Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

52
the Spice newsletter www.spicebristolcardiff.com special programme of initiative challenge & excitement Super Spring Issue! April to June 2014 Spring events…. Kayak River Adventure Day Learn to Sail & Sailing the Solent Walking the Pembroke Coast Avon Gorge River Cruise Nepalese Dining in Bath High Speed Rib Ride - Cardiff National Center Parcs Party Weekend Bristol Harbour Music Festival Weekend Spice Skiing in Les Arcs/Vallandry, France January 2014

description

Spice Bristol & Cardiff Activity Adventure & Social Group Newsletter April to June 2014

Transcript of Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Page 1: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

the Spice newsletter

ww

w.s

pice

bris

tolc

ardi

ff.co

m

special programme of initiativechallenge & excitement

Super Spring Issue!

April to June 2014

Spring events….● Kayak River Adventure Day● Learn to Sail & Sailing the Solent● Walking the Pembroke Coast● Avon Gorge River Cruise● Nepalese Dining in Bath● High Speed Rib Ride - Cardiff● National Center Parcs Party Weekend● Bristol Harbour Music Festival Weekend

Spice Skiing inLes Arcs/Vallandry, France

January 2014

Page 2: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Spice Holidays - enjoy more time away with SpiceHoliday with agroup of likeminded Spicemembers andshare youra m a z i n ga d v e n t u r e s .Select from a

fantastic rangeof holidays from Spice UK. We do

everything from Turkish Blue Coast Cruises to Rafting theGrand Canyon, from exploring Italian Lakes to Sportsholidays in Lanzerote plus some great ski trips. Book yourholidays on-line at www.spiceuk.com.

Chill-Out & Relaxing Holidays● Turkey Blue Coast Cruise 9�� June● Turkey Blue Coast Cruise 18�� August● The Italian Lakes 14�� September● Turkey Chillout 15�� September● Costa Blanca Chillout 21�� September● Turkey Blue Coast Cruise 6�� October● Lake Garda Autumn Special 8�� October

Spicy - Adrenaline & Excitement

● Watersports Rhodes 1 or 2 Weeks 7�� June● Watersports Rhodes 1 Week 14�� June● Walking the Turquoise Coast 23�� June● Walking the Italian Dolomites 26�� July● Walking in Tuscany 21�� August● Grand Canyon Rafting 9�� September● Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike 4�� October● La Santa Sports Holiday 9�� October

Just Having Lots of Fun● Best of the Baltics Cruise 17�� June● Zumba Spectacular Spain       22ⁿ� June

Spice - Goes Exploring the World!

● Rome Mini Break 10�� April● Stockholm Mini Break 24�� April● Granada ‐ Festival of Crosses      2ⁿ� May● Cultural Andalucia 18�� May● Hidden Gems of Barcelona 6�� June● Sicily - Myths & Legends 26�� June● Berlin Bonanza 27�� June● Best of the West USA          2ⁿ� August● Highlights of China 12�� September● Cuba Sun & Fun 23�� October● Lapland Adventure 7�� December

Spice in the White Stuff - Skiing● Ski Christmas - Les Arcs, France 20�� December● Ski New Year - Alpe D’Huez, France 27�� December

Please contact the SpiceUK office on 0161 8738788 or e-mail us [email protected]. foryour unique Spice UKmembership number.We will soon beintroducing a new

booking system which willmean you may book a Spice holiday when booking anyevent on our web-site.

Wait only

Page 3: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Dianne’s Wee BitHello Everyone!Welcome to the spring issue of the Spice Bristol & Cardiff newsletter and we hopeyou are looking forward to the warmer weather, the longer days and some Spice funalong the way. A big welcome to all our new members who joined at the start ofthe year, and we hope you have started booking your first events. Just jump straightin and book something to start your Spice adventure. We are just at the other endof the phone if you need any help .

This issue sees the start of our outdoor programme of events. Our sailing programmecasts-off at Easter with our 4 day cruise and there are a whole host of other sailingweekends to choose from, including some lovely sunny sailing in Malta for May &June. An exciting channel crossing from Cherbourg, a stunning Jurassic coast sail toWeymouth, plus you can learn the ropes with our introduction to sailing on theSolent which promises to be brilliant fun.

For those members living in Bristol we have a supper & social at the Mud Dock, a night of comedy at Jongleurs& Easter dining at the Severn Shed restaurant and Doreen Doreen live band at the Fiddlers. Or why not try ourkayak river adventure or the big abseil. In May we have a dinner shuffle at Browns, a Motown tribute night andwe are off to a Turner Exhibition with afternoon tea. There is also Bluebell walking, climbing the LongstonePinnacle, or a flying taster lesson. In June we have comedy, bowling, an Avon Gorge river cruise, cycling andHigh ropes to tempt you out and about.

For our South Wales members we are off the Glee comedy club, a pay as you go dinner at Bills and a meet andeat at the Cricketers or learn to relax on our self hypnosis workshop. You can get out and about on the quadbikes or try our adventure mission at Symonds Yat. In May we have ten pin bowling, pay as you do dining atShaam Nights and a meet & eat in Cwmbran. Or you could try your hand at an introduc tion to canoes and kayaksor have a blast on our rib ride. In June we have a pottery taster, gorge walking, stand up paddleboarding, whitewater rafting or archery as well as our social evenings out.

For Spice members living in Bath we have a visit to No 1 the Royal Crescent, live Jazz at Carluccios, dinner at theCosy Club and we are having a tasty Nepalese meal at Yak Yeti Yak.

For Spice members living in the Gloucester/Cheltenham area we have quiz nights, walking, pay as you go meals,a curry night, wine tasting, canadian canoeing, and abseiling for beginners so we hope we see you soon.

Cycling is another fun way of getting into the great outdoors and a tour of some picturesque Cotswolds villagesin May makes a lovely spring break, we also have local day cycles with the very popular Kev, so it’s time to geton yer bike!

For the Walkers amongst you we have lots of events to choose from for all levels from easy day walks to harderwalks in Snowdonia, not to mention our amazing wing walking, which doesn’t involve much walking. We havewalking challenges locally with a difference as they are a kind of walk & pub quiz rolled into one.

Last Easter we found a cosy bunkhouse in Brecon and had a relaxing chill-out, social, easy walking weekend andso this year we are back. This time we have some optional holistic treatments available for you which willencourage you to truly relax. BBQ’s, some wine and socialising is on the cards so why not join us.

June is also that time of year when Spice descends upon Center Parcs in Nottingham, this is the biggest Spiceevent of the year, two great parties, the theme for Saturday night’s party is ‘Carnival’ no doubt you all will thinkof some amazing costumes to make it all go with a swing. On Sunday we are running our popular ‘it’s a knockouttournament’ which is a brilliant fun and this year we have some new games. . As usual we will round off theweekend with a Spice BBQ. Slots already selling fact for this one so you need to book real soon.

Dianne.

Page 4: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Coming Events – April to May 2014 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 April Helicopter & Fire Service Emergency

Rescue

Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms,

Newport

2 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

3 Ceroc Dance

Class - Thornbury

4 JCB Visit & Lunch

- Staffordshire

The Glee Club Comedy Night

5 Guide Dog Training Centre

Madresfield Court WAIT

Pay as you go Sebz

Supper & Social Mud Dock

Walk with Wolves Bedford

6 Camel Riding Experience

Warwickshire

Visit to No1 Royal Crescent + Sunday Lunch

Cycling Weekend - New Forest – WAIT LIST Drawing and Watercolour Weekend – Wales

Fly Fishing Weekend - Mid Wales 7

Badminton Night - Drop In & Play

8 Scuba Diving

Taster Session - Bristol

9 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

10 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

11 Flying Trapeze Taster Session

Friday Night Comedy at

Jongleurs Bristol

Pay As You Go - Bill's Cardiff

12 Doreen Doreen Live At

Fiddlers - Bristol

Kayak River Adventure Day

Snorkelling with Sharks - London Aquarium

Western Style Rifle

Shooting

Windsurfing - Birmingham

13 Cotswolds - Temple

Guiting Ramble

Flying Taster Lesson - Elstree, Herts

The Big Abseil

200 Feet Straight Down

Zip World - Ultimate

Zipline - WAIT LIST Spring City Break – Cambridge by Canoe Outdoor Digital Photography Weekend

14 Preview and

Social - Bristol North

15 Preview Night -

Cardiff

16 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

17 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Cheltenham Quiz

Night

18

19 Easter Dinner

Severn Shed Restaurant

Llama + Wolf Experience Day - Bedford

20 Quad Biking Cardiff

Solve the Mystery Walk

Tank Battle Experience

Sailing Easter 4 Day Cruise Jurassic Coast WAIT LIST Easter South Wales Walking + Chill Out W/E

Easter Walk W/E Newquay/Cornish Coast Easter Walking Weekend - Eastern Lakes New Members Easter Walking Weekend

Newcastle Easter Party Weekend Walking Weekend - Easter in the Lakes

Walking Weekend - Pembrokeshire Coast 21 22

Scuba Diving Taster Session -

Bristol

23 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

24 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Meet and Eat - The Barley Mow

Meet + Eat

The Cricketers

Spice Preview The Barley Mow

Bristol

25 Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway

Sailing Learn to

Sail Introduction - Gosport

26 Spice Dines - Bordeaux

Quay Bristol

Symonds Yat Adventure Mission

Tennis W/E with Coaching

- Northants

27 English Magic Exhibit, Jeremy Deller + A/Tea

Medieval Jousting -

Warwickshire

Self Hypnosis Workshop – Cardiff

Spice Wing Walking

Studley Easy Ramble

Mini Break to Stockholm – WAIT LIST Lake District Activities Bunk Barn Weekend

28 Badminton Night - Drop In & Play

29 Cinema Night

Cardiff

Live Jazz & dinner

Carluccio’s Bath

30 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

1 May Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Unique Dining at

The Leaf Ham Green

2

3 Longstone Pinnacle

Dining at Bill's - Bristol

Hangliding Tandem

Microlighting Experience

Paragliding Tandem Paragliding Day Course

4 Helicopter Lesson At

Wellesbourne Airfield

Canoeing and Kayaking

River Cruise to Beese's Tea Garden

Adrenalin Cocktail Weekend, Bank Holiday Walking W/E Cornish Coast, Sailing Cross Channel Gosport/Cherbourg,

Walking Weekend - Hadrian's Wall Walking Weekend - Snowdonia Nat Park

Welsh Camping Long Weekend Mid Wales Camping + Canoeing Weekend – Windsor

Page 5: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Coming Events – May to June 2014

Make the most of your Spice membership! Remember to check our web site regularly as we update it daily, don’t miss out on the fun! To book: www.spicebristolcardiff.com or phone the office on 0742 959 8414 or 01276 479253

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 5

Badminton Night - Drop In & Play

Bank Holiday

Walking Cornish EXTRA NIGHT

6 Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms,

Newport

7 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

8 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

9 Friday Night Comedy at

Jongleurs Bristol

Ten Pin Bowling – Cardiff

10 Dinner Shuffle – Browns

Nature of Wales

Stately Secrets of Tissington Walk

Binning the Stress W/S

Colour U Confident W/S

Don’t Diet W/S

Polo Outdoor Lesson

11 Acting for Beginners

Workshop Birmingham

Bluebell Walk - Tyntesfield + Portbury Wood

Flying Taster Lesson -

Elstree, Herts

Clay Pigeon Shooting Cardiff

NLP for Beginners W/S

Dance Weekend - Zumba in Bournemouth Sailing Weekend in Malta + Gozo

Walking Weekend Buxton Palace + Peaks 12

Preview and Social - Bristol

North

13 Scuba Diving

Taster Session - Bristol

14 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

15 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Gloucester Local

Meet

16 Motown Tribute

Night Bristol

Pay As You Go - Shaam Nights

Cardiff

17 Crazy Golf Adventure –

Bristol

Rugby School Tour

Walk Wolves -Bedford

18 Bluebell Walk: Castell Coch

+ Beech Woods

Cotswolds Ramble - Bourton on the Water

Sunday Lunch at The Glassboat Restaurant

Acrylic Painting Weekend

Birds Of Prey Weekend Bucharest and Transylvanian Experience

Sailing Weekend Poole - Jurassic Coast Camping Afloat Wolverhampton

Walking Weekend – Fort William & Highlands 19

Badminton Night - Drop In and

Play

20 Preview Night -

Cardiff

21 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

22 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

23 Pay As You Go -

Cocktails at Opium Bar Bath

Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway

24 Chelsea Flower Show Day

Ticket – London

Coastal Blast High Speed Rib Ride – Cardiff

Double Supercar Blast +

High Speed Ride

The Soul Destroyers Live At Fiddlers - Bristol

25 The Big Abseil - 200 Feet

Straight Down

Turner Exhibition and Afternoon Tea

Prodrive VIP visit

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

The Soul Destroyers

Sailing Cross Channel Gosport/Cherbourg Walking W/E - Tenby + Pembroke Coast

Walking Weekend - Ilkley Moor Yorkshire Walking Weekend - The Welsh 3000's Walking Weekend North Devon Coast

26 27 Scuba Diving

Taster Session - Bristol

28 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

29 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Spice Meet and

Eat - South Wales

Spice Meet and Eat - The Rose of

Denmark

Spice Preview Night - The Rose

of Denmark

30

31 Back to Basics Digital Photography W/Shop

Dinner at the

Cosy Club – Bath

White Water Kayaks

Horse Archery

Trick Horse Riding

1 June Guided Walk: Abbots Leigh

+ Leigh Woods

Pottery Taster Session – Cardiff

Spice Wing Walking

Experience

Dance Weekend - Cuban + Latin Blackpool

Page 6: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Coming Events – June 2014

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 2

Badminton - Drop In and Play

3 Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms,

Newport

4 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

5 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Gloucester Curry

Night

6 Friday Night Comedy at

Jongleurs Bristol

The Glee Club Comedy Night

7 Canadian Canoe Trail +

1 Night Camp Kent

Gorge Walking Adventure - Abergavenny

Meeting Your

True Soul Mate

Saturday Lunch + Stroll - The Brassmill

Western Style Rifle Shooting Afternoon

8 10 Things Everyone Should

Know About DIY

A day out at Dyrham Park and Lunch

Cosforth Airshow with an Insider!

High Ropes Adventure

Celtic Manor

Llama + Wolf Experience Day - Bedford

Wake Up the Zoo - Dudley

Sailing Weekend around the Solent Sea Kayaking with the Seals

Walking Weekend - Eastbourne + S. Downs Walking Weekend Patterdale Eastern Lakes

Woolacombe Coastal Photography W/E 9

Preview and Social - Bristol

North

10 Gloucester Wine Tasting Evening,

Laithwaites

Scuba Diving Taster Session -

Bristol

11 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

12 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Pub Social - Antix Cafe Bar. Bristol

13 Pay As You Go - The Crispy Duck

14 Abseiling for Beginners at

Symonds Yat

Double Supercar Blast + High Speed Ride

Flight Simulator

Experience – Northampton

Hot Steak, Cool Art at Steak of the Art

Learn to be a Fashion

Photographer

15 Cinema Night – Cardiff

Incredible Auto Circus

Maxstoke Castle Visit

and Easy Ramble

Stand Up Paddleboarding Taster – Cardiff

Visit to The Wild Place -

Bristol

Fun Activity Weekend Sailing Learn to Sail Introductory Weekend

Snowdonia Outdoor Photography W/E Snowdonia Valley + Rivers Walking W/E

16 Badminton -

Drop In and Play

17 Preview Night -

Cardiff

18 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

19 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Cheltenham Quiz

Night

20 Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway

21 Wild Sleepout

Ferrari v Lamborghini Blast

Monmouth Ramble

Summer Solstice Sleepover

Spice Dines Chinese -

Dynasty, Bristol

Spice Wing Walking

White Water Kayaks

22 Archery – Cardiff

Avon Gorge River Cruise -

Bristol

Explore the River Wey by Canadian Canoe

How to Make Friends and

Influence People

Visit to Cotswold Birdland Park and Gardens

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Weekend Walking Weekend - Cheddar Gorge Mendips

23 24 Scuba Diving

Taster Session - Bristol

25 Ceroc Dance

Bristol

26 Ceroc Dance Thornbury

Meet + Eat

Ffynnon Wen

Spice Meet + Eat Social - Bristol

Preview Night - Pitcher & Piano

27

28 Nepalese Dining: Yak Yeti

Yak – Bath

Preston Bagott Easy Ramble and Lunch

Scottish Walkwise Walking

Week WAIT LIST

Upton On Severn Ramble

29 Bungee Jump - 160ft over

Water

Coastal Blast High Speed Rib Ride – Cardiff

Kayak River Adventure Day

Sunday Roast at the Grain

Barge - Bristol

Sailing Weekend in Malta + Gozo Walking Weekend - Scarborough Coast

Page 7: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

& make the most of your Spice membership!

Bristol Club & Preview NightsThe Barley Mow, 39 Barton Road, St Philips, BS2 0LF24 April From 7:30 till 10:30pm ask for Spice table

The Rose of Denmark, 6 Dowry Square, Hotwells, BS8 4QL29 May From 7:30 till 10:30pm ask for Spice table

The Pitcher & Piano, V-Shed, Cannons Rd, BS1 5UH26 June From 7:30 till 10:30pm ask for Spice table

Bristol North Social & Preview NightsThe Swan14 Gloucester Road, AlmondsburyBristol, BS32 4AA2nd Monday of each month14 April, 12 May & 9 JuneFrom 7:45pmSpice All presentation at 8:00pmLook for Spice Table

Cardiff Preview NightsChapter, Market Road, CantonCardiff, CF5 1QEEvery Month15 April, 20 May & 17 JuneFrom 7:45pmSpice Presentation at 8:00pmAsk at reception for Spice

Our regular Club/Preview nights are a greatway for members to catch up with each otherand socialise over a drink in relaxedsurroundings, if you have never been why notdrop by. They are also a way for prospectivemembers to come along, meet a few existingmembers and find out more about Spice &maybe join on the night. A Spice coordinatorwill be there to welcome you & make someintroductions and alsogive a short talk abouthow Spice works, it’sall very relaxed andfriendly. These nightsare always popular andits well worth droppingin. There is no need tobook and there is nocharge, you only payfor your own drinks onthe night, bring afriend if you like.

Get involved with these fun social events…

Meet & Eat + Socials

Our Meet & Eat + Socials are a relaxed fun wayto make friends with Spice members in yourarea. Take a look at our web site as you needto book these events.

Bristol - The Barley Mow39 Barton Rd, St Philips, BS2 0LF24 April at 7:30pm

Cardiff - The Cricketers66 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, CF11 9LL24 April at 7:15pm

Gloucester - The Fountain Inn53 Westgate St, GL1 2NW15 May at 7:30pm

Cwmbran - Three Blackbirds InnLlantarnam, Cwmbran, NP44 3AY29 May at 7:30pm

Bristol - The Rose of Denmark6 Dowry Sq, Hotwells BS8 4QL29 May at 7:30pm

See our Web-site for June dates

Getting the most from Spice - Top Tips

● Check the web site regularly, we update on a daily basis, make sureyou don’t miss that “must do event”

● Booking early means you won’t be disappointed by an event sellingout (most do come around again).

● Use any credit vouchers you received when you first joined, as thesewill expire after 3 months.

● Try something different, you never know you may surprise yourselfand love it!

● Use the transport share list if you find it difficult to get to an event,most Spice members are more than happy for a bit of company on along trip.

● Go on the wait list, we do get members cancelling bookings and wecan often arrange for extra slots.

● Don’t forget Spice UK has some brilliant holidays, check their website.

● Remember Spice is a network, one big family, you can attend eventswith another group, just call us to book.

● Call the office if you have any questions about an event, or are notsure about something, we are happy to help.

Preview Nights & Pub Socials

Ceroc Dance Class - BristolThe Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd BS10 5PY8:00pm for beginners lessonWednesday nights weekly

Ceroc Dance Class - ThornburyArmstrong Hall Complex, 4 Chapel St BS35 2BU8:00pm for 8:15 beginners lessonThursday nights weekly

Page 8: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Scuba Diving Taster Session - Bristol Dates: Tuesday 8th & 22nd April Tuesday 13th & 27th May Place: Dean Lane, Bedminster, Bristol (BS3 1BS) Bristol South Swimming Pool Time: 8pm to 9:30pm Cost: £35 Member, £37 Guest Never tried SCUBA diving? Then this is your chance to experience the sensation of breathing underwater. The 1 hour session will be conducted by a professional instructors or divemasters who will first explain to you what you will be experiencing and take you step by step through your scuba equipment and diving safety procedures. Once equipped you will start in the shallow end of the dive pool taking your first breaths underwater! As you progress at your own pace your instructor will take you towards the deeper end of the pool. There are male and female changing facilities on site, please bring along your swimwear, a towel and an old T-shirt to wear over your swimwear. Please note: We need to know your chest size and shoe size so that we can provide you with the sized wetsuit and flippers.

Flying Trapeze Taster Session Date: Friday 11th April 2014 Place: No fit Circus, John Street, Cardiff (CF10 5PE) Main Entrance - Spice sign from 5:45pm to 8pm Cost: £15 Member, £17 Guest Includes: Approximately 2 Hour Flying Taster Session Ever dreamt of flying? This flying trapeze taster class is a must for any budding aerialist. You’ll learn the key flying trapeze basics alongside high-octane aerial manoeuvres, but it’s not just for daredevils. Safety is NoFit State’s priority, and the John Street base is kitted out with crash mats and safety harnesses in case gravity takes over! The fully trained instructors will guide you through a variety of flying trapeze exercises. Once you’ve completed the taster class, you’ll be able to join weekly Level 1 or 2 sessions if you’d like to take it further. Time to find out what flying when not dreaming really feels like!

Friday Night Comedy at Jongleurs Bristol Date: Friday 11th April 2014 Place: The Cuban, Harbourside, Bristol (BS1 5SZ) Jongleurs Comedy Club - Main Entrance at 7:30pm Cost: £24.50 Member Tkt + Supper, £26.50 Guest Tkt + Supper, £15 Member Ticket Only Includes: Comedy Ticket, Booking Fee, 1 Course Meal, Spice Host Extras: Drinks It’s weekend and definitely time for a good laugh! Tonight we’re off to Jongleurs in Bristol, located in the best new bar and live entertainment venue in town, The Cuban! Each show features a Compere who will host your evening, and they introduce 3 top acts who will do their finest to make you laugh. The shows sometimes include open spots - a chance to see brand new talent trying out for the first time on a professional stage. All the seating is allocated so no fighting for the good views, tasty bar food is available before the show and the Cuban Bar next door is perfect for after work beers and pre-show cocktails as well as late night drinks after the show. We will also enjoy a one course meal before the show with pub classics on the menu such as Beer battered fish & chips, Crunchy crumbed chicken, with chips & coleslaw, Grilled chicken burger, with chips, as well as items like pie, pizza and vegetable burgers. It’s a great night out for some laughter, fun and fabulous Spice company.

Outdoor Digital Photography Weekend Date: Fri 11th Apr 2014 - Sun 13th Apr 2014 Place: Lluest Fach, Foel, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00pm - Buffet at 8.30pm Cost: £177 Member Sharing, £197 Guest Sharing (Deposit £35)

Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet / picnic lunches 4 course evening dinner party and all instructions

Do you own a digital camera? Do you look at the pictures on the screen and your prints and think they’re ok, but they’re not really as you remember when you took the shot. Maybe you’re unsure about manual settings and prefer to leave it on the automatic setting rather than really knowing how to make the most of your camera and the location you’re in? Well this weekend aims to change all that and will allow you to get to grips with how your digital camera really works amidst the stunning and varied scenery that Mid-Wales has to offer. Your instructor for the weekend is Mark Sisson, a full-time professional wildlife photographer and experienced workshop leader, see http://www.natures-images.co.uk. This is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced professional at a price well below his usual rates. We’ll focus on a number of the superb outdoor locations near the secluded 16th Century stone farmhouse that will be our base for the weekend. The weekend takes place at a secluded 16th Century stone farmhouse in the heart of the Welsh countryside with breathtaking views over the Cambrian Mountains. This popular retreat is the home of Breakaway Holidays, run by your hosts Barry and Sonya.

Page 9: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Pay As You Go - Bill's Cardiff, Just £2* Date: Friday 11th April 2014 Place: 27-39 Wyndham Arcade, Mill Lane, Cardiff (CF10 1FH) Bill's Restaurant - Spice Table at 7:30pm Originally built in the late 1800s, Wyndham Arcade, a Grade II listed building, is home to Bill’s Cardiff restaurant. Both impressive and intimate, with little booths, nooks and crannies, it seemed the perfect place for Spice to visit. Bill's restaurants are renowned for their warm welcome, great service and delicious, freshly prepared dishes. There are a lot of dishes to choose from such as starters of prawn and avocado cocktail, bruschetta of tomatoes and basil, crispy lemon squid and chicken liver parfait, while mains offer a lovely selection such as marinated half chicken, pearl barley risotto with smoked mozzarella and tomato, hamburgers, and crumbed crab & smoked haddock fishcakes to name but a few. Eton mess, chocolate brownies and crème brulee are just some of the desserts which might tempt you. *This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have.

