Spice UK 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 amazing trips to Iceland, 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.
Spice - Goes Exploring the World! Granada - Festival of Crosses, Spain 1�� to 4�� May
Spice - Chills Out! Amazing Algarve 5 star Chillout 31�� May to 6�� June Turkey Blue Coast Cruise Chill Out 15�� to 22ⁿ� June Turkey Blue Coast Cruise Chill Out 14�� to 21�� September Turkey Chill Out, Ortakent 14�� to 21�� September Costa Blanca Chill Out, Calpe 20�� to 27�� September Lake Garda Autumn Special 11�� to 16�� October Cuba - Sun and Fun 22ⁿ� October to 3�� November
Moscow and St Petersburg, Russia 7�� to 13�� August
Spicy - Adrenaline & Excitement
La Tomatina (Tomato Festival), Spain 24�� to 28�� August
Mark Warner 5 Star Water Sport 1 or 2 Weeks 13�� to 20�� or 20�� to 27�� June
Iceland Discovery, Reykjavik 1�� to 5�� November
Walking Austria’s Lakes & Mountains 5�� to 12�� September
Lapland Adventure & Northern Lights 6�� to 13�� December
La Santa Sports Holiday 2015, Lanzarote 8�� to 15�� October Walking Lake Como, Italy 17�� to 24�� October
Key Spice holidays partners For many years Spice has enjoyed an excellent relationship Club Dance are delighted to be working with Spice to promote with our travel partner Exodus Holidays – the UK’s leading our dance holidays whether it is salsa, Ceroc, ballroom or tango adventure travel company. Club Dance covers it all – UK weekends or 7 or 14 night breaks. 5% discount for independent direct bookings with exodus!
5% discount with Club Dance Holidays!
We know however that sometimes our scheduled group departures won’t always fit in with everyone’s personal travel needs. We also know that often members would like to visit some of the places we are not featuring in the group holiday programme. To book your independent holiday with Exodus and claim your Spice member discount call 0845 863 9606. To qualify for the Spice Discount, simply advise them you are a Spice Member AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. Please note: This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.
Club Free Sprit have taken 23,000 customers to various destinations over the years from Cuba, Miami, Jamaica to Calpe, Spain, Austria and Malta and have increased their portfolio of activities from dance to fitness, ski and golf. In order to qualify for the Spice Discount, simply call reservation number on 0207 099 4816 and let them know you are a Spice Member AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. Please note: This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.
Hello Everyone!
Dianne’s Wee Bit
Welcome to our Spring edition of the Spice London Newsletter, We hope you’re looking forward to the warmer weather, the longer days and some Spice fun along the way. A big welcome to all our new members who joined at the start of the year, we have had over 200 and we hope you have started booking your first events. Just jump straight in and book something to start your Spice adventure. Don’t forget if you need any help or want to know more about a particular event please call us in the Spice office. This season we have had some fantastic ski trips including St Anton in Austria where 40+ Spice London members enjoyed the powder! As this issue drops through your letter box, I will have just arrived back from coordinating our last Spice London Ski trip to Cortina in Italy and will be looking forward to our packed Spring programme of events. The Easter break is a great time to get away on one of our weekend breaks. We have an amazing 4 day opportunity to learn the ropes Sailing from Poole to Weymouth taking in the spectacular Jurassic coast. We are also walking the Pembrokeshire coast, the Lake District, Anglesey and also bit nearer home in the Cotswold's. Our Canadian Canoeing is a great way to get out and take advantage of the sunny Spring weather and we have just the thing: an easy weekend’s introduction exploring the lovely city of Cambridge in April. May Events to watch out for include our Spring Black Tie & Posh Frocks Ball, which includes a 3 course meal, half a bottle of wine and a disco with dancing till 1am. This promises to be a brilliant evening and we expect to see it filling up quickly. We are at the Hilton in the heart of Kensington, why not arrive early to take advantage of the hotel facilities and stay the night? For May Bank holiday, we are returning to Trecastle in Wales, this is a relaxed chilled out weekend with some easy walking to explore the stunning Brecons. We are staying at a cosy bunkhouse/cottage and are planning on some guided walks and a BBQ. Other brilliant weekends in May include Sailing in Malta, Cycling in Bath, Camping in Mid Wales, Canoeing/Camping on the Thames, Walking, Drawing & Watercolour and Sailing across the Channel to Cherbourg. For flaming June we are off to the Epsom Derby (6��), this is an exciting and sociable weekend which includes an overnight stay at the Cobham Hilton (or an optional 2 nights). June is also the time for Spice’s biggest and best party of the year as we head North to Center Parcs Sherwood Forest (19��). This is a must do national Spice event with lots to do, including dance classes, bike rides plus two parties/discos with a fancy dress party the letter P is our theme, some examples might be - Punk, Pirate, Prince, Pink Panther, Penguin, Pilot or Pizza. On Sunday we have the Spice triple challenge, Spice’s fun take on a treasure hunt all rounded off with a BBQ. June’s fun doesn't end there the following weekend (26��) we have our National Murder Mystery weekend, can you solve the grizzly murder at Slaybury Spa? Also running at the same venue is our unique Crime Scene Investigation Workshop. On Sunday we re-investigate the 1963 great train robbery which happened only a few miles away. We also have a few events coming up that you just shouldn’t miss as they may not be around again. First up is the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition at the V&A. The world has gone Shaun the Sheep mad so why not join our guided walk with breakfast in London or join us for a nonsensical journey down the rabbit hole with the Alice’s Adventures Underground experience. Since it’s spring we have three lovely bluebell walks in April and May for you to enjoy! Finally everyone loves Kylie, and “we should be so lucky” as we are off to Newmarket races to see her live and I am sure the Spice guys will be booking that one!
Have fun on the events… Dianne
Coming Events – April 2015 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1 April Become the First Man or Woman on Mars! A Spice London Exclusive!
Thursday
Friday
Latin Krazy Salsa Dancing and Tapas Supper
Happy Easter
2 Badminton Herts
Sleuthing with Sherlock Holmes at the Museum of London
www.spicelondon.co.uk
3
Saturday
Sunday
4 007 - Bond in Motion Cars and Memorabilia
5 Ain't Nothin But the Blues + Lunch
Hippodrome - Ratpack In Vegas + Supper
Cycling for Fun Guided Walk Waltham
Saturday Shuffle Champagne Charlies Soho Vice - Tasty Tales London's Red Light
Kew Water and Steam Museum and Lunch Live Flamenco Music at Ronnie Scotts
Unique Wolf Experience with Walk
6
Treasure Trail Historic Mayfair Sailing Easter Weekend Poole, Jurassic Coast and Weymouth, Anglesey Easter Walking + Chill Out Break Bournemouth Easter Walking and Social Weekend WAIT LIST, New Members Welsh Cottage Easter Break Newcastle Easter Party Weekend WAIT LIST, Walking Weekend Easter All New Pembrokeshire Coast Walking Weekend Easter Borrowdale the Lakes, Walking Weekend Easter in the Cotswolds Walking Weekend Easter in the Eastern Lakes WAIT LIST 7 8 9 10 11 12 Pub Social Spice Dines Badminton Herts Ceilidh Night – Classic London Duck Bolney Wine Estate, Tour and Cocktails Walk + Lunch – Sussex Wrotham, Kent Argentinean Camden Dinner Shuffle Dinner at One Canada Guided RSPB Half Day Royal Opera House Ten Pin Bowling Feng Shui Inn Social & Find Out Square Walk at Pagham Swan Lake Ballet Bayswater More Evening WAIT LIST Dinner and Social Central London Thai Oriental Fusion at Mind Management at Pasta Cibo Rumwong – Guildford Workshop Social Yoga Tuesdays Pub Social Treasure Trail through Outdoor Archery Riverside Inn, Maidstone Hertfordshire Chelmsford Social & Find Out More Evening Richmond
Unique Dining + Entertain at Circus Victoria and Albert Museum and Lunch
13
14 Indoor Hockey (Unihoc)
15 Dining with a Spectacular View
Live Jazz The Archduke, Near Waterloo
Meet + Eat Social - Thanh's Bistro Croydon Meet and Eat at The Kings Head Billericay, Essex Theatre Shakespeare in Love Social & Find out more Evening Sevenoaks
New!
16 Badminton Herts Flemmings Grill Mayfair Hotel + Casino Spice Dines at Cafe Rouge Haywards Heath
Spice U40 - St Pauls Scavenger, Photo and Treasure Hunt Lunch at Gordons Wine Bar +Two Temple Place Exhibition
White Water Rafting WAIT LIST Cambridge By Canadian Canoe on a Spring City Break 17 18 19 Dinner Shuffle Breakfast +Thames Figure of Eight 11 Mile Stroll + B. Market Low Level Walk Saffron in Richmond Breakfast with Horse Riding Unparalleled Views Beginners /intermed Drinks with a View in the Sky Climbing the Implementing the Longstone Pinnacle Secret Law of Sailing Attraction! Introductory Docklands Museum Taster Day and Lunch Little Venice Historic Pub Tour Spice U40 - Rubik Guided Walk of Cube Pub Crawl Colchester & Lunch Sunday Lunch + Chislehurst Caves, Kent Sailing Learn to Handle a Yacht Tour of Wallace Ten Pin Bowling Collection + Afternoon Evening Dinner at Carluccio's Tea Tunbridge Wells Comedy - Boat Show Tour of Wimbledon HMS President Tennis / Museum in Wimbledon Shuffle Cotes Bistro Dining - St Albans Cycling Weekend Canterbury and Coast WAIT LIST Loch Fyne Leisure Break Serenity Weekend Discovery Your Inner Self Walking Weekend Ballachulish and Glen Coe Walking Weekend Derbyshire's Dales and Eastern Peaks
Coming Events – April to May 2015 Monday
20 Tower Bridge Exclusive Evening Tour
Tuesday
21 Epsom Social Meal The Canopy Pub Quiz Ye Olde Cock Tavern in Fleet Street
Wednesday
22 New Members Meet & Mingle at Brookes Wine Bar Social & Find Out More Evening St Albans
Thursday
23 Badminton Herts Meet + Eat Social - Cote Sevenoaks in Kent Social & Find Out More Evening Croydon
Theatre - Mamma Mia
Friday
24 1920's Speakeasy Cabaret+Supper Drinks with a View - St Georges Friday Lunch HMP Brixton Social & Find Out More Evening Guildford
Swing, Motown and Dinner at Sarastros
Spanish Tapas
28 Indoor Hockey (Unihoc)
29 Dinner Shuffle at Heens Chinese
Book Club - April London
Dorking Social
Theatre - The Railway Children
Hippodrome Soho Burlesque Social & Find Out More Evening West Sussex
30 Badminton Herts French Wine Tasting Bordeaux U40 Social & Find Out More Evening
New Venue
1 May Social & Find Out More Evening Central London
26 Bluebell Circular 8 Mile Walk - Hitchin, Herts
Sandown Racing Jump Festival
Guided Climb Up and Over the O2 + Lunch
Funkynation at Ronnie Scotts
Guided River Wandle stroll Merton Abbey Mills Craft Market
Spice Dines Bombay Spice - Guildford
Jazz Brunch La Porte Des Indes – London Predict the Future on Tarot Card Reading
Westminster Cathedral Tower and Lunch
Tour Apsley Hse Wellington Arch + Lunch Nordic Walking and Social Weekend Tennis Weekend with Coaching - Northants 2 3 Afternoon Tea Break the Barrier on a Moroccan Style at Thames Rocket Rib Momos Ride
Bank Holiday Shuffle Meal - London Supper and Social - The Raj Villa in Ware
Sunday
25 Cabinet War Rooms and Lunch Jongleurs Watford
Vertical Ice Climbing Covent Garden Italian Shuffle at Made in Italy
27
Saturday
Guided Bluebell + Wild Flower Wal Nymans
Guided Bluebell Woodland Walk at Hanningfield Reservoir
Helicopter Flight over London
Inventing Impressionism Exhibiton at the National Gallery
The View from the Shard
Sunday Lunch at The Roof Gardens Babylon
Wine Tasting Extravaganza
4
5 Pub Social Wrotham, Kent Social Yoga Tuesdays
6 Spice Dines at Petrichor at The Cavendish Hotel The Ultimate Paper Round Fleet Street
7 Badminton Herts Regent Canal Stroll/Floating Chinese Dinner Spice Dines Turkish at Havet in Bromley, Kent Spice U40 Fun Game of Ping Pong at Bounce
Adrenalin Cocktail Weekend – May Bank Holiday South Wales Walking + Chill Out Weekend Sailing Cross Channel Gosport-Cherbourg Peninsula Walking Weekend Bank Holiday Hadrian's Wall and Gilsland Spa Walking Weekend Eastbourne, Beachy Head and the South Downs Walking Weekend South Devon Coast and Dartmoor Welsh Camping Long Weekend 8 9 10 Friday Social - The Chapel Down Wine Afternoon Tea at the Tour Goring Luxury Hotel Bear - Oxshott, Surrey Saturday Markets Easy Azaleas walk in Cycling Tour Isabella Plantation in Italian Dinner at Richmond Sopranos + Live Comedy – Tattershall Piano Bar Linear 8 Mile Walk Spring Black Tie & and Grade II Listed Posh Frocks Party Ifield Water Mill Visit Dinner/Disco Shaun and the Sheep Tour of BBC in the City Unique Art Broadcasting House Trail Walk / Breakfast Visit to Knebworth House and Gardens
Sunday Thai Banquet at Mae Ping
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down Sailing Weekend around Malta Walking Weekend Eskdale Ultimate Challenge
Coming Events – May 2015 Monday
11 Ain't Nothin But The Blues and Supper
Tuesday
12 Indoor Hockey (Unihoc)
Wednesday
13 Social & Find out more Evening Sevenoaks
Safari Games and Quiz Night
New! Spice Dines Argentinian Buenos Aires Maidstone
Thursday
14 Badminton Herts Meet and Eat at The WireMill Lingfield Pub Social Riverside Inn, Chelmsford Social & Find Out More Evening Richmond
Friday
15 Benjamin Franklin House at Night – 'Candle Lit' Architectural Tour Spice Dines Rock and Rose Richmond
Saturday
16 Dinner Shuffle at Positano Guildford Lunch & Museum Rochester Castle MoonWalk London Spice Team Steward Royal Parks and Thames Bridges Walk Spice Dines Sicilain at Olivelli in The Cut
Theatre - Gypsy Spice U40 Roller Disco Party, Vauxhall
18 Reigate Pub Social + Meal New Gurkha Kitchen
19 Marco Pierre White Dining - City of London
Royal Women and Power Dressing Kensington Palace
20 Heroes + Villians Pub Walk Social & Find Out More Evening St Albans
21 Badminton Herts Meet and Eat at The George and Dragon Sevenoaks U40 Social & Find Out More Evening Croydon
Ten Pin Bowling Chelmsford
4
26 Indoor Hockey (Unihoc)
27 Social & Find Out More Evening in West Sussex
Spice London Book Club - May
28 Croydon Italian Wine Tasting Italy Explored Badminton Herts
Theatre Memphis The Musical
U40 Social & Find Out More Evening
New Venue
Spice London, Tel: 01276 479253
Sunday
17 Alice's Adventures Underground Immersive Theatre Guided Walk - River Beane, Bramfield Guided Walk of Brompton Cemetery Hovercraft Adventure - Paddock Wood, Kent Improvers Digital Photography Workshop
Unique Sailing on the Fabulous Tall Ship Mercedes Thames Cycling Weekend - Bath Drawing and Watercolour Weekend 22 23 24 Fizzy Friday Night British Tapas at Eltham Palace and Number 23 in St Gardens - Greenwich Social Minster Albans Exchange Friday Street Walk – Charlie and the Surrey Friday Social Pizza Chocolate Factory Express and Guided Walk - In the Tickled Ivory Afternoon Tea at One Footsteps of Churchill Piano Bar Aldwych Shakespeare's Globe Chelsea Flower Show Exhib,Tour and Lunch Day Ticket - London String Quartet, Opera Comedy - Tattershall Matinee and Lunch at Sarastro Soho Vice - London's Red Light District Sailing Cross Channel Gosport-Cherbourg Peninsula Secret Ridges of Wales Bank Holiday Walking Weekend Walking Weekend Harrogate and Dales Walking Weekend Ireland The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Walking Weekend North Devon Coastal Treat Walking Weekend The Welsh 3000's Woolacombe Coastal Photography Weekend' 29 30 31 Friday Social Guided Climb Up and Cycling for Fun - Royal Over the O2 + Lunch London Bike Tour National Portrait Gallery Medieval Banquet Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience Social & Find Out Polish Dining at More Evening Ognisko Restaurant Horse Riding – Guildford South Kensington Beginners / Intermediate View from the Olympic Park Jurassic Encounter Helter Skelter Adventure Golf in Surrey
www.spicelondon.co.uk email; dianne@spicelondon.co.uk
VA Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition and Afternoon Tea
Spice Preview & Club Nights
get involved, find out more & meet local members We’re Back!
Central London The Slug & Lettuce, 5 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BG Usually 1�� Friday of each month. 10�� Apr, 1�� May & 5�� Jun Spice are in the upstairs section of the pub. Arrive for 7:00pm. All about Spice presentation is between 7:00 & 8:00pm
Richmond, West London The Cricketers, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1LX 2nd Thursday of each month. 9th Apr, 14th May & 11th Jun Spice have a reserved area upstairs, look for the Spice signs. Arrive for 7:30pm. All about Spice presentation at 7.45pm
Croydon, South London The Spreadeagle Pub. Katherine St, Croydon CR0 1NX Every month. 23rd Apr, 21st May & 18th Jun Spice have a reserved area, by the bar on right & look for the Spice signs. Arrive for 7:30pm. All about Spice presentation at 8:00pm
St Albans, Herts Slug & Lettuce, 13 Victoria Street, St Albans, AL1 3JJ Every month. 22nd Apr, 20th May & 17th Jun Meet in the bar in a reserved area, look for the Spice sign. Arrive for 8:00pm. All about Spice presentation 8.15pm.
Guildford, Surrey The Weyside, Millbrook, Guildford, GU1 3XJ Last Friday in the Month. 24th Apr, 29th May & 26th Jun Meet in the bar, look for the Spice sign. Arrive for 8.00pm. All about Spice presentation at 8.15pm
U40 Social & Preview Night, Central London Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, Holborn, EC4Y 1AA
New Venue!
Last Thursday in the Month. 30th Apr, 28th May & 25th Jun Spice have a reserved area, upstairs (for members & those looking to join under 40). Arrive for 7.00pm. All about Spice presentation at 7.15pm
Horsham, West Sussex The Black Jug, 31 North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RJ Last Wednesday in the Month. 29th Apr, 27th May & 24th Jun Meet in the bar, Ask for Spice area or look out for Spice sign Arrive from 7:30pm. All about Spice presentation at 8:00pm
Sevenoaks, Kent The Chequers Pub, 73 High Street Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1LD Every month. 15th Apr, 13th May & 10th Jun Meet in the bar, Ask for Spice area or look out for Spice sign Arrive from 7:30pm. All about Spice presentation at 8:00pm
Our regular Club & Preview nights are
New Social in
Kent!
a great way for members to catch up with each other and socialise over a drink in relaxed surroundings. 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 on the night. They are also a great way for prospective members to find out more about Spice and meet a few existing members. 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, you may join on the night.
Your Local Pub Socials Don't miss your local regular pub social. Pub socials are run regularly for you to have a relaxed social evening where you can meet-up with other members in your local area over a drink or two. In most cases there is no charge and no need to book, just come along (some socials include food, so there is a charge and these should be booked). If you are thinking of joining Spice, then our Preview/Club nights are recommended as a Spice co-coordinator is on-hand to help answer your questions.
The Moat Pub (Wrotham, Kent) London Road, Wrotham, TN15 7RR Tuesdays: 7th Apr, 5th May & 2nd Jun from 7:00pm The Riverside Inn (Chelmsford, Essex) Victoria Rd, Chelmsford CM2 6LJ
Sports, come along keep fit & have fun! Our regular Sports nights are a great way to meet and socialise with other members as well as keeping fit, we usually have a drink in the bar or at a local pub afterwards! Usually there is no need to book just turn-up (please check the main website entry first). A Spice member will be there to organise everyone so players are mixed & matched and that everyone gets a turn with other Spice members of their own ability. These regular events are great fun so do come along as we are always looking for new players. See the main website for more activities including Cycling Weekends / Tours, Guided Walks, Dancing, Sailing, Go-Ape, Rounder's & lots more.
Thursdays: 9th Apr, 14th May & 11 Jun from 8:00pm
Badminton - Hertfordshire
We are no longer running our Hitchin Pub Social. But instead we have Meet & Eat Socials, see elsewhere in this newsletter.
Welwyn Garden City Thursday night from 8pm to 10pm Gosling Sports Park, AL8 6XE Meet on courts 1 & 2 £6 - includes equipment hire
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” ● Some events are seasonal booking early means you won’t be disappointed by an event selling out. ● 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 the web site regularly. ● Remember Spice is a network, one big family, you can attend events organised by all the other Spice Groups. ● Call the office if you have any questions about an event, or are not sure about something, we are happy to help. ● Say hi to the Spice host when arriving, they will introduce you to the group and be included. ● Check the write-up, although equipment is provided, you may need to wear suitable clothing or footwear, this is especially true for our guided walks.
2nd, 9th 16th, 23rd & 30th April 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th May 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th June These sessions are for those who can already play, sorry we cannot teach you.
Unihoc - Central London University of London Union Malet St. WC1E 7HY Tuesday night meet at 7:45pm Sports Hall Basement Reception £5 14th & 28th April 12th & 26th May 9th & 23rd June
Social Yoga Tuesdays A brand new monthly Spice event, a 90 minute yoga class and social afterwards, £18. The Albany Club, NW1 4DY at 7:15pm Tuesday 7�� April, 5�� May & 2ⁿ� June
Latin Krazy Salsa Dancing and Tapas Supper
Date: Thursday 2nd April 2015 Place: Bar Salsa, 96 Charing Cross Road, London (WC2H 0JG) In the Bar - Spice sign at 7pm Cost: £24.50 Includes: dance class, sharing/tapas meal and Spice Host Extras: Drinks We’re hitting Bar Salsa, which is London’s Hottest Latin Nightspot and restaurant based in the heart of Soho. Apart from the Mexican style food an added bonus for the evening is the live music and dancing till 2.00a.m. There are Salsa dance lessons for beginners as well as intermediates, which starts at 7.30p.m. till 8.30p.m. and this is included in the cost of the event. For our meal we will be having a sharing tapas meal. You must locate the Spice Co-Ordinator in the bar as you need to collect your dance ticket. This is a fun evening with great music to Salsa the night away.
Happy Easter from Spice! New Members Welsh Cottage Easter Break
Date: Place: Cost:
Fri 3rd Apr 2015 - Mon 6th Apr 2015 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales (SY21 0YB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. £172 Sharing (deposit £35) Includes 3 nights’ accommodation with full cooked breakfasts, Friday buffet supper Special five course Easter dinner including, cheese & port Extras: Lunches and pub meal on Saturday Transport will be in member’s cars to limit costs. OK, so you’ve joined Spice and now fancy booking a weekend but feel a bit nervous about it. This relaxed and welcoming break is for anyone who’s new to Spice and feels a little daunted by attending their first Spice weekend away, or other members looking for the cosy friendly atmosphere that Breakaway Holidays is renowned for. This Easter break takes place at a secluded 16th Century stone farmhouse in the heart of the Welsh countryside with breath-taking views.
007 Bond in motion - James Bond Cars and Memorabilia
Date: Saturday 4th April 2015 Place: London Film Museum, 45 Wellington St, Covent Garden, London (WC2E 7BN) Inside Main Entrance at 11am Cost: £18 Includes: Entry Ticket to Bond in Motion Extras: Refreshments, Audio player Today we are heading to Covent Garden to the London Film Museum to see “007 Bond in Motion”, the largest display and exhibition of Original James Bond Cars and memorabilia from different Bond Films. In the main exhibition space the numerous vehicles on display include the archetypal Bond car, the Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger’s majestic Rolls-Royce Phantom III and the unforgettable Lotus Esprit S1 submersible from The Spy Who Loved Me. Displayed alongside less predictable 007 modes of transport such as the Citroën 2CV and the Crocodile Submarine the exhibit also includes a variety of aircraft, boats and motorcycles.
Hippodrome - Ratpack in Vegas and Supper
Date: Saturday 4th April 2015 Place: Cranbourn St, Leicester Square, London (WC2H 7JH) First Floor bar - Spice sign at 6:30pm Cost: £65 Ticket + supper Includes: ticket, stalls table seat, 2 course supper, Spice host and booking fee The Rat Pack epitomised ‘cool’ in the 1960′s. Their impromptu sell out shows caused a stir and attracted the rich and famous. It was a must have ticket to see the three artists joke and sing some of the finest songs ever written. Stephen Triffitt, George Daniel Long and Mark Adams have faithfully re-created that era for more than 10 years. These guys are “The Definitive Rat Pack’ and have been seen live by more than 1 million people worldwide. To call them a tribute act or impersonators would truly undervalue their years of experience and dedication they have put into their portrayals. Book now for a night to remember! After all, memories are made of this and in the end …….. they did it their way
th
th
Unique Wolf Experience with Walk - Bedford
Date: Saturday 4 April & 6 June 2015 Place: A428 between Bromham and Turvey, Bedfordshire 10:30am to 1pm Cost: £45 Includes: exclusive Spice visit walk & fee the wolves usually this visit would cost £69 per person Walk and feed the wolves - another unusual and truly amazing experience and a popular event with Spice members. We have run this event many times and always receive excellent feedback. We also accompany one of the wolves on a walk around the adjacent land. The handlers will make you very welcome and chat to you throughout the whole wolf experience and answer any of your questions. This event and the introduction to wolves will allay any pre-conceived ideas we may have about these beautiful animals! We will apologise in advance for our next line!! Why don’t you come along and make this a “howling” success!
Saturday Shuffle at Champagne Charlies
Date: Saturday 4th April 2015 Place: 17 The Arches, Villiers Street, London (WC2N 6NG) Ask for the Spice table at back of Venue 7:30pm Cost: £39.50 - 3 courses, £32.50 Member - 2 courses Includes: Dinner, (3 or 2 courses) Shuffle, Service charge & host Extras: Drinks, coffees on the evening Tonight we are heading to Champagne Charlie’s for our Dinner Shuffle on a Saturday night. This is a great venue which we have used many times over the years and the food is of a very high standard. Champagne Charlie’s is a traditional styled Wine bar so we meet in the bar first for a drink and chat before going to our table for our meal. Our shuffle meals are a very popular way to dine in Spice so why not come along and join in the fun. We will make up a shuffle for the evening which means that we have you changing places during the meal to help you socialise with ease and meet more of the members attending. Our meal this evening will be 3 courses (with an option for 2 courses if you wish) Drinks and coffees are not included and you pay for these on the evening.
Soho Vice - Tasty Tales from London's Red Light District
Date: Saturday 4th April 2015 Place: Newport Place at the Leicester Square end of Chinatown (WC2H) At the Chinese Pagoda - Spice Sign 2pm Cost: £12 Includes: 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour Find out about Gamblers and gangsters, pimps and prostitutes, pushers and pornographers on this new walk with Barrie Greene. This walk grew from the responses gained whenever other walks touched on stories about the seedy side of Soho. We only had to mention the Kray twins or talk about prostitution and we could sense an appetite for more, and boy there is so much more! Our research has opened up a history of Soho’s underworld that could fill three walks let alone this one. We will tell you about the cocaine craze of the roaring twenties, hear about the wildness of war torn London and obviously the various gangsters that spread fear whenever their names were mentioned. Not forgetting the rise of the striptease clubs and the porn shops as well as police corruption over the years. After our walk we’ll head off to a local pub for a drink and a bite to eat (optional and payable on the day).
Ain't Nothin But the Blues & Lunch
Date: Sunday 5th April 2015 Place: Strada, 8 Heddon Street, London (W1B 4BU) Ask for Spice table from 1pm to 8pm Cost: £24.50 Includes: 2 Course Lunch, live Blues music, service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks We have discovered two great venues in Soho to combine a two course lunch and then an afternoon of live blues music. We are meeting in Strada in Heddon Street for some lunch. We are having a two course lunch which includes a starter and main course or main course and dessert from a group menu. After lunch we are heading to the Ain’t Nothing but the Blues bar also in Kingly Street which is London’s original Blues Bar where there is a blue jams session with Barry Jackson and Blue Jack which is on from 4.00 – 8.00p.m. All in all this should be a relaxing and enjoyable Sunday event to add to our programme. Your Spice host will meet you at the Spice table in the Strada Restaurant and you will go to the Blues Bar together as a group.
Cycling for Fun - Royal London Bike Tour
Date: Sunday 5th April 2015 Place: Queensway Tube Station, London (W2 4SS) Look for Fat Tire Sign & guide from 10:45am Cost: £20 Includes bike hire and Fat Tire Bike Tours guide Why not join us on a bike tour with Fat Tire Bike Tours? This is a leisurely-paced way to see London like you’ve never seen it before! With an informative and entertaining guide, this will be a fun day out. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and goes ahead, rain or shine. The tours maximize the bike paths and cycle lanes through the Royal Parks so there is very little street biking. Highlights of the tour include: Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Kensington Gardens. This is not a fast paced tour and really quite leisurely with plenty stops to hear from your guide about the various tourist attractions along the route. You need to dress for the weather on the day and take waterproof, wind-breaker, gloves and scarf or sunglasses and sun cream. Take cash for a refreshment stop.
Guided Walk Waltham Abbey Gardens and Cornmill Meadows, Essex
Date: Sunday 5th April 2015 Place: Waltham Abbey Gardens, Abbey View, Essex, (EN9 1XQ) Waltham Abbey Gardens Car Park 10:15am Cost: £6 Includes: Guided Walk with Forest Warden, Tea, Coffee or soft drink after Walk Join us for a guided walk in Waltham Abbey Gardens along the beautiful Cornhill Meadows. Our Guide is a Forest Ranger and he will be leading this leisurely walk discovering the various wildlife habitats of the Meadows. This easy walk will be about 2 hours long and is not exclusive to Spice. After the walk the Spice members will be going for refreshments at Philpotts a local Tea Rooms just close to the Gardens. Included in the event is a tea, coffee or soft drink of your choice. This is a great way to meet other Spice members in the area whilst taking in the views of the local countryside. The meet point is in the Waltham Abbey Gardens Car Park.
Kew Water and Steam Museum and Lunch
Date: Sunday 5th April 2015 Place: Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, London (TW8 0EN) Water and Steam Museum Entrance 11am Cost: £32 Museum & Lunch, £15 Museum Only, Includes: Entry to Museum, Host, Optional 1 course Lunch, and service If you are interested in the history of London, then we have a great day planned for you! We are visiting the fascinating London's Kew Bridge Steam Museum to see how London's water supply has evolved from Roman times to the present day. Kew Bridge Water and Steam Museum was th originally a Victorian Water Pumping Station, built in the 19 century to supply London with water. It started working in 1838, taking its water from the Thames, and only stopped operating in 1944. The pumping station was reopened as Kew Bridge Steam Museum in 1975, and is now the most important historic site of the water supply industry in Britain, also housing the world's largest collection of steam pumping engines, many of which we will be able to see working today. After the museum there is the option for lunch at a lovely traditional English Pub called the Botanist just a few minutes’ walk down the road – close to Kew Gardens. Included is a one course lunch including vegetarian options. Drinks not included.
