SUMMER 2014
‘Only 27 375 days in the average lifetime, What did you really want to do today….’
Spice|London www.spicelondon.co.uk 0845|604|8041|or|01276|479253 330|High|Holborn|||London|WC1V|7QT
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Spice Holidays Holiday with a group of like minded Spice members and share your amazing adventures. Select from a fantastic range of holidays from Spice UK. We do everything from Turkish blue coast cruises to rafting the Grand Canyon, from exploring Italian lakes to sports holidays in Lanzarote plus some great ski trips. Book your holidays on-line at www.spiceuk.com. Phone the Spice UK office on 0161 873 8788 or e-mail Spice UK at info@spiceuk.com for more information about these holidays.
Chill-Out & Relaxing Holidays ● ● ● ● ●
Turkey Blue Coast Cruise Turkey Chill-out Costa Blanca Chill-out Turkey Blue Coast Cruise Lake Garda Autumn Special
18�� August 15�� September 21�� September 6�� October 8�� October
Spice - Goes Exploring the World!
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Highlights of China Cuba Sun & Fun Discover Sri Lanka Lapland Adventure Wait only Marrakech at Christmas Arctic Dog Sledding Arctic Dog Sledding
12�� September 23�� October 1�� November 7�� December 23�� December 8�� March 21�� March
Spice in the White Stuff - Skiing
Spicy - Adrenaline & Excitement
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Walking in Tuscany Walking the Picos de Europa Grand Canyon Rafting Walking the Amalfi Coast Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike La Santa Sports Holiday
21�� August 7�� September 9�� September 28�� September 4�� October 9�� October
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Ski Christmas - Les Arcs, France Ski New Year - Alpe D’Huez, France Ski Courmayeur - Solo Week Ski Andorra Ski Meribel Ski Italy, Cortina Austria Ski Jive Ski Courchevel 1850 Ski Beginners Ski Val Thorens Ski Val D’Isere
20�� December 27�� December 11�� January 18�� January 18�� January 31�� January 7�� March 8�� March 14�� March 21�� March 22ⁿ� March
Holidays… Relax - Explore - Excite - Discover
Hello Everyone!
Dianne’s Wee Bit
Welcome to the summer issue of the Spice Bristol Cardiff newsletter, by now you will have noticed our new look. We now have a brand new Spice logo and the newsletter covers are now the same for all Spice groups this gives Spice a fresh consistent image to identify us as the best activity adventure & social group in the country. However the biggest changes we are making are much more than branding, in the next few weeks we will have a totally new Web-Site and database system. These are huge changes for us, but most importantly they provide all of you with a modern & improved experience when choosing & booking your events. There will be lots of new features for example you will now be able to book any events with any Spice group directly online as all the events will be in one place. We are very excited by these changes and we hope you’ll find these improvements make using our web-site and booking system much easier. So you will have more time to spend having fun. Another change from this month is the newsletter will now be available on-line only. We have taken this decision to concentrate our resources into the new web-site, database and also a new local coordinator for Bristol (see below), these changes will better serve the majority of our members. You may still view or download the newsletter from Issuu (there is free iPhone/Android issuu app allowing you to read our newsletter) and also from our web-site. Many of you will know Dave Smith who started Spice Manchester way back in 1066, well no it was really 1980 and has also run Spice UK for many years. Dave’s passion & vision for Spice has made it such an amazing club but after 34 years at the helm, Dave is moving on to pastures new. We all wish Dave all the best and hope he does not miss us too mu New Bristol Coordinator. To improve our service for our members we have taken on a new coordinator for the Bristol area and we know you will give Rachael a bit Spice welcome. She will help at our club & preview evening and also a number of our social events and will be valuable member of the Spice team. Ok back to the fun with our super summer events…. July is time for our annual national dragon boat racing, this is a great chance for all the Spice groups to get together for fun & friendship plus of course a bit of competitive rivalry, Spice Thames Valley won it last year and since Spice London is the natural home for the trophy we want it back! We also have lots more great summer weekends including Narrow boating, the Bristol harbour festival & Bristol balloon fiesta, surfing in Croyde Bay, Ascot races and a relaxing Norfolk weekend where you can stay in a Yurt (see the inside back cover for more about these events). As usual there is also a great choice of walking, sailing and cycling weekends including a fabulous two days exploring Bath in July. Another brilliant weekend to try is the Bluestone resort in Pembrokeshire, this part the Welsh coast is truly stunning with it’s sandy coves and great views. For a relaxing 1 night stop why not head to Cambridge for some punting along the lovely river Cam. Our program is packed this summer, so why not take advantage of the good weather and get out into the fresh air. We have some fantastic summer walks including Mickelton & Castle Coombe plus a charity walk in support of Charlton Farm a Bristol Childrens hospice, so show your support and get along. We also have Quad biking, Canadian Canoes, Kayaks, Segways, Sailing & Gorge Walking. Our social program is also pretty packed with organic wine tasting, Mamma Mia (an Abba tribute act), Live music and our popular meet & eat events Have a sizzling spicy summer and I hope to see you out and about on a few events.
Dianne
Coming Events – July 2014 Monday
7 Badminton Night - Drop In & Play
Tuesday
1 July Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
8 Evening Walk River Avon
Wednesday 2 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
9 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
Thursday
3 Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury
10 Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury
Friday
4 Dirty Dancing Tribute Night – Bristol
11 Crazy Golf Adventure – Bristol Pyramid Bowling - Cardiff
Saturday
Sunday
5 Hangliding - Tandem
6 Acting for Beginners
Longleat Safari Park
Avon Gorge River Cruise
Paragliding - Experience
Intro Sailing - Cardiff Bay
Paragliding Day Course
Mindfulness + Self Hypnosis W/Shop Bristol
Orchard Tour Wine Tasting Sailing Weekend around the Solent WAIT LIST Walking Weekend - Latimer + Chilterns 12 13 Elmley Castle& Anagram Pub Crawl Bristol Bredon Hill Ramble Walk – Cardiff bay Marco Pierre White Bristol Helicopter Lesson At Dragon Boat Party Wellesbourne Airfield Open Canoeing Bristol
Mickleton Ramble
Windsurfing - Birmingham
14 Preview and Social - Bristol North
21 Badminton Night - Drop In and Play
15 Scuba Diving Taster Session Bristol
22 Preview Night – Cardiff
16 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
23 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
17 Ceroc Dance Class – Thornbury
18 Bristol Harbour Music Festival Weekend
Gloucester Local Meet
Pay As You Go Bella Italia Cardiff
24 Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury
Spice Bristol Preview Night
25 Caribbean Night at Chepstow Racecourse Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway Live Music O.Neills Caridiff
28
29 Scuba Diving Taster Session Bristol
30 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
31 Ceroc Dance Class – Thornbury Spice Meet and Eat - The Cottage Inn Bristol Spice Meet and Eat - The Gwaelod Inn
1 August Special Sunset Bristol Zoo
Dragon Boat Racing Cycling Weekend - Bath National Dragon Boat Camping (Fri Night) Ultimate Walking Challenge - Lake District Walking Weekend - Kings Lynn + Norfolk Walking Weekend - Llandudno Coast Camping + Canoeing W/E Solent, New Forest National Dragon Boat Camping (Sat Night) 19 20 Bristol Harbour Festival Tank Battle Experience Longstone Pinnacle
Walk: Castle Combe and Wraxall
Dinghy Sailing RSPB Bird Walk Guided Climb O2 Sailing Weekend around the Solent WAIT LIST Surfing Weekend - Croyde Bay, Devon 26 27 Bath to Bathampton River Cinema Night – Cardiff Cruise + Lunch Putney Paddle Gliding by Air Tow The Big Abseil - 200 Feet White Water Kayaks Walk Wolves – Bedford Zip World Masham Beer + BBQ Overnight - Yorkshire WAIT LIST Walking Weekend Chilterns + Thames Path 2 3 Lichfield Cathedral Library Fire Eating Workshop Lift Tower Abseil Northampton WAIT LIST
Spice Wing Walking Experience
Segway Trekking in Caerphilly
Visit to No1 Royal Crescent + Sunday Lunch
Spice Dines the Curry House Bristol Symonds Yat Adventure Mission Rifle Shooting Afternoon Walking Weekend - Scotlands Arran Isle Walking Weekend - The Peak District
Coming Events – August 2014 Monday
4 Badminton Night - Drop In and Play
Tuesday
5 Chateau Impney Historical Tour + A/Tea
Wednesday 6 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
11 Preview and Social - Bristol North
12 Scuba Diving Taster Session Bristol
Thursday 7 Ceroc Dance Class – Thornbury
Sailing Cowes Week Experience WAIT LIST
13 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8 The Glee Club Comedy Night
9 Ascot - Shergar Cup AND Live Concert
10 Cotswolds Cleeve Hill Ramble
Under the Stars Floating Pub Social
Ascot Races + Live Concert + 1 Night Hotel
Implementing The Secret Laws Of Attraction
Bristol Balloon Fiesta and Lunch
Lunch and Swim at the Lido Portishead
Canadian Canoe
Quad Biking Cardiff
Motorbike Off Road WAIT LIST
Solve the Mystery Walk Bristol Harbourside
Stonehenge Sunset Tour Ascot Races Live Concert + 2 Nights Hotel Bristol Balloon Fiesta W/E - Berkeley Hotel, Bristol Balloon Fiesta W/e - Regency Hotel Cycling Weekend - New Forest Edinburgh Festival Weekend I Malvern Hills Luxury Easy Walking Weekend Malvern Hills Luxury Photography Weekend Swarthghyll Farm BBQ Weekend - Yorkshire Walking Weekend - South Devon Coast Walking Weekend Snowdon Summit 14 15 16 17 Ceroc Dance Pay As You Go Abseiling at Symonds Yat Archery and Rifle Shooting Class - Thornbury Madeira Worcester Restaurant Battle of the Proms Cardiff Sand Sculpture Festival Charity Precious Lives and Lunch Lift Tower Abseil
World's Wackiest Racers
Medieval Jousting Sizzling Summer BBQ Thames Cruise Party
18 Badminton Night - Drop In and Play
19 Preview Night – Cardiff
20 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
Spice Bristol Preview Night
21 Ceroc Dance Class – Thornbury Cheltenham Quiz Night
22 Live Music Social at O'Neills Cardiff Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway
Sailing Cross Channel WAIT
25
26 Scuba Diving Taster Session Bristol
27 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
28 Ceroc Dance Class – Thornbury Spice Meet + Eat - St Fagans, Cardiff Spice Meet and Eat-The Grain Barge, Bristol
29
Roman Baths Torchlight Sizzling Sumer Boat Party + 1 Night Hotel Surfing Weekend - Croyde Bay, Devon Welsh Ridge Walking Weekend - Rhinogs 23 24 A Night of Terror at Cinema Night – Cardiff Woodchester Mansion Segway Active Experience Kayaking for Beginners – Chepstow Congresbury, Bristol Sunday Lunch + Stroll Theatre - Sherlock Holmes River Grille Bristol White Water Kayaks Easy Coastal Walking and Chill Out W/E Edinburgh Festival Weekend II-Bank Holiday Unique Yurt Experience Weekend - Norfolk Walking Weekend - Llanelli, The Gower Walking Weekend Western Cotswolds Walking Weekend Whitby Coast + Moors 30 31 Cotswolds - Temple Bewdley + Arley Ramble Guiting Ramble Severn Valley Horse Racing - Ladies Day – Bath
Crack the Code Walk+QuizChipping Sodbury
Kayak River Adventure Day
Introduction to Sailing Cardiff Bay
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down Cambridge Sightseeing + Punting - 1 night
Coming Events – September 2014 Monday
1 September Badminton Night - Drop In and Play
Tuesday
2 Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Wednesday 3 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
Thursday
4 Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury
Friday
5 Mamma Mia Tribute Night – Bristol
Saturday
6 Gorge Walking Adventure
Sunday
7 Orchard Tour and Organic Wine Tasting
Microlighting Flight Paragliding - Tandem Experience Paragliding Day Course The Big Abseil
8 Narrowboat Break 4 Nights – Aldermaston
9 Scuba Diving Taster Session Bristol
10 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
11 Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury
Preview and Social - Bristol North
12 Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway
Visit to Oakham Treasures, Tea and Cake Narrow Boat Weekend - Aldermaston Sailing Weekend around the Solent Walking Bournemouth + Hampshire Coast Walking Weekend Coniston Falls The Lakes 13 14 Sailing Introductory Taster Cornden Hill/ Mitchells Day – Hampshire Fold Stone Circle Ramble
Sailing Learn to Handle a Yacht
Sailing Learn to Sail Introduction – Gosport
Solve the Mystery Walk – Bath
Ten Pin Bowling Cardiff
Shuffle Dining - Bordeaux Quay Bristol
Zip World - Ultimate Zipline Experience
Train to Shrewsbury+Walk to Church Stretton 15 Badminton Night - Drop In and Play
22
16 Preview Night – Cardiff
17 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
Spice Bristol Preview Night
23 Scuba Diving Taster Session Bristol
18 Ceroc Dance Class – Thornbury
19 Pay As You Go Miller and Carter Cardiff
Gloucester Local Meet
24 Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol
25 Ceroc Dance Class – Thornbury Spice Meet + Eat - Caerphilly, South Wales
26 Live Music Social at O'Neills Cardiff
Badminton Coaching Weekend Serenity and Discovery Weekend 20 21 Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk Guided Walk Westonbirt Arboretum + Cream Tea RSPB Bird Walk at Forest Farm + Lunch Sunday Brunch+ Live Jazz at the Old Duke Wake Up the Zoo - Dudley Pembroke Bluestone Luxury Resort W/e. Sea Kayaking with the Seals Walking Weekend - Banbury, Oxfordshire 27 28 Camping + Canoeing Cinema Night - Cardiff Weekend Wye Valley Malvern's Explorer Ramble Gecko Blasters - The Farmhouse, Yate Step Inside the BBC Bristol
Spice Meet + Eat - The Spotted Cow Bristol Creative Clay Weekend Sailing Weekend Poole - Jurassic Coast Spice U40 Bunkbarn Weekend Derbyshire Walking Weekend - Ennerdale + The Lakes Walking Weekend Hastings + Sussex Coast Watercolour, Pen and Wash Weekend
To book & for the latest events see our web-site
www.spicebristolcardiff.com Spice Bristol & Cardiff
Tel: 0742 959 8414 or 01276 479253 130 Aztec | Almondsbury | Bristol | BS32 4UB
Get involved with these fun social events… Preview Nights & Pub Socials Our regular Club/Preview nights are a great way for members to catch up with each other and socialise over a drink in relaxed surroundings, if you have never been why not drop by. They are also a way for prospective members to come along, meet a few existing members and find out more about Spice & maybe join on the night. A Spice coordinator will be there to welcome you & make some introductions and also give a short talk about how Spice works, it’s all very relaxed and friendly. These nights are always popular and its well worth dropping in. There is no need to book and there is no charge, you only pay for your own drinks Bristol North Social & Preview Nights The Swan, 14 Gloucester Road, Almondsbury Bristol, BS32 4AA 2nd Monday of each month 14 July, 11 August & 8 September From 7:45pm Spice All presentation at 8:00pm, Look for Spice Table Bristol Preview Nights If you want to know more join Rachael our friendly local co-coordinator to find out, we meet every month. Horts Pub & Diner, 49 Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2EP 22 July, 19 August & 16 September From 7:30 ask for Spice table Cardiff Preview Nights If you want to know more join Paul our friendly local co-coordinator to find out, we meet every month. Chapter, Market Road, Canton Cardiff, CF5 1QE Every Month 22 July, 19 August & 16 September From 7:45pm, Spice Presentation at 8:00pm Ask at reception for Spice
Meet & Eat & Local Socials Our Meet & Eat & Local Socials are a relaxed fun way to make friends with Spice members in your area. Usually you can just turn-up but please take a look at our web site as you may need to book these events. Gloucester - The Fountain Inn, 53 Westgate St, GL1 2NW Thu 17�� July at 7:30 pm Bristol - The Cottage Inn, Baltic Wharf, BS1 6XG Thu 31�� July at 7pm Cardiff - Gwaelod Inn, Main Road, CF15 9HH Thu 31�� July at 7:30 pm Cardiff - The Plymouth Arms, St Fagans, CF5 6DU Thu 28�� August at 7:30 pm Bristol - The Grain Barge, Mardyke Wharf, BS8 4RU Thu 28�� August at 7:30 pm Gloucester - The Fountain Inn, 53 Westgate St, GL1 2NW Thu 18�� August at 7:30 pm Caerphilly - Travellers Rest, Thornhill, CF83 1LY Thu 25�� September at 7:30 pm Bristol - The Spotted Cow, 139 North St, BS3 1EZ Thu 25�� September at 7:30 pm
Ceroc Dance Class - Bristol The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Rd BS10 5PY 8:00pm for beginners lesson Wednesday nights weekly
Ceroc Dance Class - Thornbury Armstrong Hall Complex, 4 Chapel St BS35 2BU 8:00pm for 8:15 beginners lesson Thursday nights weekly
Getting the most from Spice - Top Tips ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Check the web site regularly, we update on a daily basis, make sure you don’t miss that “must do event” Booking early means you won’t be disappointed by an event selling out (most do come around again). Use any credit vouchers you received when you first joined, as these will expire after 3 months. Try something different, you never know you may surprise yourself and 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 a long trip. Go on the wait list, we do get members cancelling bookings and we can often arrange for extra slots. Don’t forget Spice UK has some brilliant holidays, check their web site. Remember Spice is a network, one big family, you can attend events with another group, just call us to book. Call the office if you have any questions about an event, or are not sure about something.
& make the most of your Spice membership!
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 1st July 2014 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table 8:30pm Cost: £2 Member Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Food and drinks 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."
Dirty Dancing Tribute Night - Bristol
Date: Friday 4th July 2014 Place: Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol (BS32 4TS) Aztec Hotel and Spa - Spice Table 7pm Cost: £38.50 Includes: Dirty Dancing Tribute Act, 3 course Dinner, Half a Bottle of Wine, Disco and Hot Dog at Midnight Dance the night away to the sounds of the fantastic Dirty Dancing tribute act. This show is the tribute to one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time and has been wowing audiences nationwide since 2010. Songs include: Big Girls Don’t Cry, Hey Baby, Wipeout, Do You Love Me, Hungry Eyes and of course the Oscar winning (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life. The sexy song and dance spectacular is a real roller coaster, featuring a dynamic cast of incredible performers to show you the time of your live.
Date: Place: Cost:
Walking Weekend - Latimer + Chilterns
Fri 4th Jul 2014 - Sun 6th Jul 2014 Latimer, Chesham, Buckinghamshire (HP5 1UG) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 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 Extras: Transport to walk starts if used 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. Add to this the wonderful summer flora that adorns the meadows and escarpments, the red kites soaring above and the lovely English summer sun and we are in for a super time. 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. The hills, such as Ivinghoe Beacon at the end of the Ridgeway National Trail, offer dramatic viewpoints and over the flatter land westwards. Complementing this, Iron Age forts, picturesque woodlands and tranquil villages make for a wonderful escape for walkers. 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 with a little climbing (up to 1000ft of ascent), 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 television, telephones and complimentary tea / coffee facilities, trouser press and hairdryer. 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.
Date: Place: Cost:
Hangliding - Tandem Experience by Air Tow
Saturday 5th July 2014 Darley Moor Airfield near Ashbourne (DE6 2ET) Morning Slots - Time to be confirmed £20 Extras: Total cost is £199 but this is paid as £20 deposit when booking PLUS the balance direct to the supplier on arrival. Here’s your chance to fly with the birds in a specially designed tandem hang glider. The Spice flights are designed to take you to a height of 3000ft (or cloudbase – whichever comes first) towed behind a CAA approved tug microlight, in the company of an experienced BHPA qualified tandem hang gliding instructor. After an introduction to the equipment and a pre-flight briefing, you will be harnessed into the hang glider with your instructor. The microlight will start, and begin towing the glider and its’ occupants into the air. Once the towline is jettisoned you and your instructor will glide free and silent in complete awe of the spectacular views overlooking the beautiful Peak District Park.... an experience only shared with the birds. You may even take the controls and fly the hang glider yourself or enjoy the thrill of limited aerobatics.
