back to our original walks which you have spoken so fondly of. The lush Vale of Llangollen has some remarkable scenery from the colourful deciduous woodlands that line the meandering river banks to miles of peaceful canals and all with a backdrop of towering limestone escarpments which lead out to the open ridges, hills and moorlands beyond. With so many variants of the walks it means we never do exactly the same version as the previous year. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
Bushcraft for Beginners
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2015 Place: Christchurch Forest of Dean 10am to 4pm cost: £55 The art of Bushcraft has had a real revival due to the popularity of the exploits of such celebrities as Bear Grylls and Ray Mears. So we’ve teamed up with the experts at Forest Bushcraft who promise to show us just how much fun you can have with what nature provides for you in the Forest of Dean. We’ll learn such vital survival skills as building fires and lighting them using modern and primitive fire technology. Shelter building. Tree and plant appreciation. Foraging for food. Knife and axe skills and basic woodcraft ..and much more. It’s a very sociable day, as we learn a lot of our skills as a group around the campfire. Any you never know when those skills might save your life or someone else’s! Bring a packed lunch (to supplement our foraging!). Hot drinks are provided throughout.
Unique Wolf Experience with Walk - Bedford
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2015 Place: A428 between Bromham and Turvey, Bedfordshire 10:30am to 1pm cost: £45 Includes: exclusive Spice visit with opportunity to walk and fee the wolves Walk and feed the wolves - another unusual and truly amazing experience and a popular event with Spice members. We have run this event many times and always receive excellent feedback. Are you afraid of the Big Bad Wolf - probably, so now is a chance to confront your fears and dispel those childhood myths. We meet the wolves and their handlers at the Anglian Wolf Society which is located between Bromham and Turvey near Bedford. The Anglian Wolf Society is a small private sanctuary for wolves and they support and raise funds for wolf conservation. They are not open to the public but have kindly agreed to allow Spice members to visit the centre to learn more about the wolves their habits. There are opportunities to feed them and have some hands on experience. We also accompany one of the wolves on a walk around the adjacent land. The handlers will make you very welcome and chat to you throughout the whole wolf experience and answer any of your questions.
Stroll Around Roath Park and Sunday Lunch
Date: Sunday 4th October 2015 Place: Roath park, Lake Road, Cardiff (CF23 5PG) At entrance to park - Spice sign 11:30am Includes: Spice host throughout Extras: Pay as you go for food and drinks Today Spicer members are taking a stroll in Roath Park which is a beautiful park in the centre of this busy capital city. The park still retains the classic Victorian Park atmosphere and is full of historic and horticultural interest, with widely diverse environments across the park. A lighthouse was constructed in the lake containing a scale model of the ‘Terra Nova’ ship as a memorial to Captain Scott who sailed to the Antarctic from Cardiff in 1910. There is a wide range of habitats in the park, which attracts a diverse variety of wildlife. The lake acts as an important habitat for over wintering and breeding birds, including mallard, cormorants and herons. Islands within the lake also act as safe nesting sites. There is a wildflower garden included in the park where the area is managed to encourage wildlife and native species. A Victorian glass house is home to tropical plants, koi carp and terrapins.
Waterside Wildlife Guided Cruise Bristol
Date: Sunday 4th October 2015 Place: Gas Ferry Road, Bristol (BS1 6TY) Bristol Ferry Boats at the SS Great Britain 8:45am Cost: £21 Includes: Boat Trip with Waterside Wildlife Tour commentated by Ed Drewitt, Spice Host Ever wondered what wildlife lives in the Avon Gorge? Have you ever fancied going down the River Avon by boat? Always wanted to see a Peregrine Falcon? Well here’s your chance as we join a cruise through the Avon Gorge with Ed Drewitt, naturalist and broadcaster for the BBC as your commentator. It is the perfect way of spotting wildlife, plants and the general landscape and geology of the area. So, why not sit back, relax and enjoy everything from a completely different perspective?
National Stud Tour at Newmarket
Date: Saturday 10th October 2015 Place: The National Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk (CB8 0XE) final info will be sent by email. 10am Cost: £39.50 Includes: National Stud tour and Spice host. Newmarket is the largest racehorse training centre in Britain and home to most major British horseracing institutions. It has over fifty horse training stables, two large racetracks, and one of the most extensive horse training grounds in the world. The day starts by a tour around the National Stud which offers a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of a working Thoroughbred stud farm and introduces visitors to the history and purpose of the National Stud as a commercial Thoroughbred breeding operation. During the tour you can visit the Foaling Unit and nursery paddocks where you may see newborn foals; the superb Stallion Unit, with an opportunity to view the stallions in residence as well as visiting various paddocks where you can watch the mares and foals grazing and enjoying the sunshine. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the 2004 Grand National winner Amberleigh House in his paddock and maybe even feed him a polo! The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and visitors are taken by coach and on foot.
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National Stud Tour, Newmarket Racing 1 or 2 Nights Hotel
Fri 9th Oct - Sun 11th Oct (2 Nights) or Sat 10th Oct - Sun 11th Oct(1 Night) Menzies Hotel Cambridge, Bar Hill, Cambridge (CB23 8EU) Check in from 3.00pm £215 Twin Share, £260 Single (Deposit £45 Twin Share, £50 Single) for 2 nights £179 Twin Share, £199 Single (Deposit £36) for 1 night Includes: 1 or 2 nights Luxury Hotel Accommodation, 1 or 2 Breakfasts, Evening Meal on Saturday, Private 90 Minute National Stud Tour with Tea/Coffee/Biscuits, Grandstand & Paddock entry to Newmarket Races on Saturday 10 October, Transfer to Newmarket Races from hotel (return), Use of leisure facilities at hotel (indoor pool, sauna & gym), Car Parking at the Hotel, optional visit to explore Cambridge on the Sunday, Services of Spice Host. Why not make a weekend of it in Newmarket with the option of a 1 or 2 night stay. Standing in a picturesque 200 acres, the four star Menzies Cambridge hotel is just five miles from the famous University City. This 4 star hotel offers 24 hour room service and great facilities including free parking, an award winning restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms.
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Outdoor Digital Photography Weekend
Fri 9th Oct 2015 - Sun 11th Oct 2015 Lluest Fach, Mid Wales (SY21 OPB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. Buffet 8.30p.m. £181 Sharing, (Deposit £36 Sharing) Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet/picnic lunches, 4 course evening dinner party and all instructions Extras: Transport to starts if used Do you own a digital camera? Do you look at the pictures on the screen and your prints and think they’re ok, but they’re not really as you remember when you took the shot. Maybe you’re unsure about manual settings and prefer to leave it on the automatic setting rather than really knowing how to make the most of your camera and the location you’re in? Well this weekend aims to change all that and will allow you to get to grips with how your digital camera really works.
Taste of India and Cocktails, Bath
Date: Friday 9th October 2015 Place: Rajpoot followed by Opium (BA2 4BA) Restaurant table - Spice sign 7pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice host Extras: Food and drink on the night Tonight we’ll start at Opium for classic cocktails in the quirky Middle-Eastern inspired bar before heading for an Indian meal at Rajpoot. Rajpoot comes highly recommended by our members who have eaten there before and is beautifully decorated in true Indian décor. This pay-as-you-go event means you can all decide on the day what food you’d like to share. Cocktails at Opium are lovingly created by the bar staff, with a choice of mocktails if you’re driving.
Anyone for Dessert, Bristol
Date: Saturday 10th October 2015 Place: No Man's Grace Dessert Bar, 6 Chandos Road, Bristol (BS6 6PE) Spice table 8pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice Host Extras: Dessert of choice No Man’s Grace pays homage to the pudding by introducing a dessert bar. Each dessert is expertly paired with a dessert wine and a matching cocktail so we’ll pull up a stool at the bar and sample their sweet treats this evening.
Canoeing Weekend Wye Valley - Forest of Dean - 1 Night Camping
Date: Sat 10th Oct 2015 - Sun 11th Oct 2015 Place: Bracelands Campsite, Coleford, Gloucester (GL16 7NP) Saturday morning 10am Cost: £115 Includes: canoes, instruction with qualified guides Extras: camping fees paid direct to the campsite, snacks, drinks and pub meals The Wye is one of the classic canoeing rivers in the UK. The Wye Valley is still largely unspoilt, it has its own interesting wildlife, culture and history... and the autumn scenery is wonderful! On its middle and lower sections it offers relaxed and easy-going paddling with the occasional straight-forward rapid... to add a bit of further interest! This weekend gives an ideal and gentle introduction to canoeing on a river with a flow. It will focus on techniques appropriate for paddling in easy grade rapids and moving water. We meet up on Saturday morning and will be paddling on the Saturday and Sunday. The price includes 2 days' paddling (4-5 hours each day) and tuition. NB. does not include transport, accommodation and meals.
Pay As You Go - Signor Valentino Cardiff
Date: Saturday 10th October 2015 Place: Unit Upper 14, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay (CF10 5BZ) Signor Valentino - Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice table booking and Spice host Extras: food and drinks you pay on the night for what you have Located on the first floor at Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, Signor Valentino undoubtedly occupies the best position on the waterfront. With views to die for over Cardiff Bay and stretching to Penarth Marina, it feels like you could be anywhere in the Mediterranean. This is a great place to get together with other Spice members in the area and have a social and relaxing evening. Don’t worry if you’re new to Spice as our host will be there to make introductions. This is a pay as you go event so you pay a deposit of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the restaurant and we will organise a Spice host for the evening.
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down
Date: Sunday 11th October 2015 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol Layby on the Portway 1:15pm to 4:30pm Cost: £37 Bristol has the amazing Avon Gorge with the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge symbolising this great city. But it’s not just a beautiful landmark – it’s also the setting for one of our greatest and most challenging events – The Big Abseil. What a great shot for your photo album! Go ahead and impress your family and friends with this classic Spice event. You will start off by literally ‘getting to know the ropes’ and receive full instruction on the techniques needed for your descent. Your instructor will build up your confidence and calm your nerves before you progress onto the impressive 200-foot descent. Don’t forget to admire the impressive views whilst you’re up there.
Symonds Yat Adventure Mission
Date: Saturday 10th October 2015 Place: Forest of Dean 10pm to approx. 4pm 10am to 4pm Cost: £52 Member, £57 Guest Have you ever been on a walk through the forest that starts with you being kitted out with harness and helmet? If not, you've never been on one which starts with a 100 foot abseil down the Buttress at the Yat! Fuelled on adrenaline we then navigate down to the river and walk along the disused railway line to the Bibblings Wire Suspension Bridge where we cross the Wye. We then ramble onto Pancake Caves, which we enter by being lowered on a rope through a hole in the roof - wow! Our ramble then takes us onto King Arthur's Cave on the Doward, an ancient dwelling place, and on to the Seven Sisters, a rock outcrop with great views of the Wye Valley, which is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Walk - Old Sodbury and the Cotswolds Edge - 6 miles
Date: Sunday 11th October 2015 Place: Church Lane, Old Sodbury (BS37 6NB) Old Sodbury C of E Primary School 11am Cost: £6 Includes: Walk guide Extras: Food and drink You can get Book-It to insert an event write-up here for you automatically. Simply go to the events screen and find this event then click on the button labelled 'Edit Write-Up' on the write-up page. When you have saved and closed your write-up just run the newsletter again. You can include text, images, tables and just about anything else that your Word is capable of in your write-up.
Walk - Oxwich Burrows and Nicholaston Burrows - 6 miles
Date: Sunday 11th October 2015 Place: The Gower, Penmasen, (SA3 2HQ) Penmaen Car Park 10:30am Cost: £5 Starting at the parking area in Penmaen, The Gower, this circular six mile walk led by Layla takes you on the Gower Coast Path through Nicholaston Burrows to Oxwich Burrows. You’ll see the stunning beaches of the Gower, Three Cliffs Bay and experience the quiet of nearby woodlands before heading back to the start point. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, some money for a drink when we stop (and don’t forget your camera to capture those views).
Acoustic music night at Smoke and Mirrors - Bristol
Date: Tuesday 13th October 2015 Place: Smoke and Mirrors Bar, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol, (BS1 5DQ) Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice host Extras: Drinks Unwind in the evening listening to some of the South West's best musical talent. Each evening there are up to five different bands playing. While the evening is due to finish at 11pm, if you need to head off earlier then that’s absolutely fine.
