Spice West Midlands Newsletter Autumn 2016 by Richard Coulter

Firstly I just want to say a special ‘Hello and Welcome’ to all our members as this is a commemorative issue it’s going to every one of our members up and down the country – and that can’t be said for about 8 years now!

Dianne Livingstone Spice London

You may or may not know but Spice is celebrating its 35th anniversary (not sure what may have given that away?) and every time I am asked to write a piece for the newsletter I seem to start with “where has the time gone?” But it’s true… the weeks, turn into months then years and suddenly it’s 11 years since I first met my very good friend Dave who gave me the opportunity to get out of a job I really didn’t enjoy and not only work with some amazing people but also meet many interesting, extrovert and often very funny members! Starting with Spice in 2005 I can honestly say I have never woken up and thought I really don’t want to go to work today – don’t get me wrong, it has the odd trial and tribulation but on the whole I count myself very fortunate! This issue is a nostalgic look back at Our Spice Memories... among the stories we have covered there are profiles of some of our longest term members (still in membership) living the dream with Spice. There is an interview with Dave and a potted history of Spice plus our Coordinators have taken pen to paper and shared some of their stories with you - some of which really made me laugh out loud! The newsletter also has our logos from yesteryear see if you can spot them whilst you go through the issue.

Richard Coulter Spice West Midlands

Lauren Fawkes Spice Manchester & Yorkshire

Jamie Morris Spice Scotland

Until next time.. .w ha ta

g for…Live aitin y o u uw rD yo r ea

Kathryn Buttle Spice Thames Valley & Solent

... Ian Purvis, Spice UK General Manager

Steve Dell Spice East Midlands

Ian Purvis Spice UK

Kate Alderson Spice Bristol & Cardiff

Name: Tina Bryant Which Group are you a member of? East Mids How long have you been a Spice member? 7 years - and I can honestly say that they have been have been the most fun years of my life! Why did you join Spice? I’d been a single mum for many years and my son was about to spread his wings and go to uni. It was time for me to get a life of my own. A friend of mine was thinking of joining Spice so we went along to the local open evening together. I was quite nervous at the beginning but there were so many great events on offer, I just decided to go for it! What has been your favourite event? Well, I would have to say Center Parcs. I’ve been four times, each time was different and so much fun, but the third time, when I met my fiance, has to be the best What has been your most challenging event? A DIY weekend in Wales. It was at quite a lonely time in my life and the journey up on my own was challenging in itself. I was so nervous but when I arrived, I found there were five of us ladies in one room. We’d all brought wine or chocolate to share and it was like a

lovely party right from the beginning! And as for the DIY - well, I learned drilling and tiling and bricklaying to name just a few. I left that weekend feeling completely invincible! What is your funniest memory in Spice? I have so many and they mostly involve dressing up! I think it has to be the Dolly Parton Tribute Night - Mike Sampson in his blonde wig and inflatable boobs winning the Best Dolly Award. What would be your advice for a new member? There are so many adventures to be had, things you wouldn’t even have dreamed of! Get booking and start having fun! Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Yes, I went to Cuba. It was an amazing holiday and I wouldn’t have done it on my own. Being part of Spice meant everything was always well organised and there were always friendly Spicers for company! Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? Yes. I’m sure there are a few..........! What is your life philosophy in one sentence? Enjoy the moment!

Name: Adrian Spencer Which Group are you a member of? London How long have you been a Spice member? 28 years (Since July 1988) Why did you join Spice …It was by chance! Walked into a WHSmiths one lunch time during work and was browsing through ‘Pursuits’ magazine and saw the ‘SPICE’ advert at the back in the multi-activity section – thought, that looks really interesting, so joined and the rest is history as they say! If I had walked passed WHSmiths, what a different path my life would have taken! What has been your favourite event? Probably Fire Eating, but Bungy Jumping, Bridge Jumping, Zorbing and all the water sports events - you name it, were all favourites. What has been your most challenging event? Bungee Jumping – I hate heights, but loved it in the end!

What is your funniest memory in Spice? ….Barstool Karting was the funniest – driving around a track in converted go-karts! What would be your advice for a new member? …. Just go for it - and try the things you’ve not done before or you think will challenge you. Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? ….Yes – A few of the skiing holidays & La Santa (Lanzarote) Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? … Being sick after I got out of the Zorb at the bottom of the hill!!! I got a lot of ribbing for that! What is your life philosophy in one sentence. …. Try and make the most of what life throws at you, even if you think it’s outside your ability and confidence zone, whenever you can.

Do you remember this...

Name: Heather Morton Which Group are you a member of? Birmingham Spice, it will always be that to me! How long have you been a Spice member? Since May 1992. Why did you join Spice? To be honest I have no idea. I and a few friends saw the launch posters and thought it looked fun. What has been your favourite event? Best event ever was flying a Jet Provost, I didn’t stop grinning for a week. Must be getting on for 18 years ago, but still makes me smile. Coincidentally most memorable ones are all activity/ driving ones. Helicopter, go karts, hovercraft,

formula ford, combine harvester, all great fun. What has been your most challenging event? Abseil off Vyrnwy dam. Aberdovey ice cream re-appeared if you know what I mean? What is your funniest memory in Spice? Barry rugby tackling ‘bad boys inc’ in an attempt to stop them mooning out of the back of the coach when leaving Ragley Hall. Arrest averted! What would be your advice for a new member? Don’t play safe, do activities that challenge your thoughts and abilities. You will never find a safer or more supportive environment to try new things. Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Yes a few. Grand Canyon, just save up and do it......fantastic. Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? Ehhhhemmmm of course not! What is your life philosophy in one sentence? Be kind, give your time freely and be happy.

Name: Tony Evans

What has been your most challenging event? Abseiling 200ft

Which Group are you a member of... Thames Valley and Solent

What is your funniest memory in Spice? Watching the bus catching on fire! (you had to be there)

How long have you been a Spice member? A long time!! (25.5 years)

What would be your advice for a new member? Get out there and give it a go; even if you don’t like it, you’ll know more about yourself Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Yes – Skiing, Thailand, Australia

Why did you join Spice? At the time I was looking for different things to do

Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? I’d rather not say ;-)

What has been your favourite event? Skiing Holidays!

What is your life philosophy in one sentence. Try anything once.

Name: John Tribble Which Group are you a member of? Spice Scotland. How long have you been a Spice member? Only 24 years! Why did you join Spice ? I discovered Spice through a friend I used to know. It sounded like a really easy way to try out various activities without all the hassle of organising it yourself. What has been your favourite event? There have been many over all those years, but probably the weekend breaks, the Spice Castles Tour - 6 castles in a weekend. Also weekends in Braemar, Inveraray and walking around Glencoe to name a few. What has been your most challenging event? Probably the Acting for Fun classes. I am a pretty shy guy, so the thought of performing in front of others was daunting. However, it was probably one of the most useful events I ever did, as I realised that acting is not just for actors. Most people have to give a speech or a presentation at work during some point in their life, this course gave me a real confidence boost for such tasks. And yes, it was a lot of fun too!

What is your funniest memory in Spice? Well, I did the fire eating experience a while ago and feeling full of confidence, a few days later at a party I was invited to I gave a demonstration of my new skill in the host’s back garden and ended up setting fire to their lawn! Someone reluctantly ended up pouring their pint of beer over the flames to prevent a major disaster. Needless to say, I have not tried giving demonstrations again. What would be your advice for a new member? Once you have joined, go to an event where you can spend some time meeting plenty of members and find out what they would recommend. Then book the events you fancy early to avoid disappointment! Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Yes, I did the Spice Australia trip, something I will never forget. The weekend in Bangkok then off to Sydney, Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon, finally Cairns for white water rafting and the Great Barrier Reef. We were constantly on the go! Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? Trying to do tap dancing. I discovered I have no rhythm, at least in my feet. What made it worse was I always seemed to be standing next to a girl who was really good. What is your life philosophy in one sentence? You only live once, so enjoy it!

Name: Christine Harrison Which Group are you a member of? Spice Yorkshire. How long have you been a Spice member? According to Lauren, I’ve been a member for 24 years. Apparently I’m the longest serving female Yorkshire member. Maybe I’ll get a silver award next year! Why did you join Spice? One of my friends had moved away and joined Spice Manchester. She casually mentioned she was going to New York with Spice, so I joined my nearest group and booked the New York trip as my first event. Within a year I’d moved to Leeds and started a new social life with Spice. What has been your favourite event? There’s been lots of favourite events. Fire eating/breathing; Narrowboat weekend; Balls and parties; Bunk barn weekends What has been your most challenging event? The Grand Canyon rafting holiday. I’d never wanted to camp and not been rafting before but it was an incredible experience.

which they had to cook at the table. The waitress came back to check on us and started flapping around as they’d cooked it all wrong. What would be your advice for a new member? Don’t procrastinate. Book it, do it ! Be a regular at quiz nights/ bowling/meals and try the weekends to get to know people quicker. Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? I’ve done lots of the long haul holidays. Australia, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Japan, Brazil, Caribbean cruises, The Grand Canyon. They’ve all been great. Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? Thankfully nothing bad to report here although, as a Voluntary Coordinator, I’m regularly approaching people in restaurants to ask if they’re with Spice, especially if they’re on their own. What is your life philosophy in one sentence? You can’t take it with you! Which four people (dead or alive) would you like to have dinner with? Michael Palin, Joanna Lumley, Charles Darwin, Dervla Murphy (all keen travellers) Favourite film? Pretty Woman

What is your funniest memory in Spice? On holiday in a Japanese restaurant with a couple of Spice guys. They chose a meal

Name: Jo Beaumont Spice Group: Spice Bristol & Cardiff How long have you been a member? 12 years Why did you join Spice? Hadn’t been in Bristol long and wanted some fun.

Favourite possession? A diamond ring I bought in Malaysia. The next morning I learnt that my mother had passed away.

What is your funniest memory in Spice? When at Center Parcs doing Spice Triple Challenge, having to do Karaoke in the middle of the pathway. What would be your advice for a new member? Once you become a member just book a few events together to get started. Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Yes, went to Lake Garda was absolutely amazing.

What has been your favourite event? Cardiff weekend with East Midlands Spice.

Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? Trying to get over a stile and had to get two men to help me over backwards.

What has been your most challenging event? 6 mile walk in the Cotswolds as some people know, I’m not a walker.

What is your life philosophy in one sentence? You are only on this earth once so make the most of it.

Name: Roger Mellor

on life is to live each day, never waste a moment, having lost two friends to cancer, you appreciate life.

Spice Group: Spice Manchester How long have you been a member? 29 years

Which four people (dead or alive) would you like to have dinner with? Richard Branson, Paul McCartney, Gary Barlow and of course Dave Smith who I first met in Barbados in 1987 who told me about this “little club of his called Spice”.

Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Been on several Spice holidays including New York, Las Vegas,Turkey, Egypt, France - most memorable being the two week tour in 1992 of Egypt where we covered everything even going in King Tuts tomb on Christmas Day...and no he didn’t have a tree up ...

Favourite movie? It has to be Lawrence Of Arabia ticks every box true story, fabulous settings, fantastic music.

My most embarrassing Spice moment? Trying to jump off a camel by the Pyramids when led off by a couple of dodgy characters, they have to sit first. What is your life philosophy in one sentence? My philosophy

Most treasured belongings? Has to be my father’s war records, some framed in my house which include a letter from the King after he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Do you remember this...

Interview with the founder Dave Smith Do you hear that title and think of it fondly? Do you miss us? What made you want to move on? Definitely miss you guys and all my friends around the country - Spice was 35 years of my life going at 100 miles an hour, and I definitely miss the excitement, challenge and fun of running the show, however I was also really clear it was time to hand on the baton. A bunch of things started to come together at the same time telling me it was time to move on… my elderly parents were needing more care time which I didn’t have, and I wanted to have time for them. I thought I had taken Spice as far as I was able given my skill set and energy - it was hard keeping up with the pace of change the last few years since the internet got going. Moreover I had always promised myself I would hand it on when I reached 60. Life is short, I have been a cop, a herdsman on a kibbutz, a YMCA Manager, and I wanted to fit a few more experiences in before my time came. I also didn’t want to just hang on to it until was too old and it withered with me. It was time.

next months ‘event ’ - a Frisbee Golf Champagne Picnic at a friends farm. The initial plan was one event a month on the last weekend. The Annual Membership Fee was 12 Guineas! (£12.60p)

How many members did you need to be a viable business? Well, I didn’t set it up to be a ‘business’ in the beginning - it was a labour of love that I ran alongside my full time business (I was a personal development tutor - teamwork, leadership, that sort of training). It took about 4 years to get to 300 members then Granada decided to do a documentary on the Club (it’s on YouTube now) and the phone didn’t stop ringing for a month, and we jumped to 1200. I was working day and night and my main business was suffering, so I called a meeting of the Club and proposed to go full time at that stage, get better discounts, put on a bigger programme, and be there to take calls, and take a wage to which everyone agreed.

How long did you keep the one group before starting the next group? Manchester started in May 1981, and the next Group was Spice Crewe and Stoke (long gone - thats another story) in 1985.

What made you start Spice? I wanted to join a club that was just like Spice, but there wasn’t anything back then remotely like it. There were single sport clubs like Golf and Badminton Clubs, but but nothing for adults that looked like my old scout group or youth club, doing lots of fun activities and adventures with the same gang every week! I’d worked in the YMCA for 6 years, run Venture Scout Groups and been involved with lots of other community organisations, so decided I could set up one using the best bits of each.

Which order did the groups get franchised? Spice Manchester, then Crewe Stoke, London, Lancashire, West Yorks, Birmingham, Yorkshire, Thames Valley, Scotland, Birmingham, South Yorks, East Midlands, Bristol and Cardiff.

When were holidays added to the mix? Pretty much from the off, - I was a skier and people were wanting a ski trip, so that was our first holiday in January 1982 - Three Valleys £145!

Can you remember your first event? Oh yes - it was an Army Assault Course (in Fancy Dress of course), I always tried to add a bit of Spice to events. This was followed by the

= members nationally

The History of SPICE the last 35 years...

1982

1985

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1988

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1990

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1981

Best Spice event?

slide down with fireworks timed to the second I finished the drop.

Oh my - I could choose so many. But our Grand Canyon Rafting Trip eased its way into my soul. It came about in the late 80’s when I took a bus load to the UK’s new IMAX that had opened in Bradford, to see the IMAX film Grand Canyon. This featured the Rafting Company we still partner with, after all these years! In those days it took ages to set up writing to IMAX USA to get the contact, then writing to the Rafting Company remember this was in the day before faxes, never mind email and websites. It’s a a journey like no other, removed from the world, in the most stunning natural landscape you can imagine. I have been lucky enough to go 3 times. It is a peak lifetime experience and I am humbled to have had the opportunity - it can be done by almost everyone, so if it calls to you - GO! Local events - I would say our fire eating workshop which is so unique to Spice stands out, that first Bungee Jump, and of course those many Fancy Dress parties.

Most memorable story? I was asked to dress up as Father Christmas and abseil down the Manchester Town Hall clock at the Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’, and at the bottom of the rope behind a screen, I was to switch with Noel Edmunds, and he would walk out on stage in front of 1000’s, in the same costume, so it looked like he had done the abseil. This was rehearsed a few times in the middle of the night in the lead up to it, I had seconds to

On the night with the TV broadcasting live - I set off and after about 10 yards my Father Christmas white long beard got wrapped around the carribena and I was stuck hanging in front of Manchester Town Hall Clock, for 20 mins! Noel Edmunds had to go on stage and explain - after the initial panic for me, I experienced a ‘costello moment’ - its happened, I could do nothing but observe the panic below and await rescue.

Your most embarrassing moment? Well I guess the time I planned a Treasure Hunt through Cheshire with one of the clues (How old is the Church lecturn?). The answer was on the Notice Board outside the Church but I didn’t think all the teams would pile into the church whilst a service was going on, one every 5 mins for an hour! It made the National Press and not in a good way!

What advice would you give to a new member? Get yourself booked on three events as soon as you join, too many people join and then wait a while, and lose momentum. Choose any event which takes your fancy, but don’t be afraid to tell the event Co-ordinator and indeed everyone it’s your first event. Choose something thats active like a walk, behind the scenes, activity like abseiling or a sport - and not something passive (like theatre or dining - your experience is very dependent on who you sit next to). But most of all if you can - get yourself on a weekend - a great way to make friends and meet people.

Don’t settle for a life of mediocrity, choose to create a full and fascinating life. Dave Smith, Founder of Spice

2008

2009

2011

2014

2015

2016

s Spice G ro into on ups consolid e desig a n and p te websites latform Spice U K Spice h launches ‘Spic as deliv e TV N EW ere events, and jus d over 100,00 S t over 1 0 30 yea million b rs of Sp ookings ice . Spice C harity F un through £250K d Raising goe s Dave ( Founde r) reins to Robert hands over th Thomp e son Spice 3 5th Ann iv Spice 2 5th Gra ersary nd Can Expedit yon Ra ion fting

2006

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2005

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2004

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2000

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1999

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1994

South Yorksh ire laun ches 5,000 Spice U K laun ches o (will it c n world atch on wide w ?) eb 6,000 Spice la u Chesh nch ‘Dive wit ire’s Blu h e Plan Sharks’ at et Aqu 7,000 arium 1997 S pice or ganise largest the wo ‘Fire W rld’s alk’ 8 ,8 00 London North la unches 12,000 Spice b rings ‘Z orbing’ to the U K

1993

Do you remember this...

Richard’s Roundup Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter and our quarterly snapshot of our events programme in magazine format. This newsletter takes us through to Christmas and into the start of the New Year, but do bear in mind that new events are being l aunched every day and some at short notice. So do watch our website, Weekly Bulletins by email and Facebook Page as well if you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun. Since I last penned a Roundup, we’ve had lots of fun in all sorts of ways – be it big events like Dragon Boat Racing, our sumptuous Summer Ball and the many holidays including the Grand Canyon Rafting that have taken place this summer, or the hundreds of smaller events that we’ve all enjoyed. But the biggest event of all has been our 35 th Birthday! No doubt by the time you are reading this, the Spice Facebook Pages will be full of photos and video from our grand Anniversary Ball in Leeds. Of course, 35 years is counted from the founding of Spice nationally. The West Midlands group is a mere 25 years young! But even in that quarter century we have embraced constant transition in order to stay relevant to changing tastes and changing technologies. That said, there are things that do not change. For me, the most important is that magical Spice ethos that Dave Smith created back in 1981: That ethos of providing fun, adventure and discovery within a friendly, supportive community of likeminded people. Who knows what the world will be like for our 50 th Birthday or 100th even! But I suspect that there will still be a need for Spice in whatever form it takes because I believe that people will always need people – real people who you spend time with, not just virtual friends on the screen of your PC! Enjoy the last quarter of the Spice year. Autumn and Winter are wonderful times to be a Spice member - with autumnal walks, magical Christmas and New Year parties, hearty meals and of course our ski trips. In fact, our own Cervinia Ski Trip ﬁlled up so quickly that we have booked another (wonderfully different!) trip to Bormio in March! Find out more on page 50 or come to our “launch evening” for the Bormio Winter Wonderland Trip (see p32). The best part of what I do is seeing people out having fun. So with that in mind I’ll ..

See you on the events ..

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Coming Events October 2016 * denotes event is full

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1 October

Caving for the Terrified Charleston Dance Workshop* Spice 35th Anniversary National Ball* Ultimate Archery Experience

Spice Book Club

Preview Evening - Sutton Coldfield Ten Pin Bowling (Acocks Green)

Jaguar Land Rover Engine Plant Experience

Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre Visit

Mango Spice Indian Cookery Class & Meal* Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Sutton Pub Night

Halesowen & Quinton Pub Night

Bournville Village Afternoon Discovery Walk Chillington Hall Heirs Tour & Tractor Expedition* Llama Trek & Rare Breeds Farm Visit with Lunch RAF Cosford Tornado Ball Unique Wolf Experience with Walk - Bedford

Balloon Flight* Jazz Cruise - Henley Nordic 5 Mile Challenge* Studley Easy Ramble Sunday Lunch & Showtime Wake up the Zoo* Western Style Shooting

Braunston Marina Ramble Dirty Dancing Experience! Dracula the Musical Earlswood Easy Ramble & Sunday Lunch Peak District Walk: Ashover from Ogston Redwings Horse Sanctuary Tea at The Ritz Hotel

Bunkhouse W’end Walking & Dolphin Watching - Cardigan Bay Horse Riding W’end Walking W’end Bideford & The North Devon Coast

Crochet for the Terrified!* Pizza By Goli Classic Italian Dinner Shuffle

Pride & Prejudice Dance Experience

Toboggan & Fondue Night Alvecote Marina Ramble Music & Mirth with Mad Jocks & Englishmen Chartley Moss - Incredible Bog Experience! Jersey Nights Dinner Kayak River Adventure Malvern Hills Hard Ramble Wire Work Bracelet Wshop

Cinema Night Clay Pigeon Shooting Henley in Arden Figure of 8 Owl Hour Peak District Walk: Macclesfield Forest Pony Trekking Day with Picnic in the Forest of Dean Quad Bike Intro & Woodland Trek

Outdoor Digital Photography W’end Birmingham to Worcester Downhill Walking Break Pennine & Calderdale Way Hostel W’end Sailing W’end around Malta Sailing W’end around the Solent Walking W’end Arundel, West Sussex & South Downs

Alpine Italy Evening - Wine, Winter Sports & Wonderfulness! Children of the Wolf Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Blacksmithing Evening* Imagination at the Jam House

Sunday 2

Eastnor Castle Heirs Tour & Tea Run, Jog or Walk in the Park & Optional Curry! Tamworth & Lichfield Pub Night

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Blacksmithing Evening - Stage 2 Blue Piano Dining & Music

Badminton for Free sessions at: Bham, Cov & Wolverhampton Funeral Home Talk & Tour Symphony Hall Private Tour Cock Inn Dinner

Indoor Climbing at Redpoint New Members Beer, Skittles & Supper

Barn Dance & Supper Spice Hits Town at the Jam House

Abseiling for Beginners Autumn in the Forest Birds of Prey Photography Tutbury Castle "Working Party" Vulcan Bomber Restoration Experience Warwickshire Villages Ramble

Deer Walk with a Ranger at Bradgate Park* Golf - Play in a Day Himley Hall & Baggeridge Country Park Ramble Nordic Adventure Walk Peak District Walk: Wetton & Butterton Ukulele for Fun

Cheshire & Chester Autumnal Walking & Social W’end* National Murder Mystery W’end Serenity W’end Discover Your Inner Self

Curry & Quiz Sutton Coldfield Ghostly & Grisly Bham Walk Midland Opera: Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci Prison Lunch

Haunted Halloween Banquet at Coombe Abbey* Prague City Break*

Abseiling for the Terrified BBC Behind the Scenes Donington Park Grand Visit Ghost Tour & Late Night Lock In at Alex Theatre Overnight Forest Experience Science of Attraction & Relationships Workshop

Burlesque Dance Afternoon! Peak District Walk: Bakewell & Youlgrave Staunton Harold Hall Autumnal Easy Ramble The Ritz Hotel Afternoon Tea - London Watercolour Painting Day

Halloween Owls Michael Portillo

Spice West Midlands, Ryknild House, Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 3EL Tel: 0121 353 6161 Email: richard@spicebham.com Website: www.spicebham.com * Denotes event is full – wait list only

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Coming Events November 2016 * denotes event is full

Monday

Tuesday 1 November Run, Jog or Walk in the Park Vamos Cuba

Wednesday 2

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Curry & Quiz Solihull Professor Brian Cox Live*

Thursday 3

Gin Tasting Evening Halesowen & Quinton Pub Night

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Some Guys Have all the Luck The Rod Stewart Story Sutton Pub Night

The Catherine Tate Show Live White Swan Dinner Shuffle

Spice Book Club Ten Pin Bowling (Acocks Green)

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Boathouse at Bracebridge Dining Chinese Meal & Quiz - Sutton The Full Monty*

Christmas Card Making Workshop

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Cafe Ceramica Paint a Christmas Lantern Run, Jog or Walk in the Park Tamworth & Lichfield Pub Night

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Fusca Vegetarian Dining

Saturday 5

Sunday 6

Bonfire Night Fireworks at Conkers Fauld Crater Ramble Guide Dogs Training Centre Visit Mini Tanks & Paintball Experience

Behind the Scenes at Echills Wood Railway Ice Hockey in Coventry Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Tour Peak District Walk: Chatsworth Park Stress Busting Workshop

Guy Fawkes Bunkhouse W’end Winter Warmer Bonfire W’end Worthing, Festival of Light Walking Weekend

Simple Sewing Workshop with Celebratory Cake!

Preview Evening (MAC)

Friday 4

Family History Evening with the Mormons Golf Evening for Beginners & Improvers On The Rocks Dining Reindeer by Night

Cannock Chase War & Remembrance Ramble Helicopter Lesson Mary Queen of Scots & Supper at Tutbury Castle Sherwood Forest Autumn Walk

Haweswater & the Far Eastern Lakes Walking W’end

Spice Hits Town at the Jam House

Back to Backs Tour Chatsworth at Christmas & Markets Coffin Factory Tour & Buffet Supper Cosford Restoration, Behind Scenes & Lunch Dog Walk in Sutton Park Knitting for the Terrified! RSC Behind The Scenes

Welsh Cottage Walking Break

Sleep Out for St Basils at Birmingham Cathedral

Christmas Inspired Fabric Wreath Workshop Colour U Confident Hanbury Hall Ramble & Lunch Love, Betrayal, Poison & Death Museum Tour Make your own Chocolate Advent Calendar Relatively Speaking

Birmingham at War Afternoon Walk Chipping Camden Ramble Derby Velodrome Tour Drumming for Beginners Peak District Walk: Throwley Moor & Grindon Teamworks Karting Velodrome Taster Session* Whittington/Hopwas Walk

Cinema Night Moira & Donnisthorpe Easy/Moderate Ramble Motorbike Off Road Exp Peak District Walk: Hulme End & Manifold Urban Ramble: Around Birmingham Airport Uttoxeter Race Day & Behind The Scenes Tour

Easenhall & Brinklow Ram Forest Segway Go Ape Treetop Experience Introduction to Reflexology Lapworth Museum of Geology at Bham Uni Peak District Walk: Goyt valley & Shining Tor Welford & the Grand Union Canal Easy Ramble

Certificate in Outdoor First Aid (level 5) W’end Walking W’end Weymouth, Dorset & the Jurassic Coast

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Nutcracker

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Coming Events December 2016 * denotes event is full

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1 December

Halesowen & Quinton Pub Night Kababish Dinner Shuffle

Simple Sewing Workshop with Celebratory Cake!

Lettuce & Lovage Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Curry & Quiz Harborne Keep Dancing

Christmas Cupcake Decorating* Sean Lock Keep it Light Turtle Bay Caribbean Dinner Shuffle

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton Sutton Pub Night

Chicago Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class Greek Meal & Quiz - Sutton Coldfield

Christmas Llama Trek & Rare Breeds Farm Visit with Lunch Tamworth & Lichfield Pub Night

Badminton for Free sessions at: Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Balloon Flight Centre of England Ramble Ferrari v Lambo Driving Leicester & Richard III Walk

Saturday 3

A Christmas Carol Bridge Abseil & Ladder Climb Charlecote Park Moderate Ramble Chocolate Tasting & Making Experience Glass Blowing - Make a Christmas Bauble

Sunday 4

Curborough & Fradley Easy Ramble Peak District Walk: Ashford in the Water Quad Bike Intro & Woodland Trek Stourbridge (& Guy Fawkes!) Discovery Walk Western Style Shooting

Christmas in our Italian Castle Jacobean Mansion Christmas Party W’end* York Christmas Markets Social & Party W’end*

Spice Book Club Ten Pin Bowling (Acocks Green)

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park

Friday 2

Mulled Wine & Mince Pie Wander

Abseiling for the Terrified Magical Christmas Party at The Hyatt

Brian May & Kerry Ellis The Wizard of Oz

A Victorian Christmas Live Music, Real Ale & Lunch Cruise Peak District Walk: Eyam the Plague Village Santa Cycle Ride or Walk & Present Drop

A Christmas Wassail Cinema Night Learn to Drift! Peak District Walk: Hartington & Sheen Ramble, Scramble & Dangle

Potters Resort Christmas W’ender with Live Entertainment Norfolk

Christmas Pony Trekking Day with Picnic in the Forest of Dean Spice Hits Town at the Jam House

Begin Christmas with Ian in Bournville Knowle Locks Christmas Eve Easy Ramble & Lunch Spice National Christmas Break 2016

Christmas Day Link Up 2016

New Year "Carnival" Spectacular Sleepover Party (also Party Only option) New Year Break London with Thames Cruise Royal Opera House - The Nutcracker Ballet

Twixtmas Walking Winter Break in The Lakes Walking W’end New Year in The Lake District New Year Break London with Thames Cruise, 2 Nights Luxury Hotel Yorkshire New Year Walking & Social Break

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Meals & Party Nights Party Nights are a big part of our programme. Throughout the year we alternate between posh affairs & simple disco’s to try and cater for every taste and pocket. As some of our party’s have around 500 capacity, they can be a little daunting if you don’t already know a few people and it’s difficult for us all to look after people individually. That’s why we don’t recommend them as good ‘first events’ to go to on your own unless you are very confident and outgoing. Dining with Spice is always an experience, and we seek to provide you with experiences that are unusual, and, where possible absolutely unique and exclusive to Spice. All our meals are very sociable, so don’t worry if you don’t know many people – most of us are in exactly the same boat - but the group soon develops into one ‘happy family’. If you are brand new to Spice, however, let the office know and we’ll try to introduce you to some new friends on the night.

Barn Dance & Supper

.. a cracking night in a the barn with Fiddler's Elbow! Date: Friday 21st October 2016 or Saturday 21st January 2017 Place: Wishaw Country Sports, just off the A446 near The Belfry Hotel (B76 9PQ) # Meet: Arrive from 7.30pm, Band 8.00pm to 11.00pm. Food 9.00pm Cost: £20 (£23 Guest) includes hot buffet supper This is one of those well loved events that we run again, again & again! The same successful formula of great music, an authentic rural location and great food has been arranged. Music is provided live by 4 piece band Fiddlers Elbow, who bring us the best jigs and country sounds from Irish and Scottish roots. They’ll explain all the moves – which we all get wrong – and it's a great opportunity to mix, as you are never with one partner for long. Don't worry if you can't dance, none of us can .. it’s great fun trying! There are even fine country ales on tap!

Toboggan & Fondue Night .. this legendary Spice event is back!

Date: Saturday 15 October 2016 Place: Swadlincote Ski Centre (DE11 8LP) Meet: 5.30pm for 5.45pm start (food at 8pm) Cost: £22.50 (£25 Guest) Incl: 1 hour each of toboggan & tubing followed by fondue meal You don’t have to go away on a ski trip to get that “apres ski” experience! Tonight we have 2 hours of “play time” followed by food & merriment at this centre. We’ll be split into 2 groups and spend an hour on the toboggan run (you should get at least 2 runs in) and 1 hour tubing down the dry ski slope. By 8pm we should have worked up an appetite to spend the rest of the night in The Alpine Lodge where we’ll enjoy a wonderful alpine fondue feast and a well stocked bar till 10.30. It’s a fun, sociable event that you really can’t miss! The Tobogganing: The Alpine Toboggan Run makes a breath taking 650m descent, winding and twisting its way around and under the ski slope and the only thing in control of your speed is gravity and you! The Tubing: We hurtle down the ski slope on huge rubber tubes. It’s crazy, it’s out of control .. and you will laugh - lots! The Fondue: After all this fun, we'll move onto the apres ski. On the tables will be pork, beef and cheese fondues. We can try a little of each. There are also chips, salad, French bread and tasty dips. Dessert of the day is also included. th

Jersey Nights Tribute Dinner .. a tribute to Franki Valli & the Four Seasons

Date: Saturday 15 October 2016 Place: Coombe Abbey, Brinklow (CV3 2AB) # Meet: 7.30pm start, finish 12.30am Cost: £37.50 (£39.50 Guest) Incl: Welcome drink on arrival, 3 course meal, live & disco entertainment Spice are hosting a table for around 20 members to enjoy this atmospheric evening within the marquee at this historic Abbey (now a country house hotel). It's a very complete package of feasting and entertainment including a welcome Drink on arrival, three-course meal, entertainment by "The Other Guys" and an evening disco. “The Other Guys” are quickly becoming one of the UK’s best tribute acts for the famous ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’. With Famous hits such as Sherry, Walk Like A Man, My Eyes Adored You and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. The group of 4 West End performers bring you tight harmonies, style and charismatic performances.Whether you’re a fan of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons or the Jersey Boys or just fancy a fun night out. th

A Spice Newsletter is just a Snapshot in Time

We’re busy booking new events all the time so please check our schedules on line at www,spicebham.com so you don’t miss a thing. We also update members on a weekly basis with out “Weekly Bulletin” by email and via our Facebook Page.