Longleat Safari Park and House
Date: Saturday 5th July 2014 Place: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire (BA12 7NW) Guest Service Kiosk (Main Square) at 11am Cost: £36 Includes: Entrance to Longleat House and Gardens and Safari Park, Safari Bus and Spice Host th Today we’re off to visit the award winning Longleat Safari Park as well as the magnificent house, home to the 7 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, its highlights including the Half Mile Pond reshaped by Humphrey Repton, home to Longleat Safari Park’s resident lowland gorilla, Nico. He enjoys creature comforts such as a centrally-heated miniature stately home, satellite TV and computer games! Also resident at Half Mile Lake are awesome Common Hippopotamus, which can be viewed from two £250,000 boats launched in 2007.
Date: Place: Cost:
Paragliding - Tandem Experience
Saturday 5th July 2014 Darley Moor Airfield near Ashbourne (DE6 2ET) Time slots around 2pm TBC £5.50 Extras: Cost is £55 PAID AS £5.50 deposit to Spice when booking PLUS a balance of £49.50 directly to the supplier on arrival. Get the closest feeling to everyone’s dream of truly free flight. Flying with an instructor and towed up by a winch to around 500 -700 feet, you can either help to pilot the paraglider, or just sit back and admire the views of the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. The experience starts with a full briefing on safety procedures, the equipment and flying your glider then builds to a 5-10 minute flight depending on conditions.
Paragliding Day Course
Date: Place: Cost:
Saturday 5th July 2014 Darley Moor Airfield near Ashbourne (DE6 2ET) 9am to 5pm £10 Extras: Total cost is £110but this is paid as £10 deposit when booking PLUS the balance direct to the supplier on arrival Paragliding is a fabulous experience. Technology now allows packs so compact and light that it is possible for experts to climb a mountain then jump from the top – gliding serenely back to earth! This is a great way to get started. The day is designed to provide all the information you need to decide if flying is for you and they are normally able to get students flying low solo flights by the end of the day.
Acting for Beginners Workshop Birmingham
Date: Sunday 6th July 2014 Place: Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Gt Hampton ST (B18 6AD) 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. The Blue Orange Theatre is a new independent theatre situated in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. The theatre is located at 118 Great Hampton Street, B18 6AD, next to Tesco Express and opposite the Church Inn and Lloyds Bank.
Date: Place:
Avon Gorge River Cruise - Bristol
Sunday 6th July 2014 Wapping Wharf, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol (BS1 6UN) Wapping Wharf Spice Sign 11:50am to 4:15pm Cost: £22.50 Includes: River Cruise to Avon Gorge, Snacks, Spice Host Extras: Drinks 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.
Introduction to Sailing - Cardiff Bay
Date: Sunday 6th July 2014 Place: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff (CF10 5BZ) Lower Boardwalk – Trysail at 11:45am Cost: £45 Includes: 2 Hour Introduction to Sailing Sailing isn’t just about cruising in the sun, there’s a lot more action to be had, and there’s a real spirit of adventure. It’s both a fun recreation and serious sport, and today we’re going to learn the very basics of sailing. This is very much a hands-on 2 hour session and your first task will be to hoist the sails to start the learning experience. The Skipper will then introduce you to lots of sailing manoeuvres and give you the opportunity to learn some basic sailing skills. It’s a great day out on the water! Your skipper Steve Marks has been sailing in the Bristol Channel for 25 years sailing to harbours such as, Porlock, Minehead, Portishead and many more. Steve also has a good knowledge of Cardiff Bay both before and since construction of the barrage. The yacht Takamaka is a 36ft Jeanneau Sunshine cruising yacht with impressive performance.
Mindfulness + Self Hypnosis W/Shop Bristol
Date: Sunday 6th July 2014 Place: 14 Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, Bristol (BS32 4AA) The Swan - Upstairs Function Room 10:30am to 4:30pm Cost: £39 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.
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Orchard Tour and Organic Wine Tasting
Sunday 6th July 2014 Little Ashley, Bradford-on-Avon, nr Bath (BA15 1NF) Quoins Organic Vineyard - Spice Sign at 2:45pm £11 Includes: Welcome Drink, 1.5 Hour guided Tour of Vineyard & Orchards, Tasting Fruits in Season and Tasting at least 4 different Wines. Get together with Spice and other Spice members today and learn the secrets of organic grape production! We’re off to the Quoins Organic Vineyard where we will start with a welcoming glass of wine (or apple juice), and then join an informal and lively guided walk round the vineyard and orchards. There are over 100 varieties of trees and shrubs, grown for their fruit, nuts, firewood, and wildlife value and we have a chance to taste the fruits in season, many of which are quite unusual, rare and not often seen in supermarkets. The tour ends with a tasting of at least four different wines, as well as the opportunity to buy wine and fruit at farm prices.
Evening Walk along the River Avon, Bristol
Date: Tuesday 8th July 2014 Place: River Avon, Harbour Way, Bristol (BS1 5JE) End Harbour Way at Quayside at 7pm Cost: £6 Includes: Guided walk with Spice Host Join Rachael for an evening stroll around Bristol's famous River Avon. Starting at Harbour Way, just past Lloyd's Amphitheatre, we'll head along Hannover Quay taking in the sights of Brunel's SS Great Britain on the other side of the river and enjoying the boats moored along the quay. Once we reach Hotwells, we will cross over the river and join the Harbourside Walk on the south of the river. After a stop for refreshments at The Cottage Inn and a chance to sit and relax on the harbour wall, the walk will continue all the way along the riverside until we reach MShed. Once we cross back over the river we're almost back to where we started. This walk is an easy pace and suitable for all abilities. Whether you want to clear your head after a day in the office or just stretch your legs, this walk is a great way to meet more Spice members and to get to know our newest member of the Spice Bristol and Cardiff Team.
Crazy Golf Adventure - Bristol
Date: Friday 11th July 2014 Place: Jungle Rumble, Cabot Circus, Bristol (BS1 3BQ) 11.15am by entrance desk at 11:15am Cost: £9.50 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.
Cycling Weekend - Bath
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Fri 11th Jul 2014 - Sun 13th Jul 2014 Limpley Stoke, Lower Limpley, Stoke Bath (BA2 7FZ) Arrive from 4.00p.m. £198 Twin Share, £246 Member Single Includes two nights hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 1 evening meal (3 courses) on Saturday, 2 days fully guided cycling. Bike Hire £30 for the weekend We have linked up with Graham Hills from Bikers Delight for a great cycling weekend in Bath. We will spend two days exploring the fine cycleways around the World Heritage City of Bath. Enjoy this Roman spa town with fine Georgian architecture, flat canal towpaths, disused railway lines, and country roads which will take us through cultural sites and historic market towns. This is classy location to spend a weekend cycling and you can relax, indulge and have some fun. Over the weekend we will be covering a reasonable distance on mainly flat canal tow paths, traffic cycle paths and quiet roads. The cycling is classed as easy to moderate but you do need to be reasonable fit to take part and it is best if you have done some day rides before coming along. There will be about 4 hours cycling on Saturday and 2.5 hours on Sunday at a slow pace. We will be staying just outside Bath in the 3* Limpley Stoke (Best Western) hotel.
National Dragon Boat Camping (Fri Night & Sat Night)
Date: Fri 11th Jul 2014 - Sat 12th Jul 2014 book one or two nights. 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.
National Dragon Boat Party
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Saturday 12th July 2014 Pershore Working Mens Club, High St (WR10 1EU) Arrive for 8.00p.m. Cost: £12 Member, £15 Guest Includes: Fish & Chip supper, DJ entertainment and venue hire 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.
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National Dragon Boat Racing
Date: Sunday 13 July 2014 Place: Pershore, Worcestershire (WR10 1AF) Meet: 9.15am for 9.30am Cost: £29 “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!” 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!). It's great fun and totally unlike any other kind of canoeing with team work being the key, not strength. Get the start right and you can feel the boat lift out of the water and start to plane to give you a fast racing start, it's amazing how fast a 22 person canoe can travel!
Pyramid Bowling - Cardiff
Date: Friday 11th July 2014 Place: Red Dragon Centre, Hemingway Rd, Cardiff (CF10 4JY) Hollywood Bowl - At Shoe Collection at 7:30pm Cost: £15 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. All will be explained on the night but suffice to say that you’ll be teamed up into pairs or threes and it doesn’t matter whether you score 1 or 10 as you’ll still be making a good contribution to your teams score. Meet inside by the shoe collection point where our Volunteer Co-ordinator will be waiting to say ‘Hi’ and introduce everyone. Tonight we’ll be in teams of 2 or 3 with 6 to a lane and will still be playing 2 full games. At the end of the game there will be prizes for the best team score (the lower the better !!!). For full write-up please see the website event listings.
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Ultimate Walking Challenge - Lake District
Fri 11th Jul 2014 - Sun 13th Jul 2014 Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Lake District (LA22 0HP) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 night's B&B, 2 picnic lunch, 2 evening meals and 2 single grade guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used
WalkWise Overview: This event is for fit experienced walkers who want the ultimate challenging and fast long walks. The Langdales are ideally suited to this mission. The scene is set around the most deeply impressive glacially carved U shaped valley, itself adorned by countless hanging valleys and heavily defended by granite rock citadels. Our objective is to tackle the skyline of this roofless cathedral which has more than enough to challenge us. To enable us to succeed we have split it into two days; the first monumental day defines it! Classic Lakeland favourites and giants such as Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Esk Pike form our initial day on the southern flanks of the valley while the Pavey Ark and Sergeant Man shape our final day which concentrates on the northern side of the valley. We have combined this fine encounter with a New WalkWise accommodation base on the outskirts of Ambleside. This Outward Bound style accommodation makes a perfect base for hearty walkers challenge. Accommodation: is in Brathay Hall; a historic building and an outdoor centre and is located in a commanding position at the head of Windermere which frames its view across the lawns. Further details on this weekend can be found on our website.
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Walking Weekend - Kings Lynn + Norfolk
Fri 11th Jul 2014 - Sun 13th Jul 2014 Quality Hotel, Kings Lynn, Norfolk (PE30 4NB) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £165 Twin Share, £205 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. Indeed the North Norfolk coast is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and includes numerous nature reserves of international importance, stunning villages, picturesque seaside towns, regal country estates, stunning beaches, huge expansive saltmarshes and dune complexes which are all networked through a complex maze of footpaths! We will be based in the easy to get to Ramada Kings Lynn Hotel just 95 minutes from Kings Cross-by train! 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! These walks will be led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10 or more miles and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles. Accommodation: On the edge of Kings Lynn, easily accessible from the A47, A10 and A149 is the comfortable and friendly 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 50 en-suite bedrooms, with modern facilities including flat screen TV with freeview TV, free WiFi connection, tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel restaurant and bar offers you something a little less typical than your average hotel restaurant with a modern, stylish design and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
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Walking Weekend - Llandudno Coast
Fri 11th Jul 2014 - Sun 13th Jul 2014 Ambassador Hotel, Llandudno, Wales (LL30 2NR) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 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. The WalkWise Walking Programme: Llandudno is a great location to get to know better. Based in its own impressive bay and defended by the two Ormes (large natural rock structures), this area is a total gem for walkers, offering a wealth of wonderful walking and great open coastal vistas. 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 2000+ft of ascent and a gentler walk of 8-9 miles with less ascent. 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. All the bedrooms have a colour television, tea and coffee making facilities and are bath or shower en-suite. The friendly service, ideal location and popular cuisine coupled with a well-stocked bar make this a wonderful
Elmley Castle and Bredon Hill Ramble
Date: Saturday 12th July 2014 Place: Elmley Castle near Pershore, Eversham 10.45am - 11.00am Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest A new ramble with Steve Dell. We start from the lovely village of Elmley Castle with its quaint pub and church. The terrain and view are varied; from low level walking between two lovely villages and higher up in the Bredon Hills. Although there are some inclines we will take our time and the views are worth it. The ramble is around 6 miles so a little further than usual with Steve but the pace will be the same. The route starts in Elmley Castle and heads up Castle Hill (part of the Bredon Hills range). We stay in the hills as we make our way down to the village of Ashton Under Hill. We return at the lower level. After the walk we will have a drink at the local pub to replace lost fluids.
Marco Pierre White Dining - Bristol
Date: Saturday 12th July 2014 Place: Cadbury House, Frost Hill, Congresbury (BS49 5AD) MPW Steakhouse - Spice Table at 7:15pm Cost: £35.95 3 Course, £29.95 2 Course Includes: 2 or 3 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Spice dines in style tonight at the Marco Pierre White's Bristol Steakhouse & Grill. Set in the grounds of Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Bristol is a quirky yet quaint venue with stunning countryside views. Since opening in September 2010, the MPW Steakhouse has enjoyed huge success and raving reviews from its customers. The Menu offers everything you would expect from a traditional Steakhouse but with the superior quality of Marco Pierre White. Tonight we will be indulging in 2 or 3 delicious courses, brought to us from the world famous chef. We will be dining from a set, seasonal menu with 3 choices for each course. For starters there are tantalising delicacies such as Beetroot Soup, Ham Hock Terrine, or Grilled Sardines as examples. Mains bring choices such as Pan-fried Grey Mullet, Beetroot & Goats Cheese Risotto, Braised Pork Belly, and Ashdale Beef Stroganoff. If you have a sweet tooth, you might fancy the Lemon Posset, Elderflower Jelly or Bread and Butter Pudding amongst others. It’s a great evening to socialise with other Spice members and enjoy a superb meal at the same time!
Open Canoeing Bristol
Date: Saturday 12th July 2014 Place: River Yeo, Congresbury (BS49 5BX) 1.45pm in Youth Centre Car-Park : 1:45pm to 4:30pm Cost: £36 Member, £38 Guest Open Canoes allow so many possibilities. Whether you want a gentle paddle down some of the most tranquil and picturesque rivers in the South West, or a floating platform for jumping in the water and playing fabulous games with friends, open canoeing provides it all. The boats are stable, making falling out an effort, yet are great fun to paddle. Sessions start with your instructor explaining how to use the paddle, how to work with your partner, as well as what happens if the canoe tips over. Once on the water the instructor will tailor the session to your requirements mixing games with coaching. Our session lasts for a couple of hours and we will have four canoes with two people in each. Please wear warm, old clothes with long sleeves and legs (no jeans) and ensure that you have a complete change of clothes (including shoes) and a towel. It’s recommended that you wear footwear such as trainers that you won’t mind getting wet. You will be provided with a wind and splash-proof jacket and a buoyancy aid.
Windsurfing - Birmingham
Date: Saturday 12th July 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.
Anagram Pub Crawl Bristol
Date: Sunday 13th July 2014 Place: The Cornubia, 142 Temple Street, Bristol (BS1 6EN) In the Bar - Spice Sign at 7pm Cost: £8 Includes: 1 Drink - Pint, Glass of Wine or Soft Drink and Anagram Pub Crawl We’ll start off at The Cornubia pub in Temple Street with a drink and will then move along a route solving some anagram clues at each stop, which will then determine our next location as the evening progresses. One drink will be provided on everyone’s arrival, but no doubt you’ll be wanting to buy a few more, so remember some cash and leave the car at home.This is a fun pub hop for those of you that like their drinking with a little bit of thinking thrown in.
Guided Walk: Cardiff Bay to Penarth Marina
Date: Sunday 13th July 2014 Place: Terra Nova Way, Penar (CF64 1SB) Outside Spice Sign 11:15am Cost: £6 Includes: 6.2 Mile Guided Walk Join Spice and Beverley Capel today as she leads us on a lovely 6.2 mile flat walk. This is a great walk for everyone, but particularly those who are 'new' to the area, and those who’re not in the mood for climbing mountains!! This circular trail runs around the Bay and across to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont Y Werin. Along the trail we can enjoy Cardiff's rich heritage and the legacy of a buoyant and successful Docks. We’ll see many historic landmarks, such as the Norwegian Church, alongside iconic buildings like the world renowned Wales Millennium Centre. The vibrant waterfronts cafes, bars and restaurants combined with the traditions of Butetown also provide the Bay with a special appeal.
Helicopter Lesson At Wellesbourne Airfield
Date: Sunday 13th July 2014 Place: Nr Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire (CV35 9EU) Heli Air - Details will be sent at 9:45am Cost: £9 Extras: £90.00 Balance Paid to Instructor on the Day Cost: £99 Paid as £9 deposit to Spice, plus£90 balance paid on the day by either cash or card This is a classic Spice event - you've just got to fly a helicopter one time in your life! We're just sorry we can't make it cheaper, but helicopters are extraordinarily costly to run! This isn't a pleasure flight, it's a lesson -and real occasion. Your session starts with a full briefing on helicopters in general and the controls of the Robinson R22 you’ll be flying. These machines are touch sensitive and challenging. You’ll be in the air for approx. 15 memorable minutes.
Mickleton Ramble Cotswolds
Date: Sunday 13th July 2014 Place: Mickleton, Cotswolds (GL55 6SB) 10.15am - 10.30 prompt Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest Aimed at regular Walkers with a good level of fitness this 10 mile ramble with Alan has one ascent of particular note. The rest of the walk is rolling countryside. The start point for this walk is the pretty Cotswold village of Mickleton. We begin by following the Heart of England Wat North to the Village of Upper Quinton. From here we then head East across country to Ilmington, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch we ascend to the top of KnowlandsHill where we get all round views of the countryside. We then continue west back toward Mickleton where we can find a pub for a well-earned drink.
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Scuba Diving Taster Session - Bristol
Tuesday 15th & 29th July 2014 Tuesday 12th & 26th August 2014 Tuesday 9th & 23rd September 2014 Place: Dean Lane, Bedminster, Bristol (BS3 1BS) Bristol South Swimming Pool 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.
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Bristol Harbour Music Festival Weekend
Fri 18th Jul 2014 - Sun 20th Jul 2014 42-44 St Paul's Street, Bristol (BS1 3AD) Regency Hotel, Arrive from 4.00pm £185 Member Twin Share, £229 Member Single, 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. 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 lineup, drawing on the city’s vibrant music scene, covering a hugely diverse range from soul to folk, and from reggae to funk.
Pay As You Go - Bella Italia Cardiff
Date: Friday 18th July 2014 Place: 6 High Street, Cardiff (CF10 1AW) Bella Italia - Ask for the Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Bella Italia is a traditional Italian restaurant offering a broad menu of pizzas, pastas, risottos and meat and fish main dishes, all served in vibrant surroundings by a friendly and attentive waiting team. You’ll find the flavours of Italy infused throughout the Bella Italia menu ensuring a delicious meal in great Spice company.
Surfing Weekend - Croyde Bay, Devon
Dates: Fri 18th July - Sun 20th July 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! .
Bristol Harbour Festival and Brunch
Date: Saturday 19th July 2014 Place: 38 Queen's Road, Clifton , Bristol (BS8 1RE) Browns Restaurant - Ask for Spice Table at 11am Cost: £15 Includes: Brunch, Service, Visit to Bristol Harbour Festival, Spice Host Extras: Drinks 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.
Climbing the Longstone Pinnacle
Date: Saturday 19th July 2014 Place: Symonds Yat, Forest of Dean 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.
Dinghy Sailing in Birmingham
Date: Saturday 19th July 2014 Place: Edgbaston Reservoir, Icknield Port Road (B16 0AA) 10.00 - 12.00 midday Cost: £20 Member, £22 Guest Dinghy sailing is a great sport, and an ideal introduction to sailing for any kind of craft. You will have intensive instruction, and by the end of the session, even a complete novice will have grasped the basics of sailing. The team provide buoyancy aids, but the greatest danger of all with sailing is that you may get addicted! You just need to take a complete change of clothes, a towel and waterproof gear - a simple cagoule is a great help on windy days. Take old footwear to sail in (eg. an old pair of trainers), plus a dry pair to change into afterwards. If weather is very cold, the supplier may issue wetsuits, so please take swimwear for underneath.