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Walking Weekend Evesham North Cotswolds
Fri 16th Oct 2015 - Sun 18th Oct 2015 Abbots Salford, Evesham, Worcester (WR11 8UT) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £175 Twin Share, £215 Single, (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, Evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 guided walks (with a choice of 2 walks each day) Extras: Transport to walk starts if used We will be staying in a lovingly restored and fascinating Tudor manor almost unchanged by time. This Grade 1 listed hotel is located in the picturesque Vale of Evesham renowned for both Shakespeare and the Cotswolds. The upshot of this wonderful location is that we can access the terrific area of the northern Cotswolds around Evesham. We will be exploring an interesting and diverse new area to the north of Chipping Campden plus visiting an old favourite south of Chipping Campden. Idyllic views and villages feature strongly along with magnificent architecture built from the warm honey Cotswolds stone. The Cotswolds is a great place for us to experience long distance paths such as ‘The Heart of England’ and ‘The Monarch’s Way’ as we criss-cross the region’s stunning array of habitats, villages, woodlands, nature reserves, meadows and downlands. One day will be spent in a new area for WalkWise involving Hidcote Manor and its surrounding satellite villages. No doubt in one of them it will be a game-on to discover how many ‘Mousey Kilburn’ mice are carved into the church pews! This weekend we will also have the chance to visit Snowshill and Stanton, described as two of the loveliest villages in the Cotswolds.
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Elan Valley Walking and Social Weekend
Fri 16th Oct 2015 - Sun 18th Oct 2015 Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DY (LD1 5DY) Friday evening from 6pm £169 Twin Share, £194 Single (Deposit £30) Includes: Dinner, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Guided Walks, Evening Meal, Quiz (Saturday) Breakfast, Guided Walk (Sunday) Saturday – We walk in the beautiful Elan Valley with its wonderful scenery, reservoirs, woods and dramatic valleys. There is a choice of a 5 or 9 mile walk. We start from the Elan Valley Visitors Centre. The morning walk goes up to the dam and follows the route of the old railway line that was built for the construction of the dams, along the shores of Caban-Coch reservoir. The next stage follows the Garreg-ddu Reservoir, giving great views both of the shores of the reservoirs as well as open and woodland ending with a dramatic view of the dam. Sunday – Today we have a 5½ mile walk from the hotel and head east over the hills to a lovely old church at Cefnllys, passing the famous Shaky Bridge. The walk passes the infamous lake which supposedly contains “The Water Beast of the Lake of Llandrindod Wells”. The terrain is varied – from hills to farmland and woodland paths. We get some magnificent views of the area. As with Saturday there are some gradients but we will take our time. For non-walkers - There are many local attractions if you want to have a break from walking including the Elan Valley and its Visitors Centre with many reservoirs and dams and stunning scenery.
Bushcraft for Beginners - Bristol
Date: Saturday 17th October 2015 Place: Mendip Snowsport Centre, Luyncombe Drive, Churchill (BS25 5PQ) Meet: Mendip Outdoor Pursuits 9:15am to 12pm Cost: £38 We all depend on our modern comforts but there is nothing more satisfying than getting back to basics and really experiencing the outdoors. You've watched Ray Mears and Bear Grylls on TV, now get out there and try it for yourself. Learn how to track animals, start a fire with a flint & steel and build a shelter. This short environmental bush craft session is run on the 250 acre woodland site, which forms part of the Mendip Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a wonderful and exciting day out so come along and join in!
King Street Pub Social and Live Music, Bristol
Date: Saturday 17th October 2015 Place: King Street, Bristol (BS1 4ER) The Old Duke Cost: £2 Starting off at the Old Duke, Bristol’s famous jazz pub, we’ll take in some of the best pubs and bars this popular night time destination has to offer. If the weather’s still warm enough, you can enjoy the European pavement-style vibe that King Street has to offer. Stopping in at the Beer Emporium and Small Bar will give you plenty of opportunities to taste some of the West Country’s best ales and ciders, before finishing the night at the Famous Royal Navy Volunteer that plays live music until close. This is a pay-as-you-go event, so you just pay for your drinks on the night.
Meet, Mingle and Have a Meal - Prince of Wales Bridgend
Date: Saturday 17th October 2015 Place: Prince of Wales, Ton Kenfig, Mid Glamorgan (CF33 4PR) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Set on the edge of the beautiful Kenfig Nature Reserve on the South Welsh coast, this magnificent 16th Century family run Pub is steeped in history, character and charm. With panoramic views of the Bristol Channel and Gower Peninsula, The Prince Of Wales Inn is open throughout the year and is the ideal place for great food, great beer and good times. This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay at the time for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table and we will organise a Spice host. Please book early as we need to book the space at the restaurant in order to accommodate everyone. As it is a Saturday, and a popular and busy venue, we have to confirm our numbers long in advance and can’t guarantee any places to late bookings
Sunday Lunch by the Lock, Keynsham
Date: Sunday 18th October 2015 Place: The Lock Keeper, Keynsham, Bristol (BS31 2DD) Spice table 12:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice host Extras: Meal and drinks Come and meet other club members (and maybe a few new ones) over a Sunday lunch at one of our favourite places! The Lock Keeper at Keynsham overlooks the fast flowing river and with a table in their light and airy conservatory, it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a hearty Sunday lunch. This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay at the time for any food and drinks that you have.
Cheese and Wine Tasting Evening
Date: Wednesday 21st October 2015 Place: Arch House Deli, Boyce's Avenue, Clifton Village, Bristol (BS8 4AA) In the Deli - Spice Group 6:45pm to 9:30pm Cost: £29 Includes: Wine and Cheese Tasting, Booking Fee, Spice Host Arch House Deli is our host tonight for a fabulous cheese and wine tasting evening. David Greenman of Arch House Deli runs the evening along with a wine aficionado from Averys and we will be tasting six of David’s favourite cheeses from the deli which have been paired with six wines designed to bring out the very best in each other. Background information will also be provided on each of the cheeses and wines and, most importantly, you will get to try them all in what is sure to be a memorable evening.
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Cycling Weekend - Bournemouth, Dorset
Fri 23rd Oct 2015 - Sun 25th Oct 2015 4 star Menzies hotel, Bournemouth (BH1 3AN) Arrive from 4.00p.m. £175 Twin, £205 Twin + Bike, £225 Single, £255 Single + bike Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner, 2 days of guided cycling and 3 ferry crossings Extras: Cash for lunches & drinks. We have linked up with Graham Hills from Bikers Delight for a great cycling weekend in Bournemouth. With over seven miles of golden sands, the coastline of Bournemouth and beyond is a beautiful place to explore by bike. With Promenades, piers, harbours and parks, all just an easy cycle away. You’ll see why this area is one of the most visited and loved resorts in the country. Terrain: Mainly flat on Path/Road: Beach front promenade, traffic free cycle paths and quiet roads Physical difficulty: Moderate Saturday, Easy Sunday. Cycling at a slow pace for 4 hours Saturday & 2.5 hours Sunday. Everyone will be assisted but you must be competent on a bike. Accommodation: 4star hotel in Bournemouth, in a sea facing cliff top location. Pool, sauna and gym facilities free to use at adjacent partner hotel. Friday: Check in to the hotel and head to a nearby pub for meet, greet and socialise. Saturday: Saddle up and head through the popular Victorian gardens, then over to Poole Harbour and Sandbanks peninsula. We’ll take the chain ferry over to the Isle of Purbecks, and idyllic Studland Bay. After refreshments at a beach cafe it’s on to the popular resort of Swanage, then lunch in Corfe village, under the majestic castle ruins. Countryside trails will lead us back to the chain ferry, before a lovely glide back along the promenade to the hotel. A perfect end to the cycling day there is Dinner and drinks in the hotel restaurant. Sunday: Heading east along the cliff top and soaking up the magnificent panoramic views, our first stop will be refreshments by the River Stour. After circumnavigating Christchurch harbour it’s time for another scenic ferry ride, then lunch at a beach front restaurant. Sticking with the formula of Saturday, we’ll end with an easy pedal along the promenade back to the hotel.
Dim Sum Delights at Dynasty, Bristol
Date: Friday 23rd October 2015 Place: Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, 16A Thomas Street, Bristol (BS1 6JJ) Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice host Extras: Meal and drinks Join Spice tonight as we head off to Dynasty, a restaurant that has earned an outstanding reputation for authentic quality Chinese food, being voted in The Observer as one of the UK’s top Five Chinese Restaurants. All the chefs are hand-picked for their culinary skills from Hong Kong and China and it’s bound to be a tasty evening! Tonight we’ll be enjoying a tasty menu of which you can see a sample below. It’s a good evening for getting together with other Spice members in the area and socialising over a delicious meal.
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Skills for the Hills (Bronze and Silver Navigation Awards)
Fri 23rd Oct 2015 - Sun 25th Oct 2015 Lluest Fach Farm, Foel, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Meet: Arrive from 6.00p.m. Buffet Supper 8.30p £142 Sharing, (Deposit £28) Includes: Two nights B&B, Friday evening light supper, lunches, 4 course evening & and instruction You're interested in hill walking, but want to learn more about the practical skills and techniques needed to venture safely out to the hills and mountains of Britain, or if you already have some of these skills but want to increase your level of competence, then this weekend is for you. Anyone who has been out walking on the hills will appreciate the problems that may arise if you are not prepared and this weekend is designed to make sure you're aware of what can happen and what to do about it. The majority of the weekend is practical so you will be out walking in the breath taking scenery of the Welsh Hills. The countryside in which we’ll be walking, as well as being of outstanding beauty, is ideally suited to developing navigation skills as it is not always easy to follow the paths and rights of way. The emphasis for the weekend is on enjoying the walks and the instruction will be given on the hoof with each person having the opportunity to develop their own level of confidence.
Canadian Canoe Adventure
Date: Saturday 24th October 2015 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 5QT) 10.00am to approx. 3.30pm Cost: £55 The team from Forest Adventure have come up with a varied route for Canadian style open canoes - enjoyable for absolute beginners and practiced paddlers alike. They have planned out for us, one of the most scenic, most photographed, stretches of the Wye, from Kerne Bridge to Huntsmans Bridge taking in views of Symonds Yat as we go. Having allowed four and a half hours for the trip, it should be a leisurely day and will include a stop for coffee and a stop at a pub! The open canoes minimise our chance of getting wet, which is just as well at this time of year! All specialist equipment is provided.
Fathom Escape Team Puzzle Challenge, Bristol
Date: Saturday 24th October 2015 Place: The Old Malt House, Unit 1, 4-6 Pennywell Road, Bristol (BS5 0TJ) Inside main entrance 7:15pm Cost: £20.99 Includes: Spice host, ticket to games Extras: Drinks If you enjoyed TV games shows like The Crystal Maze or The Krypton Factor, then you will love this! In teams, you have one hour to escape a mysterious room filled with hidden clues, baffling riddles and fiendish puzzles. Use teamwork, cunning and wit to discover the location of a lost key and make your escape before the time runs out. After the event, we’ll head for a drink to debrief on the evening’s performance (payable on the day).
Halloween Trail at Cardiff Castle
Date: Saturday 24th October 2015 Place: Cardiff Castle, Castle Street, Cardiff (CF10 3RB) At entrance - Spice Sign 11am Includes: Spice host Extras: Entrance to Trail £1 and any food and drinks if require Join Spice today as we head to Cardiff Castle to take the Halloween Trail. We will follow the cryptic clues to the spookiest parts of the castle. This is a pay as you go event. Please book in the usual so that we know who is coming along and can organise a Spice host. The entrance is a £1 to the trail and no doubt we will head off for some food and drinks afterwards.
String Quartet, Opera Matinee and Lunch at Sarastro
Date: Sunday 25th October 2015 Place: Sarastros, 126 Drury Lane, London (WC2B 5QG) Ask for Spice table 1:30pm Cost: £42.50 Includes: 3 Course Meal, Service, Live music and opera, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Sarastro, named for a character in Mozart’s Magic Flute is known as ‘the show after the show’. The restaurant in Drury Lane is a rich tapestry of flamboyant artwork, gilt furniture and wall mounted opera boxes, which provide a spectacular view of the interior. On Sunday lunchtimes Sarastro really comes into its own with magical live performances by a string quartet and opera singers. Today we’ll indulge in a delicious three course set menu whilst being entertained by singers not just from London's Opera Houses but from all over the world too.
Unique Film and Comic Con Cardiff
Date: Sunday 25th October 2015 Place: Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff (CF10 2EQ) Entrance - Spice sign 11am Includes: Spice Host Extras: entrance is £8 on day Come along today to the fantastic Cardiff Film and Comic Con where there is much to see and do! Everything is focused on films, cult television, gaming and comics and the convention holds a large hall selling movie, comic and science fiction related memorabilia and original film props, along with free guest talks, professional photo shoots, autograph sessions, and displays. Famous guests who will be appearing this year include: Ken Colley (Star Wars) Brenock O’Connor (Game of Thrones, Rene Auberjonois (Star Trek) Rohan Gotobed (Harry Potter) and Hattie Gotobed (Game of Thrones) There are opportunities here to get autographs and/or photos (Not included in the price and payable on the day). You’re welcome to come dressed up – you’ll see many people do – but it’s also fine to come as you are and just enjoy the spectacle. This is a pay as you go event but you must pre-book in the usual way so that we know who is coming along and can organise a Spice host for the day.