Treasure Trail - through delightful historic Mayfair
Date: Sunday 5th April 2015 Place: Henrys Cafe Bar, Green Park, 80 Piccadilly, London (W1J 8HX) Inside Bar at 11am Cost: £10 Includes: Organised Treasure Trail and Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Join us on this Treasure Trail and take a glorious meander through delightful, decadent, historic Mayfair. This Trail will lead you through historic squares and tranquil gardens, passing stunning architecture, smart shops and stylish restaurants. This neighbourhood is home to a number of Embassies, park squares and gardens. We will meet At Henrys Cafe Bar and the Trail begins at Green Park station and concludes in nearby Shepherd Market, the site of the original May Fair. You don’t need a map you just follow the clues in the provided booklet. The trail will take around two hours and there are some wonderful pubs along the route if you need refreshments. We will finish the trail at a pub where your host will reveal the answers to the trail. This is a great way to explore the area.
Live Flamenco Music at Ronnie Scotts
Date: Sunday 5th April 2015 Place: 47 Frith Street, Soho, London (W1D4HT) Ronnies Bar Upstairs at 7:30pm Cost: £22 Includes: Music Ticket, Sharing Platters, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join us for a Sunday night at Ronnie’s Bar, for London’s hottest night of flamenco with live guitar music and male Flamenco dancer. Scheduled to play are Espana on Fire. They will immerse you in the Spanish culture with the raw power of Flamenco music and dance, with a powerful guitar sound and the rhythm of the footwork. There will be sharing platters served around 8.00pm. This is Flamenco music at its best so sit back and chill.
Social Yoga Tuesdays th
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A brand new monthly event!
Dates: Tuesday 7 April, 5 May & 2 June 2015 Place: The Albany Club, Off Albany Street, London (NW1 4DY) from 7:15pm to 9pm Cost: £18 Includes: 90 minute yoga class, social afterwards, booking fee Extras: Drinks Ever wondered what all this yoga and meditation stuff is all about? And deep relaxation? – I guess you’re wondering “isn’t that what happens when I’m watching TV with a packet of crisps and a glass of red?” Well not really, all that does is trance you out, with your hypothalamus and nervous system still over-stimulated. With yoga, deep relaxation and meditation we actually slow the processes of the body and nervous system down, so you go way beyond your ‘normal’ state of relaxation, allowing the body to rest and replenish much more deeply.
Spice Dines Argentinean at Buenos Aries Wimbledon
Date: Wednesday 8th April 2015 Place: Buenos Aires, 62 Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon (SW19 7PA) Ask for Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £27.99 Includes: Three course set Menu with small beer or soft drink Extras: Additional Drinks This dinner and social is aimed at anyone in this area to get together for a relaxing social evening. The evening is open to new and long-standing members alike and our host will be there to meet you on arrival. We are dining at Buenos Aires a great Argentine Steakhouse where they serve great beef and steak dishes (vegetarian option available). We will be having a three course dinner from a set menu which also includes a bottle of beer or soft drink. You MUST pre-book to confirm numbers at the Restaurant. Sample seasonal menu on our Spice London Website
Ten Pin Bowling at Queens in Bayswater
Date: Wednesday 8th April 2015 Place: Queens, 17 Queensway, Bayswater (W2 4QP) In main bar next to Bowling - Spice Sign 7:15pm Cost: £11.50 Includes: 1 game of bowling and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Ten pin bowling is excellent fun and it's easy to play, even if you're a beginner, so no previous bowling experience is necessary. We will be playing 1 game of bowling then can go for a drink at the bar. Bowling is lots of fun and a sociable event. Queens is easy to find, right next door to Queensway tube station (2 stops from Marble Arch) or a short walk from Bayswater tube. The Queens Bar is modern & stylish, and is open until 11.30pm – perfect to catch the last train home!
Dinner Shuffle in Chinatown at the Feng Shui Inn
Date: Thursday 9th April 2015 Place: 6 Gerrard Street, Chinatown, London (W1D 5PG) Ask for the Spice table at 7:30pm Cost: £32 Includes: Dinner Shuffle, 3 Course Dinner, Service Charge & Spice Host Extras: Drinks We are heading to the Feng Shui Inn in the heart of London’s famous Chinatown for an oriental fusion feast where there will be a selection of different dishes to tantalise your tastebuds. There is a twist to evening as we are also having a ‘Dinner Shuffle’ which is our most popular way of Spice dining. We will organise a Shuffle for the evening which means that we have you changing places during your meal to help you socialise with ease. We will be sharing a selection of starters such as, spring rolls, spare ribs, sesame prawns on toast, crispy wonton and crispy seaweed then followed by crispy aromatic duck with pancakes. Following the crispy duck there will be a shared main course where you will be able to try a variety of different
Dinner and Social at Pasta Cibo Harpenden
Date: Thursday 9th April 2015 Place: 2 Harding Parade, Station Road, Harpenden (AL5 4SW) Pasta Cibo - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £26 Includes: 2 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Step through the doors of Pasta Cibo, away from the hubbub of Harpenden’s Station Road, and you’ll instantly feel like you have been transported to a trattoria in Italy. The warm and cosy interior is adorned with a unique assortment of trinkets and photos, creating a personal, individual space that very much befits the comforting Italian fare served up here. Pasta Cibo’s cuisine is rustic, simple, flavourful and fresh. With over 34 years of culinary experience under their belts, the chefs certainly know what they are doing when it comes to creating great Italian food from time-honoured family recipes. Tonight we’ll be enjoying a 2 course meal and there are plenty of items to choose from.
Ceilidh Night in Camden
Date: Friday 10th April 2015 Place: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road (NW1 7AY) Co-ordinator in Bar Spice Sign 7:30pm Cost: £16.99 includes entrance ticket, booking fee and co-ordinator It’s like a good Scottish wedding except you don’t have to buy a present. You get to dance and learn highland reels including the Gay Gordon’s, Strip the Willow and the Dashing White Sergeant. Suitable for anyone, and all levels of experience from absolute beginners to expert, it’s a fabulous way to spend an evening. There’s a caller to let you know the steps and there’s a six piece live band. Ceilidh dancing – it makes you smile – there is no better way to invigorate your evening and if you wear any tartan they will love you forever. When you arrive they will have your name at the door, once inside go to the bar area and look for the Spice sign so that you can link up with other Spice members.
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Cambridge by Canadian Canoe on a Spring City Break
Sat 11th Apr 2015 - Sun 12th Apr 2015 White House Arts, 72 Fen Road, Cambridge (BC4 1UN) from 11am to 4pm £115 Includes: all specialist equipment required for canoeing, plus river guiding, coaching and safety cover from highly qualified and experience canoe guides Extras: Campsite fees, transport, meals, catering and food costs We have a fantastic opportunity to explore Cambridge city centre and surrounding rural areas by Canadian canoe. This is a great way to explore this area, out in the fresh air and hopefully some sunshine. Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before as all instruction and equipment is provided. Firstly, we will follow the River Cam through the heart of historic Cambridge seeing close-up the old University buildings and Cambridge city centre. This zone of the Cam River can be quite busy with sightseers on the embankments and a few trying their luck with punts on the water; often very entertaining! The second trip will take in the more rural aspects of South West Cambridge enjoying the wildlife and idyllic beauty of Grantchester Meadows (immortalised by the Pink Floyd) and taking refreshments at the famous Orchard tea rooms (frequented by Rupert Brooke et al). This easy-going trip makes a perfect introduction to journeying by canoe.
Classic London Duck Tour and Cocktails
Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Place: Chicheley Street, by London Eye (SE1 7PY) Duck Tour Stop Spice Sign 4:15pm Cost: £39.50 Tour + Cocktail Includes: Classic London Duck tour, One cocktail, Service and Spice host Extras: Extra drinks or food are payable on the day Meet at: Look for Spice sign by Duck Tour stop A fun afternoon is in store today as we take to the Thames in an amphibious adventure which takes you around the beating heart of London – where royalty mixes with parliament and pageantry! When you hop aboard one of these distinctive yellow vehicles, you enter the wonderful world of amphibious travel. You’ll see the world famous sights of London, learn interesting facts about the city, and be entertained with an action packed live commentary before the thrilling splashdown onto the river Thames! We start with the city’s millennium landmark, the London Eye. Then you’ll be led past the world famous vista of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the home of our current Prime Minister, no 10 Downing Street.
Thai Oriental Fusion at Rumwong - Guildford
Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Place: 18-20 London Road, Guildford, Surrey (GU1 2AF) Rumwong - Ask for Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £32 Includes: Two Course Thai Dinner, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks We are heading to Rumwong for an oriental Thai fusion feast where there will be a selection of different dishes to tantalise your tastebuds. For this two course Thai meal you can choose from a selection of starters such as Satay Chicken or Beef, Spring Rolls, steamed Pork Dim Sim, followed by your choice of main course such as Thai red or green curry, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Pork or Chicken with cashew or Rumwongs’ Special Roast Duck Rice, or Pud Thai Noodles with Shrimps or Chicken. The main course will be accompanied with steamed rice and noodlesThis promises to be a great evening, so why not come along for this oriental Thai fusion feast.
Treasure Trail through Maidstone, Kent
Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Place: Maidstone Police Station, Palace Ave (ME15 6NF) Outside Police Station - Spice Sign at 11am Cost: £10 Includes: Treasure Trail and Spice host “Pranksters have told treasure-seeker, Walter Nidget, that Maidstone's historic 'treacle mines' harbour hidden gems created from solidified amber-like treacle. While exploring near to the river, Walter has found a small casket, which excitingly contains a map and some clues around Maidstone. Where could the treasure lie? Is it real? And will Walter meet a sticky end or get rich? Follow the Trail and help him find out and you could win a reward!”. Our Maidstone Treasure Map Trail begins on Palace Avenue and follows a route up through the town, through historic streets and parks, by shops and through churchyards, with a short stretch along the river and through the grounds of the Archibishops' Palace. The Trail also passes close to the Maidstone Visitor Centre and Museum and café, which are well worth a visit. The trail at times can be inaccessible due to high river levels. A short diversion may be necessary between clues. The Trail is 2 miles long and takes around 2 hours to complete.
Unique Dining and Entertainment at Circus
Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Place: 27/29 Endell Street, Covent Garden (WC2H 9BA) Circus - Ask for the Spice Table at 7pm Cost: £54 Includes: Entertainment, 2 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we’re heading off to Circus in London which ‘isn't just a restaurant, it's a whole experience'. Here you might just find aerial performers spinning in a silver hoop above your head, or gymnasts performing gravity defying stunts while you dine. Off the commercial beaten track, yet in the heart of Central London, Circus is the perfect 'hidden gem' enhanced by the nightly short, sharp bursts of entertainment, designed to be inviting, intriguing, weird and wonderful. Circus choose never to reveal details of each night's succinct performances, preferring to surprise guests and maintain the air of mystery. Though spontaneity is key, diners will often see at least two acts during the course of their mealWe’ll be enjoying a 2 course meal tonight with plenty of yummy dishes to choose from.
Victoria and Albert Museum and Lunch
Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Place: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London (SW7 2RL) Inside main Entrance at 11am Cost: £18 Includes: Entry to museum and 1 course lunch and Spice Host Extras: Ticket Entry to Exhibitions Join us for a day at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s greatest museum of art and design. The V&A collection represents over three thousand years of creativity from across Europe, Asia and the Middle East with internationally acclaimed exhibitions on subjects from design and fashion to photography, sculpture and architecture. During the day we will stop for a one course lunch in the Museum restaurant where they have a selection of dishes to choose from.
Saturday Evening Dinner at One Canada Square with Unlimited Wine
Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Place: One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London (E14 5AB) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £68 Includes: 3 Course Meal, Unlimited Supply of Wine for 2 Hours, Cocktail, Live Piano Music, Service, Spice Host At One Canada Square expect only the highest quality food, drink and service set against the most elegant of backdrops. Tonight we’re off to experience one of their fantastic three course meals which includes unlimited wine for 2 hours and an after-dinner cocktail to round off the meal. Best of all, entertainment is also provided with the sounds of a fabulous all white, baby-grand piano played by an in house trained West-end pianist. You’ll hear your favourite pop songs blended with old classics while you wine and dine away! It’s a brilliant evening, so don’t miss out! Sample menu can be found on our website.
White Water Rafting at Twilight - Lee Valley
Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Place: Station Road, Waltham Cross (EN9 1AB) Reception Lee Valley White Water Centre 4:30pm Cost: £59 Get set for a chilling time of unforgettable adrenalin pumping white water rafting. Join Spice as we tackle nerve wracking rapids, 300m of obstacles, drops and fast white water. Best of all, we’ll be doing it at Twilight and will take the rapids on under floodlit illumination. This is a fabulous chance to ride the rapids and imagine what it must have been like to paddle for Gold during the Olympics Games Canoe Slalom events, so come and take the plunge! Upon arrival you’ll be kitted out with a winter wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and boots before going through a safety briefing and some flat water exercises on the lake – it’s here that you’ll learn the secrets of navigating the world class white water course. We'll get several runs down the course so that we can start calmly and get used to the feel of the boat and then we’ll progressively up the fear factor each time. By our final run we’ll be surfing, high siding, spinning and nose dunking with the very best! After our tiresome adventure we’ll relax and unwind in the café bar so bring some cash for if you would like refreshments. A wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and boots are provided but you need to wear swimwear for under the wetsuit and you need to take a towel.
Bolney Wine Estate, Walk and Lunch
Date: Sunday 12th April 2015 Place: Bolney, Haywards Heath, Sussex (RH17 5NR) In public car park on Boleny main street at 11:30am Cost: £19.50 Includes: guided 4 mile walk, lunch, vineyard visit and wine tasting We are meeting in the village of Bolney to set off on a 4 mile walk which takes us through the Bolney Wine Estate. The walk is a relatively level walk taking us through vines, orchards and mixed farmland with a delightful wooded section beside some mill ponds. We will of course stop at the vineyard along the route to taste some of the wines and perhaps make a few purchases. At the end of the walk we will stop for a Sunday Roast in the village pub. Bolney Wine Estate resides in the beautiful Sussex Countryside. It’s a wonderful location for producing high quality wines and a perfect place to visit on a day out. The wines are made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Bacchus and many other varieties.
Guided RSPB half day walk at Pagham Harbour & Lunch
Date: Sunday 12th April 2015 Place: RSPB Visitor Centre, Selsey Rd, Siddlesham, Chichester, W Sussex (PO20 7NE) Visitor centre at 9:45am Cost: £18 Includes: Guided Half day walk with RSPB guide, 1 Course Lunch and Service charge and Spice Host Join us today for a half day guided walk around Pagham Harbour. Our RSPB guide will take you around the harbour nature reserve, one of the few undeveloped stretches of the Sussex coast, and an internationally important wetland site for wildlife. After our walk we will head to The Grey Stag a local pub in Sidlesham for a one course lunch which is included in the price of the event. The harbour is a big, sheltered inlet that fills and empties with each tide, with wild ducks, geese and wading birds flighting to and fro. With a wealth of wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and a rich historical heritage, it is a great place to get away from it all. There is something of interest all year round. Resident species include little egrets, ringed plovers and lapwings.
Mind Management Workshop
Date: Sunday 12th April 2015 Place: 54 Cambridge Grove, (W6 0LA) Stonemasons Arms, Upstairs function 11:30am to 4:30pm Cost: £55 Do you want to be more confident? Does the 'inner critic' in you hold you back from being the fantastic person you are? Have you had enough of doubting yourself? Are you ready to make a change? Then this workshop is for you! This Mind Management workshop will help you identify the negative beliefs that prevent you from living the life you want. It will show you the skills to empower you to make positive changes to your life. Also we will be challenging negative thinking and negative patterns and learning new ways of coping.
Outdoor Archery - Hertfordshire
Date: Sunday 12th April 2015 Place: Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Ware (SG12 0ES) Top Events - Spice Sign at 2:15pm Cost: £30 Includes: 1 Hour Archery Experience, All Equipment, Spice Host If you’ve ever fancied being William Tell or Robin Hood then this is the place to start! This target archery session is a great introduction to archery and may set you on the path to more serious involvement in the sport. There is absolutely no experience needed at all as our instructors will do a great job of teaching you all you need to know in order to hit the target! We’ll be shooting ‘bare bow style’ (no sights), with modern recurve bows and alloy arrows, which will be appropriately matched to your height and size. The session will start with a beginner’s safety briefing so everyone is fully aware of the environment and how to behave on the archery range.
Spice U40 - St Pauls Scavenger, Photo and Treasure Hunt
Date: Sunday 12th April 2015 Place: St Paul's Tube Station, London (EC2V 6AA) Meet at outside Cafe Nero by the station exit. At 11am Cost: £9 Includes: organised, fun treasure and scavenger hunt Extras: drinks and food if required We have a fun, NEW treasure hunt for our Spice U40 members. The area around St Paul’s cathedral is steeped in history but there is also a warren of narrow alleyways and secret passageways that make it the perfect place for a series of cunningly concealed cryptic clues and challenges. The actual route is varied and interesting combining old monuments, hidden courtyards and truly secret places. The cryptic clues are visual clues that lead you to a number or letter that gives you the next clue to set you on your way. The cryptic clues are not in order as that would just be too easy! A keen eye is all that is needed to keep you on the correct trail. We also have lined up a scavenger challenge and spot and photo challenges which will keep you entertained for a few hours in London with your fellow Spice members.
Sunday Lunch at Gordons Wine Bar & Two Temple Place Exhibition
Date: Sunday 12th April 2015 Place: Gordon's Wine Bar, 47 Villiers Street, London (WC2N 6NE) Spice Table in Wine Vault at 12pm Cost: £18 Includes: 1 Course Lunch, Service Charge, Visit & donation Extras: Drinks Today we are heading to Gordon’s Wine Bar near Embankment which is thought to be the oldest Wine Bar in London and has been established in its present form since 1890. We have booked an area downstairs in the original atmospheric candlelit wine vault cellar where you can choose a main course lunch from their selection of hot home cooked dishes or variety of salads. After lunch we will visit Two Temple Place which is one of London’s hidden architectural gems, an extraordinary neo-Gothic mansion built by William Waldorf Astor on the Embankment.
Live Jazz The Archduke, Near Waterloo
Date: Tuesday 14th April 2015 Place: 153 Concert Hall Approach, London (SE1 8XU) Ask for the Spice Table at 6:30pm Cost: £27 Includes: Live Jazz and 1 course meal, service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we are heading to the Archduke restaurant and wine bar in the Southbank for live Jazz music with the Will Bartlett duo. The Archduke was the first restaurant and wine bar to open on the Southbank in 1979 and is instantly recognisable by its spectacular and award winning architecture. Carved from under the railway arches by Waterloo Station, it has become something of a London institution. We have booked a table and whilst listening to the music we will enjoy a one course meal with dishes on the menu such as pork chops with marinated roast peppers, roast spring chicken, grilled salmon and burgers to name a few. This is a social evening, so sit back and listen to some chill-out music and relax.
Dining with a Spectacular View
Date: Wednesday 15th April 2015 Place: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London - 40th Floor (EC2N 4AY) Ask for the Spice Table from 8pm Cost: £47 Includes: Sharing plates, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Located on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, the Duck and Waffle is the highest restaurant in the UK, featuring unparalleled City views and a menu to match. A glass lift speeds you up to the 40th floor in 12 seconds flat and an incredible adrenalin rush develops as your ears pop and a vast swathe of London below turns Lilliputian. We’ll be taking dining to new heights with award-winning Executive Chef Daniel Doherty’s British and European inspired menu, and will be enjoying some good Spice company at the same time. Duck & Waffle places emphasis on local, rustic, seasonal and sustainable British ingredients, manifested in daily inspirations created from the market’s freshest offerings. It’s a very social and convivial way of dining and bound to be a spectacular evening!
Meet and Eat Social - Thanh's Bistro Croydon
Date: Wednesday 15th April 2015 Place: 56 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon (CR0 6AA) Thanh's Bistro - Ask for Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £2 We are starting to run a regular monthly social Meet and Eat evening in the Croydon area. This month we are heading for Thanh’s Bistro for a Vietnamese meal. There is a wide choice of different meat and vegetable dishes to choose from as well as some specials. We have booked a table in the restaurant at 7.30 and on the night you just pay for your drinks and the food and service charge for your chosen dishes. A Spice host will be there to meet you and we are keen to make this a regular meeting each month moving from different pubs and restaurants in the area. If you have any suggestions for new venues with good food please let us know.
Meet and Eat at The Kings Head Billericay
Date: Wednesday 15th April 2015 Place: Southend Road, Billericay, Essex (CM11 2PS) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Pay on the night Supper and Spice Host Extras: Pay on the night for Food, drinks and service charge The Kings Head pub in Billericay has a reputation for good food offering lots of Pub classics and seasonal dishes. If you are local to this area please support your local events and come along and meet some of the other members. This is a cheap and cheerful evening where you choose and pay for what dish you want on the night. There is a great choice on the menu and on Wednesdays they have a special Pie Day! Our Spice host for the evening will be there to welcome you on arrival and will sort out the food order. Date: Place: Cost:
Theatre - Shakespeare in Love
Wednesday 15th April 2015 Noel Coward Theatre, St Martins Lane (WC2N 4AU) At entrance to foyer - Spice sign 7pm £42.50 Includes discounted ticket, booking fee and Spice host. Public Price £57.50 Stalls Row K. We meet at 7.00p.m. so that we can enjoy a pre-show drink before going to our seats. If you have not arrived by 7.10p.m. your ticket will be at the box office for you to collect. Sorry there can be no refunds on tickets unless we are able to re-sell your ticket for you. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, one of the most successful and beloved British films of all time, has burst into life on the West End stage. With a large-scale company of talented actors and musicians, this romantic comedy promises to transport your group back to Shakespeare’s London, teeming with vibrant colours, characters, music and life. Oh, and there’s a dog! Plagued by debt, tormented by writer’s block and in desperate need of a new hit, promising new playwright Will Shakespeare finds his muse in the form of passionate young noblewoman, Viola De Lesseps. Their forbidden love soon draws everyone, including Queen Elizabeth herself, into the drama and inspires Will to write the greatest love story of all time, Romeo and Juliet.
Dinner Shuffle - Saffron in Richmond
Date: Friday 17th April 2015 Place: The Square, Richmond, Surrey (TW9 1DT) Saffron - Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £22.50 Includes: 3 Course Dinner Shuffle Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we’re going to Saffron in Richmond, a restaurant that specialises in Persian Cuisine. This cuisine is known for its great and ancient heritage with roots originating from as diverse a field as royal kitchens, peasant farmers and nomadic tribal campfires. It is the product of a very intimate relationship between the land, the people, the customs and beliefs. Persian food is nutritionally balanced and visually attractive and its survival is a testimony of its enduring appeal of delicate flavours. Your Spice host, will be on hand to help with the introductions and to add some fun to the evening we will organise a shuffle. The shuffle means that we will move you round the table after each course so that you can mix with more Spice members and socialise with ease! We’ll be having a three course group meal and a sample menu is below.
Drinks with a View in the Sky Garden Sky Pod Bar
Date: Friday 17th April 2015 Place: Sky Garden, 20 Fenchurch Street, London (EC3M 3BY) Ask for the Spice Area 6:45pm Cost: £19.50 Includes: Sharing Platters, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join us for a social evening at The Sky Pod Bar in the fabulous new Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. The Sky Garden, with its famous enlarged glass dome is dedicated to three storeys of exquisitely landscaped public gardens and London’s most exclusive social spaces, including observation decks and an open air terrace. It is a unique public space that offers 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City of London beginning at level 35 and is the highest rooftop gardens in London. The Sky Pod Bar takes bringing the outdoors in one step further by elegantly theming it with the seasons. Sky Pod brings the best of all seasons inside – at 150m high. We’ll be enjoying the view tonight as well as the company. This is a great social event to meet up with other Spice members and if you are new to Spice don’t worry our host will introduce you to other members. There will be some sharing platters served at around 7.45 so please arrive in time or you may miss the nibbles.
Flemmings Grill - Mayfair Hotel & Casino
Date: Thursday 16th April 2015 Place: 7-12 half Moon Street, Mayfair, London (W1J 7BH) Ask for the Spice Table at Flemings 7pm Cost: £29.99 Includes: 3 Course Set Menu Dinner, Service Charge, Optional Entrance to Casino, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join us for a delightful evening at The Grill Restaurant, Flemings at the Mayfair Hotel. This award-winning restaurant features a delicious modern European menu and is housed downstairs in 12 converted Georgian townhouses; Flemings Mayfair offers a chic and glamorous dining area with decadent furnishings. We will be dining from a three course set menu, please see sample seasonal menu below. After dinner there is an option to go The Palm Beach Casino which is next door to Flemings at the Mayfair Hotel. Please bring photo ID with you.
Spice Dines at Cafe Rouge in Sussex - Haywards Heath
Date: Thursday 16th April 2015 Place: Cafe Rouge, 33 The Broadway, West Sussex (RH16 3AS) Ask for Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £27 Includes: Two Couse dinner and shuffle, Service Charge, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we are visiting the vibrant Cafe Rouge Restaurant in Haywards Heath – conveniently located next to Victoria Park and less than ½ mile from the train station. We will be choosing from a delicious 2 course French cuisine styled menu with a choice of delicious main courses such as Daube de boeuf, Confit de Canard, Moules and frites, Sea Bass, Chicken and Vegetarian options. Followed by a choice yummy french style desserts. Being a French restaurant, they pride themselves on beautiful presentation of food! In true Spice tradition, we may “Shuffle” people around between each course, so you get to sit next to different people – much more social.
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Loch Fyne Leisure Break
Fri 17th Apr 2015 - Sun 19th Apr 2015 Loch Fyne Hotel, Shore Road, Inverary (PA32 8XT) at the Venue £169 Twin, (Deposit £30) Includes: 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast. Activities including walking, places of interest and hotel pool and gym. A return to one of our favorite hotels, last visited in 2010 – the fantastic Loch Fyne Hotel and Leisure Club in Inveraray. We have secured 24 spaces right on the shores of beautiful Loch Fyne, a little over an hour’s drive from Glasgow and under two hours from Edinburgh. For more information please see our web site.
Walking Weekend Ballachulish and Glen Coe Date: Place: Cost:
Optional extra night available – please see our web site
Fri 17th Apr 2015 - Sun 19th Apr 2015 Ballachulish Hotel, Glen Coe, Scotland (PH49 4JY) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £179 Twin Share (deposit £35), £229 Single (deposit £45) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches & 2 days of guided walks choice of walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: Ideally located to explore Glencoe, the Mamores and Western Highlands, WalkWise have secured one of Scotland’s most famous Highland Hotels: The Ballachulish, It has great food, a good bar and is situated on the breath taking lochside at the foot of Glencoe. However, the main reason for the weekend is the amazing access that this destination gives to the North West Highlands, needing no introduction to anyone with a love of the outdoors, this area contains some of Britains’ finest scenery. Our walks will explore some of the wildest, most rugged, remote and romantic areas in the country! And there is wonderful walking for everyone whether you want to gently wander alongside the beautiful lochsides and through the enchanting glens or wish to climb up into the high mountains and enjoy the endless panoramas! Accommodation: Days and nights pass easily in the friendly and contemporary Ballachulish hotel. Situated in a breath taking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, The Ballachulish Hotel offers a year-round warm welcome, with many rooms having outstanding loch views. The log fires roar all year making this hotel a perfect venue for us walkers.
Spice U40 - Rubik Cube Pub Crawl
Date: Friday 17th April 2015 Place: The Silver Cross pub, 33 Whitehall, London (SW1A 2BX) Spice sign on the table 4:30pm Cost: £5 Includes: organised pub crawl with Spice host Extras: drinks in the pubs on the night This event involves a few pubs, walking between the pubs, a game based on the Rubik cube and a pub crawl would not be the same without a few drinks along the way. VERY IMPORTANT you must have with you items in the following colours: white, orange, red, yellow, green and blue. It doesn’t matter what the items are but you need to have something in each of the colours to play the game. What is the game I hear you say well you will have to book to find out! Your Spice host for the evening will be there to meet you in the first pub and will explain the route and the game. Try to arrive on time so that we can issue the instructions to the whole group.
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Walking Weekend Derbyshire's Dales and the Eastern Peaks
Fri 17th Apr 2015 - Sun 19th Apr 2015 The Makeney Hall Hotel, Derbyshire (DE56 0RS) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal at 8.00p.m. £169 Twin Share (deposit £35), £209 Single, (deposit £4) Includes: Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 evening meals, 2 picnic lunches, 2 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used During this weekend we will be exploring not only the amazing Peak District but also the beautiful trio of rivers the Derwent, the Bradford and the Wye. For this is the southern Peak District National Park which accentuates the exciting and beautiful scenery of the Peaks. This white or ‘light peak’ is typified by the fascinating limestone scenery, deep limestone gorges, exposed escarpments, lush flower-rich pastures and its famous underground cave systems plus pretty villages and impressive stately homes. On the Saturday we’ve really looked after the easier walkers with a fine sojourn around Chatsworth House. The harder walk is in for a real treat too, they make a fine circular walk, along part of the Limestone Way via Rowsley and Alport. On the Sunday we will stay closer to home. On this day we shall visit the lovely Matlock Bath area and both groups will navigate the fine walking above the spectacular Abraham’s Heights which surveys the whole area around Matlock Bath.
Ten Pin Bowling Evening in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Date: Friday 17th April 2015 Place: Bowlplex, Knights Park, Londfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (TN2 3UW) In the Bar at 7:30pm Cost: £16 Includes: 2 Games of Bowling, hire of shoes and spice host Extras: Refreshments This is a fun and enjoyable social evening and it doesn’t matter if you have not bowled before just come along and join in the fun. We will have two games during the evening and our Spice host will help with introductions and sort out the teams. There are computerised lanes with automatic scoring – which keeps all the scores for you. There is a bar available so bring some cash for drinks. This is an ideal event for members local to this area to meet up and have some fun.
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Serenity Weekend Discover your inner self
Fri 17th Apr 2015 - Sun 19th Apr 2015 Lluest Fach, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00p.m. Supper at 8.30pm £158 Sharing, (deposit £32) Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet lunches, 4 course evening meal and all instruction This is a weekend of gentle personal exploration for those intrigued by alternative spiritual and holistic practices. The holistic approach deals with the mind, body and spirit as an interactive whole and can help deal with the stresses and pressure of modern day living. Through the use of healing touch, energy therapies, chakra work, sound, dowsing, movement and meditation you will discover and explore hidden elements of yourself. Learning to connect with your hidden self can help promote greater self-confidence which can lead to a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle.
Climbing the Longstone Pinnacle
Date: Saturday 18th April 2015 Place: Symonds Yat, Forest of Dean 10.00am - 4.30pm Cost: £55 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. On your arrival at 'Symonds Yat Rock' you will be met by a member of Forest Adventure’s team of highly qualified climbing instructors, who will give you a full safety brief and kit you out with your harness and helmet. Learning as a group and in pairs all the skills needed to enjoy this great sport will be taught in a relaxed way and at an easy pace. In the morning you will learn the techniques of rock climbing and Abseiling around rock faces at Symonds Yat, we will then break for lunch, after lunch we shall further challenge ourselves culminating in climbing up the Longstone Pinnacle which is a pillar of Rock 110ft on one side and 50ft on the other standing on its own, from the top you can reward yourself with a magnificent view overlooking the Wye Valley.
Docklands Museum and Lunch at The Ledgers Pub
Date: Saturday 18th April 2015 Place: Docklands Museum, West India Quay, Canary Wharf, London (E14 4AL) Reception area - Spice Sign 11:30am Cost: £18 Includes: Docklands Museum and one course Pub Lunch, service charge and Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Join us for a fascinating day at the Docklands Museum near Canary Wharf. The Museum is housed over three floors of an original dockside Wharf and showcases a wonderful history of the Docklands through the ages, from Roman times through the trade expansion in the 1600’s then the Slave and Sugar Industry, the first Port of the Empire, Docklands at War and through to present day life around Canary Warf. It has many interesting exhibitions, galleries and original artefacts. After the museum we will go to The Ledger Pub next door which used to be the original Docklands Ledgers Office. Included in the event is a one course meal. Bring along some cash for drinks at the bar. The Docklands Museum offers a unique history of this vibrant area around East India Quay and Canary Wharf - not to be missed.