Guided Climb Up and Over the O2
Date: Saturday 19th July 2014 Place: The O2, Peninsula Square, London (SE10 0DX) Base Camp at the O2 - Spice Sign 11:15am Cost: £51 Climb + Lunch, £38 Climb Only Included: 90 Minute Guided Climbing Expedition, Buffet Lunch, Service, Host Get ready for an exhilarating active outdoor challenge with a completely unique perspective on London! Join Spice today as we go on the adventure of a lifetime! Taking up to 90 minutes, Up at The O2 is an exhilarating experience which takes you on a guided expedition over the roof of The O2 via a fabric walkway. Suspended 2m above the surface of The O2 arena's tent canvas, the walkway is 53m above ground level and 320m long. Before our climb, we’ll meet the Climb Guide at Base Camp who'll take us through everything we need to know and will kit us out with a climb suit, shoes (if necessary) and a safety harness. We’ll then make our way onto the walkway, attached to a climb system, and our guide will be nearby to help and answer any questions. At the summit we can move around freely on the observation platform where we will take in the spectacular 360° views of London and its many landmarks before we begin our descent. After the thrilling morning we’ll go to Jimmy’s World Grill & Bar in the O2, Millenium Way and will enjoy a buffet lunch where we can pick from a variety of world foods ranging from Chinese to Italian.
RSPB Bird Walk at Forest Farm + Lunch
Date: Saturday 19th July 2014 Place: Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff (CF14 2JJ) Wardens Center, Forest Farm Rd, Spice Sign 9:45am Cost: £9 Includes: 2 hour RSPB Walk, Carvery Lunch, Service, Spice Sign. Extras: Drinks Today we’re off to the Glamorgan Canal Local Nature Reserve and Forest Farm for a guided RSPB Bird Walk. Forest Farm actively promotes the study of flora and fauna in their natural habitat and straddles the last remaining stretch of the former Cardiff Merthyr canal which still holds fresh water to a quality good enough to provide a good hunting ground for Kingfishers, Herons and many others species. The majority of the woodland is Beach and Oak with several trees being over 200 years old. A guided walk really helps you get to know the birds and wildlife of an area better and the expert guide is happy to answer questions along the way. Bring binoculars if you have them. After our walk we’ll go to The Hollybush Carvery (a 5 minute drive away) to enjoy a lunch with a choice of beef, turkey or gammon all with vegetables and gravy.
Tank Battle Experience
Date: Sunday 20th July 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 it’s 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. In battle, of course the hatch has to be down and aimed by periscope. After the practice, the four tanks will do battle, with each tank attempting to out manoeuvre and “knock out” the others with their huge, paintball firing guns. For this part, teams will not be able to switch positions, so you will need to decide between you or toss a coin to decide who will drive, who will load and who will fire.
Walk: Castle Combe and Wraxall
Date: Sunday 20th July 2014 Place: Castle Inn, Castle Combe, Wiltshire (SN14 7HN) Outside Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 11am Cost: £7 Includes: 7.5 Mile Guided Walk, Spice Host Extras: Refreshments This beautiful walk is a mixture of woodland, meadows and one of the most beautiful villages in England. Because it has climbs to ridges and descents to valleys, there are excellent views. In more recent times the village Castle Combe has played host to many filming activities, the most famous of these being ‘Doctor Doolittle’ filmed in and around the village in 1966. More recently the village has had a major role in 'War Horse', 'Stardust' and 'The Wolf Man'. The village is also a sanctuary to
Caribbean Night at Chepstow Racecourse
Date: Friday 25th July 2014 Place: Chepstow, Monmouthshire (NP16 6BE) Chepstow Race Course - Grandstand Entry at 5pm Cost: £23 Includes: Entrance to Grandstand and Paddock, Booking Fee, Spice Host Extras: Refreshments You can’t beat the spectacle and colour of an evening at the races! Join us tonight for one of the most popular race meetings in the calendar at Chepstow. There will be a steel band playing on arrival, bars, BBQs and a range of oher entertainment PLUS live music after racing! It’s a fantastic way to kickstart your weekend as we meet and mingle with other Spice members, take a look at the horses, put a bet on our favourite horses and watch as they thunder through the finish line. Book early so you don’t miss this one!
Live Music Social at O'Neills Cardiff
Date: Friday 25th July 2014 Place: 85-87 St Mary Street, Cardiff (CF10 1DW) O'Neill's - Ask for the Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Irish pubs are known for their hospitality – a point O'Neill's St Mary Street in Cardiff loves proving. Best of all, there a bit of live music which is always good craic - and good for the soul, too. At O'Neill's, they’re passionate about the music and carefully pick the bands and musicians for their talent, making for some of the best live music nights in Cardiff. From Irish folk to indie and beyond, if there's a sound or scene that gets you going, you're likely to find it here. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat while enjoying the music. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night.
Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway
Date: Friday 25th July 2014 Place: Hollywood Bowl, Cribbs Causway (BS10 7TT) inside the main entrance at 7:30pm Cost: £15 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.
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Walking Weekend Chilterns + Thames Path
Fri 25th Jul 2014 - Sun 27th Jul 2014 Milton Hill House Hotel, Steventon, Abin (OX13 6AF) Arrive from 4.00p.m. meal is at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 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 walkers, 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 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.
Bath to Bathampton River Cruise + Lunch
Date: Saturday 26th July 2014 Place: Pulteney Weir, Bath (BA2 4AY) The Pulteney Princess - Spice Sign at 11:20am Cost: £27.99 Includes: Return trip from Bath to Bathampton, 1 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join Spice today as we take a leisurely cruise from Bath’s landmark Pulteney Bridge to Bathampton where we will have some lunch and a look around the village before returning. The journey from the Georgian city of Bath starts a few yards from Bath Abbey, right in the centre of Bath. On departure, we pass under the triple arched Pulteney Bridge with its famous shops and houses on both sides. You get a chance to view the ‘other side’ of Pulteney Bridge with its odd shed like structures tacked on to the back - not the picture postcard view you expect of beautiful Bath but very interesting all the same.
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Gliding Afternoon by Air Tow
Saturday 26th July 2014 Seighford Air Field (ST18 9QE) Briefing at 1pm followed by flights £9 deposit to Spice Extras: PLUS £70 balance on the day PAID AS £9 deposit to Spice when booking PLUS £70 balance to club on the day (cash or cheque only). Gliding is one of our favourite spice experiences and this is a way to do it in style. Rather than a winch launch (typically to around 1000ft) todays flights are to over 2000ft and you are towed up behind a light aircraft. This means you get a far more gentle take off and over twice the airtime that you would get from a winch launch (typically around 20 mins). In this time you can have a go at the controls or just relax and enjoy the experience of soaring with the birds above rural Staffordshire.
White Water Kayaks
Date: Saturday 26th July 2014 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 6EG) 10am to approx 4.30pm Cost: £52 Member, £59 Guest 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.
Cinema Night - Cardiff
Date: Sunday 27th July, Saturday 23rd August & Sunday 28th September 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.
Tidal Thames Lazy Sunday Afternoon Paddle
Date: Sunday 27th July 2014 Place: Putney, London Final meet/directions will be emailed from 1:05pm to 6pm Cost: £48 Member, £53 Guest Includes: open canoe paddle with full instruction and equipment We have a fantastic opportunity to explore the River Thames on this classic tidal Thames trip by Canadian Canoe! Don't worry if you haven't done this before, all instruction and equipment is provided. We follow the course of the famous Oxford and Cambridge boat race and see the sights of riverside west London from a completely different perspective. You will be on the water for approx 3hrs.
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down
Date: Sunday 27th July 2014 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol (ST56 1745) 1.15p.m. at 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! 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.
Wolf Experience and Walk - Bedford
Date: Sunday 27th July 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.
Special Sunset Visit to Bristol Zoo
Date: Friday 1st August 2014 lace: Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol (BS8 3HA) Main Entrance - Spice Sign from 6:15pm to 10pm Cost: £18 Member, £20 Guest Includes: Entrance ticket to Zoo Sunset Special, Spice Host Tonight we have the rare opportunity of visiting the Bristol Zoo after hours and enjoying it as the sun goes down. All the Zoo’s animal houses and exhibits will be open, giving visitors the chance to see everything from lions, macaque and penguins to monkeys, seals and meerkats. The Zoo’s new DinoZoo 2 exhibition, featuring 12 animatronic dinosaurs, will also be open. Throughout the evening there will be an Amazing Animal display, opportunities to meet some smaller creatures up-close and animal talks. There will also be entertainment from the Cotswold Big Band and refreshments from the Zoo's Coral Restaurant and Bath Ales bar. It’s guaranteed to be a fascinating evening in this unusual environment!
Walking Weekend - The Peak District
Date: Fri 1st Aug 2014 - Sun 3rd Aug 2014 Place: Hollin hall Country House Hotel, Bolling (SK10 5BG) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm Cost: £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 night's B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 days guided walking Walkwise Overview: During this weekend we will be exploring the extreme western edge of the Peak District National Park which accentuates the exciting and beautiful scenery of what is known as the ‘Dark Peak’ area. This fascinating area is typified by a large area of sparsely settled undulating high grit-stone plateaus and edges rising to nearly 2000ft . These edges, in turn give way to transitional habitats such as scrub and rush pastures which form mosaics connecting the open moors to steep-sided wooded clough’s lined with oak-birch woodland down to the valleys and farmland. With excellent walks and a good standard of accommodation we shall enjoy another memorable weekend. The WalkWise Walking Programme: An excellent centre for accessing the quieter western side of the Peaks. The highlights are limitless and you’ll encounter a patchwork of brooks, valleys, farmsteads and hills overlooked by a myriad of steep sided Gritstone edges that are part of the makeup of the Peak District National Park. Accommodation: Hollin Hall is an elegant three star Country House Hotel and restaurant, set in 2 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, nestling in the foothills of the Peak District.
Lichfield Cathedral Library Tour
Date: Saturday 2nd August 2014 Place: Main Door of Lichfield Cathedral (WS13 7LD) from 10.15 for 10.30am Cost: £12 Member, £15 Guest Includes: booking/admin fees th STOP PRESS: New for this visit, “a 17 Century focus featuring the Duchess of Somerset’s bequest” Spice love to get into areas that are normally restricted, so we’re delighted to have obtained permission for just 12 of us to visit a very special place within Lichfield Cathedral. Two experts are taking us to explore the hidden treasures of the historic main library, built in 1249 which offers a rare glimpse of the incredible treasures housed here above the Chapter House. These include books on a wide variety of subjects from theology to travel.
Segway Trekking in Caerphilly
Date: Saturday 2nd August 2014 Place: Heol Penybryn, Caerphilly, Gwent (CF83 1NG) Mountain View Ranch at 10:45am Cost: £28 Member, £30 Guest Includes: 1 Hour Segway Experience, Spice Host The Segway is the latest weird and wonderful must try gadget. It’s a 2 wheeled defier of logic and today we’re going to give them a go! Powered by electric motors and gyros you simply stand on it and away you go. It may not look much but you're guaranteed to have the Segway smile during and after your ride. We’ll first get to grips with these two wheeled wonders in a 15 minute training session and will then hit the rough stuff as the experienced ranchers take you up hills, over streams and whatever stand in your way on these amazing off road machines! This is a driving experience you’re bound to love! We advise all participants to wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions and which they do not mind getting damaged.
Spice Dines the Curry House Bristol
Date: Saturday 2nd August 2014 Place: 393 Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol (BS4 3EU) Curry House - Ask for the Spice Table from 7:30pm Cost: £23.50 Member, £25.50 Guest Includes: 2 Course Indian Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks The Curry House Bristol is an award winning Indian Restaurant which first opened its doors in 1983 when the general idea of Indian food was a Korma for the ladies and a Madras for the gent. Since then The Curry House has introduced more and more authentic dishes from the Indian continent and explored new styles of cooking. The sumptuous refurbished restaurant offers a fantastic menu ranging from tasty Korma’s to unique dishes such as spicy calamari or Tandoori Mass (fish). Tonight we’ll be indulging in a two course meal with starters such as samosa’s, shami kebabs, chicken tikka and spicy mushrooms to name a few, while mains offer a selection of biryani’s, tandoori dishes, classic curries and chef specialities.
Symonds Yat Adventure Mission
Date: Saturday 2nd August 2014 Place: Forest of Dean 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? If not, you've never been on one which starts with a 100 foot abseil down the Buttress at the Yat! Fuelled on adrenaline we then navigate down to the river and walk along the disused railway line to the Biblins Wire Suspension Bridge where we cross the Wye. We then ramble onto Pancake Caves, which we enter by being lowered on a rope through a hole in the roof - wow! Our ramble then takes us onto King Arthur's Cave on the Doward, an ancient dwelling place, and on to the Seven Sisters, a rock outcrop with great views of the Wye Valley, which is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will need a basic level of rambling fitness, boots and waterproofs. Bring a daysack with food and flask for the day.
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Western Style Rifle Shooting Afternoon
Saturday 2nd August 2014 Birmingham Shooting Centre, Hockley (B18 7RL) Choose Time Slot when booking Important! £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) Includes approximately 50 rounds of ammunition 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.
Fire Eating Workshop - Birmingham
Date: Sunday 3rd August 2014 Place: Woodlands Camp, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield (WS9 0SH) Meet: 10.30am for 11am start - Note later time Cost: £39 Member, £45 Guest, Extras: Bring 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. It's lots of fun but never the less taken seriously as danger is ever present, so no messing about on this one. Please see our web site for details of what to bring & wear.
Visit to No1 Royal Crescent + Sunday Lunch
Date: Sunday 3rd August 2014 Place: No 1 Royal Crescent, Bath (BA1 2LR) Outside Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 11am Cost: £27.50 Includes: Entrance to No1 Royal Crescent, 1 Course Sunday Roast, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks No.1 Royal Crescent is a Georgian town house that creates a wonderfully vital picture of life in Georgian Bath. Built between 1767 – 1774 to the designs of the architect John Wood the Younger, the Royal Crescent is justly considered one of the finest achievements of 18th century urban architecture and represents the highest point of Palladian architecture in Bath. No.1 was the first house to be built in the Crescent and originally provided luxury accommodation for the aristocratic visitors who came to take the waters and enjoy the social season. After our visit to No. 1 Royal Crescent, we’ll take a little stroll to Hall and Woodhouse Bath for a superb roast Sunday lunch.
Chateau Impney Historical Tour + A/Tea
Date: Tuesday 5th August 2014 Place: Chateau Impney, Droitwich (WR9 0BN) 2.15pm for 2.30pm start Cost:£22 Member, £24 Guest Includes: selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches, pastries, freshly baked Private guided tour with historian plus tea of homemade scones served with cream and jam, and a range of hot drinks Sorry that this event has to be run on a weekday, however, we hope that as it’s the Summer Holidays there will be sufficient people who can take the time to enjoy this exceptional property, hear it’s story and discover it’s delightful afternoon tea offerings. I am sure that many of you have spotted this amazing Chateau when driving down the M5 and wondered how such a building came to be there!
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 5th August 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 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."
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Ascot - Shergar Cup AND Live Concert
Saturday 9th August 2014 Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire (SL5 7JX) Final details will be sent out from 12:30pm to 8:15pm £49.40 Ticket + Afternoon tea, £27.50 Ticket only, Includes Entrance to Grandstand, Horse Racing followed by live Music Concert, afternoon tea Spice Host. We cannot issue refunds unless we are able to resell your ticket. If you arrive late we will leave your ticket at the box office for collection. Host details and contact number will be emailed out prior to the event. EXCITING, EXHILARATING, UNIQUE - just three of the words used to describe our day out at Ascot. The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is the only team competition in horse racing and promises to set the pulses racing once again this year as the very best jockeys from all over the world compete over 6 races for the trophy. The horse racing is followed by a live concert in the Old Paddock, with a “poptastic” line up of original acts. The concert this year is being hosted by Vernon Kaye and the acts are Stars of the Commitments, Scouting for Girls, Chesney Hawkes, B*witched and Bjorn Again so a great end to the day’s racing is guaranteed. We have an optional afternoon tea in a private room with a selection of sandwiches and cakes. Our Afternoon tea will be served at 3.45pm and we will have access to our room from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. There will be a bar and tote betting facilities whilst we are having our afternoon tea.
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Ascot Races Live Concert + 1 or 2 nights Hotel
2 nights: Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 1 night: Sat 9th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Place: Hilton Hotel, Bagshot Road, Bracknell (RG12 0QJ) from 10:30am Cost: 2 nights: £209 Twin Share, £265 Single 1 night: £159 Twin Share, £189 Single Place: Hilton Hotel Bagshot Road, Bracknell (RG12 0QJ) Arrive from 3.00p.m. Includes: 1 or 2 nights Luxury Hotel Accommodation, Welcome Drink, 1 or 2 breakfasts including Bucks Fizz on day of Races, Evening Meal on Saturday, Grandstand ticket to Ascot Dubai Shergar Cup and Live Concert, Transfer to Ascot from hotel (return), Use of leisure facilities at hotel (indoor pool, sauna & gym) Guided walk in Windsor Park on Sunday services of Spice Host throughout This is an exciting social weekend incorporating two classic days out. On the Saturday we have a day at Ascot Races followed by a concert on the Old Paddock Lawns and on the Sunday a day in Windsor including a guided walk. We stay at a lovely Hilton Bracknell Hotel situated just 4 miles from Ascot and a short drive from Windsor. The itinerary for the weekend is. For those booking 2 nights arrive on Friday anytime from 3.00pm. We will meet for drinks in the hotel bar and we will go for a short stroll to a local pub for some supper. Our table is booked for 8.00p.m. Saturday Enjoy a Bucks Fizz breakfast at the hotel before we leave for Ascot (transfer to and from Ascot included in our price). For those booking 1 night join us after breakfast (10:30am) leave your bags and meet the other Spice members before our transfer to Ascot. This is a popular day at Ascot and the race meeting is The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup. After our day at the races we will be picked up and transferred back to our hotel. We will meet again in the bar for a drink before we sit down to a 3 course (buffet or plated) dinner. On Sunday you have the choice of discovering Windsor, a great town in its own right and of course the castle is always worth a visit. Alternatively you can join us on a guided walk taking you around Windsor and heading into the Park. Accommodation: The Hilton Bracknell Hotel has rooms decorated in cool tones and comes with bathroom amenities, tea/coffee making facilities and TV. Our package includes use of all the leisure facilities at the hotel such as the indoor pool, sauna and gym. There is also free car parking.
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Bristol Balloon Fiesta Weekend
Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Regency Hotel, St Paul's Rd, Bristol (BS8 1LR) Arrive from 4.00pm £175 Twin Share, £216 Single, 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. th This year, Bristol will play host to Europe’s largest ballooning event for the 36 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. Famous for its Balloon Ascents and Nightglows, each morning and evening at 6.00am the hot air balloons take to the sky in a riot of colour as the sun rises. Accommodation: We stay in the lovely Regency Hotel, ideally situated in Clifton. Itinerary for the Weekend can be found on our website.
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Cycling Weekend - New Forest
Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Lyndhurst, New Forest, Hampshire (SO43 7NL) Lyndhurst Park Hotel £195 Twin Share, £240 Single, £35 Bike Hire Includes two nights hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 1 evening meal (3 courses) on Saturday, 2 days fully guided cycling We have linked up with Graham Hills who organises our Bike day rides for a cycling weekend in the New Forest. We will spend two days and nights in this historic National Park. We will cycle through unenclosed pasture land amongst the iconic miniature ponies. Take in the forest, rivers and the coast on this varied and beautiful part of the country. This will be a great weekend to relax, indulge and have some fun. Over the weekend we will be covering a reasonable distance on mainly flat forest gravel track and quiet country roads. There will be about 3 hours cycling each day at a slow pace. We will be staying in the town of Lyndhurst, in the highly rated Lyndhurst Park Hotel. Cross the road and you are straight into the New Forest, take a stroll up the road to Lyndhurst village where you will find the New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre as well as a variety of shops.
