Spice UK Holidays 2016 Spice - In the White Stuff!
Spice - Chills Out
Ski Andorra 2 - Soldeu, Andorra 6�� to 13�� March, from £699
Nice Carnival Weekend (3 nights) 19�� to 22ⁿ� February, from £469
Ski Courmayeur - Solo Week - Italy 6�� to 13 March, from £595
Cyprus Spring Chillout (7 nights) 1�� to 8�� May, from £649
Ski Meribel 2016 - France 13�� to 20�� March, From £875
Wonderful Copenhagen (3 nights) 26�� to 29�� May, from £499
Ski Arabba - Dolomites, Italy 19�� to 26�� Mar, from £785
All ski holidays are for 7 nights
Spice - Goes Exploring the World Andalucia Highlights (7 nights) 2ⁿ� to 9�� July, from £799 Cuba Sun & Fun (12 nights) 8�� Oct to 1�� Nov, from £1599 Thailand Chillout & River Kwai (13 nights) 9�� Oct to 22ⁿ� Oct, from £1599 Iceland Discovery (5 nights) 6�� Nove to 10 Nov, from £699 India: Bollywood, Places & Beaches (14 nights) 8�� to 22ⁿ� November, from £1999
Spicy - Adrenaline & Excitement Walking La Gomera, Canaries (7 nights) 12�� to 19�� March, from £899 Grand Canyon Rafting Experience USA (13 nights) 7�� to 20�� September from £2899
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.
Spice 35th Anniversary National Ball Spice started 35 years ago in Manchester, think of all those 1000’s of events and friendships made! To celebrate we are having an amazing anniversary ball, at the 4 star Queens hotel in Leeds Saturday 1�� October Ball only £79. 1 night accommodation £138 (twin share) 2 nights accommodation £243 (twin share)
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.
Get involved with these fun social events… Social & find out more evenings
Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
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.
The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd BS10 5PY 8:00pm for beginners lesson 27�� Jan, 24�� Feb & 30�� Mar
Bristol Preview Nights The Badminton - Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2QJ Monday 9�� Feb & 14�� Mar from 7:30pm The Swan, Bath Road, Swineford BS30 6LN Tuesday 16�� Feb & 22ⁿ� Mar from 7:30pm
Bath Preview Nights The Crystal Palace - 10-11 Abbey Green, Bath, BA1 1NW Wednesday 3�� Feb & 9�� Mar from 7:30pm
Gloucester Preview Nights Robert Raikes Inn, 38 Southgate St, Gloucester, GL1 2DR Wednesday 17�� Feb from 7:30pm
Cheltenham Preview Nights The Brown Jug, 242 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7NB Wednesday 30�� Mar from 7:30pm
Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury Armstrong Hall Complex, 4 Chapel St BS35 2BU 8:00pm for 8:15 beginners lesson 4�� Feb & 3�� Mar
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.
Cardiff Preview Nights Chapter, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff, CF5 1QE Wednesday 17�� Feb & 23�� Mar from 7:45pm
Pub Quiz nights - Free Tredegar Arms, 4 Caephilly Rd, Brassaleg NP10 8LE Tuesday from 8:30pm 2ⁿ� & 16�� Feb, 1��, 15�� & 29�� Mar White Horse, Coychurch, Bridgend CF35 5HD 24�� Jan, 21�� Feb & 20�� Mar
..and make the most of your Spice membership!
Ten Pin Bowling - Cribbs Causeway
Date: Friday 22nd January 2016 Place: Hollywood Bowl, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol (BS10 7TT) 7.45pm Inside Entrance Cost: £14.50 Tonight, it’s back to the traditional Ten Pin Bowling format 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. Meet inside by the shoe collection point where we’ll be waiting to say ‘Hi’ and introduce everyone. Tonight we’ll be playing 2 full games. At the end of the game there will be a prize for the best overall scorer.
Fun Pub Quiz Night - White Horse, Bridgend
Date: Sunday 24th January 2016 Place: White Horse Pub, Coychurch, Bridgend, Wales (CF35 5HD) Ask for the Spice Table 8pm to 10:30pm Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Drinks and any food you have Get those brain cell working and join us for our monthly quiz at the Whitehorse in Coychurch. Quiz starts at 8.30pm sharp. Come early as it is popular! It's free to enter. Fun guaranteed!! If you don't feel like cooking you can spoil yourself and have food beforehand. You can indulge in something from the menu there are plenty of choices so there is bound to be something to tickle your taste buds.
Pub Quiz - The Swan
Date: Monday 25th January 2016 Place: The Swan, Bath Road, Swineford, Somerset (BS30 6LN) Spice Table 7pm to 10pm Cost: £2 Includes: Host And Quiz Entry Extras: Food & Drinks The Swan is a country pub with reputation for great food and well-kept beer. The Swan can boast previous employer Heston Blumenthal to back up that food claim. Many of you may be familiar with this venue from the social evenings, but may not know about their quiz. General knowledge, music, and picture rounds to mention but a few. Then the winning team gets to try their luck at the classic ‘higher or lower’ card game from the TV show ‘Play Your Cards Right’ for a chance to win the house jackpot. The pot is rolled over so there is potential to win a big cash prize! Meet at 7:00pm and those who fancy a bite to eat can order food and have a chat. Then get our thinking caps on for the quiz at 8:00pm.
Spice Meet and Eat - The Dynevor Arms, Pontyclun, Wales
Date: Thursday 28th January 2016 Place: Lantnsant Rd, Pontyclun, Wales (CF72 8NS) Ask for the Spice Table on arrival 7:30pm Includes: Spice booking and Spice host Extras: drinks and food - pay on evening for what you have 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.
Spice Meet and Eat - The Horse Shoe - Downend, Bristol
Date: Thursday 28th January 2016 Place: Downend Road, Downend, Bristol (BS16 6BA) Inside - look for the Spice table 7:30pm Includes: Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks pay on the evening
Trampolining At Air-Hop Bristol
Date: Friday 29th January 2016 Place: Unit 5 Britannia Road, Patchway, Bristol (BS34 5TA) 7pm to 9pm Cost: £14.50 Includes: Entrance, Bounce Socks, Spice Host, Due to requests from you members, Spice are heading to Air-Hop; the world’s biggest trampoline park. A night of reaching the rafters, back flipping, or just causal bouncing around the massive indoor arena filled wall to wall with trampolines. An evening of great fun and a good work out too. Can’t go wrong!
Battle Archery - Avon Valley
Date: Saturday 30th January 2016 Place: Avon Valley Wildlife& Adventure Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keyns (BS31 1TP?) Main entrance 12pm to 1:30pm Cost: £27.50 Includes: Entrance, All Kit And Spice Host Battle Archery is a new and exciting game, which is tactical and extremely fun for all. It’s a cross between Archery and Paintballing, but without the pain! With our bows and foam-tipped safety arrows, this exciting action-packed game offers multiple mission scenarios and the ultimate archery experience. Like the Hunger Games? Then you'll love Battle Archery!
Walk in the Gower - Mewslade Bay, Fall Bay and Worms Head
Date: Saturday 30th January 2016 Place: Rhossili, Gower, Swansea (SA3 1PR) National Trust Shop 11am Cost: £5 From Rhossili village, where there is a National Trust Vistor Centre and a variety of cafes and shops, this moderate 4.5 mile walk follows a mainly off-road route to the neighbouring village Middleton. From Middleton, the route joins the Gower Coast path, from which Mewslade and Fall Bays can be accessed at low tide. On reaching the headland near the Lookout Station where there is an excellent view of Worm's Head, the walk joins the Gower Way for an easy walk back to Rhossili Village. Please allow about 2.5 hours for the walk.
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Sunday 31st January 2016 College Green city Centre 10:45am to 1pm £11 Includes: Guide and Spice Host
Street Art Walking Tour Bristol
Temple Guiting Ramble
Date: Sunday 31st January 2016 Place: Cotswolds (GL54 5RW) 10.30am Cost: £6 Aimed at regular walkers with a good level of fitness this 11 mile walk with Alan Roberts has three or four ascent's, albeit not to steep they are long. This walk takes us from the Pretty Cotswold village of Temple Guitingthrough Guiting Forest and across country following the Windrush path, past the historic Sudeley Castle to the town of Winchcombe where we can stop for lunch. After a bite to eat we continue across country to join theCotswold Way past the remains of a Cistercian Abbey at Hailes, before returning to Temple Guiting. This walk is a mixture of woodlands, open countryside, country lanes, tracks and paths with some tremendous views of the surrounding countryside.
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table 8:30pm Cost: Free Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks Join us tonight for our two weekly quiz at The Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg. This is a light-hearted evening - 5 fun rounds of general knowledge plus a couple of bonus rounds. Registration for the quiz is 8.30 - but why not join us for a bite to eat beforehand from 7.30." There is a regular crowd that goes along, and it’s always a very popular evening with a lot of socialising. Please ensure you book online as we need to let both the pub and the host know how many are coming along. It also always encourages newcomers to book as they know who will be there and makes for a much more fun evening.
Pub Quiz at The Volley - Bristol
Date: Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Place: The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, King Street, Bristol (BS1 4EF) Spice table 7:30pm Includes: Spice host Extras: £1 quiz entry and drinks on the night Come and test your knowledge at the Volley Quiz to be in with a chance of winning £100 bar tab. The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer Tavern has a great selection of local ciders and beers on offer, as well all the favourites!
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Ten Pin Bowling - Cardiff
Friday 5th February 2016 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.
Live Jazz - Friday Night Social at The Old Duke
Date: Friday 5th February 2016 Place: Llandoger Trow Pub, King Street, Bristol (BS1 4ER) At the Duke 7pm Cost: £2 Includes: Live Jazz, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we are heading to The Old Duke a great music venue situated on the cobbled King Street in the heart of Bristol. World famous for its’ live, traditional, New Orleans inspired Jazz and blues music, it is sure to be keep us toe-tapping throughout the evening. Fine ales, spirits, wines and good company on order. The Old Duke is named after Duke Ellington and the pub has become world famous for its’ live traditional, New Orleans inspired Jazz and blues music. We will meet at the Duke for7:30pm to get a table.
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Walking Weekend Swanage, Studland and the Dorset Coast
Fri 5th Feb 2016 - Sun 7th Feb 2016 Purbeck House Hotel, Swanage (BH19 2LZ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Evening Meal at 8.00p.m. £189 Twin Share, £239 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 night's hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, 2 days of guided walks with a choice of easier or harder walk each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: This must be the single most requested event that we run! We have managed to secure a few rooms for an early season getaway at the Purbeck House Hotel in Swanage! This has always been a very popular walking weekend as the venue has it all, a lovely hotel, a great town, friendly local pubs, many with good live music on a weekend and some truly excellent coastal walking. Anyone who has visited the hotel or the area before will know how spectacular the Dorset coastline is, and this weekend will enable us to further explore this wonderful coastline and the vibrant coastal town of Swanage! Book it early it will sell out! The WalkWise Walking Programme: The whole area of the Isle of Purbeck and Swanage is part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding National Beauty, including towering cliffs, beautiful beaches and the rolling Purbeck Hills, all of which combine to give excellent walking! If numbers permit, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides, with a longer walk around 9.5 miles and a shorter one around 6.5. If numbers are lower we will all walk together, thus ensuring more sociability and to ensure everyone is happy the routes will be flexible with a drop out points so everyone will get to do the walk they want. Accommodation: Located at the highest point of Swanage High Street, and built in the Scottish Baronial style of a feudal castle, Purbeck House Hotel stands imposingly above the town. The building is full of historical character, including a tiled floor from the House of Commons, an arch which once stood in Hyde Park, and a gargoyle from Westminster Hall!
Food and Live Jazz And Swing Evening, Bath
Date: Saturday 6th February 2016 Place: Green Park Brasserie, Bath (BA1 1JB) Ask for the Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Host Extras: Food, Drinks Join us for a night of Jazz at the Green Park Brasserie, showcasing local and famous Jazz musicians. Sit back and relax with a meal or simply just come along for the music, it promises to be a great night.
Pay As You Go Meal - The Crispy Duck, Cardiff
Date: Saturday 6th February 2016 Place: 21 Whitchurch Road, Heath, Cardiff, Wales (CF14 3JN) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Includes: Spice table booking and Spice Host Extras: Drinks and Food - pay as you go evening Join Spice this evening as we head to The Crispy Duck located in Whitchurch Road which specialises in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. This is a popular restaurant where there is a good selection of dishes to suit most tastes and budgets. So why not book yourself a place to socialise with other local Spice members. Don’t worry if you’re new to Spice as our host will be there to make introductions.
All prices shown are for Spice members please see our website for guest prices
Afternoon Tea, At The Historic - Sally Lunn’s Bun, Bath
Date: Sunday 7th February 2016 Place: Sally Lunns House, 4 North Parade Passage Bath, (BA1 1NX) Outside the entrance 2pm to 5pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice Host Extras: Food and Drink Afternoon tea at the home of the original Bath Bun. We will have a stroll around the museum located at the venue and then sit down for a delicious afternoon tea in the restaurant. Sally Lunn’s is much more than a world famous tea and eating house in the centre of the wonderful city of Bath England. The historic building is one of the oldest houses in Bath. The kitchen museum shows the actual kitchen used by the legendary young Huguenot baker Sally Lunn in Georgian Bath to create the first Bath bun – an authentic regional speciality now known the world over. Sally Lunns is famous for three things: • One of the oldest houses in Bath and a unique reminder of pre Georgian Bath • Sally Lunn Bun is the original Bath Bun (easily one of the top ten English delicacies) • Sally Lunn – the creator of the Bun – is well known historical figure who came to Bath in the 1680’s
Places of Interest - National Museum Highlights Visit - Cardiff
Date: Sunday 7th February 2016 Place: Cathays Park, Cardiff (CF10 3NP) At entrance - Spice sign 12pm Includes: free entrance, Spice host Extras: Drinks and food if required Each month we are doing a ‘Places of Interest’ visit. These are pay as you go events where Spice provide a host and then you pay for entrance tickets and any food and drinks that you have on the day. We do need you to book so that we know who is coming along. The entrance for the Cardiff Museum is free. Our visit for February is to the National Museum in Cardiff. If you have not been before then it really is worth a visit so why not join us today. We will meet at the entrance at 12 noon then we will head inside for a stroll round the many exhibits and galleries. There is a guided Highlights of Art tour at 12.30 which we can do. We can decide on the day and book at reception if we want to do. Afterwards we usually stop for some refreshments or some lunch close by.