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Breakfast and Thames Stroll - Borough Market
Saturday 18th April 2015 Cote, Hays Galeria, Tooley Street London (SE1 2HD) Ask for the Spice Table at 10:30am £18 (without bubbly), £23 with Bubbly Breakfast Includes: Breakfast, Service Charge, Stroll along Thames and Borough Market, Spice Host This morning we will enjoy a lovely breakfast overlooking the Thames then take a stroll along the Thames then visiting St Katherine’s Dock and then the famous Borough Food Market which is now one of the largest food markets in the world. Before we start our walk we will have a delicious breakfast at Cote Brasserie on the Thames by Hays Galleria. There are plenty of breakfast dishes to choose from such as Full English Breakfast, Eggs Florentine, Royale or Benedict, Smoked Scottish Salmon with Scrambled Eggs or continental breakfast with your choice of tea, coffee or fresh fruit juice. There is also an option to include a glass of bubbly with your breakfast.
Breakfast with Unparalleled City Views and a Stroll
Date: Saturday 18th April 2015 Place: Duck & Waffle, 40th Floor, 110 Bishopsgate, London (EC2N 4AY) Duck & Waffle - Spice Table 10:30am Cost: £26.50 Includes: Brunch, Coffee or Tea, Service, Stroll, Spice Host Located atop a 40-story skyscraper at 110 Bishopsgate in the city of London, Duck & Waffle made its debut in the restaurant scene in the summer of 2012 and has gone from strength to strength. Inspired by broad European and British influences and spirit, the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere encourages a convivial experience for guests through its array of dishes. Today we’ll be enjoying a breakfast/brunch with dishes like a Full English breakfast, Belgian Waffles with bananas brulee, Chantilly cream and all the trimmings, or duck egg on concotte with wild mushrooms, gruyere, truffle and soldiers to name just a few of the exotic choices. Most important of all, we’ll be able to enjoy all the incredible views in the highest restaurant in the UK.
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Guided Walk of Colchester in Essex and Lunch
Saturday 18th April 2015 Slug and Lettuce Pub, 111 High Street, Colchester, Essex (CO1 1TB) In the Bar at 10:30am £22 Walk & Lunch, £30 Member Walk & Castle Includes: Guided Walk of Colchester, Once Course Lunch and option Colchester Castle Join us for a delightful day out in the historic town of Colchester. We will start the day with a 90 minute guided walking tour of the Town taking you through Castle Park, the Dutch Quarter and the High Street. You will discover why the Roman Temple of Claudius was destroyed by Boudica, why a building was named after a famous elephant, details of the 11 week Colchester siege and the origins of Twinkle Twinkle little star! Whether you are local to Colchester or not this is a great way to find out more about this historic town. After our walk we will head to The Slug and Lettuce pub for a one course lunch and a chance to socialise with the other members. In the afternoon there is the option to visit Colchester Castle and Museum which is the largest Norman keep in Europe.
Sailing Learn to Handle a Yacht
Date: Sat 18th Apr 2015 - Sun 19th Apr 2015 Place: Haslar Marina, Haslar Road, Gosport (PO12 1NU) 9.00am Cost: £210 Member (Deposit £25) Includes: introductory day to sailing with qualified skipper What most people new to sailing find most daunting is getting the yacht in and out of a marina or onto a mooring buoy. This day is for people who have some sailing experience, they may even be Day Skippers or Yachtmasters, and who want to get more practice in these skills. Numbers are restricted to four so that everyone gets plenty of time on the helm and also on the important aspects of being crew such as using the correct knots and handling springs.
Saturday Dinner at Carluccio's St Pancras
Date: Saturday 18th April 2015 Place: St Pancras Station, Pancras Rd, London (N1C 4QL) Carluccio's - Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £23.50 - 3 Course Meal, £19.50 - 2 Course Meal Includes: 2 or 3 Course Meal, Service, Host Extras: Drinks Come on down to Carluccio’s at St Pancras situated on the Rendezvous level under the loving gaze of the Meeting Place statue. Carluccio’s offers a voyage through Italy’s gastronomic regions, whilst overlooking the journeys of thousands of passengers each day. Tonight we’ll enjoy a two or three course meal from a select menu with a selection of items from the main Carlucciou’s menu. After our meal we can either stroll over to the Booking Office Bar with its cathedral-like drama, 29m-long bar and live music; or we can head over to the glamorous Champagne Bar renowned as Europe’s longest, situated below the magnificent Barlow Shed and offering stunning views of the architecture of this historic location for a late night drink.
Shuffle Cotes Bistro Dining in St Albans
Date: Saturday 18th April 2015 Place: Cotes, 3 High Street, St Albans (AL3 4ED) Ask for the Spice table 6:45pm Cost: £23.95 Includes: 2 or 3 Course meal, Service Charge and Spice host Extras: Drinks on the evening Tonight we are heading to Cotes Bistro in St Albans. Cotes is a lovely French Bistro with a wonderful ambience & superb service. The inspiration for the food and design came from a modern interpretation of the many famous bistros that populate Paris. There has been a resurgence of interest in simple bistro cooking in Paris as locals turn away from expensive and over complicated cooking in formal restaurants to return to the basics of French cuisine. There is an option to have 2 or 3 courses the choice is yours and after dinner we will head out for a few drinks in a nearby pub so we can mingle at the bar.
Saturday Night Comedy - Boat Show HMS President
Date: Saturday 18th April 2015 Place: Cheshire Cheese, 5 Little Essex Street London (WC2R 3LD) Ask for Spice table 6:30pm Cost: £29.50 Ticket & Supper Includes: ticket, booking fee, pub supper and Spice host The Boat Show Comedy nights which are very popular with Spice members have moved to a cracking NEW venue, HMS President, which is permanently moored at Victoria Embankment. Why not join us for a fun night out and check out the new venue. The 130 seats regularly sell out so early bookings are best for these evenings. Many of comedy’s greatest stars have played or started their careers here including Graham Norton, Jerry Sadowitz, Dylan Moran, Mark Thomas, Harry Hill, Michael McIntyre and Ross Noble. For this event we meet at the Cheshire Cheese pub We are having a pub supper main course dish. We have drinks & supper first so that you can socialize and mingle before we go to the comedy.
Figure of Eight 11 Mile Low Level Walk Tudeley, (near Tonbridge) Kent
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: Poacher and Partridge pub, Hartlake Road, Tudeely, Kent (TN11 0PH) Outside pub 10:15am Cost: £6 Includes: guided 11 mile walk Extras: drinks and lunch at the pub We will see fruit crops and oast houses, crossing rivers, streams and railway lines. The morning’s walk is through orchards, woodland, the Tudeley Wildlife Sanctuary and back to the pub for lunch (lunch is at your own expense). The afternoon’s walk takes us to All Saints Church in Tudeley, the only church in the world that has all its stained glass windows designed by Russian artist Marc Chagall. After viewing the church windows we will walk through pretty, open countryside to the Medway Valley where we cross the lock gates and follow the river and footpaths back to our cars. Leader: Linda Richardson 07546 465600. Please dress for the weather on the day with sturdy footwear and waterproofs and cash for your pub lunch. As a courtesy to our walk leader please let Linda know if you are not turning up on the day.
Horse Riding, Beginners
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: Higher Park Farm, Halebourne Lane, Surrey (GU24 8SL) Chobham Equestrian Centre 10:50am to 12:30pm Cost: £35 Includes: 1.5 hour session, 30 minutes stable management and 1 hour riding lesson This is a horse riding lesson organised for Spice at the friendly riding stables in Woking. If you are not sure how to mount a horse, never mind ride it, then this riding lesson and stable management session is for you! The lesson is split into two sections, 30 minutes stable management and 1 hour riding lesson. Under the eye of an instructor, for the first part of the session you will be introduced to your horse, how to groom a horse and how to put on the saddle. Then you will spend an hour in the saddle learning about the basics of this enjoyable pastime. You will be shown how to mount and dismount, how to hold the reins correctly, how to sit on your horse and how to use your legs and heels to give direction whilst walking and even trotting.
Horse Riding, Intermediate
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: Higher Park Farm, Woking, Surrey (GU24 8SL) Chobham Equestrian Centre 11:45am to 1:30pm Cost: £35 Includes: 1.5 hour session, 30 minutes stable management and 1 hour riding lesson This is a lesson for intermediate riders who can trot and can either canter or learning to canter on their own. The lesson is split into two sections, 30 minutes stable management and 1 hour riding lesson. Under the eye of an instructor, for the first part of the session you will be introduced to your horse then be involved in grooming and tacking up your horse. Then you will spend an hour in the saddle under instruction where you will be trotting and cantering according to your riding level.
All Prices shown are for Spice members please see our web site for guest prices
Implementing the Secret Law of Attraction!
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: Stonemasons Arms, 54 Cambridge Grove, Hammersmith, London (W6 0LA) Meet: Upstairs function room 11:30am to 5pm Cost: £49 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.
Little Venice Historic Pub Tour
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: Carphone Warehouse, Junction of Praed St and Harbet Rd, London (W2 1JX) Outside the shop 2pm to 5pm Cost: £14 Includes: 3 hour walking pub tour Join City of Westminster Guide, Joanna Moncrieff on an historic tour around Little Venice including visits to 3 pubs. We will visit 2 pubs spending half an hour in each and finish in a third. On our way we will walk along the canal hearing about its history and the future developments including another sky high tower AKA The Cucumber! We will cross some quirky bridges, see some unusual sculptures plus lots of places you may want to return to including a hidden cafe in London's oldest garden centre which is itself quite hidden.
Sunday Lunch and Chislehurst Caves, Kent
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: The Bickley, Chislehurst Road, Kent (BR7 5NP) Ask for the Spice Table at 12pm Cost: £28 Includes: Tour of Caves and one course lunch, Service Charge and Spice Host It’s time to go underground and explore the Chislehurst Caves, which are located way underneath the Kent countryside! Before we head on our tour underground we will have a one course Sunday lunch at The Bickley in Chislehurst (just opposite the train station). This beautiful Victorian Bar and Restaurant offers a delicious range of Sunday roasts served with all the trimmings. The caves are over 20 miles of mystery and history in the caverns and passages hewn from the chalk over the last 8000 years. Chislehurst Caves are a labyrinth of dark mysterious passageways and our guide will lead us through these passageways and tell us the history behind the caves.
Tour of Wallace Collection and Afternoon Tea
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: Hertford House Manchester Square London (W1U 3BN) Inside Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 1pm Cost: £29 Includes: Self-Guided Audio Tour and Afternoon Tea, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Additional Drinks Join us for a self-guided audio tour of the fabulous Wallace Collection. The Collection displays the wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Herford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son th of the 4 Marquess. The Collections include famous paintings by famous artists, Titian, Rembrandt and has superb displays of porcelain, furniture, armour, glass and medieval objects. During our visit we will stop for a delicious Afternoon Tea in the Wallace Collection Restaurant which includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scone with cream and Peyton and Byrne preserve, a selection of cakes and a choice of tea or coffee. A glass of bubbly is available at an additional charge.
Tour of Wimbledon Tennis / Museum in Wimbledon
Date: Sunday 19th April 2015 Place: Wimbledon LTA, Church Road, Wimbledon (SW19 5AG) At Gate 4, Wimbledon LTA at 1pm Cost: £29 Includes: tour with Wimbledon guide & booking fee Extras: Refreshments The Tour begins by passing through the Tea Lawn on the way to the statue honouring Fred Perry, the last British player to win the Gentleman’s Singles Championship. Next is No. 1 Court, which is one of Wimbledon’s show courts, it is the perfect complement to historic Centre Court and provides the ultimate experience for players and spectators alike. Walk up the affectionately named ‘Henman Hill’ or “Murray Mount” to the spectacular Water Gardens, which feature a breathtaking view of Central London. The Millennium Building is reserved for players and members of the press during the tournament, and Club Members year round. The tour enters through the Players’ Entrance and features the International Press Room, a perfect photo opportunity where participants can sit behind the players’ table and imagine being interviewed by the awaiting media. The tour finishes at the world-famous Centre Court but entrance is only permitted if building works allow. After our tour we will head to the Museum where you can experience the exciting story of tennis from a garden party pastime to a multi-million dollar professional sport played world-wide with exciting interactive, easy-to-use touch screens and audio guides.
Tower Bridge Exclusive Evening Tour
Date: Monday 20th April 2015 Place: Tower Bridge, London (SE1 2UP) At Tour Entrance on Bridge – Prompt at 6:15pm Cost: £24.50 Includes private tour just for Spice, exhibition and Spice host As you enter Tower Bridge you will be taken via the lift up to level 4 of the North Tower. At the top of the North Tower there is a short film for us to watch explaining the history behind why Tower Bridge was build. Moving around to the East Walkway you will witness stunning views of the East of London, the Docklands and Greenwich. Interesting sounds play on the walkways taking you back to 1894, when this world famous landmark was first opened. In the South Tower another film will be running which explains the construction of the bridge and how the bridge has changed since its opening in 1894.
Epsom Social and Meal - The Canopy
Date: Tuesday 21st April 2015 Place: 147-153 High Street, Epsom, Surrey (KT19 8EH) The Assembly Rooms - Spice Area at 7:30pm Cost: £29.99 Includes: 2 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we have our social and meal in Epsom, and it’s a great time to join us and catch up with other Spice members in the area. We’ll meet at the Assembly Rooms in Epsom for a drink and chat before we head off to The Canopy Restaurant for some supper. Our restaurant of choice this evening is The Canopy Restaurant also located on the High Street, just a stone’s throw from the clock tower. The Canopy Restaurant is a five star English Restaurant and Gold Winner of the Eat Out and Eat Well Charter. They are also winners of the Epsom & Ewell Business Excellence Awards 2011 - Best Restaurant. Here we’ll be enjoying a 2 course meal.
Pub Quiz at Ye Olde CockTavern in Fleet Street
Date: Tuesday 21st April 2015 Place: Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, London (EC4Y 1AA) In the Upstaris Bar area at 7pm Cost: £5 Includes: Pub Quiz and Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Come along to this fun pub quiz and social evening. We have several rounds of different topics and picture rounds. It’s a great way to meet your fellow Spice members and you never know you may even win! We will sort out the teams and at the end of the evening there will be a few prizes. The bar will be open and no doubt the liquid refreshments will help your quiz skills!
New Members Meet and Mingle at Brookes Wine Bar
Date: Wednesday 22nd April 2015 Place: Brookes Wine Bar, 33-35 Brook Street, Holborn, London (EC1N 7RS) Ask for the Spice Area, Spice Sign 7pm Cost: £19 Includes: Complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drinks and sharing platters There are lots of new members joining the Club each month and this is a social evening to Welcome you into Spice and help you to get involved in the Club. It’s a great opportunity for you to come along, meet some other new members and also some of our long term members. As it can be a bit daunting for anyone just starting out in Spice, this is an ideal way to get started and before you know it you will be chatting and socialising with lots of new people. There will be a welcome drink on arrival and some sharing platters which will be served at 7.30pm so do try and make it along on time so that you don’t miss out on your share of the food.
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Theatre - Mamma Mia
Wednesday 22nd April 2015 Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London , (WC2B 4LD) At entrance to foyer - Spice Sign! At 7pm £48.50 Dress Circle Includes discounted ticket, booking fee and Spice host. We meet at 7.00p.m. so we can enjoy a pre-show drink in the bar before going to our seats. If you have not arrived by 7.10p.m. your ticket will be left at the box office for you to collect. Sorry there can be no refunds on tickets unless we are able to re-sell your ticket for you. Excellent seats in the Dress Circle Row E Its 15 years since the original production of Mamma Mia opened in 1999. Since then, this ultimate feel-good musical has been seen by over 7 million people in London, where it continues to break box office records at the Novello Theatre, its third London home. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA, including "Dancing Queen", "Take A Chance On Me" and "Super Trouper". Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget! Since premiering in London, this irresistible, sunny, funny comedy has thrilled over 54 million people all around the world and there's never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical in the West End, where it all began. Whatever age you are, you can‘t help but have the time of your life at Mamma Mia!
Meet and Eat Social - Cote Sevenoaks in Kent
Date: Thursday 23rd April 2015 Place: 22 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent (TN13 1AJ) Cote - Sevenoaks - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Pay as you go, booking fee and Spice Host Extras: Food, Drinks and Service Charge Join us in the Sevenoaks area tonight for a meet and eat social at Cote in Sevenoaks in London Road. The inspiration for the food and design for Cote came from a modern interpretation of the many famous bistros that populate Paris. There has been a resurgence of interest in simple bistro cooking in Paris as locals turn away from expensive and over complicated cooking in formal restaurants to return to the basics of French cuisine. Choose from many delicious French dishes. A Spice host will be there to meet you and on the night you just pay for your drinks, food and service charge for your chosen dishes. You will need to book for this event and we have charged a small booking fee for organising the event and providing a Spice Host.
Swing, Motown and Dinner at Sarastros
Date: Thursday 23rd April 2015 Place: Sarastros, 126 Drury Lane, London (WC2B 5SU) - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £42.50 Includes: 3 Course Dinner, Live Music and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Sarastro, named for a character in Mozart’s Magic Flute is known as ‘the show after the show’. The restaurant in Drury Lane is a rich tapestry of flamboyant artwork, gilt furniture and wall mounted opera boxes which provide a spectacular view of the interior. On Thursday evenings Sarastro’s has a live Swing and Motown evening performed by Colin Roy singing classics by legends such as Frank Sinatra, the Drifters, The Temptations and Lionel Richie. We will be having a special Cabaret menu – sample menu may include dishes such as shared mezze of Hummus, Tzatsiki, Cous Cous salad Cheese and Mushrooms Borek. There is a choice of main course for example Lamb, Salmon, Chicken or Penne Arrabiata Pasta. For dessert there are dishes such as panna cotta, black forest gateau or fresh fruit salad. This is a wonderful restaurant with elaborate furnishings and a great atmosphere. Why not treat yourself – you know you deserve it
Friday Lunch - HMP Brixton Restaurant
Date: Friday 24th April 2015 Place: Jebb Avenue, Brixton, London (SW2 5XP) Final details will be emailed at 11:15am Cost: £39.50 Includes: 3 course lunch, cocktail of the day, tea/coffee and Spice host th Spice have a very unique dining experience for you, On Friday 18 July we are going for lunch at the Clink Restaurant inside HMP Brixton. The restaurant is run by The Clink Charity whose aim is to reduce re-offending rates of ex-offenders hence this new restaurant concept. Boasting fancy décor and an a la carte menu, from the inside, this looks like any other first – class restaurant. Clink Restaurant is proving very popular with visitors and this 120 seater restaurant provides a lovely menu for us to enjoy. We will be served by and eat food prepared by 28 trained inmates. There are no alcoholic drinks served but we are having the cocktail of the day and there are plenty other soft drinks we can have. The aim of The Clink charity is to reduce reoffending rates of ex-offenders by training and placing graduates upon their release into the hospitality industry. The charity represents a genuine opportunity for change, offering prisoners the chance to gain food preparation, food service and cleaning qualification as well as experience within an exciting, operational .
Important: Please see our web site for more information about security, ID’s and restricted items!
1920's Speakeasy Cabaret and Supper Brighton
Date: Friday 24th April 2015 Place: 83 St Georges Rd, Brighton (BN2 1EF) Proud Cabaret - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £42.50 Includes: 3 Course Meal, Cabaret Show, Club Entry, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks If you fancy a night out with a difference, then this is the event for you. Step inside and enjoy an evening of 1920s speakeasy entertainment! Beautiful burlesque and alluring cabaret with a fabulous 3-course menu and vintage Prohibition cocktails will get you in the bootlegging spirit! It’s all very Moulin Rouge and you’ll soon find yourself tapping along to the show-stopping tunes from one of the dimly lit corners. Illicit behaviour and dressing to impress is encouraged! With the show and dinner, Speakeasy is a roaring evening out! We’ll meet at 7.00 pm for drinks and dinner will be served at 7.45pm. The show starts at 8.30pm until 10.30pm and then we can join in the dancing until 2.00am when doors close. It’s a fabulous and decadent evening out and shouldn’t be missed!
Drinks with a View - St Georges Hotel
Date: Friday 24th April 2015 Place: Langham Place, Regent Street, London (W1B 2QS) The Heights-Take lift to Bar-Spice Sign at 7pm Cost: £18 Includes: Tapas Nibbles, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks th Join us for a social evening with Tapas at The Heights Bar and Restaurant on the 15 Floor of the Saint Georges Hotel just off Regent Street. The Heights bar offers stunning views of London through the "Wall of Windows", allowing you to gaze over the rushing city below. This is a great social event to meet up with other Spice members and if you are new to Spice don’t worry our host will introduce you to other members. There will be some shared Tapas dishes served at around 7.45 so please arrive in time or you may miss the food! This is a great way to round off the week and start the weekend!
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Italian Shuffle at Made in Italy in Wimbledon
Friday 24th April 2015 141 The Broadway, Wimbledon, Surrey (SW19 1QJ) - Spice Table at 7:30pm £29.99 Includes: Two course set menu with bread and olives, sharing Italian antipasti starters and unlimited Pizza, Service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join us for an Italian Dinner Shuffle at “Made in Italy” in Wimbledon. We will be having a three course dinner starting with olives and bread, then a delicious selection of Italian Antipasta with meats and cheeses followed by 1 Metre long pizzas to share! The mixed variety 1 metre long Pizza are baked in a traditional wood oven and are served on a long wooden board ideal for sharing. There will be vegetarian Pizza options. Then the pizza just keeps on coming….. till you have had enough. The restaurant uses traditional recipes and the Pizza dough is an old recipe from the Amalfi coast where it is left to rise for 36 hours. During the evening we will move places around the table so you get to chat with different people. This is a great way to meet people in your area and enjoy a fun night out.
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Nordic Walking and Social Weekend
Fri 24th Apr 2015 - Sun 26th Apr 2015 Wansford, on the River Nene, Huntingdonshire (PE8 6JA) From 6.00pm £199 Twin, £311 Single Includes: Two Nights B&B, Two Packed Lunches, Friday Evening Meal, nordic walking instruction & equipment, Coordinator throughout Extras: Saturday Evening Meal Join Spice on our first of hopefully many Nordic Walking Weekends. We will be based at the lovely Haycock Hotel, Wansford, Near Peterborough. The hotel is to a high standard and a great location for the course and walks in the local area. You will receive a full instruction on this Nordic walking course and from our two qualified instructors, Mark Phillips and Mike Horton. The Haycock Hotel is one of the finest 3-star hotels in Peterborough. Set in the idyllic surroundings of Wansford, on the River Nene, the hotel offers the best of breath taking scenery and fine facilities. Nordic walking is growing in popularity and is a great way to experience the outdoors. While walking using poles and a special technique you not only burn twice as many calories as normal walking but take up to 70% pressure of the joints of normal walking. All abilities are welcome, however this course is suitable for total novices. Please see our web site for more information.
Spanish Tapas at Pinchos, Chelmsford
Date: Friday 24th April 2015 Place: 3a Baddow Road, Chelmsford, Essex (CM2 0BX) - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £26 Tonight we are heading to Pinchos serving authentic Spanish Tapas in Chelmsford. This traditional Tapas restaurant has an informal atmosphere where the emphasis is on sociable eating, using seasonal Spanish and local ingredients and culinary passion. We will be sharing a mixed tapas menu so you have the opportunity to try several different Tapas dishes as well as Paella. If you are vegetarian there will be vegetarian options. Our dining out evenings in different restaurants are always very enjoyable and a great way to meet local members.
Evening of Comedy – Jongleurs, Watford
Date: Saturday 25th April 2015 Place: 76 The Parade Street, Watford (WD17 1AW) Jongleurs Comedy Club - Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 7pm Cost: £18.50 Includes: Ticket to Comedy, Booking Fee, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Our Comedy nights are very popular and tonight we’re off to Jongleurs in Watford which lies in the centre of Watford's bustling night life district. Boasting a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system this is a great comedy venue and there are normally four top class comedians in an approximately 2 hour show. There is also a late disco, which starts at 11.00am and finishes at 1.30am. The bar will also close about this time! We will meet in the bar of Walkabout where a co-ordinator will have the tickets for the evening, if you arrive late you need to let them know you are with the Spice group and they will show you where to go.
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Cabinet War Rooms and Lunch
Saturday 25th April 2015 Parliament Square, London (SW1A 2AQ) Bottom Clive Steps, end of King Charles St at 11am £34 Entrance & Lunch, £20 Member Tour only Includes: Entrance to Cabinet War Rooms with audio guide 1 Course Lunch, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Today we have a fascinating day out planned for you – we are visiting the Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum, which are based in a maze of cellar rooms beneath the Government Office Building, north of Parliament Square. We will first meet for Lunch in a local Pub on Whitehall which will include a one course meal with Traditional Pub Fayre then make our way to the war rooms. In 1938, this storage basement was adapted as a secure inner sanctum, accessed only from the office above. It was in these underground rooms that the War Cabinet, first under Neville Chamberlain, then Winston Churchill, met during World War II when London was being bombed by the Germans. The Cabinet’s underground headquarters included living quarters for government ministers and military leaders, and the Cabinet Room where many strategic decisions were taken.
Sandown Racing - Jump Festival and Entertainment
Date: Saturday 25th April 2015 Place: Sandown Park, Surrey (KT10 9AJ) Final Details will be emailed at 11:30am Cost: £28 Includes: Grandstand Tickets, Booking Fee, Spice Host Extras: Food and Drinks Includes Ticket to the racing in Grandstand & booking fee. We have a limited amount of tickets available so you need to book real soon if you want to join us for this fabulous day out. Taking place at the end of April each year, the bet365 Celebration celebrates the official end of the jump season with a high quality all jump card. Enjoy fantastic racing in a great atmosphere with additional entertainment after the Races to carry on the celebration! Tickets include access to a day of thrilling racing, commencing at 2:00pm (to be confirmed), with the last race at approximately 5.30pm followed by additional entertainment. We have tickets for the grandstand enclosure which overlooks the finishing line.
Saturday Night Funkynation at Ronnie Scotts
Date: Saturday 25th April 2015 Place: 47 Frith Street, Soho, London (W1D 4HT) Upstairs Ronnie Scotts Bar at 7:30pm Cost: £16 Includes: Reserved area, DJ Music, Sharing Platters, Service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks, and Door Charge of £10.00 after 8pm Tonight we are heading to the popular venue of Ronnie Scotts for their Saturday Funkynation disco night with the very best DJ’s playing jazz, funk, soul, 80’s boogie and vintage grooves. We will have a reserved area so you can keep your toes tapping, or maybe have a boogie on the dance floor. We will be having some sharing platters such as meat, cheese or deliboards at 8.15 so please arrive before this so you don’t miss out. This is a great way to meet other members and have a fun night. The music kicks off at 8.00pm.
Spice Dines Bombay Spice in Guildford
Date: Saturday 25th April 2015 Place: The Bombay Spice, 17 Park Street, Guildford, Surrey (GU1 4XB) - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £29.50 Includes: Complimentary Drink, 2 Course Indian Meal, Service, Spice Host Tonight, we’re off to Bombay Spice for a lovely social Indian meal. Bombay Spice was opened by leading restaurateur Shah Ahmed in 1999 and the name translates quite literally as sophisticated taste of spice from India and Bangladesh which is the ethos behind the innovative menu. With an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine, the menu incorporates both traditional classic favourites and original new dishes that apply eastern flavours with a western twist. Acclaimed favourites include Indian Home Smoked Salmon, Lamb Rogan and Chicken curry, a dish that has been greatly imitated by other establishments across the Surrey. We’ll be having a 2 course meal with plenty of choices on the menu from a variety of starters to a variety of traditional curries, tandoor and birany.
Tennis Weekend with Coaching - Northants
Date: Sat 25th Apr 2015 - Sun 26th Apr 2015 Place: Marriott Hotel, Eagle Drive, Northampton (NN4 7HW) Arrive 11.30a.m Cost: £158 Single, £75 Tennis only (Deposit £35 Single) An Opportunity to play loads of Indoor Tennis with some great Drills & Coaching - Great Fun & Superb Value The Weekend price includes the Tennis Program & Coaching, supply of balls, one night’s luxury accommodation, Saturday Night Dinner, Sunday Breakfast and Prize Giving Lunch. Plus the full use of the facilities at the Hotel. An excellent Indoor Tennis Weekend along with a stay at the 4 Star Marriott Hotel. We are heading to Northampton for another one of our very popular Tennis Weekends. This Weekend is exclusively for Spice and is suitable for all levels of players. The Weekend proves quite intensive, offering up to 7 hours of Match Play, Team Tennis and Coaching. We will be staying at the 4 Star Marriott Hotel, and using the LTA Indoor Tennis Centre, with 4 Indoor and 4 Outdoor Courts, which is located a short distance from the Hotel. The accommodation is indeed luxurious with single & double-bedded rooms. There is no supplement for single occupancy.
Vertical Ice Climbing in Covent Garden
Date: Saturday 25th April 2015 Place: Tower House, 3-11 Southampton Street (WC2E 7HA) Inside Ellis Brigham - Ice Wall 12:15pm Cost: £55.50 Includes ice climb 2 hour group session, equipment and instruction Here is an unusual opportunity to go ice climbing in Covent Garden! Our ice wall is situated inside Ellis Brigham’s Tower House store. It is a refrigerated unit running through the shop’s two floors. Inside is kept at a constant -12 degrees temperature so that is why it is known at the Vertical Chill experience! This experience is suitable for novice or experienced climbers and includes instruction and equipment. The session lasts two hours as we are having a group session. We need to arrive at 12.30 so that we can be kitted up, then there will be a safety brief and instructions before we start climbing! You will be provided with outer clothing, axes, crampons, harnesses, helmets, eye protection and gloves.
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Westminster Cathedral Treasure, Tower and Lunch
Saturday 25th April 2015 Ashley Place, London (SW1P 1QW) Main entrance to Cathedral - Spice Sign at 11am £27.50 Cathedral & Lunch, £14 Member Cathedral Only Includes: Entrance to Tower (lift) and Treasures Exhibition, Optional 1 course Lunch and Spice Host Join us for a visit to Westminster Cathedral and its Treasures Exhibition with the opportunity to climb the Cathedral Tower giving great views across London. This Cathedral is one of the busiest churches in London with 7 masses each day. The awesome interior of the cathedral contains fine marble work and mosaic and the 14 stations of the Cross sculptured by Eric gill are world renowned. We will start our morning with a self-guided tour around the Cathedral. After the Exhibition you can take the lift to take in the 360 degree view of London from the 210 foot high Tower. After our visit there is an optional one course lunch at Browns Brasserie in Victoria.
Bluebell Circular 8 Mile Walk in Hitchin, Herts
Date: Sunday 26th April 2015 Place: Three Moorhens Pub, Hitchin Hill, Herts (SG4 9AJ) Meet in car park 11am Cost: £6 Includes: guided 8 mile walk Extras: pub lunch/drinks pay on the day It is bluebell season so we are off on pleasant walk through rolling Hertfordshire countryside starting in Hitchin and heading to Preston, Charlton before returning to Hitchin for a pub lunch. This is a moderate, circular walk, mainly through fields and woods with very little roads. There should be some spectacular bluebells and we cover 8 miles. Your guide for this walk is Ian 0741 1858337 and you should let Ian know if you are lost, late or not turning up on the day. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, take waterproofs in case of rain and cash for your lunch in the pub at the end of the walk.