Doreen Doreen Live At Fiddlers - Bristol Date: Saturday 12th April 2014 Place: Willway Street, Bedminster (BS3 4BG) With Pasta Meal - 6.15 at Ciao Italia or 8pm at The Fiddlers Cost: £13.50 Member Ticket Only, £25.50 Member - Ticket + Meal, Extras: Drinks us at Fiddlers Nightclub for one of Bristol’s best and most fun bands – Doreen Doreen. This amazing band has been around for 21 years and just love to have fun. They never take themselves seriously and play an amazing array of covers from “American Pie” to “Ace Of Spades” and everything in-between. Curiously though, they never play any Duran Duran. The band took its name from the 80’s superstars as they felt they were everything that Duran Duran weren’t!! Larger than life, colourful and fun, Doreen Doreen will serve up a superb evening’s entertainment playing covers of many of your favourite songs to have you dancing the night away with your fellow SPICE members. With the meal option, we will meet at 6.15 at Ciao Italia, 149 East Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EJ which is a 10 minute walk from Fiddlers. Here we will enjoy a lovely plate of pasta or a pizza with plenty of choice on the menu.

Kayak River Adventure Day Date: Saturday 12th April 2014 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 5QT) 10am to approx. 4.30pm Cost: £52 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. Having allowed four and a half hours for the trip, it should be a leisurely day, the famous Kestrels might even be keeping an eye on us from high above the valley. It's a great first timers event, but will also be fun for those of you who have some experience. If you've been to one of our Canoe Skills Workshops at the pool, you'll discover that moving water adds a whole new dimension to the sport, as you try to master your boat, the currents and your technique! Throughout the trip we will be practicing and developing technique, and using the water to help manoeuver the kayak. All equipment is provided.

Snorkelling with Sharks - London Aquarium Date: Saturday 12th April 2014 Place: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road (SE1 7PB) SEA LIFE London Aquarium - Main Entrance at 10am Cost: £135 Member, £137 Guest Includes: 15 minute snorkel with a group of over 15 magnificent sharks – including two impressive 2.7m long Sand Tiger Sharks, 8 sleek Black Tip Reef Sharks and two Brown Sharks in the Pacific Reef tank, Full instructional briefing by trained Aquarists, All equipment and orientation, Priority admission to SEA LIFE London Aquarium for the day, Behind The Scenes Tour Ticket for 10.30am, Booking Fee, Spice Host. Come face to fin with some of the most amazing creatures of the deep as you snorkel amongst an array of sharks in SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s dramatic Pacific Reef display. This major new experience stars 16 awesome sharks and you! You will be submerged beneath the water in a mesh divers net as a group of over 15 magnificent sharks – including two impressive 2.7m long Sand tiger sharks, 8 sleek black tip reef sharks and two 2.2m Browns sharks – circle just feet away from you. A transparent perspex floor will give clear views right to the bottom of the 5m deep display, where the lower swimming Bow Mouth and Nurse Sharks dwell. This unique experience is a thrilling, totally safe, fully immersive underwater experience that will enable unprecedented up close access to these awe inspiring creatures. Absolutely no diving experience is required but you must be able to swim. Further details are on our website. A donation of £5.00 will be given to The Shark Trust for each full price snorkel experience purchased.

Page 10: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Spring City Break – Cambridge by Canoe! Date: Saturday 12th April to Sunday 13th April 2014 Place: White House Arts, 72 Fen Road CB4 1UN at 10am Cost: £95 Member, £105 Guest Explore one of Europe's great cities. The city of Cambridge is steeped in culture and history. It really does have everything from stunning architecture, shops, pubs and restaurants, to scenic riverside walks and picturesque out-of-town villages. We aim to explore the city centre and surrounding areas by canoe and have two different but easy-going and straightforward trips on offer. Firstly, we will follow the River Cam through the heart of historic Cambridge seeing close-up the old University buildings and Cambridge city centre. The second trip will take in the more rural aspects of south west Cambridge enjoying the wildlife and idyllic beauty of Grantchester Meadows and taking refreshments at the famous Orchard Tea Rooms. We will be camping in a riverside location although you may wish to book your own hotel or B&B of which there are many in the area. If you choose the camping option this will be fairly cheap and good value for money. Those fees are not included in the price and will be payable separately. Food, meals, drinks and so on are not included and each person is responsible for their own consumption. We do however, intend to have a meal and get together on the Saturday night and our guides from Slipstream Canoes will happily coordinate this event. We will all bring various items to eat and drink, probably to the value of about £10-£12 per head! All equipment required for canoeing, plus river guiding and tuition will be provided by Slipstream Canoes.

Western Style Rifle Shooting Afternoon Date: Saturday 12th April 2014 Place: Birmingham Shooting Centre, Hockley (B18 7RL) Choose Time Slot Cost: £4 Member Extras: Pay balance of £25.00 on arrival at club Cost is £29 – PAID AS - £4 deposit to Spice to book. Balance of £25 to club on arrival (no credit cards) 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. Afterwards, we can relax in the club bar. Important Since this event is run in line with current firearms legislation please see our web site for some important requirements before booking & directions.

Windsurfing - Birmingham Date: Saturday 12th April 2014 Place: Edgbaston Reservoir (B16 0AA) 10.00am to 12.00 midday Cost: £20 Member, £22 Guest Windsurfing is a fantastic sport, its lots of fun and a great workout too. You’ll find it easy to get started and you’ll feel a great sense of achievement. Rest assured, if you’re taking your first steps on a windsurfer, our instructors will ensure that you learn the best techniques to get going with a minimum of fuss. We'll also provide plenty of advice on equipment, clothing, relevant theory and safety. During an introductory session you will be shown all the basics on dry land then it’s out on to the water to give it a go under the continuing tuition of the instructors. Hopefully by the end of the session you’ll be zipping around on the board showing off your new skills or at least be standing on the board, sail in hand, posing for a picture! Learning to windsurf does tend to be a wet experience but that’s all part of the fun and after all it’s always better when its wetter! If you don’t get wet you’re either a pro already or you’re not trying hard enough. The centre will provide you with wetsuits and buoyancy aids so all you need to take is a pair of old trainers/pumps that you don’t mind getting wet, your swimming gear to wear under your wetsuit, a towel for the inevitable drying off and a change of clothes. For mre information please see our web-site.

Cotswolds - Temple Guiting Ramble Date: Sunday 13th April 2014 Place: Cotswolds, 10.30am prompt start Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest Aimed at regular walkers with a good level of fitness this 11 mile walk with Alan Roberts has three or four ascent's, albeit not to steep they are long. This walk takes us from the Pretty Cotswold village of Temple Guiting through Guiting Forest and across country following the Windrush path, past the historic Sudeley Castle to the town of Winchcombe where we can stop for lunch. After a bite to eat we continue across country to join the Cotswold Way past the remains of a Cistercian Abbey at Hailes, before returning to Temple Guiting. This walk is a mixture of woodlands, open countryside, country lanes, tracks and paths with some tremendous views of the surrounding countryside.

Page 11: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down Date: Sunday 13th April 2014 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol (ST56 1745) meet at 1.15p.m. layby on the Portway Cost: £35 Member, £37 Guest Bristol has the amazing Avon Gorge with the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge symbolising this great city. But it’s not just a beautiful landmark – it’s also the setting for one of our greatest and most challenging events – The Big Abseil. What a great shot for your photo album! Go ahead and impress your family and friends with this classic Spice event. You will start off by literally ‘getting to know the ropes’ and receive full instruction on the techniques needed for your descent. Your instructor will build up your confidence and calm your nerves before you progress onto the impressive 200-foot descent. Don’t forget to admire the impressive views whilst you’re up there.

Cheltenham Quiz Night Date: Thursday 17th April 2014 Place: The Brown Jug, 242 Bath Rd, Cheltenham (GL53 7NB) Inside the Bar at 7:30pm The Brown Jug Pub is situated in Bath Road and is well known for their well-stocked bar, local produce and excellent creative cooking. Tonight is their famous Quiz night and we’d like to enter a Spice team or 2. It costs £1.00 each to enter the Quiz AND it includes a curry and rice! The Quiz master is fantastic and it’s a really fun evening! A team can have up to 4 people in it, so hopefully we can get a ‘Spice One’ and a ‘Spice Too’ and maybe even ‘Three’ team together. This is a relaxed and fun social evening and is a great way to meet up with other Spice members in the local area.

Easter South Wales Walking + Chill Out w/e Walking, cycling, BBQ and Holistic pampering

Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: Trecastle, Nr Brecon South Wales (LD3 8UR) Meet: The Bunkhouse -Arrive from 5.00p.m. Cost: £179 Member Sharing, £199 Member with Treatment Host: Dianne Livingstone Includes 3 Nights’ accommodation in a comfortable bunkhouse (4 star rating) with a touch of luxury for a Spice exclusive weekend, 2 breakfasts (with hot options), 1 Continental breakfast on Monday, guided walks on Saturday and Sunday. 1 picnic lunch & evening meals on Saturday & Sunday (a BBQ one of the evenings weather permitting) Optional extra: Holistic treatments are available such as Swedish massage on your back, neck, legs & shoulders or you can indulge in a seated massage (fully clothed). Anyone booking the weekend to include a 20 min treatment will be sent a menu of options for you to choose which one you would like. Additional treatments can also be booked. Beverley Capel is our holistic massage therapist who lives local to this area. This weekend is aimed at relaxing, chilling out with some walking and exploring as there is a fantastic range of things to do in this part of South Wales. We also have a local holistic therapist who is available to really pamper you over the weekend with a range of holistic treatments. You will leave this lovely part of the world truly relaxed! The village lies close to the county town of Brecon and is within the Brecon Beacons National Park. On both Saturday and Sunday guided walks will be offered of approximately 6/8 miles on each day. We are based in The Bunkhouse, a fully equipped converted stone barn on a farm. There is a large dining area where we can all eat together as a group. There is large kitchen, a living room with comfy sofas and stocked with board games & Stereo. There are 3 bedrooms in different configurations. We can also use an adjoining cottage and local B&B’s so if a bunkhouse is not for you do contact us so that we can offer you alternative accommodation. In the Bunkhouse all the rooms are sharing rooms with 4 in a room. They are comfortable and modern rooms and there are 2 bathrooms/showers. Dianne & Ian, Spice Co-Ordinators run this weekend, do the catering, guide the walks and generally check that you are having a good time!

New Members Easter Walking Weekend Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: Lluest Fach Farm, Foel, Mid-Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00pm, Buffet Dinner 8.30pm Cost: £169 Member Sharing Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation with full cooked breakfasts, Friday buffet supper and 5

course Easter dinner including cheese and port OK, so you’ve joined Spice and now fancy booking a weekend but feel a bit nervous about it. This relaxed and welcoming break is for anyone who’s new to Spice and feels a little daunted by attending their first Spice weekend away. This Easter break takes place at a secluded 16th Century stone farmhouse in the heart of the Welsh countryside with breathtaking views over the Cambrian Mountains. This popular retreat is run by Sonya and Barry; our friends at Breakaway Holidays, and is well known to many Spice members for its cosy atmosphere, homemade farmhouse food and friendly ambience. Lluest Fach sits in its own eight acres of private grounds with large gardens, sculptures, wild life pools and a small menagerie of cats, dogs, sheep and birds. There are seven bedrooms which are a mixture of twins and trebles with shared facilities. Full details are on our website.

Page 12: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Easter Walk Weekend Newquay + Cornish Coast Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: The Beresford Hotel, Newquay, Cornwall (TR7 2PR) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 7.00pm Cost: £235 Member Twin Share, £295 Member Single

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals and 3 days of guided walking WalkWise Overview: The North Cornish coast around Newquay is some of the wildest and most beautiful around Britain. It is open to the Atlantic with its big rollers which make it very attractive to surfers but also creates the stunning coastal scenery. There are wide open sandy beaches, sheltered coves, hidden bays and some delightful fishing villages. Walkwise are planning to walk each of the three days along a separate stretch of coastline. Each day varies in nature visiting various attractive seaside towns like Padstow, Perranporth, Porthcothan and Newquay. Needless to say the coastline is always dramatic with towering cliffs and sea stacks at Trevose Head and Pentire peninsular, then there is the legendary Bedruthan Steps not to mention some of the finest beaches in the world. There is also a host of wildlife along the coast with kittiwake colonys, gannets that effortlessly soar past and spring orchids adorning the pathsides. Our base for this trip will be the Beresford Hotel, ideally located on the seafront overlooking Tolcarne Beach and within the UKs famous surfing town of Newquay… Only perfect!!! WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On each day there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with 2,000ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. For more information including accommodation please see our web-site.

Easter Walking Weekend - Eastern Lakes Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: Shap Wells, North East Lakes (CA10 3QU) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £210 Member Twin Share, £270 Member Single

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches and 3 days of guided walking Extras: Transport to start of walks if used

WalkWise 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 people forget about the Eastern Lakes! Our aim for the Easter bank holiday weekend is to take advantage of this and explore the amazing beauty of the Eastern Lake District. We intend to avoid the crowds, take in the peace and quiet and enjoy the wonderful solitude that you can only get in this area of the Lakes. The scenery is second to nowhere and we have some beautiful and varied walks for you, exploring the beautiful Fells and valleys alike. Each day there will be a choice of walks one heading to the fells and one in the foothills. Add to this the comfort of the Best Western Shap Wells Hotel which is set in its own spacious grounds and provides a home to our endearing Red Squirrels! There are with en-suite bedrooms, well stocked bars and spacious lounges which overall makes an ideal Easter Package to explore the Lake District WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10 or more miles with 2000+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: Set amongst breathtaking scenery we will be staying in the Best Westerns comfortable Shap Wells Hotel. All in all, this hotel has just what we want from a cracking walking base.

Easter Dinner - Severn Shed Restaurant

Date: Saturday 19th April 2014 Place: The Grove, Bristol (BS1 4RB) Severnshed Restaurant in the Barn at 7pm Cost: £29.50 Member, £31.50 Guest Includes: 3 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join Spice tonight as we dine at the Severnshed Restaurant situated in the enviable location of Bristol Harbourside. We’ll first meet in the cocktail bar at 7.00 p.m. for some drinks and will then go into the restaurant for a leisurely and decadent 3 course meal. Located by the river this restaurant has easy access to the city centre without being directly in the hustle and bustle. A car park is conveniently located next door.

Page 13: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Newcastle Easter Party Weekend Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: Copthorne Hotel, Quayside, Newcastle (NE1 3RT) Meet: At the Hotel Cost: £199 Member Twin, £219 Guest Twin, £324 Member Single, £344 Guest Single (Deposit £50)

Includes: 3 nights' bed and breakfast at the 4 star Copthorne Hotel, river cruise on Saturday evening, free use of hotel's leisure facilities

It’s been a while since we enjoyed an Easter break in the North East of England so for 2014 we are heading to the vibrant City of Newcastle upon Tyne with its many attractions. Join us for a fun weekend where we will take in the sights of the City and its neighbouring coastal areas. Accommodation: We will be staying at The Copthorne Hotel (one of the finest in Newcastle) which has a waterfront location close to the City Centre on the banks of the River Tyne. Our rate includes accommodation in a modern, well-equipped and comfortable twin or double room (single rooms are available but at a supplement). All rooms have satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and iron and ironing board. A full English breakfast is included for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings. Leisure Club facilities at this hotel include a 14 metre swimming pool and gym, which guests have free use of throughout their stay. Also included in the weekend is a Saturday evening buffet / disco aboard one of Newcastle’s popular river cruises. This is a 3 hour cruise along the River Tyne. Things to do: There’s lots to do in Newcastle from the fun-filled Centre for Life, the 2,000 years worth of history found in and around the city streets to the stunning new buildings along the quayside, Newcastle/Gateshead has something to suit every taste. Choose from Historic Buildings & Monuments, Galleries & Museums, Public Art & Spaces or visit Beamish Open Air Museum, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, New Metroland or Newcastle/Gateshead quayside. If you're looking for something to do and want a superb view of the city visit the Castle Keep - it's open every day. Take a trip on the city-sightseeing bus, join in a city walking tour or do it yourself by picking up the free walking guides from a Tourist Information Centre. Or why not take an undersea safari at Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth and enjoy close encounters with seals, seahorses, sharks, giant octopus, otters and other incredible aquatic creatures.

Walking Weekend - Easter in the Lakes Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: Glaramara, Lake District (CA12 5XQ) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £249 Member SINGLE, £279 Member TWIN en-suite

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches, 3 breakfasts, 3 days of guided walking WalkWise Overview: Set in the heart of the Lake District, Glaramara is surrounded by some of the finest mountain and lakes in the country. Understandably this is one of our most popular locations, occupying a picture perfect setting which is the envy of every walker!! From the front door of the centre, there is a massive range of walking to choose from and the food is great too! WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with 2500+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: Glaramara, is a purpose built walking centre at the foot of the Borrowdale Valley in the heart of the beautiful Lake District National Park. The centre is ideal for walkers located in a commanding position in the beautiful vale of Borrowdale. There is a well-stocked bar and comfortable lounges, so you can relax in the evenings.

Walking Weekend - Pembrokeshire Coast Date: Fri 18th Apr 2014 - Mon 21st Apr 2014 Place: The Cliff Hotel, Gwbert on Sea, Cardigan (SA43 1PP) Arrive from 4.00pm Cost: £239 Member Twin Share, £299 Member Single

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, evening meals & 3 days of guided walks with a daily choice of walks Extras: Cost of transport

WalkWise Overview: Cardigan Bay and the North Pembrokeshire Coast is a perfect WalkWise escape. It’s a quieter part of the world and there are no crowds to escape from here-even on a bank holiday!! Yet we will visit some of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the country and its isolation means that there is a plethora of adorable wildlife too, seals, dolphins, razorbills and a plethora of seabirds, especially at this time of year. Our base for the trip will be the Cliff Hotel which is well named as it is perched on the top of Pembrokeshires’ towering sea cliffs and overlooking a beautiful sandy bay. Oh and the Cliff Hotel doesn’t just offer comfortable accommodation, but there is a relaxing spa, pool, sauna and Jacuzzi too, which just ensures that this will be a seriously enjoyable getaway! WalkWise provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with up to 2000ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. Further details are on our website.

Page 14: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Llama + Wolf Experience Day - Bedford Date: Saturday 19th April 2014 Place: A428 between Bromham + Turvey, Bedford Directions will be emailed from 10am to 4pm Cost: £48 Member, £51 Guest Includes wolf experience with talk about the wolves, 1hr 30min Llama walk, sandwiches

and snacks We are joining our friends from the Anglian Wolf Society on a combined day out where you visit the wolf sanctuary with the opportunity to take photographs and ask as many questions as you like. Then there will be talk from a knowledgeable member of staff about the wolves and about the conservation projects that the Anglian Wolf Society are involved with. The wolves will then be fed and you will soon understand where the saying ‘wolf it down’ comes from! About 1.00p.m. some sandwiches, nibble and refreshments will be served then at 13.45 we will head off for the Llama/Alpaca Walk. (Times of the itinerary may vary slightly). Llamas and Alpacas are gentle animals who give a sense of relaxation and well being to those who walk with the. They have a natural curiosity and interest in humans making them ideal walking companions. The walk lasts about 1hour 30 mins and is in beautiful countryside. Two people share one Llama/Alpaca and there will be plenty stops for photos along the way.

Quad Biking Cardiff Date: Sunday 20th April 2014 Place: Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Upperboat, Pontypridd (CF37 5BJ) Taff Valley Quad Centre - Spice Sign at 11:15am Cost: £29 Member, £31 Guest Includes: Includes: one hour quad bike trek on farm, equipment and safety briefing, Spice

Host.Slots are limited so book your space now! Take the Spice Activity Challenge and join us for an action packed day of Quad Biking! It’s a fun way to discover the superb Welsh countryside, get out in the fresh air, learn something new, and spend time with other Spice members. All Quad biking sessions start with a safety briefing and initial training on the practice circuit. Once the expert instructors are happy with our progress, we will follow them trekking, around the 360 acre working hill farm. We’ll be using the semi-automatic 90cc and 250cc Honda quads and will experience the ultimate off-roading as we drive along a woodland safari trail – over mogul hills, up inclines, down declines, across fields and through some radical mud puddles! We suggest you take a change of clothes with you as you are likely to get very wet and muddy but that is part of the fun! No previous experience is necessary and but there is always opportunity for the more adventurous and daring riders to tackle rough terrain. Our session begins at 11.15am for the briefing before we head onto the Quads at 11.30am for an hours trekking. After we finish you will have the option to join us for lunch (payable extra on the day) at the nearby Rose & Crown Pub. It’s a great day out – don’t miss it!

Solve the Mystery Walk - Bristol Harbourside Date: Sunday 20th April 2014 Place: V-Shed, Cannons Road, Bristol (BS1 5UH) Pitcher and Piano - Spice Table at 11am Cost: £6 Member, £8 Guest Includes: Quiz Walk, Spice Host Extras: Money for the Ferry Today we challenge your minds and ability to solve the clues on our ‘Solve the Mystery Trail’. In 1718, at the ripe old age of 55, Capt'n Greybeard retired to his home port of Bristol with chests of gold as his pension fund. After hiding his treasure, Greybeard enjoyed a party thrown by his crew to mark the occasion. Leaving the celebrations that night he fell, drunk, off the quayside and drowned, leaving only this map and clues as to the whereabouts of his hoard. Solve the mystery for a chance to share the bounty yourself! We’ll be splitting up into teams with each team receiving an easy to follow route and a series of clues to solve. A prize will be awarded to the best team at the end. This Trail is a circular walking route of 1.7 miles, beginning and ending in Millennium Square, and exploring the city centre quays and the floating harbour before heading along towards Brunel's ss Great Britain. The return is via a short ferry crossing (small additional fee to pay, currently £1.50pp) before arriving back at the start. After our walk we’ll meet back at The Pitcher and Piano to see how everyone’s done and give a prize to the winning team. It also gives us a chance to grab a drink and a bite to eat (optional and payable on the day) while catching up on the news. It’s a fabulous way to spend some time with other Spice members exploring the city and getting out in the fresh air.

Tank Battle Experience Date: Sunday 20th April 2014 Place: Lutterworth, Leicestershire (LE17 6NW) 10am to approx. 12noon session Cost: £95 Member, £99 Guest This event has had great feedback. We have booked 4 tanks, each of which take a crew of 3 Spice members who will be with their tank throughout (so no waiting around on this one!). We start with a practice session, where we put the tank through its paces on the 1 mile track and firing range. We will alternate the 3 positions in the tank so that each person gets a chance to drive, a chance to load the gun and a chance to fire. The gun is adapted to fire paintball ammunition, and can be fired with the hatch up or down.

Page 15: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Lake District Activities Bunk Barn Weekend Date: Fri 25th Apr 2014 - Sun 27th Apr 2014 Place: Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria (LA22 0HP) Shakleton Lodge from 4pm onwards Cost: £119 Member, £129 Guest Includes: Cooked Breakfast and a choice of activities Extras: Food for BBQ Friday and

packed lunches during the day Join us for a value weekend in the Lake District. We will be staying in Shackleton Lodge; a bunk barn on the northern shore of Lake Windermere, the combination of sweeping farmland, lake views, a backdrop of mountains and a comfortable friendly environment ensure this will be a great location for a memorable experience. Set in a bounded woodland with a purpose built BBQ. For full details of this event please see our week.

Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway Date: Friday 25th April 2014 Place: Hollywood Bowl, Cribbs Causway (BS10 7TT) inside the main entrance at 7:30pm Cost: £15 Member, £17 Guest Includes: 2 Games Of Bowling, Shoe Hire, Spice Host, Prizes Extras: Drinks / Food Tonight we’re playing our ever popular Pyramid Bowling. The game is very simple and is basically a clever variation on normal Ten Pin Bowling that helps to even out the experts and the beginners. Ten Pin Bowling is always a great laugh and it doesn't matter if you've never bowled before or if you are at the top of your game, join us tonight for some fun. Meet inside by the shoe collection point where your Spice host will be waiting to say ‘Hi’ and introduce everyone. At the end of the game there will be prizes for the best team score (the lower the better !!!).

Sailing Learn to Sail Introduction - Gosport

Date: Fri 25th Apr 2014 - Sat 26th Apr 2014 Place: Haslar Marina, Haslar Road, Gosport (PO12 1NU) Friday 8.00p.m. or 9.00a.m. on Saturday Cost: £121 Member, £141 Guest (Deposit £25) Includes: introductory day to sailing with qualified skipper Are you someone who is wondering just what becoming a proficient sailor means? Then this day is designed for you. You will: • Experience helming • Learn two nautical knots • Practice how to use a winch • Gain an appreciation of how a yacht sails • Have a go at mooring basics – such as securing the boat • Wear and understand how to use safety equipment • Learn about safety at sea On this one-day event you experience the fun of sailing a modern, safe, yacht in scenic and sheltered waters. You get a grounding in the skills that can be further developed through our portfolio of Spice sailing events. Starting from Haslar Marina, Gosport, you join the yacht at 20.00 the previous night and socialise with your fellow crew over a meal. There is the option of joining the boat before the sailing day begins at 09:00. We will be sailing on the Solent - that stretch of sea that lies between the Isle of Wight and the mainland. It is the most popular cruising ground in UK waters with much to see and plenty of other boats to add to the interest.