Walk - Dyrham Park and West Littleton - 5 miles
Date: Sunday 25th October 2015 Place: Dyrham, South Gloucestershire (SN14 8ER) Car park of Dyrham Park National Trust 11am Cost: £6 Includes: Walk guide Extras: Car park, food and drink This walk, led by Rachael, is an easy 5 mile circular route starting from the car park of Dyrham Park NationalTtrust property. If you are member of the National Trust, remember to bring your pass. If not then you will need change for the car park. Our walk will pass through Dyrham Deer-park to join the Cotswold Way before taking a footpath up to the busy A46, which we’ll cross. We will take in the interesting village of West Littleton before heading back to Dyrham Park. Please bring a packed lunch and some money for tea, cake and drinks either during the walk or when we get back to the start..
Spice Meet and Eat - Fleur De Lis, Pucklechurch
Date: Thursday 29th October 2015 Place: 12 Shortwood Road, Pucklechurch (BS16 9RA) Inside - look for the Spice table 7:30pm Join Spice tonight for our Meet & Eat. Every month we head to a new for a social night-out. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink.
Mexican Street Food Feast at Wahaca Bristol
Date: Friday 30th October 2015 Place: Wahaca, 70-72 Queens Road, The Triangle, Bristol (BS8 1QU) Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice host Extras: Meal and drinks Wahaca Bristol brings the taste of Mexican market eating to the West Country. Not only can you enjoy some of the most authentic Mexican street food, the lively atmosphere makes it feel like you really are in the Caribbean. There are some seriously tasty margaritas and other cocktails on the menu too and we’re heading there for a Mexican feast. It’s a pay-as-you-go event, so you pay a booking fee now and then any food and drink you have on the night.
Walking Weekend Ultimate Challenge Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains
Date: Fri 30th Oct 2015 - Sun 1st Nov 2015 Place: Baskerville Hall, Clyro, Near Hay-on-Wye (HR3 5LE) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share,, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 guided walks Extras: Transport to walks starts if used Walkwise Overview: This weekend we are in for a real challenging treat. Not only do we cover all the highest points of the Brecon Beacons but also the very best of the Black Mountains on Hay-on-Wye’s doorstep. Baskerville Hall, is set in 140 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside in the Black Mountains and near the Brecon Beacons National Park. This National Park contains some of the most spectacular and distinctive upland formations in southern Britain. Since 1985 this amazing landscape has also been officially recognised as one of the most important geological landscapes in Europe. This is real hill walking on real hills and for those who have never been to the area you’re in for a real treat! Be warned this is a serious challenge and you must be an extremely fit and experienced hill walker just to make it. Consider it a full 1 and a half day walk rolled into one day. More information at the web site.
Caerphilly Castle Bonfire Night
Date: Saturday 31st October 2015 Place: Caerphilly Castle, Castle Street, Caerphilly, Wales (CF83 1JD) Final meet details will be emailed 6:30pm Includes: Spice host Join Spice tonight and wrap up warm as we are off to see the Fireworks display at Caerphilly Castle. This is the annual display, run by Caerphilly Town Council. Charity donations are welcome on the night will all contributions going towards a local charity. We will finalise the meet and Spice host details closer to the date.
Spooky Halloween Ball, Bristol
Date: Sat 31st Oct 2015 - Sun 1st Nov 2015 Place: Radisson Blue Hotel, Broad Quay, Bristol (BS1 4BY) Main reception 7pm to 1am Cost: £42 Includes: Arrival cocktail, canapes, two course meal, booking fee, Spice host Extras: Drinks Will it be a vampire’s kiss or a witch’s brew that raises you from the deathly hallows? Join us for a spooky spectacular with canapes in Dracula’s den on arrival, Halloween cocktails and a tantalising two course meal brewed in the witch’s pot. It wouldn’t be a Spice party without fancy dress – there are prizes for the best dressed individuals on the night too! Then party until the early hours to Halloween-themed music and a range of classics.
Rich Hall Live at The Bristol Old Vic
Date: Sunday 1st November 2015 Place: Bristol Old Vic (BS1 4ED) Outside 7:30pm to 10pm Cost: £19.50 Now is the time to see one of the world’s greatest comedy phenomenon’s; Rich Hall. Famed for his grouchy, deadpan style with rapid-fire with, this is guaranteed to have your sides hurting by the end of the show.
Meet, Mingle and Sunday Lunch - Horts Bristol
Date: Sunday 1st November 2015 Place: Horts Pub, 49 Broad Street, Bristol (BS1 2EP) Ask for the Spice Table 12:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice host Extras: Meal and drinks Today we’re meeting for a Sunday lunch at Horts Pub and Diner Bristol, located in Broad Street in the city centre (just by St Nicholas’ Market). Named after the 18th century artist, essayist and bon viveur Arthur Hort, born at the top of the road, the names Hort and Bristol have been synonymous for hundreds of years. Now fully restored to maximise the existing features; whilst adding light and space to create the most welcoming of environments, Horts blends the best of a traditional city pub with contemporary style. They do a great Sunday lunch, where you can choose one of four classic roast dinners (or something else from their varied Sunday menu if you prefer) and enjoy Young’s award winning ales, European lagers, wines from around the world or a great tasting coffee. It’s a lazy day out where you can enjoy some great food and the friendly company of other Spice members. This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay at the time for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table and we will organise a Spice host.
Sunday Walk - Carreg Cennan Castle - 4 Miles
Date: Sunday 1st November 2015 Place: Carreg Cennan Castle (SA19 6UA) In car park (free) 11:30am Cost: £4 Includes: guided walk with John Holloway Extras: drinks/snacks Join us today on this Sunday walk led by John Holloway. This walk is slightly further from home than our usual walks but this is probably one of the best inland short walks in South Wales so it's well worth the journey - see below re car sharing. Castell Carreg Cennen is a ruined castle perched on a limestone outcrop - Carreg is welsh for rock and Cennnen is the river in the valley below. The walk is wholly within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The walk is circular and offers ever changing views of the castle, majestically poised on its rock outcrop. The walk takes us through peaceful woodlands, across rivers, alongside streams and up onto moorland. This whole area is the haunt of birds of prey and we should see Red Kites and probably Kestrels and Buzzards.
Ballachulish Bargain Break
Date: Fri 6th Nov 2015 - Sun 8th Nov 2015 Place: Isles of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre (PH49 4HL) Cost: £109 Twin, £144 Single (Deposit £30) Includes: 2 Nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, VC Walks This legendary weekend just keeps getting better and better - 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.
Downend Fireworks Display, Bristol
Date: Friday 6th November 2015 Place: King George V Playing Fields, Downend (BS16 6QW) Main entrance 7pm Cost: £7.50 Includes: Entrance to the display, booking fee and Spice host Extras: Food and drink on the night Remember remember the 5th of November, well we forgot and are going out on the 6th! . This event needs no real introduction - there'll be fireworks, bangs, bars and live entertainment to mark the occasion. A local community event that's raising money for local charities. We’ll meet at 7pm to get food and drinks before the display starts 8pm.
Shaken and Stirred: James Bond Spectre Movie Night
Date: Friday 6th November 2015 Place: Directors Lounge, Cinema De Lux, Bristol (BS1 3BX) Main entrance - Spice sign 7pm Cost: £17.50 Includes: Cinema ticket, entrance to Director's Hall, non-alcoholic drink and popcorn Extras: Cocktail All Bond fanatics will be envious of this event! A chance to see the newest 007 adventure with Daniel Craig returning as the iconic James Bond. We will be seeing the movie at the award winning Director’s Lounge at Showcase Cinemas Cinema De Lux in Bristol. Enjoy the film in true 007-style with extra wide leather seats, popcorn and drinks all in the privacy of the Director’s Hall.
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Walking Weekend Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks
Fri 6th Nov 2015 - Sun 8th Nov 2015 Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester (SO23 8BS)From 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single)Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 days of guided walks and there will be a choice of walks each day. Ticket entrance to Bonfire and Firework Display Saturday 7.30pm Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: The western end of the South Downs National Park is a fabulous stretch of countryside typified by open meadows and rolling downs, idyllic towns and villages, and peaceful meandering chalk streams flowing through sun-drenched valleys and views that stretch all the way to the coast! For this WalkWise Walking weekend we will be staying in the perfect medieval City of Winchester in the wonderful Winchester Royal Hotel. The Medieval and Georgian buildings of the hotel are themselves part of the vibrant heritage of the city and have been very tastefully modernised to provide delightfully relaxed, comfortable and peaceful accommodation, yet lie only a stroll from its magnificent Cathedral, and award winning shops. We will take the Saturdays walks to one of the most shapely and interesting section of the Downs where beautiful countryside surrounds the picture perfect villages of East and West Meon. We shall wander over Winchester Hill, Salt Hill and Butser Hill. On the Saturday night we shall have an early dinner and go to watch the Bonfire and Firework display. The Sunday walks will be a little closer to Winchester and include the pretty Hampshire villages like Cheriton and historic houses of Hinton Ampner, as we make our way through gentle valleys and over the soft summer downlands.
Bath Fireworks Display, Bath
Date: Saturday 7th November 2015 Place: The Recreation Ground (The 'Rec'), Bath (BA2 7AY) Main entrance 6pm Cost: £8 Includes: Entrance to the display, booking fee and Spice host Extras: Food and drink on the night Remember remember the 5th of November. This event needs no real introduction - there'll be fireworks, bangs and a fully licensed bar to mark the occasion. We’ll meet at 6pm to get food and drinks before the display starts 19.00.
Pay As You Go - Purple Poppadom, Cardiff
Date: Saturday 7th November 2015 Place: 185a Cowbridge Road, East Cardiff (CF11 9AJ) Ask for Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Table booked for Spice members and Spice host Extras: Drinks and food on a pay as you go evening The Purple Poppadom Restaurant is fine Indian dining with great reviews so worth a visit on our Spice night out. This is a great place to get together with other Spice members in the area and have a social and relaxing evening. Don’t worry if you’re new to Spice as our host will be there to make introductions. This is a pay as you go event so you pay a deposit of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the restaurant and we will organise a Spice host for the evening.
Arrows, Talons and Tea - Swansea
Date: Sunday 8th November 2015 Place: Perriswood Archery and Falconry Centre, Penmaen, Gower, Swansea (SA3 2HN) Meet: Main Entrance - Spice Sign 1:45pm Cost: £17 Includes: Archery Taster Session, Cup of Tea and Cakes, Bird of Prey Display, Booking Fee, Spice Host If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a knight or maiden of olden times, this is the perfect event for you. Today we’re going to the Perriswood Archery and Falconry Centre in Gower where an introduction to archery is followed by a tea and cake before you watch a bird of prey display where you can hold and meet the birds. The centre is a family run business situated in the heart of Gower overlooking the stunning Oxwich Bay. There are 38 birds of prey at the centre and you can get up close and personal with them finding out all about them at the same time. It’s a lovely unusual day out with plenty to see and do.
All Prices shown are for Spice members please see our web site for guest prices
Cheltenham Fireworks Display
Date: Sunday 8th November 2015 Place: Cheltenham CSSC Club, Tewkesbury Road, Uckington, Cheltenham (GL51 9SL) Main entrance 5:30pm Cost: £8 Includes: Entrance to the display, booking fee and Spice host Extras: Food and drink on the night Remember remember the 5th of November. This event needs no real introduction - there'll be fireworks, bangs and a fully licensed bar to mark the occasion. Parking is available in the nearby Aldi or Sainsbury's car parks. Please do not park at the club. We’ll meet at 5.30pm, which give us time to get drinks and food, before the display starts at 6.15pm.
Meetings without Masks - A Heart-Centred Workshop for Singles
Date: Sunday 8th November 2015 Place: Wilder Studios, 27-29 Wilder Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol (BS2 8QA) Meetings without Masks 10:15am to 5:30pm Cost: £62 Includes: Full day Relationship Workshop, Lunch, Tea and Coffee 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.
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Magic of Venice Photography Break - 3 nights
Thu 12th Nov 2015 - Sun 15th Nov 2015 Venice, Italy Meet: Joining instructions will be emailed £799 Twin Share, £879 Single (Deposit £200) Includes flights, transfers, 3 day pass for the Vaporetto bus, 3 nights B&B in the 3 star Hotel Abbazia, 3 days photographic tuition Extras: Insurance. local payment of €50 euro. Lunches, evening meals and drinks are not included. Flights are from London Gatwick to Venice Marco Polo Now in our eighth year we return to experience the magic of Venice; everyone should see Venice at least once in his or her lives… it’s just made for photography… To stand on the Rialto Bridge as the warm glow of the setting sun radiates across the water onto an array of passing gondolas, the amazing architecture of San Marco Piazza, the canals and bridges, the bustling Rialto market, the gondolas bobbing provides our backdrops to give you breathtaking images. More information on this amazing destination is on our web site.