Guided Climb Up and Over the O2 & Lunch
Date: Sunday 26th April 2015 Place: The O2, Peninsula Square, London (SE10 0DX) Base Camp at the O2 - Spice Sign 11:45am Cost: £55 Climb & Lunch, £57 Guest climb & lunch, £39 Climb Only, £41 Guest Climb Only Extras: Drinks Included: 90 Minute Guided Climbing Expedition, One Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Get ready for a breathtaking new attraction, combining 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 and a safety harness.
Guided River Wandle stroll and Merton Abbey Mills Craft Market
Date: Sunday 26th April 2015 Place: Belgian Cafe, Merton Abbey Mills, Merton (SW19 2RD) Belgian Cafe, Cafe near main Entrance of Market 11am Cost: £6 Includes: Guided stroll and Abbey Mills Craft Market Extras: Drinks Today we are heading to Merton Abbey Mills for an easy guided Sunday Stroll along the River Wandle then we will return back to Merton Abbey Mills Arts and Craft Market where you can wander around the bustling stalls. This is an easy walk of about 3 miles long and is a circular route which will take us along pathways by the river through Morden Hall Park then Ravensbury Park and Watermeads National Trust area. We will then return through the parks back to Merton Abbey Mills. We will stop for lunch in the Market where you can either sample some international cuisine from one of the market stalls or head to one of the pubs or restaurants for a Sunday lunch. After lunch you can continue to wander around the market stalls and chill out. Date: Place: Cost:
Jazz Brunch La Porte Des Indes - London
Sunday 26th April 2015 32 Bryanston Street, London (W1H 7EG) La Porte des Indes - Ask for Spice Table at 1pm £45.50 Includes: Live jazz, Glass of wine/beer or a soft drink Unlimited servings of Indian Cuisine, Service, Spice Host Extras: Additional Drinks Today we’re off to La Porte des Indes for a scrumptious Sunday Jazz Brunch. Established in 1996, La Porte des Indes literally means Gateway to India and is housed in a former Edwardian ballroom. The restaurant spans two floors, is adorned with antique Indian artefacts, and boasts a stunning white marble staircase, 40ft Mogul waterfall and Jungle Bar. Exotic plants and flowers fill the light and airy interior with their alluring scent and provide a visually stunning display. The brunch involves unlimited servings of Indian cuisine and you will be selecting from over twenty dishes with a fantastic array of starters, main courses, salads, soups and sumptuous desserts. All the food is served in traditional Indian vessels specially designed and hand made for La Porte des Indes by traditional Indian craftsmen and it’s a real feast in every sense of the word.
Predict the Future on this Fun Tarot Card Reading Workshop
Date: Sunday 26th April 2015 Place: Stonemasons Arms, 54 Cambridge Grove, Hammersmith (W6 0LA) Upstairs function room from 10am to 5pm Cost: £38 Includes: workshop with Rikki Maxwell Extras: Lunch and refreshments if required Ever wondered what’s round the corner and what the future holds for you? Tarot cards can help answer your questions. Prepare to be enthralled and intrigued on this interesting and fun day as you learn to understand the basics of reading the Tarot. Tarot cards are an age old method of obtaining guidance and advice for predicting the future, using a pack of 78 cards (which the playing cards we use today are based on). YOU NEED TO BRING YOUR OWN PACK If you already have a pack of Mythic Rider-Waite or Hanson-Roberts tarot cards please bring them. If you don’t have one of these packs I would suggest buying the Hanson-Roberts set. Handouts will be given, though you may wish to bring pen and paper to take notes.
Tour Apsley House and Wellington Arch plus Lunch
Date: Sunday 26th April 2015 Place: Apsley House, Hyde Park Corner (W1J 7NT) Meet at Entrance - Spice sign at 11am Cost: £28.50 Includes: Entrance to Apsley House and Wellington Arch, 1 course Lunch, Service Charge & Host Extras: Drinks and Coffees Spend a cultural morning in London viewing both Apsley House and The Wellington Arch. First we will visit Apsley House with the grand address of “Number One London” home to the Duke of Wellington after his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. You will then be taken across to the Wellington Arch where we can take the lift to the balconies just below the spectacular bronze sculpture giving you glorious views over London's Royal Parks and the Houses of Parliament. Inside the Arch you can view its fascinating history, including its time as London's smallest police station.
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Spice London Book Club - Monthly
Dates: Tuesday 28 April, 26 May & 30 June 2015 Place: 22 Fleet Street London (EC4Y 1AA) Ye Old Cock Tavern, Upstairs room 7pm to 9pm Cost: £9.99 Includes: Spice host, choice of sandwich or baguette Do you enjoy a good read? Then come along tonight for our Book Club event kindly hosted by Cherry Trott. The idea is that each month you discuss a set book that you have read in preparation for the event. The evening will be very informal and you will have the opportunity to discuss the book and express your opinions. During the evening there will be a choice of baguette or sandwich.
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Theatre - The Railway Children
Tuesday 28th April 2015 Corner of King's Boulevard and Good's Way, Kings Cross, London (N1C 4UR) Kings Cross Theatre - at entrance to foyer - Spice sign 7:30pm £45 Includes: discounted ticket, booking fee and Spice Host Public Price is £63 We meet at 7.00p.m. for a pre-show drink at the bar before going to our seats. Sorry there can be no refund on tickets unless we are able to re-sell your ticket for you. All Aboard! The stunning adaptation of E Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children has arrived at London's King's Cross Station. This breath-taking show features a stage built around a real train track, and a beautiful 60-tonne locomotive that steams into the theatre. A truly unique theatrical experience, bringing with it all the power of hope and the romance of steam trains. If you haven’t been recently to King's Cross, come and discover this extraordinary part of London. You can find The Railway Children amid the remarkable new developments on King’s Boulevard. Probably the best connected location in Europe, King's Cross has six underground lines, 14 bus routes, and two mainline stations... it's easy to find! Date: Place: Cost:
Dinner Shuffle at Heens Chinese Restaurant in Sutton
Wednesday 29th April 2015 14-16 Musgrave Road, Sutton, Surrey (SM2 6LE) Ask for the Spice Table at 7:30pm £34 Includes: Choice of starter, Duck and main course, or set menu with shared starters, Duck, selection of main courses, service charge and Spice host Extras: Drinks Tonight we are visiting a lovely Chinese Restaurant in Sutton called Heens. It is just near to the station so easy to get to. Our meals out are always enjoyable evenings and a very easy way to make a few new friends. Tonight we will be doing one of our Dinner Shuffles where we will be moving places after the first course so you get the chance to chat to different members. For this evening your can either choose the set menu where you will be sharing a choice of oriental starters, for example spring rolls, seaweed, sesame prawn toast, Satay chicken and spare ribs, followed by Crispy Aromatic Duck and pancakes. Then we will have some main dishes to share accompanied by egg fried rice and vegetables (Minimum 2 people). There will be vegetarian options. Alternatively you can choose your own starter followed by Crispy Duck and your own choice of one main course with shared rice and vegetables
Dorking Social and Meal - Ceylon Tavern
Date: Wednesday 29th April 2015 Place: 43 South Street, Dorking (RH4 2JX) South Street Wine Bar - Spice sign at 7:30pm Cost: £19.50 Includes: 1 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we’re heading off the Ceylon Tavern in Dorking for something slightly different. Serving Sri Lankan food, the Ceylon Tavern allows us to experience the cuisine of the beautiful island situated off the south coast of India. In its ancestral days it was known as Ceylon and the natural beauty of the Island led to it being called the 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. Tonight we’ll be having a 1 course meal with sharing rotis, vegetables and rice. It’s a good way to get together with other Spice members in the area and have a relaxed evening with good food and pleasant company. We’ll first meet at the South Street Wine Bar for a drink and a chat and will then head off to the Ceylon Tavern for supper.
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Hippodrome - Soho Burlesque Live
Wednesday 29th April 2015 Cranbourn St, Leicester Square, London (WC2H 7JH) Heliot Bar 1st Floor - Spice sign at 6:45pm £45.50 Ticket & supper Includes ticket and booking fee and Spice host. We will meet in the bar at 7.00p.m. to have a pre-show drink and 2 course supper. The show starts at 8.30p.m. There can be no refunds on tickets unless we are able to re-sell your ticket. Burlesque star Miss Frisky (The Hurly Burly Show) turns up the temperature in the Matcham Room Theatre every week at the Soho Burlesque Club. This intimate rendezvous invites you seductively into Miss Frisky's 'Boudoir', to celebrate all things sensual, sexy and saucy. An up close and personal, hilarious burlesque cabaret that is provocative, cheeky and sure to get you hot under the collar while laughing your head off! This is a new show like no other, the Soho Burlesque Club features some of the best in the business and Miss Frisky is renowned as one of the biggest voices in London cabaret. She has performed worldwide and is well known for her exploits with partner Mannish.
Croydon French Wine Tasting - Bordeaux Unearthed
Date: Thursday 30th April 2015 Place: 417 Brighton Road, Croydon, Surrey (CR2 6EW) Inside Laithwaites Shop 6:50pm to 9:15pm Cost: £20 Includes: Wine tasting by Laithwaites tutors and Spice Hosts Bordeaux is a wine producing region that needs no introduction. Quite simply some of the world’s most prestigious wines hail from Bordeaux but aside from the highly priced and highly prized wines enjoyed by the rich and famous what does modern wine offer at a more affordable level? We aim to showcase the variety of wine styles now available from this historic region. There will be red, white and dessert wines included in the tasting. This is a great way to learn more about wine and discover which varieties you like. No prior wine knowledge is required. The session lasts around 2 hours with the opportunity to speak to the experts after the tasting and of course you can look around the Laithwaites wine shop to purchase wines on the night. The wine tasting session starts at 7.00pm prompt.
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Sailing Cross Channel Gosport - Cherbourg Peninsula
Thu 30th Apr 2015 - Mon 4th May 2015 Haslar Marina, Gosport (PO12 1NU) Arrive for 8.00p.m. on Friday £399 Cabin Share (Deposit £80) Includes cabin share on board accommodation, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, breakfasts, lunches, snacks and teas/coffees. Extras: share of mooring fees and evening meals taken ashore. Balance is due 8 weeks prior On this cruise we plan to take advantage of the longer Bank Holiday weekend to venture southwards towards Cherbourg and the Channel Islands. This is a good time of year to cross the Channel because the weather is often good and we have the advantage of long hours of daylight. Sailing across the Channel and making a ‘foreign’ landfall is a special and memorable experience. Starting early in the morning enables us to maximise our time the ‘other’ side and gives you the opportunity to experience lighthouses falling away astern, identify ships by their lights, watch the dawn sky gradually approaching from the east and that first magical glimpse of the sun rising over the horizon. The crossing normally takes between 12 and 15 hours.
Wine Tasting Extravaganza at Laithwaites Central London
Date: Thursday 30th April 2015 Place: The Arch, 219 Stoney St, London Bridge (SE1 9AA) Inside Laithwaites, Spice Sign from 6:45pm to 9pm Cost: £25 Includes: Non Tutored wine tasting of wines from around the world, Spice Host Join us for an informal Wine Tasting hosted by Laithwaites at their London Bridge shop. For this tasting there will be around 25 of Laithwaites favourite wines on show from their award winning cellars and producers for you to taste in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Just take a glass and simply pass from table to table at your own pace, enjoying the wines. The Laithwaite’s team will be on hand to pour and answer any questions you may have, so no wine knowledge is required. There are also Laithwaites wine producers on hand who are passionate wine makers who can also give advice.
Bank Holiday - South Wales Walking and Chill Out Weekend Walking, cycling, BBQ and National Show caves visit
Date: Fri 1st May 2015 - Mon 4th May 2015 Place: Trecastle, Nr Brecon South Wales (LD3 8UR) The Bunkhouse - Arrive from 5.00p.m. Cost: £179 Bunkhouse Share, £215 Cottage Twin, £225 (Deposit £35 Bunkhouse, £45 Cottage Twin, £45) Includes 3 Nights’ accommodation in a comfortable bunkhouse (4 star rating) with a touch of luxury for a Spice exclusive weekend 2 breakfasts (with hot options), 1 Continental breakfast (Monday), guided walks on Saturday and Sunday. 1 picnic lunch & Friday evening supper, evening meals on Saturday & Sunday (a BBQ one of the evenings weather permitting) Cottage Accommodation: We also have the cottage adjoining the bunkhouse which is a luxury cottage with 2 twin rooms, 1 Double room, lounge, kitchen and bathrooms We are returning to The Bunkhouse in Trecastle in the Brecon Beacons for another walking and chill out weekend. This weekend is aimed at relaxing, chilling out with some walking and exploring as there is a fantastic range of things to do in this part of South Wales. Our bunkhouse lies close to the county town of Brecon and is within the Brecon Beacons National Park. On both Saturday and Sunday guided walks will be offered of approximately 6-8 miles on each day. The Bunkhouse is a fully equipped converted stone barn on a farm. There is a large dining area where we can all eat together as a group. There are 3 bedrooms in different configurations. We also use the adjoining cottage and there are local B&B’s for anyone wanting a bit more space or a sole occupancy room. This is a stunningly beautiful area and a short drive will have you in the Brecon Beacons where you can explore one of the local castles, waterfalls, or explore the local antique and book shops and cafes. There is bike storage at the barn. An alternative option for Sunday is to visit the stunning National Show caves in Swansea.
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Adrenalin Cocktail Weekend in Pembrokeshire
Fri 1st May 2015 - Sun 3rd May 2015 Preseli Centre, Pembroke. South Wales (SA62 5HN) meet Friday evening £229 Sharing, £42 Extra Sunday Night Stay (Deposit £45 Sharing) Includes: 2 nights 5 star eco lodge accommodation, all meals from Friday supper to Sunday lunch, 3 half day activities, Specialist kit, qualified guides, transport for the activities, free train station transfers for certain trains. If you’re looking for a weekend chilling out with friends, surrounded by breath-taking, unspoilt scenery, or an adrenalin fuelled stress busting adventure - then either way, you’ve found the right place. On this weekend you’ll take part in 3 half day adventures: costearing: The ultimate coastal adventure - climb, swim, traverse and jump into a whole new world. Sea caves and swirling ocean swells combine to produce a truly wild environment. Watch out, it’s addictive, Sea Kayaking: Rocks, caves, seals, birds, waves, surf, beaches, harbours and much more make Pembrokeshire a real sea kayaker’s paradise, and selfguided coastal hiking. We’ve got the world renowned Pembrokeshire National Park Coastal Path on the very western tip of Europe right on our doorstep. Please see our web-site for more information.
Supper and Social - The Raj Villa in Ware in Herts
Date: Friday 1st May 2015 Place: Raj Villa, High Road, High Cross, Ware (SG11 1BT) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £26 Includes: 2 Course Indian Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we’re off to the Raj Villa in Ware for a supper and social get together. The Raj Villa menus have been devised from various parts of India and the head chef and his team have a wealth of experience having plied their trade and skills alongside top executive chefs at renowned restaurants across the West End of London and the method of cooking ranges from traditional Indian cuisine to modern contemporary dishes. Tonight we’ll enjoy a two course meal and will eat in the traditional Indian manner where everyone gets to enjoy some of everything. It’s a great way to get out and try new restaurants and also to meet with other Spice members in the area and have a social evening.
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Walking Weekend - Hadrian's Wall
Fri 1st May 2015 - Mon 4th May 2015 Gilsland Spa Hotel, Gilsand (CA8 7AR) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal 8.00pm. £239 Twin Share, £259 Double, £299 Single Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals & 3 days of guided walks. Extras: Transport to walk starts Hadrian’s Wall is the most famous and impressive Roman fortification in the Roman Empire. The bank holiday walking programme of 6 walks over the three days concentrates on the very finest sections of the wall and the surrounding area. Our hotel for the trip is the comfortable Gilsland Spa which with en-suite rooms, well stocked bar and hearty food is ideally located just a mile from the wall itself. For more information please see our web-site
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Welsh Camping Long Weekend
Fri 1st May 2015 - Mon 4th May 2015 Lluest Fach, Foal, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 5.00p.m. £70 Camping, £88 Bunks Includes: campsite, Party with BBQ, Barrel of beer, cider £16.00 supplement for dormitory accommodation subject to availability Escape from the city this Bank Holiday for an outdoor experience with a difference! Our camping venue is a private site and is exclusive to Spice for the weekend. A working smallholding which is very secluded situated high up on the side of the beautiful Banwy Valley, with breath-taking views, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and an ideal spot to relax and unwind in. It has a large room to socialise in, hosts on hand to organise your activities, and includes a huge BBQ/buffet on Saturday night with a barrel of real ale and cider, music and a partying. For more information please see our web-site.
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Walking Weekend the South Devon Coast and Dartmoor
Fri 1st May 2015 - Mon 4th May 2015 The Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbott, Devon (TQ12 3QH) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. £249 Twin Share, £309 Single (Deposit £50 Twin, £60 Single) Includes: 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals and 3 days of guided walking with a choice of 2 walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used 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. Add to this the lovely Passage House hotel with its irresistible riverside setting, scrumptious food, relaxing leisure facilities and a traditional country inn with real ale right next door, and we are in for a superb bank holiday weekend away. 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.
Walking Weekend in Eastbourne, Beachy Head and the South Downs
Date: Fri 1st May 2015 - Mon 4th May 2015 Place: Best Western York House Hotel, Eastbourne, Sussex (BN22 7AP) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. Cost: £225 Twin Share, £285 Single, (Deposit £45 Twin Share, £55 Single) Includes: breakfasts, 3 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches, 3 days of guided walks with a choice of walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Eastbourne has the enviable position of being situated on the Sussex Heritage Coast on the edge of the South Downs National Park. A beautiful landscape scattered with picturesque villages, friendly thatched country inns and country cream teashops. No visit to Eastbourne and the Sussex coast would be complete without a walk along the cliff tops. So one day will see us tackle these huge white cliffs which are the highest chalk cliffs in the country. The Best Western York House Hotel has the most stunning seafront position, just 400yds from Eastbourne pier.
Afternoon Tea in a Moroccan Style Restaurant at Momos
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2015 Place: Momo, 25 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BH (W1B 4BH) Ask for the Spice Table from 2:45pm to 5pm Cost: £32 Afternoon Tea, £42 Tea with Bubbly Includes: A’ Tea with optional upgrade, Service charge and Spice Host Join us for an Afternoon Tea with a difference! We are going to Momo’s a Moroccan style restaurant located in Heddon Street just off of Regent Street. This hidden gem is decorated in Moorish design with Moroccan arched windows, wooden screen shutters, rustic brass lanterns and low seating. You can imagine yourself being transported to the Souks in Marrakesh! The decadent Momo Afternoon Tea has an exotic Moroccan twist, with fresh scones and sandwiches, and other Moroccanthemed delights. Choose from a range of traditional teas or have Moroccan style fresh mint Tea. There is an option to upgrade to Afternoon Tea with either Bubbly or a Momos Cocktail.
Helicopter Flight over London
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2015 Place: Redhill Airfield, Redhill, Surrey (RH1 5YP) Time slot will be confirmed (about midday). Cost: £149 When it comes to unforgettable experiences, a helicopter ride has to rate pretty high on the ‘I Want to Do List’! To combine a helicopter ride with a flight over London taking in the aerial views of our capital just adds that extra WOW factor to your experience. Your expert pilot will fly along the Thames at over 100 mph and at 1500 feet to give you a unique view of our fascinating City. This is a trip that takes in all the sights without any traffic, queues or public transport so an exciting but hassle free journey. Your flight leaves from Redhill Airport and heads to the Thames. From there you will be able to see Canary Wharf Tower, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Why not treat yourself to this amazing experience and book your place now!
Bank Holiday Shuffle Meal - London
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2015 Date: Saturday 15th February 2014 Place: Waterloo Bar Kitchen, 131 Waterloo Road (SE1 8UR) at 7:30pm Cost: £36 Member, Includes 3 three course meal, Service admin Extras: Drinks Next door to the Old Vic, the Waterloo Bar and Kitchen does a great job of providing the cosy ambience of a bistro combined with the fun of an open kitchen. For tonight’s Spice meal we bring you a chance to meet lots of new Spice members. There is a twist to evening as we are also having a ‘Dinner Shuffle’ which is our most popular way of Spice dining. We will make up a shuffle for the evening which means that we have you changing places after each course to help you socialise with ease. Our meal this evening will be 3 courses from a special menu being prepared just for Spice. Drinks are not included and you pay for these on the evening. A sample menu can be found on our website.
The View from the Shard - London
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2015 Place: The Shard, Joiner Street Entrance, London (SE1 9SG) Entrance to the View - Spice Sign at 11:45am Cost: £34.95 Includes: Entrance ticket, Booking Fee, Drink, Spice Host The Shard is an iconic, landmark building on the London skyline, designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano. At a height of 1,016ft (310m), the tallest building in Western Europe, the Shard redefines London’s skyline. Join Spice today as we journey to the top of the city to see the most incredible views of London. The View is situated at the top of The Shard, on floors 68, 69 and 72, and is almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in London. Prepare to embark on a multi-sensory journey. travelling skyward in two high-speed ‘kaleidoscopic’ lifts, we’ll swiftly reach Level 68 - a cloudscape above the world. We then journey to Level 69 where the view is revealed and London opens out before us. Here, in the sky above London, we experience an astonishing 360 degree, 40mile view over the city.
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Guided Bluebell and Wild Flower Walk at Nymans Gardens, Sussex
Saturday 2nd May 2015 Nymans, Handcross, Near Haywards Heath, West Sussex (RH17 6EB) Meet at ticket office of Nymans at 10:30am £16, £5 NT members (bring your NT membership card) Includes: Guided Walk in Woodlands, Entry to Nymans Gardens and House, Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Join us for a lovely guided walk through the delightful bluebell woods at Nymans in West Sussex. Our guide from Nymans will take us for a 1.5 hour walk through the woodlands taking in the splendid displays of spring wild flowers and carpets of bluebells. Our event includes entry to the gardens and house so after the walk we can stroll around the rest of the gardens where you will discover intriguing ruins, statues, lakes and cascades and an array of different planting. During the day we will stop for refreshments in the Cafe (own cost). The parking is free at Nymens. If you are a current National Trust member there is a reduced price for this event Please bring your card with you on the day).
Break the Barrier on a Thames Rocket Rib Ride
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2015 Place: St Katherine’s Pier, St Katherine's Way, Tower Hamlets, London (E1W 1LD) London Rib Rides at 1:45pm Cost: £44 Includes: 40 Minute Thames Rocket Ride and Booking Fee It’s finally here, a new thrilling high speed ride never before available to the public on the river Thames. It’s Fast, Furious and a World First. Thames Rockets is a new thrilling, high-speed boat ride blasting off in the Capital and operating EXCLUSIVELY within the new “Thames High Speed Zone’ The racy red speedboats take you on an exhilarating trip down London’s river – set to a rousing “Best of British”.
Guided Bluebell Woodland Walk at Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2015 Place: Hanningfield Reservoir, Hawkswood Road, Billericay, Essex (CN11 1WT) Visitor Centre from 1:30pm to 4pm Cost: £8 Includes: 2 Hour Guided bluebell walk through Ancient Woodland Join us at the Hanningfield Reservoir near Billericay for a two hour guided walk through the Ancient Woodland to see the carpet of bluebells. The walking guide will give an enjoyable and informative walk around the woods and reserve pointing out the various fauna and flora. This is a shared event with the General public so please book early. This is a great way to meet up with other Spice members in your local area. After the walk we can stop for refreshments at the visitor centre (own cost).
Inventing Impressionism Exhibition at the National Gallery
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2015 Place: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London (WC2N 5DN) Sainsbury Wing Exhibition, Spice Sign 11:15am Cost: £34.50 Ticket & Lunch, £19.50 Ticket only Includes: Ticket to Exhibition, Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks The National Gallery is presenting the UK’s first major exhibition devoted to the man who discovered the Impressionists – Paul Durand-Ruel. So why not join Spice members today as we visit this fascinating exhibition. So universally popular are the Impressionists today, it’s hard to imagine a time when they weren’t. But in the early 1870s they struggled to be accepted. We’ll meet at 11.15am for timed visit to the exhibition at 11.30am. After our visit to the exhibition, we will take a brief stroll to the Garrick Arms at 8 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HG where we will enjoy a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Sunday Lunch at The Roof Gardens Babylon
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2015 Place: 99 Kensington High Street, London (W8 5SA) Babylon Restaurant - Spice Table at 1pm Cost: £42 - 3 Course Meal, £38 - 2 Course Meal Includes: 2 or 3 Course Sunday Lunch, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Located one hundred feet above Kensington High Street in central London, The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant are truly spectacular. Originally above Derry and Tom's department store which opened in 1933, The Roof Gardens were the dream child of the vice president of Barkers, Trevor Bowen, who employed landscape architect Ralph Hancock to realise his vision. There are three themed gardens, with over 70 full size trees, a flowing stream stocked with fish and our resident flamingos Bill, Ben, Splosh and Pecks. If we’re very lucky we might be able to stroll through the gardens (subject to outdoor functions) but if not, we will still have lovely views from the Terrace at the restaurant.
Spice Dines at Petrichor at The Cavendish Hotel
Date: Wednesday 6th May 2015 lace: The Cavendish Hotel, 81 Jermyn Street, St James's, London (SW1 6JF) Petrichor restaurant - Spice Table 7pm Cost: £41 Includes: Three course set Menu, glass of Champagne, Service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Petrichor Restaurant at The Cavendish Hotel proudly showcases 2 AA Rosettes and serves contemporary British cuisine. Tonight we will start with a glass of chilled Lanson Champagne followed by a seasonal three course set menu offering a selection of delightful dishes with ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. Overlooking the exclusive boutiques and galleries of Jermyn Street, St. James's and Piccadilly, Petrichor is found on the 1st floor of the Cavendish London hotel. Head Chef Nitin Padwal blends hearty, home-cooked flavours and unique culinary flair and is committed to serving premium ingredients creating monthly-changing menus of delicious modern British cuisine. Sample seasonal set Menu is on our website.
The Ultimate Paper Round - Fleet Street
Date: Wednesday 6th May 2015 Place: Temple Station, London (WC2R 2PH) Outside the exit 2pm Cost: £15 Includes: 2 hour tour with Ian Jelf Fleet Street, long after most newspapers departed in the 1980s, is still synonymous with journalism and this walk allows us to discover not only the famous “Street of Ink” itself but some of the many hidden corners of London which lie just off it. Why did printers settle here in the first place? Whose cat is immortalised nearby? Where are monarchs proclaimed? What did Queen Elizabeth I actually look like? And what does a wedding cake have to do with it all? The answers to these and countless other questions that have never before troubled you will doubtless be answered in the course of this walk, which lasts a couple of hours. We meet at the exit from Temple Station and end nearby.
Regent Canal Stroll and Floating Chinese Dinner
Date: Thursday 7th May 2015 Place: Warwick Avenue Tube Station (W9 1AL) At Warwick Avenue Tube - Spice Sign at 7pm Cost: £32 Includes: Stroll, 2 Course Meal, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks, Deserts and Coffee This is a gentle stroll from Little Venice along the Regent's Canal finishing off in Camden. Along the way we will be stopping for a meal at the picturesque Chinese floating Restaurant, The Feng Shang Princess, set in the splendour of London's Regents Park. Over the years it has been a favourite Chinese eatery for many, including celebrities from the world of film, music and TV. After our meal we will make our way to Little Venice then follow the scenic paved tow-path along the canal towards Regents Park and London Zoo. Our 2 course meal has a choice of starters with various options for the main course. Following ur meal we will continue to stroll (about 10 minutes) along the canal tow-path and make our way to Camden Lock where we can head for a café or pub to relax over a coffee or glass of wine. A chill-out time!
Spice Dines Turkish at Havet in Bromley, Kent
Date: Thursday 7th May 2015 Place: Havet, 195-199 high Street, Bromley, Kent (BR1 1NN) Ask for the Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £26 Includes: Meze style starter and Main Course, Service charge & Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we are dining at "HAVET” Turkish restaurant which is a family run restaurant located in Bromley. Our evening includes a Meze style shared starter of hot and cold dishes followed by a delicious main course such as grilled pieces of lamb, chicken or vegetarian shish kebab with rice and salad. If we have 8 or more people coming along we will opt for the shared Meze dinner, offering a selection of Hot and Cold Meze Starters followed by a shared selection of meat and vegetable shish with bread, rice and salad.
Spice U40 Fun game of Ping Pong at Bounce
Date: Thursday 7th May 2015 Place: Bounce Farringdon, 121 Holborn, London (EC1N 2TD) In the Bar at Bounce at 7:30pm Cost: £12 Includes: Reserved Piing Pong Tables and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Bounce Restaurant is a great 1950’s style themed cocktail bar and restaurant with 17 Ping Pong (Table Tennis) Tables. We will first meet in the bar at Bounce where you can limber up your batting hand with a drink! We have tables booked for this fun evening where you can try your hand at an easy knock about on the Ping Pong tables. We went a couple of months ago and it was great fun, we had ping pong balls flying everywhere (so did everyone else on the other tables!). They supply you with lots and lots ping pong balls, so you don’t need to collect the balls. People come straight from work, so you don’t need any sports gear, just come as you are (flattish shoes are helpful!). You don’t have to have ever played before it’s all about just having a go.
Friday Social - The Bear in Oxshott, Surrey
Date: Friday 8th May 2015 Place: Leatherhead Road, Oxshott, Surrey (KT22 0JE) The Bear - In the Bar 7:15pm Cost: £16.50 Includes: Sharing Platters, Service & Spice Host Wind down on a Friday night and join us for a social get together at The Bear in Oxshot, just outside of Leatherhead. The Bear offers the best of both worlds with a relaxed pub atmosphere complete with log fire for those cold winter evenings alongside relaxed informal dining throughout. This is a great social event to meet up with other Spice members and if you are new to Spice don’t worry our host will introduce you to other members. We will be having some sharing platters with nibbles such as artisan breads, a selection of cold meats, mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes and cheeses.
Italian Dinner at Sopranos and Live Piano Bar
Date: Friday 8th May 2015 Place: 183 Kensington High Street, London (W8 6SH) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £27 2-courses, £33 3-courses, Includes: Optional 2 or 3 courses, Service charge, live piano & Host Extras: Drinks Sopranos have been serving Italian cuisine for over 20 years! They offer traditional Italian dishes and is a popular restaurant on Kensington High Street. Tonight you have a choice of either a two or three course menu, offering lots of tasty dishes. Then, after dinner we will go downstairs to their “Live lounge” with live piano/jazz playing from 9p.m.. This is a great way to meet up with other Spice members for a fun evening with live music.
Sailing Weekend around Malta
2 Dates: Fri 8th May 2015 - Mon 11th May & Fri 5th Jun 2015 - Mon 8th Jun 2015 Place: Valletta Harbour, Malta Cost: £364 Sharing (Deposit £75) Extras: Your flights to Malta and back Includes: cabin share aboard, diesel, life harnesses, lunch and breakfast, snacks and coffee/tea soft drinks. You MUST book your flights separately; the trip is guaranteed to run. This popular event gives you the opportunity to spend a long weekend sailing around Malta and Gozo. The Maltese people are renowned for their hospitality. The water is clear and warm. The weather is hot, predictable and mainly dry from May to September. EnCompass Sailing and yacht Delphini have been hosting Spice weekends in Malta for the past three years. There are three main islands in the archipelago. Malta, Gozo and Comino. Malta is about 73 miles around; Gozo is about one third the size and Comino is only 5 miles in circumference. This means that we can cover a lot of territory in a weekend. There are some beautiful lagoons and beaches, many of which can only be reached by boat. You join the yacht Delphini on Friday morning. She is based in Kalkara marina, Valetta harbour, which is about 15 minutes from the airport. Once everyone has arrived we have lunch aboard then set sail for one of many beautiful anchorages for a swim. In the evenings we go to a marina with showering facilities before enjoying some of the excellent food available in the many restaurants.