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Edinburgh Festival Weekend 1
Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Pollock Halls, Holyrood Park Rd, Edin (EH16 5BQ) Arrive from 2.00p.m. £170 Member Twin Share, £245 Member Single, Includes: 2 Nights’ Accommodation in Single/Twin/Double ensuite 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 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.
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Malvern Hills Easy Walking Weekend
Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Great Malvern, Worcestershire (WR14 3ET) The Abbey Hotel - Arrive from 4.00p.m. £199 Twin Share, £239 Single Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 days of guided walking The area: The Malvern Hills dramatically rise out of the landscape dividing the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire with the rolling hills and fields of Herefordshire to the West and the flatter plains of the Severn Valley to the East. The Malvern Hills have many springs and fountains flowing from outlets all around them, and we visit St Ann's Well on one of our walks. The Malverns offer excellent opportunities for walking over undulating countryside with pretty hamlets and villages. Accommodation: We will be staying in the Abbey Hotel, a three star Sarova hotel right in the centre of Great Malvern All rooms are en suite and the hotel has a bar and comfortable lounge with great views and beautiful gardens. Walking: The walks on each day will be around 7-9 miles rewarded with great views over the Worcestershire countryside and beyond. The walks led by Jackie from Ventura are at a relaxed pace to take in the fantastic views and probably take in a teashop. The weekend is designed to be flexible and fun and rest assured we would tailor the programme to suit the conditions and the group. Date: Place: Cost:
Malvern Hills Luxury Photography Weekend
Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Great Malvern, Worcestershire (WR14 3ET) The Abbey Hotel - Arrive from 2.00p.m £215 Twin Share, £259 Single Includes: 2 night's dinner, bed and breakfast, 2 picnic lunches, 2 days of photographic tuition
The area: The Malvern Hills are a range of ancient rocks of pre-Cambrian age (at least 650 million years old). The hills dramatically rise out of the landscape dividing the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire with the rolling hills and fields of Herefordshire to the West and the flatter plains of the Severn Valley to the East. Accommodation: We will be staying in the Abbey Hotel, a three star Sarova hotel right in the centre of Great Malvern all rooms are en suite and have the usual facilities. The hotel has a bar and comfortable lounge with great views and beautiful gardens. Photography: The trip is open to all photographers however it is particularly designed for those just starting out with their digital or film 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 Malvern Hills have to offer. Note; this trip does involve some walking.
The Glee Club Comedy Night
Date: Friday 8th August 2014 Place: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff (CF10 5BZ) at entrance to the club at 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. Please book early as we buy tickets upon demand and these are dependent upon availability. Please note: Food is also available at the club but isn’t included in the price of your ticket. Extras: Any food or drink you choose to order on the evening.
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Under the Stars Floating Pub Social
Friday 8th August 2014 Narrow Quay, Harbourside, Brisol (BS1 4QA) Under the Stars Bar - Spice Sign at 7:30pm £17.50 Member, £19.50 Guest Includes: Tapas to share, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks
Tonight we’re having a relaxed social evening at the unique Under the Stars floating bar in Bristol’s buzzing harbourside. We’ll be having some of their mouth-watering tapas dishes, which are inspired by a variety of Mediterranean cuisines, and are great to share, giving us an opportunity to try the many different flavours. It’s a great evening to catch up with other Spice members in the area! Your Spice host will be there to welcome you on arrival and help with the introductions. If we’re really lucky and the weather’s nice, we might even be able to dine al fresco on the top deck, with a beautiful view of the Bristol Harbour!
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Walking Weekend - South Devon Coast
Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Mon 11th Aug 2014 Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbot (TQ12 3QH) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00pm. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 night's B&B, picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 days 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! 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, 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.
Walking Weekend Snowdon Summit
Date: Fri 8th Aug 2014 - Sun 10th Aug 2014 Place: Royal Goat Hotel. Beddgelert, Wales (LL55 4YE) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 night's B&B hotel, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, 2 days guided walks Walkwise Overview: The Royal Goat, a cracking hotel, located in the charming village of Beddgelert and set in the heart of Snowdonia! The WalkWise Walking Programme: The proliferation of perfect routes centered in this area is unilaterally unsurpassed. 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! 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. Located literally just a minute’s walk from the centre of Beddgelert is our excellent 3 star hotel the Royal Goat.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta and Lunch
Date: Saturday 9th August 2014 Place: No1 Brunel Lock Rd, Cumberland Basin (BS1 6XS) Lockside - Spice Table at 12pm Cost: £15.50 Member, Extras: Drinks Includes: 1 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Entrance into the Balloon Fiesta is free The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a world-class hot air ballooning festival and recognised as one of the UK’s top five outdoor events. Founded in 1978, it has become an icon for Bristol, as synonymous with the city as Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge. Join Spice today for this fantastic festival where we watch over a hundred balloons take to the sky in a mass ascent and view some of the weird, whacky and downright incredible special shape balloons! There’s arena entertainment, over 240 stalls in the Trade Village and Arts and Crafts Marquees, Bristol’s musical talent appearing live at the Bandstand, an aerobatic display by the Blades team, the wonderful Nightglow where 30 or so balloons glow in time to music and a spectacular Firework Finale. You can’t afford not to be at the event of the year! We’ll first meet at the Lockside restaurant and have a bite to eat together to sustain ourselves, catch up with the news and generally socialise. We will be having a one course meal with choices such as risotto with goats cheese and wild mushroom, salmon fishcakes, Scampi and chips, various omelettes, Calamari and chorizo salad, and penne with smoked salmon to name some. We’ll then set off to Ashton Court as a group to join in the Festival. The Mass Ascent is scheduled for 6.00p.m. and the Nightglow and Firework Finale is at 9.30.
Canadian Canoe Adventure
Date: Saturday 9th August 2014 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 5QT) 10.00am to approx 3.30pm Cost: £52 Member, £59 Guest The team from Forest Adventure have come up with a varied route for Canadian style open canoes - enjoyable for absolute beginners and practiced paddlers alike. They have planned out for us, one of the most scenic, most photographed, stretches of the Wye, from Kerne Bridge to Huntsmans Bridge taking in views of Symonds Yat as we go. Having allowed four and a half hours for the trip, it should be a leisurely day and will include a stop for coffee and a stop at a pub! The open canoes minimise our chance of getting wet, which is just as well at this time of year! All specialist equipment is provided.
Implementing The Secret Laws Of Attraction
Date: Sunday 10th August 2014 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, just off A4097 nr M42 (B76 0BY) 10.30am inside the hotel Cost: £49 Member, £55 Guest Includes: Light snack at lunch and 2 x Teas/ Coffees during the day The Secret is all about challenging ourselves to develop the deep reservoirs of talent and ability that often lie dormant within us. Richard Bisiker, trained by Bob Proctor (teacher from ‘The Secret’) has over the last 15 years led 1000s of people through his amazing 1-day workshop. He will walk you through the practical steps of developing your skills to achieve the results that YOU really want. Do you want to boost your energy level, confidence, trust or belief in yourself? Then, this could be the workshop for you. We explore the most important part of the secret…You! How your self-esteem and your inner dialogue begins the chain-reaction of events that create your results in life. We conjure up a picture of ourselves in basically either a state of success or failure in the pursuit we are about to take. For the full write up please see the website.
Lunch and Swim at the Lido Portishead
Date: Sunday 10th August 2014 Place: The Esplanade, Portishead (BS20 7HD) The Lido Kitchen - Spice Table 12:30pm Cost: £15 Member, £17 Guest Includes: One Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Today we’re off to the Lido Kitchen in Portishead for a lovely lunch from a seasonal menu. Set in the former poolside cafe at the open air swimming pool, this stylish restaurant has stunning views across the Bristol Channel and is known for its’ extensive and delicious menu. Multi-award winning chef (including Bristol Evening Post Chef of the Year) Nathan Muir is at the helm and the reviews on the quality of the food, fresh ingredients and generous portions are excellent!
Quad Biking Cardiff
Date: Sunday 10th August 2014 Place: Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Upperboat, Pontypridd (CF37 5BJ) Taff Valley Quad Centre - Spice Sign at 11:15am Cost: £29 Member, Includes: Includes: one hour quad bike trek on farm, equipment and safety briefing 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!
Solve the Mystery Walk - Bristol Harbourside
Date: Sunday 10th August 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.
Cotswold Cleeve Hill Ramble
Date: Sunday 10th August 2014 Place: Cleeve Hill near Broadway GL52 3PW at 10:30am Cost: £6 A 10 mile walk with Alan Roberts aimed at regular Walkers with a good level of fitness. There is one ascent of particular note. The rest of the walk is rolling countryside. This time the walk starts at the top of CleeveHill which overlooks Cheltenham and Gloucester. We start by following the Cotswold way on the eastern side of the Cleeve Hill where we get great views of the pretty Cotswold Village ofWinchcombe. We continue heading across country to the southern end of the Cleeve Hill ascending back to the top of the hill where we get tremendous views of Cheltenham, Gloucester and toward the Malvern Hills in the distance. At the end of the walk we will find a pub for a well-earned rest and a drink.
Pay As You Go - Madeira Restaurante Cardiff
Date: Friday 15th August 2014 Place: 2 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff (CF10 2HJ) Madeira Restaurant - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 A stalwart of the Cardiff restaurant scene since 1998, Madeira Restaurante is famed for serving up traditional Portuguese food in a good-time setting. The menu is relatively simple, offering fish, chicken, veal and beef dishes all with a selection of sauces as well as its trademark espetadas – a type of meat kebab served from a special hook above the table. Known for its excellent food and great ambience, it’s the perfect place for a Spice get together.
Abseiling for Beginners at Symonds Yat
Date: Saturday 16th August 2014 Place: Symonds Yat area of Forest Dean from 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!”
Welsh Ridge Walking Weekend - Rhinogs
Date: Fri 15th Aug 2014 - Sun 17th Aug 2014 Place: Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00pm Supper at 8.30pm Cost: £135 Sharing, Includes: Friday supper, two nights B&B, packed lunches, 4 course dinner party and guided walks The ridges on our Welsh Ridge Walking are always wide and far from scary so you can concentrate on the views rather than the drops. The Rhinogs include some of the most remote and exhilarating ridge walking available in southern Snowdonia. You won’t find any well-trodden paths or signposts here, this is real wild country. The walk on Saturday will be a full day being about 12 miles in length and rising to a height of 2500 feet at the summit of Y Liethr, which is the highest peak in the Rhinog range. On Sunday we plan to tackle the magnificent Cadair Idris returning via the north east ridge which, at just shy of 3000 feet, is higher than Saturdays climb but is a shorter 6 miles. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy this weekend as both days walks will involve ascents with most of the altitude gained in the early part of each day to reach the chosen ridge and hopefully long wonderful traverses with fantastic views until we descend again at the end of the walk. Barry, your guide for both days, is a qualified mountain leader and has walked regularly in this area for over 20years.
Battle of the Proms at Ragley Hall
Date: Saturday 16th August 2014 Place: Ragley Hall, Alcester (B49 5NJ) From 4.30pm Cost: £32 Member, £37 Guest Enjoy the ultimate proms in the park: an exceptional celebration of soul-stirring classical music with breathtaking displays, picnics and an electric atmosphere with flag waving and singing under the stars! There will be time to take in all the sights and sounds of traditional fairground stalls, visit the Napoleonic re-enactors at their encampment, and get in the party spirit as the warm-up jazz act take to the stage. For a detailed itinary please see our web-site
Lift Tower Abseil Northampton
Date: Saturday 16th August 2014 Place: Northampton Lift Tower (NN5 5FH) Meet: Around 12 noon TBC Cost: £95 Member, £105 Guest (Deposit £20) Includes: All instruction and Equipment We are pleased to be able to offer another “ultimate Spice experience”. This is one that all you adrenaline addicts will want to cross off the list! At 418 feet (127m), this incredible tower that was built by the Express Lift Company in the 1970’s to test lifts, is also the tallest permanent abseil tower in the world. Located in Northampton, this unique venue is easily accessible by rail and road so attracts adventurous people from all over the UK and beyond. With a highly experienced staff, they offer both external and internal abseils but we have booked to descent the outside of the tower.
Medieval Jousting - Warwickshire
Date: Saturday 16th August 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 up coming 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. Reasonable level of fitness is required as you will be in the saddle and partaking in many tasks for most of the day. Max weight is 20 stone. There is no height restriction. Date: Place: Cost:
Sizzling Summer Boat Party + 1 night hotel
Sat 16th Aug 2014 - Sun 17th Aug 2014 Grange Strathmore Hotel, 41 Queen's Gate Gardens, London (SW7 5NB) Arrive from 2.00p.m. £110 Party + Twin share, £175 Party + Single, (Deposit £25) Includes: sizzling summer BBQ party and cruise on the River Thames, 1 night stay in 4 star luxury hotel with continental breakfast, Spice host throughout We have added an optional one night stay in a luxury 4 star hotel in London at the Grange Strathmore Hotel for anyone wanting to extend their stay for the Sizzling Summer Boat Party. You can opt for a twin share or a single room and you can arrive from 2.00p.m. The hotel is a fully restored Victorian mansion located a few minutes from South Kensington and Gloucester Road tube stations.
Sizzling Summer BBQ Thames Cruise Party
Date: Saturday 16th August 2014 Place: Central London Pier Westminster Pier 7:30pm to 11:59pm Cost: £42 Includes: hire of King Edward for 4 hour cruise, disco, BBQ supper served on the deck One of our favourite party nights is here again! It’s Summer and time for a great big party and as we have booked one of the most popular boats on the Thames, the King Edward, this is guaranteed to be a fantastic night out. The King Edward is a 5 star cruise boat, spacious and most importantly has 2 large open deck areas. The deck is so big that apparently we can all be on the deck at the same time!! The Spice Summer Party, as a social event, is a MUST DO!. This is a super way to meet up with all the people you have met during the year whether you were eating fire, jumping out of a plane or charging round Center Parcs with them. The King Edward will leave the Pier at 8.00p.m. We will head off on a cruise down the Thames and then it’s your choice what you do – you can watch the London sights go by, boogie the night away to the sounds of the disco or just chat to your friends and enjoy a few drinks. The atmosphere should be brilliant but to help the evening along the theme for this party is BEACHWEAR. Anything goes as long as you think you would wear the outfit on the beach! Summer dresses, Sunglasses, shorts, t-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, baseball caps, flip-flops – absolutely anything will do but the louder and more colourful the better. (The beachwear theme is of course optional). Half way through the evening our BBQ supper will be served on the deck. Our party finishes at midnight returning to the same pier.
The Roman Baths by Torchlight + Supper
Date: Saturday 16th August 2014 Place: 11-12 Westgate Buildings, Bath (BA1 1EB) The Cork - Ask for the Spice Table at 7pm Cost: £29.50 Member, £31.50 Guest, £18.50 Member + Discovery Card, £20.50 Guest + Discovery Card Includes: 3 Tapas Dishes, Service, Entrance to Roman Baths by Night and audio guide, Spice Host Join Spice tonight for an unforgettable and unique experience! As darkness falls, the ruins of the vast Roman Baths are a truly awesome sight. By the light of the flickering torches, we will walk on 2000 year old pavements with its truly magical atmosphere. The steaming waters and Roman artefacts provide an ambience that is unforgettable, all enhanced with an audio guide to make the experience really come to life. We will first be going to The Cork Bar for some Tapas, with a choice of 3 dishes such as stuffed vine leaves, chicken in garlic, lime & chilli, King prawns and pork and coriander meat balls amongst others. We will then proceed to the Roman Baths to get there by about 8.30, which gives us until 10.00p.m. to really explore this historical site.
Archery and Rifle Shooting Worcester
Date: Sunday 17th August 2014 Place: Top Barn Activity Centre, Nr Worcester (WR6 6NH) from 1pm to 4pm Cost: £22 Member, £25 Guest Do you think you’re the next Robin Hood or the next Olympic rifleman? enjoy a fun filled morning at Top Barn Activity Centre for a half day of Archery and Rifle Shooting, an experience on purpose built outdoor ranges, You will be tested across our 25metre Archery range and our 10m shooting gallery guided by fully qualified instructors – that are bound to have you shooting for gold in no time. Top Barn Activity Centre is situated close to the River Severn with a large lake for plenty of water based activities and acres of open space and woodland for lots of fun activities to try out, from archery to zip wire.
Sand Sculpture Festival and Lunch
Date: Sunday 17th August 2014 Place: 14 Knightstone Road, Weston-Super-Mare (BS23 2AN) The Old Thatched Cottage - In the Bar at 10:30am Cost: £20.50 Includes: Entrance to Sand Sculpture Festival, One Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks 5000 tonnes of Weston’s very special sand was recently scooped up into a huge pile and compacted ready to be magically transformed into a giant world of incredible (and incredibly huge) sand sculptures. The title of this year’s Sand Sculpture Festival is ‘Once Upon a Time…’, and twenty of the world’s best sand sculptors will be interpreting this in their own unique ways. Join us today as we amble along trying to spot our favourite stories from Fairy tales to Fables. There will also be some current hits after Blockbuster success such as The Hunger Games, Game of Thrones and The Hobbit. After viewing the sculptures we’ll head back to The Old Thatched Cottage Restaurant.
World's Wackiest Racers
Date: Sunday 17th August 2014 Place: Northampton Raceway (NN7 2BA) 1.15pm for 1.30pm (event lasts 3 hours) Cost: £95 Member, £105 Guest Be Chauffeured through country lanes in the World’s fastest street-legal bed*. Thunder round a race track on an 87 mph Sofa*. Tame the Double Decker car, as seen on BBC’s Top Gear. Pull up a seat to the World’s hottest desk, experiencing life in the fast lane on the World’s Fastest Office*. This has to be the most memorable motorised experience ever! These cars are designed by Wheeler Dealer’s Edd China (Discovery RealTime) and are the most astonishing ride of your life! *certified by the Guinness Book of Records For the itinerary and full write up please see the website event listings.
Cheltenham Quiz Night
Date: Thursday 21st August 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.
Edinburgh Festival Weekend II-Bank Holiday
Date: Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Place: Pollock Halls, Holyrood PK Rd, Edinburgh (EH16 5BQ) Arrive from 2.00p.m. Cost: £229 Twin Share, £329 Single, (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £50 Single) 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.
Live Music Social at O'Neills Cardiff
Date: Friday 22nd August 2014 Place: 85-87 St Mary Street, Cardiff (CF10 1DW) O'Neill's - Ask for the Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Irish pubs are known for their hospitality – a point O'Neill's St Mary Street in Cardiff loves proving. Best of all, there a bit of live music which is always good craic - and good for the soul, too. At O'Neill's, they’re passionate about the music and carefully pick the bands and musicians for their talent, making for some of the best live music nights in Cardiff. From Irish folk to indie and beyond,
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Easy Coastal Walking and Chill Out W/e
Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk (PE31 8DD) Arrive from 4.00p.m £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. There is a fun ride on a miniature train, which takes you from the beach into Wells-Next-the-Sea. A visit to Burnham Market is a must with its lovely village green, variety of shops and pubs. 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. There is a large lounge with tea/coffee, biscuits & fruit available throughout the weekend. Upstairs are the themed bedrooms such as Green Moorings, Orange Cockle, Yellow Sea and Nod, which have all been named after buoys in the harbour. There are a total of 18 beds, there are two good sized rooms which hold 6 people then there is one room of 4 and one twin room. The rooming will be allocated on a pot luck basis depending on sex mix and sharing requests. We also have the option to book additional beds in the adjoining hostel. . Date: Place: Cost:
Unique Yurt Experience Weekend - Norfolk
Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk (PE31 8DD) Directions/Meet details will be emailed £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 st brilliant Bank Holiday weekends. This year for the 1 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. 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! The seal colony is made up of Common and Grey seals. There will be plenty opportunities for photographs before you head back to shore. 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. There is a fun ride on a miniature train, which takes you from the beach into Wells-Next-the-Sea. A visit to Burnham Market is a must with its lovely village green, variety of shops and pubs.
Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway
Date: Friday 22nd August 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 !!!).
Walking Weekend - Llanelli, The Gower
Date: Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 Place: Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire (SA15 3PJ) rrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m Cost: £235 Twin Share, £295 Single Includes: 3 night's B&B, 3 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches, 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. The WalkWise Walking Programme: There are no best walks this weekend so whether you head out on the harder or the easier walks you will have a great day ahead 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: We will be staying in the superbly appointed Best Western Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli,
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 Twin Share, £295 Single (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £60 Single) Includes: 3 night's B&B accommodation, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals, 3 days of guided walking Extras: Transport to walks starts if used 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 GloucesterCheltenham 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!
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A Night of Terror at Woodchester Mansion
Sat 23rd Aug 2014 - Sun 24th Aug 2014 Nympsfield, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (GL10 3TS) Woodchester Mansion from 9pm to 4am £59 Includes: Workshop on sensitivity & skills for a successful ghost hunt, Mediumship walk-around with Ian Lawman, Ghost hunting vigils and séances, Refreshments. If you like the idea of spending a night in a haunted house this location is definitely for you... be prepared to encounter the unexpected, unexplained and bizarre! As night falls you will be led down a lonely dirt track, which winds its way through the woods like a black viper searching for its prey. Suddenly! From the mist there appears a mansion that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror film, in fact this Gothic style mansion has been used on a number of occasions for the Hammer House of Horror TV series back in the 40s & 50s. Woodchester Mansion has gained the reputation of being one of the most haunted locations in the UK; on numerous occasions ghostly shadows have been seen walking down the dark intimating corridors. Reports of Poltergeists activity & full apparitions are often reported. The television programme “Most Haunted” featured the house in 2003 & again in 2005 & is one of the favourite locations for the paranormal research & ghost hunting community.
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Walking Weekend Whitby Coast + Moors
Fri 22nd Aug 2014 - Mon 25th Aug 2014 The Royal Hotel, Whitby, Yorkshire (YO221 3HA) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 7.00pm £245 Twin Share, £265 Twin Sea View, £305 Single, £325 Single Sea View (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £50 Twin Sea View, £60 Single, £60 Single Sea View) Includes: 2 night's B&B accommodation, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 guided walks each day Extras: Sea View Supplement £20 Walkwise Overview: This excellent Whitby Bank Holiday weekend has a change of venue for this year. We are going back into a hotel in order to truly experience this traditional picturesque fishing town, its tremendous surroundings and its interesting and invigorating walking. This central location allows us to eat in each night and party out, should that be your preference. As always we will of course be indulging ourselves with 2 super coastal days, which will contrast beautifully plus a day in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors! The WalkWise Walking Programme: On Saturday, we explore the fantastic Heritage coastline to the north of Whitby. Along the way we walk above dramatic towering sea cliffs, as the waves lap (or crash!) below us, which are interspersed with delightful sandy bays! On Sunday, we will discover the Heritage coastline to the south of Whitby. Along the way you will see the dramatic towering sea cliffs interspersed with lovely open sandy bays. By contrast on Monday we head inland, to a new area for us on the North York Moors. Here we encounter a collage of heather moors and majestic oak woodlands which frame the picturesque villages, valleys and rivers below. Accommodation: is in the Shearing’s property adjacent to the Whale Bones on the West Cliff. From this commanding position you can survey the whole the length and breadth of Whitby including its pier, church, abbey and all the way south along the River Esk which bisects this quaint town. All bedrooms are en-suite, with tea and coffee making facilities and colour TV. Arrival meal is set for 7pm, a little earlier than usual. This will give us the chance to wander straight out of the hotel, through the Whale Bones and down the ‘Kyber pass’ to sample the delectable delights of Whitby with plenty of fun time packed in!! All in all this is a wonderful centre for groups to explore Whitby and the surrounding area.
Kayaking for Beginners - Congresbury, Bristol
Date: Saturday 23rd August 2014 Place: Congresbury, Bristol (BS49 5BX) Full directions in writeup from 1:45pm to 4:30pm Cost: £28 Member, £32 Guest Join Spice today and come paddling with us! Free-up your mind! You’ll love it! First timers are welcome, our instructor will give you all the instruction and safety cover you need. Experts always give support and encouragement. Join together for some fun and adventure. You will be provided with a kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid, splash jacket, and helmets. Wear loose not bulky clothing, NOT jeans, trainers, spare warm layers and change of clothes (just in case) and bin bags to put them in, plus another change in the car (better too much than too little!). Don’t forget your camera and some cash for the pub.
Outdoor Theatre - Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Date: Saturday 23rd August 2014 Place: Hidcote Batrim, Gloucestershire (GL55 6LR) Courtyard at Manor House - Spice Sign at 7pm Cost: £27 Member, Includes: Ticket to Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Welcome Drink and Snacks, Spice Host Hidcote is an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston its colourful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are always full of surprises. It is located at the most northerly tip of both The Cotswolds and Gloucestershire very close to the borders of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire. Tonight we’ll be enjoying a play out in the open air as Chapterhouse Theatre Company returns to Hidcote to bring Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective to vivid life again. ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ follows Holmes and Watson as they embark on another fascinating case. Deep in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside a terrifying mystery and a legendary nemesis await the arrival of the world’s greatest detective. When the wife of Doctor Watson suddenly disappears, a desperate quest to find her begins. Sherlock Holmes comes face to face with his greatest fear at the hands of his mortal enemy in this stunning new tale of romance and suspense.
White Water Kayaks
Date: Saturday 23rd August 2014 Place: Symonds Yat (HR9 6EG) 10am to approx 4.30pm Cost: £52 Member, £59 Guest 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.
Segway Active Experience - Chepstow
Date: Sunday 24th August 2014 Place: Tidenham, Chepstow, Gloucestershire (NP16 7LH) National Diving and Activity Centre 2:45pm Cost: £38 Member, £40 Guest Includes: 1 Hour Segway Experience, Spice Host Gliding on a Segway feels like nothing you've ever experienced, step on and your instincts take over. You will quickly realise that the Segway responds to how you balance yourself! It's for people of all ages, feels incredibly natural and really fun. This brand new purpose built Segway facility is like no other, with varying gradients and terrain and a purpose built off road obstacle course, coupled with stunning views and surreal scenery. This will give anyone who tries it a thrilling experience! The Segway Active experience will last an hour and will start with full instruction and a safety briefing on our flat training zone. This will give you the opportunity to get to grips with your Segway in a safe environment. Once you have become a competent rider you will be unleashed on our off road track.
Sunday Lunch + Stroll - River Grille Bristol
Date: Sunday 24th August 2014 Place: Prince Street, Narrow Quay, Bristol (BS1 4QF) The River Grille - Spice Table at 12:30pm Cost: £22 Includes: Carvery Sunday Lunch and Dessert, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Set in a lofty, conservatory-style space, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour, the River Grille Restaurant is renowned in Bristol for spectacular steaks, perfectly cooked fish and famous Sunday roasts. With daily market specials, local delicacies and even foraged ingredients, it’s a menu full of bold and robust flavours cooked with a lightness of touch. Today we’ll be trying out the Sunday lunch and will be enjoying a main course and a dessert. It’s a great occasion to meet up with other Spice members and enjoy a relaxed meal with beautiful views as well as some easy conversation. After our meal we’ll take a stroll along the Floating Harbour to enjoy the outdoors and to work off some of that lunch!
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Cambridge Sightseeing + Punting - 1 night
Sat 30th Aug 2014 - Sun 31st Aug 2014 Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge (CB2 3HU) Arrive for 12.00 noon to check in . £144 (Deposit £30) Includes: 1 night en-suite bed and breakfast accommodation (single occupancy), Picnic lunch with Pimms, Guided walking tour, Chauffeur punted tour of Cambridge, Visit to King’s Chapel & Spice host throughout
Ever thought that you would like to visit the sights of Cambridge for a weekend but have never had the opportunity!? Well now is your chance!! This one night weekend break has been tailor made to allow you to visit the beautiful city of Cambridge. Organised by a Spice host, the weekend will allow you to take in all of the sights of the Cambridge colleges, be inspired by the local history, take advantage of punting along the River Cam as well as venturing out of the city to visit some famous sights. You will stay in the beautiful setting of Sidney Sussex College in the centre of Cambridge, famed for its Elizabethan brickwork, charming Cloister Court, the haunting Chapel, medieval cellars and beautiful ancient gardens. This action packed weekend will include a charming picnic lunch with Pimms sitting along the grassy ‘Cambridge Backs’ plus a special chauffeur punted tour along the Cam, taking in history of some of Cambridge’s finest buildings, the Bridge of Sighs and the Wren Library. Following our afternoon on the punts we have included a visit to wonderful King’s College Chapel. On the Saturday night we will dine at a local pub or riverside restaurant (own cost). On Sunday morning, we have a walking tour of Cambridge, led by a local tour guide, where you will be shown some of the most important and impressive sights the city has to offer.
Meet & Eat Cardiff, Fagans & Bristol, The Grain Barge 28th August See Meet & East & Local Social Page
Cotswolds - Temple Guiting Ramble
Date: Saturday 30th August 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.
Horse Racing - Ladies Day - Bath
Date: Saturday 30th August 2014 Place: Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, Bath (BA1 9BU) Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 4pm Cost: £26 Member, £28 Guest Extras: Refreshments Includes: Entry into the Grandstand and Paddock enclosure which allows access to a variety of catering and bar outlets and access to the Main Grandstand, Bookmakers, Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure, Free Parking, Booking Fee, Spice Host. A day at the Races is an amazing experience. It’s the height of summer and we make another visit to Bath Racecourse for Ladies Day - the pinnacle of Bath's annual calendar. It’s an opportunity for the ladies to wear posh frocks and hats (although this is entirely optional), and the guys can also dress to impress. Expect glitz and glamour with best dressed and best hat competitions. Then party on after the racing with live music topped off with a fantastic fireworks display! If you’re not been to a race meeting before then this is the perfect place to start. Don’t be confused by the title as gentlemen are of course very welcome too!
Kayak River Adventure Day
Date: Saturday 30th August 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.
Bewdley + Arley Ramble Severn Valley
Date: Sunday 31st August 2014 Place: Bewdley, Worcestershire (DY12 2DX) 10.15am for 10.30am Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest We return to the wonderful Severn Valley and Wyre Forest with Steve Dell. You have the option of a 6 mile moderate ramble in the morning, getting the steam train back from Arley, or you can walk back making it a 10 miler. We start from the lovely town of Bewdley and head towards Arley following the river Severn. We then head up into the Wyre Forest following Dowles Brook. After discovering some of the forest we return to the river and follow it into Arley, passing the famous Victoria Bridge. Arley is a wonderful riverside village with a great pub. From here you have a choice of getting the steam train back to Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway or walking back. The route back takes us though the delightful Eyemore Wood and then back to the river, which we follow back to Bewdley. No doubt we will find a pub to finish the day off!!
Crack the Code Walk + Quiz-Chipping Sodbury
Date: Sunday 31st August 2014 Place: 80 Broad St, Chipping Sod (BS37 6AG) The Royal Oak - Spice Table at 11am Cost: £6 Member, £8 Guest Includes: 1.5 Mile Walk and Quiz, Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Today we challenge your minds and ability to solve the clues on our ‘Crack the Code’ Walk. Loony local scientist, Ivor Grudge, can’t abide people having fun at the twice-yearly mop fair and is determined to stop it! In his crazy world he believes that by deactivating the town clock he will make time stand still and put a stop to the frivolity. He has planted a device in the vicinity of the tower, sure to cause misery and mayhem. Can you find the secret code to save this historic and charming building from certain destruction? 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.
Introduction to Sailing - Cardiff Bay
Date: Sunday 31st August 2014 Place: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff (CF10 5BZ) Lower Boardwalk – Trysail at 11:45am Cost: £45 Member, £47 Guest Includes: 2 Hour Introduction to Sailing Sailing isn’t just about cruising in the sun, there’s a lot more action to be had, and there’s a real spirit of adventure. It’s both a fun recreation and serious sport, and today we’re going to learn the very basics of sailing. This is very much a hands-on 2 hour session and your first task will be to hoist the sails to start the learning experience. The Skipper will then introduce you to lots of sailing manoeuvres and give you the opportunity to learn some basic sailing skills. It’s a great day out on the water! Your skipper Steve Marks has been sailing in the Bristol Channel for 25 years sailing to harbours such as, Porlock, Minehead, Portishead and many more. Steve also has a good knowledge of Cardiff Bay both before and since construction of the barrage. The yacht Takamaka is a 36ft Jeanneau Sunshine cruising yacht with impressive performance.
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down
Date: Sunday 31st August 2014 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol (ST56 1745) 1.15pm at layby on the Portway Time: 1:15pm to 4:30pm 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 200foot descent.
Pub Quiz Night at Tredegar Arms, Newport
Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2014 Place: Tredegar Arms, 4 Caerphilly Rd, Bassaleg (NP10 8LE) Spice sign on table at 8:30pm Cost: £2 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."
Mamma Mia Tribute Night - Bristol
Date: Friday 5th September 2014 Place: Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol (BS32 4TS) Aztec Hotel and Spice - Spice Table at 7pm Cost: £39.50 Includes: Tribute Act, 3 Course Dinner, Half bottle of Wine, Disco and Hot Dogs at Midnight This Mamma Mia tribute act is a convincing and theatrical tribute to Abba and the smash hit musical Mamma Mia! This is the ultimate feel good 70s show and Mamma Mia recreate and perform all the classic Abba songs you know and love, from Waterloo, Abba's international triumph, to Dancing Queen and of course Mamma Mia! Aside from the fabulous show, we’ll also enjoy a 3 course meal, a half bottle of wine and can let it loose on the dance floor to the disco. Finishing off with a hot dog at midnight, it’s an evening not to be missed.
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Narrow Boat Weekend - Aldermaston
Fri 5th Sep 2014 - Sun 7th Sep 2014 Padworth, Reading - 2 nights (RG7 4JS) Arrive between 2.30pm & 4.30pm £169 Member Includes hire of Narrow boat for Spice exclusive 2 night weekend, Spice host, 2 x breakfast,2 sandwich/picnic lunches. Extras: drinks, evening meals It’s a great life afloat and this is a great way of spending a lazy, long weekend away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For this weekend we are heading to Aldermaston which is ideally situated just off the M4 at junction 12 and on the outskirts of Reading. We will leave from Aldermaston and head west on the Kennet & Avon canal towards the picturesque market town of Newbury. Day two will take us towards the village of Kintbury where there are some nice canalside pubs for us to enjoy. On Sunday we will spend the day travelling back to Aldermaston. We have booked two narrow boats which take 6 people per boat. They are very well equipped with central heating, showers, cooker, fridge and flushing toilets. The boats have diesel engines on board and instructions in navigation will be given to us prior to our departure onto the waterways. We have the boats from 2.30pm on Friday (departing 4.30p.m.) until Sunday evening.
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Walking Bournemouth + Hampshire Coast
Fri 5th Sep 2014 - Sun 7th Sep 2014 Carrington House Hotel, Bournemouth (BH1 3QQ) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal is at 8.00pm £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinners, 2 days of guided walking Bournemouth is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the south coast of England mainly due to the magnificent World Heritage Coastline. Therefore what better way is there but to enjoy yourself residing at the lovely Hotel Carrington House Hotel with its heated indoor swimming pool on Bournemouth’s exclusive and tranquil East Cliff. The diverse mix of fascinating heritage, beautiful coastline and countryside with a wide variety of attractions afford all the ingredients to make your holiday extra special. This year we will spend one day exploring the stunning area around Studland, Old Harrys Rocks and the Isle of Purbeck and for our other day we will head east towards Christchurch and Lymington with stunning sea vistas and the Isle of Wight forming their backdrop. Accommodation: The Carrington House Hotel, close to the town centre, is situated on a quiet pine tree lined avenue on the East Cliff side of Bournemouth perfect for a walking weekend. The hotel is close to both the railway and coach station. The hotel has all en-suite bedrooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, table tennis, pool, table football and free parking for 85 cars. Bedrooms include everything you need for a good night’s sleep - and more!
Gorge Walking Adventure - Abergavenny
Date: Saturday 6th September 2014 Place: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire (NP7 0LP) 10pm to approx 4.00pm 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.
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Walking Weekend Coniston Falls The Lakes
Fri 5th Sep 2014 - Sun 7th Sep 2014 Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Lake District (LA22 0HP) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 night's B&B accommodation, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 choices of guided walks each day This event has been created to get the very best walking the region has to offer. The beauty of this centre is its prime location at the northern head of Lake Windermere which allows us to access the Coniston and Ambleside Fells with ease. Combining Lakeland fells such a Swirl How and Wetherlam on one day and Crinkle Crags and Bowfell on the next it allows us to see the beauty of the Lake District from almost every angle. Views will abound down towards the long lost Duddon Valley, through the Wrynose Pass to the coast at Ravenscale and also onto the Scafells. This Outward Bound style accommodation makes a perfect base for hearty walkers to strike out into Ambleside and enjoy the revelries by night. Accommodation: is in Brathay Hall; a historic building and an outdoor centre and is located in a commanding position at the head of Windermere which frames its view across the lawns. The centre has a mixture of in house or very nearby single (small single chalets actually), double and twin-bedded rooms.
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Microlighting Experience Flight
Saturday 6th September 2014 Darley Moor Airfield near Ashbourne! (DE6 2ET) Slots 12noon - 2pm TBC £5 Extras: Cost is £49 PAID AS £5 deposit to Spice when booking PLUS a balance of £44 directly to the supplier.
These flights are with an instructor, in a dual controlled microlight, so you can have a go with the controls if you wish or just sit back and enjoy the experience! The experience starts with a full briefing on safety procedures, the equipment we use and flying the microlight. The flight counts as a training flight, so if you want to continue flying by taking up a full course you already have some time under your belt which will count towards your full qualification. Unless you state otherwise we will book a “flexwing” flight. They do have “3 axis” microlights as well if you prefer, which look more like a conventional aircraft but still have all the benefits of ultra-light flight!
Paragliding - Tandem Experience
Date: Saturday 6th September 2014 Place: Darley Moor Airfield near Ashbourne (DE6 2ET) Time slots around 2pm TBC Cost: £5.50 Extras: Cost is £55 PAID AS £5.50 deposit to Spice when booking PLUS a balance of £49.50 to the supplier Get the closest feeling to everyone’s dream of truly free flight. Flying with an instructor and towed up by a winch to around 500 -700 feet, you can either help to pilot the paraglider, or just sit back and admire the views of the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. The experience starts with a full briefing on safety procedures, the equipment and flying your glider then builds to a 5-10 minute flight depending on conditions.
Paragliding Day Course
Date: Saturday 6th September 2014 Place: Darley Moor Airfield near Ashbourne (DE6 2ET) 9am to 5pm Cost: £10 Extras: Total cost is £110 but this is paid as £10 deposit when booking PLUS the balance direct to the supplier Paragliding is a fabulous experience. Technology now allows packs so compact and light that it is possible for experts to climb a mountain then jump from the top – gliding serenely back to earth! This is a great way to get started. The day is designed to provide all the information you need to decide if flying is for you and they are normally able to get students flying low solo flights by the end of the day. This is also the way to start if you are interested in Paramotoring, as you need to be able to paraglide before you can progress to the motors. If this interests you, let the team know and they will be able to show you some motor units and let you try them on during the day.
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down
Date: Saturday 6th September 2014 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol (ST56 1745) 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.