New Forest Walking and Social Weekend
Date: Fri 13th Nov 2015 - Sun 15th Nov 2015 Place: Moorhill House Hotel, Burley, Hampshire (BH24 4AH) Friday Evening Cost: £159 Twin £195 Member Single (Deposit £45) Overview: A new walking and social weekend in this beautiful part of the country, with Steve Dell which will appeal to both serious walkers who want longer walks and social walkers who want shorter ones. We go at one of the best times to see the New Forest; autumn when the trees change colour and give us a glorious and spectacular sight. We stay in the village of Burley near to Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst in the Heart of the New Forest, an area of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife. Saturday – There is a choice of a 5 or 10 mile walk from Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst which will take us through scenery typical of the New Forest. As you would expect there is a lot of beautiful woodland, and we will follow some of the meandering waters that eventually flow into the Lymington River. Sunday – Today we will walk from the hotel and explore the area around Burley. For non-walkers: The New Forest has plenty to do even if your reason to go isn’t walking or if you want to mix and match the walking with touristy stuff, including the attractions of Lyndhurst, many very pretty drives through the forest, Beaulieu with its motor museum and Abbey, Lymington is a short drive away and the attractions mentioned above. The Hotel: We stay at Moorhill House Hotel in the pretty village of Burley. The hotel is in its own grounds and is a short walk from the village centre and has direct access into the forest. The hotel has free Wi-Fi access and free parking on site. We will have exclusive use of one of the function rooms over the weekend for any social activities and the quiz on the Saturday night.
Ultimate Italian Dining at Sotto Sotto, Bath
Date: Friday 13th November 2015 Place: Sotto Sotto, Bath (BA2 4AL) Ask for the Spice Table 6:15pm Cost: £2 Includes: Booking fee and Spice host Extras: Food, Drink Sotto Sotto was recently Voted Best Italian in Bath at the Bath Good Food Awards and were also recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor - only the top 10% of businesses worldwide receive this prestigious award. Offering excellent Italian cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and quality ingredients, it seemed like just the place for Spice to get together for a lovely social evening while sampling the excellent cuisine the place has to offer. This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the restaurant and we will organise a Spice host for the evening.
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Welsh Cottage Walking Break
Fri 13th Nov 2015 - Sun 15th Nov 2015 Lluest Fach Farm, Foel, Mid-Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive at 6.00pm Meal at 8.00pm £142 Sharing, (Deposit £2) Includes: Includes Friday supper, full farmhouse breakfasts, picnic lunches and special five course evening meal with cheese and port and guided walks In response to demands from our more serious walkers; who like the idea of a relaxing Country Cottage weekend but want more challenging walks, we’ve asked our friends at Breakaway Holidays to come up with this weekend break. With the challenge of exploring the lesser-known and exhilarating walking available in southern Snowdonia, followed by a leisurely evening sipping wine and roasting chestnuts, while a sumptuous five course feast is prepared for your special dinner party, we think this is a weekend you won’t want to miss. For more information please see our web site.
50 Shades Ladies Night - Cardiff
Date: Saturday 14th November 2015 Place: Village Hotel, 29 Pendwyallt Road, Cardiff (CF14 7EF) Meet in bar from 7.00p.m. dinner at 7.45p.m. disco to 1.00a.m. Cost: £28 Includes: 3 course meal, entertainment and Spice host Extras: Drinks Calling all ladies. For one night only in the Village Hotel Cardiff we have a '50 Shades Ladies Night'. What do you say girls? Saucy fun is on the menu. We will be entertained by a singer. Then it's move over Christian Grey and bring on those hot, cheeky strippers!! The night is made complete with a three course meal and a disco until 1am. Get booking girls! Louise, your local Spice host, would love to get a few of our South Wales ladies booking this one as she would love to go so book as soon as you can so that we can secure our tickets.
Behind the Scenes Bristol Hippodrome
Date: Saturday 14th November 2015 Place: Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustines Parade (BS1 4UZ) Bristol Hippodrome - Main Entrance 9:50am Cost: £29.50 Includes: Theatre Tour of Bristol Hippodrome, Booking Fee, Coffee/Cake and Spice Host This is an ideal way to spend a Saturday morning whether you’ve lived in Bristol all your life, are a regular theatre goer who wants to find out more, or just plain curious. Entertainment is the name of the game. Join us behind the scenes of Bristol’s West End theatre. Presented by our knowledgeable guide, the tour will take us around the front of house and backstage areas, and includes the history, the shows, the stars, and of course a smattering of gossip and ghost stories. After our tour which lasts about 2 hours, we’ll head off to a local cafe to have a coffee and cake and catch up.
Dinner Shuffle at Carluccio's Bristol
Date: Saturday 14th November 2015 Place: The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol (BS34 5DG) Carluccio's - Ask for the Spice Table 6:30pm Cost: £23.50 Includes: 3 course meal, service, Spice host and booking fee Extras: Drinks Tonight we bring you a chance to meet lots of new Spice friends whilst enjoying a lovely meal as we’ll be doing one of our famous ‘shuffles’ where you move spaces after the starters and the main course. This makes socialising a breeze and you get to chat to lots of new people. For our shuffle we’re heading off to Carluccio’s in Cribbs Causeway with its contemporary and inviting setting, conveniently located just five miles from Bristol’s city centre. We’ll be having a 3 course meal here and lots of fun, so do join us!
Bute Park, Arboretum Stroll + Afternoon Tea
Date: Sunday 15th November 2015 Place: West Lodge, Bute Park, Castle Street, Cardiff (CF10 1BJ) Outside Pettigrew Tea Rooms 1:30pm Includes: Spice host Extras: Afternoon Tea Today we’ll going for a stroll through Bute Park & Arboretum, followed by afternoon tea at the Pettigrew Tea Rooms. Bute Park is an extensive area of mature parkland, flanked by the River Taff, Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna Fields and Cardiff Castle, and is the “green heart” of Cardiff full of historic and wildlife interest. An interesting mix of rare and ornamental trees have been planted since 1947 to compliment some excellent specimens that formed part of the original park design. The park itself boasts over 2000 trees, including some “Champion Trees” known to be the biggest examples of their species anywhere in the UK. As well as trees, the park is home to plenty of wildlife and visitors may see all three species of woodpecker, jays, tree creepers, otters, leaping salmon, waders, herons, damselflies and a whole host of fungi varieties on a trip through the park. After our walk, we’ll go to the Pettigrew Tea Rooms for afternoon Tea.
Fish and chip Friday, Cheltenham
Date: Friday 20th November 2015 Place: Simpsons Fish and Chips, 73-75 Priors Road, Cheltenham (GL52 5AL) At the Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Booking fee and Spice host Extras: Food and drink on the night To mark the end of the week there's no better way than with a delicious, freshly cooked plate of fish and chips. Having won many awards over the last few years, this is your chance to try Simpsons Fish and Chips. Choices range from fish cakes to hake to cod and butterfly prawns. All dishes are all cooked in a tip top crispy natural batter and served with chips, a fresh wedge of lemon and salad garnish too. Prices are no more than £10 for a standard meal.
Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway
Date: Friday 20th November 2015 Place: Hollywood Bowl, Cribbs Causway (BS10 7TT) inside the main entrance 7:30pm Cost: £15.50 Includes: 2 Games Of Bowling, Shoe Hire, Spice Host, Prizes Extras: Drinks / Food Tonight we’re playing Pyramid Bowling but with a BIG difference. We’ve decided to let the two regions of Spice Bristol Cardiff battle it out, giving you a chance to get a bit competitive as you compete against the other members in the club. For the purposes of this and to make it as fair as possible for everyone to participate, we’re meeting at the Bowlplex in Cwmbran which is approximately 30 minutes from central Cardiff and 40 minutes from central Bristol. The game is very simple and is basically a clever variation on normal Ten Pin Bowling that helps to even out the experts and the beginners. All will be explained on the night but suffice to say that you’ll be teamed up and it doesn’t matter whether you score 1 or 10 as you’ll still be making a good contribution to your teams score. As part of our evening we’ll also be having a meal from the Grill.
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Walking Weekend Windermere and Ambleside
Fri 20th Nov 2015 - Sun 22nd Nov 2015 Winderemere Hydro Hotel, Windermere, Lake District (LA23 3BA) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Overview: Bowness-on-Windermere is one of our favourite destinations. We have a great hotel, great location, great town, oh and great walking too!!! Being late in the season the crowds will have left but there will still be a great vibe in the local pubs and inns, so we are ensured some cracking evenings! The WalkWise Walking Programme: From this base we truly do have a smorgasbord choice of walks for all levels of ability of walker. However on Saturday we are aiming to complete the Fairfield Horseshoe for the harder walkers. We will climb Up and over Nab Scar, Great Man, Fairfield, Dove Crag and Hart Crag and back down for a pint the best pub in Lakeland; On Sunday the harder walkers will head back to the hills, this time with the aim of tackling, Red Screes and the wonderful Wansfell Pike. For the easier walkers it is no less exciting as they take a delightfully varied circular walk along the local ancient highways and byways on the eastern side of Lake Windermere. There are stunning villages, like Troutbeck, great pubs, lovely tracks and the views are spectacular and we also get to experience and enjoy the amazing viewpoint of Orrest Head with its awesome panorama over the central and southern lakes
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Afternoon Tea at Thornbury Castle, Thornbury
Saturday 21st November 2015 Thornbury Castle, Castle Street, South Gloucestershire (BS35 1HH) Outside main reception 2:45pm Cost: £21.50 Includes: Cream tea, service and Spice Host Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon in the luxurious setting of Thornbury Castle. Cosy up in the warmth of the open fire but if the weather is nice we will take a gentle stroll around the grounds to fully-appreciate the wonderful castle and gardens and to walk off all the cake! We’ll indulge in their cream tea, which includes drinks, a selection of cakes and scones with jam and cream.
Barn Dance with Overnight Stay in a Log Cabin
Date: Saturday 21st November 2015 Place: High Ashurst Centre, Headley Lane, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey (RH5 6DQ) Meet: Arrive from 4.30p.m. evening starts at 7.00p.m Cost: £95 (Deposit £20) Includes: Barn Dance, Live Band & Caller, Welcome Drink & Hot Supper and Breakfast, guided walk on Sunday picnic lunch, Spice Host throughout Extras: Drinks We have found a fabulous secluded venue located in the Surrey Hills for our Barn Dance. We are expecting this to be very popular so get your booking in real quick. This is an exclusive Spice Barn Dance which is being held at High Ashurst in the Grand Hall. Surrounded by acres of meadows and woodland this really is a unique location. We also have exclusive use of the log cabins so have included an overnight stay. There is a Welcome Drink on arrival and an evening meal before the band starts up and the ‘caller’ encourages you on to the dance floor. Our caller for the evening will be showing us how to do this fun type of Dancing so no one will have any reason not to join in! This is the only event I have ever been to where everybody is on the dance floor within the first ten minutes! Dance instruction will be ongoing all evening as we’re shown how to do the simple steps involved in each dance. Even if you have two left feet you will still enjoy the evening as it is all just a bit of fun! Accommodation is in the deluxe log cabins in the grounds. A full English breakfast is included and will be taken in the Grand Hall on Sunday morning. The log cabins have 6 rooms with either 4 beds or 2 beds in each cabin. The rooms are ensuite and a good size and the beds are bunk beds with bedding provided. In the cabins there is also a spacious living room with sofas and there is a small kitchenette equipped with a small fridge, kettle, tea/coffee. We take over the whole venue for this event but slots are limited due to the size of the Grand Hall. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walk on Sunday morning will be organised to get us out in this wonderful countryside. The walk is generally 4/5 miles or approximately 2 hours and sets off at approximately 10.30a.m. A picnic lunch is also provided for when we return from our walk and before you set off for home.