Spice Dines - Bordeaux Quay Bristol Date: Saturday 26th April 2014 Place: V-Shed, Canons Way, Bristol (BS1 5UH) Bordeaux Quay - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £38.50 Member 3 Course Meal, £40.50 Guest 3 Course Meal, £34 Member 2 Course Meal,

£36 Guest 2 Course Meal Includes: 2 or 3 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Situated on Bristol's Picturesque Harbour side, Bordeaux Quay is an award-winning venue with a reputation for great food and service, stylish décor and a stunning waterside location in Bristol's city centre. The food at Bordeaux Quay combines the beautiful flavours of the classic dishes and traditions of provincial European cooking with the best local and seasonal ingredients from the South West. Tonight we’ll be enjoying a 2 or 3 course meal from a seasonal set menu while we socialise in great Spice company.

Symonds Yat Adventure Mission Date: Saturday 26th April 2014 Place: Forest of Dean from 10pm to approx. 4pm Cost: £49 Member, £55 Guest Have you ever been on a walk through the forest that starts with you being kitted out with harness and helmet? I f not, you've never been on one which starts with a 100 foot abseil down the Buttress at the Yat! Fuelled on adrenaline we then navigate down to the river and walk along the disused railway line to the Biblins Wire Suspension Bridge where we cross the Wye. We then ramble onto Pancake Caves, which we enter by being lowered on a rope through a hole in the roof - wow!

Page 16: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

English Magic Exhibit, Jeremy Deller + Afternoon Tea Date: Sunday 27th April 2014 Place: Bristol Museums, Queens Road, Bristol (BS8 1RL) Main Entrance to museum at 2pm Cost: £16 Member, £18 Guest Includes: Visit to the Exhibition, Afternoon Tea, Service, Spice Host Join Spice today as we visit the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for their exhibition – Jeremy Deller - English Magic. Jeremy Deller’s English Magic was commissioned by the British Council for the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2013. The UK tour of the exhibition is supported by the Art Fund — the national fundraising charity for art. English Magic reflects Deller’s interest in the diverse nature of British society and its broad cultural, socio-political and economic history. The exhibition visits and interprets particular events or moments from the past, present and imagined future and Deller weaves a narrative thread through the exhibition, which draws in references such as politics, tax evasion, the Iraq war and Ziggy Stardust. Installations include large-scale mural paintings, drawings, photographs, and film, alongside historical materials and artefacts. At Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Deller will develop several new installations and commissions for the exhibition, in direct response to the museum’s own collections. A new display, relating to the history of the Venice Biennale and the British Pavilion, will also be included. After visiting the exhibition we will wander over to Browns to enjoy an afternoon tea. There will be a selection of finger sandwiches, a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream plus a selection of mini cakes and, of course, a pot of tea.

Medieval Jousting - Warwickshire Date: Sunday 27th April 2014 Place: Warwick International, Guys Cliff (CV34 5YD) from 9.15an - 5.00pm Cost: £175 Member, £185 Guest This is a unique opportunity to learn the ultimate medieval art, with The Knights of Middle England. Our day is run by Karl Ude-Martinez who has over 12 years of experience in performing live jousting shows all over Europe. Some of you may have met him at our Polo days, and may also know that he is an upcoming actor with numerous TV, Film and Theatre appearances. For obvious safety reasons, we will not be allowed to actually hit each other with our jousts as death often results from that – and such bravery is not deemed culturally appropriate to the modern age! However, they use a quitaine (or dummy) to take the impact. On arrival you will be given a safety briefing and then your riding will be assessed. You will learn basic jousting skills such as hitting the quintaine and learn basic sword and staff fighting. Being a knight also involves being dressed in medieval costume. Traditionally jousting was only permitted for men to partake in, but fear not we take lady knights too!! So come and throw down the gauntlet and challenge the men! No real riding experience is needed in order to participate in the jousting, but would be an advantage for certain activities. For safety reasons if the instructor on the day feels your riding is not strong enough for certain tasks, you will make it up in other activities.

Self-Hypnosis Workshop - Cardiff Date: Sunday 27th April 2014 Place: Beach Road, Penarth (CF64 1JX) Kymin House from 10:30am to 4:30pm Cost: £39 Member, £42 Guest Includes: full day workshop with Alan Armstrong Today we offer a rare SPICE opportunity to learn from one of the leaders in the field of clinical hypnotherapy. Alan Armstrong is highly qualified and has been responsible for transforming the lives of countless satisfied customers through his practices in Leamington, Warwick and Coventry. He has been successfully running this excellent workshop on a number of occasions for both SPICE London and SPICE West Midlands and now he brings his skills to Bristol. So what is self-hypnosis? Well, it is about relaxing your body to a level where you achieve incredible levels of stress relief and can also tap directly into your subconscious mind to reprogram fears, phobias, bad habits and anxieties. You can also achieve healing of your immune system, set and reach goals, build success and self-worth all through some simple techniques. What you will learn at this workshop are some simple but very powerful skills, which can be used to help achieve a wide variety of goals. All you need to bring is an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a preparedness to use the skills in your own life to achieve your own personal goals. It is important to note that this is not about sleep or mind control. You will remember everything afterwards. Nor is it about stage hypnosis: no one will have to eat an onion or pretend to be superman. Our workshop will last all day from 10.30am until 4.30pm and will include refreshments throughout the day. Take a pack lunch or money for a pub lunch.

Studley Easy Ramble in Warwickshire Date: Sunday 27th April 2014 Place: Studley, near Redditch (B80 7QU) 1pm Start Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest This is a pretty flat ramble with Cecilia of around 5 miles. From Studley we walk towards the river arrow and past the remains of a 12th century priory. We then use fieldpaths through farmland as we go through the countryside and some woodland to Spernall and Moreton Common. On the way back we visit Studley’s Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Back in Studley Cecilia will no doubt find a pub.

Page 17: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Spice Wing Walking Experience - Essex Date: Sunday 27th April 2014 Place: Aveley Road, Upminster, Essex (RM14 2TN) Damyns Hall Aerodrome Cost: £50 Member, £65 Guest Extras: Total cost is £435 the £50 deposit secures your slot on this amazing event This is one of the most requested Spice events ever and it is BACK in the Spice Programme! Why not come and take a walk with us on top of a Boeing Stearman Biplane. You will take part in display training, with you as the wing walker, on top of the Biplane with you smiling and waving to your friends below. After a full safety brief and training session you will be strapped into the 5 point safety harness on top of the Boeing Stearman Biplane. You will then be taken skywards on an aerial adventure of a lifetime lasting approximately 10 minutes. You will take part in a display practice including fly pasts at various angles of bank and finish with a zoom climb from 135 mph. After landing you will receive a certificate confirming you are a trained wing walker. Spice London have linked up with Aerobatic Tactics to offer Spice members this amazing opportunity. Aerobatic Tactics operates the only UK registered Boeing Stearman, fitted with four ailerons and 300hp engine, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for Wing Walking in the UK. On the day please wear soft-soled shoes and comfortable, close fitting clothing (comfortable trousers, rollneck, sweatshirt etc No hoodies or scarves that will flap around.) Pack a warm jacket in case it gets cold and don’t forget to bring a camera. The aerodrome has a cafe, toilet facilities, a good viewing area of the flying and ample parking. Please see our web-site for important booking conditions including age and health etc. before booking this event.

Cinema Night - Cardiff Date: Tuesday 29th April 2014 Place: Cine World, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff (CF10 2EN) 7.30pm inside the main foyer Extras: Pay on the night This evening the Spice Cinema Club is getting together at Cineworld in Cardiff to go to the flicks. It’s always good to see a movie on the big screen in the company of a few friends so tonight is our opportunity to do just that. Each month we choose a movie (usually a latest release with good reviews) and will email you in advance to let you know what we’ve chosen. For this, we love member suggestions, so please email us if there is a specific movie you’d like to see. Also, please make sure you’ve let us know that you want to be a part of our movie club so you get the emails. If you decide you would like to go along, please book online so that we can organise for you all to meet up. The movie club is scheduled to meet once a month on a Tuesday and for this you might want to take advantage of some of the special offers at the cinema. If you sign up to Super Tuesday, you can get up to 1/3 off your ticket (Terms and Conditions Apply). To take advantage of this offer you need to register for a Super Tuesday ID number. Registration is available by TEXT or via myvue.com ONLY. Customers simply; Text the word ‘SUPER’, a space and your EMAIL to 51055 (standard SMS text messaging rates apply), or visit myvue.com/supertuesday and enter your details. Your Super Tuesday ID Number must then just be quoted to staff when purchasing your tickets in order to obtain the discount

Live Jazz and Dinner at Carluccio's Bath Date: Tuesday 29th April 2014 Place: Carluccio's Milsom Place, Bath (BA1 1BZ) Ask for the Spice Table from 7pm Cost: £22.50 Member, £24.50 Guest Includes: Live Jazz, 2 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join us for an evening of hot jazz, blues, ragtime & popular dances of the 1920s/30s era with the FB Pocket Orchestra. The Orchestra features a unique line-up of strings, brass, reeds, guitar, percussion and vocals drawing repertoire from the early 1900s. Arrangements are all written by band members especially to invoke the spirit of the period and stay resolutely in step with current trends. The FB Pocket Orchestra released their first album to popular acclaim last year: “Atmospheric, yet vibrant, this charming collection of songs will make you wish you had been born some 100 years ago. We’ll be enjoying a two course meal from the menu with starters such as chicken liver pate, insalata di mozzarella, and Bruschetta amongst others. For mains there are a variety of pasta dishes and there are some lovely desserts that will be sure to tempt the taste buds of those with a sweet tooth.

Unique Dining at The Leaf Ham Green Date: Thursday 1st May 2014 Place: St Katherine's School Ham Green, Bristol (BS20 0HU) The Leaf at Ham Green Restaurant at 7pm Cost: £21.50 Member, £23.50 Guest Includes: 3 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks The Leaf at Ham Green offers a unique experience, being the only fine-dining restaurant run by a secondary school in the UK. The restaurant prides themselves on serving an excellent choice of freshly prepared, locally sourced, seasonal dishes as well as offering great value and excellent service. Everything is prepared, cooked and served by the Catering and Hospitality students. The stylish, modern and well-appointed restaurant is complemented by state of the art kitchens and guests can enjoy glorious rural views from the Al Fresco Terrace. Since being opened to the public in 2011 this restaurant has been fully booked every Thursday evening when it opens. Tonight we’ll be enjoying a 3 course dinner with a seasonal menu on offer. There is a cash bar available at the restaurant so please remember to bring some along.

Page 18: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Adrenalin Cocktail Weekend Pembrokeshire Date: Fri 2nd May 2014 - Sun 4th May 2014 Place: Preseli Centre, Pembroke. South Wales (SA62 5HN) meet Friday evening Cost: £229 Sharing, £42 Extra Sunday Night Stay

Includes: 2 nights 5 star eco lodge accommodation, all meals from Friday supper to Sunday lunch, 3 half day activities, Specialist kit, qualified guides, transport for the activities, free train station transfers for certain trains.

If you’re looking for a weekend chilling out with friends, surrounded by breath-taking, unspoilt scenery, or an adrenalin fuelled stress busting adventure - then either way, you’ve found the right place. On this weekend you’ll take part in 3 half day adventures: costearing: The ultimate coastal adventure - climb, swim, traverse and jump into a whole new world. Sea caves and swirling ocean swells combine to produce a truly wild environment. Watch out, it’s addictive, Sea Kayaking: Rocks, caves, seals, birds, waves, surf, beaches, harbours and much more make Pembrokeshire a real sea kayaker’s paradise, and self-guided coastal hiking. We’ve got the world renowned Pembrokeshire National Park Coastal Path on the very western tip of Europe right on our doorstep. Please see our web-site for more information.

Bank Holiday Walking Weekend Cornish Coast Date: Fri 2nd May 2014 - Mon 5th May 2014 Place: Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth (PL1 3LG) Meet: Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £239 Member Twin Share, £299 Member Single

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals & 3 days of guided walking Extras: Transport used to start of walks

The stunningly South Cornish Coast and the beautiful South Devon coastline are some of Englands’ finest, and this alone is more than enough reason to visit! Towering cliffs and rugged headlands are all lapped by inviting Mediterranean blue waters, and in between are secluded sandy bays and quaint fishing hamlets. Deep estuaries dramatically cut their way inland, carving beautiful isolated peninsulas. Local ferries and buses will drop us onto these remote and peaceful headlands thereby allowing us to accessing some thoroughly enjoyable walks. Along the way we will call into picturesque villages and enjoy the hospitality of the inviting cafes or welcoming country inns. The delightful Duke of Cornwall Hotel is a treasure in the heart of Devon's city-by-the sea. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles. See our web-site for more information.

Sailing Cross Channel Gosport / Cherbourg Two dates available in May

Date: Fri 2nd May 2014 - Mon 5th May Fri 23rd May 2014 - Mon 26th May 2014

Place: Haslar Marina, Gosport (PO12 1NU) Arrive for 8.00p.m. on Friday Cost: £340 Member Cabin share, £360 Guest Cabin Share (Deposit £70)

Includes cabin share on board accommodation, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, lunches, snacks and teas/coffees. Extras: share of mooring fees and evening meals taken ashore.

On this cruise we plan to take advantage of the longer Bank Holiday weekend to venture southwards towards Cherbourg and the Channel Islands. This is a good time of year to cross the Channel because the weather is often good and we have the advantage of long hours of daylight. Sailing across the Channel and making a ‘foreign’ landfall is a special and memorable experience. Your skipper is an experienced Yachtmaster who is used to tailoring the event to provide the experience you are looking for – to relax and chat over hot drinks and biscuits in the cockpit; enjoying being afloat and the nautical life; or sailing and navigating the boat. We ensure that you have opportunities to helm, hoist and trim sails, pilot the boat in and out of harbour and assist in the many and varied tasks that arise in a vessel under sail. On our Channel crossings you are part of a watch keeping system – always under the guidance of your skipper.

Walking Weekend - Hadrian's Wall

Date: Fri 2nd May 2014 - Mon 5th May 2014 Place: Gilsland Spa Hotel, Gilsand (CA8 7AR) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal 8pm Cost: £239 Twin Share, £299 Single

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals & 3 days of guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used

Hadrian’s Wall is the most famous and impressive Roman fortification in the Roman Empire. The bank holiday walking programme of 6 walks over the three days concentrates on the very finest sections of the wall and the surrounding area. Our hotel for the trip is the comfortable Gilsland Spa which with en-suite rooms, well stocked bar and hearty food is ideally located just a mile from the wall itself. For more information please see our web-site.

Page 19: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Welsh Camping Long Weekend Date: Fri 2nd May 2014 - Mon 5th May 2014 Place: Lluest Fach, Foal, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 5.00p.m. Cost: £69 Camping, £85 Male Bunks, £85 Female Bunks. Includes: campsite, Party

with BBQ, Barrel of beer, cider £16.00 supplement for dormitory accommodation subject to availability) Escape from the city this Bank Holiday for an outdoor experience with a difference! Our camping venue is a private site and is exclusive to Spice for the weekend. A working smallholding which is very secluded situated high up on the side of the beautiful Banwy Valley, with breath-taking views, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and an ideal spot to relax and unwind in. It has a large room to socialise in, hosts on hand to organise your activities, and includes a huge BBQ/buffet on Saturday night with a barrel of real ale and cider, music and a partying. For more information please see our web-site.

Walking Weekend - Snowdonia National Park Date: Fri 2nd May 2014 - Mon 5th May 2014 Place: Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, Wales (LL55 4TY) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £249 Twin Share, £309 Single Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals,

3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 days of guided walking Extras: Transport to start of walks if used Superb, safe and sociable walking that typifies the stunning Snowdonia National Park from Llanberis. Snowdonia is all about impressive open views, craggy ridges, small upland LLyn’s (lakes) with excellent footpaths enabling us to take on superb mountain walking in the great outdoors. This year we are going to walk through three distinct and impressive areas of Snowdonia! We will start locally with the ridge which sits astride LLanberis and Nant y Betws. The middle day will spent between LLanberis and Llyn Ogwen. The last day we will take on the striking Moel Siabod in the Betsy Coed area. As always our comfort will be taken care of by the Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel and this weekend is sure to provide a lot of pleasure! Accommodation: We stay in the Royal Victoria hotel, a three star quality hotel on the outskirts of the village.

Camping + Canoeing Weekend - Windsor Date: Sat 3rd May 2014 - Sun 4th May 2014 Place: Mill Lane Car Park, Hurley Village, Wind (SL6 5LT) Cost: £95, Includes: canoes, tuition and instructors Fancy a weekend of fresh air and exercise and a great value, "get away from it all" experience? Of course you do - and we have the perfect opportunity! Does paddling in open canoes float your boat? How about riverside walks, wildlife spotting, convivial conversation, atmospheric local pubs and the added fun of camping next to the river? We start our adventure in Hurley village, which is situated between Henley and Marlow. We'll leave our cars in the village car park for the day, and will paddle downstream past Marlow, Cookham and Maidenhead to Bray lock. We aim to explore both upstream and downstream of the river and be on the water for around four hours on both days, although Sunday will be a little shorter to enable people to set off home at the end of the afternoon. We provide river-guiding, tuition and the use of equipment needed for canoeing, but not camping equipment or site charges which are approximately £10.00 per person per night and payable separately. Further details can be found on our website.

Spice Dines at Bill's in Bristol Date: Saturday 3rd May 2014 Place: 37-69 Queen's Road, Bristol (BS8 1QL) Bill's Restaurant - Spice Table at 7pm Cost: £25.50 Includes: 2 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we’ll be dining at Bill’s, which occupies a prime location in the heart of Bristol’s busy shopping area. Bill's restaurants are renowned for their warm welcome, great service and delicious, freshly prepared dishes. We’ll be having a 2 course meal with starters such as prawn and avocado cocktail, bruschetta of tomatoes and basil, crispy lemon squid and chicken liver parfait to choose from. For mains there is a lovely selection on the menu with marinated half chicken, pearl barley risotto with smoked mozzarella and tomato, hamburgers, and crumbed crab & smoked haddock fishcakes to name but a few. Eton mess, chocolate brownies and crème brulee are just some of the desserts which might tempt you if you fancy a sweet instead of a starter. Drinks and desserts are extras and you pay on the evening for what you have. Our Spice meals are enjoyable social evenings and a great way to meet other Spice members.

Climbing the Longstone Pinnacle Date: Saturday 3rd May 2014 Place: Symonds Yat, Forest of Dean from 10.00am - 4.30pm Cost: £52 Member, £59 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 mental stimulation. This is an excellent day for beginners and intermediates to learn/fine tune your climbing and abseiling skills, with the final climb of the day up The Longstone Pinnacle. Important: It is not possible to guarantee the Longstone Pinnacle climb on the day, as poor weather or the presence of other climbers can make the climb unsafe. Please be assured, however, that the instructor will do his very best to ensure that you get this experience. For the full write-up please see the website event listing.

Page 20: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Introduction to Canoeing and Kayaking Date: Sunday 4th May 2014 Place: Watkiss Way, Cardiff (CF11 0SY) Cardiff International White Water – Entrance from 9:45am to 4pm Cost: £85 Member, £89 Guest Includes: 1 Day Paddling Course, All Equipment, Booking Fee, Spice Host One of the great things about paddling is that it’s extremely hard to get bored! The more you paddle, the more your skills will develop. This one day taster is the perfect gateway into the wonderful world of canoeing and kayaking. It allows you to give various styles of canoeing and kayaking a try, to see if you enjoy them and want to take them further. You’ll learn about the various styles of canoes and kayak and the equipment, and you’ll learn the basics to get you moving on the water. Come rain or shine, these canoe courses are always great fun and an ideal introduction to the sport.

River Cruise to Beese's Tea Garden Date: Sunday 4th May 2014 Place: Wapping Wharf, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol (BS1 6UN) Wapping Wharf - Spice Sign from 1:45pm to 6pm Cost: £13.99 Member, £15.99 Guest Includes: River Cruise, Booking Fee, Spice Host Join Spice and other Spice members as we spend a lazy Sunday afternoon taking a scenic cruise to Beeses Bar & Tea Gardens. We’ll head up the river where ducks, swans and the occasional kingfisher can be seen and will discover one of Bristol’s best kept secrets – Beeses Riverside Bar and Tea Gardens nestled in a beautiful valley on the water's edge. Beeses Tea Gardens is situated beside a deeply running river Avon below a steeply wooded bank, and is a haven of tranquillity where generations of city dwellers have - for a few hours, anyway - put the cares of the city behind them. Once we get to Beeses we can enjoy either a lovely cream tea or full afternoon tea, both for a very reasonable price (not included – pay on the day). This is a great way to spend the afternoon with friends in an idyllic location.

Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport Date: Tuesday 6th May 2014 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table at 8:30pm Cost: £2 Member Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks From September we have changed our venue for our monthly quiz to The Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg. This is a light-hearted evening - 5 fun rounds of general knowledge plus a couple of bonus rounds. Registration for the quiz is 8.30 - but why not join us for a bite to eat beforehand from 7.30."

Dance Weekend - Zumba in Bournemouth Date: Fri 9th May 2014 - Sun 11th May 2014 Place: Cliffeside Hotel, Bournemouth (BH1 3AQ) Cost: £170 Twin Share, £186 Single (Deposit £30 Twin Share, £32 Member Single) Our weekend schedule aims to include as much Zumba as possible and we also offer related classes including Masala Bhangra, Booiaka and Sentao. There will be at least four hours' of Zumba over the weekend & taster sessions in other classes. For more information about the hotel & itinerary please go to our web-site.

Friday Night Comedy at Jongleurs Bristol Date: Friday 9th May 2014 Place: The Cuban, Harbourside, Bristol (BS1 5SZ) Jongleurs Comedy Club - Main Entrance at 7:30pm Cost: £24.50 Member Ticket + Supper, £15 Member Ticket Only

Includes: Comedy Ticket, Booking Fee, 1 Course Meal, Spice Host Extras: Drinks It’s weekend and definitely time for a good laugh! Tonight we’re off to Jongleurs in Bristol, located in the best new bar and live entertainment venue in town, The Cuban! Each show features a Compere who will host your evening, and they introduce 3 top acts who will do their finest to make you laugh. The shows sometimes include open spots - a chance to see brand new talent trying out for the first time on a professional stage. All the seating is allocated so no fighting for the good views, tasty bar food is available before the show and the Cuban Bar next door is perfect for after work beers and pre-show cocktails as well as late night drinks after the show. We will also enjoy a one course meal before the show with pub classics on the menu.

Ten Pin Bowling - Cardiff Date: Friday 9th May 2014 Place: The Red Dragon Centre, Hemingway Road (CF10 4JY) Hollywood Bowl inside the bowling alley at 7:30pm Cost: £15 Member, £17 Guest Includes: 2 Ten pin bowling games, Shoe hire, Host Tonight, it’s back to the traditional Ten Pin Bowling so it’s a case of strike em down and rack up the score. Ten Pin Bowling is a great laugh and it doesn't matter if you've never bowled before or if you are at the top of your game, join us tonight for some fun. We’ll meet inside Hollywood Bowl by the shoe collection point at 8.00pm. Tonight we’ll be playing 2 full games and we’ll add up the scores from both games to find a winner. At the end of the game there will be a small prize for the best overall scorer.

Page 21: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Sailing Weekend in Malta + Gozo Date: Fri 9th May 2014 - Mon 12th May 2014 Place: Valletta Harbour, Malta Cost: £354 Member Sharing, £374 Guest Sharing (Deposit £70) Extras: Your flights to Malta and back Includes: cabin share aboard, diesel,

life harnesses, lunch and breakfast, snacks and coffee/tea. You MUST book your flights separately; the trip is guaranteed to run.

This popular event gives you the opportunity to spend a long weekend sailing around Malta and Gozo. The Maltese people are renowned for their hospitality. The water is clear and warm. The weather is hot, predictable and mainly dry from May to September. EnCompass Sailing and yacht Delphini have been hosting Spice weekends in Malta for the past three years. There are three main islands in the archipelago. Malta, Gozo and Comino. Malta is about 73 miles around; Gozo is about one third the size and Comino is only 5 miles in circumference. This means that we can cover a lot of territory in a weekend. There are some beautiful lagoons and beaches, many of which can only be reached by boat.You join the yacht Delphini on Friday morning. She is based in Kalkara marina, Valetta harbour, which is about 15 minutes from the airport. Once everyone has arrived we have lunch aboard then set sail for one of many beautiful anchorages for a swim. In the evenings we go to a marina with showering facilities before enjoying some of the excellent food available in the many restaurants. On Saturday and Sunday it is quite feasible to circumnavigate the main islands as well as anchoring in some of the bays or off the golden beaches. We return to base on Sunday night in time to ensure that you catch your plane back on Monday. Cancellations: As per the terms and conditions of the supplier, in the event of cancellation more than six weeks before the commencement date of the event, any amounts paid, less £50 will be refunded. No amounts will be refunded in the event of cancellation less than six weeks before the commencement date of the event unless your place is re-sold. Balance is due 8 weeks prior to the start of the trip. More information is available on www.encompass-sailing.co.uk

Walking Weekend Buxton Palace + Peaks Date: Fri 9th May 2014 - Sun 11th May 2014 Place: The Palace Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire (SK17 6AG) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 evening meals, 2 picnic lunches, guided walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used The spa town of Buxton is at the heart of the Peak District, one of Britain's most beautiful national parks. Famed for its Opera house and the health properties of its mineral water, the area offers stunning scenery. By staying at the beautiful Palace hotel we are admittedly a little spoilt, not only as it is situated at the centre of Buxton for the night life but also we can enjoy the leisure facilities on offer such as the indoor pool, fitness suite, sauna and steam rooms. In terms of the mighty impressive walking we shall experience two very contrasting days. One over the Gritstone tors, escarpments and moorland that typify the amazing Roaches and then another along, under and through the deepest dales sheltered by the fascinating limestone cliffs, waterfalls and flora that encapsulate Cheedale, Deepdale and Monsal Head. Add to this, over the course of the weekend, pretty hamlets & villages not to mention good pubs & cafes plus so much more; and all in great company. For more information please see our web-site.