Visit to Oakham Treasures, Tea and Cake
Date: Saturday 6th September 2014 Place: Oakham Farm, Portbury Lane, Bristol (BS20 7SP) Oakham Treasures - Main Entrance at 1:30pm Cost: £14 Includes: Entry to Museum, Tea/Coffee/Soft Drink and Cake, Spice Host Oakham Treasures is one of the largest privately owned museums of retail and farming history in the UK. Opened to the public for the very first time since July 2008, it has already become an award winning major attraction, and guarantees to give you an amazing and uplifting trip down memory lane. Whether you are 8 or 80, you'll be fascinated by this vast and unique collection of memorabilia from the last century. There really is something for everybody, from the thousands of items in the historic stores, to the impressive display of vintage tractors and farm equipment. We’ll take some time to browse through the Grocery store, sweet shop, hardware store, haberdashery, off licence & tobacconist, chemist and the then see the tractor and farm museum. After seeing all the treasures, we’ll head off to the Acorns café for some tea and cake (included in the price). It’s a nostalgic day out where you’ll be amazed at how many old products you recognize from your past.
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Orchard Tour and Organic Wine Tasting
Sunday 7th September 2014 Little Ashley, Bradford-on-Avon, nr Bath (BA15 1NF) Quoins Organic Vineyard - Spice Sign at 2:45pm £11 Includes: Welcome Drink, Hour and a Half guided Tour of Vineyard and Orchards, Tasting Fruits in Season and Tasting at least 4 different Wines. Get together with Spice and other Spice members today and learn the secrets of organic grape production! We’re off to the Quoins Organic Vineyard where we will start with a welcoming glass of wine (or apple juice), and then join an informal and lively guided walk round the vineyard and orchards. There are over 100 varieties of trees and shrubs, grown for their fruit, nuts, firewood, and wildlife value and we have a chance to taste the fruits in season, many of which are quite unusual, rare and not often seen in supermarkets. The tour ends with a tasting of at least four different wines, as well as the opportunity to buy wine and fruit at farm prices.
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Narrowboat Break 4 nights - Aldermaston
Mon 8th Sep 2014 - Fri 12th Sep 2014 Padworth, Reading (RG7 4JB) Arrive Monday 10.00am £295 Includes hire of Narrow boat, Spice host, 4 breakfasts, 2 sandwich/picnic lunches, 2 evening BBQ evening meals, fuel, water, canal licence fees Extras: 2 lunches and 2 evening meals at pubs along the route, drinks (wine/beer) We have a full 4 days on the river as you can arrive from Monday morning from 10.00a.m. ready to leave at 11.00a.m. We hand the boat back on Friday morning. If you would like to extend your th break we have a weekend starting on Friday 5 so you can link them up and do Friday to Friday. As our narrow boat weekends are very popular in Spice we have taken the plunge and booked a fabulous 4 night break so if you are up for some fresh air and exercise and a cheaper holiday in the UK then this could be for you! We’ve reserved two narrow boats which take 6 persons each so a maximum of 12 people and the Spice spirit of adventure, enjoyment and fun will be available in ample measures. This is a great way of spending a lazy week away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. Just imagine - drifting along slowly, glass in hand with a fine group of Spicers, journeying to a new sight and a restful night time mooring. The essence of our week will be very much on the unwinding theme. Please do note that this is a relaxing holiday where we are chilling out and stopping along the route to explore the pubs, villages or towns that we are passing through and we are not rushing anywhere! Our narrow boats may be traditional in shape, but they include central heating, showers, cooker, fridge and flushing toilets. The boats have diesel engines on board and instructions in navigation will be given to us prior to our departure onto the waterways.
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Badminton Coaching Weekend
Fri 12th Sep 2014 - Sun 14th Sep 2014 National Badminton Club, Milton Keynes (MK8 9LA) Arrive anytime after 4.00pm £185 Member Twin Share, £205 Guest Twin Share, £210 Member Single (Deposit £40) Includes 2 nights twin room en-suite accommodation, Meals from Friday dinner through to Sunday lunch, 12 hours coaching over Saturday and Sunday, court hire and shuttles. Badminton is a very popular game throughout the country and for this weekend we have booked an exclusive weekend of badminton coaching for Spice members. The weekend is suitable for any level of player as the group will be split depending on ability. The National Badminton Centre is the training centre for England's world class performance players and the Great Britain squad. There are eight top quality courts which are regarded as the best in the Country. The court surface is a high performance Taraflex rubber carpet surface, perfect for badminton playing and there is excellent lighting. There are full changing facilities which will be available for our use.
Pyramid Bowling - Cribbs Causway
Date: Friday 12th September 2014 Place: Hollywood Bowl, Cribbs Causway (BS10 7TT) inside the main entrance at 7:30pm Cost: £15 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.
Ten Pin Bowling - Cardiff
Date: Friday 12th September 2014 Place: The Red Dragon Centre, Hemingway Road (CF10 4JY) Hollywood Bowl inside the bowling alley at 7:30pm Cost: £15 Includes: 2 Ten pin bowling games, Shoe hire, Host Tonight, it’s back to the traditional Ten Pin Bowling so it’s a case of strike em down and rack up the score. Ten Pin Bowling is a great laugh and it doesn't matter if you've never bowled before or if you are at the top of your game, join us tonight for some fun. We’ll meet inside Hollywood Bowl by the shoe collection point at 8.00pm. Tonight we’ll be playing 2 full games and we’ll add up the scores from both games to find a winner.
Serenity + Discovery Weekend - Mid Wales
Date: Fri 12th Sep 2014 - Sun 14th Sep 2014 Place: Lluest Fach, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. Supper at 8.30p.m. Cost: £155 Sharing Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet lunches, 4 course evening meal, all instruction This is a weekend of gentle personal exploration for those intrigued by alternative spiritual and holistic practices. The holistic approach deals with the mind, body and spirit as an interactive whole and can help deal with the stresses and pressure of modern day living. Through the use of healing touch, energy therapies, chakra work, sound, dowsing, movement and meditation you will discover and explore hidden elements of yourself. Learning to connect with your hidden self can help promote greater self-confidence which can lead to a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle. Participation will be the keyword during this weekend. Your guide and instructor on this gentle break is Suzanne, holistic therapist working in many different fields. As well as being trained in several massage techniques, Suzanne is also a Reiki Master, Seichim Master, Reflexologist, and Meditation Teacher. She will introduce you to Chakras, grounding, simple energy work, looking at the balance of body and spirit, meditation and pathworking. Join her at this beautiful secluded country setting, the perfect spot to reflect and discover an alternative you. Further details for this weekend can be found on our website.
Shuffle Dining - Bordeaux Quay Bristol
Date: Saturday 13th September 2014 Place: V-Shed, Canons Way, Bristol (BS1 5UH) Bordeaux Quay - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £38.50 3 Course Meal, £34 2 Course Meal Includes: 2 or 3 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Situated on Bristol's Picturesque Harbourside, 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. We will be having a shuffle during dinner so that you can mix up and socialise with everyone there.
Train to Shrewsbury+Walk to Church Stretton
Date: Saturday 13th September 2014 Place: Church Stretton, Shropshire (SY6 6AG) 8.30am for 8.45am PROMPT Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest This walk with Alan is aimed at regular walkers with a good level of fitness, albeit the walk is of 16 miles duration there is only one long ascent of note and not to steep so this may be ideal for someone who wants to attempt their first challenge walk of this distance. From the town we head out past the castle, alongside the river Severn eventually reaching open countryside. We pass through Lyth Hill Country Park which offers us the opportunity to observe the route of our walk toward the Northern End of the Long Mynd Hills. The route follows open fields, tracks and country lanes as we head toward Church Stretton. The aim is to get back to Church Stretton for a curry at the Juiper for about 18:00. When booking please let the SPICE office know if you want to stay for a curry so I can book a table.
Cornden Hill/ Mitchells Fold Stone Circle Ramble
Date: Sunday 14th September 2014 Place: The Bog, Shrewsbury Area (SY5 0NG) at 10.30am Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest A 12 miler with Alan aimed at regular walkers with a good level of fitness as there are two steep ascents. From the Bog Car Park, we will head out west to across the beautiful rolling Shropshire country side to the foot of Cornden Hill. A steep climb to the stop where we can enjoy our packed lunches and absorb the all-round views of the Welsh and Shropshire Marches. We then descend and head to Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle. The stone circle is approximately 1000ft above sea level and was erected 2000-1400 BC by a local Bronze Age community. The circle of thirty stones is approximately 30 metres wide. Today only fourteen survive, ranging in height from one to two metres. Once we have explored the stone circle we will head back east across country to find a local pub for a well-earned rest and a pint or two.
Solve the Mystery Walk - Bath
Date: Sunday 14th September 2014 Place: 1 Terrace Road, North Parade, Bath (BA1 1LY) The Huntsman - Ask for the Spice Table at 11:30am Cost: £6 Includes: 2.2 Mile Guided Walk and Quiz, Spice Host Today we challenge your minds and ability to solve the clues on our ‘Solve the Mystery Trail’. Local plumber Ivor Leak has been working on the pipes of the Roman Baths and was about to expose that in his opinion they were quite modern and not in fact Roman! Librarian Paige Turner was desperately researching the origins of the pipe work to disprove this, but before Ivor could speak to the press he was mysteriously killed and his secret died with him. Can you find out who plugged the Leak? 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. The City of Bath and the spectacular countryside which surrounds it have been described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is a unique city; its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents have attracted visitors for centuries. Its attractive shops and lively street entertainers make it a vibrant and unforgettable place to visit.
Zip World - Ultimate Zipline Experience
Date: Sunday 14th September 2014 Place: Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda (LL57 4YG) 1.30am for 2pm start Cost: £49 Includes: 2 x Zipwire trips (little zipper & big zipper), flying suit, goggles. quarry tour by truck This is an unbelievable new event! You may have seen it on The One Show, BBC News or Blue Peter (if not click the links at www.zipworld.co.uk to watch them via YouTube!) So why should you travel to Wales for this one? Well, Zip World has the longest zip line in Europe and is claimed to be “the nearest thing to flying like Superman”. The Zip World site contains two specially constructed and spectacular zip lines, the first will take you down to the bottom of the quarry where you will pick up your specialised vehicle for a magnificent quarry tour, before zip lining back (one mile!) to the start. You will be going at speeds of around 100mph and you will be travelling 500ft above the mountain lake so be ready for a ride of a lifetime!
Pay As You Go - Miller and Carter Cardiff
Date: Friday 19th September 2014 Place: Hemingway Road, Cardiff (CF10 4JY) Miller & Carter Steakhouse - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Few things come close to the joy of steak and chips - cooked simply with tender, loving care, which is exactly how they like to do things at Miller & Carter Cardiff. Rest assured that the chefs treat the carefully sourced 28-day aged British beef with the respect it deserves serving a flavoursome and tender meal. There’s plenty more besides steak though, from juicy burgers and barbecue ribs to freshly prepared fish dishes and luxurious little extras to give your steak that final flourish.
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Pembroke Bluestone Luxury Resort Weekend
Fri 19th Sep 2014 - Mon 22nd Sep 2014 Bluestone, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire (SA67 8DE) Check in from 12pm on Friday £149 Twin Share £199 Single
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! Extras: Food for your breakfasts & Lunches and drinks (you can self-cater and there is a shop on site), activities on or off site, spa treatments 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: We’ve found a place where you can go for a few days all year round to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Bluestone really has something to suit everyone. Whether you simply just want to relax, unwind and use the on-site spa facilities, or you want to go out explore and sample the array of on/off site activities, Bluestone is for you. This village has a range of quaint shops, including a bakery, clothes store and general store. A range of restaurants are also available from a traditional village pub to a 5 star fine dining restaurant. The village and all accommodation is nestled into the hillside and surrounded by a forested haven of tranquillity entirely within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This valley also features woodland walks, nature trails, picnic areas, cycle routes and trim trails. Accommodation: With a 5 star status, the accommodation at Bluestone is unique and finished to an extremely high standard and for our visit we will be using two specific executive style lodges as we aim to provide you with the best that the village can offer at an incredible price. We are allocating the lodges on a pot luck basis depending on sharing requests/sex mix etc. Itinerary for the weekend: Arrive on Friday afternoon/evening and meet up at Spice host’s lodge for welcome drink and 1 course hot supper. Meet the rest of the Spice gang and plan the rest of the weekend. On Saturday morning there will be the option to car share so that we can go on an easy ramble to take in the local scenery, the lily ponds and stroll along the beach. We will stop for refreshments and perhaps some lunch along the way. The walk is about 5 miles and we will be away most of the day. There are plenty of other places to visit in this area if you want to do something else instead and our Spice host will have some ideas for you. There is also lots to do on site with orienteering, archery, laser clay shooting and tennis (these can be pre-booked before the weekend) On Saturday evening we will meet again for a pre-dinner drink and BBQ meal in the garden (weather permitting) We can then either relax at the lodges or head to the village pub to continue socialising. Sunday is a free day to relax, go for a walk or explore the area. We will eat in the pub or restaurant on site or do a BYOB type meal at one of the lodges. The Well Spa: Pamper yourself in the elegant and tranquil environment of this exclusive health-spa situated in the centre of the village. Ease your soul and let the pleasant heat relieve any muscular aches, detoxify the skin and rejuvenate you. Relax, rejuvenate and enjoy! Treatments are individually priced.
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Sea Kayaking with the Seals
Fri 19th Sep 2014 - Sun 21st Sep 2014 Pembrokeshire, South Wales (SA62 5HN) Arrive from 5.00 p.m. Friday evening £279 Sharing, £42 Extra Sunday Night (Deposit £55 Sharing) Includes: 2 nights 5 star eco lodge accommodation, all meals from Friday supper to Sunday lunch, 2 full day sea kayaking, all specialist kit, qualified and friendly guides, transport for the activities, free train station transfers for certain trains. This tried and tested introductory weekend is a perfect introduction to kayaking in Pembrokeshire and will suit both beginner kayakers and those with a little experience of pootling on rivers, lakes or quiet ocean waters. You’ll get the chance to explore some of the most beautiful sheltered bays, coastline and harbours of Pembrokeshire and there’ll be mysterious and awe inspiring caves to be explored and wildlife to be spotted. On a skills level you’ll develop an efficient forward paddling stroke, you’ll master turning your kayak, and gain confidence to take your skills and experience to the next level. By the end of the weekend we’re sure you’ll have been bitten by the sea kayaking bug and you’ll be raring to get back for some more watery adventures. Date: Place: Cost:
Walking Weekend - Banbury, Oxfordshire
Fri 19th Sep 2014 - Sun 21st Sep 2014 Banbury, Oxfordshire (OX16 0AH) Arrive from 2.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Member Twin Share, £209 Member Single Includes: 2 nights B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, 2 days of guided walking WalkWise Overview: Banbury is very easy to get to by train or car, lying in the heart of Oxfordshire. It is a beautiful market town and the Banbury House hotel, a tastefully modernised Georgian hotel, will be our base for the weekend. From here we will be able to stroll into town on an evening and seek out some quiet traditional inns or if you wish we can seek out some live music. The hotel is also well placed to explore the beautiful Oxfordshire and Wakwickshire countryside. In the past we have enjoyed walks around Rollright Stones and the surrounding cotswoldsie villages of Fenny Compton, Hook Norton and Chipping Norton. There are innumerable lovely walks in the area and so this time we have some totally new walks around the Dassett Hills and Fenny Compton area and some new variations around Chipping Norton area! 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 up to 2000ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: The Best Western Banbury House Hotel is a Georgian style hotel whose long serving and professional management team focus on great service. Every bedroom has complimentary, coffee and tea making facilities, free wi-fi, hair dryers, complimentary shower gel, soaps, shampoo and shower lotions, flat screen tv’s, desk fans, clock and telephones.
Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk
Date: Saturday 20th September 2014 Place: 1 Terrace Walk, North Parade, Bath (BA1 1LY) Huntsman Inn - Outside - Spice Sign at 7:15pm Cost: £17.99 Includes: Comedy Walk Tickets, Glass of Wine or Beer or Soft Drink, Spice Host Join Spice for a unique evening of entertainment that appeals to everyone. Georgian Bath at dusk has an atmosphere that is priceless - as does the Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk. You'll laugh yourself silly when you join the celebrated stroll which takes an irreverent look at the city of Bath. The walk blends scripts and ad-libs, while gently ribbing passers-by and international guests. You'll experience unforgettable mysteries, thrills, and surprises that stretch the traditional image of the city. So if you're looking for something hysterical rather than historical, why not join Spice and mingle with other members for this spectacular evening?
RSPB Bird Walk at Forest Farm + Lunch
Date: Saturday 20th September 2014 Place: Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff (CF14 2JJ) Wardens Centre, Forest Farm Rd, Spice Sign at 9:45am Cost: £9 Includes: 2 hour RSPB Walk, Carvery Lunch, Service, Spice Sign. Extras: Drinks Today we’re off to the Glamorgan Canal Local Nature Reserve and Forest Farm for a guided RSPB Bird Walk. Forest Farm actively promotes the study of flora and fauna in their natural habitat and straddles the last remaining stretch of the former Cardiff Merthyr canal which still holds fresh water to a quality good enough to provide a good hunting ground for Kingfishers, Herons and many others species. The majority of the woodland is Beach and Oak with several trees being over 200 years old. A guided walk really helps you get to know the birds and wildlife of an area better and the expert guide is happy to answer questions along the way. Bring binoculars if you have them. After our walk we’ll go to The Hollybush Carvery (a 5 minute drive away) to enjoy a lunch with a choice of beef, turkey or gammon all with vegetables and gravy.
Guided Walk Westonbirt Arboretum + Cream Tea
Date: Sunday 21st September 2014 Place: The National Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos (GL8 8QS) Westonbirt - Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 1:30pm Cost: £18 Includes: Entry to Westonbirt Arboretum, Guided Walk, Cream Tea, Service, Spice Host Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is a fantastic place to visit in all seasons. Several of the 16,000 labelled trees (around 2,500 different species) have interesting stories to tell and are worth seeking out. Autumn is a particularly good time to visit the arboretum, as the trees are like a firework display with all their stunning colours. We’ll be joining a guided walk at 2pm, led by a volunteer, and this lasts about 1and a half to two hours. After our walk we’ll head off to the restaurant for a lovely cream tea and a chat. It’s a great day out in a wonderful landscape of colour!
Sunday Brunch+ Live Jazz at the Old Duke
Date: Sunday 21st September 2014 Place: V-Shed, Cannons Rd, Bristol (BS1 5UH) Pitcher and Piano - Spice Table at 11:30am Cost: £14.99 Includes: Breakfast, Service, Jazz at the Old Duke, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Sunday’s are the right kind of day for enjoying a late and leisurely breakfast and some jazz and blues, so today we’re off to the Pitcher and Piano for a filling breakfast, followed by a short walk to the Old Duke where we can listen to some stunning jazz. We’ll meet at the Pitcher and Piano for some breakfast with choices on the menu such as full English, Eggs Benedict and smoked salmon & scrambled eggs amongst others. After this we’ll make our way over to the Old Duke for the jazz which starts at around 1ish. The Old Duke is world famous for its’ live, traditional, New Orleans inspired Jazz and blues music and is sure to be keep us toe-tapping throughout the afternoon. Named after Duke Ellington, some real legends of jazz have taken to the stage of Bristol's Old Duke and continue to do so today. It’s a fantastic Sunday out, so don’t miss it!
Tandem Skydive from 12,000ft
Date: Sunday 21st September 2014 Place: Hinton Skydive Cent, Oxon/Northants bord (NN13 5NS) 12 for 12.30pm Cost: £245 (Deposit £50) Includes: Cost includes BPA membership Note: This event is now being arranged through Hinton Skydiving Centre, a world class facility near Brackley. We plan to send groups of 6 Spice Members on each date. To get the full, freefall experience your very first jump, and with as much safety as possible a Tandem Skydive is just the thing! Several Following a short pre-jump briefing, you will experience the thrill of freefall and even learn the basics of steering and landing a modern 'square' gliding parachute, while securely attached to a highly experienced Instructor. Tandem Skydives normally take place from 10,000 to 12,000 feet and sometimes even higher! After exiting the aircraft - securely attached to your Instructor! - you will freefall until the Instructor opens the main parachute at about 5000 feet. You will spend about 30 seconds in freefall (depending on the exit altitude) and reach a speed of around 120 miles per hour! The descent under the large square parachute will take several minutes, during which time you will help to steer it down to the landing area. Don't forget to enjoy the view - you can see for miles on a clear day!