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Barn Dance with Live Band – all the fun without the stay
Saturday 21st November 2015 High Ashurst Centre, Headley Lane, Mickleham, Dorking (RH5 6DQ) Arrive from 6.30p.m. Evening starts at 7.00p.m. £39 Includes: Spice exclusive barn dance party with live band and caller Welcome drink, evening meal and Spice host Extras: Drinks (bring your own)
Mad Hatters Tea Party - Sanderson Hotel
Date: Saturday 21st November 2015 Place: 50 Berners Street, London (W1T 3NG) Ask for the Spice table 3pm Cost: £49.50 Includes: Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea Party, 15% Service Charge Host Extras: Drinks Spice members are in for a treat for this special afternoon tea as we head for the sumptuous Five-star Sanderson Hotel, a stone’s throw away from Oxford Street. Spice members are invited to “tumble down the rabbit hole” and enjoy the wonderful world of afternoon tea in the beautiful Courtyard Garden of this hotel. The hotel chefs have toyed with the traditional British afternoon tea in the same way that Lewis Carroll played with logic in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, creating an afternoon tea filled with numerous gastronomic adventures and surprises!! Menus are hidden inside vintage books, and napkins wrapped with riddles, while teapots adorned with Kings & Queens and sandwich plates featuring zebras, birdcages, carousels and ticking clocks play host to fabulous fare.
Meet, Mingle and Have a Meal - Caeffatri Grill and Pub Bridgend
Date: Saturday 21st November 2015 Place: The Caeffatri, Castle View, Bridgend, Wales (CF31 1NJ) Meet in bar or ask for Spice Table Cost: £2 Includes: Spice will book the table and provide a Spice host for the evening Extras: food and drinks Join Spice tonight for a supper and social at Caeffatri Grill & Pub. It has received some great reviews so well worth a visit. Our Meet and Mingle evening is a monthly event in different restaurants and so do come along to meet other members in this area. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the venue know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink. Everyone is welcome including established members, newer members and anyone thinking of joining SPICE. Book online (members) or drop us an email (non-members) so we know you’re coming and one of our Spice hosts will be there to meet you. Our venue tonight is Caeffatri which serves great food from friendly staff and a great place for a Spice night out.
Hunger Games cinema night, Bristol
Date: Sunday 22nd November 2015 Place: Vue, The Venue, Cribbs Causeway (BS10 7SR) Main entrance of the cinema 4pm Cost: £13 Includes: Cinema ticket, booking fee and Spice host Extras: Food and drink Following the release of the final instalment of the popular Hunger Games Trilogy, we'll head to Vue at Cribbs Causeway to enjoy the film together. If you've not seen the first films then we highly recommend it or, if you have time, to read the books!
Treetop Adventure Mini Golf - Cardiff
Date: Sunday 22nd November 2015 Place: Level P3, St David's 2 Dewi Sant, Cardiff (CF10 2EL) 11:30am Includes: Spice host Extras: Pay as you go event Come and play indoor mini golf at the Treetop Adventure Golf centre in Cardiff. Today we are tackling the Tropical Trail 18 golf jungle trek. Navigate your way through the rainforest canopy, chat with cheeky toucans, head past the Towering Trees, watching out for thunderstorms and lightening as you go. Oh, and listen out for our singing barbershop frogs as you wade though the murky swamp. Are you up for the tropical challenge? This is a pay as you go event. The cost is £7.50 for 18 holes. You should book on the Spice website in the usual way so that we know who is attending and can organise a Spice host.
Unique Wolf Experience with Walk
Date: Sunday 22nd November 2015 Place: A428 between Bromham and Turvey, Bedfordshire 10:30am to 1pm Cost: £45 Includes: exclusive Spice visit with opportunity to walk and fee the wolves Walk and feed the wolves - another unusual and truly amazing experience and a popular event with Spice members. We have run this event many times and always receive excellent feedback. Are you afraid of the Big Bad Wolf - probably, so now is a chance to confront your fears and dispel those childhood myths. We meet the wolves and their handlers at the Anglian Wolf Society which is located between Bromham and Turvey near Bedford. The Anglian Wolf Society is a small private sanctuary for wolves and they support and raise funds for wolf conservation. They are not open to the public but have kindly agreed to allow Spice members to visit the centre to learn more about the wolves their habits. There are opportunities to feed them and have some hands on experience. We also accompany one of the wolves on a walk around the adjacent land. The handlers will make you very welcome and chat to you throughout the whole wolf experience and answer any of your questions.
Spice Meet and Eat - Slug and Lettuce, Bristol Harbourside
Date: Thursday 26th November 2015 Place: Explore Lane (next to At Bristol), Bristol (BS1 5TY) Inside - look for the Spice table 7:30pm Join Spice tonight for our monthly Meet & Eat. Every month we head to a NEW pub for a social night-out. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink. Everyone is welcome including established members, newer members and anyone thinking of joining SPICE. Book online (members) or drop us an email (non-members) so we know you’re coming and one of our Spice hosts will be there to meet you.
Spice Meet and Eat - The Dragonfly, Newport
Date: Thursday 26th November 2015 Place: Lakeside Drive, Coedkernew, Newport (NP10 8BB) The Dragonfly - in the bar 7:15pm Join Spice tonight for our monthly Meet & Eat. Every month we head to a new for a social night-out. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink. Everyone is welcome including established members, newer members and anyone thinking of joining SPICE. Book online (members) or drop us an email (non-members) so we know you’re coming and one of our Spice hosts will be there to meet you.
Jimmy Carr: Funny Business at Colston Hall
Date: Friday 27th November 2015 Place: Colston Hall, Bristol (BS1 5AR) Outside 7:30pm to 10:30pm Cost: £31 A chance to get some serious chuckles in before the Christmas period begins (the easily offended need not apply). Jimmy Carr revisits the Hall with his new Funny Business tour, brace for shows peppered with near-the-knuckle one-liners, lightning-quick comebacks and masterful wordplay. This will be Jimmy’s second visit to Colston Hall in as many weeks as he concludes his ‘Funny Business’ tour on a high note!
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Walking Weekend Symonds Yat and Wye Valley
Fri 27th Nov 2015 - Sun 29th Nov 2015 The Paddocks Hotel, Symonds Yat (HR9 6BL) Anytime from 4pm £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 guided walks Extras: local transport (if used) Symonds Yat is famed for its natural river scenery and wooded expanses. It is a fantastically beautiful spot, set below steep- sided wooded slopes, straddling the River Wye lazily meandering below. Symonds Yat Rock is an amazing viewpoint on a limestone outcrop that rises some 500 feet from the banks of the River Wye. Along with the nearby Forest of Dean and the Welsh Border, this is a justifiably popular walking area due to its picturesque scenery, which offers much reward for any effort expended! This hotel gives us a great scope to enjoy the best of the walks in comfort. From our base, we will be perfectly situated to explore Symonds Yat, and to experience one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Wye. This area has a lovely range of habitats, with ancient woodlands, open hillside and a river that winds its way through a narrow gorge and swings round in a great loop. This truly shows off its scenic splendour. We are also close to the heart of the great Forest of Dean, with cracking viewpoints such as New Fancy, along with secluded lakes and ponds. Or there are also wonderful routes around Goodrich Castle, which offers wide open panoramas across to the distant Welsh mountains. The final decisions will be made closer to the time, but wherever we walk, it will be truly delightful!
Music night at River Cottage Canteen, Bristol
Date: Friday 27th November 2015 Place: River Cottage Canteen, St John's Court, Whiteladies Road, Bristol (BS8 2QY) Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Booking fee and Spice host Extras: Food and drink on the night Join us for an evening of live music whilst dining at the ever-popular Canteen. The band will be announced shortly but previous nights have included music ranging from blues, ragtime, funk and soul to music from a variety of eras. We will update this information as soon as we know but don’t let put you off booking to secure your place. We’ll enjoy a meal of your choice, payable on the night, from their sumptuous menu and we’ll catch the end of happy-hour cocktails on arrival.
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Jools Holland at the Royal Albert Hall
Saturday 28th November 2015 Kensington Gore, London (SW7 2AP) Door 8 - Spice Sign 7pm £46 - Rear Circle Includes: ticket for rear circle seats, booking fee and Spice host Our Spice Host for this evening will meet you at Door 8, look for the Spice sign. The Royal Albert Hall will reverberate to the sounds of piano, percussion and stunning vocals when Jools Holland, one of the most popular pianists and band–leaders in the country, returns for what is sure to be a sell-out success. Jools and his band are sure to get you in the mood for a night of boogie-woogie! Performing tracks spanning his entire solo career as well as songs taken from his new duets album Sirens Of Song, Jools will be joined by special guests KT Tunstall, The Selecter’s Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson and accompanied by the astounding vocal power of Ruby Turner, the soulful tones of Louise Marshall, stunning sounds of Mabel Ray and the tireless drums of original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis.
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Cabinet War Rooms with Lunch
Sunday 29th November 2015 Parliament Square, London (SW1A 2AQ) Bottom Clive Steps, end King Charles St. 11am £34 Entrance & Lunch, £20 Tour only Includes: Entrance to Cabinet War Rooms with audio guide, 1 Course Lunch, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Today we have a fascinating day out planned for you – we are visiting the Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum, which are based in a maze of cellar rooms beneath the Government Office Building, north of Parliament Square. We will first meet at the Cabinet War rooms then afterwards we will make our way for Lunch in a local Pub on Whitehall which will include a one course meal with Traditional Pub Fayre.
Ice Skating, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies
Date: Sunday 29th November 2015 Place: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester (SO23 9LS) 12.50 at ice skating entrance Cost: £19 Includes: ice skating and Spice host Winchester Cathedral’s Close is the magical setting for a real winter treat - ice skating. We’ll enjoy a 50 minute session on the ice at their purpose built outdoor skating rink, amongst the stunning setting of the Cathedral’s ancient buildings. Don’t worry if you haven’t been on skates for years, it does all come back to you! We’ll soon have you skating round confidently. To warm ourselves up afterwards we enjoy a glass of mulled wine and mince pies, included in the price. At the same time, the Cathedral Close plays host to a fabulous Christmas Market featuring stalls selling unusual gifts and crafts, as well as some fabulous food including crepes and other treats. You may wish to come early or plan to stay on after the skating to sample the culinary delights or make a start on your last minute Christmas shopping. Price includes ticket for skating, booking fee, skate hire, mulled wines and mince pies and the services of a Spice Coordinator.
Places of Interest - Big Pit National Coal Museum
Date: Sunday 29th November 2015 Place: Blaenafon, Torfaen, Wales (NP4 9XP) 11am Includes: Spice Host Extras: Pay as you go event For our monthly Place of Interest outing we have chosen the Big Pit Museum which is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. Enjoy a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings. All this AND the worldfamous Underground Tour. Go 300 feet underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. An award-winning national museum that still retains many traits of its former role as a coal mine, standing high on the heather-clad moors of Blaenafon, the tunnels and buildings that once echoed to the sound of the miners now enjoy the sound of the footsteps and chatter of visitors from all over the world. Prepare to be lowered 90 metres (300 feet) down the Big Pit mineshaft for our famous underground tour - a captivating journey around a section of original underground workings. Visitors wear the very same equipment – helmet, cap lamp, belt, battery and ‘self rescuer’ – used by miners. Take a seat in the miners Waiting Rooms before embarking on your journey.
Winter warmer Sunday lunch, Bristol
Date: Sunday 29th November 2015 Place: The Globe, Church Road, Frampton Cotterell (BS36 2AB) Spice Table £12 Includes: Roast dinner, booking fee and Spice host Extras: Drinks Heading into the heart of the Frome Valley, this is another new venue for Spice. The Globe at Frampton Cotterell serves true contemporary British food, sourced using only local suppliers. All food is prepared and cooked in house; nothing is reheated. With a lovely cosy atmosphere, there’s no better place to enjoy a hearty Sunday roast overlooking the picturesque village scenery.
Ronnie Scotts Christmas Cabaret Lunch
Date: Saturday 5th December 2015 Place: Ronnie Scotts, 47 Frith Street London (W1D 4HT) Ask for the Spice Table 12pm to 4pm Cost: £85 Includes: Christmas Cabaret Lunch ticket, 3 course lunch, glass of bubbly, Service Charge, Spice Host Extras: Additional Drinks Ronnie Scott’s World famous Christmas Cabaret Lunch is returning for 2015. They have an exclusive run of dates during December and there is limited availability on Saturday Lunch dates so their tickets are already selling fast! This was a massive sell out last year for SPICE with 80 people attending and having a fabulous time. Tickets are limited and once we have sold our allocation we will not be able to get anymore – so please book early so as not to miss out! The Ronnie Scotts Christmas Cabaret Lunch includes fantastic live music provided by the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars and special guests and includes a three course Christmas lunch and a glass of bubbly on arrival. The Ronnie Scott’s Christmas Cabaret Lunch is a sparkling, fun, friendly festive celebration with a delicious three course Christmas lunch and a glass of bubbly on arrival. Be alongside the best entertainment in town from some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians who play a special festive programme of swinging ‘cool yule’ classics - including a ‘Challenge The Band’ segment where the band play guest requests. ‘Silent Night’ in the style of the ‘Three Penny Opera’? No problem. ‘Jingle Bells in the style of Bob Dylan? They’ll oblige. It’s your call. Taking requests from the floor, this is the coolest musical improv this side of ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’. Add magicians, kazoos and other surprises in to the mix and you’ll agree - it’s simply the greatest Christmas jam this side of Santa’s jazz bar!