Binning the Stress Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: Arden Hotel, Coventry Road, by NEC (B92 0EH) from 9.45am to approx. 4.30pm Cost: £49 Member, £55 Guest Includes: teas/coffees and light buffet lunch The aim of this day is to gain an understanding of stress and learn how to manage or clear its effects with Energy Psychology and other techniques During this event you will:

• Learn the triggers to stress and its effects on your mind, body and behaviours. • Identify some of your stress triggers and what you can do to clear or reduce them. • Understand how our thinking and beliefs can trigger a stress response. • Gain an understanding of our energetic connections to the world and life. • Learn about Energy Psychology and how it words. • Experience how to reduce or clear stress symptoms with Energy Psychology. • Have some fun!

Colour U Confident Workshop - Solihull Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: Solihull (B91 1UQ) from 9.30am for 9.45am - 1.30pm Cost: £10 Member, £15 Guest Extras: £50.00 balance paid direct to supplier on the day. Have you ever bought an item of clothing that has sat in your wardrobe unworn because there's just something not quite right about it? In this current economic climate, we really can't afford to make any more shopping mistakes. Knowing which colours really suit you...and which don't....are two very important steps to ensuring that everything you buy works for you making you look younger, healthier and slimmer.

Page 22: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Don't Diet - Change the Way you Eat Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: The Arden Hotel, Coventry Road by NEC (B92 0EH) from 10.30am to approx. 3.30pm workshop Cost: £49 Member, £55 Guest Includes: includes light sandwich lunch & 2 x coffees and a 1:1 follow up call with Bev Bev Brammer, a qualified nutritionist doesn’t believe in diets – she believes in developing a healthy relationship with food to enable you to have increased energy levels and to feel fantastic! She runs her own business called The Personal Nutritionist. Bev has had great success in helping her clients achieve their goals, and will inspire you to make healthy changes to your every-day diet. Most people don’t understand why they eat what they eat, and why they make the choices they do. Others are confused by the amount of conflicting information out there – the diet industry bombards us every day with new ideas. On the day Bev will help you to understand: Why diets don’t work long term; What foods cause weight gain/cravings and What is healthy eating

Polo Outdoor Lesson at Rugby Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: Willoughby, Rugby (CV23 8AJ) from 4PM Cost: £52 Member, £55 Guest Polo is one of the oldest team sports. It is played all over the world and is regarded as one of the fastest sports you will find. It is growing at a tremendous rate in England and is becoming more and more accessible (which means you don’t have to be related to The Queen to play anymore (although of course it helps!). Be warned though – Spice members tell me it’s highly addictive whether you’re a player or spectator! Polo demands a different type of skill to any riding you may have tried before and the horses can accommodate any standard of horsemanship. Today we experience a one hours lesson and will be taught the basic rules and theory of this challenging sport by polo professional Philip Baker on very safe and easy to ride ponies. The lesson is more suited to those with basic riding skills than absolute beginners to riding.

Dinner Shuffle - Browns, Bristol Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: 38 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol (BS8 1RE) 7.15p.m. in Browns Bar Cost: £32 Member, £34 Guest Extras: Drinks Includes: 3 Course Shuffle Meal, Service, Spice Host This evening sees the return of one of our most popular and well attended events – the Dinner Shuffle. The concept is very simple but will give you the opportunity to meet and chat to many other members during the course of the evening. A shuffle is where half of us move places after Starters, and the other half move after the Main Course. We’ll then do the same thing again before dessert so that you get to sit in three different places with three groups of people during the evening. This is an easy way to socialise and helps you meet a lot of new people! We’ll be going to Browns this evening where you can choose a selection of dishes sample menu below. Foe a sample menu please go to our web-site.

Discover the Nature of Wales Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: RSPB Dinas, Nr Llandovery, Camarthenshire from 10.00am - 4.30pm Cost: £34 Member, £39 Guest A fabulous day with naturalist Nick Martin. We will start the day with a stroll through the bluebells of Dinas pausing to look for dippers by the tumbling waterfalls on the river Towy. After exploring the oak woodlands seeking out some of the special birds that visit here in the summer, we will head up the road to the world famous Gigrin Farm. Here we willa walk over the hills including a light picnic lunch soaking up views across the valleys. Finally we will take our places for the main show as hundreds of red kites, buzzards, herons and more arrive at the farm for the daily feed. A wildlife experience not to be missed! Some parts of the walks could be steep and slippery so wear suitable footwear and clothing fit for the weather. Also bring binoculars and a camera if you have them. We will meet at the RSPB Dinas car park at 10am, there is a £1 suggested donation for parking. Allow at least 2.5 hours to travel to drive to Dinas from Birmingham.

Stately Secrets of Tissington Walk Date: Saturday 10th May 2014 Place: Tissington near Ashbourne (DE6 1RA) at 10am for 10.15am Cost: £15 Member, £18.50 Guest We’ve enjoyed quite a series of special tours of the Stately Homes of England by the people who own them. Lord Cobham has shown us Hagley Hall, James Hervey Bathurst welcomed us to Eastnor and Charles Berkley to Berkley Castle. This time we are back at the beautiful Tissington Estate for a walk and talk with the ever entertaining Sir Richard Fitzherbert. Tissington Hall was built by Francis Fitzherbert in 1609 and has served as family home for nearly 400 yrs. Today Sir Richard Fitzherbert will meet us with complimentary teas/ coffees at Herberts Tea Rooms. He will then lead us on a guided tour of the estate including the surrounding villages and give us an insight into its history as well as how a historic estate is organized today. Expect a couple of hours wandering with Sir Richard afterwards we can find somewhere nice for lunch together if you wish.

Page 23: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Acting for Beginners Workshop Birmingham Date: Sunday 11th May 2014 Place: Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Gt Hampton ST (B18 6AD) from 11.00am Finish at 3.00pm Cost: £39 Member, £42 Guest Always wanted to know what it's like to be an actor? Wanted to try it but were just a little nervous? Want to have fun, build confidence and make new friends? Hosted by Acting Coach Tracey Street, this beginner's workshop will cover anything from basic acting technique to character creation to ensemble work, in a supportive, relaxed environment. There will be a fair amount of moving around so please wear comfortable footwear.

Bluebell Walk - Tyntesfield + Portbury Wood Date: Sunday 11th May 2014 Place: Station Road, Portbury, Bristol (BS20 7TN) Outside the Priory Inn at 10:45am Cost: £6.50 Member, £8.50 Guest Includes: 6 Mile Guided Walk

If you like bluebells, you can't beat a walk through Portbury Wood for a fantastic and uplifting experience in springtime. Small-leaved lime trees, oak and hazel are abundant, and in places mature sweet chestnut reach high into the canopy. In spring the woodland floor is a spectacular carpet of bluebells, particularly in the southern and western parts of the wood. With its ancient woodland, streams and plantations, Prior's Wood is rich in bird life, including buzzard, garden warbler and chiffchaff. Spotted flycatcher is also recorded in most years. It’s a lovely walk and also goes past Tyntesfield, a National Trust property formerly owned by Lord Wraxall.

Clay Pigeon Shooting Cardiff Date: Sunday 11th May 2014 Place: Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Upperboat, Pontypridd (CF37 5BJ) Arrive at 3pm Cost: £39.95 Member - 25 clays Includes one hour clay pigeon shooting,

instruction and equipment provided. Bring cash for a visit to the pub afterwards Today it’s a chance for our South Wales based members to try your hand at some Clay Pigeon Shooting. Whether you're a shooting enthusiast or just want to have a go as part of a group day out, clay pigeon shooting is a unique experience. With excellent and highly motivated shooting instructors from a local shooting club, learn the skills needed to safely use shotguns, and how to properly aim and fire! With 25 shot sessions, turn it into a competition amongst yourselves and you might be surprised who the top score will be! Your shots will be taking in sets of 5 at a time. Start off with easier shots, working your way through to more trickier shots, faster paced, different directions and ending with 2 at a time!Our experience will last for around 2 hours as we have an hour on the clays and we need to allow another hour for the pub afterwards! After our exercise we will head to the nearby Rose & Crown pub (optional) at mid-day for a bite to eat (payable extra on the day).

NLP for Beginners - Birmingham Date: Sunday 11th May 2014 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, just off A4097 nr M42 (B76 0BY) from 10.30am finish around 4.30pm Cost: £49 Member, £55 Guest Includes: Light snack at lunch and 2 x Teas/ Coffees during the day Develop your communication skills! Ever wanted to achieve rapport really, really quickly….then go onto to influence them? Well NLP gives you the skills to improve the way you talk, behave and use your body language to interact with others successfully. You’ve heard the name – you may have seen the results in someone you know, now is your chance to feel what it’s like! NLP is about modeling excellence, about understanding how to integrate whatever you want to into your life. Come with a characteristic or behavior of someone that you admire to play with and model during the day.

• You will learn all about controlling your state (positive vs negative) • Use physical state modeling (using body language to influence) • Use emotional state modeling (changing the way you feel to get energized) • Learn the right type of questions that get results (for yourself & others)

Birds of Prey Weekend Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Sun 18th May 2014 Place: Lluest Fach, Foel, Mid-Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive 6pm Buffet Supper at 8:30pm Cost: £211 Sharing, (Deposit £40)

Includes: Friday evening light supper, 2 nights B&B, lunches 4 course evening meal Birds of prey can be admired at a distance and enjoyed at open air displays, but if you’ve ever wondered how great it would be to get really close to these birds, now's your chance. You’ll discover more about them, and experience them up close and personal on this unique birds of prey and falconry weekend. You will be part of a small group spending time in the heart of the beautiful Welsh countryside, learning all about raptors and everything involved in the keeping and flying of these amazing birds. Full details for this weekend can be found on our website.

Page 24: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Acrylic Painting Weekend Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Sun 18th May 2014 Place: Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0BP) Arrive from 6.00pm Cost: £144 Member Sharing, £164 Guest Sharing (Deposit £30)

Includes: two nights B&B, Instructor/Artist, 2 buffet lunches and 4 course evening meal This Acrylic Painting weekend is another fun filled painting experience from the brush of Julie Hyde. Julie, accomplished artist and experienced instructor, has shown many beginners and dabblers how to have fun with paint. Acrylic paints are perhaps the most versatile and fun media to use, and you don’t have to be a budding Monet or Piccasso to enjoy this stress free, fun weekend. Julie will breakdown the mystique of acrylic painting into simple methodical steps, which anyone can follow whether you’re a complete beginner, or have some experience. You are welcome to bring your own equipment and materials but, if you are a complete newcomer to art then all basic equipment will be provided with a small charge at the end of the weekend for consumables such as paints and paper, dependant on the amount used. Please see our web-site for more information.

Bucharest and Transylvanian Experience Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Mon 19th May 2014 Place: Bucharest, Romania, meet at Gatwick Airport (Time TBA) Cost: £499 Member Twin Share, £519 Guest Twin Share, £599 Member in Single Room (Deposit £140) Includes: - • Return flights from London Gatwick on a low cost airline • Return transfers to your hotel with English speaking assistance on the arrival • 3 nights’ accommodation at the Novotel Bucharest City Centre Hotel • Breakfast each morning of our stay • Half day city coach tour of Bucharest with an English speaking guide, this also includes entrance into the Peoples Palace • Full day coach excursion with an English speaking guide to Transylvania to include visits to Peles Palace and Bran Castle.

This is the very first Spice West Midlands trip to Romania and we know it will be popular. We have included a tour of Bucharest and also a day in Transylvania. Bucharest itself holds lots of history and fascination. Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest, Romania's largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis. Transylvania: We will spend one day exploring Transylvania on a coach trip. This area is home to some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns and stunning castles.

We will visit the incredibly atmospheric Bran Castle, near Brasov, - a Gothic fairy-tale structure, often associated with 15th century Walachian Prince Vlad Tepes and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. While the connection with Vlad is tenuous, the deep bond of local villagers with the legend is not.

Motown Tribute Night Bristol Date: Friday 16th May 2014 Place: Aztec West, Almonsbury, Bristol (BS32 4TS) Aztec Hotel and Spa - Spice Table at 7pm Cost: £39.50 Member, £41.50 Guest

Includes: Enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner with half a bottle of wine per person, followed by a disco with great tunes from our resident DJ. Plus, there's hot dogs at midnight!

Love Motown and dancing, then this one’s for you! Join us as we dance the night away to the sounds of this fantastic Motown tribute act. We’ll enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner with half a bottle of wine per person, followed by a disco with great tunes from our resident DJ. Plus, there's hot dogs at midnight! It’s a great opportunity to let your hair down and let your twinkle toes do the talking!

Pay As You Go - Shaam Nights Cardiff Date: Friday 16th May 2014 Place: 116 - 118 City Road, Roath, Cardiff (CF24 3DQ) Shaam Nights - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Shaam Nights in Cardiff offer you the rare opportunity to taste authentic Syrian cuisine. Syria, famously known as the cradle of civilisation is the most ancient part of the world still inhabited until today, with famous cities like Damascus and Aleppo known to be the oldest cities in the world. Syrians pay very special attention to the process of making their food, with many secret recipes passed from mothers to daughters through the generations. Some of these dishes used to be enjoyed by the Caliphs and Sultans only during special occasions. These special flavours are a result of a diffusion of the cultures of civilisations that settled in Syria including Arabic Persian and Ottoman influences with only a subtle hint of spiciness. Please note: There is no alcohol served at this venue and no alcohol can be consumed in the restaurant. There are plenty of juices and smoothies to choose from on the menu and we will go along to a pub after the meal for a nightcap. This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice needs you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the restaurant and we will organise a Spice host for the evening.

Page 25: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Camping Afloat - Wolverhampton - Penkridge Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Sun 18th May 2014 Place: Wolverhampton (WV1 1LE) Friday evening from 7.30pm Cost: £65 Member, £79 Guest (Deposit £20) Extras: Informal kitty for breakfasts etc We’ve had great feedback from our various camping Afloat trips. This is a new route using a scenic stretch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. This is the simplest form of narrow boating and very similar in conditions to what the navies on coal barges would have experienced in the days when the canals were in their heyday. This is why we call it ‘camping afloat’. We have chartered two boats (subject to numbers) which will travel together. Each boat has 12 basic bunks with mattresses under a tarpaulin cover so we can take a party of up to 24 (you must be prepared for mixed sex sleeping as we can’t totally segregate bunk areas). For more information please see our web-site.

Walking Weekend Fort William + Highlands Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Sun 18th May 2014 Place: West End Hotel, Fort William, Scotland (PH33 6ED) arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £175 Twin Share, £215 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 night's accommodation, 2 evening

meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 2 days of guided walking with a choice of walks Walkwise Overview Ideally located to explore the North West Highlands, WalkWise have secured this cracking family run hotel in the heart of Fort William, It has great food, a good bar and is at the end of the high street so its within staggering distance of the shops, cafes and pubs. However, the main reason for the weekend is the amazing access that this destination gives to the North West Highlands, needing no introduction to anyone with a love of the outdoors, this area contains some of Britain’s’ finest scenery. Our walks will explore some of the wildest, most rugged, remote and romantic areas in the country! And there is wonderful walking for everyone whether you want to gently wander alongside the beautiful lochsides and through the enchanting glens or wish to climb up into the high mountains and enjoy the endless panoramas! To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 9-12 miles with 3000+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent.

Sailing Weekend Poole - Jurassic Coast Date: Fri 16th May 2014 - Sun 18th May 2014 Place: Poole Quay, Town Quay, Poole (BH15 1BT) from 8.00 Friday Evening Cost: £280 Member, £300 Guest (Deposit £65) We start this weekend cruise from the Poole Town Quay Marina. On Friday evening we get to know each other over a meal in one of the Town Quay restaurants. On Saturday morning we sail through beautiful Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in Europe & out into Poole Bay where we sail south for a few miles past a coast of rolling chalk downland, punctuated midway by the famous “Old Harry” chalk stack, before turning west around Durlston Head. The coastline between Poole and Weymouth, the Jurassic coast, takes in Swanage and a number of beautiful coves and bays such as Worbarrow and Lulworth. En route you also get to sail close to the majestic St Alban’s Head and see Portland Bill. Weymouth is a traditional harbour and is a favourite amongst sailors for its ready access to many pubs and restaurants. On Sunday we return to Poole. If time and conditions suit, we may anchor for lunch in Studland Bay, a beautiful anchorage a few miles south of Poole Harbour. We arrive back at Poole town quay at approximately 4.30pm. Your yacht is “Kelana”, a Dehler 39CWS. She is a fast cruising yacht designed to be rewarding to sail and comfortable to be aboard. We ensure that you have the opportunity to helm, adjust the sails and take part in the many tasks that make up a day under sail. You are encouraged to take part in the pilotage and navigation of the boat if you so wish. The extent to which you wish to be hands-on or relax is up to you. Your skipper will take your wishes into account. We want you to enjoy your weekend. For full details please see our web-site.

Wolf Experience and Walk - Bedford Date: Saturday 17th May 2014 Place: A428 between Bromham and Turvey Directions will be emailed from 10:15am to 1:30pm Cost: £47 Member, £52 Guest Includes exclusive Spice visit with opportunity to walk and feed the wolves. Walk and feed the wolves - another unusual and truly amazing experience and one of our most popular events. We have run this event many times and always receive excellent feedback. Are you afraid of the Big Bad Wolf - probably, so now is a chance to confront your fears and dispel those childhood myths. The Anglian Wolf Society is a small private sanctuary for 4 wolves and they support and raise funds for wolf conservation. They are not open to the public but have kindly agreed to allow Spice members to visit the centre to learn more about the wolves, feed them and have some hands on experience.

Page 26: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Crazy Golf Adventure - Bristol Date: Saturday 17th May 2014 Place: Jungle Rumble, Cabot Circus, Bristol (BS1 3BQ) 11.15am by entrance desk Cost: £9.50 Member, £10.50 Guest Includes: 18 Holes Of Crazy Golf , Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join Spice in the Jungle! Come and share in the fun with other Spice members as we have a golfing experience like none other. Our venue is Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf where we’ve booked a group to play one of the two fantastic indoor Crazy Golf Courses. We’ll head onto the course in groups of 3 or 4 and enjoy 18 crazy, mad and fun holes on this superb new facility. After the game, which will last about an hour, we can enjoy a drink in the café or at a nearby bar.

Bluebell Walk: Castell Coch + Beech Woods Date: Sunday 18th May 2014 Place: Tongwynlais, Cardiff (CF15 7JS) Entrance to Castell Coch - Spice Sign at 11:15am Cost: £6 Member, £8 Guest Includes: 3 Mile Guided Walk Extras: Drinks and Refreshments This is a woodland walk which includes a sculpture trail (The Lost and Found Trail) and ends in the fairy-tale setting of Castell Coch. The mainly broadleaved woodlands have one of the best displays of Bluebells in South Wales. The woods also have extravagant displays of Wood Anemones (April) and Wild Garlic (May) and are home to wide range of bird life. The beech woods are some of the most westerly naturally occurring Beech Woods in the UK. After our walk we’ll find a local pub for a drink and perhaps a bite to eat (optional– payable on the day). There is ample parking at Castell Coch, which is signed off the A470. Do check car park closing time.

Cotswolds Ramble - Bourton on the Water Date: Sunday 18th May 2014 Place: Guiting Power, Cotswolds from 10.00am for 10.30am Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest Due to the distance and two ascents this 14 mile walk with Alan is aimed at regular Walkers with a good level of fitness. We start in the pretty Cotswold village of Guiting Power. From the village we join the Windrush Way which runs alongside the River Windrush. On route we will pass by the sites of the medieval villages of Aylworth and Lower Barford, eventually reaching Bourton-on-the Water where we can stop for lunch. After lunch we join the Wardens way passing through the pretty Cotswold villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. We will then continue across country back to the village of Guiting Power.

Sunday Lunch at The Glassboat Restaurant Date: Sunday 18th May 2014 Place: Glassboat Restaurant Welsh Back, Bristol (BS1 4SB) Ask for the Spice Table meet at 12:30pm Cost: £24 Member 2 course meal, £26 Guest 2 course meal, £29 Member 3 course meal, £31 Guest 3 course meal

Includes: 2 or 3 course meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Located on the floating harbour in the heart of Bristol, Glassboat affords spectacular views of the city: bridges, churches and of course the swans on the water itself. Glassboat’s unique interior has been carefully restored to make the most of the original polished wooden decks, sculptured oak and portholes – which have been complemented by a recent glass extension offering all-round views of the bucolic water setting. This unbeatable location is matched by the food, overseen by Head Chef Charlie Hurrell, whose menus feature something for all appetites. Join Spice today as we indulge in a 2 or 3 course Sunday lunch at this well-known and popular venue.

Pay As You Go - Cocktails at Opium Bar Bath Date: Friday 23rd May 2014 Place: The Vaults, Spring Gardens Rd, Bath (BA2 6PJ) Opium Bar - Ask for the Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Member, £3 Guest Opium, Bath’s best known secret… Tucked away in the vaults below ‘Grove Street’ a quiet residential area just off Pulteney Bridge lays the world of Opium. A bespoke designed bar, it offers a unique experience for the senses. The interiors are a combination of periods from Victorian to Bohemian Louis IV, Renaissance to present day. It offers a selection of classic cocktails and modern ‘house’ varieties, Martinis, a careful handpicked wine list and a wide selection of world beers. Tonight we’ll be sampling the delights they have to offer and will meet for cocktails before maybe moving off to a local restaurant in the area for a bite to eat. This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice needs you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the restaurant.

Page 27: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway Date: Friday 23rd May 2014 Place: Hollywood Bowl, Cribbs Causway (BS10 7TT) inside the main entrance at 7:30pm Cost: £15 Member, £17 Guest Includes: 2 Games Of Bowling, Shoe Hire, Spice Host, Prizes Extras: Drinks / Food Tonight we’re playing our ever popular Pyramid Bowling. The game is very simple and is basically a clever variation on normal Ten Pin Bowling that helps to even out the experts and the beginners. Ten Pin Bowling is always a great laugh and it doesn't matter if you've never bowled before or if you are at the top of your game, join us tonight for some fun. Meet inside by the shoe collection point where your Spice host will be waiting.

Walking Weekend - Tenby + Pembroke Coast Date: Friday 23rd May 2014 Place: Clarence House Hotel, Tenby, Pembroke (SA70 7DU) Meet: Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 7.00pm Cost: £210 Twin Share, £270 Single

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 1 evening meal, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, and 3 days of guided walking Extras: Transport to walk starts if used

WalkWise Overview: Terrific Seaside Tenby & Perfect Pembrokeshire Coast Combine with superb safe and sociable walking. Few people would dispute that the Pembrokeshire coast is one of the finest in the country so it will come as no surprise that on all three days we’ll be walking beside or close to the sea! Whether you are looking for longer or shorter walks, the area is a sheer delight. You will feel invigorated walking above the rugged and spectacular limestone and sandstone cliffs that typify the area. Pembrokeshire’s national park is unique in that it is the country’s only national park based entirely on coastal scenery; it boasts beautiful sandy beaches, wonderful headlands, medieval cliff top castles and early Christian sites. Add all this to lively pubs and a superb hotel location with a HAPPY HOUR BAR (which seems to last three hours actually) each night and you have the essential ingredients of a fine walking weekend! WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-13 miles with up to 1,500+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: We will be staying in the Clarence House Hotel which is superbly situated in the centre of the Esplanade enjoying panoramic views over the South Shore to St Catherine’s Island.

Walking Weekend - Ilkley Moor Yorkshire Date: Fri 23rd May 2014 - Mon 26th May 2014 Place: Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley, W Yorks (LS29 8RQ) Arrive from 2.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £245 Twin Share, £305 Single (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £60 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation,

3 breakfast, 3 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches, 3 days of guided walks Extras: Transport to start of walks if used This charming programme see’s WalkWise combine a grand, warm and friendly Victorian hotel with the traditional historic spa town of Ilkley. The Craigland’s hotel sits close to one of the finest walking areas in the country, the Yorkshire Dales National Park. However, just behind the hotel lies the famous Ilkley Moor and the gritstone hills of the South Pennines. Our weekend will get away from it all by walking in three contrasting areas including on the famous and majestic Ilkley Moor itself, the beautiful dales and the dramatic Bronte country of Wuthering Heights. We shall spend our day’s walking up over the hills and dales, through the wild moorlands and criss-crossing the lush landscapes adorned by the omnipresent dry stone walls. In the evenings we will wine and dine in the splendour of their excellent restaurant and take drinks from the well-stocked bar. For more information please see our web-site.