Western Style Rifle Shooting Afternoon
Date: Sunday 7th February 2016 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.
Morgan Motors Visit - Worcestershire
Date: Monday 8th February 2016 Place: Morgan Motor Works, Malvern Link, Worc (WR14 2LL) 10.30 am for 11.00am Cost: £15 Includes: Spice co-ordiantor, entrance charge and booking fee The Pickersleigh Road Morgan Factory is a unique 'time capsule' where little seems to have changed since it opened in 1918! And that is probably the reason why the cars are still in such demand (the waiting list is 5 years plus!). The chassis is still made of seasoned wood and the metalwork is cut, beaten and polished by (loving) hand. We can only visit in working hours, so I'm afraid these times will not suit everyone, but if you love classic English sports cars, we figured a few of you might find a way to get there. On arrival we will be met by our guide for the tour around this 'holy ground' and enjoy the opportunity to tour the new visitor centre that has been built to celebrate 100 years of The Morgan. Place Morgan Motor Works, Pickersleigh Road Malvern Link, Worcestershire WR14 2LL
Friday Social: Speakeasy Bar and Cocktails At Hyde, Bristol
Date: Friday 12th February 2016 Place: 2 The Basement, Upper Byron Pl.Bristol, (BS8 1JY) Spice Table 7:30pm to 10:30pm Cost: £13.50 Includes: First Cocktail, Spice Host Extras: Extra Drinks Lets explore the hidden delights of a fine Cocktail bar. As secrets go, a secret room within a secret bar is as secret as you might get. Hyde & Co may be just off the Clifton Triangle, one of Bristol’s busiest nocturnal thoroughfares, near a magic bar and surrounded on almost all sides by kebab shops, but if you didn’t know it existed, you might walk by it blissfully unaware of the delights within. This speakeasy-style bar, just by The Triangle, is the sister venue of Milk Thistle and has a similarly eclectic, low-lit gentleman’s club vibe going on. It’s a fantastic place for a cocktail: atmospheric and handsomely decked out with a piano in the corner and a selection of vintage lampshades. Hyde & Co’s cocktails are classic concoctions in the main, drawn from the Prohibition era. Hyde & Co has built up a reputation of serving up some of the finest cocktails in Bristol. You'll find a plethora of tinctures, bitters, home made syrups & interesting ingredients. We like to go that extra step towards making our drinks unique and exciting. First drink included – Beers also available. . Date: Place: Cost:
Walking Weekend Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains
Fri 12th Feb 2016 - Sun 14th Feb 2016 Baskerville Hall, Clyro, Near Hay-on-Wye (HR3 5LE) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: This weekend we are all in for a real challenging treat. Not only do we cover all the highlights 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 nice surprise! WalkWise Walking Programme: For the harder walk on Saturday a classic route takes in the three finest peaks of the Central Brecon Beacon’s, including Pen y Fan, the highest peak in Britain south of Snowdon! We start with the long steady ascent to our first summit of Fan y Big. From here we undulate our way over Cribyn and Pen y Fan, all the while taking in the perfect views of the long ridges running north to Brecon, contrasted with the wild heath and reservoirs to the south. Turning for home, we descend the wonderful ridge of Cefn Cwm Llwch back to the cars and the end of an absolute classic! PS We may decide to walk this route in reverse. For the moderate walkers we have a terrific route starting from the Brecon Beacon’s Visitor Centre. Once we’re nicely relaxed we walk in Traeth Mawr Nature Reserve and we can set about tackling a steady ridge to the summit of Fan Frynych. After taking our time to enjoy the wonderful panorama we descend by a dancing stream under the spectacular escarpment of Craig Cwm-du back to valley level. Our final stretch takes us along the old Roman road of Sarn Helen which draws us on easily back homewards. Accommodation: Bathed in history and intrigue, Baskerville Hall was built in 1839 by Thomas Baskerville. The family and setting is believed to be the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. This comfortable and friendly venue will make you feel at home and will cater for all your needs including English breakfast, picnic lunches and evening meals. There is also a swimming pool for use by the residents between 8am and 8pm!
Learn to Drift in an Out of Control Vehicle
Date: Saturday 13th February 2016 Place: Birmingham Wheels Park, Saltley (B8 1AD) 12.00 noon for 12.30 to 4.30 time slot Cost: £89 Includes: Car, tuition & spare tyres! Note special Spice price – Usual public price£199!! Popularised by films such as Fast and Furious: Toyko Drift and considered a modern day sport, Drifting can actually be traced back to the 1930s as a technique used in motorsport, developed to help the drivers navigate corners faster! Drifting has evolved over the years into it's own competitive sport, initially developed in Japan before taking the rest of the world by storm. It is now one of the fastest growing grass root sports in the UK. Drifting challenges the drivers ability to navigate the course sideways for as long as possible, executing the drift in the most controlled and stylish manner they can. Drifting is dancing for cars. For the driver, Drifting provides thrills and an adrenalin rush, as well as enjoyment of a grass roots sport.
Meet, Mingle and Have a Meal - Zia Nina Italian, Bridgend
Date: Saturday 13th February 2016 Place: Zia Nina, 28 Dunraven Place, Bridgend, Wales (CF31 1JD) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Includes: Spice table booking and Spice host Extras: Drinks and food Join Spice tonight for a supper and social at Zia Nina Italian Restaurant. Recommended by Louise this is our first visit and we are sure you will love the food here. 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 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.
Not-A-Valentines Dinner - Bristol
Date: Saturday 13th February 2016 Place: Pizza Express, Harbourside, Bristol (BS1 5TY) Ask for the Spice Table 8pm Cost: £22.99 Are you single and fed up that when Valentines Day comes around everyone else seems to go out and wine and dine each other whilst you stay at home watching reality TV or yet another rerun of some programme you’ve seen before? Well, you’re not alone, so we’ve decided that it would be fun to gather all us singletons together and go out for a Not-A-Valentines meal instead. We’ve chosen Pizza Express because its good comfort food and we don’t want any of that candlelite, eye-gazing, rose giving, lovie-duvvie stuff going on. Instead we’ll be enjoying each others company for an evening of eating and jollity and not an episode of Eastenders anywhere in sight. Our price includes a 2 course meal so that you can not only have main course but also indulge in some luscious dessert like chocolate fudge cake or tiramisu. So this Valentines Day there’s no need to stay in with only the television for company – come out and enjoy the fun. But strictly no fraternising please as we won’t have any of that on our evening out – no siree !!
Vulcan Bomber Restoration Experience
Date: Saturday 13th February 2016 Place: Wellesbourne, nr Stradford Upon Avon (CV35 9EU) 10.00am Extras: No cost to book but donate at least £10 to the restoration society on day Avro Vulcan XM655 (pictured right with it’s crew & fire crew) was one of the last v-bombers produced for the RAF, and part of the UK's nuclear deterrent force throughout the 60s & 70s. XM655 is one of the few Vulcans remaining in ground running condition and The 655 Maintenance and Preservation Society aim to keep it running for as long possible. Today we join up with the restoration group which is run entirely by volunteers. There will be a short talk about the work of the team on arrival before we split into groups of 4 to spend some time in the cockpit. A video will also be shown about the aircraft and there will be an opportunity to ask questions to some of the dedicated volunteers. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available. Donations: There will be a collection on the day to raise vital funds for the project. Please give at least £10.00 Following on from our visit there is a decent cafe in the Garden Store garden in Charlecote village and there re is also a village pub, The Pheasant.
Blackbeard to Banksy the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour
Date: Sunday 14th February 2016 Place: College Green, Bristol (BS1 5TA) Outside The Cathedral Main Entrance 11:30am to 1:30pm Cost: £10 Includes: Tour, Spice Host Extras: drinks afterwards A tour through Bristol’s Old Town and beautiful habourside where local historian and artist Duncan Mckellar will guide us through 1000 years of Bristol’s history. Stroll along the route of Saxon town walls taking in Pirate haunts and highlights of Bristol’s street art. See Long John Silvers Inn and Robison Crusoe’s first port of call. Observe evidence of blitz damage, storm the Norman castle and listen for underground rivers. This unique tour will tell us all we need to know about Bristol’s fascinating past with added bonus of finishing in a timeless smugglers tavern for a barrel of rum. Tour lasts approx. two hours.
Sunday Walk - Cosmeston Country Park and Sully Island - 5 Miles
Date: Sunday 14th February 2016 Place: Cosmeston Country Park, Wales (CF64 5UY) Meet at Visitors Centre 10:30am Cost: £4 Includes: guided walk with John Holloway Extras: drinks/snacks Join us today on this Sunday walk led by John Holloway. We will start with a visit to the fully reconstructed 14th Century Medieval Village (entry free) then we walk through the park across farmland and then on to the Wales Coast Path. From the coast path we should get lovely views across to Sully Island, Flat and Steep Holm and beyond to Exmoor on the North Devon coast. The coast path takes us the length of Sully Bay at the end of Sully Bay is Sully Island. Sully Island is a tidal Island, meaning it's a part time island only cut off from the mainland by the rising tide. If the tides are favourable we will take the short walk across the rocky causeway to the Island. From here it's a short walk back to the Country Park and its cafe where we can enjoy some refreshments. Once refreshed if we have time and the energy we can go for a wander around the Country Park where we should see some of the varied and unusual wildlife that inhabits the park. The walk (including the visit to the medieval village) is expected to take around three hours. Unless it hasn't rained for weeks there will be the sections of this walk that are muddy so please wear suitable footwear
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 16th February 2016 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table 8:30pm Cost: Free Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks Join us tonight for our two weekly quiz at The Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg. This is a light-hearted evening - 5 fun rounds of general knowledge plus a couple of bonus rounds. Registration for the quiz is 8.30 - but why not join us for a bite to eat beforehand from 7.30." There is a regular crowd that goes along, and it’s always a very popular evening with a lot of socialising.
Theatre - Eddie Izzard Force Majeure Reloaded
Date: Tuesday 16th February 2016 Place: Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London (W1D 8AY) Entrance to foyer - Spice sign 7:30pm Cost: £45 Stalls Seats Includes: ticket, booking fee, Spice host We meet at 7.30pm at the entrance to the theatre foyer before we go for a pre-show drink at the bar. If you have not arrived by 7.40pm, your ticket will be left at the box office for you to collect. Sorry, there can be no refunds on tickets unless we are able to re-sell your ticket. The sensational Eddie Izzard - comedian, actor, marathon runner and national treasure - returns to the West End in Force Majeure – Reloaded. Force Majeure has been a real world tour – with Izzard taking his show to 28 countries across the globe, from Russia to America to South Africa, and performing to audiences in four languages. Almost three years since hitting the road, Izzard is back in Blighty to present a new, reloaded version of Force Majeure especially for London audiences. Force Majeure – Reloaded will meld the everyday with the surreal in a comedy show that boasts typically brilliant stream-ofconsciousness riffs by Izzard. Hailed as a comic genius at home and abroad, Force Majeure – Reloaded is vintage Izzard, rambling, whimsical, astute and hilarious.
Cotswolds Luxury Walking and Social Weekend
Date: Fri 19th Feb 2016 - Sun 21st Feb 2016 Place: Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Brockworth, Gloucestershire (GL3 4PB) Friday Evening 6pm Cost: £169 Sharing £219 Single (Deposit £40) After several requests we are returning to this lovely hotel and wonderful walking area for another great weekend with Steve Dell. It’s a wonderful part of the country, this time we will be in the Gloucestershire part of the Cotswolds. There will be an option of a shorter or longer walk on the Saturday – around 6 or 10 miles. Sundays walk will be around 6 miles. The first days walking will take in the “must see” pretty Cotswold village of Painswick – an historic wool town built of mellow Cotswold stone, nestling in some of Gloucestershire’s most delightful countryside. After the walk you will have the option of exploring the beautiful Rococo Gardens and its wonderful Snowdrops. On the Sunday we will visit the famous Coopers Hill made famous by the annual cheese rolling event (don’t worry we won’t have to walk up or down! it), Witcombe Woods, Birdlip Hill and part of the Cotswold Way. We stay at a prestigious 4 star spa hotel with great Leisure Facilities, plenty of free parking and a great package – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast both nights.
Flying Trapeze Taster Session
Date: Friday 19th February 2016 Place: No fit Circus, John Street, Cardiff (CF10 5PE) Main Entrance - Spice sign 5:45pm to 8pm Cost: £18 Includes: Approximately 2 Hour Flying Taster Session, Booking Fee Ever dreamt of flying? This flying trapeze taster class is a must for any budding aerialist. You’ll learn the key flying trapeze basics alongside high-octane aerial manoeuvres, but it’s not just for daredevils. Safety is NoFit State’s priority, and the John Street base is kitted out with crash mats and safety harnesses in case gravity takes over! The fully trained instructors will guide you through a variety of flying trapeze exercises. Once you’ve completed the taster class, you’ll be able to join weekly Level 1 or 2 sessions if you’d like to take it further. Time to find out what flying when not dreaming really feels like!