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Potters Resort - Festive Weekender and Live Entertainment
Fri 4th Dec 2015 - Sun 6th Dec 2015 Potters Resort, Coast Road, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk (NR31 9BX) Arrive from 2.00p.m. Evening Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Bungalow, £185 Bungalow Plus, (Deposit £40) Includes: 2 nights bungalow accommodation, all meals, with live entertainment and a whole host of activities. Spice Host throughout. Join Spice this weekend at Potters Resort set on the beautiful Norfolk Coast and only a stone’s throw away from the sea. Potters pride themselves on creating truly memorable experiences for their guests with fabulous inclusive value. This is a 5 star resort – take a look at what is included and book your place real quick! Spice Programme for the weekend: • Arrive from 2.00p.m. • Meet for pre-dinner drinks • Meet at reserved Spice tables for 3 course evening meal • Followed by ‘Friday Night Live’ in the Atlas Theatre followed by disco • Saturday meet for breakfast at our reserved tables • Enjoy the extensive activities available during the day • Lunch is included • Meet for pre-dinner drinks before dinner • Followed by Christmas Spectacular Show with the Potters Theatre Company • Ease into Sunday with Breakfast followed by a last swim, game of tennis perhaps before lunch and heading for home
Bungalow Accommodation: welcoming and warm with central heating, en-suite bathrooms and/or shower rooms, with guest soap and towels provided TV with freeview channel and tea and coffee making facilities. We have a number of rooms available as standard and also have some as Bungalow Plus which include a few extra facilities. Garden and Gallery Restaurants: Potters buck the trend and instead of self-catering or B&B we have 4 meals a day for the full days of our stay plus midnight snacks!. We arrive on Friday evening in time for dinner, then have breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday with Breakfast and lunch on Sunday. We will have our own Spice tables for the duration of our stay. Bars & Entertainment: Boasting one of the longest lit bars in the UK, the Atlas Theatre Bar with its impressive design is a great place for socialising. The Terrace Bar is the main venue for daytime quizzes, lunch time drinks, afternoon fun and late night entertainment with live music or comedy. Gallery Lounge used during the day for relaxing and socialising and in the evening is the late night disco venue. Sports & Leisure: a huge range sports and activities which are free to use so we will be hard pressed to fit everything in. Segways, Air rifle shooting, archery, clay shooting, Pitch n Putt, badminton, tennis, bowls, short tennis and table tennis. There is a small charge for a few of these activities such as clay shooting & the bowling alley.
Pay As You Go Meal - Fullbrook's Bistro, Pontyclun
Date: Saturday 5th December 2015 Place: Fullbrook's Bistro, 28 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun, Wales (CF72 9EE) Ask for Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice table booking and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks Located in the busy village of Pontyclun, this family run restaurant is a great place to get together with other Spice members in the area and have a social and relaxing evening. Don’t worry if you’re new to Spice as our host will be there to make introductions. This is a pay as you go event so you pay a deposit of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the restaurant and we will organise a Spice host for the evening.
Stow-on-the-Wold Ramble, Cotswolds
Date: Saturday 5th December 2015 Place: Stow, Cotswolds (GL54 1BX) 10.00am - 10.30am prompt 10am Cost: £6 Join us for a lovely walk near Stow on the Wold, it’s a social way to spend a Saturday with a few Spice members in the fresh air. As usual prepare for the weather (walking boots, hat, gloves & waterproofs) please bring water and some snacks/sandwiches although depending upon the route and the group we may include a pub stop, so bring some money as well.
Get Up Close to the Horses on this Festive Visit to Horseworld
Date: Sunday 6th December 2015 Place: Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol (BS14 0QL) Horseworld Visitor Centre – Entrance 11am Cost: £6 Includes: Donation and entrance to Horseworld Visitor Centre, Spice Host Set in beautiful stone farm-buildings just to the south of Bristol and the west of Bath, is HorseWorld, an award-winning Visitor Centre that rescues horses, ponies and donkeys that have been abandoned, mistreated or neglected. They are often the only lifeline for animals treated so cruelly they had given up hope. Each animal rescued is nursed back to health and, wherever possible, rehomed to give it a second chance. Today its jingle bales all the way for the 140 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. This yard is not usually open to the public so a great opportunity for us to get up close with the horses and wish them a Merry Christmas. The grooms are going to bring around 40 of the horses into the stables including the animals on the adoption scheme to give everyone an opportunity to come and see them.
Western Style Rifle Shooting Afternoon
Date: Sunday 6th December 2015 Place: Birmingham Shooting Centre, Hockley (B18 7RL) Choose Time Slot £4 Extras: Pay balance of £25.00 on arrival at club Cost is £29 – PAID AS - £4 deposit to Spice to book. Balance of £25 to club on arrival (no credit cards) Members only (no guests) for security and due to limited numbers This is an extremely sought after Spice event, and we have recently revised the format with staggered timeslots to minimise waiting time. You are welcome to stay for the whole afternoon if you wish, but this way, you know when you will be on the range rather than having to wait your turn.With extremely tight firearms laws, it is rare to find opportunities for our members to fire live ammunition. However, under close expert supervision, here’s an opportunity to fire Western Style Lever Action Rifles (like John Wayne used!). They are 357 Magnum Calibre, but recoil is similar to that of a full power spring action air rifle, so you don’t need to be built like a cowboy! Important please see our web site as there are important restrictions for those booking.
Christmas Dinner Dance - The Great Spice Reunion
Date: Saturday 12th December 2015 Place: Burlington Hotel, New Street, Birmingham (B2 4JQ) 7pm to 1:30am Cost: £49.50 Includes: 3 course Christmas banquet, coffees, DJ & Live Band entertainment, professional theming, free "sweet shop" and photobooth. Services of Spice coordinators throughout We're returning to the fabulous Victorian grandeur of the Macdonald Burlington Hotel on their prime Saturday - and it is exclusive to Spice for our Big Christmas Reunion Party. You don’t always realise how much you miss people until you see them again. Cast your mind back to all those events that you’ve attended and the people you’ve met. Dragon Boating. Skiing, Center Parcs, Fire Eating,Bardsey Island, Walking on the Somme, Snowdonia, Abseiling, Dancing or drifting down the Colorado in the Grand Canyon and thousands more events besides. For those that wish there will be a number of tables that are allocated to specific holidays, events or types of event. This way, you can request a table that will link you straight in to others who have shared the same experience. We will of course have tables that are not themed on the a seating plan. Entertainment & Extras: This is a traditional Christmas celebration with streamers, balloons and great meal with coffee. Live entertainment will be with the fabulous Candy Spangles and the Green Oyster Band (Click HERE for info and clips. There will also be a late disco. We plan to have a free “sweetshop” and “photobooth”. What’s not to like?. Please see our web site for accommodation associated with this event.
Stroll and Social at Cardiff Christmas Markets
Date: Saturday 12th December 2015 Place: Caffe Nero, 3 St John Street, Cardiff (CF10 1GJ) Meet outside 11am Includes: Spice Host Extras: Pay As You Go event for drinks and food Join us today as we explore the wonderful Christmas markets in Cardiff. This year the market has been expanded and this really is the place to find unique, original gifts, complementing the already exceptional Christmas shopping experience in our Cardiff. We will meet at Caffe Nero to have a hot drink before setting off on our stroll round the markets. There might be a nip in the air so dress warmly. We will spend a couple of hours on our stroll and then head to a pub/local restaurant to get something to eat.
Twilight Tower Tour Winchester Cathedral
Date: Saturday 12th December 2015 Place: Winchester Cathedral (SO23 9LS) 3:15pm Cost: £19.50 This event will take you to the highs and lows of the Cathedral. We’ll start with a 20 minute tour of the crypt (weather permitting as it floods in heavy rain) and then climb to the top of the cathedral tower and enjoy the beautiful views as dusk falls over the city, sparkling with Christmas lights. We will visit the ringing chamber and the bell chamber before our long and invigorating climb up into the bell tower and across the roof where you’ll be able to look down on the ice skaters below. Our guides will tell us all about the Cathedral as we climb. All in all, an unforgettable experience. Please note that tour involves climbing a very long narrow spiral staircase with very small steps, sensible shoes are required and care must be taken as the steps are steep and uneven. Parts of the tour are not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia and this event is not suitable for the over 70’s - so don’t book it for your Granny as her Christmas present! After we climb back down our hard work will be rewarded with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in the historic Undercroft after the tour. This is an exclusive session for Spice, so come along for a unique experience!
Victoriana Christmas Party, Decadence & Luxury at Finsbury Square
Date: Saturday 12th December 2015 Place: Finsbury Square, The City, London (EC2A 1AD) 6:30pm to 1am Cost: £120 (Deposit £24) Includes: Sparkling wine on arrival, canapes served through the drinks reception, Victoriana theming throughout, Festive 3 course meal, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks, powerful circus show and stunning entertainment, DJ and disco, Victoriana playground, Spice host throughout Extras: Drinks ARE included with this package Welcome to the world of Victoriana, why not join Spice tonight as we celebrate Christmas in style! Gas lit lamps guide you through the foggy streets of London, as you turn into Finsbury Square you can see a soft glow in the distance accompanied by the faint sound of Christmas carols. As you eagerly approach, a low doorway beckons you into a secret den and into the warm world of a decadent Victoriana Christmas. Discover the gin palace where mirrors sparkle and decadent cocktails are served. Gentlemen, buff up your shoes at Stirling’s shoeshine. Ladies, beautify yourself in Ruby’s powder room. Visit the roast chestnut street vendor selling his wares by the glittering Christmas tree, and warm your hands by the crackling fire. Keep your wits about you as a street urchin pick-pockets guests distracted by our troupe of exquisite entertainers. For an itinerary of the evening, what’s included and a sample menu please see our web site.
Skating at Cardiff's Winter Wonderland
Date: Sunday 13th December 2015 Place: City Hall Lawn, Civic Centre (CF10 3ND) Admiral Open Air Ice Rink – Entrance 6:15pm Cost: £17 Includes: One hour skating session, Skate hire, Glass of Wine or Beer, Spice Host Whether you're an experienced skater or a complete beginner the Open Air Ice Rink at Cardiff's Winter Wonderland is an essential winter experience. Join Spice as we take in the festive atmosphere and have some fun on the ice! We’ll meet at 6.15pm to exchange our shoes for skates and will then have much fun gliding gracefully over the ice. After our hour’s skating session, there’s some time to wander through the traditional German style huts with delicious food and drink. Here we’ll gather for a drink together (included in our price) and you can also always grab a bite to eat from one of the many stalls (optional and payable on the evening). It’s a great way to spend a December evening!
Ronnie Scotts Christmas Cabaret Lunch
Date: Saturday 19th December 2015 Place: Ronnie Scotts, 47 Frith Street., London (W1D 4HT) Ask for the Spice Table 12pm to 4pm Cost: £85 Includes: Christmas Cabaret Lunch ticket, 3 course lunch, glass of bubbly, Service Charge, Spice Host Extras: Additional Drinks Ronnie Scott’s World famous Christmas Cabaret Lunch is returning for 2015. Cabaret Lunch includes fantastic live music provided by the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars and special guests and includes a three course Christmas lunch and a glass of bubbly on arrival. The Ronnie Scott’s Christmas Cabaret Lunch is a sparkling, fun, friendly festive celebration with a delicious three course Christmas lunch and a glass of bubbly on arrival. Be alongside the best entertainment in town from some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians who play a special festive programme of swinging ‘cool yule’ classics - including a ‘Challenge The Band’ segment where the band play guest requests. ‘Silent Night’ in the style of the ‘Three Penny Opera’? No problem. ‘Jingle Bells in the style of Bob Dylan? They’ll oblige. It’s your call. non-refundable unless we can sell your slot. Please arrive promptly as there will be a queue to get into the venue.
Festive Walk and Quiz - Millennium Stadium to Bute Park
Date: Sunday 20th December 2015 Place: Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff (CF10 1XD) Between Gates 2 and 3 - Spice Sign 2pm Cost: £4 Includes: Organised walk and quiz, Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Bored with festive fare? Then this is for you. Take some time out today from the hustle and bustle, and join Spice for an interesting and fun quiz walk from the Millenium Stadium to Bute Park. In this organised walk, we set you off and along the way we have some quiz questions for you to answer whilst following a planned route. There are many interesting buildings and sights and you’ll need to collect clues along the way. We will set you off in the general direction you want to go (we may be really helpful and give you a map!) and will let you know at the start of the event where we are finishing up to mark your answers. We might be really awful and deduct points if you’re late! As always a few fun prizes will be given out for the winning team.