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Walking Weekend Eskdale Ultimate Challenge
Fri 8th May 2015 - Sun 10th May 2015 Place: The Bower House Inn, Eskdale, Cumbria (CA19 1TD) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. Cost: £169 Twin Share, £209 Single, (Deposit £35 Twin, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 evening meals, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 2 days of guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts is used The new venue for these events is going to be the delightful Bower House Inn which has a delightful setting half way up the valley overlooking Muncaster Fell. The Lakeland Challenge Walking’ event is means we will have long days in the hills walking up to 15 miles and climbing up to 5000ft of ascent each day as we tackle some of the Western Lakes legendary walks! At grade 1 this means up to 15 miles & 5,000ft ascent each day. These events are for fit and experienced hill walkers.
Chapel Down Wine Tour - Kent
Date: Saturday 9th May 2015 Place: CD Winery, Small Hythe road, Tenterden (TN30 7NG) Chapel Down Reception - Spice Sign at 10:15am Cost: £15 Includes: Guided Tour of Winery and Vineyard tastings Extras: Refreshments Today we are off to Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden, Kent which has created world class award winning white, red, sparkling and rose wines. The day will include a Tour of the Vineyard and winery, the wine making process then a tasting of a selection of award winning wines. During the tour your experienced guide will explain about the history of English Wine, the methods they use in the vineyards and the reasons for the grapes they choose to grow. The tour then continues in the Winery where you will learn about the processes behind the production of their Awardwinning still and sparkling wines. To complete the experience there will be a tasting of a selection of their award winningwines. After the tour we can stop for light refreshments/lunch (own cost) in the restaurant.
Saturday Markets Easy Cycling Tour
Date: Saturday 9th May 2015 Place: The Vaults, Montague Close, London (SE1 9DA) Outside "On your Bike" Bike Shop from 9:50am to 4pm Cost: £42 Member & bike, £23 Member own bike, Includes: guided full day bike tour and bike hire. Spice are linking up with a new biking company called Bikers Delights and today we are heading off on a big loop taking in the best Saturday sites in the East of London. We will start at Borough Market with tastes and smells from the finest food producers in the land. Then a rare treat, your chance to enjoy the city with not a suit in sight! We’ll glide round the empty streets and find out if the streets are paved with gold. Leaving the city we’ll take to the canal paths and head Broadway market with its food, fashion, crafts and buskers. Another relaxing canal ride takes us through Docklands where you can marvel at the towers above you before you descend under the Thames. Bet you didn’t even know there was a foot tunnel! Greenwich market provides a perfect balance to your day with its array of arts and crafts. We ride back along the river and cycle paths to London Bridge. Full details are on our website.
Saturday Night Comedy - Tattershall
Date: Saturday 9th May 2015 Place: Fratelli La Bufala, 35-37 Villiers Street, London (WC2N 6ND) Ask for Spice Table 6:30pm Cost: £29.50 Includes: ticket, booking fee, pizza supper and Spice host The Comedy is held on the aboard the Tattershall Castle boat, which is permanently moored at Victoria Embankment. The 130 seats regularly sell out so we are guaranteed a fun night out. Many of comedy’s greatest stars have played or started their careers here including Graham Norton, Jerry Sadowitz, Dylan Moran, Mark Thomas, Harry Hill, Michael McIntyre and Ross Noble. For this event we meet for an Italian pizza supper first so that you can socialize and have some food before we go to the comedy. Please aim to arrive at the restaurant for 6.30p.m. as we need to leave by 7.30p.m. to get to the boat for the Comedy. Our comedy Spice host will meet you at the restaurant and take everyone to the Tattershall Castle as a group.
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Tour of BBC Broadcasting House
Saturday 9th May 2015 Portland Place, London (W1A 1AA) Meet at Tours Entrance at 12:45pm £34.50 Tour and meal, £18.50 Member Tour Only Includes Guided Tour and 2 Course meal at Carluccio’s With Service charge, drinks not included What a fantastic opportunity to see what goes on behind those famous doors! Built in 1932, Broadcasting House was the UK's first ever purpose-built broadcast centre, and has recently gone through major restoration and modernisation. The entertaining and informative guides will bring to life the work the brand new, state of the art, multimedia broadcasting centre does in the heart of London. On a tour some of the things you're likely to experience include a camera's eye view via our big screen into some of the studios broadcasting to the nation, including television and radio news studios, as well as hearing about the rich history of the building and the BBC. After our tour we head to Carluccios which is just round the corner from Broadcasting House and Oxford Circus for a 2 course meal.
Spring Black Tie and Posh Frocks Party with Dinner and Disco Date: Place: Cost:
With optional 1 night at luxury Hilton Olympia Hotel
Saturday 9th May 2015 Hilton Olympia, 380 Kensington High Street, London (W14 8NL) Arrive from 7.00pm £58.50 Dinner with Wine, £48.50 Dinner no wine Includes: exclusive Spice party, 3 course meal, half a bottle of wine per person (optional) & service, Spice Host, DJ until 1.00am. Extras: Drinks Optional 1 night at hotel £129 includes twin share room, party as above with wine & breakfast (deposit £20) Optional 1 night at hotel £195 includes single room, party as above with wine & breakfast (deposit £20) Our Spice parties are always great fun and we are absolutely delighted to have secured a NEW venue for our Spring Black Tie & Posh Frocks Party & Disco. Our party will be held in the fabulous 4* The Hilton Olympia Hotel set in Kensington, a fashionable district in London and close to Kensington Olympia tube station. We will enjoy a 3 course meal (sample menu below) and then our DJ will play some fabulous tunes for us to dance the night away to! We have our private party booked until 1.00a.m. and we have secured fantastic rates if you would like to stay over. We will meet in the bar at 7pm and have a drink or two before we sit down for our 3 course meal. In view of the numbers attending we will be having a table plan and dinner will be served at tables of approximately 8 to 10 people. If you have any preferences as to who you would like to sit with please let us know and we’ll try and accommodate everybody’s requests (but no guarantees!). If you are new to Spice you are welcome to come along and join in the fun, the Spice team will be on hand to help with introductions. We have included half a bottle of wine per person (optional) in our price but there will be a full bar available for any additional drinks you wish to purchase. The dress code is flexible - we just want you dressed up smart and not in your jeans. We suggest that men wear black tie or a lounge suit, and ladies wear short or long dresses. We can offer a discounted price if you do not wish the wine included with your meal – just let us know at the time of booking.
Visit to Knebworth House and Gardens - Stevenage
Date: Saturday 9th May 2015 Place: Knebworth House, Stevenage (SG1 2AX) Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 12pm Cost: £27.50 Includes: Entrance to Knebworth House and Gardens, Hot Soup or Pie for lunch soft drink, Spice Host Every generation of the Lytton family has left something of its style and taste, making Knebworth an extraordinary walk through 500 years of British history. Stories and heirlooms reflect the family’s contribution to literature, politics and foreign service and visits by characters as diverse as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill and Noel Gallagher. Today we’ll take a selfguided tour of the house and will enjoy the gardens. We’ll also arrange to take a break for lunch at the Garden Terrace Tea Room and will enjoy a light lunch of soup with a roll or a homemade pie of the day with coffee, tea or a soft drink.
Afternoon Tea at the Goring Luxury Hotel
Date: Sunday 10th May 2015 Place: The Goring, Beeston Place, London (SW1W 0JW) The Goring Dining Room - Ask for the Spice Table 2:45pm Cost: £54 Traditional, £65 Bollinger Tea Includes: Traditional or Bollinger Afternoon Tea, Service, Spice Host The Goring is London’s Quintessentially English Luxury Hotel. For over a century it has welcomed Heads of State, Presidents, World Leaders and Royalty. The great and the good, the famous and the infamous have walked the corridors and enjoyed the sophistication and discretion of this great hotel. It is ideally located in Belgravia, adjacent to Buckingham Palace. Served in the Goring Dining Room, Afternoon Tea is an institution at The Goring. The range of teas has been sourced from all over the world, each having to meet the high expectations of the Head Chef as well as Mr Goring himself – although the favourite is still the own signature blend, the product of many years of tweaking and tasting.
Linear 8 mile Walk and Grade II Listed Ifield Water Mill Visit Sussex
Date: Sunday 10th May 2015 Place: Rusper Road Playing Fields Car Park (free) Ifield, Crawley, W Sussex (RH11 0HR) In the free car park at 10:15am Cost: £6 Includes: Guided 8 mile walk Extras: Drinks/lunch at the pub A 5 mile morning walk includes a visit to St Marys church housing the grave of play-write and Punch magazine founder Mark Lemon and we visit Old Plough Cottage where Quaker and prison reformer Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845) held 'a satisfactory reading with the people' in 1837. We then walk through woodland, farmland and countryside to The Lamb Inn, Lambs Green for lunch (at your own expense). The Lamb Inn sells local jams and pickles, eggs and pub-made frozen meals if you fancy doing a bit of shopping! If you can't decide which real ale to drink, you may like to buy a three, third of a pint glasses and try a selection. Leader: Linda Richardson 07546 465600. Please dress for the weather on the day with sturdy footwear and waterproofs and cash for your pub lunch. As a courtesy to our walk leader please let Linda know if you are not turning up on the day.
Sunday Thai Banquet at Mae Ping in Wimbledon
Date: Sunday 10th May 2015 Place: Mae Ping, 162 The Broadway, Wimbledon, Surrey (SW19 1RX) Ask for the Spice Table 1pm Cost: £22.99 Includes: Sunday A la Carte Thai Banquet, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Located centrally on The Broadway, Mae Ping provides the very best of authentic Thai cuisine in a modern Thai setting. Today we will be having their Thai A la Carte Banquet where you can choose whatever freshly prepared dishes you like from their special banquet menu. There is a great, choice of starters, soups, main courses, curries, vegetable, rice and noodle dishes. Mae Ping has floor-to-ceiling windows which look out onto Wimbledon’s bustling Broadway and the chic minimalist dining room showcases authentic Thai artefacts and luxurious silk panels. Complementing the food, the atmosphere and service are very good. Our host will be there to meet and this is a great way to meet up with other Spice members in the local area.
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down
Date: Sunday 10th May 2015 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol layby on the Portway from 1:15pm to 4:30pm Cost: £37 Bristol has the amazing Avon Gorge with the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge symbolising this great city. But it’s not just a beautiful landmark – it’s also the setting for one of our greatest and most challenging events – The Big Abseil. What a great shot for your photo album! Go ahead and impress your family and friends with this classic Spice event. You will start off by literally ‘getting to know the ropes’ and receive full instruction on the techniques needed for your descent. Your instructor will build up your confidence and calm your nerves before you progress onto the impressive 200-foot descent. Don’t forget to admire the impressive views whilst you’re up there.
Shaun and the Sheep in the City Unique Art Trail Walk and Breakfast
Date: Sunday 10th May 2015 Place: 50-51 St Martin's Lane, London (WC2N 4EA) Cote St Martin's Lane - Spice Table at 11am Cost: £18.50 with breakfast, £5 no breakfast Includes: Guided Walk to see Shaun in the City Exhibition, 1 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks This morning we will enjoy a lovely breakfast at Cote in St Martin’s Lane before walking along the eagerly awaited art trail of Shaun in the City. Aardman’s internationally-acclaimed character Shaun the Sheep will appear in this ewe-nique arts trail where over 100 giant sculptures of Shaun the Sheep created by artists, celebrities and designers will be placed in iconic locations and beautiful green spaces across London. After the summer, the flock goes to auction to raise money for sick children in hospitals across the UK. Shaun in the City is brought to you by the team that created the award-winning ‘Gromit Unleashed’ which saw Aardman’s loveable canine sidekick Gromit raise £2.3 million for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Most of the London flock is within London Underground Zone 1 and we will see how many we manage to see. Before we start the trail, we will have a delicious breakfast at Cote.
Azaleas walk in Isabella Plantation Richmond Park
Date: Sunday 10th May 2015 Place: Broomfield Card Park, Richmond Park, Surrey – meet in the car park at 10:30am Cost: £6 includes guided stroll through Isabella Plantations Today we will be taking an easy stroll for about 1.5 to 2 hours through The Isabella Plantation located in Richmond Park to see the Azaleas and Rhododendrons. It is a 40 acre woodland garden set within a Victorian woodland plantation planted in the 1830's. First opened to the public in 1953, it is best known for its evergreen azaleas, which line the ponds and streams and at their peak of flower in late April and early May. Located in the gardens are the National Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaelas (introduced to the west from Japan in the 1920's by the plant collector Ernest Wilson), large collections of Rhododendrons and Camellias, plus many other rare and unusual trees and shrubs which provide interest all year round.
Ain't Nothin But The Blues and Supper
Date: Monday 11th May 2015 Place: 34 Kingly Street, London (W1B 5QH) The Clachan - Ask for the Spice Table 6:30pm Cost: £20 Includes: 1 Course Meal, Service, Live Blues Music, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues is a lively blues bar which is popular with Spice members so we are heading there for a Monday evening for a blues night out. We’ll start our evening with a supper at The Clachan in Kingley Street. Build in 1898 this lovely Victorian pub retains many original features, including rich wood carvings and structural ironwork. Here we’ll have a one course meal with many classic pub dishes on the menu such as Sausages and mash, Gammon And Egg, Chicken Tika Curry and Scampi and Chips to name a few. After this, we’ll head off to the Ain’t Nothing But the Blues Bar for the Monday Blues Jam Session which starts at 8.00pm.
Safari Games and Quiz Night
Date: Tuesday 12th May 2015 Place: Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, London (EC4Y 1AA) upstairs function room at 7pm, games start at 7:30pm Cost: £12 includes organised games and quiz evening and sharing platters of food This is a fun Games and Quiz night to add to our social evenings which are so popular in the group. There is an added ‘Safari Twist’ to the evening which means that you work in teams but change teams with every round. It sounds complicated but it’s not. It's a riot and you'll love it! Why not come along and have some fun with our quiz rounds, ice breaking games, puzzles and loads of trivia. Although you are in teams you, as an individual will accumulate scores throughout the evening and of course points make prizes. A light sharing platters type supper will be served during the evening and of course the bar will be open. If you have done this event with us then we have lots of new trivia and games for you!
Spice Dines Argentinian Buenos Aires in Maidstone
Date: Wednesday 13th May 2015 Place: 63 High Street, Maidstone, Kent (ME14 1SR) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £27.99 Includes: Three Course set Menu with Beer or soft drink, Service Charge & Host Extras: Additional Drinks This dinner and social is aimed at anyone in this area to get together for a relaxing social evening. The evening is open to new and long-standing members alike and our host will be there to meet you on arrival. We are dining at Buenos Aires a great Argentine Steakhouse where they serve great beef and steak dishes (vegetarian option available). We will be having a three course dinner from a set menu which also includes a bottle of beer or soft drink. See the sample seasonal menu on our website.
Meet and Eat at The WireMill at Lingfield near East Grinstead
Date: Thursday 14th May 2015 Place: Wiremill, Wire Mill Lane, North Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6HJ as for Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Extras any food or drink Join us in the East Grinstead area tonight for a Meet and Eat social at The Wiremill Country Pub which is situated by a lovely th lake. Here we will be able to enjoy a pub supper whilst relaxing in this tranquil country location. The pub was formally a 15 Century Mill and has just been refurbished retaining its old world charm. They offer a wide selection of dishes with most of the ingredients sourced locally. The pub is situated on the Surrey, Sussex and Kent border so a great way to meet some other Spice members in the local area. A Spice host will be there to meet you and on the night you just pay for your drinks, food and service charge for your chosen dishes.
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Theatre - Gypsy
Wednesday 13th May 2015 Savoy Theatre, The Strand, London (WC2R 0ET) Entrance to foyer - Spice sign at 7pm £48 Dress Circle Includes: discounted ticket in Dress Circle, booking fee and Spice host Public Price £67.50 We meet at 7.00pm. at the entrance to the theatre foyer before we go for a pre-show drink at the bar. If you have not arrived by 7.10p.m your ticket will be left at the box office for you to collect. Sorry there can be no refunds on tickets unless we are able to re-sell your ticket Don't miss Imelda Staunton in Gypsy, one of the greatest ever Broadway musicals, as it transfers to the West End following its sell-out, rapturously acclaimed five-star run at Chichester Festival Theatre. Based on the true life memoirs of legendary burlesque entertainer, Gypsy Rose Lee, it tells the tale of Momma Rose and her two daughters, Baby June and Louise, trekking across America in their family vaudeville act. But times are changing, audiences are expecting more, and the two girls have their own ambitions in mind. The rise of burlesque is upon them, and nothing will ever be the same again for Momma Rose. Featuring the classic songs "Let Me Entertain You," "Rose's Turn" and "Everything's Coming Up Roses" with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents and music by Jule Styne, this moving and "scintillating" (The Times) production of Gypsy is the first to be seen in London for 40 years.
Benjamin Franklin House at Night - 'Candle Lit' Architectural Tour
Date: Friday 15th May 2015 Place: Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, London (WC2N 5NF) Outside Main Entrance at 6:45pm Cost: £22.50 Includes: Ticket to Candle Lit Architectural Tour, Booking Fee, 1 Course Meal, Service, Host Extras: Drinks Benjamin Franklin House at 36 Craven Street in the heart of London is a heritage 'gem.' The world's only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin was opened to the public for the first time on 17 January 2006, Ben Franklin's 300th birthday, as a dynamic museum and educational facility certainly worth a visit. After our tour we’ll head off to the Ship and Shovel, a Hall and Woodhouse Pub, unusual in that it is situated on two sides of the street with the cellar linking the two sides below. Here we’ll enjoy a 1 course meal.
Cycling Weekend - Bath
Date: Fri 15th May 2015 - Sun 17th May 2015 Place: Limpley Stoke, Lower Limpley, Stoke Bath (BA2 7FZ) Arrive from 4.00pm. Cost: £180 Twin, £230 Single, £265 single & Bike (Deposit £35 Twin, £40 Single, £40 single & Bike) Includes two nights hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 1 evening meal (3 courses) On Saturday, 2 days fully guided cycling. Bike Hire available 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 cycle ways 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.
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Drawing and Watercolour Weekend
Fri 15th May 2015 - Sun 17th May 2015 Lluest Fach, Foel, Mid Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00pm. Supper 8.30pm. £147 Sharing, (Deposit £30 Sharing) Includes: 2 nights B&B, Friday buffet supper, 2 buffet lunches, 4 course evening meal and all instruction) Extras: Transport to location starts if 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. Please see our web site for more information.
Spice Dines Rock and Rose - Richmond
Date: Friday 15th May 2015 Place: 106-108 Kew Road, Richmond (TW9 2PQ) Rock and Rose - Ask for the Spice Table 6pm Cost: £40 Member 3 Course Meal, £42 Guest 3 Course Meal, £37 Member 2 Course Meal, £39 Guest 2 Course Meal Includes: 2 or 3 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we’re off to a rather unique restaurant, the Rock & Rose in Richmond. The strapline of the glitzy Richmond eatery Rock & Rose is 'food, passion and glamour' - and as soon as you walk in the door, you can see why. There is lots of candelabras and chandeliers, glass and silver, blacks and pinks (including a wonderful pink sofa) and brashness galore. In fact, the décor is as much a talking point as the fare. The menu (in flamboyant pink and black type) has many choices and quite a few signature dishes. Tonight we’ll be having a 2 or 3 course meal.
Dinner Shuffle at Positano Guildford
Date: Saturday 16th May 2015 Place: Positano, 124 High Street, Tunsgate, Guildford (GU1 3HQ) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £32.50 Includes: 3 Course Shuffle Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks The first thing you’ll notice when entering Positano Ristorante Italiano, is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. You’re among friends here and will be able to enjoy the best traditional Italian dishes while sipping on a glass of Italian wine. The attractively decorated dining rooms are steeped in history and provide a superb backdrop for memorable meals. Your Spice host will be on hand to help with the introductions and to add some fun to the evening we will organise a shuffle. The shuffle means that we will move you round the table after each course so that you can mix with more Spice members and socialise with ease! We’ll be having a three course meal and a sample menu is below. There’s certainly something to tempt everyone and a dinner shuffle is a great way to meet and get to know other Spice members in the area.
Royal Parks and Thames Bridges Walk - Paddington to St Paul's
Date: Saturday 16th May 2015 Place: Paddington Station at The Mad Bishop & Bear Pub, London (W2 1HB) Outside the pub at 10:30am Cost: £6 Includes: guided walk Extras: Optional £2.30 Oyster charge to cross Blackfriars Railway Station Bridge This is an invigorating walk through three of London’s Royal Parks, a section of the Thames Path and two of the newest bridges in London. The route includes Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park. In the parks we catch sight of The Bomber Command Memorial and The Queen Victoria Memorial. Upon reaching the Thames the theme turns to bridges where we view the site of the proposed Garden Bridge, cross a railway station bridge and finally the former wobbly bridge. The walk is 5 miles long and ends at St Paul’s Cathedral. Your guide for today is Martin and his mobile is 07768 451425
Lunch, Museum & Rochester Castle in Kent
Date: Saturday 16th May 2015 Place: Guildhall, 17 High Street, Rochester, Kent (ME1 1PY) Outside Guildhall - Spice Sign at 11am Cost: £33.50 Includes: Two course lunch, service charge, Entrance Rochester Castle and Guildhall and Spice Host Extras: Drinks. Join us for a lovely day out in the historic city of Rochester in Kent. We will meet at Rochester Guildhall where we explore the museum then go for a two course lunch at Elizabeth’s of Eastgate then take a self guided tour around Rochester Castle. The Guildhall was built in 1687 and is one of, if not, the finest 17th century civic buildings in Kent. It houses a fascinating history as you follow a time line through the eras by visual displays and sound effects. The centerpiece of which is a three-tier gallery recreating a prison in the Napoleonic period. There are also several galleries dedicated to Charles Dickens. After the museum we will make our way to Elizabeth’s restaurant where they offer traditional cuisine and we will be having two courses from a seasonal menu, see sample menu below. Following lunch we will take the few minutes walk to Rochester Castle where we will take a self guided tour of the castle and go back in time to 1090 when the castle was built by the Bishop of Rochester. After the tour you may want to explore the rest of the city such as the cathedral or shops or adjourn for a well deserved drink at a local hostelry.
MoonWalk London - Spice Team Steward
Date: Saturday 16th May 2015 Place: Clapham Common, London (SW4) Volunteer Entrance at MoonWalk City 6pm to 11:59pm Join Spice and Volunteer as a Team member to help ensure that the people walking in the marathon achieve their goal of completing the walk. (Please note that we are acting as volunteers/stewards and not taking part in the walk itself. Volunteering with Walk the Walk is one of the most fun, rewarding and unusual things you could ever do. As a volunteer, you will be giving up a few hours of your time to make a real difference. What better way to spend a night than having fun with other Spice members and helping raise money for a worthy cause. You will be helping thousands of walkers to achieve their goals and make it possible to raise millions of pounds to help fight breast cancer. The MoonWalk attracts 15,000 participants and raises money for Walk the Walk, a breast cancer charity that makes grants available to support medical research but one that also funds emotional and physical care to those who already have cancer. If you would like to Volunteer as part of a Spice Team, please register on the Spice Website and we will ensure you are registered with Walk the Walk. More information about this Charity Event can be found on www.walkthewalk.org.
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Spice Dines Sicilian at Olivelli in The Cut
Saturday 16th May 2015 Olivelli, 61 The Cut, London (SE1 8LL) Spice Table at 7:30pm £26 Includes: Two course menu, main course and dessert, service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Olivelli a traditional Italian and Sicilian Restaurant on The Cut near Waterloo. Included is a two course supper with a choice of Pasta, Salad, Risotto or Pizza followed by a delicious Italian dessert. All their dishes are prepared daily from fresh ingredients and cooked in the traditional way for great taste. This is a very popular restaurant as they have a great reputation for good authentic Italian and Sicilian cuisine. The desserts are yummy. Please do not arrive before 19.30 as their theatre guests need to finish for us to take our table.
Spice U40 Roller Disco Party, Vauxhall
Date: Saturday 16th May 2015 Place: Renaissance Rooms, off Miles St, Arch 8 (SW8 1RB) Wheatsheaf Pub, 126 South Lambeth Rd at 7:45pm Cost: £17.50 Includes: Roller Disco Entry, Skate Hire, Booking Fee, Spice Host Come on all you Spice members, this is your chance to get on your spandex and leg warmers for one of the most friendly and fun-packed adult-only nights in London!! Tonight we’re off to Roller Disco with its trendy music, visually kitsch-cool atmosphere and retro appeal. Complete with the best seventies hits, funky house music and rare soul grooves, the two skating arenas keeps the fun rolling: Arena 1 plays classic disco and funk and Arena 2 plays house and eclectic “skate adventure". It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro skater, an absolute beginner, or simply looking to put a different spin on a good time. Should you happen to tire at any point in the evening, there are four fully licensed bars and indoor and outdoor seating areas! So come on, what’s stopping you getting those ‘wheels in motion’!? Be sure to book early before the places become full!!
Alice's Adventures Underground - An Immersive Theatre Experience
Date: Sunday 17th May 2015 Place: The Vaults, Leake Street, London (SE1 7NN) Main Entrance at 4:15pm Cost: £53.50 Includes: Entrance ticket Fee, 1 Course Meal, Service, Host Extras: Drinks In the Vaults deep underneath Waterloo Station discover Wonderland in all its nonsensical glory. Journey down the rabbit hole to gorge on cakes that will have you bumping your head on the ceiling, smoke a pipe with the Caterpillar as he tells you his psychedelic tale and take tea with the maddest of Hatters; all whilst trying to avoid losing your head at the hands of the fearsome Red Queen. “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to…” Make your choice and find yourself at the centre of the story as you wander through Wonderland, piecing together the puzzle to search for Alice who's been lost in the looking glass. Experience immersion like never before in this interactive, puppetry-packed, fusion of story-telling, music, circus and spectacle. After our experience we’ll be heading off to All Bar One in Waterloo where we can enjoy a meal together and socialise in true Spice style.
Improvers Digital Photography Workshop
Date: Sunday 17th May 2015 Place: EAT Cafe, The Southbank, Belvedere Road, London (SE1 8XX) Inside EAT Café from 10:45am to 3pm Cost: £45 Includes: Photography Tutored Workshop by Professional Photographer This workshop is for anyone who has a basic knowledge of their camera and wants to improve their knowledge and skills in using either a compact, Bridge Camera or DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex). You will be looking and experimenting with different settings and functions, f numbers (depth of field), correct exposures, subject composition and getting a better understanding of your camera in manual mode. There is plenty of photo subject matter along the Southbank, so you can gain experience of different subject compositions such as reflections, still life, portraits, riverscapes and architecture.
Sail on the Tall Ship Mercedes along the Thames
Date: Sunday 17th May 2015 Place: Visitor Centre, Southend Pier, Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex (SS1 1EE) Meet: Visitor Information Centre at Entrance of Southern Pier at 2pm Cost: £52 Includes: 3 Hour sail, Southern Pier Entrance,Drink and snack aboard The Mercedes, Spice Host Join us for a fabulous three hour sail on the Tall ship Mercedes from Southend in Essex. We will meet at 14.00 at Southend Pier Visitor Information Centre then make our way onto Southend Pier where you will get the chance to take photos of the Tall Ship Mercedes in Port. Then we will make our way on board the ship for our sail time of 15.00. Don’t be late or you will literally miss the boat! We will sail along the Thames Estuary. The inauguration of the Tall sailing ship Mercedes was in May 2005 and she is one of the youngest ships in the international fleet of tall ships. She has two masts and has an impressive square rigging with 900 m² of total sail area. Speed under sail is 16 knots. She is 50 metres long and has beautiful lines with a comfortable deck, bar and lounge area. Included during our sail is a drink and snack. We will return back to Southend Pier at 18.00. This is a rare experience to Sail on a Tall Ship and spaces are limited, so book early to reserve your space.
Guided Walk - River Beane, Bramfield and Watton at Stone, Herts
Date: Sunday 17th May 2015 Place: Watton at Stone Railway Station, Herts (SG14 3SH) Outside station at 11am Cost: £6 Includes: guided 9 mile walks Extras: Cash for drinks/food at the pub Join us today on this Spice walk taking in the lovely Hertfordshire countryside. This is a new walk for us and there is a good mixture of open fields, farmland and woods and the walk also takes us along the River Beane. Quiet lanes are followed to Watton Church on this 9 mile walk. We use field paths to cross the A119 to pass through the grounds of Woodhall Park and meet the River Beane. Your guide for this walk is Ian (mobile 0741 1858337) please text if you are not turning up on the day.
Reigate Pub Social and Meal New Gurkha Kitchen
Date: Monday 18th May 2015 Place: Market Stores, 2 High Street, Reigate, Surrey (RH2 9AY) In the bar at 7:30pm Cost: £19 - 2 course meal Includes: 2 course meal, service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Meet at Market Stores pub in the bar for a drink and chat before we head to the Gurkha Kitchen for some supper. Your Spice host will meet you in the bar from 7.30p.m. to 8.00p.m. and we will go as a group to the restaurant. This social is aimed at anyone in this area to get together for a relaxing social evening. The evening is open to new and long-standing members alike We are only staying at the pub till 8.00p.m. before going to the Gurkha’s Kitchen for a 2 course Monday Special Nepalese meal.
Royal Women and Power Dressing - Kensington Palace
Date: Monday 18th May 2015 Place: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London (W8 4PX) Queens Entrance to Kensington Palace Time: 6:45pm to 8:30pm Cost: £22 Includes: Royal Women and Power Dressing Talk, Copy of Photography Book, Drinks Reception and Spice host Join us for another great evening at Kensington Palace for a talk on Royal Women and Power Dressing. Historic Royal Palaces' Curators Eleri Lynn and Deirdre Murphy will talk about the history of royal power dressing and how modern royal women continue using fashion as a diplomatic tool to symbolise status, power and national identity. From the starched ruffs and iron corsets of Elizabeth I to the intricate lace bridal gown of the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, royal fashion has always been more than just an expression of personal taste. This after-hours event starts with a drinks reception and includes entry to the ‘Fashion Rules’ exhibition, and a copy of the new photography book about modern royal dress.
Marco Pierre White Dining - City of London
Date: Tuesday 19th May 2015 Place: East India Hse, 109-117 Middlesex Street (E1 7JF) Ask for the Spice Table 7pm Cost: £38 Includes: Champagne Cocktail, 3 Course Dinner, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Additional Drinks Dine out at Marco Pierre Whites Steak and Alehouse in the City just off Bishopsgate. Start off with a Champagne cocktail then enjoy a mouth-watering three course meal. This traditional Steakhouse with stylish cocktail bar in the heart of the square mile serves the finest quality steaks as well as grilled meat and fish dishes and classic desserts. See Sample seasonal menu on our website.
Heroes and Villain’s Pub Walk
Date: Wednesday 20th May 2015 Place: Marble Arch Tube Station, London (W1C 1LX) At Exit 3 - Spice sign from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Cost: £12 Includes: 2 hour guided tour with a pub stop along the route Sort the heroic from the horrific on this new walk from City of Westminster Guide Joanna Moncrieff. This arch to arch walk (Marble to Wellington) includes James Bond, Bomber Command and the Duke of Wellington to name just a few. There are murders a plenty, a couple of scandals for good measure but we will hear about some real heroes too. As with most of Joanna's walks this walk includes a halfway half hour pub stop in a suitably historic inn and finishes in another one where food will be available. Joanna's mobile is 07790 292 444 - Please ring on the day if you are lost or not turning up.