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Walking Ultimate Challenge Weekend
Fri 21st Feb 2014 - Sun 23rd Feb 2014 Glaramara, Borrowdale, Lake District (CA12 5XQ) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm £190 Twin Share, £175 Single Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 picnic lunches, 2 breakfasts, 2 days of guided walks Walkwise Overview: Glaramara in Borrowdale is justifiably one of the most popular destinations WalkWise run, in an excellent location at the heart of some of England's most spectacular mountains and beautiful valleys…and the food is great. The Ultimate Lakeland Challenge Walking’ event is sure to be stiff yet very rewarding as we tackle some of the Borrowdale’s legendary walks! At grade 1 this means up to 15 miles and up to 5,000ft ascent each day. This ‘Very Hard’ WalkWise Walking Programme: is running alongside a more sedate ‘wine tasting and walking’ package and we shall dine with them Friday and Saturday but leave to the bar, pub or television room after the meal on Saturday night. Accommodation: is in Glaramara, an outdoor centre purpose built for walkers at the foot of the Borrowdale Valley in the heart of the beautiful Lake District National Park. There is a well-stocked bar and comfortable lounges, so you can relax in the evenings. Their catering has an excellent reputation amongst walkers for good wholesome food, the portions are plentiful and the packed lunches satisfying! Then, should you have any excess energy, there is a cosy bar, or three excellent country pubs within walking distance for an evening drink!
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Walking Weekend Wobbly Lakeland Walking
Fri 19th Feb 2016 - Sun 21st Feb 2016 Glaramara, Borrowdale, Lake District (CA12 5XQ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £189 Single, £199 Twin En-suite, (Deposit £35 Single, £35 Twin En-suite) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, a choice of 2 guided walks on Saturday and Sunday, themed wine tasting evening on Saturday night Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: Great walks and socialising combine to make the affectionately titled ‘Wobbly Walking’. We are back at Glaramara in the Lake District for our annual WOBBLY WALKING WEEKEND. Not only is Borrowdale one of the most popular destinations that WalkWise run, with an excellent centre, superb food and a setting amongst some of England's most spectacular mountains, amazing lakes and beautiful valley. This variety of scenery allows us to create a wonderful array of walking programmes from gentle wanders through the valleys to challenging mountain hikes. But the Wobbly Walking has even more with a themed dinner on the Saturday night, following which you will experience a fun and educational evening of wine tasting! The WalkWise 'Wobbly' Walking Programme: Wobbly walking offers a great weekend with a usual WalkWise-style walking programme on the Saturday and Sunday, and the added bonus of wine tasting on the Saturday evening! For this ‘Wobbly’ part on the Saturday night, there will be a themed dinner based on the wine’s country of origin. After dinner there will be a chance to learn about the wines, why they were chosen and of course to sample a number of wines from the chosen country! Accommodation: is in Glaramara, an outdoor centre purpose built for walkers at the foot of the Borrowdale Valley in the heart of the beautiful Lake District National Park. There is a well-stocked bar and comfortable lounges, so you can relax in the evenings. Their catering has an excellent reputation amongst walkers for good wholesome food, the portions are plentiful and the packed lunches satisfying! Then, should you have any excess energy, there is a cosy bar, or three excellent country pubs within walking distance for an evening drink!
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Wilderness and Walking Bunkhouse Weekend - Dorking, Surrey
Fri 19th Feb 2016 - Sun 21st Feb 2016 YHA Tanners Hatch, off Ranmore Common Rd, Dorking, Surrey (RH5 6BE) Arrive from 4.00p.m. 12 noon checkout £95 Sharing MALE (Deposit £10) Includes: 2 nights bunkhouse exclusive hire for Spice, 2 breakfasts and 2 suppers, guided walking and Spice Host throughout Extras: Drinks - bring your own
This picturesque and eco-friendly hostel with plenty of charm and character in National Trust woodland is a perfect country retreat for a Spice weekend away from it all. A haven of peace and tranquillity, you can relax in front of the real fire and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we can explore the network of footpaths and bridleways right from the doorstep. YHA Tanners Hatch has low-beamed ceilings throughout with 12 beds arranged across 3 bedrooms (bunk beds). All bed linen is provided. There is a lovely lounge with a real fire to enjoy the evenings with sofas and armchairs. There is also a dining room with woodburner, tables and wooden benches. There are 4 sinks across the bedrooms. The Toilets and showers are close by in a separate building outside. All bed linen is provided. Please bring your own towels. There are two fire pits on site which means we can collect our own wood and build a real campfire. Around this area there is plenty of walking along the South Downs, there are many cycling tracks and Polesden Lacey and Denbies Wine Estate are close by. The plan for the weekend goes like this: Meet on the Friday evening, and we will have some supper and socialise over drinks in front of the fire. On Saturday morning we will have breakfast which will include a selection of items with a few hot options such as bacon and sausage butties, cereals, yoghurts, fruits and tea/coffee. Then we will head out for a walk as there is some great walking around the hostel and on the South Downs. We will walk in the direction of a pub for some lunch before heading back to the hostel. This will be guided and be between 6/7 miles. Everything is optional you can stay put and chill out at the hostel or you can explore the area either joining in the walks or visiting some of the local attractions such as Polesden Lacey or Denbies Vineyard. On Friday and Saturday night we have included 2 course suppers at the hostel such as a chilli con carne with rice and jacket potatoes for one of the nights and perhaps pizza and pasta the other night. There will be nibbles, dips and dessert to round off the meals. We can have a campfire and toast some marshmallows and have some mulled wine. On Sunday there will be the option of a shorter walk before we check out at 12 noon, totally relaxed and head back to the real world.
Essential Cardiff Walk Tour
Date: Saturday 20th February 2016 Place: Steps of the National Museum 10:20am Cost: £8.50 Includes: guided tour and booking fee Why not join us today on this lovely walk which gives us a great introduction to Cardiff. The walking tour takes us around the beautiful civic centre, Bute Park, the city centre and world famous Victorian shopping arcades. We take in 2000 years of history and get to know many of Cardiff’s extraordinary citizens, from martyrs to marquesses. After the walk we can head to the pub for a drink and perhaps something to eat (optional)
On Toast Late Lunch Onto Dock Side Pub Drinks, Gloucester
Date: Saturday 20th February 2016 Place: 15 Severn Rd, Gloucester (GL1 2LE) Outside Restaurant 3:30pm to 8pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice Host Extras: Food and Drink Come and visit the Country's first toast bar that everyone is talking about. Gormet meals all served on toast. A unique concept and the UKs first. We will meet for a late lunch at 3:30pm and afterwards head over to Dr Fosters Waterfront Bar where we have an area reserved in their conservatory for a nice evening drink and sunset. See web site for sample menu.
Thriller Live at the Bristol Hippodrome
Date: Saturday 20th February 2016 Place: Bristol Hippodrome (BS1 4UZ) Outside 7:30pm to 10pm Cost: £28.50 Join us for one of the West End’s biggest musicals, Thriller Live. Direct from London’s West End, Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer. Join us on an electrifying journey through the magic of Michael Jackson’s 45 year musical history. You will experience over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco as the cast play homage to Jackson’s legendary live performances and innovative dance moves executed with flair, precision and passion, this is a show that you will never forget. For a night out that will make you Scream, you certainly can’t Beat It!
Fun Pub Quiz Night - White Horse, Bridgend
Date: Sunday 21st February 2016 Place: White Horse Pub, Coychurch, Bridgend, Wales (CF35 5HD) Ask for the Spice Table 8pm to 10:30pm Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Drinks and any food you have Get those brain cell working and join us for our monthly quiz at the Whitehorse in Coychurch. Quiz starts at 8.30pm sharp. Come early as it is popular! It's free to enter. Fun guaranteed!! If you don't feel like cooking you can spoil yourself and have food beforehand. You can indulge in something from the menu there are plenty of choices so there is bound to be something to tickle your taste buds.
Pay As You Go Cinema Afternoon
Date: Sunday 21st February 2016 Place: The Watershed, 1 Canons Road, (BS1 5TX) Outside Main Entrance 2:45pm Cost: £2 Includes: host Extras: Food, Drinks Sunday afternoon, nice relaxing get together at the cosy Watershed Cinema. We will be heading for the 3pm viewing. Afterwards we can grab a coffee in the café lounge area to talk about the movie. Watershed is a social enterprise and a registered charity. As the leading film culture and digital media centre in the South West, we advance education, skills, appreciation and understanding of the arts with a particular focus on film, media and digital technologies. Will update with more info about the film when advertised.
Prodrive V.I.P. Visit
Date: Sunday 21st February 2016 Place: Banbury, Oxfordshire (OX16 3ER) 10.45am for 11am tour Cost: £25 One sector where the UK really rules the world is motorsport design, manufacture and consultance. Prodrive is one of the world's leading motorsport businesses. For more than 25 years, they have been running race and rallying programmes for some of the biggest names in the sport, including Aston Martin, Subaru, Ford, Porsche, Honda and BMW. At the same time they provide race and rally cars for private teams. Today you will be shown behind the scenes where you can see how they engineer and assemble the new Mini Rally Cars and the Aston Martin racing cars.
Retired Greyhound Centre Visit
Date: Sunday 21st February 2016 Place: Nr Birmingham Airport (B26 3QS) 11:00am Extras: Please take along a tin of pilchards, tuna or sardines as they would be gratefully received. We will also have a collection, so please take along some loose change. Cost: FREE (but please see list of possible things to bring below) Many of us have enjoyed Spice visits to Greyhound racing events. But have you ever wondered what happens to these wonderful animals once their racing career is over? In days gone by, many such working dogs were “put to sleep”, but the tireless work of dog loving volunteers has resulted in many of them now being rehomed as family pets. The name 'Retired Greyhound Trust' suggests that the dogs are old, but nothing could be further from the truth, as greyhounds on average retire from racing aged anything between 18 months and 4 years old! These wonderful dogs are good with children, are very placid and need only a couple of short walks a day (yes, they really don’t need much exercise!). We are visiting a rehoming centre, where we should meet around 12 dogs and will hear about the work of this charitable trust. It is only a small site, so you only need to allow about an hour. Bring: A tin of pilchards, tuna or sardines would be gratefully received. We will also have a collection, so please bring some loose change. Warning: You may “fall in love” and want to take a greyhound home!
Ski Taster Session - Cardiff
Date: Sunday 21st February 2016 Place: 198 Fairwater Road, Fairwater, Cardiff (CF5 3JR) Ski and Snowboard Centre - Main Entrance 1:30pm to 3pm Cost: £23.50 Includes: 1 Hour Ski Taster Session, Booking Fee Includes: 1 hour ski taster session, all equipment, Booking Fee, Spice Host Today you have an opportunity to try out skiing for the first time at the excellent Ski and Snowboard Centre. This group lesson is designed for those who have never been skiing before. It includes an induction to equipment, static exercises, walking, climbing and sliding on skis. Our lesson lasts for an hour and all equipment is supplied. As we’re in the middle of winter please wear long-sleeves, long trousers (avoid jeans in case it’s wet) and a pair of gloves. You may also want to wear a hat for warmth as well.
Walk - Thornbury, Wood Well, Stock Farm and Thornbury
Date: Sunday 21st February 2016 Place: Town Hall, High Street, Thornbury, Bristol (BS35 2AR) Meet: Outside Town Hall - Spice Sign 10:30am Cost: £5 Includes: guided walk of 5/6 miles with guide Carolyn Evans Join us today on this walk which takes us out of the town over gentle hills, with some great views of the Severn, both bridges and Wales. We return passing the castle, which is still in use as a hotel. Thornbury is a small town located a few miles north of Bristol, off the A38 heading north. There are a few car parks in the town. Meeting point is the town hall and information centre on the main street (High Street - postcode is BS35 2AR) at 10.15am for 10.30am start.
Seventy Seven Film Club Night
Date: Tuesday 23rd February 2016 Place: The Arts House Cafe Basement, (BS1 3RU) Outside the cafe, 108A Stokes Croft, Bristol 7pm Includes: Spice Host, Cinema Viewing Extras: Food, Drinks Seventyseven is a Tuesday evening film club at The Arts House, Stokes Croft, Bristol dedicated to silent, indie, experimental and trash cinema. Not your average film night. Located in the basement of the cosy café The Art House, we will grab a comfy seat and watch the projector screen. This film night will be movies handpicked from the guys at Seventyseven. Expect some classics you never knew existed. First come first served so we shall meet at 7pm to grab a tea or coffee or homemade food if you’re hungry, then find our seats and enjoy the screening from 7:30pm
Spice Meet and Eat - Pentre Gwilym House, Thornhill
Date: Thursday 25th February 2016 Place: Thornhill Road, Thornhill, Cardiff (CF14 9UA) Pentre Gwilym - Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Includes: Spice table booking and Spice host Extras: Drinks and food you pay on the night for what you have 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. Our venue tonight is The Pentre Gwilym House, a newly refurbished All Inns which has fantastic food and a friendly atmosphere.
Spice Meet and Eat - The Hope and Anchor Bristol
Date: Thursday 25th February 2016 Place: 38 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol (BS8 1DR) Inside - look for the Spice table 7:30pm Includes: Booking fee and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks pay on the evening
February Bargain Break 2016
Date: Fri 26th Feb 2016 - Sun 28th Feb 2016 Place: Fishers Hotel, Atholl Road, Pitlochry (PH16 5BN) Cost: £119 Twin, £154 Single (Deposit £30) Includes: 2 nights bed, breakfast, dinner, entertainment including ceilidh and disco, walks with VC Walk Leaders, Mark's Meander & Treasure Hunt, and Friday Welcome Spice Rotating Dinner th Now into its 12 year, join us for the biggest and best weekend in the Spice calendar – our February Bargain Break. This year was brilliant so we are heading back to Pitlochry and The Fishers Hotel. The Fishers Hotel situated in the lovely town of Pitlochry and offers exceptional accommodation and facilities for the perfect Spice weekend. Pitlochry is a delightful Victorian town nestling on the River Tummel, amidst mountains, lochs and forests and some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. On Friday evening we will attempt a Spice Rotating Dinner – over 90 members moving between courses! The perfect chance to meet loads and loads of your fellow Spice weekenders in one action packed evening. After dinner we will enjoy a lively private disco. On Saturday enjoy a lovely Scottish breakfast before heading out for the day. You will have the option to join one of the 2 walks on offer from out walk leaders or for a more leisurely day a place of interest will be available too. After our 3 course dinner in the evening we welcome a live ceildh band to entertain us. Sunday sees us want again start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading out again. There will also be 2 walks on offer or a chance to do some sightseeing before we head home.