Spice National Christmas Break 2015
Date: Thu 24th Dec 2015 - Sun 27th Dec 2015 Place: The Double Tree By Hilton, Lincoln (LN1 1YW) Time: 6pm Cost: £274 Twin/Double, £354 Single (Deposit £50) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, 2 x 3 course evening meals, 1 x evening buffet, 3 course Christmas Dinner in the fabulous Cathedral Ballroom overlooking the city, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies on Xmas Eve, Treasure Hunt & much more! Extras: Lunch on boxing day and entrance to any optional activities taken. The event is on the early booking price until 31st October 2015 when the price increases by £30 per person This Christmas we are thrilled to be staying at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton in Lincoln having spent a couple of fantastic Christmases with them in Manchester and Leeds. This fabulous city centre 4 star hotel, is situated within a mile of Lincoln Train Station allowing easy transport options. And for those in search of retail therapy, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from the city centre shops and boutiques. Arrive anytime on Christmas Eve when you are free to explore the lively city centre then we’ll meet up in the bar before going for our dinner, a 3 course meal at the delightful Electric Restaurant within the hotel. The menus will be provided approximately 1 week in advance of the event for you to make your choices. After dinner if you have the energy (we all know how tiring the run up to Christmas can be) we have a few options to choose from, including Christmas Eve late night mass or perhaps if we are lucky we will find a bar open late in to the evening. Be back for midnight if you don’t want to miss out on our mulled wine and mince pies at the hotel! Christmas day will comprise of a lazy breakfast and a city walkabout, Secret Santa and a bit of time to relax before we head up to the fabulous Cathedral ballroom with Floor to Ceiling views over the city for our Spice exclusive 3 course Christmas dinner – how often do you get to enjoy Christmas dinner whilst admiring the fabulous skyline with views of Lincoln Cathedral from daylight to dusk. On Boxing day after breakfast there is an optional treasure hunt in the city centre, or you can enjoy some retail therapy or simply just take the time to explore the city more. In the evening we sit down to our 3 course meal in the Electric Restaurant followed by a Spice exclusive cocktail making class with the hotel’s trained mixologist’s; expect bottle juggling and plenty of high spirits.
Merry Christmas Date: Place: Cost:
Walking Weekend Twixtmas Snowdonia Beddgelert
Sun 27th Dec 2015 - Tue 29th Dec 2015 Royal Goat Hotel, Beddgelert (LL55 4YE) Anytime from 4pm £179 Twin Share, £219 Single Includes: 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 guided walks each day Extras: local transport (if used) This is one of the WalkWise favourites and a repeat of last year’s excellent twixtmas. The Royal Goat is a cracking hotel, in the charming village of Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia in North Wales-perfect! The chef has a super menu of tasty and filling meals and there are real ales in the bar and then there are two or three charming country pubs within yards of the hotel. The proliferation of perfect routes centered in this area is unsurpassed. There are so many amazing mountains on the door step and they all have numerous routes up and around them. The area is stunning for all levels of walks. At this time of the year the harder walks will most likely be defined by the weather but to offer you a taste of what’s possible here are a few names to whet your appetite: there’s the mountain they call the ‘the beast’ Moel Hebog, the open moorlands and shapely lines of Cnicht, or the towering heights of Moel Siabod. Then there are also some lovely lower hills, sheltered valleys and delightful coastal routes which we may also explore, our choices abound and although we cannot realistically commit to any
Spice Meet & Eat - The Ffynnon Wen
Date: Tue 29th Dec 2015 - Sat 9th Jan 2016 Place: Thornhill Rd, Llanishen, Cardiff (CF14 9UA) Ffynnon Wen - In the Bar 7:30pm Join Spice tonight for our monthly Meet & Eat. Every month we head to a new for a social night-out. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink. Everyone is welcome including established members, newer members and anyone thinking of joining SPICE. Book online (members) or drop us an email (non-members) so we know you’re coming and one of our Spice hosts will be there to meet you.
Walking Break New Year Royal Wootton Bassett and Wiltshire Downs
Date: Tue 29th Dec 2015 - Fri 1st Jan 2016 Place: The Marsh Farm Hotel, Royal Wootton Bassett (SN4 8ER) Arrive from 4.00p.m. meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £329 Twin Share, £374 Single, £389 Single/Sole (Deposit £65 Twin Share, £75 Single/Sole, £75 Single) Includes: 3 breakfasts, 2 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches & 3 days of guided walks with a daily choice of walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used For this New Year WalkWise have handpicked the charming Grade II listed Marsh Farm Hotel, set in 2 acres of relaxing grounds in the heart of Wiltshire it is a NEW and ideal venue. It dates back to the late 1800’s, and is a charming former farmhouse to which a contemporary wing and courtyard annexe have been added over more recent years which blends period character with moderns facilities. On New Year’s Eve we will be in for a real treat, we’ll finish the walks early to relax and sparkle ourselves for the Black Tie Gangsters and Moles New Year Ball. We’ll get into the spirit with the bootleg drinks reception before tackling a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner. Then it’s time to dance the night away or chance your arm on the casino! Oh and if you are still hungry the Chef will bring in his traditional New Year bacon butties at midnight to keep you going a bit longer. The surrounding countryside is well walked and criss-crossed with numerous trails. Our walks will make the most of the landscape and take in the best of the area, enjoying the interesting countryside, visiting the lovely villages, stunning manor houses, the occasional White Horses. On New Year’s Eve we will explore one of the closest walks to the hotel so that we can finish a little earlier and prepare ourselves for the evening ahead. Then for those who survive through to New Year’s Day! Or for those who need to clear their heads, we will begin, somewhat later than usual, with a sedate stroll (or a hangover hobble to clear the head) New Year’s Eve: Revel in elegance and style at Marsh Farm Hotel New Year Gangster and Molls Party. The fancy dress / Black Tie Evening commences with a “Bootleg” Drinks reception at 7.30pm. There then follows a sumptuous New Year’s Evening dinner, followed by Disco and Casino into the small hours! Oh and then Bacon Rolls to bring in the new year in case you need some more energy.
Walking Break New Year in Snowdonia Beddgelert
Date: Tue 29th Dec 2015 - Fri 1st Jan 2016 Place: Royal Goat Hotel, Beddgelert (LL55 4YE) Anytime from 4pm Cost: £329 Twin Share Includes: 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals including a special New Year's Eve Feast and course 3 days of guided walks with a choice of walks each day. New Year’s Eve Black Tie Feast, disco then a break for FIREWORKS as Beddgelert gathers to bring in the NEW YEAR. Extras: local transport (if used)
Overview: This is one of the WalkWise favourites and a repeat of last year’s splendid event. Beddgelert is famous for its New Year, they like to party in these parts. We’ll begin with a Black tie dinner, then we’ll dance the evening away, but as New Year’s Eve progresses the whole village gathers around its heart before a spectacular Firework display lights up the mountains to bring in the New Year. The Royal Goat is a cracking hotel, in the charming village of Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia in North Wales-perfect! The chef always has a super menu of tasty and filling meals, but his New Year feasts are legendary! Add to this the superb walking that literally surrounds this centre. The proliferation of perfect routes centered in this area is unsurpassed. There are so many amazing mountains around here and they all have numerous routes up and around them. The area is stunning for all levels of walks.
Date: Place: Cost:
Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2015/16
Wed 30th Dec 2015 - Fri 1st Jan 2016 Edinburgh - Home of Hogmanay (EH1 1TA) Joining details will be sent out £289 - Twin Share (Deposit £60) Includes: 2 Nights bed and breakfast accommodation, Concert in the Gardens ticket, Torchlight Procession Ticket, Services of a Spice Coordinator throughout. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay welcomes 2016 in style, with over 200,000 revellers enjoying nd spectacular events throughout the New Year. Now entering its 22 year, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2014 promises to be the biggest and best party ever and Spice Scotland invite you to join us! We are delighted to offer a superb 2 night break to experience the world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. Join us at the ‘Home of Hogmanay’, with live music stages, giant screens, light and laser shows and the spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks when over 4.5 tonnes of fireworks light up the Edinburgh sky in one of the world’s largest New Year displays. . Please see our web site for more information
Date:
New Year Break London and Thames Cruise with 1 or 2 nights
Wed 30th Dec 2015 - Fri 1st Jan 2016 (2 nights) Thu 31st Dec 2015 - Fri 1st Jan 2016 (1 night) Place: Copthorne Tara, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London (W8 6TF) Check in from 3.00p.m. Check Out 12 noon Cost: £305 Twin/Cruise, £435 Single/Cruise (Deposit £60 Twin/Cruise, £80 Single/Cruise) for 2 Nights £255 Twin/Cruise, £325 Single/Cruise (Deposit £50 Twin/Cruise, £65 Single/Cruise) for 1 Night Includes: 1 or 2 nights B&B 4 star hotel accommodation, New Year's Eve party cruise on the River Thames which includes a cold buffet supper and ALL Beer, Wine and Soft drinks, party with a DJ and disco. Also includes the boat being moored at the London Eye for the New Year's Eve fireworks, open decks which can take everyone for that special New Year view. Cruise finishes at 1.00a.m. Services of a Spice host throughout. A wonderful opportunity to celebrate New Year in London! This very special New Year break includes 1 or 2 nights 4* hotel accommodation on a B&B basis staying in the Copthorne Tara Hotel. The hotel combines a convenient location with contemporary comforts and amenities. The rooms are spacious, clean and airy with a range of amenities provided. There is easy access to all of London’s attractions from this great hotel. We will celebrate the arrival of 2016 cruising down the River Thames where we will enjoy a party cruise on board the Clifton Castle which we have hired exclusively for Spice on this very special evening. Our cruise departs & returns from Putney Pier. As an added bonus we will moor close to the London Eye for the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Our cruise package includes ALL your drinks – thought that might get your attention! The bedrooms are en-suite and are booked on a twin share basis. We also have some double rooms and a few single rooms. This New Year Break will be fully co-ordinated and meet points will be arranged for Wednesday evening and throughout Thursday so that everyone can make full use of their stay in London. On Thursday evening we will meet for an early evening drink or cocktail before leaving our hotel and heading for Putney Pier where we will board our cruise boat to head down the River Thames.