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Turtle Bay Caribbean Dinner Shuffle .. enjoy the Island life for a summer evening

Date: Thursday 8 December 2016 Place: John Bright Street, Birmingham (B1 1BL) Meet: 6pm for 6.15pm Note early start (Happy hour!) Cost: £25 (£27.50 Guest) inclusive of 3 course meal, service & coordinator We’ve had lots of requests for a return to Turtle Bay from the members as it has a great reputation for good Food and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. They don’t usually take bookings from groups, but we have persuaded them to reserve part of their verandah area for just 18 Spice members for an early evening meal (note the 6pm for 6.15pm start time) that will particularly suit those who work in the city. We have a fixed price menu based on some of their favourite dishes which we will need to pre order. Please choose one starter, one main & one pudding from the menu on our website when booking. th

Pizza By Goli Classic Italian Dinner Shuffle .. enjoy fine italian home cooking

Date: Thursday 13 October 2016 Place: 49 Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield (B72 1QF) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £24.50 (£26.50 Guest) Incl. 3 course meal, private room & 10% service Pizza by Goli are family owned and have restaurants in Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield. They have a great reputation for traditional Italian food, particularly their homemade Pizza and Pasta dishes. We thought it was about time that Spice paid them a visit, so we have booked their private room (numbers permitting) and plan to shuffle between courses. th

Indian Fusion Banquet Shuffle

.. we think you'll love this fabulous new restaurant! Date: Thursday 12th January 2017 Place: Simla, Watling St, Dordon. Close to M42 J10 near Tamworth (B78 1SY) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £24.50 (£26.50 Guest) Includes: includes of 3 course banquet, teas/coffees Extras: tips on night Its been 2 years since we visited this lovely restaurant! They are always very keen to impress Spice, so we confidently believe that we’re in for a treat! The décor is modern and the menu is refreshingly different from a usual Indian restaurant, with lots of unusual variations on the traditional themes. Presentation and service are also first class. We will be seated around two large tables and have chosen a banquet style so that you can sample a range of different specialities which will be placed along the middle of the table. It also makes the whole process easier and more sociable. On arrival, there will be poppadoms and assorted savouries. This will be followed by a range of 4 -5 different starters to try. The main courses will include a selection of meat and fish specialties to share. The deserts are really dreamy as well! We will finish with coffees/ teas. If you are a vegetarian or have any other special diet, please remind us when you book and you will be looked after.

On the Rocks Dining Experience .. enjoy this exciting new Bromsgrove restaurant

Date: Thursday 24 November 2016 Place: 44 Worcester Rd, Bromsgrove, Worcs (B61 7AE) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £26.50 (£28.50 Guest) Includes 3 course meal. Service discretionary Enjoy this unique concept of cooking on volcanic rock a really enjoyable and delicious experience. This method of dining uses super heated volcanic rock that sears in all the natural juices and flavours with no need for oils or fats. It is a deliciously healthy interactive dining experience that allows your meal to be cooked 'on the rocks' at your table, exactly how you like it. The restaurant uses only the finest local produce and have gone out of our way to find the best steaks (21 day matured), the finest fish and freshest vegetables. Everything is freshly prepared on site by their chefs. Menu: We will be taking pre orders when booking, please see the full menu at www.spicebham.com th

Important Note about Dinner Shuffles

Some of our meals are run as “dinner shuffles”. On these occasions we move people around between courses so that we all get to meet lots of people. It works really well. However, I just wanted to stress that you should only book one of these events if you are prepared to enter into the spirit and move when asked to by the coordinator. These nights will not work otherwise. We do understand that you may be in an interesting conversation or with someone you know. But it spoils the night for everyone if you let this get in the way of the shuffle. If you think this may be a problem, please do not book a meal with “shuffle” in the title.

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Comedy Night & Dinner at Hogarths .. with The Noise Next Door, Mark Palmer & Tony Vino

Date: Friday 21st October 2016 Place: Four Ashes Road, Dorridge, Solihull (B93 8QE) Meet: 7pm Cost: £29.50 (£32 Guest) Incl: Welcome drink & nibbles, 2 course meal & entertainment Nestling in 26 acres of beautiful, unspoilt woodland, Hogarths Hotel is a great venue for a Saturday night out. Once again Hogarths is hosting a Comedy Night with headline acts The Noise Next Door, Mark Palmer & Tony Vino. There will be a welcome drink on arrival, a glass of wine, beer or soft drink, in our own dedicated area before moving to our tables for the evening’s entertainment which will commence after a two course meal. Please note this is not a Spice exclusive event. For full details of the comics and the menu, please visit this event on our website.

Blue Piano Dining with Live Music ..an evening of great food & entertainment

Date: Wednesday 19 October 2016 Place: The Blue Piano, 24 - 26 Harborne Road, Birmingham (B15 3AA) Meet: 7.00pm Cost: £32 (£34 Guest) Incl: Live music, 3 course dinner & service The Blue Piano is a large Edwardian house situated in the leafy suburb of Edgbaston. Family-run and independent with bar, restaurant and a beautiful terrace garden. The house exudes warmth and elegance. A unique South-East Asian venue, it has also become a destination for musicians and music lovers with its eclectic programme of live music. The restaurant serves traditional Singaporean, Malaysian and Cambodian cuisine, created using the finest South-East Asian ingredients and cooking styles. Their aim is to provide a unique food experience that will appeal to people who want to try real South East Asian cuisine. The menus mix classic dishes that have been passed down through generations with popular street food. Tonight we will enjoy Jazz Wednesday with live music by the Tom Hill Trio. Please see set sharing menu online th

Prison Lunch at Sudbury

.. cooked by prisoners .. but no porridge in sight! Date: Thursday 27 October 2016 Place: HM Prison Sudbury near Ashbourne (DE6 5HW) Meet: 11.50am for 12noon Cost: £7 (£8.50 Guest) Includes: 3 course meal, plus teas/coffees. Spice coordinator. This is a rather unusual event, but don’t worry, it’s not as bad as the photo suggests (honest!)! Sudbury’s Private Diner is actually a training restaurant for prisoners. The Secret Diner is situated just outside the main gates and acts as the staff mess for prison officers but it’s also open to the public and, without ever advertising, it has built up a big customer base. But it has a more important role, in preparing prisoners for a return to the outside world, giving them skills that will help them secure work in a competitive job market. The focus is very much on reducing re-offending by giving them the skills they need to get a job in the hospitality industry. Not just a qualification but also the experience that goes with that by working here. That can be in front of house or cooking. This event has to be on a weekday, daytime, but we hope that by choosing a date in the school holidays, a fair number of Spice members will be able to join us. th

Haunted Halloween Banquet at Coombe Abbey .. a spooktacular evening at a haunted venue

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 28 October 2016 (note date change from last newsletter) Coombe Abbey, Brinklow (CV3 2AB) # 7.00pm for 7.30pm start, finish 12.30am £44.50 (£46.50 Guest) Incl: 4 course feast, 3 goblets of red wine, 3 beakers of mead, a full stage show, and post-banquet disco. Spice tables. For an evening of thrill and fright, enjoy a ghoulishly good night at Coombe Abbey. Set in 500 acres of parkland and overlooking a lake, Coombe Abbey was originally built as a Cistercian Abbey in the 12th Century and is steeped in history. It is really atmospheric as you walk in the footsteps of generations of monks and can imagine their chanting and whispers. But for some people the experience goes further than this and there are many reports of sights and sounds that suggest that some of the previous residents are still with us. This is what tonight's experience is all about. It’s All Hallows Eve at the Abbey, a witch has been brought to trial and a lot of ghostly goings on have occurred. At Coombe Abbey’s Haunted Halloween Banquet, anything could happen. Enjoy an evening of haunted fun, as you feast on a fangtastic fourcourse meal, three goblets of red wine and three beakers of mead. Please note this is not a Spice exclusive event. th

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Lasan Indian Banquet

.. experience one of the UK's Top 10 Indian Restaurants Date: Friday 13th January 2017 Place: James Street, St. Pauls Sq, Birmingham (B3 1SD) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £34 (£36 Guest) includes two courses & service £34 for an Indian! Sounds a lot, but trust us. This is not just any other Indian restaurant. Voted one of the Top 10 Indian Restaurants in the UK by The Independent & The Times, Lasan’s success is further reinforced by the restaurants inclusion in the Michelin Guide and glowing praise from many food critics and journalists. Lasan has also recently won the prestigious Gordon Ramsey F Word title. So we thought it was time that Spice experienced Birmingham’s ultimate Indian night! They seeks to offer Indian food with a light contemporary edge. No need to pre order, as we get the lot! All items on a long menu are presented across the table, so that we are able to share and taste each and every dish. The menu may be found on the on line version of this writeup at www.spicebham.com.

An Evening of Kidnap, Gangs & Serious Fraud .. enjoy a meal in a barn with the an ex Detective Chief Inspector!

Date: Thursday 26th January 2017 Place: Wishaw Country Sports, just off the A446 near The Belfry (B76 9PQ) # Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £10 (£12 Guest) Includes: Hot buffet Extra: Voluntary donation suggested minimum of £5 to Alzheimer's Society Important: This is a re-run of our event from last September as it filled so quickly that many were unable to get a place. Precis: We’re all fascinated by crime, so when we were offered the chance to book Simon Wallis, a recently retired Detective Chief Inspector of WM Police to entertain (and scare!) us with his real life stories, we jumped at the opportunity. The Man: Having recently retired from West Midlands Police after 30 years of enthusiastic service Simon will give an insight into how 30 years of policing changed for him from "beat bobby" to leading over 100 specialist detectives in tackling Serious and Organised Crime with access to military style responders! He will seek to engage you in a number of chapters from his career combining both factual insights into the challenges of policing and humorous interludes from his role as a Senior Investigating Officer of Serious Fraud, Homicide, Gang Crime and Violence culminating in a canter through his nine years of experience leading the rarely spoken of area of Kidnap and Extortion. Nothing too grisly, nothing too sad, Simon will aim to travel at a pace through aspects of the response that sits behind the headlines. The Charity: In place of a fee, Simon wishes his talks to raise money for charity. He’s asked if we can all give a donation to his chosen cause which is Alzheimer's Society. No doubt he will mention why he has chosen this excellent charity. The Venue & The Food: We are at a converted barn on a working farm, well known by those who attend our regular Barn Dances for great home cooked food and country ales. Our hosts, Anne & David will be serving up a hot buffet.

The Cock Inn Dinner Shuffle .. glorious "gastropub" dining

Date: Wednesday 26 October 2016 Place: Bulls Lane, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield (B76 9QL) Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £29.50 (£32 Guest) Incl: 3 course meal, service charge & hosting The Cock Inn is a lovely village pub with a great reputation for its food. A popular destination with golfers from the nearby Belfry Hotel and with locals alike. The traditional pub building has been stylishly refurbished with roaring log fires. We will enjoy our own private dining area the Over Green Suite and enjoy a delicious three course set menu including a cup of tea or filter coffee after desserts. The pub has ample free parking. See menu at www.spicebham.com th

Pie Factory Night with Live Music .. a night of live music & Black Country gluttony!

Date: Friday 27 January 2017 Place: Tipton near Dudley (See below) (DY4 9AB) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £18 (£19.50 Guest) Incl: 2 course meal & reserved seating by stage This place is quite an institution! We call in there when we do Black Country Bus trips, and no-one wants to leave! We have booked up to 40 seats at large tables beside the live music. The atmosphere is always great. People are usually encouraged to get up and dance around the tables and generally 'let their hair down'. The ales are pretty good there as well! The live music: Yet to be finalized. The Menu (please give choice when booking) is on our website - enjoy! 4 th

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White Swan Dinner Shuffle .. glorious "gastropub" dining

Date: Thursday 10th November 2016 Place: Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham (B15 3TT) Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £29.50 (£32 Guest) Incl: 3 course meal, 10% service charge & host This traditional pub has been stylishly refurbished. Inside you will find roaring log fires and comfy armchairs. We will have our own area "the balcony" to enjoy a delicious three course set menu including a cup of tea or filter coffee after desserts. The pub has ample free parking. Please choose your meal from the menu on our website.

Fusca - Vegetarian Dining in the Castle Tunnels .. discover this award winning restaurant

Date: Friday 4th November 2016 Place: The Knibbs, Smith Street, Warwick (CV34 4UW) Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £26 (£28 Guest) Incl: 3 course & host. Extra: Service discretionary Maggie visited this restaurant earlier this year and was really impressed with the experience. Fusca serves vegetarian and vegan fusion food from all over the world. The restaurant, which was relocated from Ryton Organic Gardens near Coventry is in the heart of historic Warwick with the dining area built into the Warwick Castle tunnels so is very atmospheric. This small restaurant has a great ambience serves plentiful fresh food. Even if you’re don’t usually choose vegetarian food, we think you should try this! Check the 5 star reviews online! Select from the menu online.

Boathouse at Bracebridge

.. exquisite lakeside dining in Sutton Park Date: Thursday 17 November 2016 Place: Sutton Park – Access has to be via Four Oaks Gate, Four Oaks Rd (B74 2YR) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £24.50 (£26.50 Guest) Inc 3 courses, teas/coffees, host & 10% service charge This restaurant must have one of the most fantastic settings in our area. We’ll dine overlooking Bracebridge Pool in Sutton Park in a great restaurant that boasts well cooked, well presented modern English food in a simple yet rustic décor. Fish dishes are a speciality and there’s a good wine list and friendly efficient service. Menu: The November menu has not been finalised, but expect a choice of at least 3 starters, 3 mains (including, fish, meat and vegetarian options), 3 dessert options and coffees to finish. If you need the exact menu, please call nearer time. th

Kababish Dinner Shuffle Experience

.. enjoy authentic, traditional & contemporary Asian cuisine

Date: Thursday 1st December 2016 Place: 266 Jockey Road (at junction with Stonehouse Rd), Sutton Coldfield (B73 5XP) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £21 (£24 Guest) incl 3 courses & coffees. Service discretionary With a huge local following, Kababish is a family run restaurant offering fine authentic, traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine. The food served here has been created with an exotic collection of herbs & spices distinctively blended in the traditional ways of the Punjab and North West Frontier of Pakistan. Maggies favourite – so she’ll be there! Menu: We order on the night, but to see what’s in store check the on line version of this writeup at www.spicebham.com

Pesto Italian Banquet Shuffle - Tapas Style! .. enjoy a sociable Saturday night with lots of variety

Date: Saturday 14th January 2017 Place: Hollyfield Road South, Sutton Coldfield (B76 1NX) Meet: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Cost: £26 (£29 Guest) Incl: Set banquet meal, private room, service & Spice Coordinator Pesto have transformed an old pub (it was The Redicap Tavern) into a very new dining experience. They serve a wide range of small dishes (piattino) with big flavor, so it is very similar to the Spanish style of tapas dining. We have booked their private room for up to 40 people to have a special “dinner shuffle” served banquet style – ie you get a bit of everything! You can see the full menu on our website, but no need to pre order as we get the lot! 5

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Magical Christmas Party

.. a prestigious new venue for our legendary party! Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Saturday 10th December 2016 – last few places Hyatt Regency Hotel, 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham (B1 2JZ) 7pm for 8pm £55 (£59 Guest) Incl: Welcome drink; 3 Course Christmas Dinner plus Tea/Coffee & Petit Fours; live band and DJ entertainment until late! Deposit of £10 holds your place The Hyatt Regency Hotel is probably the finest in Birmingham. It’s the natural home for pop stars, celebrities and world leaders when they visit the city. This year it is also the sparkling new venue for the prestigious Spice West Midlands Christmas Party! With such a stunning hotel, we also wanted to ensure that everything else about this event moves up a notch for 2016. We have a fabulous live band and a great menu and trust it will be a very special night indeed. Entertainment: We are very proud to bring you The Breakfast Club, a very popular 4 piece band playing the very best of 1980’s music (see video with online writeup). We also have one of our favourite Video DJ’s to keep us dancing until late. Dinner: We get a welcome drink on arrival and the Hyatt Chefs will show off their take on a traditional Christmas meal followed by coffees & petit fours. Accommodation: It’s a very central location with lots of transport options. However, if you want to stay over and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Birmingham and its Christmas markets, we have several hotel and room options held. See online.

New Year Carnival Spectacular Sleepover Party .. our most extravagant New Year Eve celebration ever!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Sat 31 December 2016 - Sunday 1st January 2017 Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC (B40 1PS) # Check in from 1pm (7pm for party only bookers) ● Sleepover Party: £99 (£119 Guest) Twin Room Share on sofa bed, £125 (£145 Guest) Twin or Double Share, £155 (£175 Guest) Single Occ. (Deposit of £10 holds your place) Includes: 1 night accommodation, with drinks reception & fun quiz (inc tea & coffee) in the afternoon, steel band, themed party with disco, chefs themed dining experience, New Year’s Day Brunch. Spice coordinators throughout ● Extra Night option add: £59 (Sofa Bed); £65 (Standard Twin) or £89 (Single) Includes: 1 night accommodation with DB&B, dinner being a "bar meal" with a bar drink ● Party Only: £49 (£55 Guest) includes themed party with disco, steel band, chefs themed dining experience, New Year’s Day Brunch. Spice coordinators throughout You can only go to one New Year Party, so make sure you choose the best! Every year this party gets bigger and more exciting! This year we are again taking over the whole of the prestigious 4 Star Crowne Plaza Hotel and transforming it into for an incredible themed Party venue. This year’s theme is “Carnival” so you can expect wonderful theming, food stations and decor. Being an international hotel with an airport next door, it is already a meeting place for the world. Fancy Dress: Just wear “bright carnival colours” and you will fit in perfectly. More elaborate fancy dress is optional. Food: The hotel chefs always excel themselves with a feast of food options in keeping with the theme. This year there will be buffet stations representing Carnivals of the world. (see the full menu on our website). The Sleepover: The 4 star deluxe Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, is a great place to stay. Following the party, we can return to our superbly appointed bedrooms, with truly luxurious beds and fluffy pillows! We can then discuss our New Year’s resolutions whilst enjoying a leisurely “Brunch” in the Restaurant overlooking Pendigo Lake (where you ended up swimming naked the night before.. don’t you remember!). The hotel also has a large car park which is free for residents. Entertainment: We have a great DJ with video screen. There is also a visit from a live steel band during the evening. Extra Night: There is an extra night option if you wish to extend your stay and enjoy a 2 night stay and relax into the New Year. The additional night will include a dinner and a drink. For those that wish we will enjoy an evening at the brand new Resort World next door. You may wish to visit the 11 screen cinema or learn the finer art of gambling in the casino. st

Let’s party!

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New Year Meat Feast at Rodizio Rico .. sociable, Brazilian dining

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Thursday 19 January 2017 The Cube, Birmingham (B1 1RS) 7.30pm £28.50 (£30.50 Guest) Includes: 2 course “all you can eat” package as described and 10% Service. There will be a Spice host. Extras: Dessert if required Welcome to a truly unique dining experience at Birmingham’s first and only authentic Brazilian Churrascaria (pron. shoehass-korea). Here, an extensive selection of grilled meat is served directly from the charcoal grill by experienced passadors (meat carvers) passing from table to table slicing grilled meat from their skewers right into your plate. You choose what you would like from a wide selection of grilled meats, including Leg of lamb, variety of cuts of Beef, from Picanha (Cap of Rump steak), rump steak, ribs, Pork (ribs, leg of pork steak), Chicken (Legs, wings, hearts), homemade pork or chicken Sausages and many more! No craving is too large at Rodizio Rico. The waiters will gladly continue to slice up their freshly grilled meats until you can eat no more. A pure carnivore’s delight – all you need is a hearty appetite! th

Basil & Co: The Comedy Dinner Show .. dare you dine at the world's most famous comedy hotel?

Date: Friday 20th January 2017 Place: Lichfield Garrick Theatre (WS13 6HR) # Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £41 (£43 Guest) Includes: Three Course Meal, booking fees & Spice Coordinator Check into Fawlty Towers for the most unforgettable dining experience of your life with your hosts Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Everything that can go wrong, probably will – so expect an evening of madness and mayhem, and laugh out loud comedic mishaps from our hapless hotel owner and his Spanish waiter. Combining original live interactive comedy at its very best all accompanied by delicious cuisine prepared by Lichfield’s favourite chef, Simon Smith Following the sold out success of last year’s comedy dining experience – don’t miss this big fun night out with a difference. Bon appetite! Note: This is a ticketed theatre event so we can only refund cancellations if we can re sell your place.

Queen & Castle Dinner Shuffle .. glorious gastropub dining in Kenilworth!

Date: Thursday 26 January 2017 Place: Castle Green, Kenilworth (CV8 1ND) Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £29.50 (£32 Guest) Includes: 3 course meal, 10% service charge & Spice Coordinator Nestled on the outskirts of Kenilworth with breath-taking views of Kenilworth Castle is this lovely venue. It’s a cosy pub that has been stylishly refurbished and has a great reputation for its food. We will enjoy a delicious three course set menu including a cup of tea or filter coffee after desserts. Please find the menu on our website at www.spicebham.com th

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A Spice Newsletter is just a Snapshot in Time

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Airborne Adventures

A collection of events all connected with flying and flying machines!

Helicopter Lesson .. you've got to try this one!

Date: Saturday 12th November 2016 Place: Wellesbourne Airfield near Stratford on Avon (CV35 9EU) # Meet: 12.45pm for 1pm Briefing Cost: £99 (£105 Guest) Paid as £9 (£15 Guest) deposit to Spice, plus £90 balance paid on the day This is a classic Spice event - you've just got to fly a helicopter one time in your life! We're just sorry we can't make it cheaper, but helicopters are extraordinarily costly to run! This isn't a pleasure flight, it's a lesson - and real occasion. Your session starts with a briefing on helicopters in general and the controls of the Robinson R22 you’ll be flying. These machines are touch sensitive and challenging. You’ll be in up for 15 memorable minutes. Weight limit 15½ stone (98kg).

Fly a Plane from Coventry to Stratford .. our ultimate fixed wing flying lesson!

Date: Sunday 8 January 2017 Place: Coventry Airport (CV8 3AZ) # Meet: Slots from 10am Cost: £129 (£139 Guest) Incl: 30mins flying under instruction & 30 minutes observing Here's a brilliant way to tick off an event that is on almost every “bucket list” – yes, the opportunity to pilot an aircraft! To make this more special, we’re using a 4 seat aircraft and 2 Spice members will share an hours flying – one taking us to Stratford (Wellesbourne Airfield) and the other flying us home. We will, of course be under expert instruction throughout. We take off from Coventry with one Spice student in the pilot’s seat beside the instructor and the other observing from the back seat. Half an hour later we land in Stratford where we swap over to return. Much better than a standard lesson. th

Balloon Flights

.. the altogether more civilised way to fly! Date: Wednesday 28 December 2016 (other dates can be arranged on request) Place: Choose: ● Warwick/Stratford or ● Shugborough Hall, Staffs # Meet: Early morning - to be confirmed with joining details Cost: £145 Member, £149 Guest An experience of a lifetime with a hot air balloon flight. See full details on our website at www.spicebham.com th

Tandem Skydive from 12,000ft .. treat yourself to the ultimate adventure!

Date: Sunday 2 April 2017 Place: Hinton Skydive Cent, Oxon/ Northants (NN13 5NS) # Meet: Arrive 12.30pm Cost: £230 (£249 Guest) includes BPA membership The ultimate adventure on every “bucket list”! With a tandem jump, you’re strapped to an instructor so get the full freefall thrill straight off! Make sure you read the full event writeup at our website as there are rules and restrictions on this one. nd

Flight Simulator Experience .. pilot a 737 with absolute reality

Date: Saturdays: 14 or 28 January 2017 Place: Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire (NN6 0BN) # Meet: Slots from 2pm Cost: £59 (£64 Guest) Step inside this fully functional Boeing 737 simulator cockpit for 20 minutes of cross-country flight with an experienced pilot instructor, from engine start to shut-down. The Boeing 737 Next Generation simulator really is state of the art. Every dial, switch, instrument and anything else you can find in the cockpit works exactly as it would in the real aircraft. ______________________________ th

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Animal Encounters & Equestrian

Lots of fun embracing the animal kingdom

Wake up the Zoo

.. get behind the scenes of a busy Zoo!

Date: Sundays 2nd October 2016 or 29th January 2017 Place: Dudley Zoo, Dudley (DY1 4QB) # Meet: 8.40am start Cost: £35 (£39 Guests) includes full English Breakfast Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a major zoo before it opens to visitors each day? What food is prepared for every animal and what else has to be done before the visitors arrive? Well now you can in our guided tour with a keeper, who will take you behind the scenes. At the end of a busy morning we will go to the cafe for a full English Breakfast. After which you are free to explore the zoo at your own pace from the visitors side of the fence this time!

Reindeer by Night

.. a magical Christmas evening with 100 Reindeer! Dates: Thursday 24th November 2016 ** Note only 12 places held initially ** Place: Blithbury Reindeer Lodge, Blithbury, Rugeley, WS15 3HY # Meet: 6pm (ends 9pm) Cost: £22 (£24 Guest) incl: tour, supper, carols from the Elves(!) & Spice coordinator Options on Night: Sleigh Ride (£6.50) & Reindeer food (£1), and shopping opportunities You don’t have to be a child to experience the magic of Blithbury Reindeer Lodge at Christmas. Restricted to adults only, this special evening gives us the opportunity to get up close to the herd and learn more about these wonderful creatures through tours and talks with the experienced handlers. The Christmas shop will be open and a selection of local food and drink producers will be in a festive food market. We finish off with a light supper of homemade soup, a glass of mulled wine and of course a mince pie or two. We are also told that there will be a carol performance by their elves (but I haven’t a clue what this is all about!). Sorry, this is not a Spice exclusive, but we will try to keep together as a group.

Horse Riding Fun Day!

.. lots of fun for riders of all levels - from beginners to advanced Date: Sunday 22nd January 2017 Place: Warwick International, Guys Cliff (CV34 5YD) – see online Meet: 10.00am to approx 3.30pm Cost: £65 (£70 Guest) On arrival, we’ll be assessed and split into separate groups depending on our ability, and then get a varied programme of lessons, hacks, jumping, riding around the grounds etc depending upon what you can achieve. The afternoon includes fun games such as gymkhanas. There are plenty of opportunities to win rosettes! We’ll be entertained for the whole day and should get at around 4 hours on horseback! Just bring a packed lunch.

Owl Hour

.. get up close & fly these beautiful birds Date: Sunday 16 October 2016 Place: Blakedown, Nr Hagley (DY9 0JB) Meet: Meet 4.15pm for 4.30pm until 5.30pm Cost: £29 (£35 Guest) We are linking up with The Falconry Centre at Hagley to offer this new Owl Hour Experience which will allow us to get up close and fly these beautiful birds at the end of centre's day. After a short introduction and brief as how to fly the owls you will fly at least 5 different species of owl. The owls flown are from a selection of: Little Owl, Chaco Owl, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Snowy Owl, Long-eared Owl, Asian Brown Wood Owl and different species of Eagle Owls th

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Llama Trek & Farm Visit with Lunch .. an idylic new trek in the Wye Valley

Date: Saturday 8 October or CHRISTMAS THEMED TREK – Tuesday 27th December 2016 Place: Smallbrook Farm, Forest of Dean (GL15 6AE) # Meet: 11am Cost: £49 (£55 Guest). Includes: Picnic lunch on the farm afterwards 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 two rescued donkeys who we will all get to drive from thier trap. We’re the guests of Alasdair and Moira Fraser, who have nurtured an unusual collection of pack animals in a most scenic and unspoilt area of calm and natural beauty. NEW FOR 2016: This year we are able to start and end at their farm where they have a lovelly collection of rare breed animals for us to meet including wild boar which we may be able to feed! The 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! th

Pony Trekking & Picnic in the Forest of Dean .. an idylic new trek in the Wye Valley

Date: Sunday 16 October or CHRISTMAS THEMED TREK – Friday 30th December 2016 Place: Smallbrook Farm, Forest of Dean (GL15 6AE) # Meet: 10.45am for 11am Cost: £49 (£55 Guest). Includes: Picnic lunch on the farm afterwards We’re the guests of Alasdair and Moira Fraser again. But this time we’re not there for the Llamas, but to enjoy some pony trekking on their delightful rescued ponies. We start by meeting Alasdair and Moira at their farm, where they have a lovelly collection of rare breed and rescued animals for us to meet including wild boar and llamas. They also have 6 rescued trekking ponies. Each has a story to tell. Two (Ross & Alfie) made the news when found abandoned on the Celtic Manor Golf Course just before the Ryder Cup. Another two were found wandering the M5 Motorway! All are now safe on the farm and have been meticulously trained for trekking. Everyone starts off in the arena where you can get to know your pony and the team can ensure you are riding safely before you go off into the forest. What you accomplish on the following couple of hours trekking will depend on your riding ability. If you have some riding experience you’ll get the most out of the day, however all levels are welcome. Note: max weight for this event is 15 stone. th

Deer Walk with a Ranger at Bradgate Park .. a deer walk in search of the magnificent Red Deer Stag!

Date: Sunday 23rd October 2016 Place: Bradgate, Leceistershire (LE6 0HE) # Meet: 12.50 for 1pm Start Cost: £5 (£6.50 Guest) Extra: Take £4 for car parking We have arranged for a Bradgate ranger to take us on a guided deer walk at rutting time, when we have a chance of spotting their famous red stags. It’s an easy walk of around 1½ hours. Other than the Scottish Glens, Bradgate Park is the best place to catch a glimpse of those “hard”, powerful red deer stags. And there’s no better time to visit than during their annual rut when these magnificent, handsome deer will be looking their best. Despite standing over 6 feet tall and being the largest British land mammal, these beautiful animals are wary and can be very elusive.

Halloween Owl Night .. owls, folklore & spooky facts!

Date: Monday 31 October 2016 Place: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre (CV13 0AD) # Meet: 6.45pm for 7pm start (ends around 8.30pm) Cost: £21 (£24 Guest) Incl: Guide & bird handling experience, refreshments, soup & bread rolls. We are linking up with Hawkwise again for Halloween! The evening will involve handling owls and flying the owls yourself in the courtyard of Tithe Barn. We’ll hear about owl folklore and spooky facts. This is a must for all Owl fans, we hope to meet the Barn Owl, Long-Eared Owl and Bengal Eagle Owl. There will be soup & rolls on arrival too. st

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A Spice Newsletter is just a Snapshot in Time

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Spice Makes a Difference Spice members love supporting the community – either in practical help (like on litter picking walks) or by raising huge amounts of cash for good causes. Our involvement with charities also enables us to offer some absolutely unique experiences – so with these events everyone wins! As well as these, you will find other events under other categories which promote social awareness and support selected charities, including some of our Behind the Scenes visits.

Spice Book Club

.. discuss a book each month over tea & cakes! Dates: Mondays: ● 3rd Oct ● 14th Nov ● 12th Dec ● 9th Jan ● 6th Feb & 6th Mar Place: Meet in Spice Office, Ryknild House, Burnett Rd, Streetly (B74 3EL) Meet: 8pm Start (ends around 9.30pm) Cost: FREE, but collection taken for Book Aid on the night In order to have a sociable literary evening each month and raise money for Book Aid International (www.bookaid.org) we have a monthly meet up at the Spice office. The idea is that each month we discuss a set book that we have read in preparation. The conversation will be led by our volunteer, Kate Coulter, but is very informal. Kate will provide teas/ coffees/mineral water and some home baked treats. A voluntary collection will be taken each month which we will send to Book Aid International who send books to schools and libraries in third world countries and are endorsed by celebrity writers such as Michael Palin and their patron is The Duke of Edinburgh. It costs just £2 to send one book to readers in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond so every penny we raise can make a difference. Preparation: You will need to have read each book beforehand. You can buy or try your local library. The Books (précis of each book at spicebham.com): ● Nov 2016: The Railway Detective – Edward Marston ● Dec 2016: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children – Ransom Riggs ● Jan 2017: Those We Left Behind – Stuart Neville ● Feb 2017: The Girls – Lisa Jewell

Tutbury Castle "Working Party" .. play your part in conserving a castle

Date: Saturday 22 October 2016 Place: Tutbury Castle (DE13 9JF) # Meet: 10.00am till 3.00pm Cost: FREE & refreshments provided This is a bit of an unusual request, but should provide a lot of fun and satisfaction to those who can give up a day to help with some key renovations at this ancient monument. The project is to help preserve the nation's history and we hope many Spice members will think it worthwhile to register their interest in helping so that we can send more information. We have run these days before and they have been very popular. The challenge this year is for us to move a layer of rubble in the South Tower to uncover a hidden floor and our eager Spice volunteers will learn and apply some archaeology techniques. nd

Dog Walk in Sutton Park .. a gentle walk with our dogs!

Date: Saturday 19 November 2016 Place: Outside Bistro at Blackroot, Sutton Park (B74 2YU) Meet: 10.30am Extras: 1) Bring a dog! (2)Voluntary collection taken on the day for Birmingham Dogs Home A fun event, informal event where everyone is invited. Get out and stretch your legs with your dog if you have one. You’re welcome to bring other family members including children on this one if you want to. We’ll meet next to the Bistro and take a winter walk of around 1½ miles around the main lakes and features of this wonderful park. Richard will give a few bits of info along the way if his 2 naughty Yorkies let him share his attention! After, we can sit with our dogs on tables outside the Bistro for a drink. Warning: This event can be quite chaotic – so bring a sense of humour! th

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Santa Cycle Ride or Walk & Present Drop .. easy cycling or walking with a festive twist!