Friday Night Comedy at Jongleurs Bristol
Date: Friday 26th February 2016 Place: PRYZM, The South Buildings, Canon's Road, Bristol, (BS1 5UH) Jongleurs Comedy Club - Main Entrance 7:30pm Cost: £18 Includes: Comedy Ticket, Booking Fee,Spice Host Extras: Drinks, Food It’s weekend and definitely time for a good laugh! Tonight we’re off to Jongleurs in Bristol. , Each show features a Compere who will host your evening, and they introduce 3 top acts who will do their finest to make you laugh. The shows sometimes include open spots - a chance to see brand new talent trying out for the first time on a professional stage. All the seating is allocated so no fighting for the good views, tasty bar food is available before the show and the Cuban Bar next door is perfect for after work beers and pre-show cocktails as well as late night drinks after the show.
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Walking Weekend Chilterns and Vale of the White Horse
Fri 26th Feb 2016 - Sun 28th Feb 2016 The Milton Hill House Hotel, Abingdon (OX13 6AF) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 days of guided walks with a choice of 2 walks per day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: The Milton Hill House Hotel is a wonderful venue set it its 22acres of secluded sublime parkland just south of Oxford. This charming whitewashed Georgian country house simply oozes charm and character; it also offers quality cuisine, service, a lovely swimming pool and quality leisure facilities. In fact this is quite simply, just a great place to get away for a weekend. But the location is also superb for us walker, in that it provides us with easy access to a wide variety of walking country, from the Thames Path to Goring and Streatley, the beautiful Berkshire Downs, the rolling Chilterns and the Vale of the White Horse The WalkWise Walking Programme: On Saturday we visit the famed White Horse to regale tales of Dragon’s, White Horses and further myths and legend regarding Britain’s oldest road and the Smithy whom Flibbertigibbet worked for. From here we will explore the Chilterns to the south and east of River Thames. The paths pass alternately through sheltered woodlands and attractive open country with extensive views across the Thames valley to the Berkshire Downs beyond. After exploring these beautiful places we will then return to the Thames footpath as we make our way back along the riverbank to conclude the day in Goring where the most difficult choice of the weekend lies ahead, which teas shop or pub to explore first! Accommodation: The setting is quite simply beautiful. Entering the hotel you are grabbed by its salubrious décor and your weekend break away has begun. There is large entrance hallway with broad staircase leading up from the reception area. There are spacious well-appointed lounges that open up to the parklands beyond and a well-stocked bar to relax in.
Pay As You Go Meal at Michelin Starred Pub Restaurant
Date: Saturday 27th February 2016 Place: The Pony & Trap, Newtown, Chew Magna, Bristol (BS40 8TQ) Spice Table 7pm Cost: £4 Includes: Table booking. booking fee and Spice Host Extras: Drinks & food 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 - Wellow, Bath - Circular 6 Miles
Date: Saturday 27th February 2016 Place: Fox and Badger Pub, Wellow, Nr Bath (BA2 8QG) 10.45am at Fox and Badger Pub Cost: £5 Includes: guided 6 mile walk Extras: drinks and food at the pub (optional) Today our 6 mile walk is in the beautiful area just south of Bath so a great opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. Starting in the pretty village of Wellow we walk down Mill Lane crossing the ford and head into undulating countryside, passing a Long Barrow, taking in beautiful views and walking through pleasant woodland. This is a circular walk so we will return to Wellow and hit the pub for some drinks and food (optional)
Crazy Golf Adventure - Bristol
Date: Sunday 28th February 2016 Place: Jungle Rumble, Cabot Circus, Bristol (BS1 3BQ) 11.15am by entrance desk Cost: £11.50 Includes: 18 Holes Of Crazy Golf , Booking Fee, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join Spice in the Jungle! Come and share in the fun with other Spice members as we have a golfing experience like none other. Our venue is Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf where we’ve booked a group to play one of the two fantastic indoor Crazy Golf Courses. We’ll head onto the course in groups of 3 or 4 and enjoy 18 crazy, mad and fun holes on this superb new facility. After the game, which will last about an hour, we can enjoy a drink in the café or at a nearby bar.
Walk - River Ogmore and Merthyr Mawr 6 miles - Bridgend
Date: Sunday 28th February 2016 Place: Bridgend Railway Station, Station Hill, Bridgend, Wales (CF31 1BN) In car park - Spice sign 10:30am Cost: £5 Includes: guided walk with Layla Powers Extras: drinks and food along the way Why not join us today to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air on this 6 mile walk. This is lovely walk and on the way we’ll pass a riverside nature reserve, the remains of Ogmore Castle and the pretty estate village of Merthyr Mawr. The walk will take us a couple of hours but we will take our time so that we can enjoy the countryside and attractions along the way. Our guide for the day is Layla Powers and she will meet you in the car park of the Bridgend Station. Come prepared with sturdy boots and dress for the weather on the day. Take some cash for any drinks and food you might want along the way.
Pub Quiz - The Swan
Date: Monday 29th February 2016 Place: The Swan, Bath Road, Swineford, Somerset (BS30 6LN) Spice Table 7pm to 10pm Cost: £2 Includes: Host And Quiz Entry Extras: Food & Drinks The Swan is a country pub with reputation for great food and well-kept beer. The Swan can boast previous employer Heston Blumenthal to back up that food claim. Many of you may be familiar with this venue from the social evenings, but may not know about their quiz.General knowledge, music, and picture rounds to mention but a few. Then the winning team gets to try their luck at the classic ‘higher or lower’ card game from the TV show ‘Play Your Cards Right’ for a chance to win the house jackpot. The pot is rolled over so there is potential to win a big cash prize!
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 1st March 2016 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table 8:30pm Cost: Free, Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks Join us tonight for our two weekly quiz at The Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg. This is a light-hearted evening - 5 fun rounds of general knowledge plus a couple of bonus rounds. Registration for the quiz is 8.30 - but why not join us for a bite to eat beforehand from 7.30." There is a regular crowd that goes along, and it’s always a very popular evening with a lot of socialising.
Pub Quiz at The Volley - Bristol
Date: Tuesday 1st March 2016 Place: The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, King Street, Bristol (BS1 4EF) Spice table 7:30pm Includes: Spice host Extras: £1 quiz entry and drinks on the night Come and test your knowledge at the Volley Quiz to be in with a chance of winning £100 bar tab. The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer Tavern has a great selection of local ciders and beers on offer, as well all the favourites!
Social - Smoke and Mirrors - Bristol
Date: Friday 4th March 2016 Place: Smoke and Mirrors Bar, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol, (BS1 5DQ) Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice host Extras: Drinks That Friday feeling! Let’s get together for a few drinks and a catch up. The beginning of the weekend, some nice cold drinks, some bar food if you fancy a bite to eat, and top it off with some magic. Review: Amazing tricks performed at the bar, one of which, involving deft sleight of hand, I am still fairly sure was some kind actual witchcraft and wizardry. All of the magicians and staff were brilliant and I recommend this place to anyone and everyone!
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Walking Weekend the West Sussex Coast
Fri 4th Mar 2016 - Sun 6th Mar 2016 The Best Western Beachcroft Hotel, Felpham, Sussex (PO22 7AH) 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, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and a choice of 2 guided walks on Saturday and Sunday Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: The west Sussex coast has proven to be a very desirable location and deserves further exploration, so this march will see us returning to the very comfortable Beachcroft hotel in the peaceful Felpham Village, which has an enviable seafront location, quiet bar, lovely restaurants and its own indoor swimming pool and most of the bedrooms have sea views too. Too many of you this will be effectively be a new centre and you will experience a great programme of new walks. We shall be exploring the beautiful estuaries and creeks around Chichester and Pagham harbours and complimenting the coastal scenery with a mix of gentle down lands, picturesque villages and the temptations of tea shops and traditional wayside inns!!! More information on our web site.
Pay as You Go Meal - Las Iguanas, Cardiff
Date: Saturday 5th March 2016 Place: 8 Mill Lane, Cardiff, Wales (CF10 1FL) Ask for the Spice Table 7pm Cost: £2 Includes: Spice table booking and Spice host Extras: Food and Drinks - pay on the evening Join us tonight as we try out the lively and fun Las Iguanas for a Spice night out. There is tasty food to suit all budgets and tastes in this vibrant restaurant so why not book yourself a place to meet up for a dine and social with other Spice members.
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Spring Southern Black Tie Ball - Ticket Only
Saturday 5th March 2016 Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way, Bracknell, Berkshire (RG12 8TF) Arrive for 7.00p.m. £59 Includes: 3 course dinner, casino tables, dancing and disco till midnight, Apres Nightclub entry, table plan, Spice Hosts throughout Extras: Drinks on the night Tonight we need you to help us celebrate Spice's Spring Southern Ball! We're pulling out all the stops for the biggest party of the year! So why not join us on this auspicious occasion for an unforgettable night of fun and friendship! For our special evening there will be a Spice Casino themed Black Tie Ball in a brand new venue. The Coppid Beech Hotel is located in Royal Berkshire near to Windsor, Ascot and just 45 mins from the centre of London. The Alpine chalet-style hotel offers everything for a fabulous Spice Black Tie party with overnight stay or ticket only option. A delicious 3 course dinner will be served in our private dining room. The menu will include a vegetarian choice. The evening is then yours to relax and chat to our fellow revellers, try your luck in the Spice Casino, or dance the night away to the DJ. So put on your dancing shoes, your best frocks and dinner suits and help make this a night to remember! After our meal, the DJ will get the party started! Our DJ comes highly recommended and will try to cater for every Spice taste on the night.
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Spring Southern Black Tie Ball - Ticket and Accommodation
Sat 5th Mar 2016 - Sun 6th Mar 2016 Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way, Bracknell, Berkshire (RG12 8TF) Check in from 3.00p.m. £104 Twin & Party, £124 Single & Party Includes: 3 course dinner, casino tables, dancing and disco till midnight, Apres Nightclub entry, table plan, Spice Hosts throughout, Twin or Single hotel accommodation with breakfast Extras: Drinks on the night Enjoy our black tie ball and stay the night at the Coppid Beech hotel Facilities include Complimentary use of Waves Leisure Centre, with state of the art gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Venus Beauty Salon offers pampering treatments.
Satrday Night Social - Bath Gin + Cocktail Bar
Date: Saturday 5th March 2016 Place: 2 - 3 Queen Street, Bath (BA1 3QG) Spice Table 7pm to 10pm Cost: £2 Cocktails and unforgettable Gin & Tonics.. An evening of socialising over a few carefully prepared drinks. Over 235 different types of Gin! Cocktails £7.50-£9. Beers also available. Review: I've been here a few times and have never been disappointed. There is a vast choice a gins and the bar tenders really know their stuff. Just tell them the flavours or tastes you like and they will make a drink to suit. Don't be surprised if you get a drink with herbs, chilli or dry ginger ale, it will taste wonderful. I will definitely return... again. Be aware that it is not a large venue and get very busy pre and post theatre times; be patient, it will be worth the wait.
Walk - Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds - 5 miles
Date: Sunday 6th March 2016 Place: Central Car Park, Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham (GL54 2BX) Meet: In the car park - few mins walk from Old Manse Hotel 10:45am Cost: £5 Includes: guided 5 mile walk Extras: drinks and food at the pub (optional) No walking tour of the Cotswolds would be complete without a visit to Bourton-on-the Water known locally as the Venice of the Cotswolds. Our walk today crosses undulating countryside to reach Lower and Upper Slaughter. In Lower Slaughter the cottages sit overlooking Slaughter Brook, whose waters power a brick-built corn mill, now a popular tourist attraction. A few fields away lies Upper Slaughter, with a Norman Church, Elizabethan Manor and picture postcard cottages centred upon a small green. Bridlepaths and lanes climb the hillsides to the south of the Slaughters to return to the Windrush Valley with the river being followed back to Bourton-on-the-Water. This is a 5 mile walk. Come dressed for the weather on the day with sturdy boots. We usually stop at a pub at the end for some drinks and food (optional).
Skills for the Hills (Bronze and Silver Navigation Awards)
Date: Fri 11th Mar 2016 - Sun 13th Mar 2016 Place: Lluest Fach Farm, Foel, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Meet: Arrive from 6.00p.m. Buffet Supper 8.30p Cost: £144 Member Sharing, £164 Guest Sharing (Deposit £28 Member Sharing, £32 Guest Sharing) Includes: Two nights B&B, Friday evening light supper, lunches, 4 course evening meal 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 breathtaking 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. Both day's walks are quite extensive but the pace is leisurely so you don't need to be superfit to take part
"Meat" + Eat - Steak Night At The Ox
Date: Saturday 12th March 2016 Place: The Basement, 43 , Corn Street (BS1 1HT) Spice Table 7pm to 10pm Cost: £4 Includes: Spice Host Extras: Food and Drink Meat, meat and more meat. And what mighty fine meat it is – served up by dapperly dressed waiters and waitresses in the most unlikely of location. Located beneath a Wetherspoon, this effortlessly stylish restaurant is the first from the team behind popular bars Hyde & Co, Milk Thistle and Pata Negra. Steak with cocktails is nothing new, as anyone who’s been to London’s Hawksmoor will tell you, but this is Bristol’s first stab at the concept – and it’s working incredibly well. Here at The Ox, we believe in creating exceptional food using local, seasonal produce which has been cooked to perfection by our expert chefs. And whilst steak is at the heart of everything we do, there’s a vast range of stunning small plates, classic charcuterie, superb sides and of course, delectable desserts on offer.
Canadian Canoe Adventure
Date: Saturday 12th March 2016 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 one at a pub! The Open canoes minimise our chance of getting wet, which is just as well at this time of year! All equipment is provided.
Meet, Mingle and Have a Meal, The Star Inn, Nr Bridgend
Date: Saturday 12th March 2016 Place: Treoes, Near Bridgend, Wales (CF35 5DL) Ask for Spice table 7pm Includes: Spice table booking and Spice host Extras: food and drinks - pay on the evening Join Spice tonight for a supper and social at The Star Inn in Treoes, Near Bridgend. It has been recommended by a Spice member so well worth a visit. Our Meet and Mingle evening is a monthly event in different restaurants so do book yourself a place. There is no charge to book but slots are limited for this one as this is a busy popular venue. 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 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.