Walking Weekend - The Welsh 3000's Date: Fri 23rd May 2014 - Mon 26th May 2014 Place: Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis (LL55 4TY) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal is at 8.00p.m. Cost: £249 Twin Share, £309 Single Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches,

3 days of guided walking An Ultimate Mountain Challenge completing all 15 Welsh 3000’s from Llanberis Snowdonia. Staying in the ideally situated 3 star Quality Snowdon hotel at the foot of Snowdon itself we aim to tackle all 15 famous summits of the Welsh Mountains. This is some of the best high level walking in the country, taking in the three mountain ranges of the Carneddau, the Glyders and Snowdon massif itself. The beauty of doing this walking over 3 days is that all summits can be achieved during daylight so we get all the views and we get a great hotel to base our challenge from! The WalkWise Walking Programme: This is the crème de la crème of mountain ridge walking in Wales you must have a serious ‘head for heights’. It shows you all 15 precious 3000-foot mountains and at the same time does them all justice. They have been walked in 24 hours but that would involve walking some of them in the dark. Total distance 29 Miles total ascent 14, 160ft. Accommodation: We stay in the Legacy Royal Victoria hotel, a three star quality hotel on the outskirts of the village. The centre is a delightful large Victorian building with a commanding position overlooking Lyn Padarn.

Page 28: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Walking Weekend North Devon Coast Date: Fri 23rd May 2014 - Mon 26th May 2014 Place: Valley of the Rocks Hotel, Lynton, Devon (EX35 6HS) Meet: Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 7.00pm Cost: £219 Member Twin Share, £239 Twin Sea View, £279 Member Single,

Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals & 3 days of guided walks choice of 2 walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts

The North Devon coast and Exmoor region around Lynton offers an undisturbed tranquillity and timeless charm that is so hard to find! These areas each offer something unique, with tremendous sea-scapes and plunging cliffs to one side and on the other, stunning heather moorland and deep cut river valleys that typify the Exmoor National Park. You are surrounded by hidden haunts, ancient and knarled woodland and sparkling rivers dotted with medieval towns, an abundance of wild life including the Exmoor wild ponies and red deer set around picture-postcard villages with exquisite cream teas! We’ve visited the area many times but this year we’ve put together some new exciting walks! Our hotel, called the Valley of the Rocks, nestles high up on lively Lynton’s west cliff and its nearby country pub is also a very handy attraction. Lynton is an ideal base to explore the North Devon Coast and Exmoor and this unique and varied terrain provide the perfect options for all levels and ability of walkers. WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On each day there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles. Accommodation: Your stay here is intended be comfortable and clean replete with hearty three course meals and amazing views of the dramatic coastline.

Digital Photography for Beginners Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: Fotofilia Studio, Jewellery Quarter (B1 3NS) from 10am to 3pm Cost: £29 Member, £35 Guest As it “says on the tin”, this is a back-to-basics introduction to digital photography, with top professional photographer, David Rann. Whether you’ve just bought your first digital camera and find yourself baffled by all the buttons and the unintelligible manual, or you’re someone with a grounding in photography looking to improve or refresh your skills, this 5 hour workshop combines classroom-based introductions and practical “assignments”, with guidance always on hand if needed. Any digital camera will be fine for this workshop although the more manual control your camera allows, the better. Please ensure that the camera has been assembled with a fully-charged battery and a memory card. Where possible please also bring the camera's instruction manual. As well as the studio based sessions, we will go out into the Jewellery Quarter & St Pauls Square areas which have lots of great atmospheric location possibilities. There will be a half an hour for a lunch break (lunch not provided).

Coastal Blast High Speed Rib Ride - Cardiff Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: Bay Island Voyages, Cardiff Bay (CF10 4WZ) Opposite the Pierhead building 1:45pm Cost: £24 Member, £26 Guest One for the thrill-seekers today as we take to the water for an adrenalin pumping, high speed rib ride! We'll be heading from Cardiff Bay, through the gigantic gates and out into the Bristol Channel for a full hour bouncing across the waves. No two trips are the same. Our hosts at Bay Island Voyages provide exhilarating rides in powerful inflatable boats. These sophisticated, rigid crafts offer safety combined with amazing power and manoeuvrability to provide a ride you’ll never forget. Their 12 seater RIB`s are very fast, powered by the latest generation of marine engines (450hp!) and can operate in virtually any weather. They are regularly inspected by the maritime authorities and carry the most up to date safety equipment available. Please arrive at 1.45pm so we're ready for action at 2.00pm. There will first be a safety briefing during which time you’ll be provided with a life-jacket. The ride will then start at 2.30pm and will last for around an hour before we return to terra firma at 3.30pm. We can then head to a nearby bar for some refreshments and to share our experience.

Double Supercar Blast + High Speed Ride Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: Dunsfold Aerodrome, Dunsfold, Cranleigh (GU6 8HY) Top Gear Racing Track Cost: £125 Includes: double supercar experience at the Top Gear Racing Track plus a high speed passenger ride Drive not one but two of the most impressive vehicles on the planet with this Double Supercar Blast experience. To really make the experience top notch, we’ll also be driving these on the one of the worlds’ greatest Race Tracks, BBC2′s Top Gear test track! Find out if you’re as good as the Stig as you test drive these fabulous cars. On arrival at the Top Gear Track, you will be greeted by your professional instructor before being given a briefing on driving techniques and safety. Then it’s time to take the wheel of your first chosen supercar followed by your second chosen supercar, for drives of up to four miles in each. The experience will take approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes. Also included is also a high-speed passenger ride with your professional instructor. Full details of the cars available can be found on our website.

Page 29: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Chelsea Flower Show Day Ticket - London Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London (SW3 4SL) Show Entrance Gate- Spice Sign from 9am to 5:30pm Cost: £68 Member, £70 Guest Includes: Saturday Day Ticket, Booking fee and Spice Host Extras: Food and Drink Join Spice for a fabulous day out at the Chelsea Flower Show. The world-famous garden will feature gardens created by some of the world’s best garden designers. There’s an awe-inspiring selection of plants from UK and international growers in the Great Pavilion, the very best in gardening products, captivating designs for small spaces, spectacular floristry displays and much more. A catwalk of colour and creativity, the brightest new ideas, the latest trends and the pinnacle of garden design make this show the one the world wants to see. Make sure you're there to enjoy gardening at its most gorgeous and glamorous. An added bonus is on Saturday is Plant sell off day, so if you are looking to purchase some plants for your garden you could pick up some bargains! If you have never been to Chelsea this is the most prestigious Garden Shows in the Country – one not to be missed. We will arrange meet times during the day for refreshments (own cost), or feel free to bring along a packed lunch. There are many different kinds of food/catering outlets across the show.

The Soul Destroyers Live At Fiddlers - Bristol Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: Willway Street, Bedminster (BS3 4BG) With Pasta Meal - 6.15pm at Ciao Italia at 8pm Cost: £12.50 Member - Ticket Only, £24.50 Member - Ticket and Meal,

Includes: Ticket to The Soul Destroyers, Booking Fee, Spice Host & Meal Option: The Soul Destroyers are the South West's brightest, tightest, funkiest party band, a monster 13-piece groove machine who mix up soul, pop, Motown, rock and disco hits for the ultimate night out. They’re a big name on the local live scene and their on-stage charisma coupled with genuinely stunning renditions of the very best songs makes for one of the biggest nights out you’re likely to have all year! At any one gig you will hear 90 minutes of non-stop Soul-based music. Venerable classics such as Mustang Sally will sit cheek by jowl with tunes from diverse sources drawn from the last 50 years of great music. The one core value is that they will be world class songs that work well with their line-up. Don't be surprised if you go home humming Sweet Soul Music, Move On Up, Car Wash or even Delilah (Tom Jones! Soul Brother number 2!). They will rock their way through a fast-running set of non-stop soul standards - Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Aretha Franklin etc - driven by a seven-piece horn section who will dance, duck, dive and even sing along!

The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down Date: Sunday 25th May 2014 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol (ST56 1745) at 1.15pm at layby on the Portway Cost: £35 Member, £37 Guest In Bristol we’re lucky enough to have the amazing Avon Gorge with the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge symbolising our great city. But it’s not just a beautiful landmark – it’s also the setting for one of our greatest and most challenging events – The Big Abseil. What a great shot for your photo album! Go ahead and impress your family and friends with this classic Spice event. You will start off by literally ‘getting to know the ropes’ and receive full instruction on the techniques needed for your descent. Your instructor will build up your confidence and calm your nerves before you progress onto the impressive 200-foot descent. Don’t forget to admire the impressive views whilst you’re up there. So do you have the nerve to take on this exhilarating, adrenalin pumping challenge? Our session in in the afternoon and we’ll be in the capable hands of the experienced instructors from Mendip Outdoor Pursuits. Full details will be sent out the week before.

Pay As You Go - Gloucester - Taste of Thai Date: Sunday 25th May 2014 Place: 117 Southgate Street, Gloucester (GL1 1UT) Ask for Spice table from 7:45pm Cost: £2 Member, £3 Guest Join us Glostonians to enjoy a relaxed Thai meal at the Taste of Thai restaurant (Trip advisor Certificate of excellence 2013). You can either opt for the set menu at £9.95 or select from the extensive a la carte menu. The Taste of Thai is centrally located in the pedestrian Southgate Street just along from the tourist information office. This meal is being run as a "pay as you go" event so you pay a £2 booking fee and we book the restaurant for the numbers attending and provide a host. On the evening you pay for your own food and drinks

Page 30: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Prodrive V.I.P. Visit in Oxfordshire Date: Sunday 25th May 2014 Place: Banbury, Oxfordshire from 10.45am for 11am tour Cost: £27 Member, £29 Guest One sector where the UK really rules the world is motorsport design, manufacture and consultancy. Prodrive is one of the world's leading motorsport businesses. For more than 25 years, they have been running race and rallying programmes for some of the biggest names in the sport, including Aston Martin, Subaru, Ford, Porsche, Honda and BMW. At the same time they provide race and rally cars for private teams. Today you will be shown behind the scenes where you can see how they engineer and assemble the new Mini World Rally Cars and the Aston Martin racing cars. During the detailed tour we cover every part of Prodrive’s operation and give a unique insight to the workings of the business. The tour includes: ● Coffee and welcome in the Prodrive heritage centre where you can view race and rally cars from Prodrive’s 25 years in world motorsport; ● The workshops where they build the MINI John Cooper Works WRC and the Aston Martin AMR-One cars; ● Rally car transmission and engine build and engine dynos; ● Advanced manufacturing facilities where they fabricate and machine all the parts which go into their competition cars; ● An opportunity to buy the merchandise that is produced on behalf of Aston Martin Racing as well as special items of memorabilia not available anywhere else. All these are available at specially discounted prices to guests.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Visit Date: Saturday 24th May 2014 Place: Oxhill, 10m South of Stratford (CV35 0RP) 11.50 for 12noon tour Extras: Please make a donation of at least £5.00 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. They have nine centres around the UK, including this excellent base in Warwickshire. This lovely visitor centre is home to adoption equines Major, Rumpel, Dylan, The Oxhill Donkeys and dinky pony Wensley along with more than 50 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys who are just yearning to meet us! We have arranged a guided tour of the centre and if we get sufficient numbers we hope to get a demonstration of horse care from the equine 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

Turner Exhibition and Afternoon Tea Date: Sunday 25th May 2014 Place: Bristol Museum, Queens Road, Bristol (BS8 1RL) Main Entrance to Museum at 2pm Cost: £16 Member, £18 Guest Includes: Visit to Exhibition, Afternoon Tea, Service, Spice Host Join Spice today as we visit the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for their exhibition – Turner: Watercolours from the West. This is the first exhibition of the Frameworks partnership, which celebrates great art collections in the West of England. Turner watercolours from Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives’ own collection will be displayed alongside those of Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, the Holburne Museum, and the Victoria Art Gallery. Among the highlights, the exhibition will feature Bristol’s recently acquired watercolour by JMW Turner, ‘The Mouth of the Avon, near Bristol, seen from Cliffs below Clifton. After visiting the exhibition we will wander over to Browns to enjoy an afternoon tea. There will be a selection of finger sandwiches, a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream plus a selection of mini cakes and, of course, a pot of tea.

Spice Meet and Eat - South Wales Date: Thursday 29th May 2014 Place: Three Blackbirds Inn, Llantarnam,Cwmbran (NP44 3AY) In the Bar at 7:30pm A popular event in South Wales is our monthly Member’s Meet & Eat. Every month we will head to a pub chosen by the members for a social night-out. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink. Everyone is welcome including established members, newer members and anyone thinking of joining SPICE. Book online (members) or drop us an email (non-members) so we know you’re coming and one of our Co-ordinators will be there to meet you.

Page 31: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Spice Meet and Eat - The Rose of Denmark Date: Thursday 29th May 2014 Place: 6 Dowry Square, Hotwells, Bristol (BS8 4QL) The Rose of Denmark - Spice Table at 7:30pm Join Spice tonight for our monthly Meet & Eat. Every month we head to a NEW pub for a social night-out. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink. Everyone is welcome including established members, newer members and anyone thinking of joining SPICE. Book online (members) or drop us an email (non-members) so we know you’re coming and one of our Spice hosts will be there to meet you. Our venue tonight is The Rose of Denmark, an old and perfectly formed gem of a pub, near the river and close to the flyover. Since 1800′s and maybe beyond, a welcome pub with friendly folk, warming fires and tasty fayre.

Dance Weekend - Cuban + Latin Blackpool Date: Fri 30th May 2014 - Sun 1st Jun 2014 Place: Tiffany's Hotel, Blackpool (FY1 1SA) Arrive from 3.00p.m. meet at 8.00p.m. Cost: £189 Member Twin Share, £209 Guest Twin Share, £205 Member Single

(Deposit £36 Member Twin Share, £40 Guest Twin Share, £40 Member Single) A weekend by the sea with a difference! Flirt with the Latin spirit and make new friends on our Cuban-style Blackpool dance weekend with Afro Fusion Dance, including Salsa, Rueda, Bachata, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Kizomba and more. Staying half board in the well-located Tiffanys Hotel you will enjoy daily high energy dance classes Please see our web-site for more details of the classes available.

Horse Archery Date: Saturday 31st May 2014 Place: Warwick International, Guys Cliff (CV34 5YD) please see web-site Cost: £95 Member, £99 Guest For all of you that want to unleash an array of arrows from your horse! This is a half-day session including a brief introduction on the ground where you will learn to nock your arrows, blind nocking and get used to firing with the designated horse bows. Then you will move from the ground to your horse and practise firing at the targets but this time from your moving horse. A 100m runway – 3 targets to hit - Try and strike the Gold! No horse riding experience necessary!

Trick Horse Riding Date: Saturday 31st May 2014 Place: Warwick International, Guys Cliff (CV34 5YD) please see web-site Cost: £95 Member, £99 Guest Equity meets Equine today, as it’s a rare chance to be taught by Karl Udez Martinez who is a fully trained and qualified, Equity registered stunt man as well as being a master horseman – one of the Knights of Middle England display team. You may have seen him or the ‘Knights’ in hit TV series ‘Merlin’ or Russell Crowes’ ‘Robin Hood’. Within the safety of an enclosed arena with specially trained horses on the lunge rein you will learn the basics of classical vaulting techniques performing gymnastic maneuvers on the back of a moving horse. We’ll then progress on to the authentic Cossack trick riding saddle, learning a variety of basic vaults, tricks and stands. Anyone can do this – No riding experience necessary however you will need to be reasonably fit and agile.

Back to Basics Digital Photography WorkShop Date: Saturday 31st May 2014 Place: 59 Newfoundland Way, Portishead, Bristol (BS20 7FP) Hall & Woodhouse Restaurant from 12:45pm to 4pm Cost: £50 Member, £52 Guest Is your camera a complete mystery to you? Is there a creative photographer inside you bursting to get out? Either way, this workshop is for you. Join us at Hall & Woodhouse bar & restaurant for a light lunch followed by the workshop. This fun, hands-on workshop introduces you to the exciting world of digital photography. Get away from shooting in ‘auto’ mode and take your skills to the next level. Having a good camera is only part of the equation.

Dinner at the Cosy Club - Bath Date: Saturday 31st May 2014 Place: Unit R4, South Gate Place, Bath (BA1 1AP) The Cosy Club - Meet in the Bar at 7:30pm Cost: £24 Member, £26 Guest Extras: Drinks Includes: Sharing Tapas, Main Course, Service + Spice Host Tonight will give you the chance to meet lots of new Spice friends while dining and socialising in the lovely Cosy Club in Bath. Located in the heart of the new South Gate shopping centre, the club boasts gorgeous décor with a mix of Art Deco-style pieces, lovely soft armchairs, chandeliers and walls filled with interesting pictures, mirrors and signs. We will enjoy a 2 course meal consisting of sharing Tapas, with dishes such as Patatas bravas, Hummous, Honey shredded pork, and Crayfish and prawns. For mains we have a selection of choices such as English beef burgers, Battered cod or Chicken, chorizo and crayfish jambalaya to name a few items. This is a great opportunity to meet other members local to this area so we hope you can make it along. We’ll meet in the bar where a Spice host will meet you and help with the introductions.

Page 32: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

White Water Kayaks Date: Saturday 31st May 2014 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 6EG) from 10am to approx. 4.30pm Cost: £52 Member, £59 Guest Today’s session is run by Den and the team from Forest Adventure and is an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to experience the thrill of white water kayaking. Whether you're a total novice or have done this before, you'll have loads of fun developing your basic skills, and getting used to the feel of the moving water. If you've kayaked in a pool or on 'flat water' before you'll find this quite different as the movement of the water makes your paddle stokes and turns more interesting. If you're up to it, you'll get a chance on the rapids where you'll have the chance to ' play ' the river - or is it playing with you! Under the expert guidance you'll soon be using the eddies to your advantage and discovering how to manoeuvre round all sorts of obstacles. All necessary equipment is provided.

Guided Walk: Abbots Leigh + Leigh Woods Date: Sunday 1st June 2014 Place: Manor Road, Abbots Leigh, Bristol (BS8 3RP) The George Inn - Parking Lot at 11am Cost: £7 Member, £9 Guest Includes: 6 mile Guided Walk, Spice Host Join us today as Elaine Musgrove leads us on a lovely walk starting at the George Inn in Abbots Leigh, walking through Abbots pool (with waterfalls), Ashton Court, and Leigh Woods (with a view point over to Clifton Suspension Bridge). It’s a wilderness of tranquillity with spectacular views and interesting, diverse broadleaf woodland. After our walk we’ll be stopping at the George Inn for a roast Sunday lunch (optional and payable on the day). The George Inn has recently been extensively refurbished and they’re known for their fabulous food. Don’t forget to bring some money for lunch and water and snacks for the walk.

Pottery Taster Session - Cardiff Date: Sunday 1st June 2014 Place: Unit 5, Ely Brewery W/Shop, Station Terr (CF5 4AR) Raine Ceramics – Entrance from 9:45am to 12pm Cost: £25 Member, £27 Guest Included: 2 Hour Pottery Taster Session with all Equipment Pottery Taster Sessions are about giving you a little taste of what it is like to work on the potter's wheel. So if you have always wanted to give it a go, but are not sure if you would like to commit to a whole course yet, the taster session is for you. It's also a really fun experience and something different to enjoy with friends. In this 2 hour taster session, there is ample time to view a demonstration and try your hand at making a number of pieces. In fact, you’ll make five pots with five different techniques in two hours. An evolution of pottery!

Spice Wing Walking Experience - Essex Date: Sunday 1st June 2014 Place: Aveley Road, Upminster, Essex (RM14 2TN) Meet: Damyns Hall Aerodrome Cost: £50 Member, £65 Guest

Extras: Total cost is £435 the £50 deposit secures your slot on this amazing event

Why not come and take a walk with us on top of a Boeing Stearman Biplane. You will take part in display training, with you as the wing walker, on top of the Biplane with you smiling and waving to your friends below. After a full safety brief and training session you will be strapped into the 5 point safety harness on top of the Boeing Stearman Biplane. You will then be taken skywards on an aerial adventure of a lifetime lasting approximately 10 minutes. You will take part in a display practice including fly pasts at various angles of bank and finish with a zoom climb from 135 mph. After landing you will receive a certificate confirming you are a trained wing walker. The aerodrome has a cafe, toilet facilities, a good viewing area of the flying and ample parking. Please see our web-site for important booking conditions including age and health etc. before booking this event

Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport Date: Tuesday 3rd June 2014 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table at 8:30pm Cost: £2 Member Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host From September we have changed our venue for our monthly quiz to The Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg. This is a light-hearted evening - 5 fun rounds of general knowledge plus a couple of bonus rounds. Registration for the quiz is 8.30 - but why not join us for a bite to eat beforehand from 7.30. This is a pay as you go event so you pay a deposit of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the pub and we will organise a Spice host for the evening.

Page 33: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Gloucester Curry NIght Date: Thursday 5th June 2014 Place: Whittle Inn, Gloucester Business Park, Gloucester (GL3 4BJ) Time: 7:30pm Cost: £12 Member, £14 Guest Includes: Curry Buffet, Service, Spice Host Tonight we’re off for a curry night in Gloucester. It’s a great social event where we get together with other Spice members in the area to socialise while enjoying some curry from a ‘help yourself to as much as you like’ buffet. Curry nights are very popular with our Spice members, so don’t miss out!

Friday Night Comedy at Jongleurs Bristol Date: Friday 6th June 2014 Place: Jongleurs Comedy Club, The Cuban, Harbourside, Bristol (BS1 5SZ) Main Entrance Time: 7:30pm Cost: £24.50 Member Tkt + Supper, £15 Member Ticket Only It’s the weekend and definitely time for a good laugh! Tonight we’re off to Jongleurs in Bristol, located in the best new bar and live entertainment venue in town, The Cuban! Each show features a Compere who will host your evening, and they introduce 3 top acts who will do their finest to make you laugh. The shows sometimes include open spots - a chance to see brand new talent trying out for the first time on a professional stage. All the seating is allocated so no fighting for the good views, tasty bar food is available before the show and the Cuban Bar next door is perfect for after work beers and pre-show cocktails as well as late night drinks after the show.

Sailing Weekend around the Solent Dates: Fri 6th Jun - Sun 8th Jun, Fri 4th Jul – Sun 6th Jul Fri 18th Jul – Sun 20th Jul, Fri 5th Sep – Sun 7th Jul Place: Haslar Marina, Gosport (PO12 1AH) Friday evening at 8pm Cost: £238 Member Shared Cabin, £258 Guest Shared Cabin (Deposit £50)

Includes: cabin share, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, Lunches and teas. Extras: Marina fees shared amongst the group and evening meals are taken ashore

The Solent is an ideal location for a weekend sailing cruise. There is so much to see, the beautiful Isle of Wight, many boats and ships passing by and many historic harbours from which to choose our Saturday night stop. With sheltered sailing, we normally sail for the whole day (after a hearty breakfast) and lunch is often eaten underway. Teas/coffees, soft drinks and snacks are available throughout the day. We aim to moor before dark for time to relax, then set off to a restaurant or pub for the evening meal - there are excellent eating places at all the overnight stops. On Sunday, after breakfast we return to Gosport, possibly mooring or anchoring for lunch en route. EnCompass Sailings are experienced at ensuring everyone is catered for whether you wish to try your hand at every new task or just relax and enjoy the maritime scenes passing by.

The Glee Club Comedy Night Merriment & Laughter Guaranteed

Date: Friday 6th June 2014 Place: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff (CF10 5BZ) Meet at entrance to the club 7:30pm Cost: £19 Member, £21 Guest This evening we are back at The Glee Club on Cardiff Bay. The Glee Club is a great independent comedy club and is a hugely popular part of the Spice programme. Tonight, more of the best professional circuit comics perform for our pleasure. The Glee Club's policy is to only pick acts that are on the national circuit and have performed at the London Comedy Club so bring along your best heckles for a laughter filled evening! Tonight there will be a compere and three acts to entertain you during the course of the evening..

Walking Weekend Patterdale Eastern Lakes Date: Fri 6th Jun 2014 - Sun 8th Jun 2014 Place: Patterdale Hotel, Patterdale, Lake District (CA11 0NN) from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £169 Twin Share, £209 Single, Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 evening meals, 2 picnic lunches

& 2 days of guided walks Patterdale is one of the most popular WalkWise Weekends and for good reasons: it is away from the madding crowd, it’s a lovely hotel and set in a lovely peaceful village in the beautiful Ullswater valley! The Patterdale hotel is all en suite, with lots of space to socialise in the evenings and what’s more the head chef and his team consistently pull out all the stops making the finest food using as much fresh local produce as possible. On top of this it’s just 2 minutes away from the White Lion, the local Lakeland pub, Oh and the walking’s some of the best in England!! WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles.