Date: Sunday 11 December 2016 Place: Boldmere Gate of Sutton Park (B74 3EJ) # Meet: 12noon Start Extras: No charge to book, but bring a present for Santa on the day! Our annual Santa Cycle Ride has now been extended to walkers! Whether walking or cycling, we all dress up as Santas (no need to go the whole yo-ho-ho, just a santa hat or beard will do!). You are also asked to pack a present for a girl or boy in your rucksack and these will be handed to some elves along the way who will reward us with hot chocolate, mince pies and marsh mallows! We all meet in the car park at Boldmere Gate and at 12 we leave in 2 groups (one cycling and one of walkers) with the intention of seeing some of the best bits of the Park. Cyclists: There will be a very gentle ride taking in all of the pools. We will stop frequently to group, enjoy the views and have a few words from Richard on points of interest. We will only use roads (many of which are car free) and possibly short sections on good tracks, so you do not need an off road bike. Helmets must be worn by all cyclists. Walkers: One of our volunteers will lead an easy walk of around 2 – 3 miles. The Presents: Please pack a gift, ready wrapped and labelled whether it is for a girl or a boy and the age range. These will be handed over to a representative of a local hostel for women, many of whom have children living with them. The children are all ages and you are welcome to donate for any age group, however, we have had a particular request for teenage presents as they are often the ones left out! The presents are for the children who are temporarily resident at Aven House, Walsall’s refuge for those fleeing domestic violence. The place is usually full at Christmas time! (If you want to help but can’t make this event, you can also drop presents in to the Spice Office any time up to December 22 nd and we will ensure they are delivered to Aven House in time for the real Santa to deliver them on Christmas Day). th

Charity Sleep Out at St Philips

.. take on the challenge & help homeless young people! Date: Friday 25th - Saturday 26th November 2016 Place: St Philip's Cathedral, Colmore Row (B3 2QB) # Meet: Arrive between 7 & 8pm This annual event has previously been undertaken by such celebrities as Doug Ellis, the Bishop of Aston, Suzanne Virdee, Andrew Mitchell MP and various media VIP’s – but could you take the challenge of joining around 200 people sleeping rough in Winter in order to help the homeless (whilst experiencing for one night what rough sleeping is like)? Spice have been taking part in this event for the last 11 years and this one is forecast to be the biggest ever, so the venue has moved from Digbeth to the grounds of Birmingham St Philip’s Cathedral which will be fenced off for the night. This is how it works: On arrival, we will be given a piece of cardboard and a plastic sheet (please bring your own sleeping bag) and we’ll do our best to stake out ‘our area’ where Spice can be together. Between 7pm & 1am there will be hot food and drinks available at nominal cost (last year organized by Harvey Nichols!) and there is usually a campfire to provide a little warmth. At around 9pm there will be a presentation about the charity and also there will be the chance to attend an atmospheric midnight mass in the cathedral. We have committed to sleep out for the night, so please don’t try to sneak out to an all night curry house! Breakfast will be available from around 6am. Any help with clearing the site and tidying all the cardboard into a skip would then be much appreciated! The Charity: Despite its name and the venue for this event, St Basils is purely a homeless charity and not aligned to any church or religion. It was formed to serve young people sleeping rough in the region, however, the success of their work nowadays ensures that most homeless young people are picked up early and are found accommodation or reunited with their families. The work they do is far reaching and has excellent results in getting young homeless people back into safety and equipping them with the tools, confidence and training to rebuild their lives. Sponsorship: Everyone who books this will be sent further details and a sponsorship form nearer the time. People usually aim to get around £100 in sponsorship, so we would be delighted if you could try for a figure around this if you are to book. They also have “cowards pledge” option, which is t o pay £50 and stay at home! Sponsor Our Sleepers: If you want to support the evening without taking part, we have set up an “event” on line where you can donate, or of course just call us at The Spice Office with your credit card.

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Dance Workshops VENUES : ● Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston (B12 9QH) ● Pole Dancing: 156 - 157 Warstone Centre, Warstone Lane (B18 6NZ) You don't need any experience to enjoy these fun events. If the dance involves partners, we'll pair you up on the night - and as we change partners frequently you get to tread on everyone's toes!

Dirty Dancing Experience!

Pride & Prejudice Dance Exp

Date: Sunday 9th October 2016 Place: MAC Centre, Edgbaston - English Studio Meet: 12.45pm meet for 1.00pm till 4.00pm Cost: £16.50 Member, £18 Guest The one you’ve all been asking for! Welcome to Sheena’s exciting new addition to her ‘Dances From The Movies’ series of workshops. Have a go at being Patrick Swayze or Jennifer Grey for a few hours of fun, laughter and exercise. We’ll be sticking to the more beginner-friendly moves for this one, but if you find a lake to practice your aerial lifts beforehand, please bring the video with you! Get your friends together, get your places booked and get ready to have the time of your life! Low heels or flats advisable. Bring plenty of water to drink

Date: Friday 14th October 2016 Place: MAC Centre, Edgbaston - Performance Studio Meet: 7.45pm for 8.00pm start finish at 10.00pm Cost: £8 Member, £9.50 Guest Trust me this is a brilliant evening. The dance floor was a very interesting and exciting place to be if you were one of the younger gentry in the 18th and early 19th century. This was because a dance/ball was about the only place you were allowed to be unchaperoned with a man if you were a properly reared young lady. Many of the hundreds of dances that developed during this interesting time amounted to choreographed flirting. Very graceful, yes, but with a clear subtext. Join us for a fun evening when we try out some of the dances with Arnold Steeds.

Burlesque Dance Afternoon!

Charleston & Partner Charleston

Date: Sunday 30th October 2016 Place: MAC Centre, Edgbaston - English Studio Meet: 10.45am meet for 11.00am - 1.00pm Cost: £18.50 Member, £22 Guest (Deposit £10) Ladies, join us for a couple of hours of fun and excitement – a true indulgence into the art of being feminine. We all have the ability to be sexy, no matter what our shape, age or size and this session will fill us full of all the tips and treats we need to let our ‘inner goddess’ glow. Be prepared to laugh, flirt, dance and dress up as your inner burlesque starlet blossoms. The session includes an insight in to working with props including hats, gloves, feathers, fans, chairs and tassels! (All props are provided). We’ll learn how to peel the glove, and tease our audience as with the rest of the group we transform in to a burlesque diva troupe all in the space of a couple of hours! Janine from Blush has promised us a truly indulgent girlie experience that will have us laughing endlessly and strutting for the rest of the day. Bring comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to move in, or dress in your favorite ‘sexy’ clothes! shoes are essential but what type is up to you!

Date: Sunday 15th January 2017 Place: Midlands Art Centre English Studio Meet: 12.45pm meet for 1.00pm till 4.00pm Cost: £16.50 Member, £18 Guest The 1920s are back, and they’re bringing wobbly knees, penguin tilts and fits of giggling with them! Our bouncy dance teacher, Sheena, will be there, too, to guide you through the moves and encourage shimmying of epic proportions. Whether you’re a newcomer to shankle-shakes or have been swizzling as long as you can remember, Charleston is the kind of dance style where two left feet are a plus! We’ll be starting this workshop off with a solo routine for the first hour, then trying some partner Charleston that you can impress others with at Spice balls (or waiting in line for the bus, we don’t mind which)! It’s a great way to add a little razzle to your Sunday, so put on your dance shoes and bounce your way along to the MAC! Note: the Charleston involves a lot of swivelling, so smooth-soled shoes are best if you have them. Bring lots of water, too, and a deep well of silliness.

.. learn the moves from the movie!

.. choreographed flirting from the 18th Century!

.. your chance to become a sexy starlet!

.. lets Charleston with Sheena!

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Ian Jelf's England Ian is a legend within Spice. He’s a Blue Badge Guide who’ s really entertaining. His tours are very different from what you might expect, with lots of offbeat observations and crazy stories that he has researched for us! Allow a couple of hours - more if you get him

talking about busses, phone boxes or 2CV’s .. or accept his invitation to the pub afterwards!

Bournville Village Afternoon Walk

Begin Christmas with Ian

Date: Saturday 8th October 2016 Place: 47 Sycamore Road, Bournville (B30 2AA) Meet: 2.30pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) Bournville is renowned the world over as the home of Cadbury’s chocolate. Few people though (certainly not the crowds heading into the “Cadbury World”) spare a thought for the village itself, arguably the world’s oldest garden village and still visited by planners today. So today, in the company of Ian we’ll be ignoring the chocolate to go and find some of Bournville’s more hidden secrets: experiments in building, early solar power, unemployment relief, superlative bells and buildings that moved are just some ..

Date: Saturday 24th December 2016 Place: Beneath Christmas Tree, Linden Rd (B30 1JT) Meet: 5.00pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) Some things are just guaranteed to come around each year! Holidays, TV Licence renewal, Christmas and the now legendary SPICE Christmas Eve walk in Bournville! This walk is a little different from the others we offer. For one thing it lasts for only an hour (5pm – 6pm) and is a general look at Christmas using the pretty garden village of Bournville as a reference. Then we end on Bourneville Village green in time for their annual Christmas Carol Service. Huge crowds attend and sing along, accompanied by the famous Bournville Carillon (Bell Tower). It’s a really atmospheric way to truly “begin Christmas”, especially if you bring along a lantern and a Santa Hat or antlers or something! The service finishes around 6.45pm with a collection for local charities.

.. discover the delights of the Cadbury cummunity!

Ghostly & Grisly Birmingham Walk .. discover the wicked, cruel & spooky goings on!

Date: Thursday 27th October 2016 Place: Statue of Victoria in Victoria Square (B3 3DH) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) A very special Birmingham walk, ideal for the darker nights, as we go in search of the unexplained, the unexpected and unpleasant as we go delving into Birmingham’s grisly, ghoulish past! In the darkened streets we’ll hear tales of murders, ghostly theatrical goings on, stories of digging up bodies, the angel of death, ghostly monks and the tale of Birmingham’s most (in)famous corpse!

Birmingham at War Walk

.. an atmospheric walk for remembrance Sunday! Date: Sunday 13th November 2016 Place: Meet by statue of Bull in the Bull Ring (B5 4BG) Meet: 1.30pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) To mark Remembrance Sunday we have a special Birmingham Walk. Bearing in mind the date, we’ll be looking at how our City has been touched by war through the ages. As well as hearing about the Blitz and the home front, we’ll have a few surprises. War has left us with the curious name of a building, a special place in the history of rationing and several narrow escapes. And this is by no means confined to the 2 World Wars, as we learn how the Boer War came to Birmingham, a link with the Crimea and going further back where Brummies once fought on their own doorsteps! Even by Ian standards, this one will be a bit different!

Stourbridge Discovery Walk .. gunpowder, treason & glassware!

Date: Sunday 4th December 2016 Place: Stourbridge Railway Station (DY8 1EX) Meet: 10.30am Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) 411 years ago, the famous Gunpowder Plot saw an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. But although we mark this every year with bonfires and fireworks, few of us are aware of the plot’s local connection with Stourbridge. Stourbridge is also famed the world over for its crystal glass but has a history stretching back many centuries. Our walk uncovers some littleknown facts about the town including trains that weren’t wanted, trains that were sent to America and trains that didn’t stop when they should have done! Add an historic school, a hidden river and some historic buildings and you have a walk full of surprises.

.. walking & carolling in Bournville!

Leicester & Richard III Walk .. the town where tourism began!

Date: Tuesday 27th December 2016 Place: The Clock Tower, Leicester (LE1 3GD) Meet: 12.15pm for 12.30pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) Leicester is a City that’s been very much in the news with the amazing discovery of the remains of King Richard III and that alone seemed a good reason for a walk there. However, this is a City with a whole host in interesting things to see and stories to hear. From Roman ruins to half-timbered buildings, from Art Deco to a “million pound street”, it’s all to be discovered here, so why not come along and find out more? Richard III: Ian will include some info. and sights into the walk. There’s also be an exhibition to visit after for those that wish. Shoppers: Love sales? You’ll find Leicester a great destination!

Hidden Kings Norton Walk .. from Saxons to suburbia .. with Ian!

Date: Saturday 21st January 2017 Place: Outside King's Norton Station (B30 3EG) Meet: 10.30am Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) Today, we think of King's Norton as a Birmingham suburb but for centuries it was a separate (and larger than Birmingham!) settlement in Worcestershire. It's still possible to find traces of the nearly vanished rural life, so we've asked Ian to show us where. Up his sleeve this time he promises mediaeval buildings, vanished markets, the onset of industry, one of Birmingham's lesser known canals and even a forgotten country house. Oh and what “Ian walk” would be complete without discovering a hidden river?!

Coventry City Discovery Walk .. there's lots to discover in the Pheonix City!

Date: Sunday 29th January 2017 Place: Statue of Lady Godiva (CV1 1NA) Meet: 10.30am Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) We’ve had lots of great feedback about our Coventry walks in the past and have had numerous requests for a repeat. Just in case we need to tell you, this is a city remarkably good at hiding its best bits and a walk with Ian is guaranteed to find them out!

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Motor Sport Lots of crazy driving experiences to try!

Forest Segway on Cannock Chase .. trek by Segway on a forest trail

Date: Sunday 27 November 2016 Place: Birches Valley Forest Center nr Rugeley (WS15 2UQ) # Meet: Around midday to be confirmed Cost: £35 Member, £39 Guest Get off the beaten track and experience an hour of fun on these amazing machines. We’re off exploring the forest on the latest in green technology – self-balancing electric Segways. It’s a totally unique way to tackle the trails in the forest. Our experience with us lasts an hour, and that includes a brief bit of safety and instruction before we head out with an instructor. You’ll need to weigh between 7 and 19½ stone. th

Off Road Karting

.. like rally driving through a forest stage! Date: Saturday 25 March 2017 Place: Birmingham Wheels Park, Saltley (B8 1AD) # Meet: 11.45pm for 12noon Start (session approx. 2 hours) Cost: £49 (£55 Guest) Spice package includes hot & soft drinks A unique rally driving experience in off-road karts. We’re driving single seater 620cc Rage off- road karts on a gravel rally stage. The track is designed to get the most from the driver and the karts and we will compete to get the six quickest laps. Each driver has three races to achieve this. Medals are given to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place.Racing is similar to regular karting except starts are staggered due to the size of the karts Once racing is underway you can chase down and over-take other drivers. Lap times are measured by computer controlled timing equipment that allows you to track your position throughout the event. Up to 5 x 620cc Rage karts will racing on the track at any one time (dependant on group size). th

Motorbike Off Road Experience .. a fantastic introduction to scrambling/ motocross

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Sunday 20th November 2016 Frank F Harrison Motor X Track, Walsall (WS2 7NR) # 9.30am for 10am - 3pm session £99 (£105 Guest) Includes: all equipment & instruction, specialist clothing including boots, jackets & helmets. Also drinks & burger at lunch Due to a special relationship with a long served Spice member we have exclusive access to a fabulous off road facility in Walsall. If you have any doubts about the scale of this track, just put WS2 7NR into Google Earth and see it “from Space”! They have great equipment and brilliant instructors to teach you how to get the best from it. This fantastic introduction will get you riding in ways and on surfaces that you wouldn't believe! There is no better feeling of exhilaration, than riding a motorcycle over off road terrain. The day cater for all levels of experience from complete novice (including would-be riders who have never even sat on a motorcycle before), to experienced road and off-road riders. After a safety briefing, we’ll get off road riding instruction and assessment. Your instructors will then take you out to the course to build and develop your skills and confidence in a hands-on situation. Most people can get the hang of the skills pretty quickly. However, if the instructors do not feel you can handle a motorbike (or you are not happy on a bike) there is the opportunity to swap to one of their quad bikes instead. This writeup is edited – before booking, please read full writeup on our website.

Ferrari v Lamborghini Driving Experience .. compare these two amazing cars

Date: Wednesday 28 December 2016 Place: Prestwold Driving Centre, Loughborough (LE12 5SQ) # Meet: 1.00pm for 2.00pm start Cost: £89 (£95 Guest) This is your chance to drive two “Italian stallions”. Our experience will start with a welcome, introduction and safety briefing. You will then enjoy 3 miles driving a Lamborghini followed by 3 miles driving a Ferrari. There is more to come as we enjoy a high speed passenger ride in a performance saloon car. Finally, we’re awarded our Experience Certificate. th

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Quad Bike Intro & Woodland Trek .. a trek on woodland trails in Sutton Coldfield

Date: Sundays: 16 October, 4th December or 15th January 2017 Place: Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield (B75 5SA) Meet: October & January Dates: 1.45pm meet for 2pm - 3pm session December Date: 10.45am meet for 11am – 12noon session Cost: £45 (£49 Guest) Situated in the heart of the beautiful countryside at Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield, the huge NPF adventure site has great woodland trails for quad bike trekking. Under expert instruction, we will develop our riding skills and take part in a trek throughout undiscovered trails in over 120 acres of beautiful woodland on 150cc KYMCO quad bikes. This 1 hour experience starts with a full safety bri efing and training session with an instructor, teaching us how to ride and control the Quad safely. As soon as we have successfully completed this compulsory safety training our Quad trek will begin. The experience includes all kit and equipment including coveralls and helmets and a full 30 minutes riding the quad bike. th

Learn to Drift

.. the art of controlling an out of control vehicle! Date: Sunday 18 December 2016 Place: Birmingham Wheels Park, Saltley (B8 1AD) # Meet: 12noon for 12.30 to 4.30pm time slot Cost: £89 (£99 Guest) Incl: Car, tuition & spare tyres! 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. You will be driving a modified Nissan 200SX. Read more about this event at www.spicebham.com th

Mini Tanks & Paintball Experience .. enjoy these incredible one-man tanks!

Date: Saturday 5 November 2016 Place: Netley Hall, Shropshire (SY5 7JZ) # Meet: 12.15pm for 12.30pm to 3.30pm session Cost: £45 (£49 Guest) Incl: Meal & drink after. Approx 45 mins with the tanks and 2 hours of paintball Extras: Extra paintballs (first 100 are included) at £6 per 100. Armoured gloves £3 to buy if required This is a combination event where we get to enjoy all the fun of mini battle tanks, but as there are not enough tanks for us all to drive, all the time, and we don’t want lots of waiting around – we’ve arranged some fabulous paintballing action! The Tank Driving: Release your inner child by hopping into one of these mini battle tanks and experience the thrill (and lunacy!) of commanding your own tank. We get 45 mins with the tanks and we’ll navigate vast obstacle courses through thick woodland packed with ditches, streams, targets and many more surprises. We can also engage with our fellow Spicers in head to head combat using the on board mounted paintball gun. The Paintball: Netley Hall have a vast paintball arena to explore together. We’ll be issued with a full face mask, quality paintball rifle, full woodland coveralls, unlimited compressed air, chest protector and our first 100 paintballs. The Food: We’ve also included a meal of Burger, Chicken Nuggets or Panini (Chicken or Veg) with chips and a drink. th

Teamworks Karting & Pizza

.. discover this advanced Indoor Karting centre Date: Sunday 13 November 2016 Place: Fazeley St, Birmingham (B5 5SE) Great feedback from our Meet: 11.45am for 12noon last visit! Cost: £29 (£32 Guest) includes pizza & drink after Featuring the fastest indoor karts in the UK together with an exciting, challenging 750m indoor race track, licensed bar and quality catering it's a pretty special experience. Forget what you've seen at 'oily rag' circuits – this facility was built for the corporate entertainment market and they have aimed to improve every aspect of the karting experience – and impress! Part of this has meant using latest generation electric powered karts, which are cleaner and quieter yet faster than most petrol burners you’ll find. Read more about this event (including height & weight restrictions) at www.spicebham.com th

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Outdoor Pursuits What Spice are most famous for!

Abseiling for the Terrified .. a great way to get started

Dates: Saturdays: 29th October or 10th December 2016 or 28th January 2017 Place: Black Rocks, Matlock, Derbyshire # Meet: 10am Start Cost: £34 (£39 Guest) Many members would love to do an abseil, but are too petrified to book the ones we normally offer. After seeing Mark Fenton's ability to gently coax even the most frightened, or physically disadvantaged people into achieving brilliant outdoor feats, I started these special sessions which have proved extremely popular! You just need to bring a little faith, and the will to succeed! The feeling you’ll get from your success is well worth it all. Mark will get you to overcome any fears by building up your confidence gradually. First we get used to the equipment and how to use it on a few very short descents, before tackling some bigger abseils if you feel able. You’ll not be forced to do anything you are uncomfortable with, or feel stupid if you back out of any stage. So go on…you’ve nothing to lose but your fears!

Indoor Climbing at Redpoint .. try this excellent new centre!

Date: Thursdays: 20 October 2016 or 26th January 2017 Place: Redpoint Climbing, 77 Cecil St, Birmingham (B19 3SU) – see directions online Meet: 7.00pm for 7.15pm to 9.15pm session Cost: £20 Member, £22 Guest Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports. Its great fun and anybody can do it. It's a really exciting way to improve physical fitness combining strength, balance, flexibility and concentration. It’s the ideal place to learn about this sport, with an opportunity to develop your skills under expert tuition. Your instructors are S.P.S.A. qualified or equivalent and the emphasis is, as always, on safety. Just wear cool, loose (not baggy) clothing and training shoes. There are refreshment and changing facilities. The huge main wall is the first thing you'll see, but don't worry, there are a variety of other faces for beginners to develop their skills on. We warm up on the bouldering wall then something bigger when you’re ready! th

Overnight Forest Experience .. hike in the dark & sleep in a cave!

Date: Saturday 29 - Sunday 30th October 2016 Place: Symonds Yat area of Forest of Dean # Meet: 8.00pm Cost: £55 (£59 Guest). Extra: Café Breakfast in morning (if you wish) Anyone with a sense of adventure will love this brilliant multi activity hike after dark. Let’s hope it’s one of those eerie moonlit nights when the deer are out in force and stars that you can reach out and touch - but whatever happens you can be sure it’ll be one of those Spice experiences which you’ll remember for a long time. We start with a bracing hike, which includes some navigation tuition. Paths may be discarded as we bash through bush intent on a compass bearing despite any obstacles - so we can play at being Special Forces on manoeuvres in the jungle with a little imagination! If our compass work serves us, we should find a cave system at around 1am. Life inside is a little more 'normal' as darkness is permanent in these fascinating places, and we will light a fire inside to lift the spirits. As we'll be a little tired by now, we'll sleep till dawn in the peace of the cave system. Refreshed and invigorated, we'll plan our final route back and find a café. th

Symonds Yat Adventure Mission .. a fab multi activity day wrapped up in a journey!

Date: Saturday: 25th March 2017 Place: Forest of Dean # Meet: 10am to approx 4pm Cost: £52 Member, £57 Guest Have you ever been on a walk through the forest that starts with you being kitted out with harness and helmet? If not, you've never been on one which starts with a 100 foot abseil down the Buttress at the Yat! Fuelled on adrenaline we then slide down to the river and walk along the disused railway line to a wire suspension bridge where we cross the Wye. We then ramble to 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, an ancient dwelling place, and on to the Seven Sisters, a rock outcrop. Brilliant! 17

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Go Ape in Cannock Chase

.. the thrill of aerial trekking high above the forest floor Date: Sunday 27th November 2016 Place: Birches Valley Forest Centre near Rugeley (WS15 2UQ) # Meet: Around 12noon (to be confirmed with details) Cost: £33 Member, £35 Guest Go-Ape provides a truly exhilarating, adrenalin pumped experience in the tree tops. It’s an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up to 40 feet up in the trees. We are fitted with a climbing harness, given instructions, and then trek from tree to tree high above the forest floor. Safety is paramount and all participants wear safety harnesses with which to attach themselves to the safety system. Everyone receives a safety briefing. The course normally takes a very enjoyable (and perhaps a little scary) 2 - 3 hours to complete.

Abseiling for Beginners at Symonds Yat .. try some easy abseils in a beautiful setting!

Date: Saturday 22nd October 2016 Place: Symonds Yat area of Forest of Dean # Meet: 10am (ends around 1pm) Cost: £39 (£45 Guest) The team from Forest Adventure have designed a rock session in this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Abseils vary from a sheltered 40 ft to an exposed 110 ft depending on how you wish to progress. You can progress at your own pace in an encouraging environment or enjoy the view and support your fellow Spicers. The instructors are confident that anyone can conquer these cliffs with a little encouragement. “Our most senior lady this year from the local WI was 87!”

Kayak River Adventure Day .. enjoy a day out in 'canoe country'

Date: Saturday 15 October 2016 Place: Symonds Yat, Forest of Dean (HR9 5QT) # Meet: 10.00am to approx 4.30pm Cost: £55 Member, £59 Guest This area really is canoe country! The team from Forest Adventure have come up with a varied route for single seat kayaks - 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. It’s a leisurely day and a great first timer’s event, but will also be fun for those of you who have some experience. th

Ramble, Scramble & Dangle .. a great day out with Mark

Date: Sunday 18 December 2016 Place: White Peak area of Derbyshire # Meet: 10.00am Cost: £34 (£39 Guest) We get the most brilliant feedback from these days out with Mark Fenton! Meeting in the White Peak, we embark on a 7 mile hike but along the way we encounter and overcome various obstacles! It could be a climb, a river crossing, an abseil or it could be all three. You might be asked to disarm a bomb, climb a tree or ascend a steep embankment using jumars (fixed rope ascenders) you could even be asked to find your own way back to the cars using “Marks’ special maps”. th

What is a “Guest”?

Some events have a separate price that applies if you want to bring a “guest” along to an event. The “guest” option is there for members to use to introduce new people to the group and for friends/ family for whom membership is not practical (eg visiting from another area). The Guest arrangements are offered at our discretion and cannot be used to avoid membership (eg by lapsed members). A “guest” must come along to the event with you (unless specifically agreed otherwise) and you are responsible for their good conduct. A “Guest” may accompany you at up to 3 events – after which we consider it fair to expect them to join themselves.

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Bridge Abseil & Ladder Climb .. it'll scare you to death - but you'll love it!

Date: Saturday 3rd December 2016 Place: Millers Dale, Peak District # Meet: 10.00am Cost: £36 (£39 Guest) including all equipment & instruction Ever fancied the idea of a freefall abseil (like the SAS do out of a helicopter!) from a precipitous 80' viaduct to the river bank below .. and then climbing back up using a metal caving ladder which swings and sways! We thought you might! Once you've plucked up the courage to do it once, there will be no stopping you. It's a great confidence booster. This day is run by Mark Fenton so you can be sure that there will be lots of fun, a relaxed atmosphere where absolute beginners will find lots of nurturing and encouragement and a totally commitment to your safety at all stages. This is a brilliant first or second abseil experience. It is also an ideal training for anyone wishing to do our more advanced caving trips as you will be able to learn some of the techniques above ground rather than under!

Autumn in the Forest

.. venture off the tracks with a guide! Date: Saturday 22 October 2016 Place: Wyre Forest Discovery Centre (DY14 9XQ) – see directions online Meet: 10.45 for 11am start (ends around 1pm) Cost: £8 (£10 Guest) Come and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of Autumn in the Wyre Forest. Our experienced guide will provide explanations, show you a few secrets the Forest has in store, and generally help you appreciate this magical season when the plants, trees and animals prepare themselves for winter. Directions: for detailed directions, see this writeup online at www.spicebham.com nd

Zipworld Caverns Experience

.. discover the worlds largest underground zipline & more! Date: Sunday 29th January 2017 Place: Zipworld Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales (LL41 3NB) # Meet: 11.45am for 12 noon Start (lasts 3 hours) Cost: £59 (£65 Guest) Includes: instruction, safety equipment & Spice Coordinator Well, we’ve enjoyed Zipworld Velocity, Zipworld Titan and Bounce Below! Now’s the time to experience their brand new adventure – Zipworld Caverns. The bonus for a January event is that this one is underground, so unaffected by weather – in fact it is the same 10 degree temperature all year round! Zip World Caverns is the world’s largest fully underground zip line and adventure course! We’ll journey through an amazing adventure under earth that has been inaccessible for nearly 200 years. Some of the caves are large enough to hold 75 double decker buses! Not just a Zip Line: In our 3 hour experience, we will be able to travel on a number of thrilling zip lines interspersed with rope bridges, tunnels and breath-taking stretches of via ferrata set in a multi-coloured subterranean world. Note: Visit the online version of this writeup for a link to check on restrictions and to view a video of the experience. ______________________________

Are you officially Amazing? You could be once you have completed 10 challenging events. What better talking point for your CV! See your member handbook or visit www.spiceuk.com/amazing.asp or call us for details. 19

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Previews & Pub Nights Unlike the other events in this newsletter, most of these events (except Spice Hits Town) are offered on an informal 'just turn up' basis.

Preview Evenings!

.. presentations aimed at those looking to join, just joined, or introducing a friend to the group Edgbaston Dates: Mon 21 November 2016 Place: Midlands Arts Centre Edgbaston Road Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH Time: 8.00pm Cost: Free

Solihull/ NEC Date: Tue 10 January 2017 Place: The Arden Hotel Coventry Road Bickenhill (by Airport & NEC) B92 0EH Time: 8.00pm Cost: Free

Sutton Coldfield Date: Mon 10 October 2016 Place: The Royal Hotel High Street Sutton Coldfield (near Police Station) B72 1UD Time: 8.00pm Cost: Free

You don’t have to come to a Preview Night in order to join Spice, but if you can, it’s a great way to make your start with us and the easiest way of meeting a few people and finding out how it all works. Richard, Maggie and other team members and volunteers will be there to welcome everybody. We’ll show the Spice Video, talk through the basics of membership, give you more info' on the programme, and explain how it all works. It's very casual and everyone is welcome; those thinking of joining who want to find out more, and existing members who might like to come along with any curious friends. It's very informal, and many members have joined after attending one of these as it's a great opportunity to meet other new members who also want to add some SPICE to life! Those who can’t wait to get started will also have the opportunity to book any events they'd like try. We’ve chosen venues with good free parking areas immediately outside. Once in the venue just ask at reception which room we’re in. All venues have a bar, and you can bring a drink into the room. Hope you can make it - no need to book, just turn up on the night and we'll see you there.

Spice Hits Town at The Jam House .. a great free Spice get together with live music!

Dates: Fridays: ● 21 Oct ● 18 Nov ● 30 Dec 2016 Place: The Jam House, St Pauls Square, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham (B3 1QU) Meet: From 7.30pm (arrive by 8.30pm LATEST or you’ll be charged). Meet upstairs Cost: Free (but you have to book this event). Members Only – No Guests Incl: Spice exclusive area & discounted bar to 9pm Live entertainment: ● 21/10 Rocket (Anthems from Bon Jovi, Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Nelly, Black Eyed Peas, Killers, Oasis & James Brown) ● 18/11 The Subterraneans (Rock Anthems from the likes of U2, the Stones, Queen, and even the Kaiser Chiefs!) ● 30/12 Urban Intro (hits from the likes of Rihanna & Timberlake to classics of Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston etc) Our monthly night out now offers more! We have our own area from 7.30pm to 9pm and the bar that serves our area will also have a Spice discount in place for our exclusive time, so go straight to our area on arrival – don’t buy at the public till! Live entertainment starts around 9pm with the headline act coming on after around 10.30pm. For those who have the staying power, the DJ will keep us partying right through to 2am! Booking: There is no charge if you arrive before 8.30pm, but your place has to be booked in advance so that your name is on the list for security to allow you into our private area. Please dress night club wise (ie no trainers, jeans etc). If you haven’t been to a Spice Hits Town before, you’ll find it a great opportunity to renew acquaintances with other Spice Members who you’ve met on events, and generally mingle in an informal but busy environment. New Members Note: Whilst all members are very welcome to attend if they wish, it is easier when you know a few people in the group. We only say this because it is a busy, loud, unstructured meet up with minimal coordination, so it can be difficult for members to spot and properly look after people who are new. Once you have been to a few events, and know some faces, however, you’ll find SHT a great way to renew friendships and get into the social life of our group.

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Our Regional Pub Nights – an Important Explanation

Don’t worry, Spice has not become (nor ever will be!) a group who meet up in pubs! In fact, many people join Spice as an antidote to spending their time in pubs. Spice is all about the events and the fun we have on them. That said, a network of pub nights have developed, aimed at enabling members to get to know other members in their area over a drink (or three!) each month. These nights are run “by the members - for the members” and have no other purpose other than providing a corner of a pub for Spice friends to drink and chat together. The reason I mention this, is that I sometimes get reports of new members and people interested in joining, turning up at these nights expecting something more - such as a “meeting”, “an opportunity to join”, “the chance to book events” or “the chance to see what Spice is like” etc. These nights are a great resource for people who have been in the group for some time and who know a few faces to look out for. However, they are not really designed for people who are brand new to the group. They work best as a form of reunion for people who have already met on events. They are certainly no substitute for our organised events or the Preview Nights that we put on for those who want to find out more about the Group or to join us. These are busy pubs (not closed to the public) and can be difficult if you don’t already know some faces to look out for. Sorry to be a little negative, but we would hate for you to judge Spice based on your experience of an informal night at a pub!

Sutton Pub Night

.. drop in and meet our Sutton Spicers Date: Wednesdays: ● 12 Oct ● 9th Nov ● 14th Dec 2016 Place: The Bottle of Sack, Bham Rd (B72 1QG) Meet: 8pm onwards Members only David & Rob are your volunteer hosts for this night for members who live in the Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas. David will be near the bar and (to help you spot him) will be drinking out of a pewter tankard. Contact: Any questions, call Dave on 0121 329 3663. ● Please read notes above before attending a pub night. Directions: Nearest free Car Park is the one by TKMaxx / Halfords/ Aldi. See online writeup for full details. th

Halesowen/Quinton Pub Night

.. get together with our South Birmingham & Worcestershire folk! Date: Thursdays: ● 6th Oct ● 3rd Nov ● 1st Dec ● 5th Jan Place: Amber Tavern, Hagley Rd West, (B32 2AL) Meet: 8pm onwards Members only Come and have a drink and a laugh, in a friendly atmosphere with a few Spice friends from your area. There’s food available if you wish as well. Contact: Hosts are Fiona & John. Fiona can be contacted on 07929 357 880 with any queries. ● Please read notes above before attending a pub night Directions: See online writeup for full details.

Tamworth & Lichfield Pub Night .. discover life in our northern territories!

Date: Tuesdays: ● 25 Oct ● 29th Nov ● 27th Dec ● 31st Jan Place: The Bole Bridge, Tamworth (B79 7PA) Meet: 8pm onwards Members Only This popular night is particularly aimed at getting together members in the Lichfield, Tamworth and surrounding areas – but all members are welcome. Tove and Jayne will be there to welcome you at The Bole Bridge, where they will reserve a table or two on the raised area. There are regular guest ales and good food at competitive prices. Contact: Any questions Contact Tove: tsalkvist@yahoo.co.uk or call 07967 540697. ● Please read notes above before attending a pub night. Directions: See online writeup for full details. th

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Quiz Nights Come to our fun Quiz nights. It's a good way of getting to know people, as we randomly arrange teams on the night. There’s a bar and prizes are awarded to winners & runners up. Losers may get a surprise too! Our quizzes are written specially for us and it’s all just for fun - so please don’t book if you’re too serious about winning!