Wake Up the Zoo - Dudley
Date: Sunday 21st September 2014 Place: Dudley Zoo, Dudley (DY1 4QB) at 8.40 start Cost: £26.50 Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a major zoo before it can open to visitors each day? How much food has had to be prepared for every animal and what cleaning jobs have to be completed before the visitors arrive? Well now you can, with a guided tour with a keeper, who will take you behind the scenes and show you what it takes. At the end of a busy morning we will go to the cafe for a full English Breakfast (quorn sausages available as a vegetarian option) after which you are free to explore the zoo at your own pace from the visitors side of the fence this time!
Spice Meet + Eat - Caerphilly, South Wales
Date: Thursday 25th September 2014 Place: Travellers Rest, Thornhill, Caerphilly (CF83 1LY) In the Bar 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 Travellers Rest, a country pub and restaurant situated in picturesque surroundings. Although the town of Thornhill is a relatively modern area, The Travellers Rest dates back as far as the 1800’s. Here we can enjoy a glass of the finest cask ales and perhaps take advantage of the scrumptious hearty pub food on offer.
Spice Meet + Eat - The Spotted Cow Bristol
Date: Thursday 25th September 2014 Place: 139 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol (BS3 1EZ) The Spotted Cow - 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.
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Creative Clay Weekend
Fri 26th Sep 2014 - Sun 28th Sep 2014 Lluest Fach Farm, Foel, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00pm - Buffet at 8.30pm £144 Sharing (Deposit £30) Includes: Two nights B&B, Friday evening light supper, buffet lunches and Saturday night 4 course evening meal and all instruction This fun weekend is for anyone who fancies getting their hands into a lump of clay and exploring the many ways of being creative with it. Clay is a wonderfully tactile medium which just invites you to shape and mould, and on this weekend you’ll enjoy learning how to pinch, coil and mould your clay into wonderful shapes and forms. Your instructor for the weekend is Sonya Smith, teacher, ceramic artist and sculptor.
Live Music Social at O'Neills Cardiff
Date: Friday 26th September 2014 Place: 85-87 St Mary Street, Cardiff (CF10 1DW) O'Neill's - Ask for the Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Irish pubs are known for their hospitality – a point O'Neill's St Mary Street in Cardiff loves proving. Best of all, there a bit of live music which is always good craic - and good for the soul, too. At O'Neill's, they’re passionate about the music and carefully pick the bands and musicians for their talent, making for some of the best live music nights in Cardiff. From Irish folk to indie and beyond, if there's a sound or scene that gets you going, you're likely to find it here. It’s a great opportunity to come along, meet some fellow SPICE members over a drink and perhaps have a bite to eat while enjoying the music. We’ll let the pub know we’re coming and anyone who fancies a meal can choose, order and pay on the night.
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Sailing Weekend Poole - Jurassic Coast
Fri 26th Sep 2014 - Sun 28th Sep 2014 Poole Quay, Town Quay, Poole (BH15 1BT) Meet: 8.00 Friday Evening £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, past Brownsea Island (home of the original Scout camp and red squirrels) and out into Poole Bay where we sail south for a few miles past a coast of rolling chalk 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. Lunchtime meals are taken underway and are normally of the type that can be eaten al fresco. Throughout the sailing day snacks and biscuits are made available. Hot and cold drinks are provided as suits the conditions. We are able to cater for special diets. 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. Cancellations: 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 resold
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Spice U40 Bunkbarn Weekend Derbyshire
Fri 26th Sep 2014 - Sun 28th Sep 2014 The Stables, Ollerbrook Farm, Edale (S33 7ZG) Arrive from 4.00pm £69 Bunk Room Share Includes: 2 nights bunkbarn accommodation, 1 cooked breakfast, 1 continental style breakfast, a welcome drink, a packed lunch on the Saturday and the services of a Spice host Join us for a great value weekend in the beautiful Hope Valley area of Derbyshire. We will be staying in The Stables; a centrally heated bunk house near the start of the Pennine Way with easy access to Kinder Scout. The Stables is a recently converted barn situated on a working hill farm 10 minute’s walk away from the village of Edale. Accommodation: The bunkhouse sleeps 16 in 4 x 4 bedded bunk rooms. Each bunk has a mattress with fitted sheet and a pillow with pillow case. Please bring your own sleeping bag or duvet. There are three newly refurbished showers and toilets situated both up and downstairs. Breakfast is included in this weekend and as is usual with these weekends you will be expected to muck in to help cook and clean – it is all part of the fun of the weekend. Arrival on Friday can be any time after 4pm Then it will be a case of getting to know everyone on the weekend and honing our plans for the 2 days. On Saturday night we will book a meal in a local pub/restaurant (not included in price) so we can all sit down and eat together as a group.
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Walking Weekend - Ennerdale + The Lakes
Fri 26th Sep 2014 - Sun 28th Sep 2014 Ennerdale Country House Hotel, (CA23 3DT) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal is at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 night's B&B accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 picnic lunches, 2 days of guided walking with a choice of walks WalkWise Overview: The Lake District needs no introduction, it is quite simply one of the most picturesque parts of Britain and a true walkers’ paradise. There are imposing mountains, friendly fells and hills, stunning attractive valleys, peaceful lakes and tumbling waterfalls; all of which seamlessly blend together to create a landscape of unrivalled beauty. The three star, Grade II listed Ennerdale Country House is our venue. It lies nestled in 5 acres of tranquil gardens which are overlooked by many of the bedrooms and the beautiful fountain restaurant where the new management team will look after your every need. The Walkwise Walking Programme: On our first day we will be walking in the fantastic valley of Ennerdale, arguably the quietest and most peaceful in the whole of the Lake District. Our second day will be in the Loweswater and Crummock Water area, another hidden treasure of the Lakes! 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 around 9-12 miles with 2500+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: The Ennerdale Country House Hotel has ensuite bedrooms, all are individually designed and very well equipped with tea/coffee maker, telephone, shower, bath CD player, video recorder and satellite TV! You can relax in the Muncaster Lounge after a day on the hills, or enjoy the lounge bar with traditional ales. The fountain restaurant really is dining in style, spacious, ornately decorated yet with airy views to the garden and it is a great setting in which to enjoy your meal.
Walking Weekend Hastings + Sussex Coast
Date: Fri 26th Sep 2014 - Sun 28th Sep 2014 Place: Royal Victoria Hotel, Hastings, Sussex (TN38 0BD) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 nights B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals 2 guided walks each day Basing ourselves in the seaside town of Hastings allows us to explore all the delights that East Sussex has to offer. There is a sublime coastline to discover which is also home to some amazing nature reserves such as at Rye Harbour and of course this is adjacent to the picture perfect town of Rye. Slightly inland lies the lovely Winchelsea and the historic Battle with its famous Abbey and Castle is a definite must see too! Our base for the event is the 3 star Best Western Royal Victoria Hotel, which occupies a stunning position on the seafront, you may even remember it from Foyles War! The hotel was built in 1828 and blends impressive period features such as the listed marble staircase with antique furnishings and modern elegance. There is also a welcoming piano lounge and friendly bar, and some of the spacious bedrooms are more like suites! It’s also only a short stroll into the old town where old shops and traditional inns hosting live music on an evening. So to summarise a lovely location, an historic hotel and some great walking… see you there! To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On each day there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with up to 1000ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. Accommodation: The Royal Victoria Hotel is situated on the seafront in the heart of St Leonards. They have en suite bedrooms, some of which have stunning sea views. The bedrooms are en-suite and they are all individually styled and decorated in a manner which complements the historic nature of the hotel.
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Watercolour, Pen and Wash Weekend
Fri 26th Sep 2014 - Sun 28th Sep 2014 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00pm, Dinner at 8.30pm £144 Sharing, (Deposit £30) Inludes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet/picnic lunches, 4 course evening dinner party, all activity equipment and instruction Extras: There is a small charge made for consumables (such as paint & paper used) If they told you at school that you couldn’t draw then this weekend break will prove them wrong. You don’t have to be a budding Monet or Picasso to enjoy this weekend, which takes the complete beginner or dabbler through the basics of drawing and painting. Julie Hyde, an accomplished artist, and experienced tutor, has put together a relaxed, fun programme to draw out all your latent artistic talents. Julie will dispel the mystique of drawing and painting into simple steps which anyone can follow. Demonstrating various techniques using pencil, watercolour and other media, she will show you how easily you can create sketches and finished works that you’ll be delighted to display. On Saturday we'll begin by getting a feel for sketching and how to 'see' things to paint. For those of you who are new to watercolours or have done this weekend before Julie will also show you some pen and wash techniques which is the easy way of doing watercolors. Julie will still show you the many ways to use watercolour, and by Sunday you'll be using your newly acquired skills and techniques to put the final touches to your finished piece of work. Previous members that have been on this weekend have been amazed by what they were capable of creating! 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.
Gecko Blasters - The Farmhouse, Yate
Date: Saturday 27th September 2014 Place: Wellington Road, Yate, Bristol (BS37 5UY) The Farmhouse - Spice Table at 8:45pm Our very own Spice member John Gebhardt will be playing in 'The Gecko Blasters' tonight, a lively 5 piece rock/pop covers band from Bristol. Their aim is to play a set with some of the most popular and catchy tunes around to date, from some classic Beatles to modern day Kings of Leon. So whatever your taste the Gecko's will have you singing along in no time!!! Join Spice as we add our voices to familiar songs such as ‘Knocking on Heavens Door’, ‘Back in the USSR’, ‘Love Machine’ and ‘Another Brick in the Wall’, to name but a few. You can just come along and listen to the music which starts at about 9.00pm but please book online as we would like to have a Spice host there to help with introductions.
Step Inside the BBC - Bristol
Date: Saturday 27th September 2014 Place: 153 Whiteladies Road, Bristol (BS8 2LR) BBC Broadcasting House - Tours Entrance at 9:50am Cost: £26.99 Member BBC + Lunch, £28.99 Guest BBC + Lunch, £10.50 Tour Ticket only Includes: Includes: Guided tour of the BBC, 1 course lunch, Service and Spice host. (There is a tour ticket only option) Extras: Drinks Come and find out what goes on inside BBC Bristol on this exclusive Spice tour. You’ll learn how television and radio programmes are made and have the chance to visit the interactive studio where you can have a go at presenting the weather and star in your very own radio drama complete with sound effects! Our tour guide will give us a behind the scenes insight into the many programmes originating from BBC Bristol and tell you what happens behind the scenes to get them from script to screen. Our tour takes us to the Points West studio and the Radio Bristol studio and you will hear how programmes such as Antiques Roadshow and Springwatch are produced. Many of Radio 4’s programmes are made at BBC Bristol. The tours last one hour and 45 minutes and as we are in a working building no tour is ever the same. There is a fair amount of walking and standing and the maximum we can take is 15 – you really MUST book early to secure your place.
Malvern's Explorer Ramble
Date: Sunday 28th September 2014 Place: Malvern Worcestershire (WR13 6DW) at 10.30am Cost: £6 Member, £7 Guest A ten mile ramble with Alan aimed at regular walkers with a good level of fitness. There are a number of steep but short ascents. The walk starts from the Malvern's and heads out across country towards Ledbury, exploring the many villages and lovely rolling countryside away from the Malvern Hills. This ramble offers the opportunity to look back at the Malvern Hills and see this part of the countryside from a different perspective.
Chill Out Bike Amble Weekend
Date: Fri 3rd Oct 2014 - Sun 5th Oct 2014 Place: Lleust Fach Farm, Foel, Mid-Wales (SY21 0PB) Meet: 6.00p.m. onwards on Friday evening Cost: £138 Member Sharing, £158 Guest Sharing (Deposit £30 Member Sharing, £30 Guest Sharing) Includes: Two nights B&B, Friday evening light supper, 4 course evening meal and guided rides Extras: Bike Hire £20 Saturday, £5 per hour Sunday (PAYABLE ON THE WEEKEND DIRECT TO THE SUPPLIER Two days of relaxed and laid back cycling waits for you in beautiful Mid Wales, where you’ll cycle alongside the beautiful Mawdach estuary, as featured in Julia Bradbury's Railway Walks, and soak up the seclusion of lovely Lake Vyrnwy . Both rides are ideal for a leisurely days cycling as the trails are flat, and as you gently cycle along you can relax and soak up the wonderful scenery around you. When you’re not out enjoying the rides you’ll be relaxing at our base for the weekend, a th secluded 16 Century stone farmhouse in the heart of the Welsh countryside with breathtaking views over the Cambrian mountains. At the end of Saturday’s ride you’ll return to your weekend ‘home from home’ to relax with afternoon tea and cakes, while your four course evening meal is prepared specially for you. This popular retreat is the base for Breakaway Holidays, run by your hosts Barry and Sonya. These breaks are a great way to get "into" the Club, and weekends at this popular venue always have great feedback. The price includes accommodation with full cooked breakfast, four course evening meal on Saturday and nibbles refreshments throughout the weekend. The venue is not licensed, but if you wish you are welcome to bring some drinks for Friday night and to accompany your meal on Saturday evening. Accommodation for the weekend is in two, three and four bedded single sex rooms, bed linen is provided, but you will need to bring your own towels. A full kit list will be sent with your joining pack. Transport from the venue to the activities will be in member’s cars to limit costs. If you wish to hire a bike for the weekend please ensure it is pre-booked through the Spice office. For the full write-up please see the website event listing.
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Walking Weekend, Shropshire Hills + Gorge
Fri 3rd Oct 2014 - Sun 5th Oct 2014 Buckatree Hall Hotel, Wrekin, Shropshire (TF6 5AL) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 night's B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, 2 guided walk each day Extras: Combining a well-appointed 3 star hotel with a terrific set of walks in two of the most engaging parts of Shropshire. With its variety of habitats including the wild uplands, isolated broad ridges and delightful woodlands the area caters very easily for all levels of walker. For the hard walkers there is the opportunity to stride out and attain summits that view 15 counties at once. For the more moderate walkers, they too will sit aloft on landmarks such as Long Mynd, but these will be attained by a more gradual route. Known locally and for good reason as the “Secret Hills”– the landscapes with high moors truncated by meandering rivers, narrow and secluded ‘batches’, not to mention the panoramic views and historical attractions, make this a “walkers paradise”… but don’t tell everyone! Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Florence Photography Break
Thu 9th Oct 2014 - Sun 12th Oct 2014 Hotel Machiavelli Palace, Florence Cost: £679 Twin Share, £869 Single (Deposit £200) Includes: flights, transfers, 3 nights B&B in 3 star hotel, photographic tuition Extras: Travel Insurance is compulsory. Local payment of 30 euro. Lunches and evening meals not included This is the perfect weekend to experience the culture and magic of Florence. Famous for its magnificent art and architecture, Florence is often considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The city has photographic opportunities galore, the Duomo, with amazing facades and details, Piazza della Signoria, the central point in Florence with Palazzo Vecchio, the fortress-like city hall, the huge fountain of Neptune and array of statues like Michelangelo’s David, make it a fascinating outdoor gallery. The views from Piazza Michelangelo across the river to the rooftops of the city and the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, piazzas, street life, cafes and many street entertainers provide us with endless images. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Fly Fishing Weekend - Mid Wales
Fri 10th Oct 2014 - Sun 12th Oct 2014 Luest Fach, Foel, Mid Wales (SY21 0YB) From 6.00pm on Friday £199 Sharing, (Deposit £35) Includes: Friday night light supper, Two nights B&B, lunches, 4 course evening meal and all instruction, equipment and licences You’ll soon be hooked on the popular and fascinating sport of fly fishing on this weekend rural escape. As a group activity it can be great fun, and over the weekend you will learn all the basics, including the opportunity to catch your first trout and take it home. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Outdoor Digital Photography Weekend
Fri 10th Oct 2014 - Sun 12th Oct 2014 Lluest Fach, Mid Wales (SY21 OPB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. Buffet 8.30p.m. £177 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. 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. This is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced professional at a price well below his usual rates. We’ll focus on a th number of the superb outdoor locations near the secluded 16 Century stone farmhouse that will be our base for the weekend. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Walking Weekend - Cairngorms, Scotland
Fri 10th Oct 2014 - Sun 12th Oct 2014 Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge, Inverness (PH23 3AB) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 night's accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 days of guided walks with a choice of walks each day Walkwise Overview: Well it’s time for us to revisit the Cairngorms which is Scotland’s 2nd National Park. it is also the largest National Park in the UK. The area features the highest, coldest & snowiest plateau & is also home to five of the nine highest mountains in the UK. One of the outstanding joys of this precious area is the wildlife and its habitats. The Cairngorms National Park is home to a diverse & spectacular range of species that either make this their home all year round, or return annually after seasonal migration. The area has high arctic mountain plateaus, ancient Caledonian pine forests, lochs and rivers all of which have thriving and various species breeding throughout the year. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
Walking Weekend - Chippenham Wiltshire
Date: Fri 10th Oct 2014 - Sun 12th Oct 2014 Place: Angel Hotel, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN15 3BW) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. Cost: £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Includes: 2 night's B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, 2 guided walks each day On Saturday we will walk the White Horse Way and the Wessex Ridgeway to conclude in the famous village of Avebury, famed as the second largest prehistoric site in Britain, (but possibly the most interesting!!) On Sunday we may choose to reacquaint ourselves with Harry Potter’s pretty village of Lacock Abbey which has lovely walks and some cracking afternoon teas. However there is also some beautiful countryside walks around Slaughterford, Castle Combe and the Macmillan Way, which may yet tempt us! Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Canadian Canoe Trail + 1 night camp Kent
Sat 11th Oct 2014 - Sun 12th Oct 2014 Hop Farm, Campsite, Paddock Wood, Kent (TN12 6PY) Final info will be emailed from 10am £95 Includes: all equipment needed for canoeing, coaching and safety cover but not campsite fees, food and meals which are all payable separately Why not join us on a leisurely and unhurried cruise on the River Medway. This easy going trip makes a perfect introduction to journeying by Canadian canoe. It also provides an opportunity for those with some experience to develop and consolidate their skills and knowledge of open canoeing. The cruise follows part of the newly opened Medway canoe trail from Tonbridge to Teston Bridge a distance of around 12 miles over two days. We will camp at the halfway point, by the riverside, at the Hop Farm Campsite near East Peckham and drop off our camping gear there on the Saturday morning, so that all is ready when we arrive by canoe in the early evening. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
Oktober BeerFest in Bristol
Date: Saturday 11th October 2014 Place: 46-48 Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol (BS1 4HX) Bavarian Beerhouse - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £20.50 Includes: Entrance to Oktoberfest, Live music, 1 Course Main Meal, Service Charge Host Extras: Drinks "Oktoberfest in Bristol" A social night with a difference, tonight we are visiting one of the UK’s only authentic German/Bavarian Restaurants – the Bavarian Beerhouse on Queen Charlotte Street. They offer a wide selection of German beers, hearty Bavarian food and unique Oktoberfest entertainment! Ice cold and freshly tapped German beers served in huge Stein glasses are accompanied by authentic and imported German food such as sausages and pork escalopes. Table service is provided by charming waitresses and waiters in traditional 'Dirndl' and Lederhosn dresses to guarantee a fresh flow of drinks and food. It’s a fabulous and fun evening so make sure you join us for a great night out.