Page 34: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Woolacombe Coastal Photography Weekend Date: Fri 6th Jun 2014 - Sun 8th Jun 2014 Place: Royal Hotel, Woolacombe, North Devon. (EX34 7AB) Arrive from 3.00p.m. Cost: £189 Member Twin Share, £229 Member Single (Deposit £40 Member Twin Share, £45 Member Single) This is the perfect weekend to escape and experience the delights of the North Devon coastal landscape with your camera. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Woolacombe is a lively village famed for its surfing, with pubs, shops and has a fantastic award winning beach that is frequently cited as being in the top 5 UK beaches. This weekend is designed to give beginners or those looking to get more from their digital camera the confidence to use your camera to its full potential. Through motivating, practical sessions you’ll learn more about your camera and various techniques to capture the magnificent coastline and the intimate landscape within. Accommodation: Our accommodation is the Royal Hotel, surrounded by National Trust land and overlooking Woolacombe Bay and commands spectacular panoramic views over this three-mile sweep of sandy beach. All bedrooms are comfortable with en suite facilities.. Photography: The trip is open to all Photographers; however it is particularly designed for those just starting out with their digital SLR camera or those wanting to improve their skills with their SLR or compact camera. We will make the most of the numerous photographic opportunities that the North Devon coast has to offer. Full itinerary on our website.

Gorge Walking Adventure - Abergavenny Date: Saturday 7th June 2014 Place: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire (NP7 0LP) Time: 10am to 4pm Cost: £52 Member, £59 Guest This is a really fun experience that provides the opportunity for scrambling, climbing and abseiling in order to travel up a beautiful gorge. It sounds a challenge – and it is – but anyone of reasonable fitness who is prepared for anything (including getting wet) should be able to enjoy this wonderful day with our instructor from Forest Adventure. We will be kitted out with waterproof overalls, buoyancy aids & helmets before entering the gorge with a thrilling viaduct abseil. We then walk to the base of the gorge and then navigate a section by following the stream up hill. Along the way we will master such obstacles as a waterfall, beautiful pools and even a natural tunnel. Where necessary we will be roped together for safety. All in all, it is a wonderful opportunity to get really intimate with the environment is a stunning location. Don’t miss it!

Meeting Your True Soul Mate ... a fun day learning how ot find and attract someone special!

Date: Saturday 7th June 2014 Place: Arden Hotel, Coventry Road, by NEC (N92 0EH) 10.30am to approx 4.30pm Cost: £49 Member, £55 Guest Today, Candy Jannetta, life and business coach will share her proven techniques developed over 5 years to “meet your true soul mate”. She has a very honest, lively and humorous presentation style which puts everyone at ease. She’s also gets positive feedback on her own true-life stories. She’s now very happily engaged but had been single for 13.5 out of 17 of her adult years – so claims to have enough material to write a whole series of Sex and the City!” Who should book? Today is aimed at men and women who: Haven’t yet met their soul mate and want to: Are not willing to settle for second best: Are driven by inspiration not desperation

Saturday Lunch + Stroll - The Brassmill Date: Saturday 7th June 2014 Place: The Brassmill, Avon Mill Lane, Keynsham, Bristol (BS31 2UG) - Spice Table Time: 12:30pm Cost: £16 Member, £18 Guest Includes: 2 Course Meal, Service, Gentle Stroll, Spice Host The Avon Valley evokes idyllic images of rich verdant landscape, winding gentle waters and quiet country pubs – and at its heart you’ll find The Brassmill at Keynsham. With its still, green millpond and ducks, and standing by a foaming weir, this listed building with its exposed wooden beams could not be more appealing as a place to enjoy some delicious pub fayre. Today we’ll be enjoying a lovely 2 course meal and will then go for a stroll along the Kennet and Avon Canal. The area is rich in history with plentiful Roman remains and the town itself played a part in the English Civil War. It’s a good opportunity to try this fabulous Vintage Inn and to spend some time with other Spice members in the area.

10 Things Everyone Should Know About DIY ... an enlightening look at DIY that could save you a fortune!

Date: Sunday 8th June 2014 Place: The Arden Hotel, Coventry Rd (By NEC) (B92 0EH) 10.30am to approx 1.30pm Cost: £10 Member, £12 Guest This morning Martin will cover 'Ten things everyone should know about DIY'. In a hands-on and informal session he will expose the mystical trade talk used by professionals in their attempts to justify big bills. He'll explain in layman's terms what goes where and why in the home and aim to make all DIY things idiot-proof even for the most enterprising.

Page 35: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

High Ropes Adventure Celtic Manor Date: Sunday 8th June 2014 Place: Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Woods, Usk Valley, Newport (NP18 2YA) Meet: Welcome Centre Time: 10:45am Cost: £29 Member, £31 Guest Includes: Approximately 2 hour high ropes course and Forest Fall on the Power Fan

Descender, Spice Host If you’ve always longed to swing through the trees, Forest Jump is the adrenaline pumping treetop adventure for you! Located in woodland on the Celtic Manor Resort’s grounds, this exciting development features both high and low ropes courses, bridges, walkways, and challenging obstacles plus a freefall 'Power Fan' jump. Suspended from wire by the fascinator safety system, participants will undertake a series of giant obstacle courses 12m up in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood and rope, concluding with a zip line. We’ve also added the fantastic power fan descender where you literally fall into the forest. It’s a fantastic day out, so don’t miss it, book now! We will receive a safety briefing and training from an instructor before starting the course but once you have commenced you’re on your own. After our adventure, there’s time to head to The Merlin Bar to catch a quick bite to eat and drink (optional and payable on the day).

Pub Social - Antix Cafe Bar. Bristol Date: Thursday 12th June 2014 Place: Antix Cafe Bar, 44 Park Street, Bristol (BS1 5JG) - Spice Table Time: 7:30pm Cost: £14.50 Member, £16.50 Guest Includes: Sharing Platters, Service, Spice Host The idea behind this evening’s social is for members in the Bristol area to get together for a relaxing social evening. You can meet up with the people you’ve met on events and also some new people, have a chat over a drink & discuss which other events to go to. Our Spice Host will be there to welcome you and help with the introductions. If you are new to Spice this is a great way to find out more about the group and meet some of the local members. This evening we meet at Antix Café Bar where we will enjoy some sharing platters. For those night owls in the group, club life kicks off around 11pm when lights are dimmed and a DJ starts spinning the funky tunes that have made Antix famous. It’s a brilliant night out giving time for both socialising and then strutting your stuff on the dance floor.

Fun Activity Weekend ... a fun weekend in the heart of Wales

Date: Fri 13th Jun 2014 - Sun 15th Jun 2014 Place: Lleust Fach Farm, Foel, Mid-Wales (SY21 0PB) From 6.00pm on Friday Buffet at 8.30pm Cost: £157 Member, £177 Guest (Deposit £35) Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet/picnic lunches, 4

course evening dinner party, all activity equipment and instruction This fun weekend is based in the secluded heart of Mid Wales and is a great way to escape all the stresses and hastle of city life. Our activities take place at the unsurpassable location of Lake Vyrnwy, a beautiful reservoir headed by a magnificent Victorian dam. Surrounded by tree clad slopes, and teeming with wild life, it’s an unspoilt nature and RSPB reserve. This fun packed weekend gives you the chance to meet up with other members who may be a little apprehensive about trying outdoor activities and to have a go if you feel up to it. It’s designed to give the absolute beginner a taste of climbing and abseiling without taking you out of your “comfort zone” and without making you feel awkward if you can’t manage it. Barry Smith, ex Spice co-ordinator, is well used to seeing people achieve more than they thought they were capable of. He and the other instructors will introduce you to the equipment and take you through its use slowly, taking away any anxiety you may have and building your confidence gradually. The weekend takes place at a secluded 16th Century stone farmhouse in the heart of the Welsh countryside with breathtaking views over the Cambrian mountains. This popular retreat is the home of Breakaway Holidays, run by your hosts Barry and Sonya, who have been looking after Spice members for over twenty years. The cottage sits in its own eight acres of private grounds with large gardens, sculptures, wild life pools and a small menagerie of cats, dogs, sheep and birds. There are seven bedrooms which are a mixture of twins and trebles with shared facilities. Lluest Fach is well known to many Spice members for its cosy atmosphere, homemade farmhouse food and friendly ambience. It is not licensed but you can, of course, take your own drinks. To find out more go to www.breakawayactivities.com

Pay As You Go - The Crispy Duck Date: Friday 13th June 2014 Place: The Crispy Duck, 231 Whitchurch Rd, Heath, Cardiff (CF14 3JN) Time: 7:30pm Cost:£2 The Crispy Duck is an Oriental fusion restaurant and bar, setting the standard for modern Asian cuisine in Cardiff. The menu has influences from Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and beyond. The restaurant received a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013 and we decided it’s time to go along and sample the cuisine. This is a pay as you go event so you pay an admin fee of £2 to secure your place and then you pay on the night for any food and drinks that you have. Spice need you to book in the usual way as we need to book a table at the restaurant and we will organise a Spice host for the evening.

Page 36: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Snowdonia Outdoor Photography W/E experience the delights of Snowdonia's landscape with your camera

Date: Fri 13th Jun 2014 - Sun 15th Jun 2014 Place: Royal Goat Hotel, Beddgelert, Gwynedd, N Wales (LL55 4YE) Cost: £189 Member Twin Share, £229 Member Single Includes: 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, 2 picnic lunches , 2

days guided photography Experience the delights of Snowdonia’s landscape with your camera. High peaks, tranquil valleys, fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and forests attract so many walkers and climbers to Snowdonia National Park, but also provide the photographer with some of the most outstanding landscape scenery in North Wales. This weekend is designed to give beginners or those looking to get more from their digital camera the confidence to use your camera to its full potential. Through motivating, practical sessions you’ll learn more about your camera and various techniques to capture the magnificent scenery that Snowdonia has to offer. Our base for the weekend is Beddgelert a charming village and great location from which to explore the surrounding area. From sweeping glacial valleys, serene lakes, the winding river to the dramatic Aberglaswyn Pass provide the canvas to learn and capture great photos. Accommodation: The Royal Goat Hotel is privately owned and has a friendly atmosphere; the Bedrooms are en suite centrally heated rooms with the usual facilities such as telephone, TV, hair dryer, etc. The hotel has a bar and comfortable lounge. We meet up on Friday night for introductions over a drink in the hotel bar. Steve has designed the weekend to be flexible and above all fun, and will tailor the photo locations to the weather conditions and the requirements of the group. Photography: The trip is open to all Photographers; however it is particularly designed for those wanting to improve their skills with their digital SLR camera. We make the most of the scenic photographic opportunities that Snowdonia has to offer spending the majority of each day taking pictures with Steve on hand to offer tuition in the form of in-the-field talks, demonstrations, one-to-ones, review sessions and discussions.

Snowdonia Valley + Rivers Walking W/E lower level walking, stunning scenery, relax and enjoy

Date: Fri 13th Jun 2014 - Sun 15th Jun 2014 Place: Royal Goat Hotel, Beddgelert, Gwynedd, N Wales (LL55 4YE) - Arrive from 4.00pm Cost: £165 Member Twin Share, £205 Member Single Includes: 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, 2 picnic lunches, 2

days of guided walking Snowdonia is a beautiful area with a huge variety of walking available. The high peaks, tranquil valleys, fast flowing rivers,

waterfalls and forests attract so many walkers and climbers to Snowdonia National Park. But away from the classic high peaks such as Snowdon, Moel Hebog and Cnicht there are plenty of lower level valley and river walks that provide us with stunning scenery but at a gentler pace. Our base for the weekend is Beddgelert, set in some of the most majestic scenery Wales has to offer and a legend in a field by the river that is Gelerts grave, which the village lends its name. According to legend it is the final resting place of Prince Llywellyn’s faithful hound Gelert… simply a must visit and a real tear jerker. The walking: The walks lead by Jackie will be around 9 miles on Saturday and 7 miles on Sunday taking in sweeping glacial valleys with amazing iews, serene lakes, hidden wooded valleys and fast flowing rivers. Jackie your guide has designed

this weekend break to be flexible and above all fun. Accommodation: The Royal Goat Hotel is privately owned, comfortable, has a friendly atmosphere and good food. The Bedrooms are en suite centrally heated rooms with the usual facilities such as telephone, TV, hair dryer, etc. The hotel has a bar serving real ales and comfortable lounges to relax. We meet up on Friday night for introductions and welcome briefing over a drink in the hotel bar. What is included: Dinner on Friday evening, bed and breakfast; Guided walk on Saturday (straight from the hotel) with packed lunch; Dinner on Saturday evening, bed and breakfast; Guided walk on Sunday with packed lunch; Professional guides, Transport in own cars / car share. Note: We are running this weekend alongside a photography weekend and both groups will be able to socialise and dine together.

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

Date: Saturday 14th June 2014 Place: Symonds Yat area of Forest Dean Time: 10am to 1pm Cost: £39 Member, £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. No one is made to do anything, 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 – so I’m sure no one from Spice should find it difficult!”

Page 37: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Double Supercar Blast + High Speed Ride Date: Saturday 14th June 2014 Place: Top Gear Racing Track, Dunsfold Aerodrome, Dunsfold, Cranleigh (GU6 8HY) Cost: £125 Drive not one but two of the most impressive vehicles on the planet with this Double Supercar Blast experience. To really make the experience top notch, we’ll also be driving these on the one of the worlds’ greatest Race Tracks, BBC2′s Top Gear test track! Find out if you’re as good as the Stig as you test drive these fabulous cars. On arrival at the Top Gear Track, you will be greeted by your professional instructor before being given a briefing on driving techniques and safety. Then it’s time to take the wheel of your first chosen supercar followed by your second chosen supercar, for drives of up to four miles in each. The experience will take approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes. Also included is also a high-speed passenger ride with your professional instructor. Full details of the cars available can be found on our website.

Hot Steak, Cool Art at Steak of the Art Date: Saturday 14th June 2014 Place: Steak of the Art, Cathedral Walk, Bristol (BS1 5LN) - Spice Table Time: 7:30pm Cost: £26.50 Member, £28.50 Guest Includes: 1 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Steak of the Art combines two favourite pastimes – art and eating – under one visually visionary roof. Bristol has an amazing reputation for both and Steak of the Art wants to be a part of it. As well as the separate art gallery, the restaurant itself is a living gallery, all the furnishings are bespoke, and if you like it, you can order one – they’ll have it made especially for you. It’s all rather quirky, eccentric and fascinating. Here, we’ll be enjoying a one course meal together with a 200g Rump Steak served with hand-cut chips or salad, a sauce of your choice and some veggies on the side. For those who’d like something a little different, there are also Lamb cutlets, half a chargrilled chicken, breaded pork schnitzel and a fish and vegetarian option. Join us of a zany, steaky night out!

Learn to be a Fashion Photographer Date: Saturday 14th June 2014 Place: Bristol Location Details will be emailed Time: 1:45pm to 5pm Cost: £55 Member, £57 Guest Ever wanted to have a go at Fashion Photography but never had the opportunity? Here’s your chance to try your hand as a fashion photographer without the grief! On this workshop we guarantee that the models won’t be diva’s! Hand-picked to be easy going & responsive you will be working with up to 4 experienced models who range in age from 17-65 yrs! They will make your job very easy. They will have a selection of outfits & are all, of course, beautiful! Consequently they photograph very well but more importantly they know how to employ different expressions & poses without being asked. What you’ll learn during this photography ‘experience’: You’ll learn all about what different reflectors will do and how they help fill in flash. And you’ll be encouraged to explore which camera settings to use to capture that one great shot whilst working in an exhilarating and engaging atmosphere. Should any technical questions or challenges arise along the way, your tutor will be on hand to ably assist and ensure your camera doesn’t inhibit your creative flair. As with all these ‘experiences’ you’ll come away with a sense of achievement having started to make informed decisions about how to photograph the action as it unfolds in a unique photographic environment. By the end you should have achieved a good set of images you’ll want to share with friends and others you might want to showcase in your growing photographic portfolio. Necessary experience & equipment: You’ll need to own a digital SLR camera or similar (eg a Bridge or CSC camera). If you’re not sure about your camera please contact us. You will have ideally attended a ‘Back to Basics’ workshop.

Cinema Night - Cardiff See The Latest Big Movies

Date: Sunday 15th June 2014 Place: Cine World, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff (CF10 2EN) Meet: 7.30pm inside the main foyer Extras: Pay on the night This evening the Spice Cinema Club is getting together at Cineworld in Cardiff to go to the flicks. It’s always good to see a movie on the big screen in the company of a few friends so tonight is our opportunity to do just that. Each month we choose a movie (usually a latest release with good reviews) and will email you in advance to let you know what we’ve chosen. For this, we love member suggestions, so please email us if there is a specific movie you’d like to see. Also, please make sure you’ve let us know that you want to be a part of our movie club so you get the emails. If you decide you would like to go along, please book online so that we can organise for you all to meet up. The movie club is scheduled to meet once a month on a Tuesday and for this you might want to take advantage of some of the special offers at the cinema. If you sign up to Super Tuesday, you can get up to 1/3 off your ticket (Terms and Conditions Apply). To take advantage of this offer you need to register for a Super Tuesday ID number. Important: Please note that you MUST still book this event through SPICE even though you will be paying on the night. This is to ensure we know who is coming.

Page 38: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Maxstoke Castle Visit and Easy Ramble Date: Sunday 15th June 2014 Place: Maxstoke, nr Coleshill (B46 2RD) Meet:11am for Castle (or 12 for ramble) Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest

Castle entry (if required) usually approx £7 (donated to local charities) Maxstoke Castle, just 3 miles outside Coleshill, is a fine example of a C14th moated and fortified manor house, commissioned by Sir William de Clinton; the licence to crenellate dates from February 1345. The house, which is surrounded by four acres of mixed formal and informal gardens, has been in the continuous ownership of the Dilke (later Fetherston-Dilke) families for over 400 years. The house is private and not open to the public but, once a year – today - the house and gardens are opened in support of local charities. Teas, plant and other stalls are provided. So we offer the chance to visit the Castle (if you wish) and then enjoy an easy ramble with Richard. The ramble will be around 5 miles Note: Richard will be there at 11:00 to organise the group to look around the castle and we will then regroup by 11:45 to meet for the ramble, which will leave at 12 noon. If you just want to join the ramble without the Castle visit, you can meet us all there at 11.45 for 12. After the ramble, we will find us a pub for a well deserved drink.

Stand Up Paddleboarding Taster - Cardiff Date: Sunday 15th June 2014 Place: Cardiff International White Water, Watkiss Way, Cardiff (CF11 0SY) Time:8:45am to 12pm Cost: £48 Member, £51 Guest Includes: 3 Hour Stand Up Paddleboarding Lesson, All Equipment & booking fee Stand up paddle boarding (or SUP, for short) was born in Hawaii in the 1950′s and has now become the latest craze to sweep our nation’s waterways and coastline. It is the fastest growing water sport worldwide where you use a long single ended paddle to move through the water while standing on a surf style board. The sport is a fantastic all over body work out, especially for strengthening core and upper body muscles, and it’s great fun at the same time! SUP is much safer and easier to learn than many water sports, and the majority of people who take up paddleboarding are ready to take to the water without supervision after just a few lessons and trips. Today we’re going to take a 3 hour lesson in stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). We’ll be taught a variety of SUP skills on land and water including a water safety briefing, prone paddling, falling safely from a board, self rescue techniques, how to carry a board, paddling techniques - forward, backwards and turning, paddling kneeling down, foot position & board stance, standing up paddling. Soon, you’ll be gliding along with confidence and style!

Visit to The Wild Place - Bristol Date: Sunday 15th June 2014 Place: Wild Place, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol (BS10 7TP) Main Entrance - Spice Sign Time:10:30am Cost: £17.50 Member, £19.50 Guest Includes: Entrance to the Wild Place, Coffee/Tea or Softdrink and Sandwich The Wild Place Project is an interesting and fun attraction in Bristol that provides adventure and learning, with an emphasis on protecting threatened habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe. The Wild Place Project is an open space, comprised of natural beauty that utilises the existing woodland and environment. Today we’ll discover ‘Madagascar’, which is home to several lemurs, visit the Edge of Africa with zebras and eland roaming in the grassland and see Okapi in the ‘Secret Congo’. You can take off your shoes and enjoy an array of textures on the Barefoot Trail without worrying about getting muddy feet as there are washing facilities at the end of the Barefoot Trail. We’ll also pay a visit to the award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden and the Sanctuary Garden. We’ll go to the Courtyard café for a drink and a bite to eat at lunchtime, with a sandwich and cup of tea/coffee or a cold drink included in the price.

Cheltenham Quiz Night Date: Thursday 19th June 2014 Place: The Brown Jug, 242 Bath Rd, Cheltenham (GL53 7NB) Meet: Inside the Bar Time: 7:30pm The Brown Jug Pub is situated in Bath Road and is well known for their well-stocked bar, local produce and excellent creative cooking. Tonight is their famous Quiz night and we’d like to enter a Spice team or 2. It costs £1.00 each to enter the Quiz AND it includes a curry and rice! The Quiz master is fantastic and it’s a really fun evening! A team can have up to 4 people in it, so hopefully we can get a ‘Spice One’ and a ‘Spice Too’ and maybe even ‘Three’ team together. This is a relaxed and fun social evening and is a great way to meet up with other Spice members in the local area.

Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway Date: Friday 20th June 2014 Place: Hollywood Bowl, Cribbs Causway (BS10 7TT) inside the main entrance Time: 7:30pm Cost: £15 Member, £17 Guest Includes: 2 Games Of Bowling, Shoe Hire, Spice Host, Prizes Tonight we’re playing our ever popular Pyramid Bowling. The game is very simple and is basically a clever variation on normal Ten Pin Bowling that helps to even out the experts and the beginners. Ten Pin Bowling is always a great laugh and it doesn't matter if you've never bowled before or if you are at the top of your game, join us tonight for some fun. Meet inside by the shoe collection point where your Spice host will be waiting to say ‘Hi’ and introduce everyone. At the end of the game there will be prizes for the best team score (the lower the better !!!).

Page 39: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Weekend Date: Fri 20th Jun 2014 - Mon 23rd Jun 2014 Place: Rufford, Newark, Nottingham (NG22 9DN) Arrive Friday - Villa access 3.00p.m. Cost: £149 Double/Twin Share, £109 Bunk Room Share, £224 Single/sole (Deposit £50)

Special this Year: It’s A Knockout Party Theme: ‘Carnival’ * 2 Discos * Sports * Dance Classes Our un-missable summer Center Parcs Weekend is now a Spice institution - a brilliant weekend break with TWO great exclusive parties and as much sport or relaxation as you can cope with! Special this year is the return of It’s A Knockout on the Sunday, adding a brilliant fun event into the weekend which will be another hi-lite. The sub tropical paradise is the centre of attraction with giant waves, water chutes, Jacuzzi’s, flumes, a thrilling wild water rapids ride, and much more. You can spend all day in the tropically heated 'dome', or move outdoors - tennis, squash, sailing, bikes, canoeing, gym, badminton, bowls, archery, - the list is endless...(you pay extra for these). There a few extra Spice Events organised by your local Spice Group like our Welcome Drinks Reception, BBQs, Badminton and Volleyball group sessions, ten pin bowling games, etc, to provide some great group focal points during the weekend. Or you can just choose to chill! Full details in your joining pack. We also have a fantastic Friday Night Welcome Disco to get the party started. The Saturday has free Dance Classes– great for mixing and meeting people –this year we are running with 2 sessions each learning the dance steps of a different dance ready for your group ‘performance’ at the Disco in the evening. Sheena Brabazon is a regular dance leader for Spice and she will be showing you the moves for some wonderful great group sessions (no partner needed), including a Copa Cabana dance ready for an evening Flash Mob at the disco! Go along to just one or all and laughs are guaranteed! Numbers are limited to max 100 per session and will be on a first come basis.

On Sunday we have a very special optional event with our own Carnival themed It’s a Knockout – starting at 1200am at the Golf Driving Range. Massive bouncy inflatables, dressing up, bubbles, foam, water fights, races all in a thrilling atmosphere. Our supplier for this is ‘Knockout Challenge’, check out their website at http://www.itsaknockout.org. The Villas are 3 & 4 bedroomed (6 or 8 people), each villa has a double room for couples (or can be booked for single occupancy), twin rooms and some have a smaller bunk room! We will arrange members into Villas - grouping people together - don't worry if you're on your own, so are many others booking, and with Spice you won't be on your own for long, as soon as you meet your Villa mates! Friday Night sees our Welcome Disco and Saturday night a Spice Disco with a late bar. Both Parties are included in the price and a Spice wrist band will be included with your weekend joining pack, giving you entry to the parties and our events. The Saturday night party

theme this visit ties in with this year’s football World Cup host country Brazil and is ‘Carnival!’ which couldn’t be easier and adds a bit of Spice to the weekend! Think Rio, Mardi Gras, Venice, Notting Hill and much more – please remember when creating your costume however that Center Parcs is a family resort so please be appropriate with your design; nothing too risky or racey! You can also wear your costume for the It’s A Knockout on Sunday if it isn’t going to damage either you or the equipment (Knockout Challenge will have the final say on this on the day)!