Castell Coch, a Victorian Fairytale Castle
Date: Sunday 13th March 2016 Place: Castle Coch, Cardiff (CF15 7JS) Main Entrance - Spice sign 11:30am Includes: Spice Host Extras: Entrance fee (about £5) tea and cake (optional) Beautifully situated on a densely wooded hillside a few miles to the north of Cardiff at Tongwynlais, Castell Coch (The Red Castle) is a Victorian fairytale castle come to life! The eccentric architect William Burgess certainly made the most of the Marquess of Bute's bottomless pockets when he undertook the restoration and no expense was spared in making this a preraphaelite dream. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied. Come along and explore this beautiful and fabled home of a very wealthy man, with Spice and other Spice members. It’s an opportunity to socialise in very interesting and opulent surroundings! After our tour, there’s a tea room where we can enjoy a home made cake.
SWAT Training Mission
Place: Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield (B75 5SA) Meet: 1.00pm for 1.15pm session Cost: £45 Member, £49 Guest Ever wondered how you would cope as part of a SWAT team storming a building! Well this is your chance to find out! And rest assured - you don’t need any special training or fitness to be a special forces hero with Spice, as we’re just doing this for fun! This unique CQB (Close Quarters Battle) experience has been developed using new and specialised 'Kill - House' style SWAT training facilities which has been purpose built on this site. Upon arrival we’ll be issued with our SWAT uniforms and tactical gear (these weapons are powerful but only fire paint) and be transported by military convoy to the briefing centre near to the “embassy” where we can strategically plan our assault and receive basic weapons training. Prior to breaching the “embassy” we'll test our skills on the 'Pit' an accurate replica of the training facility using several of the “Call of Duty” Games, and then wait for the signal. Go Go Go! And we're in!
Segway Off-Road Safari - Bristol
Date: Sunday 13th March 2016 Place: Segway Bristol, Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Ln, Tockington (BS32 4PG) At the main entrance 2:30pm Cost: £38 Includes: Segway Training, Safety eqipment, Segway Safari Extras: Drinks afterwards Not your average Sunday! A thrilling dirt track ride around a custom built 120 acre track on these unique machines. Test them to the limits whizzing around the course. Afterwards we can relax and catch up over a coffee. Your 1 hour Tour will consist of flat roads to get to grips with these amazing machines, we will then move into a custom built 120 acre off road area where you will experience just how clever and thrilling your segway is, they have lots of different tracks laid out within our site so we can offer various experiences for all capabilities. .
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 15th March 2016 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table 8:30pm Cost: Free Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks Join us tonight for our two weekly quiz at The Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg. This is a light-hearted evening - 5 fun rounds of general knowledge plus a couple of bonus rounds. Registration for the quiz is 8.30 - but why not join us for a bite to eat beforehand from 7.30." There is a regular crowd that goes along, and it’s always a very popular evening with a lot of socialising.
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Butlins 70's Party Weekend - Skegness - 3 Night Break
Fri 18th Mar 2016 - Mon 21st Mar 2016 Ingoldmells, Skegness, Lincolnshire (PE25 1NJ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. £145 Twin, £220 Single (Deposit £30 Twin, £45 Single) Includes: 3 nights fun party weekend in Gold Standard self-catering apartments, all live entertainment to various venues on site, services of Spice host throughout Extras: Drinks, food (self-catering) or eat on site Experience a weekend of great music from the bands of the 70’s – including: The Chi-Lites, Slade, Les McKeown’s Bay city Rollers, Brotherhood of Man, Mud II, The Real Thing, plus great tribute bands to Blondie, David Bowie, T-Rex and more Butlins has gone up-market since the red coat days of “Hi Di Hi”! Their Skegness resort is set on the sandy Lincolnshire coast and is ready for you to dig out your party gear, dust off your dancing shoes and enjoy a great party weekend. This is a three night 70s music themed weekend for over 18s and a public event, 70s fancy dress is the norm for the Sat night, but not essential. The price covers entrance to all venues and live shows on resort. During the day there are loads of other activities included in the price, such as Butlins amazing Indoor Splash Waterworld with flumes, wave machines and a DJ booth, plus a funfair for hair-raising rides, a traditional carousel and dodgems. There are also landscaped gardens and direct-access to a lovely sandy beach, to make the most of the fresh sea air! Some other activities cost a bit extra like ten-pin bowling, go-karting, adventure golf and a relaxation spa with massage and beauty treatment rooms (best to call ahead and book spa sessions and treatments as they get fully booked up). We’ll be staying in modern GOLD self-catering apartments that are walking distance from the hub of the resort. They have 3 bedrooms, made up of one double bedroom and two twin-bedrooms. The stay is on a self-catering basis but there are lots of places to eat on resort if you wish, including an Italian restaurant, SOHO Coffee Co., Burger King, Sun & Moon pub and Butlins own buffet-style restaurants, serving all you can eat breakfast and dinner. There is also a Spar supermarket on resort if you do cater for yourself.
Ultimate Italian Dining at Sotto Sotto, Bath
Date: Friday 18th March 2016 Place: Sotto Sotto, 10 North Parade, Bath (BA2 4AL) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm 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.
Gloucester Local Meet and Meal
Date: Saturday 19th March 2016 Place: Cafe Rene, 31 Southgate Str, Gloucester (GL1 1TP) In the Bar 7:30pm Cost: £18.50 Includes: One Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks We have had some requests for a local meet and eat evening in Gloucester so if you live in this area please come along and support this evening and you never know we may come back again another time! For tonight we are heading to Café Rene situated off Southgate Street. Very much part of and surrounded by historical Gloucester, it’s known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and excellent food. We’ll be enjoying a one course meal from a selection of dishes such as plain or Cajun chicken breast, lamb chops, Desperate Dan Burgers, homemade steak and ale pie, beer battered cod and chips and tagliatelle with tomato cream cheese, to mention but a few options.
Saturday Walk - Radyr, Whitchurch and Tongwynlais - 3.5 Miles
Date: Saturday 19th March 2016 Place: Radyr Railway Station, Wales (CF4 8AA) Meet In the Car Park 10:30am Cost: £3 Includes: guided walk with John Holloway Extras: drinks/snacks Join us today on this Saturday walk led by John Holloway. This walk is a very easy 3.5 mile walk and is almost flat and is a walk along waterways. Firstly the Melingriffith Feeder a short waterway that was built to provide water to the Melingriffith Tin Plate Works and to transport the iron required for tinplate production. Next to this is now an important wetland habitat attracting a variety of bird and insect life. Next we take the towpath along the Glamorganshire Canal, which once went all the way to Merthyr Tydfil but sadly now only exists as small isolated sections. This section is now a nature reserve. The canal finishes abruptly and we head through some pleasant woodland to the River Taff which we follow to Tongwynlais. In Tongwynlais there are good views of the fairy tale castle of Castell Coch. We now join the Taff trail which takes us alongside the canal and then the river back to the start. The walk is mainly of well surfaced tracks, but there is always the risk of a muddy or wet section so please wear appropriate footwear. The walk should take just about 2hrs. Guide John Holloway and as a courtesy to John please let him know if you are not attending on the day. We take late bookings for all our walks. Mobile Number 07933 795602
Symonds Yat Adventure Mission
Date: Saturday 19th March 2016 Forest of Dean 10pm to approx 4pm Cost: £52 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 Biblins 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. You will need a basic level of rambling fitness, boots and waterproofs. Bring a daysack with food and flask for the day.
Fun Pub Quiz Night - White Horse, Bridgend
Date: Sunday 20th March 2016 Place: White Horse Pub, Coychurch, Bridgend, Wales (CF35 5HD) Ask for the Spice Table 8pm to 10:30pm Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Drinks and any food you have Get those brain cell working and join us for our monthly quiz at the Whitehorse in Coychurch. Quiz starts at 8.30pm sharp. Come early as it is popular! It's free to enter. Fun guaranteed!! If you don't feel like cooking you can spoil yourself and have food beforehand. You can indulge in something from the menu there are plenty of choices so there is bound to be something to tickle your taste buds.
Sunday Lunch - 2 Course Roast Dinner - Yurt Lush - Bristol
Date: Sunday 20th March 2016 Place: Yurt Lush, Temple Meads Ferry, Temple Quay (BS1 6DG) Outside Venue 12:30pm to 2:30pm Cost: £22.50 Includes: Sunday Lunch, Pudding Spice Host Extras: Drinks, The Yurt Lush Sunday Lunch is a corker! With your roast you'll receive a generous helping of beef/pork, along with sides (like our yummy Yurt Lush cauli-cheese) and then a tasty pudding afterwards. Come and join us for a lazy Sunday afternoon... relax, read the papers and enjoy filling your bellies in Yurt Lush style. Brunch or lunch is served in unusual surrounds at this yurt-style restaurant, headed up by a Michelin-starred chef. Stop by on Sunday for a great roast. Yurt Lush embodies a little bit of Bristol in everything it does: a tongue-in-cheek name that nods to it's Brizzle heritage; a bit of world culture (without the hemp and poi stylings of other establishments) in a Mongolian yurt; a Michelin-starred chef in director Josh Eggleton, and a kind of friendly aplomb that some will tell you is a special Bristolian trait. With a reputation for special food, Yurt Lush is Eat Drink Bristol Fashion's permanent home in the city. The menu is designed by Michelin starred chef Josh Eggleton with Head Chef, Oscar Davis , and all served in the unique rustic surrounds of a Mongolian yurt! The cauliflower cheese alone is worth the dosh.
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Sailing Weekend Easter - Poole, Weymouth and Jurassic Coast
Thu 24th Mar 2016 - Mon 28th Mar 2016 Chichester Marina, Chichester Harbour, West Sussex (PO20 7EJ) Arrive from 8.00p.m. on Thursday evening £391 Sharing Cabin, (Deposit £50) Includes: 4 nights on board in sharing cabins, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, lunches, tea and coffee Extras: evening meals and marina charges We start this weekend cruise from the Poole Town Quay marina at 20.00 hrs. On the Friday evening we get to know each other over a meal in one of the Town Quay restaurants. On Saturday morning we sail through beautiful Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in Europe, past Brownsea Island (home of the original Scout camp and red squirrels) and out into Poole Bay where we sail south for a few miles past a coast of rolling chalk down land, punctuated midway by the famous “Old Harry” chalk stack, before turning to the west around Durlston Head. On Sunday we return to Poole. If time and conditions suit, we may anchor for lunch in Studland Bay, a beautiful anchorage a few miles south of Poole Harbour. We arrive back at Poole town quay at approximately 16.00 hrs.
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Easter Bunkhouse Weekend - YHA Brighton 3 Night Break
Fri 25th Mar 2016 - Mon 28th Mar 2016 YHA Brighton, Old Steine, Brighton, Sussex (BN1 1NH) Arrive from 4.00p.m. £179 Sharing (Deposit £30) Includes: 3 nights hostel accommodation in the centre of Brighton, 3 breakfasts, one evening 2 course restaurant meal with live entertainment on Saturday evening, 2 guided walks and Spice host throughout the weekend Extras: Drinks and some meals YHA Brighton, in all its Regency grandeur, is on the doorstep of all of Brighton’s most exciting attractions. Less than a minute’s walk from the world famous Brighton Pier, two minutes from the Prince Regent’s magnificent Pavilion and three minutes from the medieval Lanes shopping area. Brighton is famous for its liberal values and forward thinking attitude. Here you will find an abundance of independent boutiques, quirky pubs and comfy alternative cafés. Itinerary for the weekend: Brighton has lots and lots to do so our Spice host for the weekend will have lots of suggestions and we will also advertise some other Brighton events you can book with us before the weekend. There will be a guided walk on one of the days of 5/6 miles, then there is options to walk along the proms to Brighton Pier, A visit to The Lanes is a must do and The Royal Pavilion is also worth a visit. There is live music, comedy, horse racing and pubs galore so get set for a brilliant Easter weekend in Brighton. What’s included: 3 nights in shared bunk en-suite rooms which sleep 6 people, breakfast each day, a Saturday evening meal at Little Bay Restaurant in Brighton with live entertainment, 2 guided walks and Spice host throughout.
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New Members Welsh Cottage Easter Break
Fri 25th Mar 2016 - Mon 28th Mar 2016 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0YB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. £176 Sharing, (Deposit £35 Sharing) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation with full cooked breakfasts, Friday buffet supper and special five course Easter dinner inc, cheese & port) Extras: Lunches and pub meal on Saturday Transport will be in member’s cars to limit costs. OK, so you’ve joined Spice and now fancy booking a weekend but feel a bit nervous about it. This relaxed and welcoming break is for anyone who’s new to Spice and feels a little daunted by attending their first Spice weekend away, or other members looking for the cosy friendly atmosphere that Breakaway Holidays is renown for. This Easter break takes place at a secluded 16th Century stone farmhouse in the heart of the Welsh countryside with breath taking views over the Cambrian Mountains. This popular retreat is run by Sonya and Barry; our friends at Breakaway Holidays, and is well known to many Spice members for its cosy atmosphere, homemade farmhouse food and friendly ambience. Alongside their many years of welcoming guests, as ex Spice Birmingham co-ordinators, Sonya and Barry are aware of how apprehensive anyone can be about spending a whole weekend with people they have never met. They have been looking after Spice members for over twenty years and are very experienced at making you welcome and putting you at ease.
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Walking Weekend Easter and the Pembrokeshire Coast
Fri 25th Mar 2016 - Mon 28th Mar 2016 The Fishguard Bay Hotel, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire (SA64 0BT) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £225 Twin Share, £285 Single (Deposit £45 Twin Share £50 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: The North Pembrokeshire Coast is a perfect WalkWise destination. The Fishguard Bay Hotel is the former flagship hotel of the Great Western Railway which exudes an atmosphere of elegant sophistication. Add to this its impressive location overlooking the bay and we have an ideal base to explore the next stretch of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Much of this coastline remains unknown and it is easy to escape the crowds, yet still enjoy some of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the country. Combine the hotel, the location and the walking and we are ensured of a seriously enjoyable getaway!