Curry & Quiz (Harborne/ Solihull & Sutton) .. a great social evening with Steve Dell

Dates: ● Wed 7th December - Bangla Lounge, 152a High St, Harborne (B17 9PN) ● Wed 2nd November - Spice Club 697 Warwick Road Solihull (B91 3DA) ● Thur 27th Oct* or Wed 25th Jan - Bollywood, 28 Birmingham Rd Sutton Coldfield (B72 1QG) Meet: 7.00pm *Note 27 Oct is a change of date from last newsletter Cost: £5 (£7 Guest) plus cost of food on the night (see each deal below) Great nights with Steve Dell, combining two favourites; a curry and a quiz! There will be all the usual rounds such as general knowledge, music etc. These are great events to meet fellow spicers and not taken too.seriously – this is Spice! ● Bollywood: We have a special deal for £11: A popadom (with onion salad, dips etc), a starter, a main and rice or naan. This restaurant isn’t licensed so you need to bring your own alcoholic drinks. ● Spice Club: Our deal is: Poppadum’s & dips, mixed starters, a choice of main and rice & naan for £12.95. There is limited parking nearby but if this is full you will need to use the multi storey car park. ● Bangla Lounge: We have a great deal for £9.95: Popadom (with onion salad, dips etc), a starter, a main and rice or naan. There is a limited amount of street car parking near the restaurant or a public car park behind the High Street.

Chinese & Quiz (Sutton Coldfield) .. another gastro-quiz from Steve Dell

Date: Thursday 17th November at Lee Garden, Birmingham Rd, Sutton Coldfield (B72 1QF) Meet: 7.00pm Cost: £5 (£7 Guest) plus cost of food (£17.50) on the night Today, Steve will run one of his quizzes whilst we enjoy a varied Chinese Meal. There will be all the usual rounds such as general knowledge, music etc. A set meal has been booked (vegetarian on request) – see menu on line at spicebham.com

Greek Meal & Quiz (Sutton Coldfield) .. a great social evening with Steve Dell

15th

Date: Thursday December at Eleon Greek Restaurant, 2 Maney Corner (B72 1QL) Meet: 7pm in their upstairs room Cost: £5 (£7 Guest) plus cost of food (£18.50) on the night A new addition to Steve's meals and quizzes; The same winning formula used for the curry and Chinese quizzes will see Steve will run a quiz in between courses. There will be all the usual rounds such as general knowledge, music etc. Food: The recommendation is their three course set price menu which has many options to choose from - all for £18.50 - paid on the night. See menu online. These are great events to meet others as you work in small teams. They are fun and have an edge of competitiveness but not taken too seriously!

Quiz of 2016 & Supper (Wishaw – near Sutton Coldfield) .. a fun look back on the year that was

Date: Thursday 5th Jan 2017 at Wishaw Country Sports, Grove Lane, Wishaw (B76 9PQ) Meet: 7pm Cost: £14 (£16 Guest) including supper – details online Start the New Year off with an event comes at the request of several members. How much can you remember what happened in 2016? Steve will write and run a quiz based on “the year that was”. There will be the usual rounds such as music, entertainment, TV but with a 2016 flavour. Other rounds will be news headlines from 2016.These are great events to meet fellow spicers as you work in small teams. They are fun and have an edge of competitiveness but not taken too seriously – this is Spice! Food: Those who enjoy our regular Barn Dances at this venue will tell you just how good the home cooked food is. Anne will provide a one course meal, served as a buffet with hot and cold options. There is also a bar with at least one real ale from the barrel.

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Rambles & Nordic Walks Spice Rambles are a great way to get out in the outdoors, meet new friends and get fit at the same time! We do a wide range of rambles to suit every ability – so don’t miss out on the fun! Ramble Kit: Dress to suit all weathers and avoid jeans as they hinder you once wet. You'll need boots, spare clothing, waterproofs and a drink. Our guides are experienced leaders and qualified first aiders so you'll be in good hands. We'll send directions including a mobile number to call if the weather is extreme or if you cannot attend - so we don't hang around waiting.

Earlswood Easy Ramble & Lunch 9th

Date: Sunday October 2016 Place: Earlswood, near Solihull # Meet: 12.00noon Start Cost: £19.50 (£22.50 Gt) Incl: 3 Course Sunday Lunch Enjoy a 3 mile easy ramble today with Richard on paths around Earlswood Lakes. We will then enjoy a delicious three course Sunday Lunch at The Limes Country. The Lodge is family run and just off Junction 3 of the M42. See the menu choices online.

Alvecote Marina Easy Ramble

Date: Saturday 15th October 2016 Place: Alvecote, near Tamworth # Meet: 1pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) An easy 4½ mile ramble with Steve Dell which is fairly flat and suitable for beginners or those who want a leisurely walk. We start by walking through the 'village' of Amington and then follow the river Anker towards Amington Hall. Then we pass Alvecote Pools Nature Reserve, a popular fishing spot and then onto Alvecote and the ruins of the Priory. The final leg is along the Coventry Canal.

Malvern Hills Hard Ramble

Date: Saturday 15th October 2016 Place: Colwall Stone near Malvern # Meet: 11am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) This stunning 10 mile round trip with Trevor Hyde has a total of 700m of climbing spread throughout the day. It is an exceptional ridge walk with unrivalled views and is expected to take 5 hours including cafe stops. If you have never walked on the Malverns, you are missing one of the finest hikes south of the Lake District! Some of the oldest rocks in Britain, strange caves, Iron Age hill forts, cafes, it has the lot. Did I mention the cafes? We will finish with a drink in the Colwall Park hotel to recover.

Henley in Arden Figure of 8 Ramble

Date: Sunday 16th October 2016 Place: Henley in Arden, near Warwick # Meet: 10.30am or 1.15pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Figure of 8 rambles have become very popular as they appeal to both social ramblers who just want a short morning or afternoon ramble and longer ramblers who want a full day ramble. Both rambles are around 4½ miles and both are fairly easy. If you choose the morning ramble you can either finish then (if the weather isn't too good - or the pub is more inviting!) or carry on with the afternoon one. If you fancy a shorter later starting ramble just turn up by 1:15 for the afternoon ramble. You can decide "on the day" what walk(s) you want to do. The morning ramble: We start from the famous Henley High St and then following the Heart of England Way (a long distance footpath) we pass the site where Beaudesert Castle once stood. The walk uses field paths through farmland. There are a couple of gradients but not too strenuous and we will take our time. The afternoon ramble: We’ll use the Heart of England Way and the Arden Way. The route also uses field paths through farmland and takes in the hamlets of Hallend, Ullenhall and Oldberrow.

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Warwickshire Villages Ramble

Date: Saturday 22nd October 2016 Place: Welford on Avon, near Stratford # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) A fine 9 mile walk with Mick taking in three of the finest villages, one where Charles II spent a night during his southward escape in 1651 and one which has one of only a handful of maypoles left in the whole country. We'll walk on part of the Heart of England Way and plan to find a pub for a bite to eat afterwards.

Himley Hall Autumnal Ramble

Date: Sunday 23rd October 2016 Place: Between Dudley & Wolverhampton # Meet: 12.15pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) A lovely revised 6 mile easy to moderate ramble with Rob Smith and is a great time to visit the area as it will be quite autumnal with the trees giving their lovely display of colours. The ramble starts at the lovely Himley Hall after which we make our way to and follow the course of a disused railway line as we go through Wombourne and then into Baggeridge Country Park. We explore this with open views, woodland and pond side paths. After the ramble we can either have a coffee at the country park café of make a short drive will take us to the unique Crocked House Pub.

Nordic Adventure Walk - Cannon Hill

Date: Sunday 23rd October 2016 Place: Main entrance of MAC, Edgbaston Meet: 2.30pm Start (ends 4pm) Cost: £7 (£9 Guest) Incl: Poles & specialist instructor This 6 mile Nordic walk with Mike is is a new circular walking route along the river Rea. We will enjoy a café visit afterwards making a enjoyable morning out in lovely surroundings. Nordic walking burns twice as many calories as normal walking and takes up to 70% pressure of the joints. Leader is Mike Horton.

Peak District Walk: Bakewell

Date: Sunday 30th October 2016 Place: Bakewell, Derbyshire # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Enjoy 9 miles with Mick from the home of the Bakewell Pudding. We head off up the hill to cross Haddon Fields then the bridleway to the River Lathkill and into YoulgreaveWe then follow the quiet lane to the outskirts of Stanton in the Peak. We climb to the old Shiningbank Quarry then descend on the bridleway to Haddon Hall, following the River Wye then the park back to Bakewell.

Staunton Harold Easy Ramble

Date: Sunday 30th October 2016 Place: Staunton Harold, nr Ashby de la Zouch # Meet: 11.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) We revisit this lovely walk for a spectacular autumnal visit; there is lots of woodland on this ramble what a great time of the year to take in the beautiful colours of the woodland. Steve Dell will lead us on this 5½ mile ramble in this lovely area.

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Fauld Crater Ramble

Chipping Camden Ramble

Date: Saturday 5th November 2016 Place: Near Tutbury, North Staffs # Meet: 11am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) The mighty Fauld Crater is a huge scar in the landscape, which is the site of the largest explosion in Britain. On 27 November 1944, 4,000 tons of high explosive bombs stored in former Gypsum mines exploded leaving 70 people dead and a crater 400 feet deep, and around half a mile long. A simple plaque tells its story, and I am sure Mick will have a lot to add including the written account from a surviving member of Derby Mountain Rescue who attended the scene - which brings the history starkly alive. There is more to the walk than the crater, however. It is a lovely and little visited part of our countryside. Expect around 8 miles.

Date: Sunday 13th November 2016 Place: Chipping Camden, Cotswolds # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Enjoy 9 miles around the North Cotswolds with Mick Cornfield. Chipping Campden is at one end of the Cotswold Way and has many fine 14th century buildings, once the principal centre of the Cotswold wool trade now the perfect walking country, a place rich in gentle rolling countryside with a sleepy feel. We should find an inn around lunchtime to soak up the scenery.

Peak District Walk: Throwley Moor

Date: Sunday 13th November 2016 Place: Grindon Village, Staffordshire # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) A 9 mile walk with Marie & Paul Moss. We start off South to cross the Manifold River, and ascend onto Throwley Moor, and Calton. We then descend through Musden Wood to Rushley Bridge. We then climb to Castern Hall, and follow the valley with excellent views to reach the River which we follow back to home.

Peak District Walk: Chatsworth

Date: Sunday 6th November 2016 Place: Calton Lees Car Park, Chatsworth, Derbyshire # Meet: 10.30 Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) A classic Peak District walk with Steve Dell exploring the area around the Chatsworth Estate and Park at a great time of the year when the trees should be giving their glorious show of colours. We head up towards Beeley Moor, along the Rabbit Warren and enter Stand Woods and pass the Swiss and Emperor Lakes and onto the Hunting Lodge. We stop for a break at Chatsworth House and continue along the river back to the car park. The walk will have some gradients but we’ll take our time and enjoy the views. No doubt we will find somewhere for a drink and lunch after.

Whittington & Hopwas Woods Ramble

Date: Sunday 13th November 2016 Place: Whittington; Between Tamworth & Lichfield # Meet: 12noon Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + lunch on day if requ’d A new moderate ramble with Rob Smith. At the request of many regulars this is a bit longer, around 7 mile but still at Rob’s relaxed pace and of course the option of a Sunday Lunch afterwards! The ramble is relatively flat but has some surprisingly good views across the local countryside. There is also some woodland as we go through part of Hopwas Hays woods and we skirt the Packington Pork farm where we can see the free range pigs enjoying life! We also skirt round Whittington Barracks and the old firing range. We finish at The Dog pub and have the option of a Sunday Lunch afterwards which is lovely at this pub.

Cannock Chase War/Rememb Ramble

Date: Saturday 12th November 2016 Place: Coppice Hill Car Park, Brocton # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) The day before Remembrance Sunday seems a poignant time for a themed ramble on Cannock Chase which was very active in wartime and has many secrets to share. The walk is “moderate” at 7½ miles and we’ll take it at a gentle pace with lots of stops to take in the sights so expect a pretty full day out. We have planned in a half hour café stop after a couple of miles where we can buy drinks and home cooked snacks. Our route will include visiting such sights as ● a former parade ground ● Freda's Grave ● Women's Auxiliary Corps hut lines ● a now dismantled camp railway ● The Katyn Memorial ● the Commonwealth War Cemetery ● German War Cemetery and Visitor Centre and Rifle Ranges from the 1st and 2nd World Wars. Richard will have some basic historical information to share as we go and will have a hand out to help us explore the German Military Cemetery in particular.

Moira & Donnisthorpe Ramble

Date: Sunday 20th November 2016 Place: Moira, nr Swadlincote & Burton # Meet: 11.45am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) This lovely revised ramble with Steve Dell in the National Forest is another easy to moderate ramble. The pace will be the same but we will be going a little further, around 6½ miles. A lot of conservation has been done in this area; there will be a variety of scenery and plenty of historical interest, such as the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail which runs along the former line of the Ashby & Nuneaton joint railway, the Ashby Canal and Moira Furnace. There will be woodland and reservoirs to admire along the way. This time we include the pretty Saltersford Valley pools.

Sherwood Forest Autumnal Walk

Date: Saturday 12th November 2016 Place: Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre # Meet: 12noon Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Discover the wonderful autumnal colours of Sherwood Forest with a walk of around 6 miles with Steve Dell. The walk is fairly flat and will be at Steve’s usual relaxed pace so we can enjoy the atmosphere of the forest. The route will include the visitors centre and famous Major Oak (it is between 800 and 1,000 years old and local folklore says Robin Hood used it as a shelter). The walk has area of woodland, some great sweeping avenue views and the return follows a lovely riverside path. After the walk we can visit the café in the forest of maybe g to a local pub for a bite to eat.

Peak District Walk: Hulme End

Date: Sunday 20th November 2016 Place: Hulme End, Peak District # Meet: 10:30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from the old railway station we follow part of the old line before branching off to Warslow, going through the village to follow the quiet lane to Villa farm.Then the Bridleway down into the Manifold valley to the old Wetton Mill, on the return we follow the old bridleway then the old railway back to the station, for tea and cakes ! Distance: 6½ miles

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Urban Ramble: Around Bham Airport

Welford & Grand Union Easy Ramble

Date: Sunday 20th November 2016 Place: Birmingham International Station # Meet: 11am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) After the success of our other “Urban Rambles” this year, we’ve got the Greenways Map out again and planned a really unusual circular route which goes right around Birmingham International Airport using greenways, cycle ways and paths. On our 6 - 7 mile route, we are never more than half a mile away from the airport runway, so don’t expect peace and quiet. But if you love the smell of jet fuel, roar of engines and seeing aircraft taking off and landing at very close quarters (including the A380!) the airport adds an exciting backdrop to an unusual walk. However, I think you will also be surprised by some of the nature, birdlife and green spaces that thrive in the shadow of our busy international airport. We’ll take a pub stop in Marston Green or Sheldon and expect to be back at the station around 3.30pm. Due to parking costs we suggest coming by train, or, you could of course fly in!

Date: Sunday 27th November 2016 Place: Welford, near Market Harborough # Meet: 12noon Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) + lunch (if required) on day Join Steve Dell for a lovely 5½ mile ramble from the village of Welford. We start along the Grand Union Canal branch passing the marina and join the Grand Union proper heading south. The return uses farmland as we make our way back. There will be the option to have Sunday lunch at the pub after the walk if desired.

Charlecote Park Moderate Ramble

Date: Saturday 3rd December 2016 Place: Charlecote Park, Warwickshire # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) A moderate ramble of 9½ miles with Mick Cornfield. We will start with a walk through the village of Charlecote passing the pumping station to the village of Wasperton, turning east to follow the bridleway to Heathcote Farm, on to Crane Hill and into the village of Ashorne, follow the footpath to Newbold Pacey, a track and footpath takes us into the edge of Wellesbourne here we join the River Dene passing the sewage works back to the start.

Hanbury Hall Ramble & Lunch

Date: Saturday 26th November 2016 Place: Hanbury Park, near Bromsgrove # Meet: 11am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + lunch (if required) on the day Today we visit the lovely Hanbury Park, where Hanbury hall stands. Steve Dell will take us on this 5 mile ramble which also takes in farmland and part of the Worcester & Birmingham canal. We start by going towards Pipers Hill and woods and then to a lovely church with great views. Then we head south through Hanbury Park where we can stop to admire the Hall. The return uses farmland and finally along the canal and back to the pub, where we can have our lunch if desired and replace lost fluids!

Curborough & Fradley Easy Ramble

Date: Sunday 4th December 2016 Place: Between Lichfield and Burton on Trent # Meet: 11:45am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + lunch (if required) on day Another new ramble 5½ ramble from Rob just in time for Christmas. We start from Curborough craft centre and follow the railway heading northwards towards Kings Bromley wharf. We then follow the Trent and Mersey Canal back towards Fradley Junction where we will pause to have a drink and watch the boats at this busy canal junction. Finally will return via Fradley Woods to Curborough passing the famous Curborough Sprint racetrack. Back at Curborough we will have tables booked at Mables for a cream tea or a spot of lunch or you can shop for presents!

Easenhall & Brinklow Easy Ramble

Date: Sunday 27th November 2016 Place: Between Rugby & Coventry # Meet: 1pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + lunch if requ’d on day This new 5½ mile ramble starts from the very picturesque village of Easenhall between Coventry and Rugby. Initially using local paths and bridleways we join up with the Oxford canal near to Brinklow. After going along a cutting we leave the canal passing under the Brinklow Arches as we head up towards Stretton under Fosse. We head back skirting the Beautiful Newbold Reave College which is a training centre for the Prison Service. The pub does a 3 meat carvery and has good vegetarian options as well.

Peak District Walk: Ashford

Date: Sunday 4th December 2016 Place: Near Bakewell # Meet: 10:30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) 7 miles with Mick from the pretty village of Ashford in the Water, famous for the sheep wash bridge, we follow the river passing the Sough from the Lathkill Dale Mines and the old Bobbin mill to Monsal Dale. Then we follow the river to pass the weir and on to the Monsal Viaduct where we climb steadily to Monsal Head with views of the famous viaduct and Dale, descending first to skirt the top of the dale then to follow footpaths across farmland back.

Peak District Walk: Goyt Valley

Date: Sunday 27th November 2016 Place: Derbyshire Bridge, Peak District # Meet: 10:30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Mick has planned 8½ miles today, starting alongside the infant river Goyt, a distant tributary of the Mersey. We head off to climb the steep path to the summit of Shining Tor. This ridge forms the boundary between Derbyshire & Cheshire and rewards us with far reaching views over the Cheshire Plains and into the Goyt Valley. At the end of the ridge, Pym Chair, we descend the steep sided valley, passing the shrine and Errwood Hall, once home of the Grimshawe family. Our return includes the old packhorse bridge.

Peak District Walk: Eyam

Date: Sunday 11th December 2016 Place: Near Baslow # Meet: 10:30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) 8½ miles with Mick from the centre of Eyam, famous for isolating itself from the rest of the population when the plague arrived in 1665. We visit Foolow then Grindlow before traversing to climb to Bretton. From this viewpoint we descend into Bretton Clough to Stoke ford where we follow the other side of the valley to the bridleway of Sir William Hill Road leading to the radio mast, a gentle climb over Bole hill and Ladywash Mine leads us to Mompesson’s Well from the plague era where money was left in vinegar for food and goods. We descend back to the village to explore the cottages with their plaques and the church of St Lawrence with a magnificent sun dial and small plague exhibition.

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Peak District Walk: 2 Railways

Shugborough & Sherbrook Ramble

Date: Sunday 18th December 2016 Place: Hartington, near Hulme End # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) 6 miles with Mick from the village of Hartington, famous for its cheese. We descend to cross the River Dove into Staffordshire then to the hamlet of Sheen with the impressive church, dating back to 1158. Over to Brund we cross the infant River Manifold, turning south to Hulme End and the cafe at the end of the Railway for a lunch stop, heading back via the River Dove.

Date: Saturday 7th January 2017 Place: Seven Springs, Cannock Chase # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 Members, £7 Guests Another walk on the Staffordshire Way, and this one takes us through the magnificent Shugborough Estate. It’s 8 miles, but involves easy paths and canal tow paths where we might see a variety of wildlife if we’re lucky. We can enjoy a number of aspects of Cannock Chase including the Stepping Stones.

Peak District Walk: Hartington

Knowle Locks Ramble & Lunch

Date: Sunday 8th January 2017 Place: Friden Car Park (free) # Meet: 10.30am Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) 9 miles with Mick, starting south on the High Peak Trail. We leave the trail at Gotham Grange to follow footpaths eventually joining the Tissington Trail to the former Hartington Station. We continue to Parsley Hay for the return on the High Peak Trail also part of the Pennine Bridleway and Midshires Way.

Date: Saturday 24th December 2016 Place: Knowle, near Solihull # Meet: 11.15am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + lunch if requ’d on day If you want to escape the madness of the shops on Christmas Eve here’s the perfect way - a lovely ramble and the option of lunch afterwards. We return to this popular canal side pub for an easy 4½ mile ramble with Steve Dell. The route initially uses a bridleway, field paths and short, quiet road sections, passing through the tiny hamlet of Heronfield. We skirt round Temple Balsall, then follow the Grand Union Canal taking in the famous Knowle Locks. Back at the pub you can eat if you wish.

Stratford Moderate Ramble

Date: Sunday 8th January 2017 Place: Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire # Meet: 11.30am at Park & Ride or 12noon in Stratford Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) This easy to moderate 7 mile ramble is fairly flat. We start by following the river south towards the weirs and then through farmland to the lovely village of Clifford Chambers. A bridleway takes us back to the Avon Valley Footpath as we return to passing the racecourse. The last leg will take us through quiet, interesting streets, a churchyard and riverside walk passing the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Rob will find a pub with food for after.

Centre of England Ramble

Date: Wednesday 28th December 2016 Place: Meriden, Warwickshire # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) A 7 mile walk around the traditional centre of England with Mick Cornfield - the ancient cross on the village green marks the spot. Open fields, woodlands and an ancient hedged bridleway complete this circuit. Start and finish at the Queens Head pub in the village centre, parking on roadside.

Urban Ramble: A Circuit from Sutton

Date: Sunday 22nd January 2017 Place: Sutton Coldfield Town Centre # Meet: 10.30am Start (Ends around 4.30pm) Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Another in our series of lovely walks through urban and green spaces of the West Midlands using the Greenways Map. This one is around 11 miles, so it’s a full day of walking. But the good news is that it is almost entirely flat. This time we follow the circle of green that takes us right around north Birmingham. From Sutton town centre we travel through Sutton Park to Banners Gate to join the greenway around Kingstanding and the linked urban parks: Perry Common, Witton Lakes and Brookvale Park. From here we follow the Thame Valley Canal to meet the Birmingham Fazeley Canal under Spaghetti Junction which we then follow as far as Minworth Top Lock. The final stretch takes in the linked green spaces of Pype Hayes Park, Walmley Golf Club and Newhall Valley Country Park following Plants Brook all the way back to the centre of Sutton. We’ll find a pub around half way.

Mulled Wine & Mince Pie Wander

Date: Thursday 29th December 2016 Place: Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield # Meet: 1pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Gst) Incl: Mince pies & hot mulled wine Walk off some of the excesses of the festive period on this Christmas walk. Join Richard for a couple of hour’s gentle rambling in the wild, northern area of Sutton Park. It’s an area where wild Exmoor Ponies have been allowed to roam free since 1999. We hope to see some on our walk and Richard will talk about the ponies and about Sutton Park in general. To make our walk a little special, we will be met at the end of our walk with warm mince pies and hot mulled wine (or hot chocolate).

Peak District Walk: Ashbourne

Date: Sunday 1st January 2017 Place: Ashbourne, Peak District # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from the Tissington Trail then footpaths over the hill to Mapleton and Okeover Bridge over the river Dove, passing the old mill for Okeover Hall. We follow Birdsgrove Lane then the bridleway past Throstle Place to Upper Mayfield, taking Slack Lane and footpaths to Church Mayfield with stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army in 1745 and connections to Lady Godiva. Finally re-joining the river Dove to Hanging Bridge and the return to the start. Distance: 6½ miles.Leader: Mick Cornfield

Henley in Arden Moderate Ramble

Date: Sunday 29th January 2017 Place: Henley in Arden, Warwickshire # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) An interesting 9 mile walk with Mick near historic Henley in Arden. The first part is surprisingly hilly but we’ll take it very easy. We visit the hilltop church at Preston Bagot, the Stratford Canal and the River Alne. We’ll also try to find a tea room or pub.

______________________________ A Spice Newsletter is just a Snapshot in Time

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Shooting & Target Sports Whether you want to be John Wayne or William Tell, we’ll show you how!

Clay Pigeon Shooting

.. a lovely morning at a country shooting lodge Date: Sunday 16 October 2016 Place: Tardebigge, nr Redditch (B97 6RB) # Meet: 9.30am for 10am start Cost: £47 (£52 Guest) includes: coffee & biscuits A fabulous morning in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside learning this wonderful country sport. The friendly team of instructors claim they can get most of our Spice beginners up to a score rate of 70% on their first attempt! And as they use high tech' low recoil cartridges, anyone can do it. The shooting ground is “state of the art” with electronic clay pigeon traps and competition “over and under” shotguns. You will encounter targets simulating flights of pheasant, duck and pigeon and even a bolting rabbit. There’s a beautiful hunting lodge, for us to use once the shotguns are safely back in the cabinets. Here we also start the day with coffee while our instructors brief us before we set out as a 'shooting party'. th

Western Style Rifle Shooting .. fire "the real thing" with the experts

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Sunday 4 December 2016, Birmingham Shooting Centre, Hockley (B18 7RL) – see directions see online Choose time when booking (check available timeslots online or call for info) £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. Incl. approx 50 rounds of ammo. Bring photo ID 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! After booking in (bring photo ID such as passport or driving licence), we will have a safety talk including range rules and weapon handling safety and etiquette. We’ll then be introduced to our weapons and have time honing our skills on the range. Rules dictate that tuition has to be 1:1 when you are using this class of rifle. Important Notes: Please read the notes on the online version of this writeup before booking to ensure you are eligible. th

Low Impact Paintball

.. a great option for first time paintballers Date: Sunday 15 January 2017 Place: Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield (B75 5SA) – directions online Meet: 9.30am for 10am to 1pm session Cost: £43 (£45 Guest) Incl: all equipment, 500 paintballs, tuition, maps & lunch We are very excited to be able to offer a brand new activity from our friends at the National Paintball Fields. If you have ever fancied having a go at paintball with all the action of regular paintball but with a low impact hit and smaller paintballs then this is for you! “Perfect for the ladies” they say although it’s fair to say that freedom from pain has equal appeal across the sexes! You’ll also be issued with full headshield goggles, camo overalls, chest armour, 500 paintballs per player and get excellent tuition. We will finish with lunch of either a Chicken Burger, Jumbo Hot Dog or Veggie Burger. Tea and Coffee are on tap all day. Why not make a day of fun and stay for Quad Biking (book separately). th

Archery Tag

.. a new and exciting tactical game Date: Sunday 22nd January 2017 Place: Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield (B75 5SA) – directions online Meet: 10.45am for 11am to 1pm session Cost: £35 (£39 Guest) including all equipment and lunch with tea or coffee Here’s another brand new activity, better known as “Battle Archery”. This is a new and exciting tactical game has elements of both paintballing and archery – just without the paintballs. We can play as a team- firing arrows to hit our opponents and also to hit targets on the field to score extra points. The equipment includes foam tipped safety arrows and easy to pull bows. The event will be held on astro turf so no need to worry about the mud! No experience required! We will finish with lunch of either a Chicken Burger, Jumbo Hot Dog or Veggie Burger. tea and Coffee are on tap all day. ______________________________

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Social Pursuits

You don’t have to jump out of planes to enjoy Spice! This is the category where you find all manner of strange, sociable ways to have fun as a group. Enjoy!

Ten Pin Bowling (Acocks Green) .. another new bowling venue to enjoy!

Dates: Mondays: ● 10th Oct ● 14th Nov ● 12th Dec ● 9th Jan & 13th Feb Place: AG Bowl, corner of Warwick Rd & Westley Rd, Acocks Green (B27 7UH) Meet: 7.30pm prompt Cost: £10 (£12 Guest) Includes: 2 games, Spice coordinator, shoe hire One of our regions most famous bowling venues - independently run and very “Spice friendly”. We form fairly random teams and have 2 games during the evening. Don’t worry if you can’t bowl – as none of us can - but we have fun trying!

Karaoke Box Evening & Buffet .. discover this trendy new venue with friends

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Saturday 14th January 2017 Regency Wharf, Broad St, Birmingham (B1 2DY) 8pm (finish 11pm) £21.50 (£25 Guest) Includes: State of the art audio-video system, buffet platters, waitress service, Spice Coordinator & hire of a themed room for 3 hours Karaoke Box has opened its first venue outside of London – and it is stunning! They have a range of themed rooms, each with state of the art audio-visual karaoke systems built in. The venue has already become a popular stop off with the groups in “Limos” that cruise the clubs of Broad Street looking for late night fun! After the success of our first visit when we took to London Underground themed room for 20 people, last time we upgraded to The Galaxy Room next door which has exotic light effects, a mini dance floor and takes up to 35 maximum for even more Spice chaos – yay! We’ll have another themed room to try out this time. All have a huge choice of karaoke videos to perform to each other and discover who is best, funniest, bravest etc. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sing! Food is served on sharing platters of simple nibbles. Don’t expect a full meal, just basic “beige food” to keep us singing!

Laser Tag Fun & Pizza .. lots of fun with a laser gun!

Date: Friday 20th January 2017 Place: Fazeley Street, Birmingham (B5 5SE) Meet: 6.40pm for 7.00pm Briefing Cost: £23 (£25 Guest) Incl: 3 Laser Tag Games, equipment, Pizza and a non alcoholic drink Get ready for action! Get ready for lights, special effects, smoke, thrilling games and the latest technology. Often classified as combat games, Lasertag has a major advantage over paintball in that it is pain free - no bruising, clean plus having the obvious advantages of being indoors. We’ll enjoy three games of 12 minutes with a short break between games.

Mary Queen of Scots at Tutbury Castle .. a fabulous evening of costumed entertainment!

Date: Saturday 12 November 2016 Place: Tutbury Castle near Burton on Trent (DE13 9JF) # Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £23.50 (£26 Guest) Includes: Buffet meal Tonight we will be in the company of Mary Queen Of Scots for a wonderful evening at one of the countries most historic (and most haunted!) castles, yet an easy drive out from Birmingham. The castle is owned by The Queen and has a remarkable résumé having been established in 1066 by William the Conqueror, and visited by Richard the Lionheart, Margaret D’Anjou (who lived there), The Black Prince, Charles 1 st (during the Civil War, when the Castle held siege for 6 weeks), Henry 4th (who was declared King there), Edward 1st, Prince Rupert and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Mary Queen of Scots is recreated tonight by Lesley Smith who is the curator of Tutbury Castle and one of the presenters on TV’s “Most Haunted”. Mary was held prisoner at Tutbury Castle on four occasions and it was her first English prison. She left Tutbury for the last time in 1585 when she was moved to Chartley. From there she was sent to Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire where she was executed in 1586. Here is a chance to meet Mary Queen of Scots, in full authentic costume, during her imprisonment at Tutbury where she spent a lot of time reading, writing letters and doing embroidery. Learn about Mary’s three marriages and about life in general in Tudor times. th

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Gin Tasting Evening .. let the good times be gin!

Date: Thursday 3 November 2016 Place: Cellar Door, Clarence Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield (B74 4LT) Meet: 7pm (Ends 9pm) Cost: £19 (£22 Guest) Incl: Talk, Gin & Tonic and 6 tastings of gin Is it Gin o'clock yet? The answer is yes! We have linked up with the Cellar Door and their Gin Tasting Group for an exclusive evening of gin tasting. The gin masterclass will include a perfectly made gin and tonic on arrival and a talk through the history of gin. There will then be tutored tastings of 6 gins from small independent producers. We can then share our gin tasting experiences. We think you will be surprised at the variety of different botanical tastes that you can find in great gin! Our guide knows his subject very well and is great fun to spend an evening with. rd

New Members Beer, Skittles & Supper .. a great way to get to make a start with the group

Date: Thursday 20th October 2016 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston just off M42 J9 (B76 0BY) Meet: 6.45pm for 7.00pm prompt start Cost: £18.50 (£20.50 Guest) Includes: Host, Supper & Prize A beer and skittles evening is always fun and Lea Marston has a purpose built skittle room with a full size alley. There will be helpers to organise us into teams, reset the pins and keep score. There's also a bar where you will be able to purchase the 'beer' part of the event and we have included in the price a sit down meal. Note: All members are welcome – not just newbies! Menu: Roast Chicken, chips and gravy or Vegetable stroganoff and rice (v) and Cheesecake of the day

Ghost Tour & Late Night Theatre Lock In .. discover the scary secrets of the theatre at night!

Date: Saturday 29th October 2016 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (B5 4DS) Meet: 10.15pm for 10.30pm Cost: £30 (£32 Guest) Includes: A drink If you are truly fearless join us for our special late night Ghost tour and lock in. Be the very first to experience the auditorium in the small hours, we have until 3am if you brave enough to stay. So bring your torches and be prepared for guaranteed goosebumps and chills. Published author and paranormal expert Marq English will be on site to answer all questions about what you may find on this unique tour. Please meet in the foyer where the guides will greet us provide a safety briefing before the tour moves backstage. The tour will take around 1 hour and afterwards join in for a special Halloween cocktail in the piano bar and continue the eerie fun until the early hours!

Shootout & Party Food at the Kiddies Playcentre! .. laser weapons .. 'soft play' & sausage rol ls! (what more could a big kid wish for?)

Date: Friday 27th January 2017 Place: Adventureland, Walsall Wood/ Aldridge (WS9 9AA) – directions online Meet: 7pm for 7.15pm prompt start (finishes around 9pm) Cost: £21.50 (£25 Guest) Incl: Buffet of sandwiches, sausage rolls, soft drinks Adventure Land is all the things kids love – but tonight, all under 18’s have been turfed out and are safely tucked up in bed so that Spice members can be big kidz instead! The lights will be dimmed, we will be armed with laser weapons and set free on the 3 stories of soft play equipment with its obstacles, bridges, nets, balls etc. We’ll jump, crawl, slide, climb and bounce our way through whilst shooting each other as we go! The computer keeps score, but it’s not to be taken seriously. It’s just a fun and different event that anyone can do - designed to give us the sort of fun we haven’t had since we were 5 years old! There’s a café for drinks/ crisps and jugs of squash provided. A kiddies party buffet will include all we need to “eat, drink and be messy...” The centre is licensed to serve alcohol to 9pm, but alcohol can only be consumed once you have finished on the equipment and we tend to go to the pub afterwards for this type of fun,. Expect a fun and sociable night!