Walking Weekend - Cheddar Gorge Mendips Date: Fri 20th Jun 2014 - Sun 22nd Jun 2014 Place: Webbington Hotel Country Club, Somerset (BS26 2HU) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £169 Twin share, £209 Single Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2

breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 choices of guided walks Situated prominently on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, the Webbington Hotel and Spa is easy to get to and offers comfortable accommodation and a comprehensive fitness, wellness and beauty facilities. You can relax and enjoy the best of both comfort and cuisine in beautiful surroundings. Its location is perfect to explore the splendour of the surrounding region. Our aim this weekend is to explore the Mendips to the full, from Wells to Loxton via the spectacular deep Cheddar Gorge, the wonderful Wookey Hole and the delightful Ebbor Gorge. So whether you simply wish to catch up with your friends and have a relaxing weekend away or if you like getting out in the fresh air and having some excellent walks and exercise then this is an ideal weekend for you. Accommodation: The Webbington Hotel is a luxurious hotel that is a perfect base to explore the limestone heights of the Mendip Hills or admire the splendour of the famous Cheddar Gorge. Situated prominently on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, the Webbington Hotel offers you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the best of comfort and cuisine in beautiful surroundings. The Hotel has its own leisure club including an indoor heated swimming pool and fully equipped gymnasium, steam room, sauna and solarium, together with beautician and aroma therapists.

Page 40: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Big Wild Sleepout - Birmingham ... your chance to sleep out in the wild!

Date: Sat 21st Jun 2014 - Sun 22nd Jun 2014 Place: RSPB Middleton, Nr Tamworth (B78 2AE) Time: 2pm to 10:30am Cost: £28 Member, £32 Guest Includes: Hot Drinks, BBQ and Breakfast Tonight we have a wonderful opportunity to camp out overnight at one of the RSPB's Midlands reserves. We will see the reserve by moonlight and wake up to the magical sights, sounds and smells of the reserve. There will be activities included an evening wetland walk, bat tracking, moth trapping, star gazing, campfire stories and toasting marshmallows. The campsite will be in our play meadow next to the main car park. This is a public event however we will have our own area on the campsite. You will need to provide your own camping equipment. Full details will be available nearer the time.

Monmouth and Offas Dyke Ramble Date: Saturday 21st June 2014 Place: Monmouth, Forest of Dean area (NP25 3EG) Meet: 10.30am Cost:£6 Member, £7 Guest A great 10 miler from Alan, aimed at regular walkers with two steep ascents. We start in the pretty market town of Monmouth, heading south alongside the River Wye following the Wye Valley footpath. At Lower Redbrook will join a section of the Offa’s Dyke footpath and the heading off across country to the village of Newland where we can stop for lunch at the Ostrich Inn. Toward the end we ascend to the Naval Temple overlooking Monmouth. From this point there are absolutely tremendous views over Monmouth and the Black Mountains in the distance. We then descend into Monmouth to find a pub for a well earned rest and a pint or two!

Snowdon Summer Solstice Sleepover Date: Sat 21st Jun 2014 - Sun 22nd Jun 2014 Place: Betws Y Coes (LL24 0AE) Time: 4pm Cost: £30 Member, £32 Guest A chance to spend the night out in the open and away from the comforts of home, meeting in Betws-y-coed north Wales to allow time for any last minute purchases and some food we drive up to Pen-y-pass to park for the night. The route for the 2 – 2.5 hour walk takes us up the Miners Track, an easy to follow path but still rocky and steep in places, at the shore of Glaslyn lake is where we will spend the night under the stars, on the beach and sheltered by the high ground. If anyone wishes to go to the Snowdon summit you can leave your heavy pack here and make the final accent a little easier, it is a steep climb all the way from here to the top and will take between 1.5 & 2 hours to return. This event is for members with a good level of fitness. You will need a good sleeping bag, boots, waterproofs, torch and warm clothing for this trip and a comfortable rucksack to carry it all. We can supply sleeping mats and bivi / survival bags and will give you a warm drink in bed in the morning

Spice Dines Chinese - Dynasty, Bristol Date: Saturday 21st June 2014 Place: Dynasty, 16A Thomas Street, Bristol (BS1 6JJ) Ask for the Spice Table Time: 7:15pm Cost: £29.50 Member, £31.50 Guest Includes: Chinese Meal, Service, Spice Host Join Spice tonight as we head off to Dynasty, a restaurant that has earned an outstanding reputation for authentic quality Chinese food, being voted in The Observer as one of the UK’s top Five Chinese Restaurants. All the chefs are hand-picked for their culinary skills from Hong Kong and China and it’s bound to be a tasty evening! Tonight we’ll be enjoying a tasty menu of which you can see a sample below. It’s a good evening for getting together with other Spice members in the area and socialising over a delicious meal. Sample Menu can be found on our website.

White Water Kayaks Date: Saturday 21st June 2014 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 6EG) Meet: 10am to approx 4.30pm Cost: £52 Member, £59 Guest Your small, streamlined craft becomes an extension of your body – totally manoeuvrable, totally in your control. You navigate lines which are seemingly impossible, in natures’ three-dimensional world that is white water. To succeed against such power is the most satisfying experience. Today maybe just a beginning for you – but you’ll be back. Todays session is run by Den and the team from Forest Adventure and is an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to experience the thrill of white water kayaking. Whether you're a total novice or have done this before, you'll have loads of fun developing your basic skills, and getting used to the feel of the moving water. If you've kayaked in a pool or on 'flat water' before you'll find this quite different as the movement of the water makes your paddle stokes and turns more interesting. If you're up to it, you'll get a chance on the rapids where you'll have the chance to ' play ' the river - or is it playing with you! Under the expert guidance you'll soon be using the eddies to your advantage and discovering how to manoeuvre round all sorts of obstacles. All necessary equipment is provided.

Page 41: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Archery - Cardiff Date: Sunday 22nd June 2014 Place: Taff Valley Activity Centre, Taff Valley, Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Pontypri (CF37 5BJ) Time: 12:15pm Cost: £16 Member, £18 Guest Includes: Approximately one hour archery session, instruction and equipment

provided. Bring cash for a visit to the pub afterwards Bullseye! Improve your aim, hand-eye coordination and agility while hopefully not hitting one of the sheep in the process!!! Today, with a Grand National Archery Society Coach, we’ll learn the real skills and proper techniques of an ancient sport; Archery. The archery session will start with a training round, on easier training bows, following onto a scoring round with higher poundage field target bows. Various arrows will be used suiting your ability. If it’s great weather, we’ll be outdoors, with fabulous views of the valleys below, but if it’s raining we'll head into the barn. After our exercise we will head to the nearby Rose & Crown pub (optional) at mid-day for a bite to eat (payable extra on the day)

Avon Gorge River Cruise - Bristol Date: Sunday 22nd June 2014 Place: Wapping Wharf, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol (BS1 6UN) - Spice Sign Time:11:50am to 4:15pm Cost: £22.50 Member, £24.50 Guest Includes: River Cruise to Avon Gorge, Snacks, Spice Host Join Spice and other Spice members as we spend a lazy Sunday afternoon taking a scenic cruise through the Floating Harbour, out on to the tidal Avon and through the spectacular gorge. We’ll then sail under Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge and down the river to the Bristol Channel. There’s a full bar serving hot and cold drinks, and we’ll have some snacks along the way. This is a great way to spend the afternoon with friends in an idyllic location.

How to Make Friends and Influence People Date: Sunday 22nd June 2014 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, just off A4097 nr M42 (B76 0BY) Time:10:30am to 4:30pm Cost: £49 Member, £55 Guest Includes: Light snack at lunch and 2 x Teas/ Coffees during the day An exciting day of discovery and fun, whilst improving your communication skills ten-fold. This workshop is a practical event with lots of group exercises so you will get to meet and learn about other Spice members. It is a relaxed day with lots of discussions and fun exercises. This is not a convenient way to categorise people, it is a discovery of how real people like you and me value what is around us, and what motivates us. Knowing this, or even having an educated insight gives you the ability to choose the best response to get the result you want - the best result, win, win. • Will show you how to get out of sticky confrontation situations & turn it into collaboration • Understand what motivates you and what motivates others at work, leisure, & home. • An in-depth personality questionnaire • How to get people to say “Yes” to your ideas • How to deal with difficult personalities • Discover your own personality strengths and weaknesses & then how to develop them • How to communicate with people who just don’t seem to be on your wave length

Visit to Cotswold Birdland Park and Gardens Date: Sunday 22nd June 2014 Place: Birdland Park and Gardens, Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water (GL54 2BN) Main Entrance Time:11am Cost: £21 Member, £23 Guest Includes: Entrance to Birdland, Sandwich and Coffee/Tea/Soft drink, Spice Host Join Spice today as we visit the Cotswold Birdland Park and Gardens. Established in 1957 in Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, creating a picturesque canopy for the winding River Windrush. There are plenty of interesting birds to see in the fabulous background of marshland, ponds, meadows and copses. We’ll be joining in on the Flamingo Feed at 11.30 and find out lots more about these fascinating birds; can meet the keeper at 12.15; join the penguin feed at 2.30 and also join the pelican feed at 3.15. There’s lots to see and do and it’s a lovely day out. As part of our day, we’ll also stop for a light snack of a sandwich and coffee or tea or a soft drink.

Spice Meet + Eat - The Ffynnon Wen Date: Thursday 26th June 2014 Place: Ffynnon Wen, Thornhill Rd, Llanishen, Cardiff (CF14 9UA) - In the Bar Time: 7:30pm Join Spice tonight for our monthly Meet & Eat. Every month we head to a new for a social night-out. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat – it’s entirely up to you. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night. If you’ve already eaten then just come along for the social chat and a drink. Everyone is welcome including established members, newer members and anyone thinking of joining SPICE. Book online (members) or drop us an email (non-members) so we know you’re coming and one of our Spice hosts will be there to meet you.

Page 42: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Spice Meet + Eat Social - Bristol Date: Thursday 26th June 2014 Place: Pitcher & Piano, V-Shed, Cannons Road, Bristol (BS1 5UH) - Spice Table Time: 7pm Includes: Spice Host Come on down to the Pitcher and Piano tonight for a lovely, relaxed social evening. Perfectly located on Bristol’s Harbourside with eclectic and unusual furniture over 2 floors, it’s a great time to catch up with other Spice members in the area and perhaps meet some new ones. Our Spice Host for this evening will be there to welcome you and help with the introductions, so don’t be shy about coming on your own. This is a social where you pay for your own drinks and food on the evening. As we are providing a Spice host and will need to book a space at the pub please book online to let us know if you are coming along. This social is replacing the club night social for the summer months to give you a change of scene and so that we can be outdoors if the weather is nice to us.

Nepalese Dining: Yak Yeti Yak - Bath Authentic Nepalese Cuisine

Date: Saturday 28th June 2014 Place: 12 Pierrepont Street, Bath (BA1 1LA) Meet: 7.30pm for 7.45pm Cost: £25.50 Member Includes: Classic Nepalese Meal, Service, This evening we head to the beautiful city of Bath for some really special cuisine at amazing Nepalese restaurant Yak Yeti Yak. Nepal is home to a rich culinary history, full of variety and delicate flavours, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country, from the Indian influence of the plains to the Himalayan region with its Tibetan influence. Yak Yeti Yak is unique - there is no other restaurant quite like it. Set in the basement of 3 listed 18th Century town houses the restaurant has a variety of dining areas, a separate bar and 2 courtyard gardens each with its own character. There is even a traditional Nepalese style dining room with low level tables and floor cushions. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly reflecting the owners’ belief that the restaurant is an extension of their own home and customers are guests. Soft ambient music adds to the atmosphere.

Bungee Jump - 160ft over Water Date: Sunday 29th June 2014 Place: Dosthill, Tamworth (see below) (B78 2DL) Meet: Time Slots TBC Cost: £60 Member, £65 Guest Life should not be measured by the breaths you take but by those moments that take your breath away! One of the most thrilling Spice adrenaline events is the bungee jump and it’s one that’s on most people’s lists. Well here’s the chance to tick it off ! The basics: This is a 160ft Jump from a crane over water at the lovely scenic location of West Midlands Water Ski Centre near Tamworth. This fantastic site offers great views and you will jump above the watersports lake. On site there is a restaurant and bar. Full write up can be found on our website.

Coastal Blast High Speed Rib Ride - Cardiff A Thrill Filled Blast From Cardiff Bay !!

Date: Sunday 29th June 2014 Place: Bay Island Voyages, Cardiff Bay (CF10 4WZ) Meet: Opposite the Pierhead building Time: 1:45pm Cost: £24 Member, £26 Guest One for the thrill-seekers today as we take to the water for an adrenalin pumping, high speed rib ride! We'll be heading from Cardiff Bay, through the gigantic gates and out into the Bristol Channel for a full hour bouncing across the waves. No two trips are the same. Our hosts at Bay Island Voyages provide exhilarating rides in powerful inflatable boats. These sophisticated, rigid crafts offer safety combined with amazing power and manoeuvrability to provide a ride you’ll never forget. Their 12 seater RIB`s are very fast, powered by the latest generation of marine engines (450hp!) and can operate in virtually any weather. They are regularly inspected by the maritime authorities and carry the most up to date safety equipment available.

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

Date: Sunday 29th June 2014 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 5QT) Meet: 10am to approx 4.30pm Cost: £52 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. Having allowed four and a half hours for the trip, it should be a leisurely day, the famous Kestrels might even be keeping an eye on us from high above the valley. It's a great first timers event, but will also be fun for those of you who have some experience.

Page 43: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Sunday Roast at the Grain Barge - Bristol Date: Sunday 29th June 2014 Place: The Grain Barge, Mardyke Wharf, Hotwell Rd, Hotwells (BS8 4RU) - Spice Table Time: 12:30pm Cost: £16 Member, £18 Guest Includes: 1 Course Sunday Roast, Service, Spice Host Today we’re off to the Grain Barge for a lovely Sunday roast and a social with other Spice members. In its lovely harbourside location in Hotwells, this historic converted barge is bursting with character. The main harbourside lounge and dining area is light & airy, with the upper 'al fresco' deck boasting a 270 degree view of the harbour. Within sight of the SS Great Britain, it's the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. A sample menu can be viewed on our website at www.bristolcardiff.co.uk.

Walking Weekend - Latimer + Chilterns Date: Fri 4th Jul 2014 - Sun 6th Jul 2014 Place: Latimer, Chesham, Buckinghamshire (HP5 1UG) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £169 Member Twin Share, 209 Member Single Includes: 2 night's accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 evening meals,

2 picnic lunches and 2 days of guided walking with a choice of walks Walkwise Overview: We will reside in the excellent Deveres Latimer Place and Mews hotel in the heart of the stunning Chilterns. The hotel occupies an elevated and imposing position where it commands an excellent vista across the meres and estates of the lovely Chess Valley. We will wine and dine at the hotel and we can relax in its own pool and leisure centre and wander around the extensive grounds and gardens. Of course the walking is also real treat too and we will enjoy panoramic views over this fine rolling countryside and sample the tasty delights of the picture perfect villages where we have already sampled some quaint country inns and cosy cafes. The WalkWise Walking Programme: The Chilterns are a lovely range of rolling hills, characterised by a high chalk ridge rising steeply from the Vale of Aylesbury. WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a longer walk of 10-12 miles and a gentler walk of 6-8 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: Latimer Place and Mews is set in 30 acres of beautiful grounds overlooking the Chess Valley. The Mews has all the facilities you need with its own restaurant and bar. All the bedrooms are en-suite with the usual facilities. Within the grounds is Latimer’s own leisure centre, with a beautiful pool, sauna, spa bath, mini gym and even a 5 aside football pitch! So bring your bathers and gym kit if you are thinking of using the facilities.

Longleat Safari Park and House Date: Saturday 5th July 2014 Place: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire (BA12 7NW) Meet: Guest Service Kiosk (Main Square) Time: 11am Cost: £36 Member, £38 Guest Includes: Entrance to Longleat House+ Gardens and Safari Park, Safari Bus and Spice Host Today we’re off to visit the award winning Longleat Safari Park as well as the magnificent house, home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, and a family attraction in its own right. Longleat House is set in 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds, mainly completed by 1580. The family attraction is one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in the country and is a palatial stately home with grand interiors. It sits by a lake within 8000 acres of glorious parkland. Also resident at Half Mile Lake are awesome Common Hippopotamus, which can be viewed from two £250,000 boats launched in 2007. Longleat Safari Park has over 500 animals maintained in numerous Safari Park Reserves. The 60-acre East African Game Reserve features slender giraffes and graceful zebras, Llamas, and Camels, as we3ll as Tapir, Ostriches and Pygmy Goats, while other highlights are rare white rhino, Ankole Cattle, with two-metre horns. You will also see Flamingo’s, Spoonbills and Sacred Ibis, plus many types of duck, as well as a Vulture with five pairs of African vultures. The Tiger Territory is a must-see, housing the world’s biggest big cats in the shape of three (Siberian) Amur Tigers and one Bengal Tiger. Vying for the big cat crown, Lion Country has enclosures for two prides of the naturally territorial African and Barbary lions. We’ll meet at 11.00am and will then view the house on a self guided tour. After this we can grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes on site (optional and payable on the day) before catching the safari bus to see all the sights. There is so much to see and do, it’s guaranteed to be a grand day out, and one that should be done at least once in a lifetime!

Walking Weekend - Kings Lynn + Norfolk Date: Fri 11th Jul 2014 - Sun 13th Jul 2014 Place: Quality Hotel, Kings Lynn, Norfolk (PE30 4NB) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £165 Member Twin Share, £205 Member Single Includes: 2 nights accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches,

2 evening meals and 2 days of guided walking WalkWise Overview: The Norfolk Coast has long been on the WalkWise wish list and this year you are finally going to be able to explore it a Walkwise Walking Weekend. True there are no real hills here, but its beauty and wildlife value are well known. We will be based in the easy to get to Ramada Kings Lynn Hotel just 95 minutes from Kings Cross-by train! In addition to the two daily walks, coastal buses run hourly parallel to our walking routes which creates the ability to tailor the walks to your individual desires. WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, so you can choose how you are feeling on the day and select the walk that suits you best! Accommodation: Quality Kings Lynn Hotel. It is ideally located for visiting the Norfolk Broads and Coast and Kings Lyn itself. This comfortable hotel in Kings Lynn offers en-suite bedrooms, with modern facilities

Page 44: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Walking Weekend - Llandudno Coast Date: Fri 11th Jul 2014 - Sun 13th Jul 2014 Place: Ambassador Hotel, Llundudno, Wales (LL30 2NR) Meet: Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £169 Member Twin Share, £209 Member Single Includes: 2 night's B&B accommodation, 2 picnic lunches, 2

evening meals and 2 days of guided walks Walkwise Overview: Our visits to Llandudno allow us to recount the many tales of our times in this lively resort. It is situated where the Conwy valley and the sea meet the Cambrian Mountains on the northern edge of Snowdonia National Park. This makes for a wonderful variety of walking, from under the old giants of Snowdonia, including many ancient henges, to the wonderful bastion of the Great Orme itself and the quiet coastal sands from where the inspiration of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was drawn. Add to this no shortage of venues for anyone wishing to have a lively night on the town on the Friday and Saturday nights and we have the makings of an interesting weekend. The WalkWise Walking Programme: Llandudno is a great location to get to know better. To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. Accommodation: This Independent Hotel is in a prime location on the sea-front, close to all the amenities of the town. It is relaxed and informal, with a commitment to high standards. The team of chefs provide interesting and varied menus catering for many tastes, whilst the Gronwen and Tegwell lounges offer a place to relax and unwind.

National Dragon Boat Camping (Friday AND/OR Saturday Night) A Night (Or Two) Under the Stars

Date: Fri 11th Jul 2014 AND/OR Sat 12th Jul 2014 Place: Pershore Rugby Club, Mill Lane (WR10 2JF) At Campsite From 5pm Cost: £9 Member, £10.50 Guest Many members make a real weekend out of Dragon Boating by staying up at Pershore either in the local B&B’s or at our specially arranged campsite. Pershore Rugby Club at nearby Wyre Piddle Park are our hosts for your night (or two) under canvass. So why not dust off the tent (or go out and buy a new one) and enjoy some time in the great outdoors with lots of fellow SPICE members from all over the country. We are very grateful to Pershore Rugby Club for their kind support and directions are on our website.

National Dragon Boat Party Date: Saturday 12th July 2014 Place: Pershore Working Mens Club, High Street (WR10 1EU) Time: 8pm to 12am Cost: £12 Member, £15 Guest Includes: Venue hire, fish & chip supper, DJ and Spice coordinator A lot of people (rowers and spectators) traditionally stay over the night before to make a weekend of our Dragon Boating. Some camp at Pershore Rugby Club (see separate event) and others find accommodation nearby. The atmosphere is always great on Saturday night, with a DJ and bar, for a very special Spice exclusive party with fish & chips (served the proper way – out of the paper!).We can take around 150 people, but I suspect that the tickets will go fast! For those camping, the Rugby Club is around 2 miles up the road, there will be an optional minibus transfer at 7.45pm and 11.45pm at £1 each way.

National Dragon Boat Racing ..because nothing beats the atmosphere when Spice race the dragon!

Date: Sunday 13th July 2014 Place: Pershore, Worcestershire (WR10 1AF) Meet: 9.15am for 9.30am safety briefing Cost: £29 Member, £32 Guest “No Spicer should miss a Dragon Boat Day. It really sums up what Spice is all about – fun, friendship, excitement & the chance to try an activity that anyone can enjoy!” These are great days out - Enter the Dragon! Up to twenty people sitting side by side in a forty foot long boat, with a carved dragon's head and tail attached. A drummer in the prow beating time, a steerer in the stern keeping the boat on course with a giant paddle, the crew, ten each side speeding the boat down the river to the finish line! The atmosphere is brilliant, which is why this is one of the essential events in the Spice calendar! This is The Big One! A huge national Spice event organised for Spice by a great group of specialists. As it’s the Official Spice UK National Finals, all groups will be sending a team to compete. We have our own trophies and medals to go for, and the races will be run on a timed basis over the day. Don't worry if you've never been in a Dragon Boat before, we'll have plenty of time to practice before the racing begins in earnest (and as this is Spice, it’s all just for fun anyway!). For colour, spectacle and excitement Dragon Boat Racing has it all and is also rapidly becoming the mass participation sport on water. If you want to know what a great day out this is ask any of the members who've attended previous events. Dragon Boat Racing caters for all ages, male and female, in one crew and requires no experience. It's great fun and totally unlike any other kind of canoeing with team work being the key, not strength. No experience is necessary to participate but you must be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing.

Page 45: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Bristol Harbour Music Festival Weekend Date: Fri 18th Jul 2014 - Sun 20th Jul 2014 Place: Regency Hotel, 42-44 St Paul's Street, Bristol (BS1 3AD) Arrive from 4.00pm Cost: £185 Member Twin Share, £229 Member Single, £169 Member Triple Share

Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, 3 Course Meal on Saturday Night at the Clifton Sausage, Harbour Festival + Spice Host throughout the weekend.

The Harbour Festival is one of the UK’s largest public events and a chance for the city to showcase its rich musical and performance roots. Over 250,000 festival fans head down to the historic waterfront to party, dance and relax. Organisers have promised a packed three day event, across a two mile stretch of the city from Brunel’s SS Great Britain to M Shed, and from Queen Square to the city’s leafy Castle Park. Visitors will be entertained by a vibrant mix of live performance, artists, musicians, dancers, circus acts, markets and street stalls. On the water, hundreds of sailing vessels, from historic ships and boats to pleasure yachts and harbour ferries will provide a colourful backdrop to Bristol’s annual celebration of its maritime heritage. Musically, the festival always has an impressive line-up, drawing on the city’s vibrant music scene, covering a hugely diverse range from soul to folk, and from reggae to funk. The venues are all within easy walking distance of each other and we can see as many performances as we like in which ever venues we choose. We will also coordinate meet points throughout the day so you can dip in and out of the Spice programme as you wish. Accommodation: We stay in the lovely Regency Hotel, is ideally situated in Clifton and is within walking distance of the City's main attractions. These include The Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, the theatre district and the famous Bristol Harbourside. Itinerary for the Weekend can be found on our website.

Bristol Harbour Festival and Brunch Date: Saturday 19th July 2014 Place: Browns, 38 Queen's Road, Clifton , Bristol (BS8 1RE) - Ask for Spice Table Time:11am Cost: £15 Member, £17 Guest Includes: Brunch, Service, Visit to Bristol Harbour Festival, Spice Host Join Spice for Bristol’s biggest cultural event, The Bristol Harbour Festival! Expect international party sounds, world music, some big Bristol names and local rising stars. Cirque Bijou leads an energetic Circus programme, plus there’s a dance village, historical ships and fireworks. This is a showcase of the extraordinary cultural diversity of the city and there’s plenty of entertainment guaranteed to keep toes tapping, bodies moving and hands clapping. We’ll meet early at Browns for a lovely brunch with choices such as poached egg and fishcake, eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royal or a Traditional Breakfast. Vegetarian options are also available. After our brunch we’ll wander down to the Harbour Festival and might split into groups, meeting up again at 5.00pm at the statue in the centre of Queen’s Square to catch up and exchange notes after which we’ll venture off again to enjoy the entertainment.