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Walking Weekend Easter on the Isle of Man
Fri 25th Mar 2016 - Tue 29th Mar 2016 Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man (IM1 2LY) IInstructions will be sent - 4 night break £420 Twin Share, £500 Single (Deposit £70) Includes: 4 nights’ accommodation, 4 evening meals, 4 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 guided walks, ferry crossing from Heysham to Douglas return, return transfer from port to hotel with luggage. Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: The Isle of Man, 33 miles long and 13 miles wide is steeped in 10,000 years of history. Here one will find everything to piqué the interest of a walker. We shall go ‘a wandering’ atop the rugged cliffs and around the hidden sandy coves and along the uncrowded beaches. We may seek out the glorious glens, the enchanted woodland but also the high wild moorland for this is a walker’s paradise. One is never far from a stunning coastal view under an endless sky. But come here, there’s more, there are the Loghtan six-horned sheep and the legacy of Mans’ Celtic crosses, medieval fortresses and Viking burial grounds. Its most famous symbols are the Manx cat and the island’s emblem the three legs of Man whose meaning is “whichever way you throw me, I stand”. So let’s stand together and take a trip together where we shall get to know the island properly. Even the ferry will help us appreciate some of the most beautiful scenery in the United Kingdom.
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Walking Weekend Easter, Borrowdale the Lakes
Fri 25th Mar 2016 - Mon 28th Mar 2016 Glaramara, Borrowdale, Lake District (CA12 5XQ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £249 Single, £279 Twin En-Suite (Deposit £50) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches, 3 breakfasts, 3 guided walks. Extras: Transport to walk starts (Thursday night available see website) WalkWise Overview: Set in the heart of the Lake District, Glaramara is surrounded by some of the finest mountain and lakes in the country. Understandably this is one of our most popular locations, occupying a picture perfect setting which is the envy of every walker!! From the front door of the centre, there is a massive range of walking to choose from and the food is great too! There are the towering heights of Great Gable and Scafell Pike, Castle Crag, the beautiful Derwentwater, the superb cafes throughout Borrowdale and some traditional Lakeland hostelries!
Auto Stunt School
Date: Saturday 26th March 2016 Place: Northampton Raceway (M1 J15) (NN7 2BA) 10.00am to approx. 4.30pm Cost: £159 Includes: Lunch Fancy driving a car on two wheels? How about starring in your own high speed shoot out? Auto Stunt School offers the most action-packed experience day ever! From Basic Handbrake turns to awesome power-Wheelies, Stunt School promises you a day out you will never forget – the perfect gift for the person who has everything! Great instructors, roving commentators and plenty of pizzazz make this a unique experience – great for participants and spectators alike – be sure to bring your fan club to cheer you on! Directions: Exit the M1at Junction 15. Follow the A45 (eastbound) for 3 miles and exit onto the A428 (toward Bedford). After a further 3 miles, as you enter Brafield on the Green village, turn right (signposted “Horton”). The Raceway is 1 mile on the Right.
Mama Mia at the Bristol Hippodrome
Date: Saturday 26th March 2016 Place: Bristol Hippodrome (BS1 4UZ) Outside 7pm to 9:30pm Cost: £46.50 One of the West Ends longest-running (and best-loved) musicals is coming to Bristol! It’s been over 15 years since the original production of MAMMA MIA! opened in 1999. Since then, this ultimate feel-good musical has been seen by over 54 million people around the world, where it still continues to break box office records. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA, including "Dancing Queen", "Take A Chance On Me" and "Super Trouper". Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget! Come along and book early for this momentous evening, tickets will be going fast!
McLaren MP4-12C Thrill
Date: Saturday 26th March 2016 Place: Prestwold Driving Centre, Loughborough (LE12 5SQ) 2pm for 3.00pm Cost: £125 The McLaren MP4-12C is a sports car designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive. It is the first production car wholly designed and built by McLaren since the McLaren F1. It’s the current (at time of writing) holder of the Top Gear fastest lap time. This spectacular speed machine is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of 207mph and is manufactured by the F1 specialists here in the UK, not Italy! •Welcome, Introduction and Safety Briefing •2 laps demonstration with instructor driving performance training car •4 laps driving a McLaren MP4-12C. •Individual Driving Experience Certificate to finish
Spice Dines - Tapas Evening - Bristol
Date: Saturday 26th March 2016 Place: Bellita, 34 Cotham Hill, Bristol (BS6 6LA) Spice Table 7pm Cost: £28.50 Includes: Sharing Plates Tapas, Spice Host Extras: Drinks An evening of fine food and good company at the delightful Bellita restaurant. With music provided courtesy of an old record player and the eclectic soundtrack to our evening included vintage Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. “Bellita (translates to ‘little beauty’) is the boisterous little sister of Bell’s Diner and Bar Rooms. A bar with food and lovely drinks, Bellita is all about jollity. Our relaxed approach to eating and drinking means guests are welcome to just perch at the bar and have a quick bite, or settle in and work through the menu. As at Bell’s Diner & Bar Rooms, our food draws its inspiration from Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, using fine ingredients from these regions backed up with ace produce from our brilliant local suppliers. Our dishes are designed for sharing and we hope you enjoy them.“
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Walking Week Easter in St Ives and Cornwall
Sat 26th Mar 2016 - Sat 2nd Apr 2016 Treloyhan Manor Hotel, St Ives (TR26 2AL) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £549 Twin Share, £699 Single (Deposit £50) Includes: 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 7 evening meals and 5 days of guided walks with a choice of easier or harder walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: The Cornish Coastline is one of the finest walking areas in the country. There are numerous bays, cliffs, headlands, fishing villages and welcoming seaside towns. We have managed to secure a week over Easter at Treloyhan Manor overlooking the blue waters of St Ives. This striking manor house is solidly constructed from the toughest Cornish Granite and it is from here that we will explore the wonders of Cornwall. Of course we can pop into St Ives to explore the many pubs, cafes and shops. However the hotel has a great reputation for food and is flavoured with a “taste of the sea”
Llama Trek and Rare Breeds Farm Visit with Lunch
Date: Sunday 27th March 2016 Place: Smallbrook Farm, Forest of Dean (GL15 6AE) 11.00am Cost: £45 Includes: Picnic lunch on the farm afterwards This is a new route for a classic Spice event! There’s nothing more stress relieving than trekking with animals, and today we’re out with pack animals from various continents! We will definitely have llamas with us, plus a Bulgarian Donkey (called Ruby) who we will all get to drive from her trap or one of the lovely mules who have recently retired there from Barr Beacon. We also hope to have a Camel with us if conditions allow. The route to Symonds Yat is one of the most scenic that the UK has to offer. We also hope to encounter the famous peregrine falcons on our way. A picnic lunch is included, which will be carried for us by our very useful llama friends. This trek is around 7 miles of very easy walking and is designed in such a way that they can easily shorten or lengthen it on the day depending on conditions. Also note that if you do get tired, you can always ride in the trap! For the full write-up please see the website event listings.
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 29th March 2016 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table 8:30pm Cost: Free Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks Join us tonight for our two weekly quiz at The Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg. This is a light-hearted evening - 5 fun rounds of general knowledge plus a couple of bonus rounds. Registration for the quiz is 8.30 - but why not join us for a bite to eat beforehand from 7.30." There is a regular crowd that goes along, and it’s always a very popular evening with a lot of socialising.
Scuba Diving Try Dive - Cardiff
Date: Tuesday 29th March 2016 Place: Fitzalan High School, Larrenny Avenue, Cardiff (CF11 8XB) final info will be emailed 7:30pm Cost: £2 Why not try a Scuba session in sheltered water with the Cardiff BSAC dive club. Learning to scuba dive can be great fun, and isn‘t as daunting as you might at first think. They have been teaching divers for 42 years so we know we are in good hands. The try dives take place in Fitzalan High School pool where one of the fully qualified BSAC instructors will provide full instruction on safety, equipment and basic technique. Then, when your instructor thinks you‘re ready, it‘s into the pool and under the water. Club Training Officer Bill Trezise and his team of qualified instructors will be on hand to give you all the help you need. The whole session lasts around an hour to hour and a half, from arrival and includes introduction, demonstration of the scuba equipment, full poolside instruction and pool time. All you need to bring along is a swimming costume and a towel, the club will provide everything else. The session includes a certificate and underwater photographs if you wish to have some taken.
Spice Meet and Eat - South Wales - Three Blackbirds Inn
Date: Thursday 31st March 2016 Place: Three Blackbirds Inn, Llantarnam,Cwmbran (NP44 3AY) In the Bar 7:30pm Includes: Spice table booking and Spice host Extras: Drinks and Food you pay for what you have on the night A popular event in South Wales is our monthly Member’s Meet & Eat. Every month we will head to a pub chosen by the members 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 Co-ordinators will be there to meet you.
Spice Meet and Eat - The Fox Den Bristol
Date: Thursday 31st March 2016 Place: New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol (BS34 8TJ) Inside - look for the Spice table 7:30pm Includes: Booking fee and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks pay on the evening This is one of our meet and eat evenings where we meet for drinks and food and you just pay on the evening for what you have. Tonight we are at The Fox Den in the north of Bristol, which serves a wide range of dishes in a very traditional pub with roaring open fires. Please book early so that we can secure our table and provide a Spice host for the evening.
Sailing Weekend around the Solent
Dates: Fri 8th Apr - Sun 10th Apr Fri 6th May - Sun 8th May Fri 10th Jun - Sun 12th Jun Fri 15th Jul - Sun 17th Jul Fri 29th Jul - Sun 31st Jul Fri 30th Sep - Sun 2nd Oct Place: Chichester Marina, Chichester Harbour, West Sussex (PO20 7EJ) from 8.00p.m. Cost: £255 Shared Cabin (Deposit £50) Includes: 2 nights on board in shared cabins, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, lunches, tea and coffee. Extras: evening meals and marina charges 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 (after a hearty breakfast) and lunch is most often eaten underway. 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. On Sunday, after breakfast we set sail to return to the Marina, possibly mooring or anchoring for lunch en route. For more information see our website.
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Walking Weekend Arundel, West Sussex and South Downs
Fri 8th Apr 2016 - Sun 10th Apr 2016 Norfolk Arms Hotel, High Street, Arundel, West Sussex (BN18 9AB) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals choice of 2 walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: West Sussex is simply a stunning area of outstanding natural beauty, filled with history, wildlife, picturesque villages, enchanting country pubs, rolling countryside and meandering river valleys, all of ensure your walks are beautiful varied, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. Further, numerous trails and paths criss-cross the beautiful countryside allowing everyone easy access to what is now Britain’s newest National Park. For more information see our website.
Back to Nature Bushcraft Weekend
Date: Fri 15th Apr 2016 - Sun 17th Apr 2016 Place: Rhayader in Mid-Wales (SY16 3LF) Friday evening Cost: £139, £149 (Deposit £30) Includes: Two nights’ accommodation in tents (provided and erected for us) Spice coordinator, basic breakfasts and materials for Saturday evening meal and Sunday lunchtime which we prepare under guidance. Note: Price includes £10 early booking discount for bookings made before 1st February. Extras: Pub meal friday night and bring a packed lunch for Saturday. Other meals will be provided/ prepared ourselves using artisan methods! Getting back to nature and grounded in natural materials is the ultimate antidote to modern life. The Venue: Nannerth Fawr www.nannerth.co.uk is near Rhayader in mid-Wales and nestled in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains and overlooks the River Wye. Tents are provided or on the second night you may wish to sleep in your “self-built” shelter – the choice is yours. You will just need to bring a sleeping bag and any items you can’t be without. There is also a stunning tree house from which we can enjoy badger watching at night. The Course: We arrive Friday Night and have a pub meal together (not included) in the nearby town. The course starts properly the next morning. We’ll spend two days in our stunning location looking at fundamental bushcraft skills. This includes fire lighting, shelter building, and rustic bread making. We also aim to look at basic wood carving, making natural cordage, water filtration, and principles of hunting and trapping. The evening meal on day 1 will be provided using our instructors take on a ‘Maori-style’ pit oven. There will be plenty of time for us all to relax, practise and hone skills and proficiency in each of the topic areas, and enjoy the beautiful venue surroundings.
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Narrow Boat Weekend - Gayton Marina, Northampton
Fri 15th Apr 2016 - Mon 18th Apr 2016 Gayton Marina, Near Northampton (NN7 3ER) Arrive between 2.30p.m. and 4.30p.m. £185 (Deposit £35) Includes: exclusive Spice weekend on a narrowboat for 3 nights (option to depart Sunday is also available), 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and Spice host throughout Extras: Drinks and some meals For this weekend we are heading to Gayton Marina in Northampton, which is ideally situated just off the M1 (junction 15A) and close to Towcester and Northampton. We will leave from Gayton and head south onto the Grand Union Canal towards Blisworth. Day two will take us towards Great Linford and we will have a number of locks to go through as we travel to Cosgrove where an aqueduct crosses the River Ouse. On Sunday we will spend the day travelling back to Gayton.
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North Wales Hostel Walking and Social Weekend
Fri 15th Apr 2016 - Sun 17th Apr 2016 Prestatyn, Denbighshire, Wales (LL19 7AG) Arrive from 4.00p.m. check out 12 noon £75 Sharing, (Deposit £15) Includes: 2 nights hostel accommodation, 1 cooked breakfast & 1 continental breakfast, Friday night buffet and Saturday night meal. 2 guided walks and the services of a Spice host This one will suit the walkers and the non-walkers for whom there is plenty to do in the area. For the walkers, we have access straight on to the beach and The Wales Coast Path where we can go South towards Rhyll and beyond to the Kinmel Nature Reserve or North passing Prestatyn itself and on to the Gronant Dunes Nature Reserve. Alternatively we could drive inland and access the Clwydian Way & explore the Clwydian Hills overlooking the coastline. For the non-walkers we are within driving distance of many attractions. For more information see our website.