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Ice Hockey: Coventry v Manchester .. an exciting visit to see this thrilling sport!

Date: Sunday 6 November 2016 Place: Skydome, Croft Road, Coventry (CV1 3AZ) # Meet: 4.30pm meet up 5.15pm Face Off Cost: £17 (£19 Guest) includes ticket & Spice host Originally from the neighbouring town of Solihull, the Coventry Blaze evolved from the Solihull Barons to become the Solihull Blaze in 1996. In order to attract a new and larger fanbase the team moved to Coventry in 2000 and continue to occupy the 3000-seat SkyDome Arena. Today we take our seats to watch Coventry Blaze play Manchester Storm. A game usually lasts around 2 - 2 and a half hours depending on stoppages. th

Chatsworth at Christmas & Markets .. discover a Christmas Wonderland

Date: Saturday 19 November 2016 Place: Chatsworth, Derbyshire (DE45 1PP) # Meet: Around 11am -11:30am (to be advised) Cost: £24 (£25 Guest) – Note we need to order tickets 4 weeks prior - so book early! Make a magical start to Christmas! It is always a pleasure to visit Chatsworth but no more so than at Christmas when each year they unveils a completely new theme to encourage us back year after year. This year the house theme ‘The Nutcracker’. So we will be joining Clara's adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince .. Our ticket includes free parking, entrance to house and gardens and the Christmas Market. The plan is to meet and go round the delightful house, have a drink in their lovely tea shop and then have a wander around the markets. The market has over 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, crafts, homeware, seasonal produce, toiletries and clothing. A great place to find unique presents for all the family. It has live seasonal entertainment and you’ll find mulled cider and German beers at the outdoor bars. There is delicious food on the day and to take home, with gourmet burgers and sausages, hot pork rolls, pancakes, churros, fudge, chocolate and treats galore. Also if you have time you can visit the Chatsworth gift, interiors and garden shops, up in the stables. th

A Victorian Christmas

.. experience the atmosphere of a bygone era Date: Sunday 11 December 2016 Place: Blists Hill, Ironbridge Gorge (TF7 5DU) # Meet: 10.00am (ends 4pm) Cost: £21 (£23 Guest) Incl: admission, exclusive welcome talk, coffee & mince pie The residents at Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge will be busy preparing for Christmas at this wonderful special event. Come along to experience the atmosphere of a bygone era and you will be treated to an array of traditional celebrations including carol singing, wandering pantomime characters and festive entertainment as well as having a chance to do some Christmas shopping. Before you explore the Town you’ll be welcomed over a cup of coffee and a mince pie and a short talk about Blists Hill by a guide. We will then have free time to enjoy the atmosphere. th

Uttoxeter Race Day & Behind The Scenes Tour .. a very civilised afternoon at the races

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Sunday 20 November 2016 Uttoxeter, Staffordshire (ST14 8BD) # 11am for 11.30am tour, first race 12.30pm £45 (£49 Guest) Incl: Premier Admission, Programme, £5 tote bet, Welcome drink, £5 food voucher & exclusive behind the scenes tour Uttoxeter Racecourse has seen massive improvements recently and is now a 'benchmark' course in terms of the facilities offered to racegoers. Unlike our visits to Warwick, this is a National Hunt meeting, so the horses will be racing over jumps (Grand National style) and the results are that bit less predictable than on the flat. Our tickets include Premier Admission, Raceday programme, £5 tote bet, Welcome drink, £5 food voucher and an exclusive behind the scenes tour. There is always a great atmosphere, with the 'tick tack men' and 'bookies' at work, side stalls roasting pork, and great opportunities for people watching. Racing is always treated as a very special occasion and the dress code is described as "Smart Casual". “Gentlemen are requested to wear trousers and sleeved shirts (jeans, T-shirts, shorts etc are not considered suitable), it would be preferred if ties or polo neck shirts are worn.” It doesn’t say anything about what the ladies should wear, but I should avoid jeans! We also have a behind the scenes tour of the racecourse including non-public areas. This will include a visit to the parade ring which is normally for owners only, the media area and no doubt a picture at the winning post. 30

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Love, Betrayal, Poison & Death Museum Tour ..enjoy the highlights of this world class museum

Date: Saturday 26 November 2016 Place: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (B3 3DH) Meet: 10.45am for 11am Start Cost: £9.50 (£11.50 Guest) Includes: 1 hour themed guided tour An exclusive tour with Jane Hornby around the galleries of Birningham Museum and Art Gallery. We will be journeying through the tangled web of life, looking at works of art which have been influenced by these strong emotions and events. Following on from our tour there will be time to enjoy the museum and visit the tea room. We meet in the Round Room. th

Live Music, Real Ale & Supper Cruise

.. a sociable voyage with live music, Enville Ale and Fish & Chips! Date: Sunday 11th December 2016 Place: Gas Street Basin (off Broad St) (B1 2JT) # Meet: Departs 2.30pm to approx 5.30pm – see below Cost: £18.50 (£22 Guest) Incl: Live music, fish & chips (see other food options) This Christmas treat may particularly suit those who are staying over for our Dinner Dance and looking to enjoy the Christmas Markets and attractions of Birmingham City Centre on Sunday Morning. We’re enjoying the waterways of Birmingham in the company of a great entertainer and a cask of Enville Ale! (the bar also sells other drinks). It’s great fun, particularly when you watch the reaction of the shoppers and pedestrians to a music show floating by! Entertainment: We are awaiting confirmation. It may be Irish, Jazz, Boogie Woogie or something else! Check online. The “Traditional Dining”: We will make our way from the City Centre to Selly Oak where a local fish and chip shop will have our meals ready for us to enjoy on the return journey - served in the traditional fashion (straight from the paper!). Please tell us your meal choice of either Fish & Chips, Chicken & Chips or Vegetarian Option & Chips (usually pizza).

Christmas Day Link Up 2016 .. an informal meet up for Spice members

Date: Friday 25 December 2016 Place: Spice West Midlands Members Meet: To be arranged by those booked For all those members who would be spending Christmas Day on their own and prefer to share it with friends, we'll be running this popular register again this year. It’s more of a “link up” than an “event” as such. If you book on, we will put you in touch with all the others who have registered their interest so you can get together for a drink or arrange a communal Christmas Dinner with other members in your area. If you want to take advantage of this service, just book on line or call the office and we'll put you on a list with your contact details which we'll send out to everyone listed the week before Christmas (please be sure to tell us – if you haven’t already - if any of your contact details should not be shared). As usual, we are looking for a sociable volunteer to act as the contact point for everyone taking part in this link up (usually around 6 –12 people). If you would like to put yourself forward for this role, please let the office know. th

Ghost Hunting & Supper

.. a fabulous evening of history, fun & fear! Date: Saturday 21 January 2017 Place: Tutbury Castle, north of Burton on Trent (DE13 9JF) # Meet: 7pm for 7.15pm (ends around 10.45pm) Cost: £23.50 (£26 Guest) includes entrance, parking, supper & tour by Lesley Smith A thrilling foray into one of the countries most historic (and most haunted!) castles. Tutbury Castle: was established in 1066 by William the Conqueror and visited by Richard the Lionheart, Margaret D’Anjou (who lived there), The Black Prince, Charles 1st (during the Civil War, when the Castle held siege for 6 weeks), Henry 4th (who was declared King there), Edward 1st , Mary Queen of Scots (as prisoner 3 times), Prince Rupert and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Legend has it that some of these people are still there, so come and find out! Our Evening: We will be met and be shown through to the castle for our evening buffet followed by a dessert. There will also be a tour of the castle by Lesley Smith, who some of you will remember as the TV historian on the “Most Haunted” series. After dark, the Castle transforms to a more forbidding place and the real adventure begins. I promise not to tell you any more, as we want it to be a scary surprise, but trust me, you’ll meet some ghosts! We might even finish in time to catch last orders at the Dog & Partridge …for those in need of revival! 31 st

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Frankfurt Christmas Market Pub Treasure Trail .. enjoy one of Birmingham's most atmospheric events

Date: Wednesday 14th December 2016 Place: Burlington Hotel, New St, Birmingham (B3 4JQ) # Meet: 7pm – please check online Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest Steve Dell has designed another pub Treasure Trail in the pubs around the Market (the clues will be different to previous years). As with previous Pub Treasure Trails the clues are in a number of pubs! You will work in teams of four and given a set of clues to solve along the way. Some will be simple observations but some will be a little more cryptic. These are very social events and a great way to meet other Spicers as they are team activities. The hunt ends up back at the last pub where you can have a drink whilst the scores are being added up. As you are in the centre of Birmingham you should be able to get there on public transport just in case you want a drink or two! Don’t forget to bring a pen. After the obligatory chocolates are awarded you can stay for another drink or explore the markets more!

Alpine Italy Evening – Wine & Winter Sports! .. meet Alfredo & discover his passion for Bormio

Date: Tuesday 18 October 2016 Place: Mother India Restaurant, 60a Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5TJ) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: FREE (But pay £12 for meal directly to restaurant on the night) Incl: Italian wine & food tasting. Presentation on Bormio and the Italian Alps Ok, it’s a strange combination having an Italian evening followed by an Indian meal, but trust me, it’s going to be great! Some of you will know that we have a Bormio Ski and Social Week booked in March 2017. So when we heard that the owner of the hotel, who’s also a leading light in Italian winter sports was visiting the UK we invited him to spend an evening with Spice to tell us about the area, share some local food & wines and help us appreciate the unique culture of the Italian Alps. This evening is a must if you are planning to join us in Bormio, but all skiers and Italy lovers are welcome. Our Hosts: Alfredo Cantoni, Bormio’s “Master of the Slopes”, and his English wife Elizabeth. Also Andrea Dal Moro & Claire Dymond who have hosted several Spice trips and specialise in Italian experiences. A Taste of Bormio: Alfredo is bringing some of his favourite local wines for us to try plus some samples of the excellent alpine cheeses and Charcuterie (Claire calls this part “EATALY”). Alfredo will also give us a flavour of the resort and of mountain life. He will talk about skiing and how the ski area has developed. In particular he’ll tell us about the famous “Peak to Creek” races and why the Italian Ski Team love Bormio. He’ll also talk about the other attractions of the area – be it relaxing at the Roman Baths or biking in the Summer. Bormio and, its mountains are rich in history, from 218 BC when Hannibal and his elephants crossed the Alps to the Roman Empire and today as an international ski resort. A Taste of India (!): Just to prove that “variety is the life of Spice” our time in Italy is followed by an Indian – we’ll enjoy a vegetarian or chicken dish, nans breads and of course poppadum’s. The Restaurant will collect £12 for this. th

Anne Boleyn at Tutbury Castle .. a fabulous evening of costumed entertainment!

Date: Saturday 11 February 2017 Place: Tutbury Castle (DE13 9JF) # Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm (ends around 10.30pm) Cost: £23.50 (£26 Guest) incl: Sausage, mash & onion gravy, pudding, tea & coffee Cost: £23.50 Member, £26 Guest Another wonderful evening with Lesley Smith at her castle. Tutbury is one of the countries most historic (and most haunted!) castles, yet an easy drive out from Birmingham. The evening will start will a hearty sausage, mash and onion gravy dinner served with seasonal vegetables and pudding. Anne Boleyn: Anne will be skillfully portrayed in character and costume by curator and eminent historian Lesley Smith. Lesley wants to put many facts straight in her accurate portrayal. For centuries, Anne has been portrayed as a manipulative cunning women responsible for causing the bloody aspects of the Reformation. In truth she was a highly educated profoundly religious person who cared deeply about her moral standing. Anne will appear in her execution gown during the last 45mins of her life in the Tower. By candlelight we’ll travel in time with her and stand guard as she leaves us to die. ______________________________ th

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Spice Go Behind the Scenes

Spicer’s always want to know that bit more about things, so here’s a series of opportunities to go ‘behind the scenes’ and ask questions at some interesting places. If you have any ideas or inside leads into interesting places (where you work for instance?) do please let us know - and we'll see if we can come to visit.

Vulcan Bomber Restoration Visit .. enjoy this awesome aircraft

Date: Saturdays: 22nd October 2016 or 11th February 2017 Place: Wellesbourne, nr Stratford upon Avon (CV35 9EU) # Meet: 10.00am Cost: No cost to book but please donate at least £10 to the restoration society on day Avro Vulcan XM655 (pictured right with its 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’s 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 the dedicated volunteers. Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.

BBC Birmingham Behind the Scenes .. enjoy a tour of BBC Birmingham's home in The Mailbox

Date: Saturdays: 29th October 2016 or 14th January 2017 Place: BBC, The Mailbox, Birmingham (B1 1RF) Meet: ● Oct 29: 1.30pm tour ● Jan 14: 1pm tour. Meet in BBC reception 10 mins before Cost: £10 (£12 guest) (includes booking fees & Spice coordinator) BBC Birmingham has thrown open its doors, offering you the chance to go inside the state-of-the-art studios situated in The Mailbox. Take a peek behind the scenes of programmes which are made here and try your hand at some interactive fun! During the tour there is always the chance of bumping into a favourite presenter or radio DJ, hearing some trade secrets or being party to some juicy gossip while passing the actors' green room... They'll take you inside as many studios as business allows but please remember that BBC Birmingham is a working building and no two tours are the same.

Funeral Home Talk & Tour .. get inside a state of the art funeral home!

Date: Wednesday 26 Oct 2016 Place: Co-op Funeralcare, Park House, Riversley Rd, Nuneaton (CV11 5QS) Meet: Both visits start 7pm Cost: FREE (Max 10 people – so book early!) Over the years we have had several talks from undertakers as part of our behind the scenes programme. This time we have something a little different as we have the opportunity to visit two large, modern funeral homes in Rugby and Nuneaton this autumn courtesy of our friends at Co-op. As one of the largest funeral service providers in the area, Darryl Smith the General Manager of the Heart of England Co-operative Society Funeral Division has invited us to an open and informal discussion all about funerals, including customs and practices across a range of cultures. After the talk there will be an 'Access All Areas' tour around the premises. It is an opportunity to dispel the myths and ask questions about anything to do with death and funerals, whilst gaining a valuable insight into how a funeral home works. The aim of the night is to open our eyes to an important yet little talked about industry and how it adapts with understanding and sensitivity to the needs of our modern society. We also hope that it will banish some of the myths, taboos and misconceptions associated with funerals and help us cope and understand better if we are in the situation of needing to arrange a funeral for a loved one. th

Guide Dog Training Centre Visit

.. how can a dog become the eyes & ears of a human? Date: Saturday 5th November 2016 Place: Edmondscote Manor, Leamington Spa (CV32 6AH) # Meet: 9.45am for 10.00am to 12.00pm tour Cost: FREE to book, but please make a donation of at least £3.00 on the day This wonderful organisation provides guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services that meet the needs of blind and partially sighted people. They are the largest breeder of working dogs in the world. The really interesting bit though is how they transform these pups into highly trained adults who you could trust your life to on the busy UK roads. 130 dogs are taught to this standard each year in Leamington. Our visit starts with a talk & video, before we’re off on a guided tour. 33

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Eastnor Castle Heirs Tour & Afternoon Tea .. discover this magical castle by the Malvern Hills!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Tuesday 25th October 2016 (Schools Half Term) Ledbury/ Malvern Hills area (HR8 1RL) # 11.15 for 11.30am £23.50 (£27 Guest) Incl: Entrance to Castle and grounds, tour with James Hervey Bathurst (or tour guide if James not available) & afternoon tea of sandwiches, cake & tea/coffee Our Heirs Tours of our regions stately properties have proved very popular. Today we visit Eastnor Castle where we hope that James Hervey- Bathurst will be available to show us his family home. On Spice rambles you may have caught a glimpse of Eastnor Castle in the dramatic setting of the Malvern Hills, surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. You may have wondered who lives in such a castle and how they came to be there! Well, the castle remains the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family and James splits his time between his castle and his business interests in London. James has a particular interest in trains and steam engines which is why he and his castle appeared on several Fred Dibnah TV Programmes in the 1990’s. The castle was built in 1812 in to resemble a medieval castle guarding the Welsh borders and its lavish interiors contain medieval armour and fine art. Particularly of note is the stunning Gothic Drawing Room added in the 1850’s by AW Pugin. After our tour we will be treated to a lovely afternoon tea. This includes a selection of sandwiches, homemade cake and a pot of tea or coffee. You will then have free time to explore the extensive grounds. Note: If for any reason James becomes unavailable on the day, the tour will still go ahead but with a castle steward.

Chartley Moss - Incredible Bog Experience! .. discover an amazing natural phenomenon

Date: Saturday 15 October 2016 Place: Near Hixon, Staffordshire (ST18 0LL) – detailed directions online Meet: 10.50am for 11am Start Cost: £5 (£6 guest) paid as £2 (£3 deposit) to book plus £3 cash donation on day I am indebted to Dave Jones for introducing me to this unusual National Nature Reserve. It is not somewhere you can usually visit as it is both potentially very dangerous and is closely protected as a habitat for some extremely rare fauna and flora. However, we’ve been able to arrange a visit by special arrangement with its enthusiastic keeper, Adam Dempsey. So what is it? This wonder of nature is a floating peat bog – basically 10 feet of peat floating over a 40 foot deep lake. It’s a very rare phenomenon, originally caused 5000 years ago when a spring fed wet woodland was undermined through the dissolving of salt in its underlying rock. Known properly as a “schwingmoor”, it makes for a really freaky environment where the whole ground wobbles and creates waves as you move and the trees wobble with it! There are also the tops of trees that have reached a weight where the bog cannot support them anymore and they have collapsed through to a watery grave! Most of the site is too dangerous to access but Adam has proven tracks to all the most interesting bits. He’ll also tell us about residents such as the white-faced darted dragonfly that is so rare that people travel here from all over the world. Our Tour: Adam proposes a guided walk of the site of up to 2½ hours including an explanation of the site. Is can be quite tough under foot and very wet, so good boots or wellies are essential. The highlight will no doubt be his ‘bouncing bog’ trick where we jump up and down to get the waves in the moss surface and the trees wobbling from side to side .. “It’s always a winner with people who have never been on a schwingmoor” says Adam enthusiastically! th

Jaguar Land Rover Engine Plant Experience .. get inside this state of the art facility

Date: Monday 17th October 2016 Place: Engine Manufacturing Centre, Coven, Wolverhampton (WV9 5GB) # Meet: 12.45pm for 1pm start (tour lasts 3 hours and includes refreshments) Cost: £28 (£30 Guest) Includes: booking and admin fees and Spice Coordinator Here’s a chance to see state of the art manufacturing in our local community. We will start our journey in the Machining Hall. Here, engine blocks, cylinder heads and crankshafts are drilled, ground and polished with 3-micron precision by over 173 different machines. Next we will see how aluminium and steel swarf (waste) is collected, recycled and exported. We will learn about the cutting edge heating, lighting and rainwater-harvesting systems, and the solar roof whose 21,000 panels generate 30% of the site's energy. Then onto the Assembly Hall, where we will witness the birth of the Ingenium. The trio of main components are joined; high-speed robots fit bearings, pistons and balance shafts; craftsmen add oil and fuel pumps. Every 39.8 seconds, a radiant four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, low emission engine leaves the production line. We can pose your questions to the experts, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Jaguar Land Rover engineering.

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Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre .. visit the birthplace of 1500 puppies a year

Date: Monday 24 October 2016 (School Holidays) Place: Bishops Tachbrook, Warwickshire (CV33 9WF) # Meet: 1.45pm for 2.00pm - 4.00pm tour Cost: No charge to book but please make a donation of at least £5 on the day We have a wonderful opportunity to visit the new state of the art Guide Dog National Breeding Centre in Warwickshire. The National Breeding Centre has a capacity to breed up to 1500 pups a year, specialist kennels and even a hydrotherapy unit. On our 2 hour tour we will learn more about the work of the breeding centre. Refreshments will be available. th

Symphony Hall - Private Tour

.. discover the secrets of “the perfect" concert hall Date: Wednesday 26th October 2016 Place: Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, Birmingham (B1 2EA) Meet: 9.45am for 10am tour – Ends 11.30am Cost: £14 (£17 Guest) Includes: Special private arrangements for Spice This is a great way to get behind the scenes at a major national venue, which many musicians believe to be the world’s most perfect concert hall. Achieving perfection meant overcoming some huge challenges, a train line running beneath the hall being just one! Sir Simon Rattle was the conductor of CBSO at the time and it was known that he would accept no compromises! So come and learn more about this iconic venue and see the areas that are normally off-limits to the public.

Behind the Scenes at Echills Wood Railway .. discover the workings of this narrow gauge railway

Date: Sunday 6 November 2016 Place: Kingsbury Water Park (B76 0DY) Meet: 9.50am for 10am to 1pm session Cost: £2 (£5 Guests) Includes: 3 hour private tour, including train ride & refreshments Extra: Please make a voluntary donation of £10 on the day directly to the EWR. This is a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes at this busy little railway, little in gauge but big in stature. The Echills Wood Railway is a not for profit, 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway built and operated by enthusiastic volunteers. Using a variety of replica standard or narrow gauge 7 1/4 inch steam, diesel, electric locomotives and trams the railway runs a regular service every Sunday and carries over 30,000 passengers each year. The railway runs special gala events during the year when locomotives and traction engines visit and add more colour and spectacle to the railway. The Railway’s 2 km line winds its way through the nature of Kingsbury Water Park which set in 600 acres. It is one of the longest of its kind in the country and prides itself on running not only a safe professional railway but also operating it authentically with both light and semaphore signalling, working signal boxes, integrated communication systems and controlled crossings - you will also hear the guards whistle and see a waving green flag too! Our visit: We meet up at Harvesters Station where we’ll be welcomed by one of the team. Then off to the mess room for a briefing with health and safety. In small groups you will be given a tour of the railway, watching drivers getting their engines ready to steam (subject to engines availability), a tour around the yard, engineering workshops and rolling stock storage areas. Visit the signalling boxes, stations and find out how such a dedicated group of volunteers run such a busy little railway – you’ll have time for refreshments too! They will look after us from 10am to 1pm with your visit including unlimited rides while you are with the railway. You might even be inspired to volunteer! th

Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Tour .. let stories from the grave unlock our history

Date: Sunday 6th November 2016 Place: Rose Villa Tavern,172 Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter, B'ham (B18 6JW.) Meet: 10.45am for 11am Start Cost: £2 (£3 Guest) Extras: PLUS £6 cash donation on the day If you enjoy exploring Birmingham's rich and varied heritage you won't want to miss this opportunity to visit two unique “time capsules” of our City's past. Warstone Lane and Key Hill cemeteries in the heart of the Quarter date from the first half of the nineteenth century, both feature catacombs, and are Brum's equivalent of better known sites such as Highgate Cemetery in London. Join tour guide Steve Roden of Friends of Key Hill and Warstone Lane in a fascinating trip back into Victorian social history, as he explains how and why the cemeteries came to be, tells the story of famous people interred there (including Joseph Chamberlain, John Baskerville, and inventor of lawn tennis, Harry Gem), and reveals how they are being restored and preserved for future generations. 35

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Derby Velodrome & Arena Tour .. discover the secrets of this amazing Olympic sport

Date: Sunday 13 November 2016 Place: Derby Arena, Pride Park, Derby (DE24 8JB) Meet: 1.15 for 1.30pm tour Cost: £7.50 (£8.50 Guest) Incl: Entry & special Spice guided tour You have no doubt seen Team GBs success at cycling at the Olympics – and maybe wondered what the velodrome looks like and how they are built – well here is your chance. So we’re taking a tour around Derby Arena – the UK’s most central and newest velodrome. Discover this stunning Olympic inspired building’s multi-purpose appeal from state of the art cycling, sports and fitness, to concert and stage-show entertainment. Tour includes behind the scenes exploration of the track bike locker facility where you can get up close to these light-weight speed machines which have no brakes or gears! Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and finishes with tea or coffee. Places are limited so please book early. th

Back To Backs Tour

.. spend time in Birmingham's fascinating past! Date: Saturday 19 November 2016 Place: 55 - 60 Hurst Street, Birmingham (B5 4TE) Meet: Choose start time 2pm, 2.15pm or 2pm (tours last 1½ hour) Cost: £10.50 (Members & Guests) includes booking fees & Spice coordinator Opened just a few years ago in Hurst Street is something you wouldn’t perhaps expect. It’s an open museum from The National Trust! They have carefully restored 19th-century courtyard of working people’s houses. Birmingham’s last surviving court of back to back housing has now been fully restored by the Birmingham Conservation Trust and the National Trust. Thousands of houses like these were built, literally back to back, around courtyards, for the rapidly increasing population of Britain’s expanding industrial towns. The story of the site is told through the experiences of the people who lived and worked here. Visitors move through four different periods, from 1840 to 1977. The design of each interior reflects the varied cultures, religions and professions of the families who made their homes here. th

Coffin Factory Tour & Buffet Supper .. an unusual & atmospheric encounter

Date: Saturday 19 November 2016 Place: 13-15 Fleet Street, Jewelley Quarter, Birmingham. (B3 1JP) Meet: 4.15pm for 4.30pm Start Cost: £14.50 (£16.50 Guest) Incl: Guided tour and light supper The fitting out of elaborate coffins for the “well to do” was an unusual offshoot industry to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The listed building of Newman Brothers has now been transformed into an atmospheric 1960’s time capsule that is well worth a visit. We will tavel back in time a few decades to experience how Newman Brothers operated during its heyday. We will enter a time capsule where the music of the 60s is piped into the building, mingled with the industrial sounds of a working factory. This slice of Birmingham’s industrial heritage was preserved by Birmingham Conservation Trust. The shelves and workbenches at Newman Brothers are full of original stock and tools of the trade. With the original machinery working again and a guided tour we can truly experience how this old Jewellery Quarter firm once operated on a day-to-day basis, producing some of the world’s finest coffin furniture, including the fittings for the funerals of Joseph Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother! After our guided tour we will enjoy a light buffet supper. th

RSC Behind The Scenes - Page to Stage Tour .. includes a look at the vast Costume Hire store

Date: Saturday 19 November 2016 Place: The Other Place, Southern Lane, Stratford Upon Avon (CV37 6BH) Meet: 12.45pm at Susies Cafe for 1pm tour Cost: £10.50 (£12.50 Guest) Incl: Bookings fees & Spice Coordinator Have you ever wondered how a play gets from the script to the stage? Discover the amazing process at the RSC's 'engine room', The Other Place. We will learn about the rehearsal process and peek inside the vast Costume Store as part of our tour. We can then relax in the vibrant atmosphere of Susie's Cafe Bar. th

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Cosford Restoration Day & Lunch .. the ultimate Cosford behind the scenes tour

Date: Saturday 19 November 2016 Place: RAF Cosford Museum, Nr Telford (TF11 8UP) # Meet: 10.15am Cost: £24 (£26 Guests) Incl: Entance to Restoration Centre & Museum, Lunch & Guided Tour A fascinating behind the scenes day at the RAF Museum with a chance to glimpse the Dornier DO17. We will start our day with a visit to the Conservation Centre which is one of the world's centres of excellence in aircraft conservation. The skilled technicians undertake extensive work to prepare aircraft and other objects for display. You will be able to view progress being made on the Museum's bombers, the Handley Page Hampden and Vickers Wellington, plus other aircraft in various states of restoration. There will be a rare opportunity to speak with the skilled Technicians and Apprentices about their work. Following on from the Conservation Centre tour we will enjoy a two course hot lunch (details online) in the restaurant before joining our guide for a two hour tour. This tour takes in Warplanes, Transport and the Test Flight collections. The guide will take us through the wartime hangars picking out highlights such as the world's oldest Spitfire! th

Family History Evening with the Mormons .. including a live link up to Salt Lake City!

Date: Thursday 24 November 2016 Place: Penns Lane, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield (B76 1JU) Coulter Family in the 1930’s (and no .. I’m not on it!) Meet: 7.30pm to approx 9pm Cost: Free The Mormons (or to be correct, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) are the undisputed experts when it comes to tracing our ancestors. At our recent “Behind the Scenes” at the church, a lot of people expressed interest in knowing more about this area of their work and the billions (yes, literally) of records that they hold. So we have persuaded Kerri to put on a very special evening for us. The highlight of our evening will be a live linkup on the big screen to an expert in British genealogy at the church’s Family History Centre (the largest in the world) in Salt Lake City. This will include a fascinating question and answer session and insight into the work that goes on there. Kerri will also show us the resources at the centre in Penns Lane and will have lots of laptops available for us to use to find out information about our own families. There are vast resources as the church runs the website www.familysearch.org . Cost: This is a free event, but donations are welcomed on a voluntary basis. However, you must be pre booked to attend. Important: Arranging this type of event is very dependent on goodwill. Therefore, we ask that if you book you do turn up on the day (or let us know in good time if you can’t make it) and that you are respectful to our hosts and their traditions. More: Watch a short video from the link at the end of this write up on line. You’ll be amazed by the scale of their vaults! th

Lapworth Museum of Geology (Bham University) .. from rocks & fossils to volcanoes & earthquakes!

Date: Sunday 27 November 2016 Place: Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston (B15 2TT) Meet: 2pm in the reception area Cost: Free and includes guided tour. Extras: Donations to museum are appreciated The Lapworth Museum of Geology holds the finest and most extensive collections of fossils, minerals and rocks in the Midlands. Dating back to 1880, it is one of the oldest specialist geological museums in the UK. The Museum has recently reopened following a £2.7m redevelopment. We will be able to explore life over the past 3.5 billion years with state-ofthe-art galleries and a range of innovative and interactive exhibits. From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum will capture the imagination of all. th

Donington Park Grand Prix Collection Visit .. discover our racing heritage

Date: Saturday 29 October 2016 Place: Castle Donington, Derbyshire (DE74 2RP) Meet: 12.45 for 1pm Start (Meet in café) Cost: £12.50 Member, £13.50 Guest The Donington Grand Prix Collection is, quite simply, the largest showcase of Grand Prix racing cars in the world. Five halls, with over 130 exhibits, illustrate the history of motorsport from the turn of the 20th Century, where visitors can get close to the cars driven by such famous names as Nuvolari, Mansell, Prost, Moss, Fangio and Stewart. It houses the largest collection of McLaren and Williams racing cars in the world (outside of their respective factories), and the only complete collection of Vanwalls. We’ll have a look around the exhibition with the option of the café for snacks afterwards. 37 th

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Sikh Gurdwara Visit

.. enjoy the warm welcome & hospitality of our Sikh community Date: Saturday 7th January 2017 Place: 18-20 Soho Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham (B21 9BH) – details on-line Meet: 11am prompt outside main entrance Cost: FREE (But please donate to the Gurdwara on the day). Includes traditional food We are grateful to have been invited again to visit this major Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) and discover more about the facility itself and the Sikh faith and community. It is one of 13 Gurdwaras in Birmingham serving a Sikh community of around 40,000. Built in the late 70's, there’s a floor area of 25,000m² over 4 storeys. There are 5 main Darbar Halls and 3 Langar Halls & some surprising features to discover! (I won’t spoil the surprise we find on the roof!) Lunch: Our visit also includes lunch in the Langar, a huge dining room that serves vegetarian food to anyone, 24/7 (It’s designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. The tradition expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all). Dress: I am advised that this Gurdwara is fairly relaxed, so please just dress in an appropriate way for a place of worship. However, when entering the Darbar Hall, we’ll remove shoes and cover our heads. The ladies can use a scarf the gentlemen a cap or a hat. If you don’t bring anything, the Guruwara will provide pieces of material for head cover. You must not enter the hall if you are “intoxicated” or have just been smoking. Donation: The elders are giving freely of their time and food and have not asked for anything in return. However, I suggest we make a donation on the day (the coordinator will organise this) to offset their out of pocket expenses.

Tour of RAF Museum’s Stafford Storage Facility .. a really special members only behind the scenes tour

Date: Wednesday 18th January 2017 Place: Beacon Barracks, Beaconside, Stafford # (ST18 0AY) Meet: 10.15am for 10.30am Start (Tour lasts 2½ hours) Cost: FREE (But please donations to the RAF Museum are welcome on day) This is a very special Members Only Tour of RAF Museum’s Stafford Storage Facility. We will be shown around by one of the Curators who will show us the stored collection of around 60,000 items which is not accessible to the public, even by appointment! This is where the RAF Museums (Cosford and London in particular) keep those items in the collection that are not on display but need to be preserved for research purposes - this includes a huge wardrobe of uniforms and flying clothing as well as physical items such as radios, engines, war planes, missiles and ceremonial items. We have only 10 places available so book early to ensure a place on what will be a popular event. Notes: As we will be on RAF premises, security is paramount and we will need to supply your details and car numbers in advance. For this reason we also have to restrict the visit to Spice members (no Guests).

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Visit .. meet the lovely rescue ponies, donkeys & horses

Date: Sunday 9 October 2016 Place: Oxhill, 10 miles south of Stratford upon Avon (CV35 0RP) – details online Meet: 11.45am for 12noon tour Extras: Please make a donation of at least £5 to the charity on the day Redwings is the largest horse sanctuary in the UK and has over 1300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in its direct care. They also have around 500 horses and ponies living out in Guardian homes and re-home over 70 more every year. Over 100 volunteers investigate cases of cruelty and neglect around the UK. This lovely visitor centre is home to adoption equines Major, Rumpel, Dylan, The Oxhill Donkeys and dinky pony Sampson along with more than 50 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys who are just yearning to meet us! We have arranged a guided tour and if we get sufficient numbers we hope to get a demonstration of horse care from the centre staff - as well as the chance to cuddle the residents of course! The centre also has a gift shop, information centre and café on site, serving soups, sandwiches, toasties and delicious cake ______________________________ th

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Sport & Fitness Try a new sport or rediscover an old one! It’s a great way to get fit, make friends and socialize. With Spice, it’s all just for fun. All ages & abilities take part and no skill is expected

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park .. some easy excercise in the evening!