Surfing Weekend - Croyde Bay, Devon Dates: Fri 18th Jul 2014 - Sun 20th Jul 2014

Fri 15th Aug 2014 - Sun 17th Aug 2014 Place: Croyde Bay, Devon (EX33 1YP) At B&B's Arrive from 4.00p.m. Cost: £189 Twin Share, Singles on request only,

Includes 3 surf sessions, wet suit, use of surfboard, 2 nights B&B accommodation in local B&B, Light Lunch on Saturday is included. EXTRAS: Meals & drinks Single room subject to availability and supplement will apply

Are you ready to take the plunge and head down to Croyde Bay for some Surfing! North Devon is renowned for its spectacular coastlines and golden beaches and Croyde Bay has beautiful and stunning scenery. The sandy beach at Croyde Bay draws surfers from all over the world and this is where we are heading for our Surfing Weekend. Croyde Bay faces west into the Atlantic and enjoys a famed reputation for its consistent waves! Our surf school is situated in the beach car park at Croyde, just a few metres from the sand. Over the weekend we will have 3 lessons where you will learn about surfboards, the techniques for standing up and of course how to surf! The surf school includes a changing facility and safe storage for your gear. Surf South West is a British Surfing Association Approved Centre offering a full range of courses, but specialising in absolute beginners, introducing people to the sport with qualified instruction and specialist equipment. They tell us that most participants are amazed that after a weekend course of three sessions they are up and standing, hopelessly addicted to the sheer exhilaration of riding the waves!

Page 46: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Walking Weekend Chilterns + Thames Path Date: Fri 25th Jul 2014 - Sun 27th Jul 2014 Place: Milton Hill House Hotel, Steventon, Abin (OX13 6AF) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal is at 8.00pm Cost: £169 Member Twin Share, £209 Member Single Includes: 2 nights hotel B&B accommodation, 2 picnic lunches, 2

evening meals 2 days of guided walks on each day Walkwise Overview: The Milton Hill House Hotel is a wonderful venue set it its 22acres of secluded sublime parkland just south of Oxford. This charming whitewashed Georgian country house simply oozes charm and character, it also offers quality cuisine, service, a lovely swimming pool and quality leisure facilities. In fact this is quite simply, just a great place to get away for a weekend. But the location is also superb for us walker, in that it provides us with easy access to a wide variety of walking country, from the Thames Path to Goring and Streatley, the beautiful Berkshire Downs, the rolling Chilterns and the Vale of the White Horse.

The WalkWise Walking Programme: Although staying in Oxfordshire this new walking programme seeks to bring out the best of the nearby Berkshire countryside. To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with 1500ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: Just approaching the hotel drive you can feel the stresses of the world drifting away. The setting is quite simply beautiful. Entering the hotel you are grabbed by its salubrious décor and your weekend break away has begun. There is large entrance hallway with broad staircase leading up from

the reception area. There are spacious lounges that open up to the parklands beyond and a well stocked bar to relax in, oh and a lovely restaurant. Equally the bedrooms are all of a new stylish design, en-suite and very well equipped with LCD TVs, Sky, teas coffees etc. Add to this the superb reputation of the chef, the excellent leisure facilities of the pool, gym, spa, steam room not to mention the treatments that are available from the White Cottage Beauty centre; and it will be a wonder if we ever manage to get out for a walk!!!! But you will quite definitely enjoy your stay.

Fire Eating Workshop The Best Flaming Event You'll Ever Do...!!

Date: Sunday 3rd August 2014 Place: Woodlands Camp, Streetly, Sutton C'fld (WS9 0SH) Time: 10:30am to 5pm Cost: £39 Member, £45 Guest Extras: Please bring a packed lunch, a towel and milk Fire Eating & Breathing: This has got to be one of the Spice Classic Events. Go on, It Must Be On Your List of "Got to do's". If you are not sure about doing it then ask around and find out what a great day it is! Over 2000 Spice members have faced the challenge and swallowed fire - and the feedback forms tell us it's crazy - thrilling - adrenaline pumping and more - fire eating is one of our Classic Events that sets Spice and its members far above the mundane and gives you the chance to leave mediocrity behind and become extra-ordinary. The morning session comprises a thorough programme of games and exercises done as a group, designed to boost confidence and team spirit, and to prepare members for the challenge of safely learning this dangerous and esoteric skill. Its lots of fun but never the less taken seriously as danger is ever present, so no messing about on this one. The day culminates in the incredible sight of all the team swallowing firebrands and for the grand finale - a team photo of everyone flame throwing! Are we mad - not when you know how! Full info on our website.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta Weekend Date: Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Place: Regency Hotel, St Paul's Rd, Bristol (BS8 1LR) Arrive from 4.00pm Cost: £175 Twin Share, £216 Single, £159 Triple Room Share (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single, £30 Triple Share)

Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, 2 Course lunch on Saturday, International Balloon Fiesta, City Docks Packet Boat Cruise + Spice Host throughout the weekend.

This year, Bristol will play host to Europe’s largest ballooning event for the 36th time. In this amazing spectacle over 150 hot air balloons will take off from Ashton Court Estate at dawn and light up the skies at night with evening glows. It’s something everyone has to see at least once in a lifetime! The event features colourful hot-air balloon displays, attracting over half a million visitors to the scenic grounds of Ashton Court. Balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off over the City of Bristol as well as taking part in various ballooning competitions including who can reach the furthest point in a set time or landing challenges. There is also entertainment for everyone on the ground with fairground rides, delicious food stalls, a craft fair, dance stage, arena entertainment, the world famous Red Arrows and a local talent music bandstand.

Page 47: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Edinburgh Festival Weekend I Date: Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Place: Pollock Halls, Holyrood Park Rd, Edin (EH16 5BQ) Meet: Arrive from 2.00pm Cost: £170 Member Twin Share, £245 Member Single, £190 Guest Twin Share, £265 Guest Single (Deposit £50) Includes: 2 Nights Accommodation in Single/Twin/Double en-suite rooms, (well furnished with spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat) in the excellent Chancellors Court or John Burnett House.2 Fantastic Full Scottish Buffet Breakfasts, Saturday 1.5 Hour Guided Tour of the Royal Mile (Castle to John Knox House, Spectacular Arthur’s Seat Walk, Coordinators Throughout, Friday Night Welcome followed by Fringe Act Ticket, Option to purchase a Saturday night Ticket for the astonishing Edinburgh International Military Tattoo with spectacular end of show fireworks – the hottest ticket in town! An opportunity to book superb extras such as Merv Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe, Saturday Dinner at Merchants, the Festival Farewell Lunch plus lots more…. It’s that time of year when the world’s biggest and best comedy, music and arts festival takes place in Edinburgh making the city the most vibrant venue on the planet. This is one of the world’s great spectacles and should be on every ones ‘to do before I die list’. It’s so good you’ll want to come back again and again. The Edinburgh Fringe promises to be bigger and better than ever with star names appearing for your enjoyment along with some new undiscovered talent. Walk the Royal Mile absorbing the atmosphere with music and song all around you, it’s a real carnival. Visit one of the many whiskey outlets for a taster session from the experts or sit back and relax at one of the many, many Fringe venues scattered throughout the city. In the past 12 years over 1500 Spice members have attended these fantastic weekends, they are, without doubt, one of the highlights of the Spice Year so please book your place NOW!

Walking Weekend - South Devon Coast Date: Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Mon 11th Aug 2014 Place: Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbott (TQ12 3QH) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £169 Member Twin Share, £209 Member Single Includes: 2 night's B&B accommodation, picnic lunches, 2 evening

meals and 2 days of guided walking Walkwise Overview: The stunningly rugged and beautiful South Devon coastline is some of England’s finest and this alone is more than enough reason to visit. Hidden along the coast are secluded sandy bays, rocky headlands, quaint fishing hamlets, towering cliffs all lapped by the inviting Mediterranean blue waters. We will visit picturesque villages, enjoy the hospitality of the inviting cafes and country inns. Add to this the lovely Passage House hotel with its irresistable riverside setting, scrumptious food, relaxing leisure facilities and a traditional country inn with real ale right next door, and we are in for a superb weekend away… Oh and it’s just at the end of the M5 and has good rail links so it’s easy to get there too!The

WalkWise Walking Programme: With over 130 miles of coastline, most of which either faces the sun or is sheltered from prevailing winds by the great shoulder of Dartmoor, South Devon has one of the finest coasts in England. Scattered along the coast are towering cliffs, broad sandy bays, craggy coves, rock stacks, sea arches, deep wooded estuaries, quaint villages, delightful resorts, all of which combine to make some of the most varied and beautiful coastal scenery in Britain. WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. Accommodation: Passage house hotel blends modern facilities with old world charm to offer everything you would expect from a modern hotel in a simply stunning

setting. The hotel has its very own 17th Century Inn in its own its idlyic riverside setting. There are four separate dining areas, lots of car parking and a modern, a fully equipped fitness health club facility offering the ultimate in keeping fit and looking good. All Bedrooms are fully modernised with en-suite facilities.

Walking Weekend Snowdon Summit Date: Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Place: Royal Goat Hotel, Beddgelert, Wales (LL55 4YE) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £169 Member Twin Share, £209 Member Single Includes: 2 night's B&B hotel, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals

and 2 days of guided walks Walkwise Overview: The Royal Goat, a cracking hotel, located in the charming village of Beddgelert and set in the heart of Snowdonia! There is superb walking that literally surrounds this centre, with the high lofty ridges of Snowdon, Moel Hebog, Nantle Ridge and Cnicht. But you don’t have to climb these mighty peaks, it’s just as wonderful to gaze up at them from a peaceful lakes, or to wander over the heather clad moors. The WalkWise Walking Programme: There are so many amazing mountains to attain and each one has numerous routes up and around them. The area is stunning for absolutely all levels of walks too! WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. Accommodation: The enchanting village of Beddgelert is just a perfect location to set out on a walking weekend. Set around a delightful stone bridge and a rousing river it has an eclectic range of bars, tea and interesting craft shops. The 3 star hotel the Royal Goat has all the comforts you ever wished for together with the hotel’s excellent reputation for food and wine!

Page 48: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Edinburgh Festival Weekend II-Bank Holiday Date: Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Place: Pollock Halls, Holyrood Park Rd, Edinbur (EH16 5BQ) Arrive from 2.00pm Cost: £229 Member Twin, £329 Member Single, Includes: 3 Nights Accommodation in Single/Twin/Double en-suite rooms, (well furnished with spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat) in the excellent Chancellors Court or John Burnett House. 3 Fantastic Full Scottish Buffet Breakfasts Saturday 1.5 Hour Guided Tour of the Royal Mile (Castle to John Knox House) Spectacular Arthur’s Seat Walk, Spice Host Throughout, Friday Night Welcome followed by traditional Scottish Ceilidh with caller. Option to purchase a Saturday night Ticket for the astonishing Edinburgh International Military Tattoo with spectacular end of show fireworks – the hottest ticket in town! An opportunity to book superb extras such as Merv Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe, Saturday Dinner at Merchants, Fosters Comedy Awards, Picnic in the Gardens the Festival Farewell Lunch plus lots more…. Full details are on our website.

Walking Weekend - Llanelli, The Gower Date: Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Place: Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshir (SA15 3PJ) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £235 Member Twin Share, £295 Member Single Includes: 2 night's B&B, 3 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches and 3

days of guided walking WalkWise Overview: The spectacular Gower Peninsula has some of the finest coastal scenery in Britain. Indeed the Gower itself is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and with such magnificent sandy bays and picturesque rocky headlands it’s easy to see why. Needless to say we will be walking along this stunning coastline and exploring its many bays, villages and headlands, and if this is not enough we will, be based at the luxurious Diplomat Hotel, with its excellent leisure facilities including saunas, gym, solarium and indoor pool! Plus if you want a relaxing start or end to the trip you could add an extra night and drive home after the rush. Further details are on our website.

Walking Weekend Western Cotswolds Date: Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Place: Holiday Inn, Gloucester (GL4 3RX) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £235 Member Twin Share, £295 Member Single Includes: 3 night's B&B accommodatio, 3 picnic lunches, 3

evening meals, 3 days of guided walking Walkwise Overview: The Cotswolds Way stretches from Bath in the south to Chipping Campden in the north and the Holiday Inn in Gloucester is ideally placed to allow us to access the central section of this long distance path. Our walks will concentrate on the area north of Stroud and South of Leckhampton. This part of the walk includes some of the most diverse and beautiful countryside in the whole of the Cotswold’s. There is so much to enjoy in its sleepy vales, rolling downlands, hills crowned with ancient hill forts that command enviable views over the surrounding valleys, fairytale woodlands with enchanting glades, not to mention picture perfect villages with welcoming traditional Inns! To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles. Accommodation: The Gloucester-Cheltenham Holiday Inn Hotel has all the facilities you would expect from a modern hotel and the bedrooms are furnished to high standards, with satellite TV, trouser press, air conditioning, hairdryer plus tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has a relaxing café-bar and a very comfortable lounge. Should you have any excess energy, or just like to relax and be pampered there is also a leisure club on site. The Leisure Club comes complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna ideal for just relaxing and fully equipped gymnasium in case you have any spare energy!

Page 49: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Unique Yurt Experience Weekend - Norfolk Date: Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Place: Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk (PE31 8DD) Directions/Meet details will be emailed Cost: £165 Includes 3 Nights’ accommodation in Mongolian Yurt, 2 breakfasts (with hot items), 1 Continental breakfast

on Monday, option for long or short guided walks on Saturday and Seal Boat trip on Sunday. Fish & Chip lunch & evening supper on Saturday, (BBQ weather permitting) & Sunday evening meal.

We are returning to Norfolk where we have had some brilliant Bank Holiday weekends. This year for the 1st time we have booked a couple of Yurts which are located on Deepdale Farm. We also have the Granary bunkhouse booked for Spice so although you have the unique experience of staying in a Yurt for the rest of the weekend you will be with the rest of the Spice gang for meals, socialising, walking, BBQ’s and our seal boat trip. This is a beautiful part of Norfolk and if you have never visited this area before you are in for a treat. About the Yurts: When you think of camping what images are conjured up in your mind? Do you see muddy fields, wet clothes, soggy tents and hearty folk with shorts, socks and boots? It doesn't have to be this way with the new genre in luxury, comfortable camping and campsites. There are many new types of posh camping holidays (glamping) and the Authentic Mongolian Yurts are one of them. A yurt, or a Ger as it is known in Mongolia (yurt is a Russian word meaning shanty, so not considered polite!), is a domed home made up of a wooden frame formed by a number of joined wooden lattice walls with a roof made of a central crown with roof poles radiating out and sitting on the top of the walls. The frame is covered in fabric or skins. Our Yurt for the weekend includes a wood burner with fuel and kindling, 4 futons with mattresses (but you need to bring sleeping bags or a duvet and pillow), cushions and throw covers, foldaway chairs and for when it gets dark, a lantern.

Easy Coastal Walking and Chill Out Weekend

Date: Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Place: Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk (PE31 8DD) Arrive from 4.00p.m Cost: £165 Member, £185 Guest Includes 3 Nights’ accommodation in comfortable Spice exclusive hostel, 2 breakfasts

(with hot items), 1 Continental breakfast on Monday, option for long or short guided walks on Saturday and Seal Boat trip on Sunday. Fish & Chip lunch & evening supper on Saturday, (BBQ weather permitting) and Sunday evening meal

We are returning to Norfolk where we have had some brilliant Bank Holiday weekends. This is a beautiful part of Norfolk and if you have never visited this area you are in for a treat. This weekend is aimed at relaxing, chilling out with some walking, exploring, BBQ’s and socialising thrown in for a great weekend. One of the highlights of the weekend is a boat trip to see the seals and wildlife at Blakeney Point You are guaranteed to see some seals basking on the sandbank, we just don’t know how many! It is worth a visit to Holkham Stately home where you can enjoy afternoon tea and a wander round the grounds. You can stretch your legs along the beautiful Holkham beach where ‘Shakespeare in Love’ was filmed. On Saturday there is a choice of walks, with the option of a long or a short walk, one starting at Burnham Overy Windmill. We are based at Deepdale Granary, which is a converted 17th Century barn that has been restored in the Norfolk style with exposed beams and wooden floors. Full details are on our website.

Pembroke Bluestone Luxury Resort Weekend Date: Fri 19th Sep 2014 - Mon 22nd Sep 2014 Place: Bluestone, Narberth, Pembrokeshire (SA67 8DE) Check in from 12pm on Friday Cost: £139 Twin Share before 1/7/14, £189 Single before 1/7/14 (Deposit £30) Included: a fabulous 3 night, 5 star break at Bluestone National Park Resort with accommodation in luxury lodges (either Skomer or Ramsey lodges), use of the Blue Lagoon, Welcome drink, Friday night supper and Saturday night BBQ meal (weather permitting) guided walk on Saturday and Spice host throughout the weekend. Lots of options on and off the site and we will have a great programme of things to do so you can have a jam packed weekend or a chill out one – the choice is yours! Please note that we are on an early booking price until 1st July so book your place real soon. It's back...!! After 5 excellent weekends here we are heading down the M4 to beautiful Pembrokeshire again, for our annual visit to the fabulous Bluestone Resort. Bluestone: has been created within two woodland vales, in 500 acres of glorious Pembrokeshire countryside, and has over 200 lodges based around a traditional Celtic Village. Accommodation: With a 5 star status, the accommodation at Bluestone is unique and finished to an extremely high standard. Full details are on our website.

Page 50: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

For your free information pack, contact your local SPICE group

SPICE UK (Head Office) National Co-ordinator: Dave Smith 13, Thorpe Street, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9PR Tel: 0161 873 8788 Fax: 0161 848 9465

Website: www.spiceuk.com E-mail: [email protected]

SPICE (West Midlands) Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter 6a, Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands, B74 3EJ Tel: 0121 353 6161 Fax: 0121 353 6861 [email protected] www.spicebham.com SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 130 Aztec Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UB Tel: 0742 959 8414 Fax: n/a [email protected] www.spicebristolcardiff.com SPICE (East Midlands) Co-ordinator: Steve Dell Foxhall Business Centre, 2 King Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AS Tel: 0845 017 1031 Fax: n/a [email protected] www.spiceeastmids.com

SPICE (London) Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 330 High Holborn London, WC1V 7QT Tel: 0845 604 8041 Fax: n/a [email protected] www.spicelondon.co.uk SPICE (Manchester) Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes The Stables, 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0161 864 3849 Fax: 08444 120 996 [email protected] www.spicemcr.com

SPICE (Scotland) Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris Suite 2, 81-85 Portland Street Edinburgh, EH6 4AY Tel: 0131 553 0026 Fax: 0131 553 0027 [email protected] www.spicescotland.com SPICE (Thames Valley & Solent) Co-ordinator: Dominic Renshaw 118, Shiplake Bottom, Peppard Common, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5HR Tel: 0118 972 4810 [email protected] www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk SPICE (Yorkshire) Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes 33 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3AJ Tel: 0845 094 22 00 Fax: n/a [email protected] www.spiceyorks.com

Spice Extras

Save on your shopping & travel

The Spice Extras web site gives Spice members access to vouchers and special offers from over 100 different retailers, service providers and travel companies. Visit www.spiceextras.co.uk to register and save £££’s on your shopping & travel.

Page 51: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Join-in with the fun & Book these events….Easter, Brecons Chill Out

Friday 18�� to Monday 21�� April

Last Easter we discovered a cosy bunk housenestled in the Brecons, we all had such agreat time we decided to head back thisEaster. The emphasis is on a relaxing chilled-out weekend with some guided ramblesexploring the local area and socialisingthrown-in. This year we also have a numberof holistic treatments to truly relax. We willbe offering 3 breakfasts (2 with hot options)picnic lunches and two home cooked eveningmeals where you can relax with a glass ofwine and socialise. Since the Brecons

national park has ‘dark sky status’ it is a great place for watching thenight sky, so bring binoculars or a small telescope if you have one.

Woolacombe Coastal Photography WeekendFriday 6�� to Sunday 8�� June

A perfect break in this stunning corner ofNorth Devon makes a great setting for ourphotography weekend. Practical sessionswill help improve your skills & how to getthe best from your camera. Ideally youwill need a SLR camera, or one wherethe settings can be manually adjusted.We are staying in Woolacombe

overlooking the bay with it’s fine views. Thisis also relaxed social weekend with lots of chances to get more

from your photography.

Learn to Sail Introductory dayStarting Friday 25�� April, 13�� June & 13�� September

Sailing is always popular in Spice, this one is for those who want tolearn a bit more and includes helming, how to adjust & set the sailsand how a modern yacht sails, mooring basics, safety and of course afew important knots! As usual this is all done in a safe & fun way.The Solent is considered one of the safest & best areas in the worldfor learning to sail. We meet Friday to socialise with your fellow Spicecrew mates, this gives a chance to get a full days sailing on Saturdaywhere we may head for Cowes or Chichester depending upon theweather & tides, a fun day on the Solent!

Center Parcs Sherwood ForestFriday 20�� to Monday 23�� June

Our Center Parcs weekendis un-missable this is thebiggest Spice weekendget-together of the year,all of the Spice groupsfrom around thecountry will be there.The weekend startswith a welcome drink

at your co-coordinators villa onFriday evening followed by a disco at the Venue. On

Saturday we have lots of great events organised including free danceclasses, great for meeting and mixing with other Spice members,Saturday night is our themed ‘Carnival’ disco party. On Sunday wesee the return of our crazy It’s A Knockout competition and finally aSpice BBQ in the late afternoon (please book these separately). Don’tmiss it!

National Dragon boat racing - PershoreFriday 11�� to Sunday 13�� July

A huge national Spice event. Upto twenty people sitting side byside in a forty foot long boat, witha carved dragon's head and tailattached. A drummer in the prowbeating time, a steerer in thestern keeping the boat on coursewith a giant paddle, the crew, teneach side speeding the boat downthe river to the finish line! Theatmosphere is brilliant, which is why this is one of the essential eventsin the Spice calendar! There is the option to stay Friday & Saturdaynights, which of-course you will want to as Saturday is party night!

Easter Weekend Breaks - 18�� April● Brecons Bunkhouse Chill Out● Newquay & Cornish Coastal Walking● Eastern Lake District Walking● New Members Easter Walking - Mid Wales● Newcastle Party Weekend● Easter Walking in the Lakes● Pembrokeshire Coast Walking

Spring & Summer Suggestions…Bank Holiday Walking the Cornish Coast     2ⁿ� May

Sailing Gosport to Cherbourg          2ⁿ� & 23�� May

Dance Weekend (Zumba) Bournemouth 9�� May

Sailing in Malta & Gozo 9��May & 27�� June

Birds of Prey Weekend 16�� May

Bucharest & Transylvanian Experience 16�� May

Walking the North Devon Coast 23�� May

Dance Weekend Cuban & Latin Blackpool 30�� May

Walking Cheddar Gorge & the Mendips 20�� June

Bristol Harbour Music Festival 18�� Jul

Surfing Croyde Bay Devon 18�� Jul & 15�� Aug

Walking Chilterns & Thames Path 25�� Jul

Walking Weekend Arran Isle 1�� Aug

Sailing Cowes Week Experience 7�� Aug

Edinburgh Festival 8�� Aug

Bristol Balloon Fiesta 8�� Aug

Make the most of your Spice membership!

Page 52: Spice bc newsletter apr jun 2014 all

Fun & Spicy Spring Weekend BreaksWe have something for everyone in Spice with our Spring weekend breaks!

for April We have some great outdoors events including walking the Cornish coast, the Eastern LakeDistrict, A New Members Walking in Mid-Wales and walking the Pembroke coast. Chill out at Easter in theBrecons. Improve your Photography, Tennis or Drawing & Water Colouring with one of our workshops.How about a relaxing spring canoe paddle in Cambridge?

for May Try sailing to Cherbourg or sail in sunny Malta & Gozo or along the Jurassic coast. Have fun withZumba or Cuban + Latin dance weekends. In Wales join our Birds of Prey & Camping & Acrylic paintingweekends. Get active with Canoeing & Camping near Windsor or Cycling in the Cotswolds. For a get awayexperience join us on our Transylvanian break. Or try rambling Hadrian's Wall, Snowdonia, The Peak District,the Pembroke Coast, Iikley Moor in Yorkshire and the North Devon Coast.

for June Cool-off in flaming June whilst sailing in the Solent or learn the ropes with our introductorysailing. Have fun Kayaking with Seals or improve your photography skills in Woolacombe. June is time forour biggest Spice party of the year at Center Parcs in Nottingham. For Spice walkers there are breaks inSnowdonia, Patterdale, Chedder Gorge and the Mendips, Scarborough, Eastbourne & the South Downs.

Book now events!Many of our events are repeated, but some events are a one-off or are seasonal and others get bookedvery quickly. We wouldn’t want you to miss-out on that amazing must do event, so here here are a fewsuggestions. Don’t miss out on the fun Book Now!

Easter Brecon Chill Out Weekend - Friday 18�� AprilSailing Weekend in Malta & Gozo - Friday 9�� May & 27�� June

Dinner Shuffle at Browns Bristol - Saturday 10�� MayCoastal Blast High Speed Rib Ride Cardiff - Saturday 24�� May & 29�� June

Fire Eating & Breathing Workshop, Twickenham, London - Saturday 24�� MaySea Kayaking with the Seals, Pembrokeshire - Friday 6�� June

Snowdon Summit Walking Weekend - Friday 13�� JuneCenter Parcs Party Weekend Nottingham - Friday 20�� JuneNational Dragon Boat Racing, Pershore - Sunday 13�� July

Spice Bristol & Cardiffwww.spicebristolcardiff.com | 0742 959 8414 or 01276 479253

130 Aztec | Almondsbury | Bristol | BS32 4UB

Spring with Spice!