Meet and Eat at The George and Dragon in Sevenoaks, Kent
Date: Thursday 21st May 2015 Place: George and Dragon, 39 High Street, Chipstead, Severnoaks, Kent (TN13 2RW) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £2 Includes: Pay on the day for food, drink and service charge The George and Dragon pub in Chipstead near Sevenoaks has a reputation for good food offering lots of Pub classics and th seasonal dishes. This is a lovely village pub which dates back to the 16 Century with a log fire and period beamed features. If you are local to this area please support your local events and come along and meet some of the other members. This is a cheap and cheerful evening where you choose and pay for what dish you want on the night. Our Spice host for the evening will be there to welcome you on arrival and will sort out the food order. We have booked a Spice table. If you look for the Spice sign you should be able to link up with the group.
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Sailing Cross Channel Gosport - Cherbourg Peninsula
Thursday 21st May 2015 - Monday 25th May 2015 Haslar Marina, Gosport (PO12 1NU) Arrive for 8.00pm. on Friday £399 Cabin Share Includes cabin share on board accommodation, diesel, wet weather gear, life harnesses, Breakfasts, lunches, snacks and teas/coffees. Extras: share of mooring fees and evening meals taken ashore. Balance is due 8 weeks prior On this cruise we plan to take advantage of the longer Bank Holiday weekend to venture southwards towards Cherbourg and the Channel Islands. This is a good time of year to cross the Channel because the weather is often good and we have the advantage of long hours of daylight. Sailing across the Channel and making a ‘foreign’ landfall is a special and memorable experience. Your skipper is an experienced Yachtmaster who is used to tailoring the event to provide the experience you are looking for – to relax and chat over hot drinks and biscuits in the cockpit; enjoying being afloat and the nautical life; or sailing and navigating the boat. We ensure that you have opportunities to helm, hoist and trim sails, pilot the boat in and out of harbour and assist in the many and varied tasks that arise in a vessel under sail.
Ten Pin Bowling - Chelmsford
Date: Thursday 21st May 2015 Place: Tenpin Chelmsford, Tattersall Way, Widford Ind Est, Chelmsford (CM1 3UB) Main Entrance - Spice Sign 7:15pm Cost: £15.50 Includes: 2 Games of Bowling, Shoe Hire, Booking Fee and Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Ten Pin bowling is a great game that anyone can play so why not come along and join in the fun! Chelmsford Tenpin, is a very popular venue and has pool tables, arcade games and licensed bar. There are plenty of lanes with a computerised scoring system and automatic pin setting equipment. This is a social evening and a great way to meet up with some local Spice members. It doesn’t matter if you have never played before you will soon get the hang of it. We will have two games and enjoy a few drinks at the bar.
Fizzy Friday Night Social - Minster Exchange - The City
Date: Friday 22nd May 2015 Place: Minster Pavement, Mincing Lane, London (EC3R 7PP) Minster Exchange - Reserved Area in the Bar 6:30pm Cost: £22.50 Member Supper & Bubbly, £24.50 Guest Supper & Bubbly Extras: Drinks Come on down to the Minster Exchange which is located in the heart of the City just off Mincing Lane. The venue looks fabulous and worth a visit for a Spice social. With a vibrant and striking interior it is a very popular venue on Friday nights so early bookings are best for this one. Tonight we have a reserved area in bar which gives us the perfect opportunity to meet new Spice members and catch up with old ones. Our Spice Host for this evening will be there to welcome you and help with the introductions, so don’t be shy about coming on your own. Our price includes a glass of bubbly and a share of some delicious platters of food.
Friday Social - Pizza Express and Tickled Ivory Piano Bar
Date: Friday 22nd May 2015 Place: Pizza Express Guildford, 237-241 High Street, Guildford (GU1 3BJ) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £18.50 Includes: 1 Course Pizza or Pasta Meal, Service, Live Music and Spice Host Wind down on a Friday night and join us for a meal at Pizza Express and then some drinks at the Tickled Ivory Piano Bar in Guildford. This is one of the most atmospheric music venues in the country with live music and dancing on Friday nights. We’ll start the evening by meeting at Pizza Express and having a meal together and will then take a stroll to the Piano Bar for the live music which starts at 10.00pm. This is a great social event to meet up with other Spice members and our Spice host will be on hand to help with introductions and encourage you on to the dance floor. It’s a great way to round off the week and start the weekend!
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Secret Ridges of Wales Bank Holiday Walking Weekend
Fri 22nd May 2015 - Mon 25th May 2015 Lluest Fach Farm, Mid Wales. (SY21 0YB) From 6.00pm Friday £172, (Deposit £34) Includes: includes Friday evening supper, three nights B&B, packed lunches 4 course evening dinner party and Mountain Leader guided walks The trouble with ridge walking in Wales on a Bank Holiday weekend is the throng of other walkers doing the same. This break is designed to escape the crowds and tackle some of the spectacular, but lesser known routes. Your guide for these walks is Barry Smith, a qualified mountain leader who has been living in the area and walking these hills for over twenty five years. All the ridges involved are wide and far from scary so you can concentrate on the views rather than the drops. On Saturday, after a traditional cooked breakfast, we plan to tackle two of the highest peaks in Southern Snowdonia, Aran Fawddwy and its sister summit Aran Benllyn. We’ll be approaching the peaks from a little used route to the east which will take us by the impressive waterfall, Pystyll Gwyn. The walk is about 10 miles in length with spectacular views over to the coast and some of the more well-known peaks of North Wales to the North.
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Walking Weekend Harrogate and Dales
Fri 22nd May 2015 - Mon 25th May 2015 The Kimberley Hotel, 4 star, Harrogate, Yorkshire (HG1 5JY) Arrive from 2.00pm. Meal at 8.00p.m. £249 Twin Share, £309 Single, (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £60 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 guided walks Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Get to know the beautiful spa town of Harrogate as well as Pateley Bridge, Nidderdale and Knaresborough’s gorge through super, safe and sociable walking over a long Bank Holiday weekend! Situated in the UK’s most popular spa town of Harrogate this event is sure to raise admiring eyebrows and we hope this is going to prove a favourite area for many years to come. This new-to-WalkWise hotel combines the historic and luxurious 4 star Kimberley boutique hotel with some of the best walking the Dales has to offer. We will gain a valuable insight into this remarkable area with contrasting walks which explore a charming variety of natural and man-made habitats. We will intersperse picturesque villages with pretty parkland and open moorland, woodlands and valleys, panoramic open vista, shining rivers and dry stone walls to produce a pure Dales’ tapestry. Accommodation: The Kimberley hotel is one of Harrogate’s hidden gems and just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. This impressive four star hotel is right in the heart of the beautiful spa town of Harrogate.
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Walking Weekend Ireland the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Fri 22nd May 2015 - Tue 26th May 2015 The White's Hotel, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. £325 Twin, £405 Single, (Deposit £80 Twin, £95 Single) Includes: 4 nights’ accommodation, 4 evening meals, 3 picnic lunches, 3 guided walks led by professional guides. with a choice of two walks daily, a harder and easier option to suit your needs Extras: Flights & transfers, Local transport; Approx. Euro 15 per person per walking day payable locally. Walkwise Overview: There have been requests from many walkers for WalkWise to return to Ireland and we wanted to do something new and exciting so we have chosen the amazing County Clare on the beautiful wild-west coast of Ireland. This area is rightly famous for three things: The Cliffs of Moher – a 5 mile section of sheer cliffs rising some 750 feet from the sea; the Burren – actually western Europe’s largest karstic limestone area! We shall stay in a 3 star White’s Hotel in Lisdoonvarna where all our needs will be fully met. Our holiday will begin early with a sailing from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire where we will be transferred by coach to our destination in Clare. Clare’s charm comes from the friendly local pubs, excellent traditional music, laid back locals and EXCELLENT walking. Beautiful Walking: From our base in Lisdoonvarna, we are minutes away from the Cliffs of Moher. Cliffs of Moher Day: Our intention is to make the very most of our time there to take in the whole experience. We will make sure to visit the state-of-the-art Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, take a visit to O’Brien’s Tower
Walking Weekend North Devon Coastal Treat
Date: Fri 22nd May 2015 - Mon 25th May 2015 Place: Valley of the Rocks Hotel, Lynton, North Devon (EX35 6HS) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 7.00pm. Cost: £225 Twin Share, £285 Single, (Deposit £45 Twin Share, £55 Single, £55 Guest Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 evening meals & 3 days of guided walks with a choice of 2 guided walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. £20 Sea View supplement if required WalkWise Overview: This year we will treat ourselves with everyday being a perfect ‘coastal and clotted cream’ day! The North Devon coastal region around Lynton and Porlock offers an undisturbed tranquillity and timeless charm that is so hard to find! These areas each offer something unique, with tremendous seascapes and plunging cliffs to one side and on the other, stunning heather moorland and deep cut river valleys that typify the Exmoor National Park. Our hotel, called the Valley of the Rocks, nestles high up on lively Lynton’s west cliff and its nearby country pub is also a very handy attraction. Lynton is an ideal base to explore the North Devon Coast and this unique and varied terrain provide the perfect options for all levels and ability of walkers. Accommodation: The Valley of the Rocks Hotel is ideally situated within the lovely cliff top village of Lynton abundant in Victorian architecture, arts and crafts shops and quaint tea rooms. Your stay here is intended be comfortable and clean replete with hearty three course meals and amazing views of the dramatic coastline.
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Walking Weekend The Welsh 3000's
Friday 22nd May 2015 Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis (LL55 4TY) Arrive from 4.00p.m. Meal is at 8.00p.m. £249 Twin Share, £309 Single Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 days of guided walking An Ultimate Mountain Challenge completing all 15 Welsh 3000’s from Llanberis Snowdonia. Staying in the ideally situated 3 star Quality Snowdon hotel at the foot of Snowdon itself we aim to tackle all 15 famous summits of the Welsh Mountains. This is some of the best high level walking in the country, taking in the three mountain ranges of the Carneddau, the Glyders and Snowdon massif itself. The beauty of doing this walking over 3 days is that all summits can be achieved during daylight so we get all the views and we get a great hotel to base our challenge from! The WalkWise Walking Programme: This is the crème de la crème of mountain ridge walking in Wales you must have a serious ‘head for heights’. It shows you all 15 precious 3000-foot mountains and at the same time does them all justice. They have been walked in 24 hours but that would involve walking some of them in the dark. Total distance 29 Miles total ascent 14, 160ft. Accommodation: We stay in the Legacy Royal Victoria hotel, a three star quality hotel on the outskirts of the village. The centre is a delightful large Victorian building with a commanding position overlooking Lyn Padarn.
Woolacombe Coastal Photography Weekend
Date: Fri 22nd May 2015 - Sun 24th May 2015 Place: Royal Hotel, Woolacombe, North Devon. (EX34 7AB) Arrive from 3.00p.m. Cost: £189 Member Twin Share, £229 Member Single (Deposit £40 Member Twin Share, £45 Member Single) This is the perfect weekend to escape and experience the delights of the North Devon coastal landscape with your camera. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Woolacombe is a lively village famed for its surfing, with pubs, shops and has a fantastic award winning beach that is frequently cited as being in the top 5 UK beaches. This weekend is designed to give beginners or those looking to get more from their digital camera the confidence to use your camera to its full potential. Through motivating, practical sessions you’ll learn more about your camera and various techniques to capture the magnificent coastline and the intimate landscape within. Accommodation: Our accommodation is the Royal Hotel, surrounded by National Trust land and overlooking Woolacombe Bay and commands spectacular panoramic views over this three-mile sweep of sandy beach. Photography: The trip is open to all Photographers; however it is particularly designed for those just starting out with their digital SLR camera or those wanting to improve their skills with their SLR or compact camera. We will make the most of the numerous photographic opportunities that the North Devon coast has to offer. Full itinerary on our website.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2015 Place: One Aldwych Hotel, London (WC2B 4BZ) The Lobby Bar - Ask for the Spice Table at 2:45pm Cost: £45 Member, £47 Guest, £57 Member + Bubbly/Cocktail, £59 Guest + Bubbly/Cocktail Includes: Afternoon Tea with option of a glass of champagne or a cocktail Charlie, Service, Spice Host Today we’re going along to One Aldwych for an afternoon tea with a difference. Inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the tea is both magical and scrumdiddlyumptious. From decadent golden eggs to blueberry brioche and playful flavoured candy floss, every item reflects the wit and wonder of Roald Dahl's classic tale. Teatime treats are presented with a selection of award-winning loose leaf teas and infusions from Covent Garden's Tea Palace, each of which has been chosen to complement the delicate flavours from the kitchen. There is also the option to include a cocktail Charlie, (Dalmore whisky mixed with Grand Marnier Cherry, chocolate bitters, grapefruit juice and cherry syrup topped with champagne), or a glass of Lallier Grande Réserve Champagne.
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Chelsea Flower Show Day Ticket - London
Saturday 23rd May 2015 Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London (SW3 4SL) Show Entrance by ticket Gate- Spice Sign from 9am to 5:30pm £69 Includes: Saturday Day Ticket, Booking fee, Morning Coffee or Tea and cake & Host Extras: Food and Drink We are not able to refund unless we are able to re-sell your ticket. Please arrive promptly at 9.00am as there is no facility to leave a ticket if you are late. Join Spice for a fabulous day out at the Chelsea Flower Show. The world-famous garden will feature gardens created by some of the world’s best garden designers. There’s an awe-inspiring selection of plants from UK and international growers in the Great Pavilion, the very best in gardening products, captivating designs for small spaces, spectacular floristry displays and much more. A catwalk of colour and creativity, the brightest new ideas, the latest trends and the pinnacle of garden design make this show the one the world wants to see. Make sure you're there to enjoy gardening at its most gorgeous and glamorous. An added bonus is on Saturday is Plant sell off day, so if you are looking to purchase some plants for your garden you could pick up some bargains!! We will start the morning with either a Coffee, Tea or soft drink and cake which is included in the event.
Soho Vice - Tasty Tales from London's Red Light District
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2015 Place: Newport Place at the Leicester Square end of Chinatown (WC2H) At the Chinese Pagoda - Spice Sign at 2pm Cost: £12 Includes: 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour Find out about Gamblers and gangsters, pimps and prostitutes, pushers and pornographers on this new walk with Barrie Greene. This walk grew from the responses gained whenever other walks touched on stories about the seedy side of Soho. We only had to mention the Kray twins or talk about prostitution and we could sense an appetite for more and boy there is so much more! Our research has opened up a history of Soho’s underworld that could fill three walks let alone this one. We will tell you about the cocaine craze of the roaring twenties, hear about the wildness of war torn London and obviously the various gangsters that spread fear whenever their names were mentioned. Not forgetting the rise of the striptease clubs and the porn shops as well as police corruption over the years. But let’s not reveal everything. Join us as we cover nearly 100 years of Soho sleaze on this 2 hour walk. After our walk we’ll head off to a local pub for a drink and a bite to eat (optional and payable on the day).
British Tapas at Number 23 in St Albans
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2015 Place: Number 23, 23a George Street, St Albans (AL3 4ES) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £24.50 Includes: Sharing Tapas dishes, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Number 23 is a British Tapas Restaurant where you can enjoy delicious, unique, high quality food, in a relaxed and friendly environment. A family run business, it's in a building with amazing character, dating back to the 1500's. You will find them tucked away at the end of a medieval courtyard on historic George Street, in the heart of St Albans. The menu caters for every taste and occasion... from the delicate taste sensations to the hearty homemade, we're sure there’ll be loads of dishes you'll love. Tonight we’ll be enjoying a sharing tapas menu so that everyone gets a taste of all the delicious flavours on offer.
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Eltham Palace and Gardens in Greenwich
Sunday 24th May 2015 Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich (SE9 5QE) At Main Entrance - Spice Sign at 11am £15 Includes: Entry to Eltham Palace and Gardens and Spice Host Extras: Refreshments Join us for a great day out at Eltham Palace and Gardens and immerse yourself in 1930s Art Deco decadence of one of the most enchanting visitor attractions in London. Built by the wealthy Courtauld family next to the remains of Eltham Palace, childhood home of Henry VIII, it’s among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture of 1930’s glamour. We will visit the magnificent house where you can see the stunning entrance hall, the paneled dining room, luxurious gold leaf and onyx bathroom, sumptuous bedrooms and the magnificent medieval Great Hall, which are just some of the highlights of this palace. Later in the day we can stroll around the large formal and informal gardens which were also designed in the 1930’s and include a rock garden sloping down to the moat and a medieval bridge. During the day we will stop for refreshments at the Tea rooms.
Friday Street Walk, Surrey
Date: Sunday 24th May 2015 Place: Starveall Corner, Leith Hill Road, Dorking, Surrey (RH5 6LU) Directions are on website 10:30am Cost: £6 Includes: guided 7 mile walk Extras: drinks/lunch if required Our 7 mile walk today is through Surrey's finest woodland, taking about 4.5 hours including a lunch stop. From the meet point we head towards Leith Hill Tower, which at 314m (1029 ft) is the highest point in South East England. From here the panoramic views are stunning, stretching from the Coast and into central London. We continue along the Greensands Way through peaceful woodland towards Wotton, crossing the Tilling Bourne and passing a small waterfall. We walk into the grounds of Wotton House and onto Friday Street, Surrey's smallest, prettiest and most remote hamlet. A lunch stop at the Stephen Langton pub is planned, but cannot be guaranteed so please bring some sandwiches or snacks. After lunch it is a short woodland walk beside a small brook before we arrive back at the car park with an option to relax and again enjoy the view from Leith Hill.
Guided Walk - In the Footsteps of Churchill
Date: Sunday 24th May 2015 Place: Chartwell House, Westerham, Kent (TN16 1PS) Car Park - front of restaurant 10:30am Cost: £6 Includes: guided walk Extras: Drinks/lunch - Bring Picnic lunch or snacks and drink This 6 mile circular walk follows in Churchill’s footsteps linking Chartwell with Emmetts gardens. The walk is a varied mix of woodland, open meadows and great views across the Sussex Weald including Toys Hill, Weardale Manor, Hosepy Common and the pretty hamlet of French Street. The walk has some moderately hilly sections so you should bring some sturdy footwear. We will stop for lunch at one of several great viewpoints so please bring along a picnic lunch or snacks and a drink. We will aim to be back at Chartwell in time to enjoy refreshments at Chartwell restaurant and to visit the adjoining National Trust shop. If you wish to do so you can also explore the house, grounds and visit Churchill’s painting studio. The entrance fee for the house, grounds and studio is £13.80 (this is optional and so entrance fees are not included in the price of this event).
String Quartet, Opera Matinee and Lunch at Sarastro
Date: Sunday 24th May 2015 Place: 126 Drury Lane, London (WC2B 5QG) Ask for Spice table 1:30pm Cost: £42.50 Includes: 3 Course Meal, Service, Live music and opera, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Sarastro, named for a character in Mozart’s Magic Flute is known as ‘the show after the show’. The restaurant in Drury Lane is a rich tapestry of flamboyant artwork, gilt furniture and wall mounted opera boxes, which provide a spectacular view of the interior. On Sunday lunchtimes Sarastro really comes into its own with magical live performances by a string quartet and opera singers. Today we’ll indulge in a delicious three course set menu whilst being entertained by singers not just from London's Opera Houses but from all over the world too. They perform some of the most popular arias that are instantly recognisable and loved by us all.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, Tour & Lunch
Date: Sunday 24th May 2015 Place: New Globe Walk, Bankside, London (SE1 9DT) At the wall opposite entrance 11am Cost: £29.99 Extras: Drinks Includes: Guided tour, Entrance to the exhibition, 1 Course Lunch, Spice Host This is a fabulous opportunity to visit the Globe whilst it is not being used for performances and to see behind the scenes. We are setting off on a tour of this wonderful theatre where our guide will be able to show us round and give us information on the background of the theatre and its history. We will then visit the Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition - Imagine the Globe as it would have been: the centre of what was once London's most notorious entertainment district, surrounded by raucous taverns and bawdy-houses.
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Theatre - Memphis The Musical
Wednesday 27th May 2015 Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Ave (WC2H 8DP) At entrance to the foyer - Spice sign 7pm £42.50 Royal Circle Includes: discounted ticket, booking fee and Spice host Public price £62.50 Sorry we cannot refund on tickets unless we can resell your Ticket. We meet for a pre-show drink in the bar before going to our seats Royal Circle Row F & G Direct from its smash hit Broadway run and a triumphant 55-city North American tour, the multi award-winning musical MEMPHIS is set to be London’s hottest new destination! In the underground nightclubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, the soul of a new era is dawning as the first incredible sounds of rock ‘n’ roll, blues and gospel are emerging into the mainstream. Falling in love with a beautiful club singer, one young man’s vision to bring her voice and her music out of the clubs and onto the airwaves of America will fly in the face of cultural divides and spark a music revolution that will shake the world.
Croydon Italian Wine Tasting - Italy Explored
Date: Thursday 28th May 2015 Place: 417 Brighton Road, Croydon, Surrey (CR2 6EU) Inside Laithwaites shop 6:50pm to 9:15pm Cost: £20 Includes: Wine Tasting with Laithwaites Tutors and Spice Host As you travel the length and breadth of Italy the variety of unique wines available is astounding. At this tasting we aim to demystify the often complex and baffling regional differences of both grape variety and wine style Italy has to offer. This is a great way to learn more about wine and discover which varieties you like. No prior wine knowledge is required. The session lasts around 2 hours with the opportunity to speak to the experts after the tasting and of course you can look around the Laithwaites wine shop to purchase wines on the night. The wine tasting session starts at 7.00pm prompt.
Friday Social - National Portrait Gallery
Date: Friday 29th May 2015 Place: St Martins Place, Trafalgar Square, Lond (WC2N 5DN) National Gallery Cafe Bar - Spice Area 6:45pm Cost: £19.99 Includes: Entry, Complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink, sharing platters and Spice Host This is a Friday night out with a difference as we are meeting at the National Gallery Cafe and Bar for a drink and sharing platters then visiting the Portrait Gallery next Door. Please meet in the National Gallery Cafe/Bar where we will start the evening at 18.45 in the bar with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. After the food if you wish you can take a wander into the Portrait Gallery next door as the Gallery is open until 21.00 on a Friday and has over 195,000 portraits. After the Gallery you can come back to the National Gallery bar next door which is open until 11pm. The National Gallery Bar is a delightful Hemmingway style venue where you can easily chat in a relaxed atmosphere and catch up with other members.
Polish Dining at Ognisko Restaurant - South Kensington
Date: Saturday 30th May 2015 Place: 55 Prince's Gate, Exhibition Road, London (SW7 2PN) Ognisko Restaurant - Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £38 Includes: 3 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks In the heart of South Kensington is Ognisko restaurant specialising in dishes of eastern and central Europe with an emphasis on Polish cuisine. This beautiful converted town house was once a Polish private members club and it has now been transformed into a glorious grand open restaurant with a terrace. From the minute you walk through giant (almost secret) black door you are transported in a world of grandeur, class and elegance. Crisp white walls and a spiralling staircase dominate as well as cornices and columns. The food is fresh, with a heavy dose of Polish nationalism leavened by ideas from across its borders – so expect anything from flaki (hangover-busting tripe soup), pelmeni dumplings and Jewish-style herring to confit goose leg with fruity fig sauce or calf’s liver with Polish black pudding and apple mash.
Guided Climb Up and Over the O2 & Lunch
Date: Saturday 30th May 2015 Place: The O2, Peninsula Square, London (SE10 0DX) Base Camp at the O2 - Spice Sign 11:45am Cost: £55 Climb & Lunch, £39 Climb Only Extras: Drinks Included: 90 Minute Guided Climb, 1 Course Meal, Service, Host Get ready for a breathtaking new attraction, combining 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 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 The Slug and Lettuce for lunch where there are many choices on the menu. This is an adventure you can’t afford to miss! Please read the notes on our website as there are some height/weight restrictions and important notes that you need to be aware of.
Medieval Banquet, London
Date: Saturday 30th May 2015 Place: Ivory House, St Katharines Dock (E1W 1BP) Meet at entrance 7:15pm to 11:30pm Cost: £48.50 This is a very popular night out in London to which we have not been for a while so here is an opportunity for a Saturday night evening with a difference. This is a unique experience as there is no other evening of this kind in London so why not book yourself a place and treat yourself to a great night out. Our banquet takes place in the beautiful and historic St Katharine Docks alongside the River Thames and just a two minute walk from Tower Bridge and The Tower of London. Join Henry VIII and his court of knights, troubadours, contortionists, magicians, jugglers, minstrels and medieval tumblers at this most royal of banquets and enjoy a four course feast with ale and wine brought to your table throughout the meal by our dancing wenches.
View from the Olympic Park Helter Skelter
Date: Saturday 30th May 2015 Place: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford (E20 2SS) ArcelorMittal Orbit - Main Entrance at 11:45am Cost: £32.50 Ticket and Lunch, £17.50 Ticket only Includes: Entry to Helter Skelter, Main Course, Service, Stroll, Spice Host Extras: Drinks SEE LONDON DIFFERENTLY! The ArcelorMittal Orbit: a giant sculpture that swirls and swoops and delivers you to views of the familiar made unfamiliar, of the right way up inverted. You’d need six Angels of the North to reach The ArcelorMittal Orbit’s height. It’s a new kind of spectacle for people who think they’ve seen it all; it’ll make you look twice and think again. Take in a totally new perspective of London with views of up to 20 miles into the city and over the parklands, waterways and world-class sporting venues of London’s newest Park, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. After we’ve taken in the views and descended, we’ll have lunch in East Twenty Bar and Kitchen and look at the beautifully landscaped Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park while socialising in this relaxed environment. After lunch we’ll then take a stroll through the park enjoying the meadows and pleasure gardens which boast various creative spaces.
Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience
Date: Sunday 31st May 2015 Place: Amba Hotel Charing Cross, The Strand, London (WC2N 5HX) The Torquay Suite - Spice Sign 6pm Cost: £56 Includes: 3 course meal, booking fee, Spice host Extras: Drinks If you ever enjoyed the hilarious sitcom Fawlty Towers, brainchild of John Cleese and Connie Booth, this dining experience is a brilliant way to recapture the fun while enjoying a three course meal. You’ll be seated and served by Sybil and Basil Faulty and Manuel, all played by first-class actors who capture everyone’s favourite character with startling accuracy, immersing you completely in an atmosphere of chaos and fun. Branded a ‘rip-roaringly hilarious night out’ by This Is London, you’ll find it impossible not to laugh as Basil, Sybil and Manuel mingle with the guests, causing havoc every step of the way. Expect all the best gags in a show that’s two thirds improvised. Just don’t mention the war! When you arrive we will meet in the main reception of the Hotel at 6.00pm where we can get a drink before being shown to our table. We will be seated and served a three course meal by Basil & Sybil Faulty and Manuel. You’ll feel well and truly transported to the mayhem of TV’s Fawlty Towers Hotel so book yourself a place.
Cycling for Fun - Royal London Bike Tour
Date: Sunday 31st May 2015 Place: Queensway Tube Station, London (W2 4SS) Look for Fat Tire Sign & guide at 10:45am Cost: £20 Includes bike hire and Fat Tire Bike Tours guide Why not join us on a bike tour with Fat Tire Bike Tours? This is a leisurely-paced way to see London like you’ve never seen it before! With an informative and entertaining guide, this will be a fun day out. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and goes ahead, rain or shine. The tours maximize the bike paths and cycle lanes through the Royal Parks so there is very little street biking. Highlights of the tour include: Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Kensington Gardens. This is not a fast paced tour and really quite leisurely with plenty stops to hear from your guide about the various tourist attractions along the route.
VA Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition and Afternoon Tea
Date: Sunday 31st May 2015 Place: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London (SW7 2RL) Exhibition Entry - Spice Sign at 1:45pm Cost: £47.50 Ticket & Tea, £21 Ticket only Includes: Entrance to Exhibition, Afternoon Tea (optional), Service, Spice Host Come and have an enjoyable afternoon viewing the new V&A's exhibition, ' Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’ followed by afternoon tea at the luxury four-star Rembrandt Hotel. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is the first and largest retrospective of the late designer’s work to be presented in Europe and the exhibition will showcase McQueen’s visionary body of work. Spanning his 1992 MA graduate collection to his unfinished A/W 2010 collection, McQueen’s designs will be presented with the dramatic staging and sense of spectacle synonymous with his runway shows. After Spice members have had sufficient time to view the exhibition, we will the head across the road to enjoy afternoon tea at the Rembrant Hotel.
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Horse Riding Beginners & Intermediates Woking 2 separate events
Sunday 31st May 2015 Higher Park Farm, Halebourne Lane,Surrey (GU24 8SL) Chobham Equestrian Centre 10:50am to 12:30pm £35 Includes: 1.5 hour session, 30 minutes stable management and 1 hour riding lesson Intermediates 11:45am to 1:30pm £35 Includes: 1.5 hour session, 30 minutes stable management and 1 hour riding lesson This is a horse riding lesson organised for Spice at the friendly riding stables in Woking. You need to arrive promptly to get sorted out with hats and horses. If you are not sure how to mount a horse, never mind ride it, then this riding lesson and stable management session is for you! The lesson is split into two sections, 30 minutes stable management and 1 hour riding lesson. Please see our web site for more information.
Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf in Surrey
Date: Sunday 31st May 2015 Place: World of Golf at Beverley Park, Beverley Way, New Malden, Surrey (KT3 4PH) Main Entrance 2pm Cost: £18 Member Includes: Mini Golf Game, Coffee/Tea, Spice Host Join us today for 18 holes of fabulous Adventure Golf. We’re off to Jurassic Encounter Mini Golf which has 9 near life-sized dinosaurs that roar and move. Beautifully landscaped, it gives players the chance to putt past cascading waterfalls, over island greens, through prehistoric caves and even meet some Jurassic friends from the past! All designed and built by one of the world’s best adventure golf designers with Jurassic themed landscaping based all around the course, it takes you on a journey that you won’t forget! After our game, we’ll head off to Costa Coffee for a coffee, tea or soft drink. It’s a lovely way to get out and just have some fun with other Spice members in the area. Date: Place: Cost:
Theatre - The Book of Mormon
Wednesday 3rd June 2015 Prince of Wales Theatre, 31 Coventry Street, London (W1D 6AS) Entrance to foyer - Spice sign 7pm £58 Includes: Discounted Ticket in excellent seats in the Stalls row D & E, booking fee & Spice Host. Meet your Spice host at the entrance to the foyer as we go to the bar for a pre-show drink before going to our seats. If you have not arrived by 7.10p.m. your ticket will be at the box office for collection. Sorry we cannot give refunds on tickets unless we can resell your slot. Public Price £75 Nine Tony Awards say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, "It's the funniest musical of all time." And The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of this century." The Book of Mormon tells the story of two earnest young Mormon missionaries, Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham. Dispatched to a small town in Uganda to spread the word of the Latter Day Saints, they’re walloped by culture shock and end up in a showdown with a tyrannical warlord. The duo are forced to confront their own beliefs before they can win the day, not to mention facing off with famine, poverty and AIDS. It may not sound like the stuff of uproarious comedy, but in the hands of spectacularly snarky South Parkers Parker and Stone, that’s exactly what it is.
Secrets of the Southbank with Ian Jelf
Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2015 Place: 110 Westminster Bridge Rd, London (SE1 7XG) Outside Lambeth North Underground from 2pm to 4pm Cost: £15 Includes: 2 hour tour with Ian Jelf The South Bank has really become famous and well-visited in the last few years but there are still some parts of it which are secret and off the beaten track and this is the walk to find out just where! Pottery, stone, sheep and even funerals all get a look in and we’ll be getting some of the best views of the Thames and “iconic London” from time to time as well. We begin outside Lambeth North station and finish nearby a couple of hours later where we can head off for some drinks and perhaps some supper in a nearby pub.