The Spice team wishes everyone a very Happy New Year
Highlighted Holidays SKI CHRISTMAS - MERIBEL
8 days, Sunday 20 December 15 from £895 Departs London Gatwick & Manchester
Spread your wings and explore the three Valleys. Our chalet is an ideal bases for skiers who enjoy plenty of variety. Intermediates especially will thrive on the 600kms of well-kept pistes; you can ski all week and still leave plenty of runs untouched. In the two villages and higher up, beginners can cut their teeth on a wealth of uncrowded nursery slopes. Experts can tackle the infamous Courchevel couloirs and the Chanrossa bumps. If the weather closes in, forest runs down the valley are the answer, while in sunny conditions Val Thorens, Europe's highest resort, is the place to head for. Meribel is one of the more lively alpine resorts for après ski and Mottaret a little more reserved, but it has a good choice of bars and restaurants including Le Rastro which is always a good buzz. Meribel is easily reached from Mottaret by the free resort bus service. ________________________________________________
SKI NEW YEAR - COURCHEVEL
8 days, Sunday 27 December 15 from £1095 Departs London Gatwick & Manchester
The number one designer ski destination, this Three Valleys resort retains its premier position as the most stylish place to ski in France. With access to over 600km of perfect pistes shared with the Meribel and Val Thorens valleys, Courchevel is ideal for skiers of all standards. After skiing out on the easy, perfectly groomed pistes, leisurely skiers can potter into 1650 and enjoy lunch in style and sunshine. Stronger and more adventurous skiers may head for the infamous couloirs at the top of the Saulire cable car or the powder fields of Mont Vallon. In bad weather, there's sheltered skiing in the forest above La Tania and Le Praz. Many will want to try the end to end the tour to the Maurienne Valley (beyond Val Thorens) and back, which, with the new efficient lift system, is perfectly possible in a day without rushing. ________________________________________________
SKI ANDORRA 1 – PAS DE LA CASA 8 days, Sunday 24 January 16 from £680 Departs London Gatwick & Manchester
Our trips to Andorra have become so popular in recent years we decided we just had to put on two holidays this year and many of those who have been to Soldeu with us felt that a week in Pas de la Casa would give the chance to ski over there a bit more! Known affectionately as ‘Pas’, the lively frontier town and mountain pass of Pas de la Casa (2100m) – with direct links to Grau Roig - is in north-eastern Andorra and close to the French border, with the airport at Toulouse less than 100 miles away. So there’s a distinctly French ambience. It’s not only the highest of the Andorran resorts, but the entire Pyrenees, with slopes as high as 2640m, and has a correspondingly good snow record – last year the resort claimed a 20-year high! ________________________________________________
NICE CARNIVAL WEEKEND
4 days, Friday 19 February 16 from £469 Departs London Gatwick & Liverpool
Why not discover the South Coast of France with Spice in February 2016 and forget the dull winter days. This is a short city break to Nice, including entry to its world-famous annual Carnival. Nice Carnival dates back to 1294, when the Count of Provence Charles d'Anjou spent the "the joyous days of Carnival" in Nice. Over the centuries, the city of Nice has celebrated the end of Lent with masked balls, fancy dress, egg- and confetti-throwing, and most recently, parades of floats through the streets. Floats are decorated with beautiful flowers and fun characters such as His Majesty "Triboulet”, the rag puppet mascot who leads the festivities. ________________________________________________
SKI AUSTRIA – ST. CHRISTOPH
8 days, Saturday 20 February 16 from £864
Departs London Gatwick ,Manchester, Birmingham & Edinburgh
St. Christoph, set in a spectacular open snow-bowl 500m above neighbouring St Anton, and just a short ski-bus ride from Lech & Zürs, share Austria's No. 1 world-class ski area the Arlbeg with the other famous-name resorts. Without the distraction of many bars in resort (St. Christoph is very quiet!) this is a trip for anyone who wants serious skiing during the day and a relaxed chilled out evening – nearby St. Anton does however have plenty to offer if you do fancy the odd blow out! Skiing in St.Christoph offers a pretty, traditional village nestled in a picturesque setting, with a lovely blue run down from the Galzig peak running right back to our Chalet Hotel's ski-room door! ________________________________________________
WALKING LA GOMERA
8 days, Saturday 12 March 16 from £899 Departs London Gatwick & Liverpool
A week on the island which many people have described as a walker’s paradise. Indeed this small island is blessed with natural beauty, the kind of which ranges from lush valleys to awe inspiring cliffs and impressive rock formations formed by ancient volcanic activity. From the central mountain plateau where the mists swirl around the ancient laurel forests to the deep chasms of the many dramatic gorges that carve through from the mountains to the sea. Add to this the charming white walled villages and the terrific network of walking trails and we can’t go wrong. The excellent accommodation is ideally situated in the island’s main town of San Sebastián and is a superb base from which to explore the island. Even the journey there will be an enjoyable adventure as we take the ferry over from the honey pots of southern Tenerife to the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful and untamed island. ________________________________________________
WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN
4 days, Thursday 26 May 16 from £499 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Edinburgh
Denmark is known all over for it’s Vikings, but also the great story-writer H.C. Andersen has found his way into most people’s heart. So Spice would like to offer you the chance to discover Copenhagen, with its historical buildings and ancient streets, outstanding museums and galleries, the uniquely enchanting Tivoli Gardens and a resident monarchy that is the oldest in the world, the Danish capital has a host of attractions to suit all tastes. But this is no living museum; Copenhagen is a vibrant, modern city whose fascinating past coexists with the very latest trends in architecture, design and fashion. This is, after all, one of the world's great design capitals, a status that is reflected in its dynamic new buildings and stunning shops making it a popular destination for tourists. ________________________________________________
ANDALUCIA HIGHLIGHTS
8 days, Saturday 02 July 16 from £799 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Edinburgh
La “Costa Tropical” (the Tropical Coast) is situated to the west of Málaga and runs along the shoreline of the province of Granada for more than 100 kms. It’s filled with picturesque beaches, cosy coves and charming little towns and villages. The Costa Tropical is blessed with a subtropical microclimate and its average annual temperature is 20º and has around 320 days of sunshine per year. This privileged climate has helped the fertile plains and gentle slopes that rise up from the beach to grow all kinds of tropical fruit, which is the one the most important economic resources in the area. There is also some tourism and some foreigners have settled in the area, but it has not happened in the massive way as it has done in the “Costa del Sol” to the other side of Málaga. There is still a Spanish atmosphere about the Costa Tropical, and it’s only a short distance away from locations as special as the Alpujarras (Sierra Nevada), the last Moorish stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula or Granada with its world famous Alhambra. Far from being overcrowded, the Costa Tropical is still an ongoing discovery, and the locals are hospitable and generous with visitors. ________________________________________________
CUBA – SUN & FUN
13 days, Tuesday 20 October 16 from £1599 Departs London Gatwick
Join us on a wonderful Caribbean break to the historic island of Cuba! Get away from it all this autumn and enjoy some fun in the Caribbean sun with Spice! This 11-night break to the Caribbean's largest island, famed for its rum, salsa, vibrant culture and stunning beaches will be amazing. Spend a few days in the happening capital Havana and immerse yourself in decades of history intertwined with a hot salsa beat and plenty of rum cocktails before transferring to quieter Varadero for 7 nights' All Inclusive relaxation on the beach. ________________________________________________
INDIA: BOLLYWOOD, PALACES AND BEACHES 15 days, Tuesday 08 November 16 from £1999 Departs London Heathrow only
This is a trip with a real difference and something we have never come across before! Taking in India’s must see Golden Triangle – Dehli, Agra and Jaipur – to see the Taj Mahal, Amber City Fort and Agra Fort amongst other things we then head down to Mumbai for our insight into the world famous Bollywood phenomenon! And finally it’s down the coast to Goa for a well-deserved chillout! This is a trip we are sure won’t be available for long so don’t hang around. ________________________________________________
All Spice UK air holidays are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Each tour operators ATOL number is stated at the end of every holiday write up on our website www.spiceuk.com plus full terms and conditions. Your money is protected via our Trust Account in compliance with EC Package Travel Regulations.
To book visit www.spiceuk.com or call Spice UK on 0161 873 8788
Spice Rack - National Groups SPICE (West Midlands)
SPICE (London)
SPICE (Thames Valley & Solent)
Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter 6a Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands, B74 3EJ Tel: 0121 353 6161 info@spicebham.com www.spicebham.com
Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 330 High Holborn London, WC1V 7QT Tel: 01276 479253 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk www.spicelondon.co.uk
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 (Bristol & Cardiff)
Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0161 864 3849 info@spicemcr.com www.spicemcr.com
SPICE (Manchester) Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 130 Aztec, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UB Tel: 0742 959 8414 / 01276 479253 dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com www.spicebristolcardiff.com
SPICE (Yorkshire) Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0161 864 2554 info@spiceyorks.com www.spiceyorks.com
SPICE (Scotland) SPICE (East Midlands)
Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris 63 Easter Langside Crescent Dalkeith, EH22 2FN Tel: 0131 531 2653 info@spicescotland.com www.spicescotland.com
Co-ordinator: Steve Dell Foxhall Business Centre, 2 King Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AS Tel: 01827 767150 office@spiceeastmids.com www.spiceeastmids.com
SPICE UK General Manger: Ian Purves 13 Thorpe Street Old Trafford Manchester, M16 9PR Tel: 0161 873 8788 info@spiceuk.com www.spiceuk.com
Spice UK emergency 24 hour telephone 07778 298497 Please be advised this telephone number is strictly for use in the case of serious accidents & emergencies only and is NOT for general use (booking, enquiries, directions etc.) thank you!
General Information Office Hours 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Please call us on 0845 6048041 or 01276 479253 if you have any questions about an event. There is a 24 hour answer phone. For emergencies only try the mobile 07702 046730 as it is checked regularly out of hours for messages. How to Join Spice Online at www.spicelondon.co.uk or by phone – 0845 6048041 or 01276 479253 Booking Events Online at www.spicelondon.co.uk or by phone – 0845 6048041 or 01276 479253 Please see our Web-Site for our full terms & conditions of booking. Bookings are only secure when payment has been received. Credit Notes Please remember to quote the number when booking & please use any credit issued when you joined within 3 months.
Confirmation of Bookings Booking confirmations are sent out via email. Where further information is required i.e. directions this will be sent out prior. Full joining instructions are sent out for all weekend events. If You Can’t Make It To An Event or are going to be late Please ring the Spice Office or the event co-coordinator if you realise that you cannot make an event so that other members are not left waiting for you to arrive and if it is a ‘team’ type events such as sports evenings we can make the necessary arrangements. Also you maybe entitled to a refund, see the Cancellation Policy for full details. Guests Guests are welcome on almost all Spice events. Guests are asked to pay a slightly higher fee and are allowed to attend 2 events, after that time we expect them to become members. This to ensure the value of membership for our members.
Late Bookings
Transport Share
Please go on the wait list, slots do sometimes become available at the last minute due to cancellations and sometimes we are able to secure extra places please call the office check availability. Never just turn up at an event as we may not be able to accommodate you.
If you indicate when booking that you require a lift or are willing to offer or share transport then we are always happy to do our best to link up members for travel share. Please ring the office about 7 days prior and we will be able to give you telephone numbers of possible links.
Event Info All event information and descriptions are correct at the time of going to print, errors and omissions and exceptional circumstances excepted. Prices in this newsletter are for Spice members booking events, guests are charged a higher fee (please see our web site for guest prices). Photographs Please be aware all photos are taken from all Spice groups nationwide and are for illustration only and do not represent any specific event advertised in this newsletter.
Cancellation Policy Please see our full cancellation policy at our Web-Site. If we cancel an event you will receive a full refund on the event price only. If you need to cancel an event please let us know, we may be able to re-sell you place otherwise there will be a cancellation fee as we pay many of our suppliers in full ‘up-front’. Sorry we cannot refund you if you fail to turn-up.
Spice UK Holidays 2015/2016 Spice - In the White Stuff!
Spice - Goes Exploring the World
Ski Christmas 2015 - Meribel, France 20�� to 27�� December, from £895
Nile Cruise at Christmas Egypt 2015 (8 nights) 19�� to 27�� December, from £1079
Ski New Year 2015 - Courchevel, France 27�� December to 3�� January, from £1095
Andalucia Highlights (7 nights) 2ⁿ� to 9�� July, from £799
Ski Andorra 1 Pas de la Cassa 24�� to 31�� January, from £680
Cuba Sun & Fun (12 nights) 8�� Oct to 1�� Nov, from £1599
Ski Les Deux Alpes - France 24�� to 31�� January, from £695
India: Bollywood, Places & Beaches (14 nights) 8�� to 22ⁿ� November, from £1999
Ski Courchevel 1850 - France 7�� to 14�� February, from £835
Spice - Chills Out
Ski Austria - St Christoph, Austria 20�� to 27�� February, from £864 Ski Andorra 2 - Soldeu, Andorra 6�� to 13�� March, from £699 Ski Courmayeur - Solo Week - Italy 6�� to 13 March, from £595 Ski Meribel 2016 - France 13�� to 20�� March, From £875
All ski holidays are for 7 nights
Nice Carnival Weekend (3 nights) 19�� to 22ⁿ� February, from £469 Wonderful Copenhagen (3 nights) 26�� to 29�� May, from £499
Spicy - Adrenaline & Excitement Walking Lake Como, Italy 2015 (7 nights) 17�� to 24�� October, from £829 Walking La Gomera, Canaries (7 nights) 12�� to 19�� March, from £899 For more information or to book your holidays go on-line to www.spiceuk.com or phone the Spice UK office on 0161 873 8788 or e-mail info@spiceuk.com.
Planned Holidays - please check www.spiceuk.com for these! Amazing Algarve 5 star chill out (7 nights) May/June 2016
Croatian Chill out (7 nights) September 2016
Red Sea Dive (7 nights) May 2016
Costa Blanca Chill out (7 nights) September 2016
Mark Warner Water sports (7/14 nights) June 2016
Magnificent Madrid (3 nights) October 2016
Key Spice holidays partners For many years Spice has enjoyed an excellent Club Dance are delighted to be working with Spice to relationship with our travel partner Exodus Holidays promote our dance holidays whether it is salsa, Ceroc, – the UK’s leading adventure travel company. ballroom or tango Club Dance covers it all – UK weekends or 7 or 14 night breaks. 5% discount for independent direct bookings with exodus! 5% discount with Club Dance Holidays! We know however that sometimes our scheduled group departures won’t always fit in with everyone’s personal travel needs. We also know that often members would like to visit some of the places we are not featuring in the group holiday programme. To book your independent holiday with Exodus and claim your Spice member discount call 0845 863 9606. To qualify for the Spice Discount, simply advise them you are a Spice Member AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. Please note: This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.
Club Free Sprit have taken 23,000 customers to various destinations over the years from Cuba, Miami, Jamaica to Calpe, Spain, Austria and Malta and have increased their portfolio of activities from dance to fitness, ski and golf. In order to qualify for the Spice Discount, simply call reservation number on 0207 099 4816 and let them know you are a Spice Member AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. Please note: This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.