Eastnor Castle Heirs Tour and Lunch
Date: Sunday 12th October 2014 Place: Ledbury/Malvern Hills Area (HR8 1RL) from 11.15 for 11.30am start Cost: £23.50 Member, £27 Guest Our Heirs Tours of our regions stately properties have proved very popular. Sir Richard Fitzherbert has shown us around Tissington Hall; Charles Berkeley has shared Berkeley Castle with us; Lord Cobham has welcomed us to HagleyHall and now James Hervey- Bathurst is going to show us his home, Eastnor Castle. On Spice rambles you may have caught a glimpse of Eastnor Castle in the dramatic setting of the Malvern Hills, surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. You may have wondered who lives in such a castle and how they came to be there! Well, the castle remains the home of the HerveyBathurst family and James splits his time between his castle and his business interests in London. James has a particular interest in trains and steam engines which is why he and his castle appeared on several Fred Dibnah TV Programmes in the 1990’s.
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Dance Weekend Extravaganza - 2 nights
Fri 17th Oct 2014 - Sun 19th Oct 2014 Mercure, Two Mile Ash, MIlton Keynes (MK8 8LY) Arrive from 2.00p.m. £175 twin share, £245 single room (Deposit £35 twin share, £50 single room) Includes: Professionally run Dance Workshops on Saturday and Sunday with Sheena Brabazon, Disco Party on Saturday Night, 2 nights Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in luxury Hotel with lunches and evening meals Spicers love to dance and we have had lots of requests for another Dance Weekend so here it is – a whole weekend of Dancing, run by the fabulous Sheena Brabazon. Our current plan is to run 3 hours of dance workshops during the day on Saturday and Sunday with a party night on Saturday night for you to practise your new moves and join in the theme of a 70’s disco.
Skills for Walking the Hills
Date: Fri 17th Oct 2014 - Sun 19th Oct 2014 Place: Lluest Fach Farm, Foel, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. Buffet Supper 8.30p Cost: £138 Sharing, Includes: Two nights B&B, Friday evening light supper, lunches, evening meal and instruction If you're interested in hill walking, but want to learn more about the practical skills and techniques needed to venture safely out to the hills and mountains of Britain, or you may already have some of these skills but want to increase your level of competence, then this weekend is for you. Anyone who has been out walking on the hills will appreciate the problems that may arise if you are not prepared and this weekend is designed to make sure you're aware of what can happen and what to do about it. The majority of the weekend is practical so you will be out walking in the breathtaking scenery of the Welsh Hills. The emphasis for the weekend is on enjoying the walks and the instruction will be given on the hoof with the each person having the opportunity to develop their own level of confidence. Both day's walks are not too demanding and the pace is leisurely so you don't need to be superfit to take part. The topics you will cover include use of map and compass, navigation, risk assessment, safety procedures on steep ground and emergency situations. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
Walking Weekend - Dorset Coastal Path
Date: Fri 17th Oct 2014 - Sun 19th Oct 2014 Place: Prince Regent Hotel, Weymouth, Dorset (DT4 7NR) Arrive from 4.00p.m Evening meal 7.30p.m Cost: £159 Twin Share, £199 Single Includes: 2 night's B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals,2 guided walks each day Walkwise Overview: The Prince Regent Hotel in Weymouth provides an excellent base from which to explore some of the most beautiful and dramatic coastal walking in the UK, including the delights of Dorset’s South West Coastal Path near Weymouth. Everybody loves walking on the coast so this year we shall spend both days on the coast. On one day we shall aim to maximise the pleasure by walking to the east of Weymouth, in the sensational area around Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. The other day will see us walking the stunning stretch of coast to the west of Weymouth. WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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National Murder Mystery + Disco Weekend
Fri 17th Oct 2014 - Sun 19th Oct 2014 Mercure Abbey HIll, MIlton Keynes (MK8 8LY) Arrive from 4.00pm. £175 Twin Share, £245 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights Luxury Hotel Accommodation, 2 x Breakfast, 2 x 3 course evening meals, Twin, double or single en-suite rooms, Professional Murder Mystery Party Organiser with a NEW plot A Cruise to Die for... Free time to explore the area use the outdoor swimming pool, Saturday Night Party with 70’s Disco to midnight. An absolute classic Spice weekend that embodies the spirit of the club! Are you a budding Agatha Christie or Hercule Poirot? Warning - our plot will have you guessing and working with you team to find out who dunnit! If you have joined us on one of these weekends before we have another brand new excellent plot! The theme of our weekend is A Cruise…To Die For Dig out those flares and flowery shirts! It is 1974. Guests are on a luxury cruise around the Caribbean Islands. The cruise liner is stranded at sea as the incompetent Engineer struggles to restart the failing engines. As they drift in the ocean the situation takes a sinister turn when the 1st class passengers start being bumped off. A man overboard is shortly followed by a mysterious ‘locked room’ death in one of the cabins. Passengers start to fear for their own lives… The 'Love Boat' this ain’t! We meet on Friday night in the Bar from 7pm onwards, with a 3 course dinner served from 8pm onwards. You’ll meet your team but don’t get too friendly with your team mates – one of them is a murderer! The serious business starts on Saturday morning, when you come down to breakfast and discover that a gruesome murder has taken place! You will be searching for clues in the hotel and grounds, gradually building up a picture of what might have taken place.....? Saturday afternoon is free to chill out and explore the area. We resume our search for more clues later in the afternoon. A 3 course dinner is served on Saturday night, followed by a 70’s Disco so get your dancing shoes on so you can hit the dance floor to boogie the night away. We conclude our investigations on Sunday morning – everyone has a different theory, who did it and why? Only one team can win the coveted prize – so “who dunnit”?!
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Rome Photography Tour
Thu 23rd Oct 2014 - Sun 26th Oct 2014 Rome Italy Cost: £789 Twin Share, £929 Single (Deposit £200) Includes flights, transfers, transport during tour, 3 nights B&B in the 3 star Hotel, photographic tuition. Extras: Insurance. There is also a local payment of €35 euro. Lunches, evening meals and drinks are not included. See the Eternal City thru the lens. This is the perfect photo break to experience Rome, Italy’s capitol, largest city and one of the world’s most seductive and thrilling cities. Known as the Eternal city, Rome is full of artistic grandeur, historical legacies, great food… and wine! Rome’s history spans more than two and a half thousand years and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Rome is also the political and religious heartbeat of Italy. Rome offers photographic opportunities galore with its historic landmarks and vista. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Walking Weekend Llangollen's Hills + Dales
Fri 24th Oct 2014 - Sun 26th Oct 2014 Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen, Wales (LL20 8AD) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 guided walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts is used Our annual pilgrimage to the Wonderful Wild Pheasant Hotel is here again and we can’t wait to get back. Their food, hospitality and relaxing spa facilities make it far too alluring for us not to return. This year we are going back to our original walks which you have spoken so fondly of. The lush Vale of Llangollen has some remarkable scenery from the colourful deciduous woodlands that line the meandering river banks to miles of peaceful canals and all with a backdrop of towering limestone escarpments which lead out to the open ridges, hills and moorlands beyond. With so many variants of the walks it means we never do exactly the same version as the previous year. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Walking Weekend Winchester + South Downs
Fri 24th Oct 2014 - Sun 26th Oct 2014 Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester (SO23 8BS) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal lat 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 days of guided walking Extras: Transport to walk starts if used The western end of the South Downs National Park is a fabulous stretch of countryside typified by open meadows and rolling downs, idyllic towns and villages, and peaceful meandering chalk streams flowing through sun-drenched valleys and views that stretch all the way to the coast! We will be staying in the perfect medieval City of Winchester in the wonderful Winchester Royal Hotel. We will take the Saturdays walks to one of the most shapely and interesting section of the Downs where beautiful countryside surrounds the picture perfect villages of East and West Meon. We shall wander over Winchester Hill, Salt Hill and Butser Hill. Then by contrast the Sunday walks will be a little closer to Winchester and include the pretty Hampshire villages like Cheriton and historic houses of Hinton Ampner. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Magic of Venice Photography Break
Thu 6th Nov 2014 - Sun 9th Nov 2014 Venice, Italy Joining instructions will be emailed £729 Twin Share, £869 Single (Deposit £200) Includes flights, transfers, 3 day pass for the Vaporetto bus, 3 nights B&B in the 3 star Hotel Abbazia, 3 days photographic tuition. Extras: Insurance. There is also a local payment of €50 euro. Lunches, evening meals, drinks not included. Flights London Gatwick to Venice Marco Polo Now in our eighth year we return to experience the magic of Venice; everyone should see Venice at least once in his or her lives… it’s just made for photography… To stand on the Rialto Bridge as the warm glow of the setting sun radiates across the water onto an array of passing gondolas, the amazing architecture of San Marco Piazza, the canals and bridges, the bustling Rialto market, the gondolas bobbing provides our backdrops to give you breathtaking images. Away from the grandeur of Venice, nowhere could be more contrasting than Burano, a lagoon island with its brightly coloured houses spilling shimmering reflections into the canals providing a rich colourful palette. Some of the best images you will ever capture will be in Burano and Venice. Date: Place: Cost:
Walking Weekend - Sidmouth, Devon
Fri 7th Nov 2014 - Sun 9th Nov 2014 West Cliff Hotel, Sidmouth (EX10 8RU) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single Room (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single Room) Includes: 2 nights hotel B&B, 2 evening meals, 2 picnic lunches, 2 guided walks each day Extras: drinks and transport to start of walks The South East Coast of Devon around Sidmouth is a quite simply a stunning stretch of coastline and a personal favourite of the many of the Walkwise guides. We have negotiated a weekend at the excellent West Cliff Hotel, which is one of the nicest hotels that Walkwise use, lying in its own grounds overlooking the sea and is just a stroll from the sea front of Sidmouth, The walking, is superb! Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Walking Weekend - Lyndhurst + New Forest
Fri 14th Nov 2014 - Sun 16th Nov 2014 Lyndhurst Park Hotel, Lyndhurst, (SO43 7NL) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm £169 Twin share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights B&B, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals, and 2 days of guided walking Extras: Transport to walk starts if used The New Forest in autumn is simply spectacular, we have missed the amazing splendour of colours the last couple of years so this year we have booked it a little later in a bid to catch it at its best!!! So this year the heaths and woodlands should be a blazing with a mix of wonderful golden colours. Lazy streams and rivers criss-cross the unique and ancient pasturelands that are also a home to the rare wildlife including the much-loved wild ponies and the Dartford Warbler. Please see our Web-Site for full details.
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Spice Ski Trip 1 - St Anton, Austria
Sun 25th Jan 2015 - Sun 1st Feb 2015 Chalethotel Rosanna, St Anton, Austria - Full pack available on request £795 Twin (Deposit £150) Includes: Flights, Transfers, Welcome drink, 7 breakfasts, 6 evening meals, afternoon tea, wine to accompany evening meal, ski hosting on 2 days. Extras: Travel Insurance (Compulsory for this trip) Drinks, some meals, optional extras. pice London are very excited to been returning to St Anton in Austria for st the 1 of our ski trips for the 2015 season. We are expecting demand to be high so early bookings to secure your place are highly recommended. Perched high in the Arlberg region of Austria, St. Anton is a wonderful mix of old and new! Renowned for its excellent après-ski and fantastic nightlife, St Anton also has the some of the most sensational skiing in Austria. Magnificent bowls and gullies are guaranteed to get your heart racing whatever the snow conditions. Although St. Anton is probably best known as a resort for experienced skiers, beginners should not be deterred as the nursery slopes on the outskirts of the village are wide and welcoming and there are 34 easier runs to conquer. More accomplished skiers can enjoy luxurious powder slopes on the scenic runs to Stuben from Grampen, Rendl and St Christoph; while for those wanting adventure there are plenty of further opportunities for you to take on! St. Anton comes into its own at night. The party starts early at the infamous Mooserwirt bar. Nestled on the mountain just above the village; it's in a spectacular location. Chalethotel Rosanna If you want to be where the action is, this is the place for you. Right in the centre of town, the bars, restaurants, ski schools and main lifts are right on your doorstep. From the outside, this Chalethotel is traditional and attractive. Inside, it's decorated in dark wood and has some ornate carvings and rich coloured fabrics. The finished look and feel of this place is warm, welcoming and traditional - It's also very lively. NB – rooms vary in size, outlook and facilities and allocation of rooms is on a pot luck basis. The Tour Operator is Mark Warner (Atol 1176), for whom we act as an agent and their terms and Conditions of booking apply as per their brochure. Your money is protected via our Trust Account, in accordance with EC travel regulations.
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Spice Ski Trip 2, Cortina, Italy
Sat 21st Mar 2015 - Sat 28th Mar 2015 Dolomites, Italy - Ski pack available by request £730 (Deposit £150) Includes: Flights, transfers, chalet accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 6 evening meals with choice of menu, including pre-dinner apèritif, choice of complimentary wines with dinner followed by tea/coffee & chocolates, 6 afternoon teas. Wi-Fi (public areas) Extras: Insurance available through Spice UK if required. Drinks, some meals, optional extras. Ski Requirements (Last season's prices as a guide) - Area Lift Pass £229; Ski hire from £59; Ski Boot hire from £35; Snowboard hire from £85; Snowboard Boot hire from £35; Ski Saver Pack £355 (area lift pass, red ski hire, 3 days tuition) ; Ski Tuition £239; Snowboard tuition £239. Ski Carriage £35 per skis/board nd For our Spice London 2 ski trip of the 2015 season we are off to a brand new resort in the Dolomites in Italy to Cortina. For those who have never seen these extraordinarily beautiful mountains before – stand by to be utterly enchanted. The Dolomites provide delightful skiing, there is plenty of sunshine at this time of year and the food combines the best of the Ladin, Austrian and Italian cultures.
Skiing - Beginners - The Socrepes area of the mountain has wonderful nursery slopes and is one of the best beginner's areas in the Dolomities with some great progression slopes. Intermediates - The runs at Tofana are short but great for cruising. You will want to ski a few runs a couple of times as the scenery is breathtaking and this area normally has the best snow. Advanced - Enjoy the Lagazuoi Cinque Torri area where you will find a large selection of red runs and some challenging blacks with great north-facing snow. Another great area to head for is the hidden valley red run from the Passo Falzarego cable-car, and of course you have to try the famous Sella Ronda. There’s steep skiing (Arabba has plenty - as does Selva Gardena and Cortina). If you’ve not done it before and like the idea of getting some ski miles under your belt, you’ll be keen to try the celebrated Sella Ronda circular tour. You can start anywhere on the circuit and ski it in either direction. At the centre are the gigantic, craggy peaks of the Gruppo Sella. The 25 mile tour (16 miles of actual skiing) can be achieved fairly easily in a day. The tour negotiates four mountain passes: Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Campolongo as you cruise through the picturesque towns and villages of Colfosco, Corvara and San Cassiano, and the wooded slopes of Canazei. Cortina d’Ampezzo - The most fashionable ski resort in Italy with stunning scenery and great skiing. Cortina is one of the most filmed, photographed, skied and visited resorts in the Italian Alps. Set to the east of the Sella Ronda circuit, it is called the 'Queen of the Dolomites' and is renowned for the excellent selection of skiing as well as superb accommodation, bars, restaurants and shopping. The main skiing areas are the Cortina Cube (Crystal, Faloria and Mietres), Tofana, and Lagazuoi-5 Torri, with plenty of challenging runs as well as some of the most amazing views. All the areas are either linked by the great network of lifts or local skis buses. The Tofanas Ski Area's accolade is the famous women's downhill world cup run. Cortina hosts this famous event in January and has done for the past 18 years. Accommodation: The Chalet Hotel Parc Victoria is one of the most iconic hotels of Cortina and has been since 1892 when the original 'Villa Vittoria' was transformed into one of the resort's first hotels. This elegant hotel is located in the centre of Cortina and holds the most sought after address, No. 1 Corso Italia, which is the main pedestrianised street that runs through the centre of the town where people go to see and be seen! With superb facilities such as the attractive and spacious bar/lounge with its roaring fireplace the hotel provides a cosy and pleasant ambience. Take time to admire the old photographs of the original hotel and Cortina which are displayed with pride throughout the hotel. At the end of the day head for the spa area with its sauna, steam room, 'experience' showers and whirlpool, perfect for reviving those tired muscles. Apéritifs and canapés are served in the lounge bar and once suitably refreshed you can make your way down to the restaurant with its antique wooden beams and wood-panelling which create intimate surroundings to enjoy your evening meal. All meals are meticulously prepared and served by the friendly Inghams Chalet Hotel team. The Tour Operator is Inghams (Atol 0025), for whom we act as an agent and their terms and Conditions of booking apply as per their brochure. Your money is protected via our Trust Account, in accordance with EC travel regulations.
fun summer weekends with Spice Narrow Boat Weekend or Mid-week - Aldermaston from 5th or 8th September
Bristol Harbour Music Festival from 18th July
Feeling stressed? There is no better way than to relax and unwind on a narrow boat and just watch the world go by. On Friday we leave Aldermaston & head West through Newbury towards the pretty village of Kintbury where there is a lovely pub for us to enjoy, on Sunday we head back to Aldermaston. For those wanting a longer break join us on Monday 8�� through to Friday for a relaxing break, this time we head towards Reading and then into the Thames where we have the option of heading either upstream towards Abingdon or downstream towards Henley. Or join us for the whole week!
The Bristol Harbour festival is one on the countries largest public events with a 2 mile stretch of harbour filled with musicians, dancers, circus acts, markets and street stalls. On the water is a colourful mix of sailing vessels including historic ships. Musically there is an amazing line-up with a diverse range from soul to folk from reggae to funk, with the Queen Square stage having some of the best acts. We are staying at the Regency Hotel which is centrally located for all the main attractions.
Surfing Weekends in Croyde Bay - N. Devon two weekends 18th July & 15th August Surf’s up in Croyde bay and Spice are off to learn this exhilarating sport. We have run this weekend for several years now and it’s always very popular with a great activity & social mix. Croyde bay with it’s stunning sandy beach and Atlantic waves is a great place to learn. Over the weekend you will have 3 lessons arranged which are suitable for beginners and those who have surfed before. We are staying at a number of B&B’s in the village and as usual we will socialise in the evening, we meet up on Friday evening, so why not join us.
Ascot races & live concert 8th August
Last year this proved to be one of our most popular summer weekends with a great mix of excitement and a chance to socialise with other Spice members. There is a 1 or 2 night option or come for the day. On Saturday we are off to the Ascot Dubai Shergar Cup where you can have a small flutter on the horses, in the evening after the racing we head for the old Paddock for a brilliant pop concert. On Sunday we have the option to explore the historic town of Windsor which includes a guided walk along the river and through Eton, passing Windsor Castle and onto the long walk. We are staying at the Hilton Bracknell, a modern comfortable hotel just a few miles from Ascot & Windsor and meet on Friday for a few drinks and a meal. This is a fun social weekend with a chance to try your luck at the races!
WyrdLight.com
Ok it may be fairly flat but the North Norfolk coast is simply stunning, the beaches stretch with golden sand almost as far as the eye can see, there are tiny villages with pretty flint-napped cottages plus some great pubs and of course the Mongolian Yurts! Yes that's right, we are heading to Burnham Deepdale where we have had some great weekends at Deepdale Granary but this year we have the additional option to stay in a comfortable Yurt. Other highlights of this weekend include a boat trip to spot the seals at Blakeney point, a stroll along Holkham beach ‘Shakespeare in Love’, explore beautiful Holkham Hall, potter about the smart Burnham Market shops, a miniature train ride plus fish & chips & crabbing at Well Next the Sea. All in all this is one of our favourite weekends.
Unique Yurt experience weekend - Norfolk, Fri 22nd August
Wells next the sea
SUMMER 2014
‘Only 27 375 days in the average lifetime, What did you really want to do today….’
SpiceABristolAUACardiff www.spicebristolcardiff.com 0742A959A8414AorA01276A479253 130AAztecA|AAlmondsbury BristolA|ABS32A4UB NEWS_42.14_TWO.B.indd 1
18/06/2014 14:05