Latin Krazy Salsa Dancing and Tapas Supper
Date: Thursday 4th June 2015 Place: Bar Salsa, 96 Charing Cross Road, London (WC2H 0JG) In the Bar - Spice sign at 7pm Cost: £24.50 Includes: dance class, sharing/tapas meal and Spice Host Extras: Drinks We’re hitting Bar Salsa, which is London’s Hottest Latin Nightspot and restaurant based in the heart of Soho. Apart from the Mexican style food an added bonus for the evening is the live music and dancing till 2.00a.m. There are Salsa dance lessons for beginners as well as intermediates, which starts at 7.30p.m. till 8.30p.m. and this is included in the cost of the event. For our meal we will be having a sharing tapas meal. You must locate the Spice Co-Ordinator in the bar as you need to collect your dance ticket. This is a fun evening with great music to Salsa the night away.
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Take That Live at the O2 Arena London
Thursday 4th June 2015 The O2, Peninsula Square (SE10 0DX) Main Entrance Further details will be emailed 6pm £79.50 Includes a ticket in Level 4, booking fee and Spice host. We will meet before the show for a pre-show drink before going to our seats. We meet at the main entrance – Spice sign – further details will be emailed. Sorry there can be no refunds on tickets unless we can re-sell your ticket. Take That, the UK’s most successful live act ever, have confirmed they are heading back on the road in 2015, four years since the band's last record-breaking tour Progress Live. Mark Owen, Gary Barlow and Howard Donald will be performing at The O2 and we’ve been fortunate enough to secure a small number of tickets. Special Guest for the duration of the tour will be rising star Ella Henderson who recently celebrated both her debut single, ‘Ghost’ and her first album, 'Chapter One', reaching the No.1 spot in the UK Charts. It’s a fantastic evening out, so why not book yourself a ticket.
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Sea Kayaking with the Seals
Fri 5th Jun 2015 - Sun 7th Jun 2015 Pembrokeshire, South Wales (SA62 5HN) From 5pm Friday evening £279 Sharing, £42 Extra Sunday Night (Deposit £55) 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.
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Walking Weekend Arundel West Sussex and Downs
Fri 5th Jun 2015 - Sun 7th Jun 2015 Norfolk Arms Hotel in Arundel, West Sussex (BN18 9AB) Arrive from 4.00p.m Meal 8.00pm. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and a choice of 2 guided walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Walkwise Overview: West Sussex is simply a stunning area of outstanding natural beauty, filled with history, wildlife, picturesque villages, enchanting country pubs, rolling countryside and meandering river valleys, all of ensure your walks are beautiful varied, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. Further, numerous trails and paths crisscross the beautiful countryside allowing everyone easy access to what is now Britain’s newest National Park. Our two walking days are planned to provide contrasting scenery and a variety of countryside. The Norfolk Arms hotel is well placed right on the High Street in the centre of Arundel. It simply oozes a wealth of history and heritage. It is a charming Georgian Coaching Inn, built over 200 years ago by the 10th Duke of Norfolk, but today it also provides for the modern traveller, with en suite bedrooms.
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Epsom Derby Festival Race Day and After Party and 1 Night Hotel
Sat 6th Jun 2015 - Sun 7th Jun 2015 Hilton Cobham, Seven Hills Road South, Cobham (KT11 1EW) Arrive at hotel for 11am (final details by email) £179 Twin Share, £210 Single, (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: Grandstand entrance ticket to Epsom Derby, 1 night Luxury Hotel Accommodation, Evening Meal, Drink at Hotel bar (beer/wine, soft drink), Transfer to Epsom Derby from hotel (return), Full English Breakfast on Sunday, Use of leisure facilities at hotel This is an exciting social weekend including the Epsom Festival Race Day and a luxury overnight stay at the lovely Hilton Cobham Hotel situated in the heart of Surrey and just a 20 minute drive from Epsom Racecourse. On Saturday We leave the hotel to make our way to Epsom Racecourse in time of the start of the racing. The transfer to and from Epsom Racecourse is included in our price. The Epsom Derby Festival Race Day is Britain’s Biggest Day out featuring the World’s greatest flat race. It remains the race that everyone wants to win, as horses and riders push themselves to the limit around the unique and challenging course. With approximately 30 minutes between each race, the afternoon is pitched at the perfect tempo, so you can relax and mingle with other Spice members, place a bet on your favourite horses and sample the top class sporting action. There is an after party after the races, which is always a great end to the day. On Sunday after a Full English breakfast (included in the price) we have arranged an optional visit to Painshill Park which is close by. Painshill Park has something for everyone: discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, trees and shrubs and some of Surrey’s amazing wildlife. We can stroll through the grounds, round the Serpentine Lake and visit the tea room. Alternatively you can make use of the leisure facilities at the hotel before heading off home.
Epsom Derby Festival Race Day and After Party and 2 Nights Hotel
Date: Fri 5th Jun 2015 - Sun 7th Jun 2015 Place: Hilton Cobham Seven Hills Road South, Cobham (KT11 1EW) Check In From 3.00pm on Friday Cost: £220 Twin Share, £270 Single (Deposit £40 Twin Share, £50 Single) Includes 2 nights accom with 2 breakfasts. Why not join us for the Friday night and make a weekend of it. Please see the event description above for Saturday & Sunday. We will get together on Friday evening for a meal and a drink (not included) with other Spice members and your Spice host.
Epsom Derby Festival Day and After Party
Date: Saturday 6th June 2015 Place: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom (KT18 5LQ) Outside Main Pavilion Entrance at 11:30am Cost: £49 Includes: Entrance to Grandstand Investec Derby Day, Booking Fee, Spice Host Extras: Food and Drinks We meet the Spice members staying for the weekend at the race course for 11:30am, see Saturdays event description above.
Spice Dines Indian - Cafe Jeera in Harpenden
Date: Saturday 6th June 2015 Place: Cafe Jeera, 36 Station Road, Harpenden (AL5 4ST) Ask for the Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £26.50 Includes: 2 Course meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we’re off to Cafe Jeera in Harpenden for a fabulous social evening with other Spice members. Café Jeera offers a sophisticated dining experience for those who are seeking to explore and discover the full potential of Indian fine dining, and they have an excellent choice of Indian and Bangladeshi food which is always appetisingly and creatively presented to woo the palate. We’ll be having a 2 course meal with sharing starters and a choice of mains, and we’ll enjoy the cuisine while catching up with other Spice members in the area.
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Polo in the Park at Hurlingham Park
Saturday 6th June 2015 Hurlingham Road, Fulham, London (SW6 3NL) from 11:45am to 8pm £44 Includes: General Admission ticket, booking fee & Spice Host. Please arrive on time so that we can go in as a group. There can be no refunds on tickets unless we are able to re-sell your ticket. What a quintessentially posh day out! We are going to see the Polo at Hurlingham Park – a huge green park next to the very exclusive Hurlingham Club, located in the centre of London!! “MINT Polo in the Park” is a 3 day celebration of international polo, attended by the cream of the world’s professional polo talent! Competing for the Trophy will be 8 global city teams, each made up of 3 players, including teams from London, New York, Paris, Buenos Aires, Moscow, Geneva, Sydney and Durban. We are going on the Saturday so there’s bound to be lots of excitement as hooves thunder down the pitch and polo sticks clash! For lunch we will be able to choose from a range of options in the large Food Court area (not included). In addition to the Polo, there will also be various displays, on pitch entertainment.
Saturday Spanish Tapas & Flamenco Music
Date: Saturday 6th June 2015 Place: Meson Don Felipe, 53 The Cut, London (SE1 8LF) Meson Don Felipe Spice Table 7:30pm Cost: £19.99 Includes: Selection of Tapas to Share, Service Charge and Spice host Extras: Drinks Join us for a night at a traditional Spanish Tapas Bar in the heart of London. Meson Don Felipe, just a short walk from Waterloo station is an authentic Spanish Tapas Bar like you might find in Madrid or Seville. It offers a selection of wines, beers and delicious Tapas. Included in the evening is a sharing selection of different Tapas such as Potato Tortilla, Prawns in garlic, Salad, stuffed Aubergines, chorizo, paella, toasted bread with tomato, meatballs and vegetarian options. In the evenings from around 20.30 they have a live Flamenco guitarist playing which gives a traditional Spanish atmosphere to the evening. This is a great night to meet other Spice members and socialise over a glass of Rioja or two!
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Tour of Household Cavalry Museum & Lunch
Saturday 6th June 2015 Horseguards, Whitehall, London (SW1A 2AX) Main Museum Entrance ticket office at 10:45am £24 Includes: Self-guided Tour of Household Cavalry Museum and stables, one Course Lunch, Service Charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Today we have a self-guided Tour of The Household Cavalry Museum and Stables followed by a traditional Pub Lunch. Before our tour we will watch the changing of the Cavalry Guard which takes place at 11.00am on a Saturday morning in Horseguards Parade. The Museum collection opened by the Queen in 2007 represents over 350 years of military history and reflects the unique ceremonial and operational role of the Regiment. The museum gallery provides an introduction to the dual role of today's Household Cavalry regiments and traces their origins and historical development. You will have the opportunity to see from the viewing areas the working stable block of The Queen's Life Guard and see behind the scenes of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment's daily contribution to public and State ceremonial duties.
Cycling Day & River Wandle Tour
Date: Sunday 7th June 2015 Place: Wandsworth Train Station, London (SW18 1SU) Outside - Spice sign from 10am to 4pm Cost: £24.99 with own bike, We will be meandering along the banks of what used to be ‘Britain’s hardest working river’. Where we will cycle past historic water mills, through green parks, and local nature reserves. Then we will leave the river for quiet country roads through the North Downs, before reaching Denbies Wine Estate for a tour and taste of their finest work. The River Wandle stretches from its source in Carshalton to the Thames in Wandsworth. We cycle all 14 miles along the river bank, past a few of the water mills that remain from its industrial heyday. The path winds along the river, over bridges, through local parks and nature reserves. You can enjoy the local flora and fauna along this typical chalk stream. Reaching the river’s source we pick up a National Cycle route and head into the North Downs. Beautiful countryside will pass you by before stopping for a well-earned pub lunch. Full details can be found on our website.
Greenwich to Canary Wharf & Floating Lunch
Date: Sunday 7th June 2015 Place: Greenwich Maritime Cutty Sark DLR Statio (SE10 9SW) Exit Cutty Sark DLR at 11am Cost: £33 Includes: Guided walk and Three Course Lunch, service charge Extras: Drinks Join us for a lovely walk from Greenwich to Canary Wharf stopping for a delicious three course lunch on the floating Chinese Restaurant “The Lotus”. We will start our walk at the Cutty Sark DLR station and make our way through the Greenwich Maritime Gardens and across Greenwich Park to the Greenwich Observatory to take in the magnificent view across London. We will then make our way back to the Cutty Sark on the bank of the Thames and take the Victorian footpath built in 1902 that runs beneath the River Thames from Greenwich to Mudchute.
Notting Hill, Hippies, Scandals and Riots
Date: Sunday 7th June 2015 Place: Ladbroke Grove Tube Station, Notting Hill (W10 6HJ) At the tube exit - Spice Sign at 2pm Cost: £12 Includes: 2 Hour Guided Walk and booking fee This lovely tour has a number of interwoven themes that come together to form the incredible history of this area since the nd end of the 2 World War. Firstly Barrie your guide will tell you the story of the West Indians who settled here over the years starting in the 1950's. You'll hear about the major issues that affected them such as prejudice, slum landlords, police brutality and riots. Then you'll hear how the most famous political scandal of the twentieth century "shot" to fame in Notting Hill! And why the main protagonists in this, still talked about saga, came to the area in search of the good times - and discovered they weren't so good!
Cook Your Own Curry Preem and Prithi
Date: Monday 8th June 2015 Place: Preem & Prithi, 124 Brick Lane, London (E1 6SE) Meet Inside at 7pm Cost: £32 Includes: Tuition and recipes, 2 course meal & 2 drinks Extras: Additional drinks We have found a wonderful Indian Restaurant in Brick Lane who host Cook Your Own Curry Nights! Curry being a very popular dish amongst Spice members we thought you might like to learn how to cook a real curry and then enjoy tasting the results. You need to arrive promptly for 7.00p.m as at 7.15p.m. the first stage of your cooking will begin. You will learn how to make a tasty Indian starter and a main course dish of curry. In between testing your cooking skills you will of course be eating the tasty dishes you have created. Included in the price of the evening is your meal, poppadoms and 2 complimentary drinks. There are only 8 slots per evening so you need to book your slot real quick!
Jazz and Prosecco at Piano Smithfield
Date: Tuesday 9th June 2015 Place: 14 Long Lane, London (EC1A 9PN) Ask for Spice Table 6:30pm Cost: £12 Includes: jazz entertainment, glass of prosecco (or wine alternative) booking fee and Spice host Piano Smithfield is set in the heart of the City of London and with exciting live performers, freshly created cocktails and a great choice of fine wines and champagnes we thought it was time for Spice to sample the delights. There is live music this evening from 6.30 through to 11.30p.m. We have booked a table for Spice and have included your first drink either Prosecco or a glass of wine. (Please note there is not any food at this venue). This venue is quoted as being ‘one of the best nights out in London’ by the Evening Standard so early bookings are advised.
Scandinavian Supper at the Nordic Bar near Fitzrovia
Date: Wednesday 10th June 2015 Place: Nordic Bar, 25 Newman Street, London (W1T 1PN) Ask for the Spice table 7pm Cost: £16 Includes: Nordic supper dish, service charge and Spice host Tonight we are heading to the Nordic Bar near Soho, a stone’s throw from Oxford Street which offers delicious food sourced directly from Scandinavia. This rustic style bar offers a range of Scandinavian beers, vodkas and cocktails from all five of the Nordic countries. We will be having supper from their Nordic menu where they use traditional recipes with classic dishes such as the famous Swedish Meatballs with mashed potatoes, pan fried potatoes with bacon and sausage topped with a fried egg, Nordic battered Cod with fries, Swedish hot dog topped with mash or if not so daring go for the Nordic Beef or Chicken Burger or Nordic Salmon Nicoise salad. This is somewhere a little bit different to the norm!
Can You Break The Code
Date: Thursday 11th June 2015 Place: Embankment Tube Station - exit (WC2N 6NS) Meet at exit going towards The Strand at 6:30pm Cost: £5 Includes: organised code breaking event with Spice host Extras: drinks at the pub This is a cheap and fun evening out for all those who like treasure hunts & solving clues. Following the path of a popular film the team at Spice London have devised our very own Spice Code Breaking evening. You will have clues to solve, codes to break and anagrams to puzzle over. Can you & your team follow the trail to get to the Spice Grail? This is a fun and friendly way to spend a couple of hours whilst having some fresh air and exercise. There will be a prize at the end for the winning team and no doubt we will head to the pub afterwards.
Birds of Prey Weekend
Date: Fri 12th Jun 2015 - Sun 14th Jun 2015 Place: Lluest Fach, Foel, Mid-Wales (SY21 0PB) Arrive from 6.00pm Buffet Supper at 8.30 Cost: £215 Sharing, (Deposit £43) Includes: Friday evening supper, 2 nights B&B, lunches & 4 course Evening meal Birds of prey can be admired at a distance and enjoyed at open air displays, but if you’ve ever wondered how great it would be to get really close to these birds, now's your chance. You’ll discover more about them, and experience them up close and personal on this unique birds of prey and falconry weekend. You will be part of a small group spending time in the heart of the beautiful Welsh countryside, learning all about raptors and everything involved in the keeping and flying of these amazing birds. During the weekend you will be guided through the world of falconry, and trained in the handling of birds of prey, getting the chance to fly owls and buzzards from your own gloved hand! You will also gain an insight into the history of falconry, which came over to the British Isles in around 860 AD, and discover why it is still enjoyed around the world today. Over the weekend, the experienced falconers will take you out into the countryside where you will handle and free fly a Harris Hawk. As you ‘walk’ the birds through the beautiful Welsh countryside, you will have the thrill of sharing the grace and mobility of these fabulous creatures as they soar through their natural environment.
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Fly Fishing Weekend
Fri 12th Jun 2015 - Sun 14th Jun 2015 Lluest Fach Farm and Valley Dam Fishery (SY21 0YB) From 6.00pm on Friday £202 Sharing, (Deposit £40) 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 for supper. This weekend is aimed at the complete beginner and is suitable for anyone interested in taking their first steps into fly fishing as all equipment and licences are included. Your tuition takes place at the private Valley Dam Fishery; in the heart of the beautiful Mid Wales countryside
Friday Night at London Zoo
Date: Friday 12th June 2015 Place: Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London (NW1 4RY) Main Entrance by Boris Bikes – Sign at 6:30pm Cost: £22 Includes: Entrance ticket, booking fee and Spice Host This is a unique opportunity to enjoy an evening stroll through London Zoo after hours. London Zoo are opening their doors on Friday evenings just for the summer months and we have managed to secure some tickets. You have the amazing opportunity to spend a summer evening with some of the world’s most incredible animals. There are 750 species of animals at London Zoo so this is a brilliant opportunity to immerse yourself in the animal kingdom. Comfy shoes are a must for this event! It is a party night at the zoo so there will be Pimms, Mojitos and Champagne to buy at the various drink outlets. You can grab a bite to eat at the street food festival or indulge at the seafood bar.
Spice Dines Thai in Hitchin - Sukawatee
Date: Friday 12th June 2015 Place: 80 Hermitage Road, Hitchin, Herts (SG5 1DB) Ask for the Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £28.50 Includes: Two Couse Dinner, service charge & Spice Host Extras: Drinks Join Spice tonight as we head off to Sukawatee in Hitchin for a Thai and Malaysian Meal. Sukawatee’s restaurant offers a large menu range, with high quality fresh food to suit everyone. Here, we’ll be having a delicious, aromatic 2 course meal with a great selection of appetisers such as chicken satay, vegetable spring rolls, prawn on toast and fish cakes. For mains we’ll feast on dishes like chicken green curry, crispy beef, mango chicken and pork aubergine. Vegetarian options include stir fried vegetables with tofu, and deep fried tofu amongst others. This relaxed, social evening provides the perfect opportunity to meet up with other Spice members in your area and try out some unique and delicious cuisine!
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Walking Weekend Norfolk Coast and Broads
Fri 12th Jun 2015 - Sun 14th Jun 2015 Comfort Hotel, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Norfolk (NR30 3JH) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. £159 Twin Share, £199 Single, (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 days of guided walks with a choice of 2 walks each day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Norfolk has always been high on the WalkWise wish list with recent visits to Kings Lynn and Cromer. It is our plan to walk through some of the finest scenery in Norfolk, namely the Broads and the Coast. The Norfolk Broads is a unique national park famed for its quiet waterways and stunning nature reserves. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not just accessible by boat, and much of it is networked by a maze of peaceful footpaths. This will allow us to walk alongside the broads before reaching the coast where we will visit some traditional seaside towns, cross golden beaches and seek out the hidden wildlife as we trek back to Great Yarmouth! Accommodation: Ideally located within a one-minute walk from Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile promenade, the Comfort Hotel at Great Yarmouth is a superb base for a leisure break by the seaside. The hotel has a lovely Below Decks Restaurant where the restaurant staff will take great pride in serving you a tempting choice of local and international cuisine that will set you up for your walking weekend and there is a wine list that compliments a variety of tastes.
Opera - La Traviata - Royal Opera House
Date: Saturday 13th June 2015 Place: Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London (WC2E 9DD) Ticket Office, by revolving door Bow Street 6:30pm Cost: £48 Includes: Amphitheatre ticket for Opera, booking fee and Spice Host Treat yourself to an excellent night out to the Opera at the Royal Opera House! We have managed to secure tickets for the Opera “La Traviata”. We are expecting demand to be high for this special night out and have a limited amount of tickets, so early bookings are recommended.
Behind the Scenes at Royal Opera House
Date: Saturday 13th June 2015 Place: Bow Street, Covent Garden, London (WC2E 9DD) Cloakroom adjacent to Box Office at 11:15am Cost: £39 with Lunch, £18.50 Tour only Includes tour, host & 3 course lunch service charge, Tour only option available Here is a chance to see behind the scenes at the Royal Opera House. Have you ever wondered where they store all those huge sets? Where do the dancers train? How are the costumes made? We will be visiting the backstage and the front areas of one of the world’s leading theatres as it prepares to open its doors for the evening performance. The tour includes an introduction to the colourful history of the theatre, an insight into the recent re-development of the Royal Opera House and a look at aspects of current productions. After our tour is finished we will head off for a 3 course lunch.
Fire Eating & Breathing Workshop
Date: Saturday 13th June 2015 Place: 138 Chertsey Rd, Twickenham (TW1 1EW) Meet: All Hallows Parish Church Hall from 11am to 4pm £49 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. Full details on what to bring are on our website at www.spicelondon.co.uk. Although no-one has been injured on this event there are potential dangers and hazards associated with this event. There will be a special disclaimer to sign on the day.
Saturday Night Comedy - Tattershall
Date: Saturday 13th June 2015 Place: Fratelli La Bufala, 35-37 Villiers Street, London (WC2N 6ND) Ask for Spice Table at 6:30pm Cost: £29.50 Includes: ticket, booking fee, pizza supper and Spice host The Comedy is held on the aboard the Tattershall Castle boat, which is permanently moored at Victoria Embankment. The 130 seats regularly sell out so we are guaranteed a fun night out. Many of comedy’s greatest stars have played or started their careers here including Graham Norton, Jerry Sadowitz, Dylan Moran, Mark Thomas, Harry Hill, Michael McIntyre and Ross Noble. For this event we meet for an Italian pizza supper first so that you can socialize and have some food before we go to the comedy. Please aim to arrive at the restaurant for 6.30p.m. as we need to leave by 7.30p.m. to get to the boat for the Comedy. Our comedy Spice host will meet you at the restaurant and take everyone to the Tattershall Castle as a group.
Monopoly Hunt Day with Ian Jelf
Date: Saturday 13th June 2015 Place: Slug & Lettuce, Lisle Street, London (WC2H 7BG) Meet inside at Spice tables from 11:15am to 4:30pm Cost: £29 Includes: organised day with Ian Jelf, sharing platters of food at end of day & prizes We’re enjoying a full day touring London thanks to a professional guide BUT you’ll have to get around yourselves (well in small teams, anyway!). Ian Jelf has concocted a fascinating London Treasure Hunt based on the classic “Monopoly” Game. We have done this event before and it was a great hit so why not join in the fun. With a series of clues to find and a prize to be won, this is how the day works. We meet and have a coffee whilst you are being sorted out into teams of 3 – 5 people. Ian will explain what you have to do and then you set off to find as many clues in the classic “Monopoly” locations as possible. Later, at a predetermined time, you return to our meeting point for a bite to eat, the results and – most important – prize giving.
Thai Terrace Dining in Guildford
Date: Saturday 13th June 2015 Place: Thai Terrace Restaurant, Sydenham Road, Guildford, Surrey (GU1 3RW) At Spice Table 6:30pm Cost: £36.50 Includes choice of starter & main dish from extensive menu shared rice & noodles host & service charge If you love Guildford and wish to take in the extensive views of its urban landscape over some exotic Thai food then book this meal! The Thai Terrace, is a stylish little place on Sydenham Road which is at the top of the Castle Car Park. The sudden contrast as you climb the concrete car park stair case to find this lovely restaurant at the top, makes you think you are somewhere special. There is a lovely terrace/lounge bar where we will have a drink before dinner and meet our fellow Spice members. The menu is crammed full of wonderful dishes so why not treat yourself to a lovely meal out! We are having a 2 course meal where you choose a starter and a main course. We will then order a number of rice, noodles and vegetables dishes which we will share amongst us, which will give us more choice.
Toff's Tour of Harrow School, Middlesex
Date: Saturday 13th June 2015 Place: Bill Yard, High Street, Harrow on the Hi (HA1 3HP) Bill Yard in front of Old Schools from 1:30pm to 3:30pm Cost: £17 Includes: Tour of Harrow School, Glass of Wine/Beer or Soft Drink, Spice Host Walk the halls of the ‘Giants of Old’ at this unique academic institution. Harrow School was founded in 1572 under the Royal Charter granted by Elizabeth I to John Lyon, a local farmer. His new School House was completed in 1615 and his School, beginning with one recorded pupil, settled into its gradual, if not uninterrupted, growth towards fame. Set in 260 acres of North-West London, pupils have come from all over the world, and there is no 'typical Harrovian'. A favourite School Song celebrates the fact that "the range of Harrow" is a broad one: "Welcome poet and statesman too..." A list of famous Old Harrovians might indeed name many statesmen, poets and writers. In our guided tour today, we will see some or all of the following buildings. After our tour, we’ll take a walk to a local pub and will enjoy a drink together (included in the price) and a natter about all we’ve seen.
Cable Car across the Thames & Lunch Date: Sunday 14th June 2015 Place: Emirates Greenwich Peninsula, Edmund Halley Way, London (SE10 0FR) Cable Car Terminal (South) 11:30am Cost: £27 with Cable Car, £25 with Oyster Card Includes: All You Can Eat Buffet, Service, 1-Way Cable Car Trip, Host Extras: Drinks The London Emirates Air Line cable car runs between two newly constructed terminals Emirates Greenwich Peninsula by the O2 and Emirates Royal Docks beside the ExCeL conference centre. Join Spice today as we take to the air on the cable car from the O2 to the Royal Docks and back. At our highest point we will be 90 metres above the Thames and will travel along a cable span of 1,100 metres. The views are certainly spectacular from up there!
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Llama Trekking in Ashdown Forest
Date Sunday 14 June 2015 Place: Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JN at 10:30am Cost: £39 Includes: llama trek, entrance to the Llama Park, It is not every day that you get the opportunity to go out into the countryside with a Llama for company! Discover this beautiful part of Ashdown Forest by trekking with these delightful creatures. Llama trekking is great fun and has always been popular with Spice members. The Llamas are by nature very gentle and trustworthy, but very willing and inquisitive. The llamas wear colourful halters and you lead the llama at a leisurely pace. We will be sharing the llamas between the Spice group and if we receive sufficient bookings then we will have a Spice exclusive llama trek! Although the walk is leisurely you need to be capable of walking for an hour at a steady pace and on uneven terrain. After our trek we can have lunch in the coffee shop as they do some lovely food.
Sunday Brunch at Hotel Du Vin in Tunbridge Wells
Date: Sunday 14th June 2015 Place: Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (TN1 2LY) Ask for the Spice Table 12:30pm Cost: £34 Includes: Four Course Sunday Brunch, Service charge and Spice Host Extras: Drinks Today we will be having Sunday Brunch at French Bistro Restaurant, Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells. The restaurant features European classic cuisine with a contemporary edge with the philosophy of using the finest and freshest local produce. Our four course brunch menu consists of a soup course followed by a help yourself lavish French Market Table, the centrepiece of Sunday Brunch at the renowned Hotel du Vin. An exciting choice of fresh seafood, charcuterie, pâtés, rillettes and a selection of salads, vegetables and freshly baked artisan breads awaits you.
The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down
Date: Sunday 14th June 2015 Place: Avon Gorge, Portway, Bristol Layby on the Portway from 1:45pm to 5pm Cost: £37 Bristol has the amazing Avon Gorge with the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge symbolising this great city. But it’s not just a beautiful landmark – it’s also the setting for one of our greatest and most challenging events – The Big Abseil. What a great shot for your photo album! Go ahead and impress your family and friends with this classic Spice event. You will start off by literally ‘getting to know the ropes’ and receive full instruction on the techniques needed for your descent. Your instructor will build up your confidence and calm your nerves before you progress onto the impressive 200-foot descent. Don’t forget to admire the impressive views whilst you’re up there.
Sunday Lunch Jazz Ronnie Scotts Jive Aces
Date: Sunday 14th June 2015 Place: Ronnie Scotts, 47 Frith Street., London (W1D 4HT) Ask for the Spice Table from 12pm to 4pm Cost: £47 Includes: Sunday Jazz ticket, 1 course lunch, service charge, Spice Host Extras: Drinks, extra courses & coffees Today we are visiting one of the oldest and most iconic jazz clubs in the world – Ronnie Scotts. This will be a lazy Sunday afternoon, chilling out and eating, whilst listening to the cool sounds of the Jazz musicians.
Dorking Social and Meal - Two to Four
Date: Tuesday 16th June 2015 Place: 2 - 4 West Street, Dorking, Surrey (RH4 1BL) Two to Four Restaurant - Spice Table at 7:30pm Cost: £30.50 Includes: 2 Course Meal, Service, Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we have our social evening and meal in Dorking, and it’s a great time to join us and catch up with other Spice members in the area. Tonight we’re off to the Two to Four Restaurant in West Street to sample their delectable and refined menu. We’ll be dining off a set menu which boasts local produce and seasonal produce. A sample menu can be viewed on our website at www.spicelondon.co.uk. We’d love to see you and please do support your local events in Surrey - we have new members joining in this area all the time, so come along and meet the Spice gang!
Urban Winery Tour in London
Date: Wednesday 17th June 2015 Place: London Cru Winery, 21 Seagrave Road, London (SW6 1RP) At entrance - Spice Host with sign 6:50pm Cost: £18.50 Includes: wine tour with tasting, booking fee and Spice host Extras: optional drinks/supper How much do you know about Wine? Ever visited a winery to see how it’s made? Well now you can in London’s first Urban Winery. Come and Meet the Cru from London Cru and l earn the workings of a winery, how the grapes go from the vineyards of Europe to the barrels of SW6. The tour last 45/50 minutes and along the way you will learn how the grapes are processed before being turned into wine and to finish you’ll get to try one of the London Cru wines from the barrel. Meet your Spice host at the entrance so that we can go in as a group. After the tour is finished we will head to Lillie Road and perhaps stop at a pub for a glass of wine and some supper (optional).
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Theatre - Beautiful - Carole King Musical
Thursday 18th June 2015 Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London (WC2B 4DF) Entrance to foyer - Spice Sign at 7pm £48.50 Includes: discounted ticket, booking fee and Spice Host. Public Price £67.50 Excellent seats in the Stalls Row F & G Sorry there can be no refunds unless we can resell your ticket for you. You should meet the Spice host at the entrance to the foyer. We go for a pre-show drink in the bar before going to our seats. BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Carole King, the chart-topping music legend, was an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent. She fought her way into the record industry as a teenager and sold her first hit, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, when she was just seventeen. By the time she was twenty she was writing number ones for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll, including the Drifters, the Shirelles, Aretha Franklin and the Monkees. But her greatest challenge was to find her own voice and finally step into the spotlight. BEAUTIFUL is the untold story of Carole King's journey from school girl to superstar; from her relationship with husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, their close friendship and playful rivalry with fellow song-writing duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, to her remarkable rise to stardom.