Dates: Every Tuesday Evening (Some dates may have a meal option after – check online) Place: Car Park of Toby Carvery, Near Town Gate, Sutton Park (B73 6LH) Meet: 7pm Start (back in pub by 8.30pm) Cost: Free, but please book. A tin is shaken for our Fun Run Charity, St Mary’s Hospice An opportunity to get fit and active by enjoying an easy run, jog or fast walk with us in the evening. It’s very sociable and we will set off on a route of around 3 miles before returning to the pub. So that everyone can go at their own pace, These evenings are appropriate to anyone who wants to increase their fitness in a sociable group. As a minimum, you should be capable of a brisk walk (walking is what almost all of us do!). But whatever your pace you are very welcome.

Badminton for Fun

.. FREE sessions in Coventry, Wolves & Birmingham Date: Every Wednesday Place: ● Coventry: Alan Higgs Centre, Allard Way, Coventry CV3 1HW ● Wolverhampton: Aldersley Leisure Village, Aldersley Rd, WV6 9NW ● Birmingham: Billesley Indoor Tennis Ctr, Wheelers Lane, Billesley B13 0ST All these sessions are FREE to Spice members Meet: 1 hour session at each venue: 8.00pm to 9.00pm Cost: All sessions are FREE but must be pre booked and are for members only We have a number of regional badminton venues. At each one, you’ll find a fun evening, with nothing taken too seriously and the chance to play with a whole new bunch of players. You just need a basic grasp of the game to play.

Fencing for Beginners

.. try your hand at this Olympic sport! Date: Tuesday 31 January 2017 Place: The Budokan, Sutton Street, Birmingham (B1 1PE) see directions online Meet: 7pm prompt start (ends 9pm) Cost: £15 Member, £17.50 Guest Fencing is particularly trendy at the moment, following many recent appearances in the movies. It is a skilful and surprisingly energetic activity, stretching muscles you never knew you had! Using the coordination of hand, eye and psyche, makes for a great ‘workout’. This workshop gives you the chance to learn the basic skills and have fun together. st

Golf - Learn to Play in a Day .. a great way to get started

Date: Sunday 23 October 2016 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, nr J9 of M42 (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.00am - 3.00pm Cost: £30 (£34 Guest) incl. instruction, equipment, light lunch & refreshments throughout This excellent golf hotel is providing us with an opportunity for complete beginners or relative newcomers to have a day of golf coaching with an experienced PGA Professionals on all major aspects of the game. At the end of the day you will actually play on a championship course with guidance from the Professional. Read the detailed schedule for the day online. rd

Golf Evening for Beginners & Improvers .. an evening at the Belfry PGA Golf Academy

Date: Thursday 24 November 2016 Place: Belfry PGA Golf Academy, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield (B76 9PR) Meet: 7.30pm to 9.00pm Cost: £18 (£20 Guest) Incl: tuition, club hire and range balls We’re proud to be at the UK Headquarters of the PGA and spiritual home of the Ryder Cup. We’ve linked up with Derek Simpson, Advanced Golf Pro who is a passionate teacher. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your swing Derek will help. The Academy has a 34bay undercover floodlit range so we can enjoy ourselves whatever the weather! ______________________________ th

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Theatre, Comedy & Concerts We have good relations with all the venues in our region, and try to secure good seats for a wide range of shows. Often we are holding tickets for a very limited period, and with the most popular shows, tickets are finalised months in advance of the performance. We post out tickets around a week before the event, including a meet up point (generally the bar!). Important: as we have to purchase your ticket well in advance, these types of event are non refundable unless we can resell your seat to someone else. Sorry. Social Note: By it’s very nature, (you sit quietly in the dark!) these types of event are not particularly sociable. There will be a volunteer coordinator who’ll do their best to “meet & greet” and to get people together in the interval. However, please don’t book these events for a social evening as you may be disappointed.

Cinema Nights - Birmingham .. informal get togethers for film lovers

Date: Sundays: ● 16 October ● 20th November ● 18th December ● 15th January Place: Cineworld, Broad Street (corner of Broad St & Bishopsgate St) (B15 1DA) Meet: Meet Sean 5.50pm in foyer Extra: No cost to book, but you buy your film ticket on the night. Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com th

Dracula the Musical

.. a terrifying & passionate experience! Date: Sunday 9 October 2016 Place: Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Gt Hampton St (B18 6AD) Meet: 7.15pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.45pm show Cost: £11 (£13 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Mad Jocks & Englishmen .. a great night of music & mirth

Date: Saturday 15 October 2016 Place: Bromsgrove Sporting Football Club, Bromsgrove (B61 0DR) Meet: 8.15pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 8.30pm show Cost: £10 (members & Guests) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Children of the Wolf

.. a darkly atmospheric play by John Peacock! Date: Tuesday 18 October 2016 Place: Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5HD) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £12 (£14 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci .. grand Italian opera from Midland Opera

Date: Thursday 27 October 2016 Place: The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham (B5 4NY) # Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £15 (£17 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Cancellation Terms – Ticketed Events

Please remember when booking any ticketed events in this section, that refunds on cancellations can only be offered if we resell your place. Our normal terms do not apply.

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Michael Portillo

.. politics, trains & stories of single motherhood! Date: Monday 31 October 2016 Place: Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton (WV1 1RQ) # Meet: 7.30pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 8pm show Cost: £21 (£23 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com st

Vamos Cuba

..rip roaring entertainment! Date: Tuesday 1 November 2016 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome (B5 4TB) # Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £27.50 (£30.50 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com st

Some Guys Have all the Luck .. the Rod Stewart Story

Date: Wednesday 9 November 2016 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (B5 4DS) # Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £25.50 (£27.50 Guest) Includes: all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

The Catherine Tate Show Live

.. the critically acclaimed, multi talented comedian Date: Thursday 10th November 2016 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) Meet: 7.30pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 8pm show Cost: £37 (£39 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

Relatively Speaking

.. Alan Ayckbourne’s comedy of mistaken identity Date: Saturday 26th November 2016 Place: Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (B1 2JA) Meet: 7.15pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.45pm show Cost: £16 (£18 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

Nutcracker

.. there's no better sign that Christmas is approaching Date: Wednesday 30th November 2016 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street (B5 4TB) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £38 (£41 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

Cancellation Terms – Ticketed Events

Please remember when booking any ticketed events in this section, that refunds on cancellations can only be offered if we resell your place. Our normal terms do not apply.

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A Christmas Carol

.. there’s more to life than being mean & miserable! Date: Saturday 3rd December 2016 Place: Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (B1 2JA) Meet: 6.45pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.15pm show Cost: £16 (£18 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

Lettuce & Lovage

.. the satirical comedy written for Dame Maggie Smith! Date: Tuesday 6th December 2016 Place: Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5HD) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £12 (£14 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

Keep Dancing

.. with celebrity guests from Strictly Come Dancing Date: Wednesday 7th December 2016 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (B5 4DS) # Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £37.50 (£39.50 Guest) Includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

Sean Lock - Keep it Light .. 8 Out of 10 Cats can’t be wrong!

Date: Thursday 8 December 2016 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.30pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 8pm show Cost: £26 (£28 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Chicago

.. makes all other musicals look tame’ Date: Thursday 15 December 2016 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Street, Birmingham (B5 4DS) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £39.50 (£42.50 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Brian May & Kerry Ellis .. a sensational evening

Date: Saturday 17 December 2016 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.30pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 8pm show Cost: £47 (£49 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Cancellation Terms – Ticketed Events

Please remember when booking any ticketed events in this section, that refunds on cancellations can only be offered if we resell your place. Our normal terms do not apply.

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The Wizard of Oz

.. another production from Blue Orange Date: Saturday 17 December 2016 Place: Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Gt Hampton St (B18 6AD) Meet: 5.30pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 6pm show Cost: £11 (£13 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

A Christmas Wassail

.. a show with plenty of Christmas spirit Date: Sunday 18 December 2016 Place: Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (B1 2JA) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £20 (£22 Guest) incl Spice Coordinator, mulled wine & mince pie Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Dick Whittington

.. John Barrowman, Steve McFadden & Matt Slack Date: Thursday 19th January 2017 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street (B5 4TB) Meet: 6.45pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.15pm show Cost: £27.50 (£30.50 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

I Ought to be in Pictures

.. a feel good comedy drama to put a smile on your face! Date: Tuesday 24th January 2017 Place: Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5HD) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £12 (£14 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com

Jimmy Carr

.. the best of, ultimate gold, greatest hits tour! Date: Sunday 5 February 2017 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry # (CV4 7AL) Meet: 7.30pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 8pm show Cost: £30.50 (£33.50 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

The Red Shoes

.. a Matthew Bourne world premiere Date: Thursday 9 February 2017 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome (B5 4TB) # Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £39 (£42 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Cancellation Terms – Ticketed Events

Please remember when booking any ticketed events in this section, that refunds on cancellations can only be offered if we resell your place. Our normal terms do not apply.

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Al Murray

.. Let's Go Backwards Together Date: Sunday 12 March 2017 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £29.50 (£31.50 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

The Commitments

.. a fantastically feel good night out Date: Monday 13 March 2017 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (B5 4DS) # Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £39.50 (£42.50 Guest) (Deposit £10) incl. booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

The Thrill of Love

.. a gripping play of the last lady to be hanged! Date: Tuesday 14 March 2017 Place: Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5HD) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £12 (£14 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

Billy Elliot

..Funny, touching and shamelessly enjoyable Date: Wednesday 22 March 2017 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome (B5 4TB) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £55 (£57 Guest) (deposit £10) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com nd

Omid Djalili - Schmuck for a Night .. award-winning British-Iranian stand up!

Date: Saturday 13 May 2017 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) Meet: 7.30pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 8pm show Cost: £27 (£29 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com th

The Wedding Singer .. let's party like it's 1985!

Date: Thursday 25 May 2017 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (B5 4DS) Meet: 7pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.30pm show Cost: £45 (£48 Guest) (deposit £10) incl booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and other productions on our website www.spicebham.com ______________________________ th

Cancellation Terms – Ticketed Events

Please remember when booking any ticketed events in this section, that refunds on cancellations can only be offered if we resell your place. Our normal terms do not apply.

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Workshops & Talks Whether it is serious self development or serious fun that you’re after, here are a diverse range of opportunities to learn new skills.

Drumming Experience for Beginners .. Spice help you realise another childhood ambition

Dates: Sundays: 13th November 2016 or 15th January 2017 Place: Drum School, Lawley Middleway, Birmingham (B4 7XX) – directions online Meet: 4pm to 6pm session Cost: £19 Member, £21 Guest Do you ever find yourself bashing your table top with a couple of pencils as your favourite tune blasts out of your radio? Maybe you’ve thought about playing the drums but never really pursued the idea… Well this is your chance to have a go in a small friendly group led by one of the Midland’s most experienced instructors. There has never been a better time to learn than now, with a wide range of cheap acoustic kits and realistic electric kits that can be played with headphones that don’t send the neighbours crazy! For this session however, you needn’t buy anything as all the equipment is provided. Your instructor will guide you through the workings of the kit, how to sit at a drum kit and hold the sticks for ease of playing and then the fun begins as you learn to play your first rock beat! This session is a fun, hands on introduction.

Ukulele for Fun

.. have fun learning this popular instrument! Date: Sunday 23rd October 2016 Place: Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), English Studio, Edgbaston (B12 9QH) Meet: 11am to 1pm Cost: £18 (£20 Guest) includes ukuleles & instruction Ukelele playing is easy when you know how and very trendy at the moment due to the cult popularity of The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain! It is also an instrument that is cheap, simple and a lot more portable than a guitar. So why not have some fun discovering what it’s all about with a fun group of Spice friends? Today we’ll have a go at playing the ukulele in an entirely unintimidating atmosphere. The session will start by explaining how to hold and strum the ukulele and then working on some simple chords. We can then play some tunes together. You don’t need to be musical in any way or to be able to read music as you will be shown how it is done. A fun event that will make everyone smile.

Blacksmithing Evenings Stg1 & 2 .. learn a new skill with friends

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Wednesdays: ● Stage 1: 5th Oct or 18th Jan ● Stage 2: 19th Oct or 1st Feb Lichfield – directions online (note different venue for 2017 dates) Choose 6.30pm or 8.30pm Slot £12 (£14 guests) PAID AS £2 (£4) deposit to Spice to book PLUS balance of £10 to supplier on the day. Incl: equipment & materials. Your masterpiece to take home This is a simple, fun evening with a Blacksmith around his country forge where he manufactures a range of beautiful objects such as iron gates, decorative ironwork and even the candlesticks for Lichfield Cathedral! Each small group of Spice members will be issued with safety equipment including leather aprons before a full safety briefing. We will then be taught how to work hot metal with hammer and tongues on the anvil. There will be demonstrations before we get to make an item ourselves. Each session lasts a couple of hours. Time Slots: We can only take 6 at the forge at a time (you can’t have too many irons in the fire as they say!), so have 2 groups of 6 people. Please choose 6.30 or 8.30pm when booking. *Want to do more? Once you have done your first Blacksmithing Evening, you are eligible to book on one of the Stage 2 Blacksmithing Evenings. The format is the same but you will be using tongs which makes it slightly more tricky.

Colour U Confident Workshop .. discover what you should be wearing!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Saturday 26 November 2016 Rowden Drive, Solihull (B91 1UQ) # 9.30am for 9.45am - 1.00pm £60 (£65 Guest) PAID AS £10 (£15 Guests) deposit paid to Spice when you book, plus the balance of £50 paid on the day (note they charge £2 supp. for card payments) Do you want to know which colours make you look younger, healthier and slimmer? Find details of this event online. th

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Wire Work Bracelet Workshop .. enjoy this creative experience

Date: Saturday 15 October 2016 Place: Hylton Street, Jewellery Quarter (B18 6HN) – detailed directions online Meet: 10.30am (ends 12.30pm) Cost: £29.50 (£33 Guest) Discover new skills using wire and beads to create a unique bracelet. You pick the colour of the beads and I'll show you how to enhance these into a stunning effect using tools and techniques to twist wire into shapes and spirals. These techniques are a transferable skill that would allow you to make beautiful necklaces and earrings in the future too. th

Science of Attraction & Relationships Workshop .. the ultimate guide from a world expert!

Date: Saturday 29 October 2016 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, just off A4097 nr M42 (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.00am start Cost: £59 (£65 Guest) Deposit £10. Includes: coffees/teas & light buffet lunch We are flying in a world expert for the day from her home in Edinburgh to run this exciting new workshop. Mairi Macleod PhD is a Science Writer, Journalist and Evolutionary Biologist. You can read all about her at www.sexyscience.co. This day brings science to human relationships and attraction. It’s a fun day, but also one that could shape the rest of your life! About the day: Why do some people crave love and affection while others would rather have a one-night-stand? Is it a good idea to play hard to get? How can women of a certain age increase their chances of finding a decent man? And are bad boys really the sexiest? Increasingly people want answers to questions like these as so many of us, with our busy lives, are finding it tough to find the right partner. That’s why I, an evolutionary scientist as well as life-traveller, have put together a day of workshops to let men and women get together and gain insights from the psychology and biology of attraction and relationships. The sessions are presented in a fun, informal, and easy to understand format with plenty of discussion and interaction encouraged (though not obligatory). No previous scientific knowledge required! Through short questionnaires you will be able to determine your own personality type, your sociosexuality score, and more and then enjoy a multimedia presentation on the science with presenter led discussion among participants. You will learn how the research findings apply to you, helping you to understand your own and others’ relationships, feelings and desires, and allowing you to predict outcomes and make the best relationship decisions. Also, have fun and make new friends! Please find the full itinerary for this day with the online version of this writeup. th

Knitting for the Terrified! .. a fun afternoon with needles & wool

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Saturday 19 November 2016 The Spice Office, Ryknild House, Burnett Rd, Streetly (B74 3EL) 3pm Start (ends around 6pm) £12 (£14 Guest) paid as £2 (£4 guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £10 cash on the day to instructor to cover materials etc Knitting is trendy (my daughter told me - so it must be!). So whether you are starting from scratch or perhaps re-igniting an interest you discovered many years ago at granny’s knee - now’s the time to get knitting! Spice member and keen knitter Sarb will provide everything you need and get a small group of Spice men and women on the way to producing a garment that you can take away and finish at home. Knitters find it rewarding, relaxing and quite a meditative/ stress busting activity. So why not find out for yourself with Spice friends. th

Stress Busting Workshop .. learn the latest secrets of release!

Date: Sunday 6 November 2016 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Warwickshire (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.15am for 10.30am to 4.30pm Cost: £39 Member, £42 Guest Feeling stressed and anxious? Can’t sleep? Wish you could relax more? This workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and techniques to bring some calm and tranquillity back into your life. This one day workshop will cover the latest techniques to help you ease the stress in your life such as mindfulness and mediation, positive affirmations and the use of holistic therapies such as aromatherapy, nutrition and supplements. The workshop will also include a practical session where you will learn how to carry out a blissfully relaxing arm and hand massage using aromatherapy oils, selffacial and scalp massage and basic reflexology techniques to calm and release stress. 46 th

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Watercolour Painting Intro Day .. a fun day unleashing your creative potential!

Date: Sunday 30 October 2016 Place: Centre of England Arts, Meriden, Nr Solihull (B92 0LT) # Meet: 10am to approx 4pm Cost: £39 (£45 Guest) includes: Basic Materials, tea, coffee & biscuits Artist, Julie Hyde has put together a day’s course, demonstrating the various techniques of watercolour painting. Julie will demonstrate the different ways that watercolours can be applied and how to plan and build up, stage by stage your own watercolour pictures. You will try out different techniques experimenting with wet on wet, basic washes and dry brush work, giving you confidence to use these for your own pictures. Julie will explain the mysteries of paper stretching and will advise you on the vast rage of selection of equipment that is available in the art shops. Working from photographs or still life groups Julie will talk about how to plan paintings and demonstrate how to build up you painting. You will work through one, two or maybe even three paintings and Julie will help you through each stage. Although it will take a beginner through the process of watercolour painting there will be plenty of ideas for the more experienced artist. th

Simple Sewing Workshop with Celebratory Cake! .. a fun evening learning the basics of needlework

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Mondays: 7 November or 5th December 2016 Living in Loveliness, St John's Hall, Hill St, Essington (WV11 2BX) 6.30pm to 9.30pm £30 (£32 Guest) paid as £5 (£7 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £25 paid direct to supplier on the day. Includes: Instruction, equipment, tea & cake! A perfect introduction for beginners with the lovely Kerrie Padmore in her “grannies attic” style workshop. We’ll learn such skills as: threading a sewing machine; choosing stitches; stitch lengths & understanding tension; sewing seams & the concept of a seam allowance; sewing in a straight line & turning corners. We’ll take away a plush padded pin cushion and a string of bunting to start our sewing collection. Most importantly, we celebrate our achievements with home made cake! th

Christmas Inspired Fabric Wreath Workshop .. lets get creative this Christmas

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Saturday 26 November 2016 Living in Loveliness, St John's Hall, Hill St, Essington (WV11 2BX) 1.45pm for 2pm - 4pm £25 (£27 Guest) paid as £5 (£7 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £20 paid direct to supplier on the day. Join us for a couple of hours crafty fun with with the lovely Kerrie Padmore in her “grannies attic” style workshop. During the session you will make a beautiful “wrag wreath”. You will be given a beautiful kit made up of pre cut materials a polystyrene heart, ribbons and buttons. You will create a beautiful stylish wreath to take home at the end of the session which is a perfect gift or great decoration for your own home. Kerrie’s wreath design is simple and elegant, made up of beautiful red and green Christmas inspired fabrics. If you don’t get it all done, you can take away your kit to complete. th

Cafe Ceramica - Paint a Christmas Lantern .. make a very personal Christmas gift!

Date: Tuesday 29 November 2016 Place: Mitchells Craft Centre, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield (B75 6NA) Meet: 7pm to 9pm Cost: £17.50 (£19.50 Guest) inc equipment/ firing/ tuition & booking of the venue out of hours A Spice experience at a cafe with a difference and an opportunity to make a personal Christmas gift of keepsake! Our tutor, Alison has in mind a winter sky design around start shaped cut outs, but you choose what to paint. Using a range of special paints (some of which give a lovely raised effect) we’ll decorate our own Christmas lanterns that you can either hang up or put on your windowsill this Christmas. As ever, we get step by step instruction. The instructor will explain the techniques. It is all very fun and sociable, with teas/ coffees on sale (or you can bring a bottle of wine if you prefer) as everyone socialises while working! It really doesn’t matter if you are not artistic – in fact this adds to the sense of fun! By 9.00pm we should all be finished and be ready to go to the pub if you wish. Cost includes all equipment/firing, and our exclusive booking of the venue out of hours. Your work will be fired for collection later. th

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Introduction to Reflexology ..a fun and informative workshop

Date: Sunday 27 November 2016 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Warwickshire (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.15am for 10.30am to 4.30pm Cost: £39 Member, £42 Guest This is a fun and informative workshop that is ideal for anyone who has an interest in Reflexology and would like to learn more about this ancient, non-evasive and effective treatment. No experience is required and you will be able to use the techniques you learn on yourself, friends and family. You will learn how reflexes on the feet, hands and ears represent anatomical area on the body and how to work on these reflexes for relaxation and wellbeing. The workshop involves a practical session where you will learn a relaxing foot massage using reflexology techniques to rebalance the body and will cover how to treat common aliments such as stress and headaches using this highly effective and safe treatment. th

Make a Chocolate Advent Calendar .. put some sweet anticipation into your Christmas

Date: Saturday 26th November 2016 Place: Burton Market Hall, Burton-Upon-Trent (DE14 1HA) Meet: 10:15 for 10:30 start (2 hour workshop) Cost: £12.50 (£14.50 Guest) Incl: Equip, instruction, advent calendar & chocolate plaque to take home The Kandy Factory is situated in Burton Market Hall. It’s a chocolate and sweet lover’s paradise. Today we’re creating our very own chocolate advent calendar. You’ll make it from scratch; you will be given a mould for the 25 chocolates & create your own designs on the individual chocolates and decorate the packaging. After this we will be given a plaque to make and decorate with Christmas designs. Step by step guidance will be given throughout and aprons will be provided!

Chocolate Tasting & Making .. make someone a special Christmas present

Date: Saturday 3rd December 2016 Place: Coventry (CV3 6EY) # Meet: 1.45 for 2pm Start Cost: £45 (£47 Guest) Here is a lovely event. Make your own chocolates from scratch and taste as you go along. Healthy delicious chocolates made fun! Lois who runs these workshops will guide you through the process in a fun filled 2½ hour event you’ll experience how easy it is to make healthy, home-made real chocolate. You’ll find out why chocolate is actually good for you when you make it yourself using raw ingredients. Taste and make 3 different kinds of chocolate including: truffles; fruit & nut and flavoured chocolates. You’ll take your chocolates home with you (if you haven’t eaten them all!) and impress your friends and family. Places are limited to 4 people per workshop to give you the best chocolate experience!

Glass Blowing - Make a Christmas Bauble .. learn to blow glass in this amazing setting!

Date: Saturday 3 December 2016 (Check for possible extra dates when full) Place: Red House Cone, Wordsley, Stourbridge (DY8 4AZ) Meet: 9.30am to 12.30pm Cost: £35 (£39 Guest) Incl: all materials, instruction and your own unique bauble Join us in this historic location for a fantastic opportunity to become a glass-blower! The very room where this half day workshop takes place in where every piece of glass used on the Titanic was made! It is the “holy of holies” for glass enthusiasts! Our tutor, Charlotte Hughes-Martin is also well known, being a highly respected glass artist and the Artist in Residence at Red House Cone. We will learn how to create the colours we want for our baubles – be it festive red or green, wintery white, or something more unusual! Whatever you decide, your bauble will be totally unique and an indication of your character and personality. We’ll also learn the basic skills of glass-blowing so that we can blow our own creation under Charlottes close supervision - no doubt taking lots of photos of each other as we each take up the challenge! This event is perfect for Christmas event. It “just goes on giving” as year after year you unwrap your creation and give it pride of place on your Christmas tree! Charlotte is also a glass engraver, so is happy to help you personalise your bauble further, with a name, date or decorative engraving. The price includes all materials, instruction and your own unique, hand-made bauble. As the baubles will need to cool overnight, they will not be available to take home on the day. You can arrange to collect them in time for the all-important hanging on your Christmas tree! Please book early as we are limited to a maximum of 9 people per session. rd

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Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class .. get creative for Christmas

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Thursday 15 December 2016 (Sorry, 8th December already full) Spice Office, Burnett Road, Streetly (B74 3EL) 7pm to 9.30pm £18 (£20 Guest) paid as £3 (£5 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £15 cash paid direct to supplier on the day for expenses. Includes: All equipment needed to decorate 6 (pre baked) cupcakes. Box to take your cakes home in, and tea/coffee and cake to eat! Want to impress your friends and family at Christmas this year? Then why not book onto this fun evening workshop with keen celebratory cake maker Sue Kelland. She will show you how to pipe swirls on cupcakes, how to use cutters successfully and how to produce cute ‘domed’ cupcakes. You could even make more at home and decorate to give as Christmas presents this year! These skills can be replicated at home using simple cake decorating tools. Full details online. th

Birds of Prey Photography Day .. spend a day with a professional photographer

Date: Saturday 22nd October 2016 Place: Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick (CV35 7LD) # Meet: 10am - 4pm Cost: £90 (£95 Guest) paid as £10 (£15 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £80 to supplier on the day Join Professional wildlife photographer Ashley and the birds in the rural location of Hatton Country World near Warwick. A variety of birds of prey will be available to photograph, including majestic Barn Owls, Tawny Owl, Little Owl, Merlin and the beautifully marked Kestrel. The site has some lovely natural settings and old farm buildings, so we'll get some genuinely wild looking images. You'll also have the opportunity to try your hand at some flight shots. Ashley will be on hand to offer guidance and tips where needed and you'll be sure to come away with some superb shots. We limit the workshops to 10 people so as not to get in each other’s way and ultimately to keep disturbance to the birds to a minimum. The day will start at 10 am and finishing at 4pm, with a break for lunch between. Lunch is not included within the price, so bring along a packed lunch. Equipment required - Ideally a digital SLR camera, although it will be possible to get good images using a bridge or compact camera of the perched birds. Lens choice for those using an SLR would be a short zoom, ideally between 24 and 200mm and between 200mm and 600mm for flight shots.

Acrylic Painting Intro Day

.. a fun day unleashing your creative potential! Date: Sunday 22 January 2017 Place: Centre of England Arts, Nr Solihull (B92 0LT) # Meet: 10.00am to approx 4.00pm Cost: £39 (£45 Guest) includes basic materials, tea, coffee & biscuits For the budding artists amongst you here is a change to try you hand at acrylic painting. Under the guidance of artist and tutor, Julie Hyde, we will be trying some of the techniques of painting with this very versatile media. Acrylic paint can be used as strongly as oil paint or a subtly as watercolours. We will be using brushes, palette knives and sponges to produce some finished masterpieces. Julie will give demonstrations at each stage, giving you time to build up you own paintings following the methods shown. You don’t need to know how to draw as Julie provides "cheat sheets" to get you started! nd

Christmas Card Making Workshop .. make some wonderful hand made cards!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Monday 28th November 2016 Meet inside The Spice Office (B74 3EJ) 7.30pm Start (ends around 9.30pm) £8.50 (£10 Guests), paid as £2.50 (£4 guests) to book and the balance of £6 to the instructor on the day. Includes: Drinks, biscuits & 3 cards to take away Have you ever wanted to make your own christmas cards for those special people in your life? We’ve arranged a two hour card making workshop where you'll create three beautiful hand made cards and one 3d item from scratch. All products and materials will be provided as well as one to one support and guidance where needed! We don’t have space for many people in our “boardroom”, so if this date fills quickly we will arrange another date. ______________________________

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Some Weekends & Holidays

The following pages contain selected weekends & trips offered to our members. There are very many more weekends away of all different types on our website. Spice UK overseas trips are listed separately in the colour section of this Newsletter.

Bormio Ski & Social Winter Wonderland Week .. a very sociable week for skiers and non skiers alike!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost: Incl:

Saturday 18th - Saturday 25th March 2017 Don’t miss our “launch event” evening for Hotel Alpi & Golf, Bormio, Italy # this trip with Alfredo on page 32! IN ITALY - LAND ONLY PACKAGE £599 Share of triple/quad, £679 Share of twin or double, £799 Single Occupancy (Deposit £120) 7 Nights Bed Breakfast & 5 course Evening Meal including local wines; 1 lunch at the Cantoni family mountainside chalet; Exclusive Spice hotel; Prosecco reception on Arrival; 1 Wine Tasting Evening in the Hotel; Saturday night Theme Party with Music at the hotel, Charity Horse Racing/ Games event; outside hotel hot tub after 4pm every day; jeep to Ski lifts daily (5 mins); For flights stated we include meet & greet at Airport/ all transfers / Prosecco on the Coach; Daily ski guiding (3 groups / Expert –Intermediate – Beginners) plus mountain experience guides 2/3 times a week; free ski /boot locker on slopes; free local public transport Extra: Transport to Milan (see notes on recommended flights to book); Full (3 Area) Ski Pass €169; Ski/Board/Boot Hire (if required); Optional St Moritz day experience on the famous train; Optional Bormio Roman Baths Cave experience; Optional Husky Dog Village; Option of daily Group lunch package; Ski lessons (if required). Discounted Spa Use at the Bormio Therme Centre, massages, beauty treatments etc. Ice skating and or snowshoeing and other options. Travel insurance (available from www.spiceuk.com or get your own). You have to be a Spice member to come, but we can arrange temporary membership for non-members Host: Richard Coulter with Claire & Andrea Here’s a ski trip with a difference. One that should appeal both to keen skiers who want to discover some world class descents. But also to non skiers who want to experience a winter “houseparty” atmosphere with friends. Out hosts are Claire and Andrea who some of you will know well from our Castle trips. They live in Italy and have great contacts, so every trip with them is extra special. Claire has been skiing in Bormio since 1995! Claire believes this will be a ski holiday with a difference, as it has much more to enjoy than just skiing. Whether you are a non-skiers, beginners, intermediate or advanced. We’ll ski the Italian way, experience the Roman Town, the mountains, the Italian way of life and hopefully will return with a very broad set of memories. Our Hotel: This family run hotel gets amazing reviews on Trip Advisor and has a great reputation for its food, hosting and fun activities. Being run by Alfredo and Elizabeth Cantoni who are an English lady and her Italian husband, Claire believes you get the best of both cultures! Alfredo has the honour of being “Master of the Slopes” and has been instrumental in promoting Bormio over 5 decades to becoming the international ski resort it is today. He has some amazing stories, which he loves to share! He is also a member of the Alpi choir so you can imagine the potential for group singing down in the restaurant after our evening meals! The Resort: Bormio is an ancient spa town that nestles in the mountain and is full of rustic charm. The mountain has almost 50km of piste but your pass also covers the nearby ski resorts of Santa Caterina and Valdidentro, linked by ski bus. The main hill at Bormio has a good mix of open runs at the top and tree lined pistes towards the base. The slopes are aimed at intermediate level but there are some beginner runs too. Experts will enjoy the challenge of the top-to-bottom downhill run called the Stelvio, where the Italian Olympic Ski Team train. The men’s downhill world championships are held here. Off the mountain Bormio is rustic, streets are cobbled and there is an air of being transported back in time. Non Skiers: There is a lift pass for non skiers for around €50 a week which enables you to use all the ski lifts and meet the group for lunch up at the mountain top resorts which offer amazing views from up to 3000m (around 10,000’). It also covers use of local public transport to explore the Roman town where you will find shopping, thermal baths, spa treatments and more. If you are tempted to try skiing, Claire can introduce you to her favourite instructors! Beginners: Claire will arrange your lessons at the accredited Italian ski school, where she knows the team well. Intermediate Skiers: There are 3 excellent ski areas to discover and our guides will help us get the best out of them. Expert skiers: We have world class skiers to ski with you and help you develop new techniques. Ski Hosting: After breakfast each day, skiers will be dropped off at the slopes where we’ll boot up, collect ski s, and walk the last 50 metres to the lifts which take us up to the Bormio 2000 base camp where we choose which group to ski with. Apre Ski at the Hotel: Expect a great atmosphere! Alfredo is in the Alpi Choir and will sing and teach us local Italian songs. There will normally be play games to play and a horse racing charity event during the week. There should be so much going on in the hotel that there’s no need to leave the hotel in the evening, however we can walk into town which is approx. 10 minutes’ walk on pavements or through the parks. There will also be a wine tasting one night at the hotel and a Saturday night farewell party with DJ and themed fancy dress. Flights & Transfers: Flights are not included in the price of this package and you will need to book your own flights to Milan or, or course you can drive or take the train if you prefer. Details of the flights we have transfers for are online. 50

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Outdoor Digital Photography Weekend .. see what you can acheive with professional help!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 14 - Sunday 16th October 2016 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) # from 6pm (buffet at 8.30pm) £183 (£203 Guest) Deposit £35. Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet/picnic lunches, 4 course evening dinner party and all instruction) Do you own a digital camera? Do you look at the pictures on the screen and your prints and think they’re ok, but they’re not really as you remember when you took the shot. Maybe you’re unsure about manual settings and prefer to leave it on the automatic setting rather than really knowing how to make the most of your camera and the location you’re in? This weekend aims to change all that. Amist beautiful scenery, we’ll get to grips with how your digital camera really works. Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request. th

Serenity Weekend .. tune in to your inner self

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 21 - Sunday 23 October 2016 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) # from 6pm (buffet at 8.30pm) £160 (£180 Guest) Deposit £30. 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. st

Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request.