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Serenity Weekend Discovery Your Inner Self
Fri 15th Apr 2016 - Sun 17th Apr 2016 Lluest Fach, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. Supper at 8.30p.m. £160 Sharing, (Deposit £32 Sharing) Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet lunches, 4 course evening meal and all instruction This is a weekend of gentle personal exploration for those intrigued by alternative spiritual and holistic practices. The holistic approach deals with the mind, body and spirit as an interactive whole and can help deal with the stresses and pressure of modern day living. Through the use of healing touch, energy therapies, chakra work, sound, dowsing, movement and meditation you will discover and explore hidden elements of yourself. Learning to connect with your hidden self can help promote greater self-confidence which can lead to a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle. Participation will be the keyword during this weekend. For more information see our website.
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Shropshire and Long Mynd Walking and Social Weekend
Fri 15th Apr 2016 - Sun 17th Apr 2016 The Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury (SY2 6AZ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £229 Single (Deposit £45) Includes: 2 nights bed & breakfast, a packed lunch on the Saturday, dinner on the Saturday evening, a quiz an two days guided walking. Extras: Dinner on the Friday evening and transport to walk starts if used 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. The walks are more of a moderate standard as there are some inclines which give the area its stunning views. As we are staying in the lovely market town of Shrewsbury we are doing something slightly different to most of our walking weekends. We have opted to include dinner on the Saturday night only (when we will also have our quiz). Dinner on the Friday will be at a local pub or restaurant and we can have a wander into Shrewsbury afterwards. For more information see our website.
Walking Weekend Ballachulish and Glencoe
Date: Fri 15th Apr 2016 - Sun 17th Apr 2016 Place: Ballachulish Hotel, Glen Coe, Scotland (PH49 4JY) Arrive from 4.000p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £179 Twin Share, £229 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 days of guided walks with a choice of walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. there is an extra night option available for this weekend Walking Overview: Ideally located to explore Glencoe, the Mamores and Western Highlands, WalkWise have secured one of Scotland’s most famous Highland Hotels: The Ballachulish, It has great food, a good bar and is situated on the breath taking lochside at the foot of Glencoe. However, the main reason for the weekend is the amazing access that this destination gives to the North West Highlands, Needing no introduction to anyone with a love of the outdoors, this area contains some of Britain's finest scenery. Our walks will explore some of the wildest, most rugged, remote and romantic areas in the country! And there is wonderful walking for everyone whether you want to gently wander alongside the beautiful lochsides and through the enchanting glens or wish to climb up into the high mountains and enjoy the endless panoramas! For more information see our website.
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Walking Weekend Snowdonia Mountains and Coast
Fri 15th Apr 2016 - Sun 17th Apr 2016 Ambassador Hotel, Llandudno, Wales (LL30 2NR) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £159 Twin Share, £199 Single (Deposit £30 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, 2 guided walks per day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: Llandudno is an excellent resort to visit during the quieter winter months. We will return to our regular haunt of the Ambassador hotel which is within staggering distance of some excellent traditional inns but more importantly it is an ideal location to allow us access to the mountains of Snowdonia and the coast alike. We can explore the beautiful Conwy valley, the surrounding Cambrian Mountains or wander the miles of beautiful coastal paths!
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Sailing Cross Channel Race - Cowes to St Vaast
Thu 28th Apr 2016 - Mon 2nd May 2016 Gosport Marina, Mumby Road, Gosport. Hampshire (PO12 1AH) Arrive for 8.00p.m. on Thursday £420 sharing (Deposit £50) Includes: 4 nights on board in sharing cabins, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, lunches, tea and coffee Extras: evening meals and marina charges We meet up on Thursday evening at Gosport Marina ready for a day of practice and preparation on Friday. The race starts off Cowes at 1830 on Friday evening and we race through the night the 85 miles to St Vaast on the Cherbourg peninsular. We are likely to get there around midday on Saturday. On Sunday we have a choice. We could leave early and take the tide round to Cherbourg to have a meal there before setting back or we could spend the day in St Vaast and leave from there. The sail back to Gosport will be a second overnight sail.
Dublin Social Weekend
Date: Fri 29th Apr 2016 - Mon 2nd May 2016 Place: Central Dublin Friday at the Airport or in Dublin Cost: £249 Twin MALE Share, £309 Member Single (Deposit £50) Includes: Three Nights B&B and Spice host Throughout Here is the long awaited Dublin social weekend. Dublin is a short flight from the UK (around an hour) so it’s ideal for a long weekend. Dublin has so much to offer; the Guinness Storehouse, the Old Jameson’s Distillery, Kilmainham Goal (A prison museum where many of Ireland's political prisoners were incarcerated, tortured and executed the Open Top Bus, Dublin Castle, Dublin zoo, St Patricks and Christchurch Cathedrals, Trinity College Library and more craic than we can fit in. On the Saturday we plan to eat at the Arlington Hotel and see their Celtic Nights (Traditional Irish show) which are a lively mix of pulsating traditional Irish dance rhythms, jaw-dropping footwork and legendary Irish songs - all liberally sprinkled with lashings of sparkling Irish wit from our resident band of balladeers. We stay right in the city centre; at The Best Western Academy Plaza in Grafton Street which makes all the attractions and bars! very accessible, either walking or on the tourist bus. As with all of Steve’s social weekends there will be a set of coordinated activities throughout the weekend; you can do all of them of just dip in and out as you please (although many will need to be booked in advance) . Date: Place: Cost:
Walking Weekend Hadrian's Wall and Gilsland Spa
Fri 29th Apr 2016 - Mon 2nd May 2016 Gilsland Spa Hotel, Gilsland, Hadrian's Wall, Cumbria (CA8 7AR) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £239 Twin Share, £299 Single (Deposit £45 Twin Share, £55 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals, 3 days of guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: Hadrian’s Wall is the most famous and impressive Roman fortification in the Roman Empire. The best preserved sections of the wall lie between Lanercost Priory in the West and Chesters Cavalry Fort in the East and it is no coincidence that this also happens to encompass the wildest, most inaccessible and arguably the most beautiful landscape with dramatic ridges, open moors, long escarpments, lochs and deep river valleys. The bank holiday walking programme of 6 walks over the three days concentrates on the very finest sections of the wall and the surrounding area.
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Walking Weekend Plymouth, South Devon and Cornish Coasts
Fri 29th Apr 2016 - Mon 2nd May 2016 Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth, Devon (PL1 3LG) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £249 Twin Share, £309 Single (Deposit £45 Twin Share, £55 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals, 3 days of guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: This is a great opportunity to explore another stretch of our amazing south west coastline, The stunningly South Cornish Coast and the beautiful South Devon coastline are some of England's finest, and this alone is more than enough reason to visit! Towering cliffs and rugged headlands are all lapped by inviting Mediterranean blue waters, and in between are secluded sandy bays and quaint fishing hamlets. Deep estuaries dramatically cut their way inland, carving beautiful isolated peninsulas. Along the way we will call into picturesque villages and enjoy the hospitality of the inviting cafes or welcoming country inns.
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Walking Weekend Spring into Windermere and Ambleside
Fri 29th Apr 2016 - Mon 2nd May 2016 Windermere Hydro Hotel, Windermere, Lake District (LA23 3BA) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £269 Twin Share, £344 Single (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £60 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals, 3 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: Bowness-on-Windermere is one of our favourite destinations. We have a great hotel, great location, great town, oh and great walking too!!! This is a wonderful time of year to be in here with a great sense of life in the countryside and a great vibe in the local pubs and inns, so we are ensured some cracking evenings too! The Hydro is one of the oldest Lake District hotels and it blends a mixture of Victorian elegance with modern leisure facilities. It’s in an ideal location, just set back from the village of Bowness-on-Windermere which affords spectacular views over Lake Windermere.
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Welsh Camping Long Weekend
Fri 29th Apr 2016 - Mon 2nd May 2016 Lluest Fach, Foal, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 5.00p.m. £74 Camping, £92 bunks Includes: campsite, Party with BBQ, Barrel of beer, cider £16.00 supplement for dormitory accommodation subject to availability) Escape from the city this Bank Holiday for an outdoor experience with a difference! Our camping venue is a private site and is exclusive to Spice for the weekend. A working smallholding which is very secluded, situated high up on the side of the beautiful Banwy Valley, with breath-taking views, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
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Sailing Weekend around Malta
Fri 13th May - Mon 16th May, Fri 17th Jun - Mon 20th Jun & Fri 9th Sep - Mon 12th Sep Kalkara Wharf, Kalkara, Malta £384 Sharing, (Deposit £50) Includes: 3 nights on board in sharing cabins, breakfast, lunches and snacks on board. Wet weather gear and diesel. Extras: return flights to Malta. Evening meals ashore, drinks and marina fees. There are three main islands in the archipelago. Malta, Gozo and Comino. Malta is about 73 miles around; Gozo is about one third the size and Comino is only 5 miles in circumference. This means that we can cover a lot of territory in a weekend. There are some beautiful lagoons and beaches, many of which can only be reached by boat. There is also the evidence of 7,000 years of everchanging culture as Malta has been frequently overrun due to its strategic location. Many Spicers take the opportunity to stay on after the sailing event to continue exploring the many attractions of these beautiful islands.
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Walking Weekend Derbyshire's Dales and Eastern Peaks
Fri 13th May 2016 - Sun 15th May 2016 The Makeney Hall Hotel, Derbyshire (DE56 0RS) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 evening meals, 2 picnic lunches, 2 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: During this weekend we will be exploring not only the amazing Peak District but also the Amber and Derwent Valleys too. For this is the southern Peak District National Park which accentuates the exciting and beautiful scenery of the Peaks. This white or ‘light peak’ is typified by the fascinating limestone scenery, deep limestone gorges, exposed escarpments, lush flower-rich pastures and its famous underground cave systems plus pretty villages.
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Walking Weekend Sidmouth and the East Devon Coast
Fri 13th May 2016 - Sun 15th May 2016 The Sidholme Hotel in Sidmouth, Devon (EX10 8UJ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Twin Share, £219 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, 2 guided walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walking Overview: The South East Coast of Devon around Sidmouth is a quite simply a stunning stretch of coastline and a personal favourite of the many of the Walkwise guides. We have managed to negotiate a very rare summer date at the Sidholme Hotel in the heart of Sidmouth. This is a great venue, with excellent food and its own indoor swimming pool and leisure facilities, it lies in its own grounds and is just a stroll from the sea front of Sidmouth, The food is excellent, the lounges ooze warmth add in its charm and character and this is an ideal base to explore east Devon.
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Sailing Weekend Poole, Jurassic Coast and Weymouth
Fri 20th May 2016 - Sun 22nd May 2016 Poole Quay, Town Quay, Poole (BH15 1BT) 8.00 Friday Evening th nd th rd th nd th rd £305 for 20 to 22 , £430 20 to – 23 , (Deposit £20 to 22 , £20 to – 23 ) Includes: 2 or 3 nights on board in sharing cabins, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, lunches, tea and coffee. Extras: Evening meals and marina charges We start this weekend cruise from the Poole Town Quay marina at 20.00 hrs. On the Friday evening we get to know each other over a meal in one of the Town Quay restaurants. On Saturday morning we sail through beautiful Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in Europe, past Brownsea Island (home of the original Scout camp and red squirrels) and out into Poole Bay where we sail south for a few miles past a coast of rolling chalk down land, punctuated midway by the famous “Old Harry” chalk stack, before turning to the west around Durlston Head. On Sunday we return to Poole. If time and conditions suit, we may anchor for lunch in Studland Bay, a beautiful anchorage a few miles south of Poole Harbour. We arrive back at Poole town quay at approximately 16.00 hrs.
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Sailing Cross Channel to the Cherbourg Peninsula
Thu 26th May 2016 - Mon 30th May 2016 Chichester Marina, Chichester, West Sussex (PO20 7EJ) Arrive for 8.00p.m. on Thursday £409 Cabin Share (Deposit £50) Includes: 4 nights on board in sharing cabins, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, lunches, tea and coffee. Extras: evening meals and marina charges On this cruise we plan to take advantage of the Bank Holiday weekend to venture southwards towards Cherbourg and the Channel Islands. Sailing across the Channel and making a foreign landfall is a special and memorable experience. Starting on Thursday night or early Friday morning enables us to maximise our time on the ‘other’ side and gives you the opportunity to experience lighthouses falling away astern. The crossing normally takes between twelve and fifteen hours. Once safely in harbour, you enjoy that first evening meal ashore with a real sense of achievement. Weather permitting, we normally visit at least two harbours and enjoy an afternoon’s walk or bike ride on one of the islands before returning to the Solent with a couple of hundred sea miles under the keel.
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Bank Holiday Narrowboat Weekend - Aldermaston
Fri 27th May 2016 - Mon 30th May 2016 Padworth, Reading - 3 nights (RG7 4JS) Arrive between 2.30p.m. and 4.30p.m. £235 (Deposit £40) Includes: hire of Narrow boat for Spice exclusive Bank Holiday weekend Spice host, 2 breakfast, 2 sandwich/picnic lunches (Option to finish on Sunday night is available) Extras: Drinks - bring your own and some meals at pubs along the way This is a great way of spending a lazy, long weekend away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For this weekend we are heading to Aldermaston which is ideally situated just off the M4 at junction 12 and on the outskirts of Reading. We will leave from Aldermaston and head west on the Kennet & Avon canal towards the picturesque market town of Newbury. Day two will take us towards the village of Kintbury where there are some nice canalside pubs for us to enjoy. On Sunday we will spend the day travelling back to Aldermaston. (This is just a guide of what we can do and it can be changed to suit the group and the amount of locks we want to go through!)