Welsh Cottage Walking Break

.. a weekend of relaxed Welsh walking & hospitality Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 18 - Sunday 20th November 2016 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) # from 6pm (buffet at 8.30pm) £144 (£164 Guest) Deposit £30. Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet/picnic lunches, a 5 course evening dinner party and all instruction In response to demands from our more serious walkers; who like the idea of a relaxing Country Cottage weekend but want more challenging walks, we’ve asked our friends at Breakaway Holidays to come up with this weekend break. With the challenge of exploring the lesser-known and exhilarating walking available in southern Snowdonia, followed by a leisurely evening sipping wine and roasting chestnuts, while a sumptuous five course feast is prepared for your special dinner party, we think this is a weekend you won’t want to miss. Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request. th

Certificate in Outdoor First Aid (level 5) W’end .. learn vital skills that could save a life!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 25 - Sunday 27th November 2016 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) # from 6pm (buffet at 8.30pm) £199 (£219 Guest) Deposit £40. Includes: includes Friday evening light supper, 2 nights B&B, lunches & 4 course evening meal) This ITC Outdoor First Aid course is ideal for anyone who regularly takes to the hills with friends or family to go walking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing or any of the many popular outdoor pursuits. It is essential for anyone involved in taking groups into the outdoors. In the outdoor environment different considerations apply to first aid. It nearly always means that the casualty has to be looked after for a longer timescale than is typical in a more urban setting. We also hope that this will be a fascinating and sociable weekend in its own right. Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request. th

See the whole programme of events at Lluest Fach online at www.spicebham.com 51

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Festival of Fireworks Walking W’end .. coastal walking & fireworks over the sea!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 4 - Sunday 6th November 2016 The Chatsworth Hotel, Worthing (BN11 3DU) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £169 (£189 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £30). Single supp £40 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Overview: This should certainly be a weekend that goes off with a bang. Not only have we the stunning South Downs on our doorstep and the lovely three star Chatsworth Hotel as our base, but this weekend the town hosts the Tide of Light Lantern Parade through the town. This popular local festival attracts tens of thousands of people and there is an amazing atmosphere as the parade wanders through the streets. In fact, it goes right past the hotel on the Saturday night, then along the sea front and down onto Worthing Pier where the festival concludes with a spectacular firework festival over the sea. This sight is too good to miss so we will alter the meal times at the hotel to enable everyone to enjoy this fantastic evening. Of course there will also be 2 days of excellent walking as we explore the South Downs just to the north of the town. Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request th

Far Eastern Lakes Walking Weekend .. discover the beautiful Far Eastern Lake District!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 11 - Sunday 13th November 2016 Shap Wells Hotel, North East Lakes (CA10 3QU) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £169 (£189 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £30). Single supp £40 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Overview: The Lake District is one of the most beautiful parts of Britain which understandably makes it one of the most popular too, but many make the mistake of forgetting about the Eastern Lakes! Our aim is to take advantage of this and explore its amazing beauty. We intend to avoid the crowds, take in the peace and quiet and enjoy the wonderful solitude found here. The scenery is second to none and we have some beautiful and varied walks for you, exploring both beautiful Fells and valleys alike. Each day there will be a choice of walks one heading to the fells and one in the foothills. One day, the walks will see us heading up into the amazing Haweswater valley where the last English Golden Eagle may be seen circling high above an 8 mile long lake and the stunning High Street mountain range. The other day will explore the South East flank of Ullswater and Lowther Estates. Add to this the comfort of the Best Western Shap Wells Hotel. Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request th

Dorset & Jurassic Coast Walking W’end .. enjoy stunning coastal walking

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 25 - Sunday 27th November 2016 NEW VENUE - The Hotel Rex, Weymouth (DT4 8DN) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £159 (£179 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £30). Single supp £40 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Overview: Hotel Rex is an excellent base to explore some of the most beautiful and dramatic coastal walking in the UK. Everybody loves walking on the coast so this year we will spend both days on the coast. Saturday we’ll enjoy the sensational scenery around Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove whilst Sunday we’ll walk the stunning stretch of coast adjacent to Weymouth. Weymouth is a traditional seaside town with a lovely long promenade and modern marina with a lively mixture of traditional pubs and modern bistros and plenty of live music to enjoy on a evening. Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request th

For All 3 Walkwise Breaks above: These are edited write-ups, before booking, please read the full details find the full write up at www.spicebham.com or call 0121 353 6161 and we’ll send you a copy. All 3 events are organized and supplied by WalkWise UK Ltd, whose terms and conditions apply, obtainable on request and for whom your local SPICE group acts as an agent. Those booking enter into a contract directly with WalkWise UK.

See the whole Walkwise Programme is online at www.spicebham.com 52

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Twixtmas Walking Break in The Lakes .. wonderful walking betwixt Christmas & New Year

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Tuesday 27th - Thursday 29th December 2016 Glaramara, Borrowdale, Lake District (CA12 5XQ) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 7pm) £209 (£229 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £30). Standard Single £229 (or basic singles* at £203) Extras: Transport to walk starts if used *basic singles are not en suite Christmas is past, and we're not quite at New Year .. which leaves a wonderfully peaceful gap in our schedules! The Spice Lake District Twixtmas break this year falls across the weekend which is too good an opportunity to miss, so why not squeeze in a fantastic winter weekend escape amongst some of the finest mountains in Britain! And Glaramara just keeps getting better and better, in addition to some absolutely superb food, some great walking they have now added stunning en-suite bedrooms so now you have no excuse. Plus if you want an extended break, you can easily link it with one of the New Year events, either staying at Glaramara, or moving down to another WalkWise Venue in the Peak District! Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request

New Year in The Lake District .. celebrate the New Year with scenery & friends

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Thursday 29 December 2016 - Sunday 1st January 2017 Glaramara, Borrowdale, Lake District (CA12 5XQ) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 7pm) £369 (£389 Guest) sharing. Incl: 3 b’fasts, 3 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 1 gala New Year dinner & 3 guided walks (Deposit £50). Single* £360 (£380 Guest) Extras: Transport to walk starts if used *basic singles are not en suite Overview: Following the traditional overindulgence of the festive period, why not take a wonderful opportunity to escape and join the Spice traditional New Year Break to the Lake District. Glaramara in Borrowdale is understandably one of our most popular locations and once again it will play host to three days of fantastic walking in the heart of the Lake District, culminating in what always proves to be an excellent New Year's Eve party! And by popular request, to make New Year's Eve Disco and party, go with an even bigger swing, and celebrate the continuous improvements that the centre is making we have decided to make this New Year Party a Black Tie Affair. So don’t forget to pack your posh frock or Dickie Bow! Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request th

New Year Buxton & Peak District .. celebrate the New Year with scenery & friends

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 30 December 2016 to Monday 2nd January 2017 The Palace Hotel, Buxton (SK17 6AG) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 7pm) £339 (£359 Gst) sharing. Incl: 3 b’fasts, 3 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 1 Hogmanay Buffet & disco & 3 guided walks (Deposit £50). Single room add £30; Sole Occ of Dbl add £60 Extras: Transport to walk starts if used *basic singles are not en suite Overview: See in the New Year in the iconic spa town of Buxton at the heart of the Peak District national park. Famed for its Opera house and the health properties of its mineral water, the area offers stunning scenery. By staying at the Palace we are situated at the centre of town for the night life but also we can enjoy the leisure facilities on offer such as the indoor pool, fitness suite, and sauna and steam rooms. In terms of the mighty impressive walking with three days to go at we shall experience almost everything the Peak District has to offer. By contrasting the walks between the Dark Peaks and their gritstone edges, escarpments and wild moorland with the White peak whose features include fascinating limestone cliffs, waterfalls and flora that encapsulate the dales we will experience the very best of the Peak District indeed. Edited details - full writeup for this break can be found at www.spicebham.com or sent on request th

See the whole Walkwise Programme is online at www.spicebham.com 53

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Guy Fawkes Bunkhouse Weekend .. a fun, sociable retreat!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 4 - Sunday 6 November 2016 YHA Littlehampton, West Sussex (BN17 5AW) # Arrive from 4pm £75 (£85 Guest) Deposit £10. Incl: exclusive hire of hostel, 2 nights sharing accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 1 evening supper on Saturday night, guided walk and Spice host throughout We are returning to the lovely bunkhouse in Littlehampton which is right by the sea, beach and town centre. Our hostel overlooks the harbour from the entrance and offers a high standard of comfort. The hostel is part of a redevelopment of Fisherman’s Wharf on the east bank of the River Arun. Set in a traditional seaside resort with many pubs with walking distance and they usually have some live bands playing. This is a fun, muck in and help type of weekend so you are expected to help with the clearing up after the meals. We meet on the Friday evening, and we will either have some takeaway food or head to a local pub. On Saturday we will head out for a walk on the beach and to explore the local area. This will be guided and be 5/6 miles. Everything is optional you can stay put and chill out at the hostel or you can explore the area. There are a number of local attractions such as the Littlehampton real railway, the Look and Sea visitor Centre, the Harbour fun park and the out of bounds bowling centre. Saturday night we have included a 2 course meal which we will eat at the hostel then we will head out to the pubs which are only a few minutes walk. As it is Guy Fawkes weekend there might also be a local firework display. Sunday is a chill out morning with an option for a stroll before heading home. th

Winter Warmer Bonfire Weekend .. a lovely sociable bunk barn weekend

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 4 - Sunday 6th November 2016 Stainforth, Yorkshire Dales (BD24 9PB) # From 4pm £74 (£89 Guest) Deposit £10. Incl: 2 nights bunk accommodation, 1 cooked & 1 continental breakfast, 2 packed lunches, meal on Saturday night, 2 guided walks & bonfire! We’re back at a old Spice favourite, Hornby Laithe, where the owner, Neil will build a big bonfire ready for our arrival and so we have a traditional bonfire party! This bunk barn is very civilised – no hay on the floor here – and a similar standard to self catering youth hostels. The Bunkhouse occupies a secluded position within easy walking distance of both Stainforth and Settle. The walking is superb, offering a wide variety for both the seasoned walker or climber and those wishing to explore the countryside at a leisurely stroll. Stainforth is a pretty village which nestles into the side of a fell, with a beck (crossed via stepping stones), a green and a traditional Dales pub, all worth seeing. Settle (five minute drive) certainly warrants a visit, is a lovely, traditional market town, with shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as a golf course and swimming pool. Local places of interest include Stainforth Foss, a picturesque waterfall on the river Ribble, just a walk across the fields from the barn, where the salmon leap on their journey upstream to spawn. th

Cornwall Bunkhouse Long Weekend .. a weekend of beaches, hiking & biking!

Date: Friday 14 - Monday 17th April 2017 Place: Boswinger, Goran, St Austell, Cornwall (PL26 6LL) # Meet: Arrive Friday from 4pm, check out Monday 12noon Cost: £120 (£140 Guest) Deposit £15 Incl: 3 night’s accom, 3 b’fasts & 1 ev’g meal This Easter weekend, Spice are off to Cornwall! We have exclusive use of YHA Boswinger for 3 nights. Originally two stone farm cottages and a barn, Boswinger has been refurbished as one building. Built around a courtyard, this is one of the YHA’s oldest venues in Cornwall and stands in the centre of the quiet, seaside hamlet of Boswinger, with sea views and a wide choice of beaches. The accommodation has 8 bedrooms of varying sizes, in dormitory style of a very good standard, all having a washbasin. We can’t guarantee which room you will be allocated as it depends on bookings and male/female split. The bed linen is provided and there are 6 toilets and 6 showers but please bring your own towels and toiletries. There is a well equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge and there is also a small car park. This is a fun, muck in and help type of weekend so you are expected to help with the cooking and clearing up after the meals. The plan for the weekend is for everyone to arrive on the Friday afternoon/evening. A hot meal will be provided after which we may decide to take a short walk to one of the nearby pubs for some liquid refreshments (not included in the price). Breakfast will be provided every morning and this will include a selection of items with a few hot options such as bacon and sausage butties, cereals, yoghurts, fruits and tea/coffee. Following breakfast, you will have various options available to you - walking along coastal paths and around fishing villages, Hemmick beach, Goran shops (1 mile), Cornish Trail cycle route, Lost Gardens of Heligan (4 miles), St Austell (10 miles), The Eden Project (14 miles). Options will be posted online for any paid events nearer the time. In the evenings we will head to one of the local pubs for some food on one night (not included in the price), with food being provided for you in the hostel on the other night. th

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Potters Resort Christmas Weekender .. a pre Christmas get together with live entertainment!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost*:

Friday 16th - Sunday 18th December 2016 Potters Resort, Coast Road, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk (NR31 9BX) # Arrive from 2pm; Evening Meal at 7pm £195 (£215 Guest) or £235 (£255 Guest) for single (Deposit £40) Incl: 2 nights “bungalow plus” accom, all meals, live entertainment and a whole host of activities. Spice Host throughout. *Note: Prices quoted are for 1st 20 bookings. Check for updates online Set on the beautiful Norfolk Coast and only a stone’s throw away from the sea, Potters pride themselves on creating truly memorable experiences for their guests with fabulous inclusive value. This is a 5 star resort – take a look at what is included and book your place real quick! We get comfortable accommodation in bungalows; live entertainment every evening; 4 meals a day for each full day we stay and a huge range of sports, leisure facilities and activities (mostly free!) Spice Programme: ● Arrive from 2pm ● Meet for pre-dinner drinks ● Meet at reserved Spice tables for 3 course evening meal ● ‘Friday Night Live’ in the Atlas Theatre followed by disco ● Saturday meet for breakfast at our reserved tables ● Enjoy the extensive activities available during the day ● Superb Lunch with lots of choices from menu or buffet ● Meet for pre-dinner drinks before dinner ● Christmas Spectacular Show with the Potters Theatre Company ● Ease into Sunday with Breakfast followed by a last swim, game of tennis perhaps before lunch and home Bungalow Plus Accommodation: welcoming and warm with central heating, en-suite bathrooms and/or shower rooms, with guest soap and towels provided TV with freeview, tea/coffee making, hair dryer, fridge and iron/ironing board.

Spice National Christmas Break 2016 .. a fabulous festive break with a great group of Spicers!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost(: Incl:

Saturday 24th - Tuesday 27th December 2016 The Double Tree by Hilton, Islington, North London (N1 9LA) # Arrive from 12 noon £284 (£314 Guest) Sharing Twin or Double, or add £35 for Single (Deposit £50) 3 nights accom with breakfast, 2 x 3 course evening meals, 1 x evening buffet, 3 course Spice exclusive Christmas Dinner, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies on Xmas Eve, Treasure Hunt, Cocktail Making class & much more! Extra: Lunch on boxing day and entrance to any optional activities taken. * Note: “early booking price” shown is until 31st October 2016 when the price increases by £30 For our National Spice break this Christmas we are thrilled to be staying at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton in Islington, North London having spent the last 3 Christmases with Double Tree’s in Manchester, Leeds and Lincoln and been looked after so well. This fabulous 4 star hotel, is situated just 5 minutes’ walk from Angel Tube Station and a 15 minute walk from both Kings Cross and St Pancras Railway stations allowing easy transport options. And for those in search of retail therapy, the hotel is just steps from a variety of shops and specialty boutiques. Lauren Fawkes is hosting throughout. Christmas Eve: Arrive anytime on Christmas Eve when you are free to explore the lively surrounding areas full of restaurants and bars and then we’ll meet up in the hotel bar before going for our dinner, a 3 course meal at the delightful Marco Pierre White Steak House & Grill within the hotel. The menus will be provided approximately 1 week in advance of the event for you to make your choices. After dinner if you have the energy (we all know how tiring the run up to Christmas can be) we have a few options to choose from, including Christmas Eve late night mass or perhaps if we are lucky we will find a bar open late in to the evening. Be back for midnight to catch mulled wine & mince pies! Christmas day will comprise of a lazy breakfast and a local area walkabout, Secret Santa (please allow for a present valued around £10) and a bit of time to relax before we partake in our Spice exclusive fabulous 3 course Christmas dinner. For those who have room left, we will be served a light evening buffet in our Spice reserved area before we have the option of a festive quiz or just socialise with our Spice friends old and new. If we are lucky we may even find a pub open! On Boxing Day after breakfast there is an optional treasure hunt in the local area or you can enjoy some retail therapy or simply just take the time to explore the city more. In the evening we sit down to our 3 course meal in the Marco Pierre White Steak House & Grill followed by a Spice exclusive Cocktail Making Class with the hotel’s trained mixologist’s. On the final day we will enjoy a buffet breakfast before saying our farewell to both the hotel and our fellow Spicers. Accommodation: The Doubletree by Hilton provides for a comfortable stay in contemporary surroundings. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have flat screen televisions, complimentary WiFi access throughout the hotel, an array of satellite & digital channels, complimentary and tea & coffee making facilities. All bathrooms have walk in power showers over baths, mist free mirrors & hairdryers. There a bar 60 to relax in serving an array of drinks and of course we have our Spice exclusive breakout area where we can relax, chat & generally socialise. The hotel holds the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award and if the food is anything like that we have been lucky enough to be served for our previous Doubletree Christmas Breaks, we are in for a real treat. You can arrive anytime on Christmas Eve.

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Yorkshire New Year Walking & Social Break .. spend New Year in wonderful Yorkshire

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 30 December 2016 - Monday 2nd January 2017 Mercure Leeds Parkway Hotel near Otley (LS16 8AG) # Friday afternoon or Friday evening £309 (£329 Guest) sharing or add £50 for single (Deposit £45). Incl: ● Friday: Afternoon guided walk & Dinner ● New Year’s Eve: full breakfast, packed lunch, guided walk, Gala Dinner & New Year’s Eve Party ● New Year’s Day: Full breakfast, guided walk, dinner & quiz ● Monday: English breakfast – morning guided walk This year the New Year’s break with Steve Dell is in the wonderful Yorkshire. There will be a walking programme each day and several social / touristy options. Of course you can mix and match the walking and social stuff. As the 2 nd January is on a Monday and it is a bank holiday there is no rush to get back to work so we start the break a day later. This way we can stay over on New Year’s Day and you can chill out and relax on New Year’s Day. There will be a walk and another activity on New Year’s Day and Steve will run a quiz in the evening. So whether you are a walker, want a social break over New Year or a mixture of both this break is for you. The walking is easy to moderate as there are some inclines but as usual we will take our time and enjoy the scenery. We stay at the Mercure Leeds parkway hotel with its spa, pool and health club – great after a day’s walking or just to chill out. There is plenty of free parking at the hotel. The walking programme: There will be a walking programme over the break with a short 5 mile walk on Friday afternoon for those who can arrive by lunchtime. On New Year’s Eve the walk will be around 7 miles with the option to have a look around Ilkley afterwards. On New Year’s Day there will be a late walk from the hotel of between 5 and 6 miles. Finally on the 2nd there will be the option of a morning walk before you make your way home. The walking programme is still being developed and will appear on here over the next few weeks but the walks will be places like Ilkley Moor, Bolton Abbey and The Strid and Golden Acre Park (from the hotel on New Year’s Day). The social / Touristy stuff: There is plenty to do if you don’t want to walk or want to mix and match with the walking. The Spa town of Ilkley is a short bus ride or drive away. The beautiful town of Harrogate and the picturesque Bolton Abbey are a short drive and there are also lots of lovely towns and villages nearby. Evenings and Après Walking: Each evening we will have dinner at the hotel. On the first night Steve will go through the plans for the next few days and we can get to know our fellow Spicers. Our part is on the Saturday night and Steve will run a quiz on the New Year’s Day evening which always proves popular. New Year’s Eve Party: We will have our own private party in The Park Side Suite. We start with Dinner followed by our disco which will see us well into the New Year. New Year’s Day: After a late breakfast there will be the option of a walk directly from the hotel. We will look into an activity for the afternoon and there is of course the hotels leisure facilities. The Hotel: We stay at the Mercure Leeds parkway hotel. Nestled in the award winning, picturesque Golden Acre Park with the Yorkshire Dales only 3 miles away. Take time to relax, enjoy the spa, sauna or the pool at the onsite Health Club. The hotel is in over 130 acres of surrounding woodland, three lakes, parkland and landscaped gardens. th

Butlin's Ultimate 80s Party Weekend .. let’s party like it’s 1985!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 27 - Monday 30 January 2017 Butlin's Resort, Bognor Regis, West Sussex (PO21 1JJ) # Arrive from 3pm £165 (£185 Guest) Deposit £35. Incl: 3 nights' fun party weekend in Gold Standard self catering apartments, all live entertainment to various venues on site, services of Spice host A National Spice Weekend especially for you party animals! Join us at Butlin’s Bognor Regis for Ultimate 80s: Hit Factory Live, a break showcasing some of the biggest and best stars from Pete Waterman’s Hit Factory. This is your chance to see some amazing live performances from brilliant headliners and supporting acts. And with plenty of fun activities taking place throughout the day, we can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend! Headliner Jason Donovan confirmed, further acts to follow! Butlin’s Bognor resort is set right on the beach on the south 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 80s music themed weekend for over 18s and a public event, with a sell-out 3,000 people due to attend. If you want a quiet night in and need your sleep, this is probably not the right weekend for you. Every evening a variety of live 80s big-name acts and bands perform on stage in the numerous entertainment venues around resort. In between live performances, the discos go on until late each night. 80s fancy dress is the norm for the Sat night, but not essential. During the day there are loads of other activities included, such as Butlin’s amazing indoor Splash Waterworld with flumes, wave machines and a DJ booth, plus a traditional fairground and dodgems. There are also landscaped gardens and direct access to a lovely 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. And of course the various bars and pubs on resort to see you through the day. We will have a welcome reception to get the party started and our Spice host will organise meet ups throughout the weekend and plan which bands to go and see. th

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February Bargain Break 2017

.. join our friends in Spice Scotland for a jam packed weekend! Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 24th - Sunday 26th February 2017 The Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie, Perthshire (PH10 6NQ) # Check in from 3pm £119 (£139 Guest) Deposit £30 Incl: 2 Night DB&B sharing or add £35 for single room, Rotating Dinner, Disco, Tribute Night, Walks on Sat and Sunday, Spice Host, Jamie Morris Now into its 12th year, join us for the biggest and best weekend in the Spice calendar – our February Bargain Break is always brilliant so we’re heading back to Pitlochry and The Fishers Hotel. The Fishers Hotel situated in the lovely town of Pitlochry and offers exceptional accommodation and facilities for the perfect Spice weekend. At just over 1 ½ hrs from Glasgow, Edinburgh and easily accessible from all over the UK this weekend is the perfect destination. The hotel is also in a great location for those wanting to travel by train with a station just 1 minute away. On Friday evening we will attempt a Spice Rotating Dinner – over 90 members moving between courses! The perfect chance to meet loads and loads of your fellow Spice weekenders in one action packed evening. Beware – if you come with a friend we cannot guarantee you will sit together during dinner. After dinner we will enjoy a lively private disco. On Saturday enjoy a lovely Scottish breakfast before heading out for the day. You will have the option to join one of the 2 walks on offer from out walk leaders or for a more leisurely day a place of interest will be available too. After our 3 course dinner in the evening we welcome a live 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.

The Magic of Mull in Spring .. discover this enchanting Isle!

Date: Friday 28 - Sunday 30 April or Monday 1st May 2017 Place: Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure, Isle of Mull (PA65 6BB) # Cost: 2 Nights: £159 (£179 Guest); 3 Nights: £238 (£258 Guest). Add £20 per night if single preferred Incl: 2/3 nights B&B, 2/3 x Dinner, plus walks on Saturday & Sunday or visits to places of int. Spring in Scotland – for the last few years the weather has been excellent so this is your chance to get away for a very special social weekend. We head to the stunning Isle of Mull for a Magic of Mull break. Sited on the crescent of Craignure Bay you will find the breathtaking Crerar Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa. Conveniently close to the ferry terminal, the hotel is perfectly situated; central but still giving you the feeling of being a million miles away from it all. With panoramic sea views, extensive spa facilities and the Sheallach-Na-Mara restaurant this is a fantastic weekend destination! Mull may be small, but there is much to do here! Wake early and spot deer and birds amongst wildflowers in the garden, spend days visiting castles, fishing or diving. Travel to Iona to see museums, historical chapels and fascinating relics. Go whale and dolphin spotting! Take a drive to Tobermory, where Balamory was filmed, with its colourful cottages, open farm and cute shops, and a tour of Tobermory Distillery, established in 1798, completes your idyllic island adventure. th

See Glasgow - Cultural & Social Break .. discover the city that's been voted the world's friendliest!

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 12th - Sunday 14th May 2017 Alexander Thomson Hotel, Argyle St. Glasgow (G2 8LY) # Check in from 3pm £149 (£169 Guest) sharing or add £60 for single (Deposit £30). Incl: 2 Nights B&B accom, Saturday evening Spice exclusice party night & Spice hosts throughout Extra: Friday dinner, Mackintosh trails, other organised events. Glasgow - European City of Culture, Commonwealth Games host .. and according to Jamie at Spice Scotland it’s “just pure dead brilliant”. We stay right in the city centre; at The Alexander Thomson Hotel, a short walk from Central Train Station which makes all the attractions and bars! Very accessible, either walking or on the subway. There will be a set of coordinated activities throughout the weekend; you can do all of them of just dip in and out as you please (although many will need to be booked in advance). Activities include Macintosh Trails with afternoon tea in the world famous Willow Teas Rooms, Kelvingrove Museum and Galleries, Saturday evening dinner and so much more. The Evenings: On Friday night there will be a Glasgow Party Night with sit down 3 course dinner and disco till late.

A Spice Newsletter is just a Snapshot in Time

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Isle of Wight Coastal Path Walking Week .. discover beautiful walking with royal connections!

Date: Saturday 13th - Saturday 20th May 2017 Place: Sandown, Isle of Wight (or see minibus option online) # Cost: £499 (£519 Guest) Sharing Twin (Deposit £40). Single room price on request. Incl: Bed and breakfast for 7 nights, 5 packed lunches, transport to walks, walk leader / guide Extras: Travelling to the IOW (but see transport option below), Evening meals, rest day expenses Escape from the end of summer blues with this week on the idyllic Isle of Wight, the unspoilt beauty at this time of year with the sunsets and milder climate, combined with the pace that life should be taken at, should set you up for the winter. The coastal path is 64 miles of varied but relatively easy walking with cliff tops and undercliffs, beaches and promenades, towns and villages, there is a rocket testing station, the Needles, the multi coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay, the PLUTO pipeline from the D day landings etc. 5 days of glorious walking with a rest day for you to enjoy one of the many attractions that the island has to offer, Osborne House, queen Victoria’s island home, is well worth a visit, there are also 2 Roman villa’s, a dinosaur farm, a smuggling museum and numerous other heritage / visitor centres. The accommodation is in twin bedded rooms in a hotel at Sandown. All rooms have hairdryers, Television and tea/coffee facilities. Breakfasts and packed lunches for the walking days are included. Evening meals are not included but we usually find a good eatery at the end of the walking day to allow us to relax and sample the superb variety around the island.

Highlands Wildlife, Whiskey & Wonderful Food .. a guided break based at the UK's premier wildlife hotel

Date: Sat 20th May 2017 - Thu 25th May 2017 Place: The Grant Arms Hotel, 25 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey # (PH26 3HF) Cost: £899 (£919 Guest) for Single or Twin (Deposit £200) Incl: B&B, packed lunches & evening meals throughout. Day trips Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. 2 evening talks and Whiskey Tasting experience. Mini bus travel for local sight seeing. No Single supplement May is the perfect time to visit Scotland and explore the beauty of the Highlands and to see the special wildlife that lives there. We will be accommodated throughout at the splendid Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, located within the Cairngorm National Park. The hotel is perfectly situated to put us within easy reach of a wide variety of Scotland's iconic birds and animals. The Grant Arms has developed a reputation for fabulous food. Professional wildlife photographer and tour leader Ashley Grove, has called upon his years of experience to put together this fabulous trip for Spice. While this wildlife watching experience has been put together to give you an extensive taste of what Scotland has to offer, it will be run at a leisurely pace, so by no means do you need to be super fit to take part, just relax and let Ashley show you around. One of the places we will visit is Findhorn Valley home of the magnificent Golden Eagle. This area is also home to the Mountain Hare and herds of Red Deer and there is also the possibility of White-tailed Eagle. Also on the itinerary is an evening spent in the comfortable dusk hide at Rothiemurchus, which is always a great experience. Wildlife we might expect to see from the hide includes Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Wood Mouse and Badger, but the main attraction is the illusive Pine Marten. At this time of year the adults may even bring the kits into feed, which is a real privilege to witness. Other outings will give us views of Osprey fishing, Crested Tits, Black-throated and Red Throated Divers, Red Squirrel, Red Grouse, Slavonian Grebe and also give us the opportunity to see Black Grouse, Capercaillie, White-tailed Eagle, Scottish Crossbill and much more besides. Time will also be allocated to admire some wonderful landscapes and of course take pictures. By way of a change, a visit to a local Whiskey Distillery will be an interesting diversion from the wildlife. ______________________________ “It was a Center Parcs photo challenge – honest”

Why Pay a Single Supp when you’re with Spice!

Many people book our breaks on their own, so we don’t believe in penalizing the single traveler. We are more than happy arrange same sex room shares – and this is what most members opt for. Spicers are very friendly, so don’t worry if you don’t know anyone. You’ll be bonded into the “family” in no time.

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Events Index A Christmas Carol .................................. 42 A Christmas Wassail .............................. 43 A Victorian Christmas ............................ 30 Abseiling for Beginners ......................... 18 Abseiling for the Terrified ...................... 17 Acrylic Painting Intro. Day..................... 49 Al Murray ............................................... 44 Alpine Italy Evening .............................. 32 Alvecote Marina Easy Ramble ............... 23 An Evening of Kidnap & Serious Crime .. 4 An Evening Mad Jocks & Englishmen ... 40 Anne Boleyn at Tutbury Castle............... 32 Archery Tag ............................................ 27 Back to Backs ......................................... 36 Badminton for Free................................. 39 Balloon Flight ........................................... 8 Barn Dance & Supper ............................... 1 Basil & Co Comedy Dinner Show ............ 7 BBC Behind the Scenes .......................... 33 Begin Christmas with Ian in Bournville.. 14 Behind Scenes: Echills Wood Railway ... 35 Billy Elliot .............................................. 44 Birds of Prey Photography Workshop .... 49 Birmingham at War Afternoon Walk ...... 14 Blacksmithing Evening........................... 45 Boathouse at Bracebridge ......................... 5 Bormio Ski and Social Week .................. 51 Bournville Village Walk ......................... 14 Brian May and Kerry Ellis ...................... 42 Bridge Abseil & Ladder Climb ............... 19 Burlesque Dance Afternoon! .................. 13 Butlin's Ultimate 80s Weekend............... 57 Cafe Ceramica: Christmas Lantern ......... 47 Cannock Chase War Ramble .................. 24 Centre of England Ramble...................... 26 Certificate in Outdoor First Aid W'end ... 52 Charity Sleep Out ................................... 12 Charlecote Park Moderate Ramble ......... 25 Charleston Dance Workshop .................. 13 Chartley Moss - Bog Experience! ........... 34 Chatsworth at Christmas & Markets ....... 30 Chicago .................................................. 42 Children of the Wolf ............................... 40 Chipping Camden Ramble ...................... 24 Chocolate Tasting & Making .................. 48 Christmas Card Making Workshop......... 49 Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class ..... 49 Christmas Day Link Up 2016 ................. 31 Christmas Fabric Wreath Workshop ....... 47 Cinema Night ......................................... 40 Clay Pigeon Shooting ............................. 27 Coffin Factory Tour & Buffet Supper..... 36 Colour U Confident Workshop ............... 45 Comedy Night & Dinner at Hogarths ....... 3 Contemporary Indian Banquet Shuffle ..... 2 Cornwall Bunkhouse Weekend............... 55 Cosford Restoration Day & Lunch ......... 37 Coventry City Discovery Walk ............... 14 Curborough & Fradley Easy Ramble ...... 25 Curry and Quiz - Solihull ....................... 22 Deer Walk with a Ranger at Bradgate..... 10 Derby Velodrome and Arena Tour ......... 36 Dick Whittington .................................... 43 Dirty Dancing Experience ...................... 13 Dog Walk in Sutton Park ........................ 11 Donington Park Grand Prix Visit ............ 37 Dorset & Jurassic Coast Walk Wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;end..... 53 Dracula the Musical ................................ 40 Drumming for Beginners ........................ 45 Earlswood Easy Ramble & Lunch .......... 23 Easenhall and Brinklow Easy Ramble .... 25 Eastnor Castle Heirs Tour & Tea ............ 34 Family History Evening with Mormons . 37 Far Eastern Lakes Walking W'end .......... 53 Fauld Crater Ramble ............................... 24 February Bargain Break 2017 ................. 58 Fencing for Beginners ............................ 39 Ferrari v Lamborghini Driving Exp ........ 15 Festival of Fireworks Walking W'end .... 53

Fly a Plane from Coventry to Stratford ..... 8 Forest Segway on Cannock Chase ..........15 Frankfurt Christmas Market Treas Trail ..32 Funeral Home Talk and Tour ..................33 Fusca - Vegetarian Dining in Warwick ..... 5 Ghost Hunting & Supper .........................31 Ghost Tour & Late Night Lock In ...........29 Ghostly & Grisly Birmingham Walk.......14 Gin Tasting Evening ...............................29 Glass Blowing - Christmas Bauble..........48 Go Ape in Cannock ................................. 18 Golf - Learn to Play in a Day ..................39 Golf Evening for Beginners & Imps........39 Greek Meal & Quiz - Sutton Coldfield....22 Guide Dog Training Centre Visit ............33 Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre ....35 Guy Fawkes Bunkhouse W'end ...............55 Halloween Owl Night .............................10 Hanbury Hall Ramble & Lunch ..............25 Haunted Halloween Banquet ..................... 3 Helicopter Lesson ..................................... 8 Henley in Arden Figure of 8 Ramble ......23 Henley In Arden Moderate Ramble.........26 Hidden Kings Norton Walk.....................14 Highlands Wildlife - 5 Day Break ...........59 Himley Hall & Baggeridge Ramble ........23 Horse Riding Fun Day! .............................9 I Ought to be in Pictures..........................43 Ice Hockey Coventry v Manchester ........30 Indoor Climbing at Redpoint Centre .......17 Introduction to Reflexology ....................48 Isle of Wight Coastal Walking Week ......59 Jaguar Land Rover Engine Plant Exp ......34 Jersey Nights ............................................ 1 Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Tour .........35 Jimmy Carr on Tour!...............................43 Kababish Dinner Shuffle Experience ........ 5 Karaoke Box Evening & Buffet ..............28 Kayak River Adventure...........................18 Keep Dancing..........................................42 Knitting for the Terrified .........................46 Knowle Locks Christmas Eve Ramble ....26 Lapworth Museum of Geology ...............37 Lasan Indian Banquet ................................4 Laser Tag Fun and Pizza .........................28 Learn to Drift! .........................................16 Leicester & Richard III Exp Walk ...........14 Lettuce and Lovage ................................. 42 Live Music, Real Ale & Supper Cruise ...31 Llama Trek, Rare Breeds & Lunch .........10 Love. Betrayal, Poison, Death Tour ........31 Low Impact Paintball ..............................27 Magical Christmas Party at The Hyatt ...... 6 Make a Chocolate Advent Calendar ........48 Malvern Hills Hard Ramble ....................23 Mary Queen Of Scots at Tutbury ...........28 Michael Portillo Live ..............................41 Midland Opera Cavalleria Rusticana.......40 Mini Tanks and Paintball Experience ......16 Moira & Donnisthorpe Ramble ...............24 Motorbike Off Road Experience .............15 Mulled Wine and Mince Pie Wander ......26 New Members Beer, Skittles & Supper...29 New Year Sleepover Party ........................6 New Year Meat Feast at Rodizio Rico ...... 7 Nordic Adventure Walk ..........................23 Nutcracker ...............................................41 Off Road Karting ....................................15 Omid Djalili - Schmuck For a Night .......44 On The Rocks Dining Experience ............. 2 Outdoor Digital Photography W'end .......52 Overnight Forest Experience ...................17 Owl Hour .................................................. 9 Peak District Walk Ashbourne and Mayfield ....................26 Ashford in the Water ..........................25 Bakewell and Youlgrave ....................23 Chatsworth Park Autumnal walk ........24 Eyam the plague village .....................25

Goyt Valley & Shining Tor................ 25 Hartington and Sheen......................... 26 Hulme End and Manifold................... 24 Throwley Moor from Grindon ........... 24 Two Railways and Hartington ........... 26 Pesto Italian Banquet Shuffle.................... 5 Pie Factory Night with Live Music ........... 4 Pizza By Goli Italian Dinner Shuffle ........ 2 Pony Trek & Picnic Forest of Dean ........ 10 Potters Resort Christmas Weekender ...... 56 Preview Evenings ................................... 20 Previews and Pub Meets ......................... 20 Pride and Prejudice Dance Experience ... 13 Prison Lunch at Sudbury .......................... 3 Quad Bike Woodland Trek ..................... 16 Queen and Castle Dinner Shuffle.............. 7 Quiz of 2016 & Supper ........................... 22 Ramble, Scramble and Dangle ................ 18 Redwings Horse Sanctuary Visit ............ 38 Relatively Speaking ................................ 41 RSC Behind Scenes - Page to Stage ....... 36 Run in the Park ....................................... 39 Santa Cycle or Walk & Present Drop ..... 12 Science of Attraction & Relationships .... 46 Sean Lock - Keep it Light ....................... 42 See Glasgow - Cultural & Social Break .. 58 Serenity Weekend ................................... 52 Sherwood Forest Autumnal Walk ........... 24 Shootout and Party Food at Playcentre ... 29 Shugborough Hall & Sherbrook Ramble 26 Sikh Gurudwara Visit ............................. 38 Simple Sewing Workshop with Cake! .... 47 Some Guys Have all the Luck ................ 41 Spice Book Club ..................................... 11 Spice Hits Town ..................................... 20 Spice National Christmas Break ............ 56 Staunton Harold Hall Easy Ramble ........ 23 Stourbridge (& Guy Fawkes!) Walk ....... 14 Stratford & Clifford Chambers Ramble .. 26 Stress Busting Workshop ........................ 46 Summer in the Forest .............................. 19 Symonds Yat Adventure Mission ........... 17 Symphony Hall Private Tour .................. 35 Tandem Skydive from 12,000ft ................ 8 Teamworks Karting and Pizza ................ 16 Ten Pin Bowling ..................................... 28 The Blue Piano Dining with live music .... 3 The Catherine Tate Show Live ............... 41 The Cock Inn Dinner Shuffle ................... 4 The Commitments .................................. 44 The Magic of Mull in Spring .................. 58 The Red Shoes ........................................ 43 The Thrill of Love .................................. 44 The Wedding Singer ............................... 44 The Wizard of Oz ................................... 43 Tobogan and Fondue Night ...................... 1 Tour of RAF Mus. Storage Facility ........ 38 Turtle Bay Caribbean Dinner Shuffle ....... 2 Tutbury Castle "Working Party" ............. 11 Twixtmas Walking Break in Lakes ......... 54 Ukukulele for Fun ................................... 45 Urban Rambles .............................. 25 & 26 Uttoxeter Race Day and Tour ................. 30 Vamos Cuba ........................................... 41 Vulcan Bomber Restoration Exp ............ 33 Wake up the Zoo ...................................... 9 New Year in The Lake District ............... 54 Warwickshire Villages Ramble .............. 23 Watercolour Painting Intro Day .............. 47 Welford & Grand Union Canal Ramble .. 25 Welsh Cottage Walking Break................ 52 Western Style Rifle Shooting.................. 27 White Swan Dinner Shuffle ...................... 5 Whittington & Hopwas Ramble.............. 24 Winter Warmer Bonfire Weekend .......... 55 Wire Work Bracelet Workshop .............. 46 Wolf Experience & Walk ......................... 9 Yorkshire New Year Break..................... 57 Zip World - Caverns Experience ............ 19

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Notice Board

If you have a notice, members may place it here free to an audience of around 3000 motivated people. Notices will be deleted after approx 3 months - earlier if space dictates. Contact richard@spicebham.com

Holiday Accomodation:

Snowdonia For rent, 2 bedroom Grade 2 listed cottage in Snowdonia. Website- sts-holidays.co.uk ref 5155 // Sicily, Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, with wonderful views, seperate lounge and well fitted kitchen. Just 10mins from beach near Taormina, Sicily. Decorated to high standard with all modern amenities. See property ref IT1470 on Owners Direct. 10% discount against advertised rates for Spice members. Just mention Spice in your enquiry email from website// Ellie’s Place, dog friendly chalet by beach in N E Lincolnshire. Secure enclosed garden; Dog friendly beach; 2 Bedrooms, en suite & sofa bed (can sleep 6); No limit on dogs!; Prices to suit. Visit: www.elliesplacecleethorpes.co.uk or Contact woof@elliesplacecleethorpes.co.uk // Lake District, 3 bed/ 2 bath modern house on holiday village near Keswick. Pool/ gym & restaurant on site. contact Mike 079676 38989// Auvergne Region of France - 2 gites/studios for rental in this beautiful region. Two one bedroom studios,each with kitchen, lounge and bathroom, each sleeping 4 people. Wonderful views & perfect for walking and site seeing. Cost £300 per week per studio. For details visit https://sites.google.com/site/rocheenregnier/ or contact Andrew Dare 07757467115 e-mail andrewdare1@virginmedia.com // B&B in Blackpool - ensuite rooms, conveniently situated near the Central Pier, 2 mins from the Promenade & 10 mins from the centre and all its attractions. Contact 01253 622735 and mention Spice for 10% discount, www.midland-hotel.co.uk// Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira, Portugal, Ground floor 1 bed apartment, sleeps 4. Facilities include pool, childrens pool, tennis courts & air con. 5 mins to beach, rates from £175 - £395pw. Email joyc2008@live.com// Villa Southern Dunes - 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa with private pool in golf community near Disney, Florida. Quote 'Spice' for 10% off when booking via www.villasoutherndunes.com or call Di Gorton on 07952 408964// Holiday Cottage to let right on the beach in Cornwall between Newquay & St Ives. Sleeps 6 comfortably, all mod cons, own garage, school holiday dates now available due to cancellations. Call Jayne 01827 706524 or 07952 863803// Antigua, Caribbean; Luxury apartment on beach., 4 poster bed. Sleeps upto 4 call Sheila 07958 930598. Other Antigua properties available// La Manga Spain, 2 bed apartment, sleeps 4-6. 50m from beach. For details, visit www.spain-lamanga.com. Discount for Spice// Apartment in Sta Eulalia area of Albufeira, Portugal Sleeps 4-6. Excellent facilities inc pool & children's pool. Short walk to beach/ old town. Easy access from airports. £250/week. Email Keith: 2fatcats@lineone.net// Padstow, Cornwall, luxury holiday cottage, sleeps 4. Visit www.padstowpad.co.uk. 10% discount//

Residential Accommodation Offered:

Harborne, Room rent free in return for care & companionship, with Spice member (lady) who has limited mobility. Call Linder on 0121 429 4610 to discuss the specifics, but the hope is to to find a Spice member of long stading who is honest and dependable and is able to provide some support and help in return for rent free living. Room to rent in Kingstanding, £70 per week including utilities.Large kitchen and pleasant garden. House cleanish but a bit old fashioned in decor, “much like it's owner”. Nearby bus routes.for Brum etc. Sharing with a very easy going gay owner. Non smoker preferred. Please contact Andy on 0121 350 1033 or 07758 930 931 //

Personal Announcements, Employment, Charities & Opportunities:

Divorce Recovery Workshop Is a charitable organization that many Spice members have recommended to us. It offers anyone at any stage of divorce or separation a way forward. It enables participants to gain a better understanding of what they are going through and also seeks to provide them with support from others in the same situation and assists in the process of readjustment in their lives. There are no experts just people who have experienced divorce or relationship breakdown and have themselves completed the workshop. There are 2 groups in our area: Barnt Green contact Heidi Twilley 0121 445 4396 or Sutton Coldfield contact David & Helen Bennett 0121 308 0739 email: SuttonC@drw.org.uk National Enquiry line 07000 781889 - web www.drw.org.uk

National Spice Cancellation Policy Evening and one day events: Providing you give us more than 7 days (includes weekends and bank holidays) notice you will receive a full refund as a Credit Note, less a Cancellation Fee of 20% (minimum charge £3). Except where stated otherwise in the event description. Ticketed events: Note: Theatre, Concerts, etc. These are non-refundable unless we can resell your place, as tickets will have been purchased (but please talk to us as we can often re sell tickets for you). Overnight events and events costing over £100: Note: This excludes overseas trips which have a separate Holiday Cancellation Policy. Providing you give us more than 28 days (includes weekends and bank holidays) notice you will receive a full refund as a Credit Note, less a Cancellation Fee of 20% of the cost of the event or loss of the deposit paid (where applicable). Except where stated otherwise in event description. Holidays and Overseas trips: Note: More than three overnights or outside UK. Cancellation is as per the Tour Operators Terms and Conditions as supplied with Holiday Information Packs. Cancellation must be in writing. A back up phone call is recommended. You should assume you are still booked until you have written confirmation of your cancellation. General: Where cancellation is received within the cancellation period prior to an event, you will lose all monies paid (and also be liable for any balance) unless we can replace you. If you simply do not turn up for an event without contacting us you will automatically forfeit any monies paid, and will be liable for any balance. Should Spice Cancel an event: Should Spice cancel any event you will be refunded directly back by the payment method used or credit note (as preferred). Our policy is that wherever possible we will always issue a refund. Credit Notes: Should be used within 12 months of issue and can be refunded (in the way you paid) at any time.

SpiceWestMidsOctoberEventPages2016.pdf 64

06/10/2016 12:49:45

Key Spice Holiday Partners

club

For many years Spice has enjoyed an excellent relationship with our travel UK’s leading adventure partner Exodus Holidays – the UK’s travel company, Exodus leading adventure travel company. offers Spice members a 5% discount for independent 5% discount for direct bookings!

independent direct Tobookings! book your independent

holiday with Exodus We know however sometimes our scheduled andthat claim your Spice group departures won’t discount always fit in with member everyone’s personal travel 863 needs. We also know call 0845 9606.

that often members would like to visit some of the places we are not featuring in the group holiday To qualify for the Spice programme…

Discount, simply advise

them you are a Spice To book your independent holiday with Exodus and claim your Member Spice member at thediscount time of call 0845 863 9606. To qualifybooking. for the Spice Discount, simply advise them you are a Spice Member AT THE TIME OFThis BOOKING. discount discountThis cannot be cannot be used in conjunction with any other used in conjunction withdiscount, i.e., you are unable to add Loyal Customer any other discount. Further Discount with an Early Booking discount to your Spice Discount!details can be found at exodus.co.uk

Spice Cancellation Policy Evening and one day events

Providing you give us more than seven days (includes weekends and bank holidays) notice you will receive a full refund as a Credit Note, less a Cancellation Fee of 20% of the cost of the event OR loss of deposit (whichever is lower) with a minimum of £3. (Except where stated otherwise in the Newsletter event description). Credit Notes are valid for 12 months and only redeemable against events.

Ticketed events Note: Theatre, Concerts, etc. These are non-refundable unless we can resell your place, as tickets will have already been purchased.

dance

5% Discount with Club Dance HolidaysNew You Boot Camp is Europe’s Club Dance Holidays

hundreds Wehas aretaken delighted to beofworking withleading Spice boot to camp retreat and promote ourtodance salsa, all Spice members customers many holidays exciting whether itisisoffering Ceroc, ballroom tango we cover it5% all of – UK destinations overorthe years all retreats. Our clients weekends or 7 orJamaica, 14 night breaks . Club Free - Cuba, Miami, are extremely diverse and we SpritAustria have taken 23,000 customers towelcome various all different fitness and Malta. destinations over the years from Cuba, Miami, levels and ages. Our stunning Jamaica to Calpe, Spain, Austria and Malta. We We have increased our venues are in the UK and Spain have increase our portfolio of activities from dance of and activities toorder to qualify where we are surrounded by to portfolio fitness, ski golf. In for the include fitness,simply ski and natural beauty. Throughout the Spice Discount, call reservation number golf. They are4816 offering week on 0207 099 and 5% let them know youwith areNew You Boot Camp, the price of any their you will not only see fabulous aoffSpice Member AT of THE TIME OF BOOKING. holidays across all dance resultswith in your fitness, weight This discount cannot be used in conjunction any other i.e., you are unable to add styles, calldiscount, 0207 099 4816 loss and inch loss but you will be Loyal Customer Discount with an Early Booking to book and let them know educated on how to change your discount your Spice Discount! you are atoSpice Member at lifestyle to reach your goals and the time of booking. This attain optimal health. SOLOS discount cannot behave usedwithdrawn in Regretfully SOLOS their Spice conjunction with any other Member Discount as from 1st August Further 2013. details can be found at discount. newyoubootcamp.com or call 0207 099 4816 to booking stating Further details can be found you are a Spice Members at the at clubdanceholidays.com time of booking.

GolfPlanet Holidays, established in 1982, is the UK’s longest-established and most reputed golf holiday company. From short stays in the UK to month-long golf tours along the California coast, GolfPlanet offers the experience and expertise as well as unbeatable rates. Destinations include UK, Croatia, France, Greece, Mauritius, Morocco, Portugal, Slovenia and USA. To claim £50 off your first booking call 01277 284 284 and quote Spice.

as per the Tour Operators Terms and Conditions as supplied with Holiday Information Packs. Cancellation must be in writing. A back up phone call is recommended. You should assume you are still booked until you have written confirmation of your cancellation.

General Where cancellation is received within the cancellation period prior to an event, you will lose all monies paid (and also be liable for any balance) unless we can replace you. If you simply do not turn up for an event without contacting us you will automatically forfeit any monies paid, and will be liable for any balance.

Should Spice Cancel an event.....

Should Spice cancel any event you will be refunded directly back by the payment method used. Our policy is that wherever possible we will always issue a refund. Note: This excludes overseas trips which have a separate Holiday Cancellation Policy. Providing you give us more than twenty Holidays and overseas trips eight days (includes weekends and bank holidays) notice you will Note: more than three overnights or outside UK. Cancellation is as receive a full refund as a Credit Note, less a Cancellation Fee per the Terms and Conditions as supplied with Holiday Information of 20% of the cost of the event OR loss of deposit (whichever GENERAL EVENING AND ONE DAY EVENTS Packs. Cancellation should be in writing. Where cancellation is is lower). (Except where stated otherwise in the Newsletter the cancellation period prior to an event, you will Providing youaregive more seven received day’s within (includes weekends Where cancellation is received within the cancellation period prior to an event description). Credit Notes valid us for 12 monthsthan and only lose all monies paid (and also be liable for any balance) unless we redeemable against events. can replace If you simply not turn up for an event without event, you will lose all monies paid (and also be liable for any balance) and bank holidays) notice you will receive a fullyou. refund as adoCredit Holidays and Overseas trips contacting us you will automatically forfeit any monies paid, and will unless we can replace you. If you simply do not turn up for an event Note, less a Cancellation Fee of 20% of the cost of the event OR be liable for any balance. Note: More than three overnights or outside UK. Cancellation is Overnight Events and events costing over £100

loss of deposit (whichever is lower) with a minimum of £3 (except where stated otherwise in the Newsletter event description). Credit Notes are valid for 12 months and only redeemable against ice newsletter summer 2014.indd 9 events.

without contacting us, you will automatically forfeit any monies paid, and will be liable for any balance. 6/18/2014

3:26:28 PM

SHOULD SPICE CANCEL AN EVENT..... Should Spice cancel any event you will be refunded directly back by the payment method used. Our policy is that wherever possible we will TICKETED EVENTS Note: Theatre, Concerts, etc. These are non-refundable unless we always issue a refund. can resell your place, as tickets will have already been purchased. HOLIDAYS AND OVERSEAS TRIPS Note: More than three overnights or outside UK. Cancellation is as per OVERNIGHT EVENTS AND EVENTS COSTING OVER £100 Note: This excludes overseas trips which have a separate Holiday the Tour Operators Terms and Conditions as supplied with Holiday Information Packs. Cancellation must be in writing and a back up phone Cancellation Policy. Providing you give us more than 28 days call is recommended. You should assume you are still booked until you (includes weekends and bank holidays) notice you will receive a have written confirmation of your cancellation. Where cancellation is full refund as a Credit Note, less a Cancellation Fee of 20% of received within the cancellation period prior to an event, you will lose all the cost of the event OR loss of deposit (whichever is lower monies paid (and also be liable for any balance). If you simply do not except where stated otherwise in the Newsletter event description). Credit Notes are valid for 12 months and only turn up for an event without contacting us you will automatically forfeit any monies paid, and will be liable for any balance. redeemable against events.

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www.spicelondon.co.uk dominic@thamesvalleyspice.co.uk SP V info@ dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com Tel:130 01276 479 253c Aztec www.spiceuk.com www.spicescotland.com NG1West 2AS Midlands, B74 3EJ www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk Ge SPICE (Scotlan www.spicebristolcardiff.com Almondsbury, sho dianne@spicelondon.co.uk Tel: 0121 353 6161 Tel: SPICE 0845 017 1031 (Manchester) T Co-ordinator:13, Jam Bristol BS32(Thames 4UB SPICE Valley &S SPICE (W (West W est Midlands) SPICE (London) (Tham www.spicelondon.co.uk info@spicebham.com info@spiceeastmids.com 63 Easter Langsid Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes SPICE (EastSPICE (Yorkshire) Midlands) SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) Tel: 01276 479 253 Co-ordinator: Dominic Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter www.spiceeastmids.com Dalkeith, Rensha EH22 2F www.spicebham.com Co-ordinator: Steve Dell The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com Tel: 0131 531 265 118, Shiplake Bottom, 32a High Street, Bagshort, 6a, Burnett Road, Streetly, Foxhall Business Center, SPICE (Manchester) Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN The Stables, 11 Poplar Road www.sp 130 Aztec www.spicebristolcardiff.com info@spicescotlan 2 King Street, Nottingham, Peppard Common, Surrey, GU19 5AZ Sutton Coldfield Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0161 864 3849 & Cardiff) Almondsbury, Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes SPICE (Bristol www.spicescotland Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5HR Tel: 01276 479 253NG1 2AS West Midlands, B74 3EJ SPICE (East Midlands) Tel: 0845 094 2200 info@spicemcr.com Bristol BS32 4UB The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Dianne Livingstone www.craigdon-edinburgh.com SPICE (Tha SPICE (W (West W est Co-ordinator: Midlands) SPICE (London) Tel: 0845 017 1031 Tel: 0118 972 4810 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk Tel: 0121 353 6161 Co-ordinator: Steve Dell info@spiceyorks.com www.spicemcr.com Tel: 01276 479 253 Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN 130 Aztec info@spiceeastmids.com Co-ordinator: Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter dominic@thamesvalleyspice.c www.spicelondon.co.uk info@spicebham.com Promo Code - 15%SPICEwww.spiceyorks.com Foxhall Business Center, dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com www.spiceeastmids.com Tel:2 King 0161 864 3849 Terms & Conditions: ÂŁ20 Min Street, Spend. Bagshort, 118, Shiplake 32a High 6a, Burnett Road, Streetly, Almondsbury, Street, Nottingham, www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk www.spicebham.com SPICE (Scotland) www.spicebristolcardiff.com Sutton Coldfield Maps and Vouchers are excluded. Do you wan Peppard Com Surrey, GU19 5AZ info@spicemcr.com Bristol BS32 4UB NG1 2AS SPICE (Manchester) Delivery only in Mainland UK Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris As a member of spice you can enjoy Henley-on-Th Tel: 01276 479 253 West Midlands, B74 3EJ Tel: 0845 017 1031 walking, mea www.spicemcr.com Tel: 01276 479 253 SPICE (Yorkshire) Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) 63 Easter Langside Crescent, SPICE (East Midlands) info@spiceeastmids.com Tel: 0118 972 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk Tel: 0121 353 6161 many exclusive and money saving Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes The Stables, 11 Poplar Road dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone local area. Dalkeith, EH22 2FN. Co-ordinator: Steve Dell www.spiceeastmids.com dominic@tham www.spicelondon.co.uk info@spicebham.com Spice 130 UK National Office SpiceTel: East Midlands The(Scotland) Stables, 11 Poplar Road o Stretford, SPICE Aztec deals. www.spicebristolcardiff.com 0131 531 2653 Manchester, M32 9AN Foxhall Business Center, www.spicebham.com simply www.thamesv 0161 873 8788 01827info@spicescotland.com 767150 Tel: 0161 864 3849 Stretford, Manchester, M32 9A Almondsbury, Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris 2 King Street, Nottingham, SPICE (Manchester) Visit spiceextras.co.uk to start info@spiceuk.com office@spiceeastmids.com Tel: 0845 094 2200 info@spicemcr.com Bristol BS32 4UB As 63 Easter Langside Crescent, www.spicescotland.com NG1 2AS SPICE (East Midlands) SPICE (York Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes SPICE www.spiceeastmids.com (Bristol & Cardiff) www.spiceuk.com info@spiceyorks.com www.spicemcr.com Tel:1031 01276 479 253 shopping and start2FN. saving today. a member of Dalkeith, EH22 Tel: 0845 017 Co-ordinator: Steve Dell Co-ordinator: The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone www.spiceyorks.com dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com info@spiceeastmids.com Spice you can enjoy From the home page click the Tel: 0131 531 2653 Foxhall/ Cardiff Business Center,Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN The Stables, 130 Aztec Spice Bristol SPICE (Scotland) www.spicebristolcardiff.com www.spiceeastmids.com Event2 button. info@spicescotland.com many exclusive and King Street, Nottingham, Stretford, Man Tel: 0161 864 3849 Almondsbury, Spice Scotland 0117 971 5593 Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris As a deals. member of spice you c www.spicescotland.com money saving Tel: 0845 094 info@spicemcr.com NG1 2AS Bristol BS32 4UB 0131 531 2653(East Midlands) kate@spicebristolcardiff.com 63 Easter Langside Crescent, In the Search events block you SPICE and mone www.spicemcr.com many exclusiveinfo@spiceyo Tel:Dell 01276 479search 253 0845 Tel: info@spicescotland.com www.spicebristolcardiff.com Co-ordinator: Steve can for Dalkeith, a017 type1031 of EH22 event 2FN. 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Looking back...

First ever holiday

Do you remember this...

First ever newsletter

have visited hundreds of destinations over the years - here are some of our memories...

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Do you remember this...

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Kate – Spice Bristol & Cardiff I have been a co-ordinator for only a few months, so I don’t really have any stories to tell yet, but I wanted to share my story of how I came to be involved with Spice. I left Jersey in September 2012 and arrived in Bristol with no home (it was still being built), no job and no friends living near. I had decided that I needed to make some changes to my life and that Bristol was the place to be. Not knowing anyone was difficult, and when I started working the people I worked with were mainly men, so there wasn’t a lot of chance of making strong friendships there. My sister emailed me to say she had found a group online that I might enjoy, so I went along to a Spice Preview Night in February 2013. I signed up that night and haven’t looked back since. I now have friends all over the country, I have met some fantastic people and been to some beautiful places. My most memorable event was White Water Rafting down the Grand Canyon. The canyon is a beautiful place, and you can’t describe being there and the things you see on the way, it is an exciting and life-changing trip. As well as this though, I met an amazing group of people, and some of them have become very close friends. You definitely get close to people on this trip when you are sleeping out under the stars and with them 24/7. There is never an excuse for being bored with Spice, there is always somewhere you can be, something you can do and I have never once regretted signing up. I now have amazing friends, a home and the best job in the world!

Jamie – Spice Scotland When looking for memorable moments, positive and stressful I look no further than our Spice Scotland Ski Trips. On one occasion when attempting to check in a Chambery airport I was advised none of our group were on the flight manifest so couldn’t travel. In an attempt to get everyone home I asked if there were any seats available on the flight we could purchase – I was advised there were 31 – guess how many were in our group? After a bit of head scratching by the airport staff we were all eventually allowed to board. What followed will remain with me as one of those funny and embarrassing moments – after being sat on the plane for ¾ hour (still waiting to take off) the cabin crew were frantically running around clearly trying to sort a problem. Katie and myself were sat in seats 1a and 1b, we were approached by a member of the cabin crew and asked to go with them – all the way to the back of the plane – back row seats. When we sat down the announcement was made that we can now depart as the plane has been rebalanced! Really? We received a bottle of champagne for our troubles. On another trip – The Sella Ronda (a ski route around a central mountain) in Italy myself and two fellow members – all of us lower intermediate skiers at the time decided to do the easier route which went the opposite way to all the other skiers – not just the Spice ones. We had the best time, tea, cake, relaxing, photos, more tea, wine and nearing the end of the route (so we thought) decided to stop for burgers. As these arrived we asked our waitress where on the map were we in relation to the end of the route – we thought we were over ¾’s of the way round – we hadn’t made half way! What followed can only be described as survival mode – the fastest and most reckless skiing you have ever seen to try and make up the time. We missed the last lift back the start by minutes and were stranded on the mountain. It was getting dark, we weren’t worried!!! We managed to call a taxi – only for someone to steal it, we were finally helped by an Italian lad who had a Scottish relative – he got us a taxi and we arrived back at the hotel at the same time as the main bus – and it only cost us in the region of £120! That’s a lesson learnt but truly character building. Donald and Lorna – we’ll have the Sella Ronda.

Richard – Spice West Midlands

It was not unusual for the phones to start ringing as soon as the final Villa & Rooming List for a Spice Center Parcs Weekend was sent out. It’s a complicated document and a lot of care goes into trying to put likeminded people together as we know that it has the potential to make or break someone’s weekend. We can get things wrong. But never quite as wrong as happened on this occasion around 15 years ago: My colleague Maggie took a call from a lady who had only recently joined the group. She wanted a bit more information about the person she had been roomed with as the name seemed familiar to her. “Does she live in the Warwick area?” .. “does she work in finance?” .. “her approx. age?”Maggie answered the best she could within our data protection rules. Then suddenly, with the power on an earthquake, the phone line turned blue! “That’s the Fxxxxxx Bxxxx who ran off with my husband after 20 years of happy marriage ..” Yes, it transpired that we had put the “scorned ex wife” and the “evil mistress”. And not only in the same villa, but in the same room! We had obviously thought the two would go together well. The trouble was, this husband must have thought that very same way! Not wishing to see newspaper headlines of “bloodbath in villa 917”, Maggie quickly sorted it for the lady to be cancelled, refunded in full and kept well away from her nemesis in future. Incidentally, the other lady concerned stayed a member for many more years. I remember her as a feisty lady who could be quite demanding at times. On such occasions, I would think to myself .. “If only you knew what we had saved you from, you might be a little more grateful to your Spice team!”

Steve – Spice East Midlands I have been a supplier and then a coordinator for many years. In that time I have learnt the role is varied and provides many challenges and interesting situations. Here are just a few… • • • • • •

One of my early walks a lady turned up wearing high heels – she convinced me she could walk better in them than she could in boots – she did too! The twice yearly clock changes often involve receiving a call to say “where is everyone” and needing to be informed they either have an hour to wait until we get there or we are half way round the walk. Occasionally a member calling has to be told the event was yesterday – or tomorrow – you can either wait there or come back tomorrow. The Christmas Dinner Dance table plan always throws up some challenges. From the request for 15 people to sit on a table of 10, to a list of people NOT to sit them with, to and the request to sit with someone who hasn’t even booked the event. On a weekend away 2 members both claimed they didn’t get any sleep as the other one was snoring all night! We meet many interesting characters – not many people have Dracula in their mobile phone book!

Kat – Spice Thames Valley Hi, I’m Kat Buttle, Spice’s newest Coordinator. When asked to write my favourite story about being a coordinator, I found it difficult having only been in the job a few weeks! So I hope you won’t mind if instead, I share with you my first Spice event as a member.Some of you may have heard about Spice Thames Valley and Solents legendary ski trips and for those who have heard of them, you will most certainly of heard of the ‘Exploding Toilets’ and ‘Burning Buses’. I managed to avoid the exploding toilets but my first ever Spice event was the ‘Burning Bus Ski Trip’. The trip was a joint Thames Valley and Yorkshire trip and I joined the trip because my cousin and I had always gone skiing together and as a member of Spice she wanted to give the Spice ski trip a go and as my skiing buddy, I was going too! And so my Spice journey began. Whilst the Thames Valley crowd were en-route to the ski-resort, most were sleeping off the hangover whilst Dom was faithfully working on his laptop facing the rear of the bus. When he looked up he could see smoke coming from under the back seats; he got the bus driver to pull over and I was awoken to Dom’s voice telling everyone to vacate the bus. Half asleep and dazed I was trying to figure out what was going on when a fellow Spicer ran down the bus shouting ‘fire’. I dutifully got off the bus before realising that I’d left my handbag tucked away ‘Oh, I’ll get it when they let us back on’ I thought…. Hmmmm….. Needless to say I never did see that handbag again…. Or the new shoes that I had bought at the airport (they were a beautiful, red, patent shoe – completely inappropriate for a ski trip but they winked at me). In fact, out of the whole trip, most lost something, approximately half of us lost our main luggage and of course, I was the only one to lose both! My cousin’s credit card took a hammering that week and my room buddy and I (not my cousin) got to see more of each other than we anticipated as both of us had lost our main luggage. As silly as it sounds it was a great trip; I made some life-long friends and we now have traditional ‘burning bus songs’ that still get sung on chairlifts. My fellow Spicers on the trip showed camaraderie, warm friendship and a sense of adventure that I knew I’d want to be part of for a long time; 6 years later I am now at the helm of the Thames Valley and Solent group and look forward to seeing the group through its next phase. Exciting times J

Dianne – Spice London I have been running Spice London for 20 years and I still think I have the best job in the world. I have met so many wonderful Spice members over the years and had so much fun on all the Spice events and in particular on the Spice holidays. There are too many to mention but Rafting the Grand Canyon, travelling round Iceland and the Best of the West trip to America are high on my list of favourite trips. Another one was a trip to Barbados which started off by Dave Smith from Spice UK ringing me up and asking me ‘if there was any chance I could drop everything and run a trip to Barbados including a week on the Star Clipper’ How could I refuse such a fabulous offer... It was amazing and we swam with turtles, jet-skied, walked through rain forests and watched a volcano erupt just as we were sailing past. One of my funniest stories from that trip was when we were all in the bar having a few drinks on the last night aboard the clipper when one of the members went to bed and her partner stayed in the bar with the rest of us. They had previously agreed that he was to pack the bags and put them outside the cabin door for the 5.00a.m pick up. Breakfast the next day was one of the funniest breakfasts ever, as he had packed everything into the bags, and he meant everything, and now his girlfriend didn’t have anything to wear. We laughed so much but between us managed to find some clothes for her to wear until we were reunited with our bags.

Do you remember this... Lauren – Spice Manchester & Yorkshire For those in the know, the word SPICE conjures up friendship, fun, adventure – in fact Spice means so many different things to different members who joined for their own reasons and get a real kick out of the camaraderie that can be found by being a member. We all know that when SPICE was set up, it was all about ‘the Spice of life’ however if you mention Spice to those not in the know, you often get a wry smile or an inquisitive knowing look and I have many memories of explaining myself & more importantly the ethos of SPICE. Back in my days of being a Spice volunteer host I was asked to host a meal at the Mongolian Grill on Sackville Street in Manchester – it was a particularly unpleasant evening weather wise and I had several phone calls from members who were trying to locate the venue or were running late due to the awful weather. As the venue was a little bit tucked away I offered to stand outside with my Spice Red Clipboard and I was carrying a red brolly to protect me from the rain. Cars kept slowing down & winding their windows down to chat to me and being the friendly conscientious host that I was, I of course asked if they were looking for SPICE. If you aren’t familiar with Manchester city centre (as I obviously wasn’t at the time) you would not realise that the restaurant was located in the red light district. It turned out that they were looking for SPICE but most definitely not the type of SPICE I was offering – it was only after I was asked if I was a working girl & how much I was charging it clicked. I scurried back in to the restaurant and talked the rest of the party in via the phone with a very red face!

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