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Secret Ridges of Wales Bank Holiday Walking Weekend
Fri 27th May 2016 - Mon 30th May 2016 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales. (SY21 0YB) From 6.00pm Friday £176 (Deposit £34) Includes: Friday evening supper, three nights B&B, packed lunches 4 course evening dinner party and Mountain Leader guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts is in member's cars to reduce costs The trouble with ridge walking in Wales on a Bank Holiday weekend is the throng of other walkers doing the same. This break is designed to escape the crowds and tackle some of the spectacular, but lesser known routes. Your guide for these walks is Barry Smith, a qualified mountain leader who has been living in the area and walking these hills for over twenty five years. All the ridges involved are wide and far from scary so you can concentrate on the views rather than the drops. On Saturday, after a traditional cooked breakfast, we plan to tackle two of the highest peaks in Southern Snowdonia, Aran Fawddwy and its sister summit Aran Benllyn. We’ll be approaching the peaks from a little used route to the east which will take us by the impressive waterfall, Pystyll Gwyn. The walk is about 10 miles in length with spectacular views over to the coast and some of the more well known peaks of North Wales to the North.
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Walking Weekend Evesham North Cotswolds
Fri 27th May 2016 - Mon 30th May 2016 Abbots Salford, Evesham, Worcester (WR11 8UT) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £259 Twin Share, £319 Single (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £60 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 guided Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: 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.
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Walking Weekend Tenby and Pembrokeshire Coast
Fri 27th May 2016 - Mon 30th May 2016 The Clarence House Hotel, Tenby, Pembrokeshire (SA70 7DU) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 7.00p.m. £234 Twin Share, £294 Single (Deposit £45 Twin Share, £55 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 1 evening meal, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: Terrific Seaside Tenby & Perfect Pembrokeshire Coast Combine with superb safe and sociable walking. Few people would dispute that the Pembrokeshire coast is one of the finest in the country so it will come as no surprise that on all three days we’ll be walking beside or close to the sea! Whether you are looking for longer or shorter walks, the area is a sheer delight. You will feel invigorated walking above the rugged and spectacular limestone and sandstone cliffs that typify the area. Pembrokeshire’s national park is unique in that it is the country’s only national park based entirely on coastal scenery; it boasts beautiful sandy beaches, wonderful headlands, medieval cliff top castles and early Christian sites
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Wilderness and Foraging Bunkhouse Weekend - Dorking, Surrey
Fri 3rd Jun 2016 - Sun 5th Jun 2016 YHA Tanners Hatch, Dorking, Surrey (RH5 6BE) arrive from 4.00p.m. £135 Sharing (Deposit £20) Includes: 2 nights bunkhouse exclusive hire for Spice, foraging experience with foraging expert, 2 breakfasts and 2 suppers and Spice Host throughout Extras: Drinks - Bring Your Own
This picturesque and eco-friendly hostel with plenty of charm and character in National Trust woodland is a perfect country retreat close to London. A haven of peace and tranquillity, you can relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For this weekend we are walking and foraging in the woods for a real wilderness experience. We will also cook a meal with the mushrooms, berries and any other food we can find. We will have a foraging expert from Wildfood Foraging to give us a talk on the rules of foraging before we set off into the countryside to identify the edible plants and mushrooms that grow in this area. We will learn what we can and cannot eat so that we can enhance our walks and diets. Much of what we find when foraging would be considered food for fine dining so why not learn how to do it for free.
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Walking Weekend on IIkley Moor
Fri 27th May 2016 - Mon 30th May 2016 Craiglands Hotel, IIkley, West Yorks (LS29 8RQ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £249 Twin Share, £309 Single (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £60 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches, 3 breakfasts, 3 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used WalkWise Overview: This charming programme see’s WalkWise combine a grand, warm and friendly Victorian hotel with the traditional historic spa town of Ilkley. The Craigland’s hotel sits close to one of the finest walking areas in the country, the Yorkshire Dales National Park. However, just behind the hotel lies the famous Ilkley Moor and the gritstone hills of the South Pennines. Our weekend will get away from it all by walking in three contrasting areas including on the famous and majestic Ilkley Moor itself, the beautiful dales and the dramatic Bronte country of Wuthering Heights. We shall spend our day’s walking up over the hills and dales, through the wild moorlands and criss-crossing the lush landscapes adorned by the omnipresent dry stone walls. In the evenings we will wine and dine in the splendour of their excellent restaurant and take drinks from the well-stocked bar.
Rod Stewart Concert - Cardiff
Date: Saturday 11th June 2016 Place: Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Road, Cardiff, Wales (CF11 8AZ) Final details will be emailed 6pm Cost: £69.50 Join us for a weekend in Cardiff to see the rock legend, Rod Stewart, at the Cardiff City Football Stadium From Maggie May to Sailing, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy and When I need You, Rod Stewart has released some of the biggest songs of all time. Now, he’s back with his 29th album, Another Country, and a tour of the UK and Ireland for summer 2016. Rod Stewart, the spiky-haired rocker with his unique, raspy soul voice hit the big time with his debut solo album, Every Picture Tells A Story, which was released in 1971, and along with its lead single Reason to Believe and it’s B-side Maggie May, it turned Rod Stewart from famous rock star into music legend. During his career, Rod Stewart has sold in excess of 200 million records worldwide, has been awarded a CBE by the Queen and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. The music legend has produced 29 studio albums throughout his career, which has spanned over five decades.
Walking Weekend Bournemouth Hampshire and Dorset Coast
Date: Fri 24th Jun 2016 - Sun 26th Jun 2016 Place: The Oceana Hotel Royale, Bournemouth (BH1 3EQ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £179 Twin Share, £219 Single, £229 Sole Occupancy (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single, £45 Sole Occupancy) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 days of guided walks with a choice of two walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: Bournemouth is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the south coast of England mainly due to the magnificent World Heritage Coastline. What better way is there but to enjoy a weekend other than residing at the lovely Hotel Wessex Hotel on Bournemouth’s exclusive West Cliff. This hotel is our favourite Bournemouth Hotel and comes complete with Spa and Leisure facilities that include both an indoor swimming pool and outdoor pool, gym and on site beauty treatment. The surrounding area comprise of beautiful coastline and stunning countryside with a wide variety of attractions to make your weekend extra special. There are many excellent beaches nearby and it is only a short walk to the town centre and it is an ideal springboard for us to explore the Dorset and Hampshire coastline. This year we will spend one day exploring the stunning area around Studland, Old Harry’s Rocks and the Isle of Purbeck and for our other day we will head east towards Christchurch and Lymington with stunning sea vistas and the Isle of Wight forming their backdrop.
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Rustic Bunkhouse and BBQ Weekend - Chilterns
Fri 1st Jul 2016 - Sun 3rd Jul 2016 YHA Jordans, Welders Lane, Jordans, Beaconsfield, Bucks (HP9 2SN) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Check out is 12 noon £69 (Deposit £10) Includes: exclusive hire of bunkhouse for Spice, 2 breakfasts with hot items included and 1 evening BBQ supper and Spice host throughout Extras: drinks & other meals over the weekend We have another one of our popular southern bunkhouses weekends and we have exclusive use of a rustic wooden cabin in the Chiltern Countryside. Located in the heart of a village this wooden cabin is set in two acres of woodland with a lovely garden and all the attractions of the nearby towns and pubs. The plan for the weekend will be to meet on the Friday evening, and we will either cook ourselves some supper or head to a local pub. On Saturday morning your breakfast is provided and will include a selection of items with a few hot options such as bacon and sausage butties, cereals, yoghurts, fruits and tea/coffee. Then we will head out for the day. Sunday is a chill out morning with an option for a stroll before checking out of the hostel at 12 noon and heading for home.
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Bristol Balloon Fiesta Weekend
Fri 12th Aug 2016 - Sun 14th Aug 2016 Thistle Bristol Hotel, Broad Street, Bristol (BS1 2EL) Arrive from 4.00pm £189 Twin Share, £255 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £50 Single) Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts, 1 Course lunch on Saturday, International Balloon Fiesta, City Docks Packet Boat Cruise & Spice Host throughout the weekend. Extras: Evening meals, drinks Optional lunch on Sunday th This year, Bristol will play host to Europe’s largest ballooning event for the 37 time. In this amazing spectacle over 150 hot air balloons will take off from Ashton Court Estate at dawn and light up the skies at night with evening glows. It’s something everyone has to see at least once in a lifetime! The event features colourful hot-air balloon displays, attracting over half a million visitors to the scenic grounds of Ashton Court. Balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off over the City of Bristol as well as taking part in various ballooning competitions including who can reach the furthest point in a set time or landing challenges. There is also entertainment for everyone on the ground with fairground rides, delicious food stalls, a craft fair, dance stage, arena entertainment, the world famous Red Arrows and a local talent music bandstand.
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Narrow Boat Weekend - Wiltshire
Fri 2nd Sep 2016 - Mon 5th Sep 2016 Hilperton Marina, Trowbridge, Wiltshire (BA14 8RS) Arrive between 2.30 and 4.30p.m. £189 (Deposit £40) Includes: inclusive hire of a narrowboat for Spice for the weekend for 3 nights 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches and Spice host throughout the weekend Extras: Drinks & some pub meals It’s a great life afloat, and this time we are heading to Hilperton Marina for another one of our favourite weekends on a narrowboat. This weekend will see us travelling the waterways from our starting point in Hilperton Marina, which is superbly situated on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge in Wiltshire (a short distance from the M4). We will probably head to the historic town of Bradford on Avon, and then probably on to Bath, crossing over the impressive Avoncliffe and Dunda viaducts. This is a great way of spending a lazy, long weekend away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We just drift along at a leisurely pace enjoying the county side and socialising along the way.
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Isle of Wight Bunkhouse Weekend
Fri 9th Sep 2016 - Sun 11th Sep 2016 YHA Totland Bay, Hurst Hill, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight (PO39 0HD) Arrive from 4.00p.m. check out 12 noon £69 Sharing (Deposit £10) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation in sharing rooms in hostel exclusively hired 2 breakfasts, 1 evening meal, guided walk & Spice host throughout Extras: Drinks - bring your own and some meals and any activities, ferry crossings We are off to the Isle of Wight for one of our popular bunkhouse weekends. YHA Totland located on the island enjoys a seaside location close to down land cliffs and beaches so ideal for walking and cycling. An added bonus for this weekend is the cycling festival so you can take your bike and join in the fun. It is aimed at all levels, the routes are all made up and easy to follow or you can just spectate. We have exclusive use of a large Edwardian house in its own grounds.
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Spice 35th Anniversary National Ball
Saturday 1st October 2016 4 star Queens Hotel, City Square, Leeds (LS1 1PJ) 7pm £79 Early Bird Ticket (Deposit £20) Includes: Ball ticket, welcome drink reception, 3 course evening meal, ½ bottle of wine, live act on the night, disco plus some extra surprises Extras: Additional drinks. Hotel accommodation to be booked separately Spice has a big National Anniversary Ball every 5 years and the chances are you have heard our 25th and 30th Anniversary Balls were both events that have gone down in Spice history and are still talked about today! Now Spice UK is proud to present the Spice 35th Anniversary National Ball! This will be a truly fabulous night with loads of fun surprises and a great celebration of all that Spice represents. The venue is the 4* Queens Hotel which was purpose built as accommodation for rail travellers and it couldn’t be better located right in the heart of the city with its own entrance straight off Leeds Central. Note the price is for the Ball only. You will want to make a weekend of it please see our web site for accommodation details.
Spice Rack - National Groups SPICE (West Midlands)
SPICE (London)
SPICE (Thames Valley & Solent)
Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter Suite 1, Ryknild House Burnett Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands, B74 3EL 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 (Manchester)
SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 130 Aztec, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UB Tel: 0742 959 8414 / 01276 479253 dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com www.spicebristolcardiff.com
Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0161 864 3849 info@spicemcr.com www.spicemcr.com
SPICE (Scotland) Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris 63 Easter Langside Crescent Dalkeith, EH22 2FN Tel: 0131 531 2653 info@spicescotland.com www.spicescotland.com
SPICE (East Midlands) Co-ordinator: Steve Dell Foxhall Business Centre, 2 King Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AS Tel: 01827 767150 office@spiceeastmids.com www.spiceeastmids.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 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 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 01276 479253 Booking Events We encourage members to book online at www.spicelondon.co.uk or by phone 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 photos may be taken from any Spice groups nationwide or other sources and are for illustration only and do not represent any specific event advertised in this newsletter. Please be aware photographs may be used in any Spice promotional material, let us know if you do not wish them to be used.
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 as soon as you can 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 and ‘up-front’. Sorry we cannot refund you if you fail to turn-up.
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 March ski trip in Arabba, 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. Your Spice Co-Ordinator Karen, 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.
Butlins 70’s weekend in Skegness - Friday 18th to 21st March £145 (twin share for 3 nights) £220 (single for 3 nights) Includes: 3 nights fun party weekend in Gold self catering apartments, live entertainment & Spice host (food/drink not included). In February it was Nice, in March Spice is off to Super Skeggie for a 70’s style party! If you like a quiet night in with a cup of Horlicks before a restful nights sleep this is not for you! During the weekend a mix of tribute & genuine 1970’ bands (including Slade) will entertain you. Most enter into the spirit and dress up (platform shoes, bell bottoms, even chest hair and medallions, it’s up to you). During the day their's lots to keep you busy (Splash waterworld, landscaped gardens to explore even dodgems and a traditional carousel)
Bargain Bunkhouse Weekends Last year our bunkhouse weekends proved very popular. These weekends are very social and a great way to relax and make new spice friends. We usually start the weekend on Friday evening with supper and plan the activities for the next couple of days. Although each weekend is different, after breakfast on Saturday we may go on a guided walk followed with an evening BBQ. Sunday we may visit a local attraction. The theme of these weekends is to relax with everyone mucking in with the meals and tidying up.
Wilderness & Walking - Dorking Surrey, February Fri 19�� to Fri 21�� Easter Bunkhouse YHA Brighton - West Sussex, March Fri 25�� to Mon 28�� Wilderness & Foraging Bunkhouse - Dorking Surrey, June Fri 3�� to Sun 5�� Rustic Bunkhouse & BBQ - Chilterns, July Fri 1�� to Sun 3�� Isle of Wight Bunkhouse Weekend - YHA Totland Bay, September Fri 9�� to Sun 11��