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Cycling Weekend - New Forest
Fri 19th Jun 2015 - Sun 21st Jun 2015 Lyndhurst, New Forest, Hampshire Final details will be emailed £185 Twin Share, £215 Twin with Bike, £235 Single, £265 Single with Bike (Deposit £40) 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. The cycling is classed as 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 3 hours cycling each day at a medium pace. We will be staying in the town of Lyndhurst either in a comfortable hotel or B&B. We can 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. The restaurant serves dishes sourced from local produce wherever possible
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Center Parcs Sherwood Weekend
Fri 19th Jun 2015 - Mon 22nd Jun 2015 Rufford, Newark, Nottingham (NG22 9DN) Arrive Friday - Villa access 3.00p.m. £149 Twin/Double Share, £224 Member Single (Deposit £50)
Special this Year: ‘Spice Triple Challenge’ (optional) Party Theme: ‘The Letter P’ * 2 Discos * Sports * Dance Classes Our unmissable summer Center Parcs Weekend is now a Spice institution - a brilliant weekend break with TWO great exclusive parties and as much sport or relaxation as you can cope with! Special this year is the return of It’s A Knockout on the Sunday, adding a brilliant fun event into the weekend which will be another hi-lite. The sub-tropical paradise is the centre of attraction with giant waves, water chutes, Jacuzzi’s, flumes, a thrilling wild water rapids ride, and much more. You can spend all day in the tropically heated 'dome', or move outdoors - tennis, squash, sailing, bikes, canoeing, gym, badminton, bowls, archery, - the list is endless...(you pay extra for these). There a few extra Spice Events organised by your local Spice Group like our Welcome Drinks Reception, BBQs, Badminton and Volleyball group sessions, ten pin bowling games, etc., to provide some great group focal points during the weekend. Or you can just choose to chill! Full details in your joining pack. We also have a fantastic Friday Night Welcome Disco to get the party started. The Saturday has free Dance Classes– great for mixing and meeting people –this year we are running with 2 sessions each learning the dance steps of a different dance ready for your group ‘performance’ at the Disco in the evening. Our dance leader will be showing you the moves for some wonderful great group sessions (no partner needed), to be dance ready for an evening Flash Mob at the disco! Go along to just one or all and laughs are guaranteed! Numbers are limited to max 100 per session and will be on a first come basis. On Sunday we have a very special optional event with our own Spice Triple Challenge – starting at 12.00pm at the The Venue. This is a fun mix from Treasure Hunt, Photo Challenge and Scavenger Hunt with a couple of twists. Teams of five. We will put teams together if you don’t have 5 of you. Cost £4 pre-booked (£5 on the day). Please pre-book if poss as it helps us plan. We will also have an easy and longer BIKE RIDE this year. Our accommodation is in beautifully located villas surrounded by woodland alive with cheeky not so 'wild’ life. Fully fitted bathroom and kitchens, lounge, TV (with video channels), central heating and even an open log fire. The Villas are 3 & 4 bedroomed (6 or 8 people), each villa has a double room for couples (or can be booked for single occupancy), twin rooms. We will arrange members into Villas - grouping people together - don't worry if you're on your own, so are many others booking, and with Spice you won't be on your own for long, as soon as you meet your Villa mates! Please advise at the time of booking if you have rooming requests, we will do our best to accommodate these but due to the mix of rooms, and villa sizes, cannot be guaranteed. All bedding is provided, as is household equipment. Food is not included, so you can self cater or eat out at a variety of onsite restaurants. Friday Night sees our Welcome Disco and Saturday night a Spice Disco with a late bar. Both Parties are included in the price and a Spice wrist band will be included with your weekend joining pack, giving you entry to the parties and our events. A few years ago we used the S of Spice as our fancy dress theme and had great fun and following a Facebook poll of members it was decided that the Saturday night party theme should be ‘The Letter P!’ which couldn’t be easier and adds a bit of SPice to the weekend! Think Pirates, Pubs, Paris, Portugal, Peter Pan, Princesses, Punks, Pans People, Pink, Purple, Prince, Pumpkin and much more – please remember when creating your costume however that Center Parcs is a family resort so please be appropriate with your design; nothing too risky or racey! (e.g. not Porn Star!). So this could be a relaxed, laid back break, or an energetic dash from one activity to another - you choose! You can check in from 12.00 noon on Friday (villa available from 3.00pm) and leave the Villa by 10.00am Monday morning. Many of us arrive Friday after work, and depart Sunday evening of course, but it's your choice. You can remain on site all day on Monday if you wish, and many of us have a morning at The Spa as its quiet! NB – Please ensure that you book your place on the Spice Triple Challenge if desired as well as booking for the weekend as slots are limited!
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Kylie Live and Racing at Newmarket Racecourse
Friday 19th June 2015 Newmarket Racecourse, Westfield House, Cambridge Rd, Newmarket (CB8 0TF) Final details by email 5:45pm £49 Includes entrance to The Grandstand and Paddock area, booking fee, live music from Kylie Minogue after the racing and Spice host. The racing will start at approximately 6.00p.m. We will be there before this so you can arrive earlier or later. We will give you full meet details/mobile contact prior to the event so you can liaise with our Spice Host. Enjoy a fabulous night out at Newmarket races where the Queen of Pop Kylie Minogue will be headlining her first Newmarket Night after the racing. Kylie is renowned for her spectacular live shows so this really shouldn’t be missed! She celebrated her first UK number one in 1987 with I Should Be So Lucky and clocked up massive chart hits including Spinning Around and Can’t Get You Out Of My Head. She has now been at the forefront of pop culture for 28 years, selling more than 70 million records worldwide and releasing her 12th studio album Kiss Me Once last year. With her incredible back catalogue, featuring 44 UK Top 40 hits, Kylie will be playing her classic hits old and new when she brings glamour to the Grandstands. Kylie will take to the stage shortly after the last race, at approximately 9pm. Why not book yourself a ticket and treat yourself to a great evening out. Spice has tickets for The Grandstand and Paddock, so we have an excellent view of the racing and the stage.
Dining and Social at The Criterion & Champagne Cocktail
Date: Saturday 20th June 2015 Place: The Criterion, 224 Piccadilly, London (W1J 9HP) Ask for the Spice table 7:30pm Cost: £36 Includes: 3 course set menu, Champagne Cocktail, service charge & Spice Host Extras: Drinks Tonight we are in for a treat dining at The Criterion a stylish and vibrant restaurant with grandeur and charisma of a neoByzantine design which first opened its doors in 1874. Included is a delicious three course seasonal set menu. After dinner we can go for a drink or two at one of the many pubs around Piccadilly. Included tonight is a Champagne Cocktail on arrival. On the website see the Sample Seasonal menu which changes every few weeks.
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Mud Buggy Racing at Mud Mania near Crawley, West Sussex
Sunday 21st June 2015 Mud Mania, Staplefield, West Sussex (RH17 6AP) Reception at Mud Mania at 12pm £53 Includes: Safetey Breifing, Helmet, Overalls and goggles, practice laps, 4 races, medals for winners and Spice Host Get your engines started! You’ll be given a full safety and operational briefing and introduced to the buggies. Then you’ll select a crash helmet and don your coveralls – overalls and goggles. Now you’re ready to go! Thoroughly exhilarating and great fun, the 400cc engines have plenty of power, combined with fully automatic transmission in a chassis with a full roll cage and all-round suspension. These purpose built mud buggies are very simple to drive – right foot down on the juice and go go go! And occasionally left foot to stop! The races are run under Grand Prix rules. Four buggies race at a time, you’ll be lined up on the grid, have several gentle practice laps, then back on the grid, the flag drops and you’re off! Your own adrenalin filled roller coaster ride! Battling it out head to head round the purpose built circuit, skidding round the corners, over bumps and lumps, you’ll feel like a rally driver wizzing round twists and turns until after a number of circuits you see the chequered flag! You each get four races, so that you get to drive every buggy – and get to start on pole at least once. The top four drivers then make it to the final and fight it out for their places on the podium and the medal presentation. The winner gets to spray the fizz!
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Angus Coast Getaway
Fri 26th Jun 2015 - Sun 28th Jun 2015 The Park Hotel, 61 John Street, Montrose (DD10 8RJ) Venue £129 Twin, £164 Single, Includes: 2 Nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Led Walks, Place of Interest may have an additional cost. We wanted to get this great trip scheduled for early summer for your chance to enjoy a break on the coast in beautiful Angus. With its majestic glens, breathtaking coastline, Angus offers an impressive array of attractions alongside outstanding natural beauty. Our base for the weekend is Montrose. Montrose is a bustling coastal town with an ancient history, classic Georgian and Victorian architecture, a wide High Street with good shopping, and lots to offer the visitor. It is a 12th century burgh with interesting museums, and modern leisure facilities, including a an excellent Blue Flag beach. Montrose has a spectacular setting overlooking a two-mile wide tidal lagoon - a wildlife sanctuary of international importance - and the town boasts the widest high street in Scotland, with picturesque closes leading to secluded gardens. Accommodation - The Montrose Park Hotel is located in the quiet mid-links area of Montrose, yet only a few minutes’ walk from the busy High Street and the beach. The hotel is an excellent base for exploring the Angus Glens and all they have to offer. Castles, including Glamis and Dunnotar, are a little over half an hour away and the area offers stunning coastal walks, perfect for everyone.
Sailing Round The Island Yacht Race
Date: Thu 25th Jun 2015 - Sun 28th Jun 2015 Place: Shamrock Quay Marina and Haslar Marina 8.00pm Thursday Evening Cost: £509 Member Sharing, £529 Guest Sharing (Deposit £50) STOP PRESS – In 2015, due to the great popularity of this event, there will again be two Spice boats sailing in the race. The two boats are of similar size and design, which gives the opportunity for Spice members to sail against their fellow competing Spice crew as well as the rest of the race fleet – a “Spicing-up” of this already exciting event! Boats and berths for this event are already selling out for 2015 and even 2016. This is a unique opportunity to have one of the most exciting and spectacular sailing weekends in the sailing calendar. Some Spice members have told us that this is the best weekend that they have ever had!
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Theatre - The Commitments
Wednesday 24th June 2015 Palace Theatre, Cambridge Circus, London (W1D 5AY) At entrance to foyer - Spice sign at 7pm £42.50 Includes discounted ticket, booking fee and Spice host. Excellent seats in the Dress Circle, Row B & C, Public Price £62.50 Sorry there can be no refunds on theatre tickets unless we can resell your slot. If you have not arrived by 7.10p.m. your ticket will be handed in at the box office for you to collect Featuring soul classics "Night Train", "Try A Little Tenderness", "In The Midnight Hour", "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", "Save Me", "Mustang Sally" and many more – THE COMMITMENTS is live on stage and receiving excellent reviews. THE COMMITMENTS is the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into an amazing live act, the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.
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National Murder Mystery and Disco Weekend
Fri 26th Jun 2015 - Sun 28th Jun 2015 Holiday Inn, New Road, Weston Turville, Aylesbury (HP22 5QT) Arrive from 2.00pm. Evening Meal at 8.00pm. £179 Twin Early Book, £249 Single Early Book. (Deposit £35 Twin, £45 Single) Includes: 2 nights Luxury Hotel Accommodation, 2 x Breakfast, 2 x lunch buffet, 2 x 3 course evening meals Professional Murder Mystery Party Organiser with a NEW plot A Spa to Die for... Free time given to explore the area or use the hotel leisure including spa and swimming pool facilities Saturday Night Party with 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 your team to find out who dunnit! If you have joined us on one of these weekends before we have another BRAND NEW excellent plot! A Spa Day...To Die For There is great excitement in the sleepy town of Slaybury when a new Spa Hotel opens its doors to local dignitaries and celebrities for a ‘Gala Night’. Free treatments are offered to guests as they arrive in the afternoon: Botox injections from Dr Bodget, Image Advice from ‘Life-Style Guru’ Jude Namaak and a relaxing massage from Drew Rubbit. Plus use of the Sauna, Spa and Pool. Owner, Pip Poshington, has organised a fabulous formal black tie 5 course meal with unlimited champagne for the Gala Evening. However, when local bank manager Robin B’Stard doesn’t turn up for dinner a search of the Spa Area uncovers a horrific scene in the Sauna. Robin has been brutally murdered and suspects are gathered together, in all their finery, to answer Inspector Snoop’s questions.
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 or you can make use of the leisure facilities at the hotel. Bicester Village shopping centre is a short drive away if some retail therapy is for you. The hotel is also close to Silverstone and Whipsnade Zoo. We resume our search for more clues later in the afternoon. A 3 course dinner is served on Saturday night, followed by a 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”?! Our hotel for this weekend is the Holiday Inn located in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of Aylesbury on the A41. It is easy to reach the M25, M40 and M1. This stylish hotel is the perfect base for our Spice weekend with elegant comfortable en-suite.
Walking Weekend Cheddar Gorge and the Mendips
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Fri 26th Jun 2015 - Sun 28th Jun 2015 Webbington Hotel & Country Club, Loxton, Axbridge, Somerset (BS26 2HU) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single, (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 nights' accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 guided walks with a choices of guided walks per day Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Situated prominently on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, the Webbington Hotel and Spa is easy to get to, offers comfortable accommodation, a comprehensive fitness, wellness and beauty facilities. You can relax and enjoy the best of both comfort and cuisine in beautiful surroundings. From a walkers perspective its location is perfect to explore the surrounding region. To the west the Mendips stretch out and the early summer date, all the chalk escarpments will be adorned with a blooming carpet of flowers. Last year we walked right across the Mendips from Wells in the east to the hotel in the west. This year it is out intension to do something different. Saturday will see us concentrating on the stunning area around the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, with both walks completing the dramatic Cheddar Gorge Loop.. On the Sunday we may head over Burrington Combe and enjoy a walk on the northern edge of the Mendips or we may do a local walk closer to the hotel.. So whether you simply wish to catch up with your friends and have a relaxing weekend away or if you like getting out in the fresh air and having some excellent walks and exercise then this is an ideal weekend for you. Accommodation: The Webbington Hotel is a luxurious hotel that is a perfect base to explore the limestone heights of the Mendip Hills or admire the splendour of the famous Cheddar Gorge. Situated prominently on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, the Webbington Hotel offers you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the best of comfort and cuisine in beautiful surroundings.
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Crime Scene Investigation Weekend (The Great Train Robbery 1963)
Sat 27th Jun 2015 - Sun 28th Jun 2015 Holiday Inn, New Road, Weston Turville, Aylesbury (HP22 5QT) Arrive 9.45 ready to start at 10.00a.m £205 Twin, £230 Single 1 (Deposit £40 Twin, £45 Single) Includes: 2 days of crime scene investigation delivered by former Scotland Yard officers, and forensic examiners, 2 lunches, 1 evening meal on the Saturday night, Saturday night disco, 1 overnight stay with breakfast on Sunday morning. Fancy yourself as a Sam Ryan (Silent Witness), Gibbs (NCIS) or DCI Morse, well look no more. Spice has the answer with our own Crime Scene investigation weekend. In this weekend you’ll discover the forensics behind solving a crime, in this case the Great Train Robbery of 1963. This is a highly unique weekend as the Great Train Robbery site is only 9 miles from our hotel. th Saturday 27 June - Day 1 - Crime Scene Investigation Academy- Learn how to be an investigator • Wear and retain full, CSI equipment (one piece body suit, mask and gloves) • Taking, Developing & Lifting Fingerprints • Forensic Dentistry and the psychology behind bite marks at crime scenes • Blood Spatter Pattern Analysis • Hair and Fiber Analysis • Investigate a murder case live time • Hear from an experienced investigator th Sunday 28 June - Day 2 - Visit the Scene of the Great Train Robbery 1963 • Receive an insight into one of the UK’s most audacious robbery and watch a short film • Visit the track side of the train robbery • Visit Brigado Bridge where the money was transferred • Handle some of the money and mail bags used at the time • Investigate some of the evidence found at the robbers hide out • Dust for fingerprints on copies of the original evidence • Examine an alternate theory • Prize giving and “take-aways” The great train robbery took place on 8 August 1963 and remains one of the UK’s most audacious robberies. A gang of 15 robbers led by Bruce Reynolds stole £2.6M, worth about £40M today from a Royal Mail train near Mentmore in Buckinghamshire after tampering with line signals (a glove was placed over the green signal light and a battery used to power the red signal). After the robbery the gang hid at Leatherslade Farm where much of the incriminating evidence was later found (including 311 fingerprints and palm prints) leading to the arrest and conviction of most of the gang. th
Shoes for Stars Exhibition and Afternoon Tea
Date: Saturday 27th June 2015 Place: Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Str, London (SE1 3XF) Main Entrance to the Museum at 2pm Cost: £25.50 Includes: Entry into Rayne Shoe Exhibition, Afternoon Tea, Service, Spice Host Today we’re off to the London Fashion and Textile Museum to see the exhibition ‘Rayne Shoes for Stars’. Here we explore a century of sensational British shoes made from extraordinary materials and worn by the world’s most glamorous women, including Vivien Leigh, Marlene Dietrich and Brigitte Bardot. Awarded three Royal Warrants, Rayne made the shoes of Queen Elizabeth II including her wedding shoes. Over 100 examples also reveal the talent of designers ranging from Norman Hartnell to Bruce Oldfield and Mary Quant, as well as Roger Vivier and current designer Laurence Dacade. After exploring the exhibitions, we’ll go to the Teapod on site and enjoy a teapod Afternoon tea with smoked salmon and cucumber finger sandwiches, a scone, clotted cream and home-made strawberry jam, and a choice of tea. Vegetarian options are available.
The Forgotten River Fleet Walk
Date: Sunday 28th June 2015 Place: King's Cross Mainline Station (N1 9AP) Outside near Bus Stop D at 11:30am Cost: £15 This guided tour with Ian Jelf is another of his “linear walks”, following a particular theme through the heart of London. It’s also one of Ian’s favourites! In this case we’ll be walking along the course of the now largely hidden River Fleet, along which Ian will be showing us a slice of London involving everything from printers to playgrounds and sewers to silversmiths.
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Coastal cycling tour in East Kent
Sunday 5th July 2015 Birchington on Sea Train Station (CT7 9HY) 9:45am to 4:30pm £24 own bike, £44 Hire bike Extras: lunch/drinks Includes: full day guided bike tour with Graham Hills from Bikers Delight. You can go from London for this one on the train and we meet beforehand so that we can get the group saver ticket. When booking please indicate if you want this train option so that we can link you up. The Viking Trail winds its way from Birchington on Sea right around the coastal path of the Isle of Thanet. It loops back through quiet countryside roads, a perfect contrast to the day. Setting off along the Promenade you’ll skirt the sea and pass numerous beach huts and bays before reaching ‘Kiss Me Quick’ Margate. Past the golden sands and up along the cliff top you’ll see North Foreland lighthouse and sea views across to France. Reaching Broadstairs with its stunning Viking Bay beach you can’t miss Bleak House, where Charles Dickens stayed and was the inspiration behind his novel of the same name. Here we’ll stop for lunch, a chance to sample the local fish and chips or whatever takes your fancy, and if room Italian ice-cream (Morelli’s ice cream parlour is a step back in time to 1957, and a must not miss!).
Madness Live and Epsom Downs Races
Date: Thursday 9th July 2015 Place: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Surrey (KT18 5LQ) Full Details will be emailed 5:30pm Cost: £39.50 Includes entrance to The Stands area, booking fee, live music from Madness after the racing Spice host. The Jockey Club Live presents ‘An Evening At The Races’ with MADNESS who are set to play at Epsom Downs Racecourse as a part of their Grandslam Madness tour. The tour, which runs from May to September 2015, will take in 19 shows at some of the greatest sporting venues around the country. Spice has tickets for The Stands so we have an excellent view of the racing and the stage. This is a fabulous opportunity to enjoy a lovely summer evening with racing and live music at a fantastic price.
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Bristol Harbour Music Festival Weekend
Fri 17th Jul 2015 - Sun 19th Jul 2015 Thistle Hotel, Broad Street, Bristol (BS1 6HY) Arrive from 4.00pm £169 Twin Share, £228 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Member Single) Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, Bristol Harbour Festival & Spice Host Extras: Lunches, Evening Meals The Harbour Festival is one of the UK’s largest public events and a chance for the city to showcase its rich musical and performance roots. Over 250,000 festival fans head down to the historic waterfront to party, dance and relax. Organisers have promised a packed three day event, across a two mile stretch of the city from Brunel’s SS Great Britain to M Shed, and from Queen Square to the city’s leafy Castle Park. Visitors will be entertained by a vibrant mix of live performance, artists, musicians, dancers, circus acts, markets and street stalls. On the water, hundreds of sailing vessels, from historic ships and boats to pleasure yachts and harbour ferries will provide a colourful backdrop to Bristol’s annual celebration of its maritime heritage. Musically, the festival always has an impressive line-up, drawing on the city’s vibrant music scene, covering a hugely diverse range from soul to folk, and from reggae to funk. For hotel details and an itinerary please see our web site.
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Surfing Weekend in Croyde Bay, Devon
Fri 17th Jul 2015 - Sun 19th Jul 2015 Croyde Bay , Devon (EX33 1NZ) At Bed & Breeakfast accomodations Arrive from 4.00pm. £189 Twin Share, (Deposit £35) Includes 3 surf sessions, wet suit, use of surfboard, 2 nights B&B accommodation in local B&B, Light Lunch on Saturday is included at the Surf School. EXTRAS: Meals and drinks 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! Our accommodation for the weekend is in a number of B&B’s in the village.
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Walking Weekend Horsley Park and the North Downs
Fri 17th Jul 2015 - Sun 19th Jul 2015 Deveres Horsley Park, Ockham Road South, East Horsley, Surrey (KT24 6DU) Arrive from 4.00pm. Meal at 8.00pm. £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £40 Single) Includes: 2 night's hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and of course 2 days of guided walks with a choice of walks each day A history tour of Horsley Towers Extras: Transport to walk starts if used This will be our first summer visit to Horsley Park and the North Downs. It is a superb venue, set in 70 acres of stunning parkland of Horsley Towers, the contemporary accommodation comes with all the modern fixtures and conveniences you would expect and there is a pool and mini-gym too. The North Downs are a lovely range of rolling hills, characterised by rolling chalk hills, tranquil woodland and some panoramic views. Not only does this create a beautiful area to walk in, it is also fantastic for the flora and fauna, which of course makes the walks even more interesting.
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Bunkhouse and BBQ Weekend Bradwell Village - Milton Keynes
Fri 24th Jul 2015 - Sun 26th Jul 2015 Vicarage Road, Bradwell Village, Milton Keynes, Bucks (MK13 9AG) Arrive from 4.00pm. £74 Includes: hire of hostel for Spice, 2 nights’ accommodation in shared rooms, 2 breakfasts, 1 BBQ & Spice host We are hoping this will be a popular weekend at a bargain price so get your bookings in real quick to secure your place. Included in weekend price are 2 night’s hostel accommodation, 2 breakfasts and 1 BBQ evening meal. The accommodation has a number of rooms for us to share, in dormitory style but are a very good standard and the rooms vary in size. The plan for the weekend goes like this: Meet on the Friday evening, and we will either cook ourselves some supper or head to the pub which is only 100m away. On Saturday morning your breakfast is provided. Then we will head out to walk or cycle along the Grand Union Canal. Everything is optional you can stay put and chill out at the farmhouse or you can explore the area. Saturday night we have a BBQ planned and this is also included in the weekend. Sunday is a chill out morning with an option for a stroll before checking out of the farmhouse at 12 noon and heading for home.
Cycling Weekend - Cotswolds
Date: Fri 24th Jul 2015 - Sun 26th Jul 2015 Place: B&B 4 mins walk from the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold (GL54 1AF) Arrive anytime from 4.00p.m Cost: £170 Shared room, £200 Share & bike Hire, £210 Single, £240 Single & bike hire. Includes two nights B&B accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 1 evening meal (3 courses) on Saturday, 2 days fully guided cycling. We have linked up with Graham Hills from bikers Delight Bike Tours for a cycling weekend in the Cotswolds. We will spend two days and nights in England’s largest area of outstanding natural beauty. We will be cycling through some gorgeous villages and historic market towns. Along the way we will also visit a working farm and enjoy the region’s fine hospitality when we stop for lunches and drinks. This is a great weekend to relax, indulge and have some fun. Over the weekend we will be covering a reasonable distance on quiet country roads through the countryside with the occasional hill. The cycling is moderate on Saturday and easy to moderate on Sunday.
National Dragon Boat Racing Who will be the UK Champions of 2015?
Date: Sunday 26th July 2015 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.
National Dragon Boat Camping (Friday Night & Saturday Night)
Date: Sat 25th Jul 2015 - Sun 26th Jul 2015 Place: Pershore Rugby Club, Mill Lane (WR10 2JF) At Campsite from 5pm, Cost: £9 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. Date: Place:
National Dragon Boat Party
Saturday 25th July 2015 Pershore Working mens Club, High St (WR10 1EU) Arrive for 8.00pm. Cost: £12 Includes: Fish & Chip supper, DJ entertainment and venue hire There is always a great atmosphere on Saturday night with a DJ & bar why not make a weekend at our Spice exclusive party.
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Walking Weekend Chilterns and Thames Path
Fri 31st Jul 2015 - Sun 2nd Aug 2015 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 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. Although staying in Oxfordshire this new walking programme seeks to bring out the best of the nearby Berkshire countryside.
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Bristol Balloon Fiesta Weekend
Fri 7th Aug 2015 - Sun 9th Aug 2015 Thistle Bristol Hotel, Broad Street, Bristol (BS1 2EL) Arrive from 4.00pm £189 Twin Share, £255 Single (Deposit £37 Twin Share, £50 Single) Includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, 1 Course lunch on Saturday, International Balloon Fiesta, City Docks Packet Boat Cruise & Spice Host throughout the weekend. Extras: Evening meals, drinks Optional lunch on Sunday th This year, Bristol will play host to Europe’s largest ballooning event for the 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 Thistle Bristol Centre Hotel.
Kaiser Chiefs Live after the Races at Sandown Racecourse
Date: Thursday 6th August 2015 Place: Sandown Live Music, Surrey (KT10 9AJ) Final Details will be Emailed 5:30pm Cost: £39.50 Includes ticket to racing & live entertainment from Kaiser Chiefs + booking fee. Enjoy a fabulous night out at Sandown race course where the legendry Brit Award-winning, multi-million selling Kaiser Chiefs led by Ricky Wilson, a coach on BBC1’s The Voice – bring their formidable live show. The band first shot to recognition in 2005 for breakout hit I Predict A Riot and followed it with hits including Oh My God, Everyday I Love You Less and Less and 2007 number one Ruby. They released their latest LP, Education, Education, Education & War, last year which entered the charts at number one. It was their fifth top 10 album.
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Malvern Hills Easy Walking Weekend
Fri 7th Aug 2015 - Sun 9th Aug 2015 Great Malvern, Worcestershire (WR14 3ET) The Abbey Hotel - Arrive from 4.00pm. £199 Twin Share, £249 Single Includes: 2 night’s hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals and 2 days of guided walking 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. 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 we will tailor the programme to suit the conditions and the group.
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Malvern Hills Luxury Photography Weekend
Fri 7th Aug 2015 - Sun 9th Aug 2015 Great Malvern, Worcestershire (WR14 3ET) The Abbey Hotel - Arrive from 2pm £219 Twin Share, £269 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.
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Walking Weekend Bournemouth, Hampshire and Dorset Coast
Fri 14th Aug 2015 - Sun 16th Aug 2015 The NEW Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth (BH2 5EU) Arrive from 4.00pm Meal at 8.00pm £169 Twin Share, £209 Single (Deposit £35 Twin Share, £45 Single) Includes: 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 days of guided walks with a choice of two walks each day Extras: transport to the walks 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 Wessex Hotel is close to the town centre and Bournemouth’s Famous Blue flag beaches. It is situated on the West Cliff of Bournemouth perfect for a walking weekend.
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Edinburgh Festival Weekend - August Bank Holiday
Fri 28th Aug 2015 - Mon 31st Aug 2015 Pollock Halls, Holyrood Park Rd, Edinburgh (EH16 5AY) £245 Twin, £345 Single (Deposit £50) Includes: 3 Nights’ Accommodation in Single/Twin en-suite rooms, (well furnished with spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat) in the excellent Chancellors Court, 3 Fantastic as much as you can eat Scottish Buffet Breakfasts, Saturday Guided Tour of the Royal Mile (Castle to John Knox House) Spectacular Arthur’s Seat Walk – voted Top place to visit in Edinburgh on Trip Advisor, Coordinators Throughout. Friday Night Welcome followed by traditional Scottish Ceilidh with caller, Option to purchase a Saturday night Ticket for the astonishing Edinburgh International Military Tattoo with spectacular end of show fireworks – the hottest ticket in town! An opportunity to book superb extras such as Merv Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe, Saturday Dinner at Merchants, Fosters Comedy Awards, Picnic in the Gardens the Festival Farewell Lunch plus lots more…. 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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Walking Weekend - The Beautiful Gower
Fri 28th Aug 2015 - Mon 31st Aug 2015 The Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli (SA15 3PJ) Arrive from 4.00pm Dinner from 8.00pm £239 Twin Share, £299 Single (Deposit £50 Twin Share, £60 Single) Includes: 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches & 3days of guided walks and there will be a choice of walks each day. Extras: Transport to walks 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 magnificent sandy bays and dramatic 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 lovely Diplomat Hotel. Accommodation: We will be staying in the superbly appointed Best Western Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli, which manages to combine the charm and character of the original building with all the mod cons one would expect today. Our relaxation will be catered for by the excellent leisure facilities available and our rest by the tastefully decorated bedrooms, which are fully en-suite and offer complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.
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Bunkhouse Weekend in Littlehampton, West Sussex
Fri 25th Sep 2015 - Sun 27th Sep 2015 YHA Littlehampton, West Sussex (BN17 5AW) Arrive from 4.00pm. £69 Includes: exclusive hire of hostel for our use, 2 nights sharing accommodation, 2 breakfasts, guided walk and Spice host throughout
We have another one of our popular southern bunkhouses weekends and we have exclusive use of a modern hostel right by the sea and beach. Our hostel overlooks the harbour from the entrance and offers a high standard of comfort. The hostel is part of a redevelopment of Fisherman’s Wharf on the east bank of the River Arun. Set in a traditional seaside resort and just 3 minute from the beach so a great base for us to explore the south coast. Included in the weekend price are 2 night’s hostel accommodation and 2 breakfasts. A small deposit of £10 will secure your place. The accommodation has a number of rooms for us to share, in dormitory style but are a very good standard and the rooms vary in size. This is a fun, muck in and help type of weekend so you are expected to help with the cooking and clearing up after the meals. The plan for the weekend goes like this: Meet on the Friday evening, and we will either cook ourselves some supper or head to a local pub. On Saturday morning your breakfast is provided. Then we will head out for a walk on the beach and to explore the local area. This will be guided and be 5-6 miles. Everything is optional you can stay put and chill out at the hostel or you can explore the area. Saturday night we can decide on the weekend whether to have a meal at the hostel which we cook ourselves or we can head to the pub. Sunday is a chill out morning with an option for a stroll before checking out of the farmhouse at 12 noon and heading for home.
Spice London Skiing 2016 Season – Soon to be announced!
Spice Rack - National Groups SPICE (West Midlands)
SPICE (London)
SPICE (Thames Valley & Solent)
Co-ordinator: Richard Coulter 6a Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands, B74 3EJ Tel: 0121 353 6161 info@spicebham.com www.spicebham.com
Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 330 High Holborn London, WC1V 7QT Tel: 0845 604 8041 / 01276 479253 dianne@spicelondon.co.uk www.spicelondon.co.uk
Co-ordinator: Dominic Renshaw 118, Shiplake Bottom, Peppard Common, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5HR Tel: 0118 972 4810 dominic@thamesvalleyspice.co.uk www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk
SPICE (Manchester) SPICE (Bristol & Cardiff) Co-ordinator: Dianne Livingstone 130 Aztec, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UB Tel: 0742 959 8414 / 01276 479253 dianne@spicebristolcardiff.com www.spicebristolcardiff.com
Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0161 864 3849 info@spicemcr.com www.spicemcr.com
SPICE (Yorkshire) Co-ordinator: Lauren Fawkes 11 Poplar Road Stretford, Manchester, M32 9AN Tel: 0845 094 2200 info@spiceyorks.com www.spiceyorks.com
SPICE (Scotland) SPICE (East Midlands)
Co-ordinator: Jamie Morris 63 Easter Langside Crescent Dalkeith, EH22 2FN Tel: 0131 531 2653 info@spicescotland.com www.spicescotland.com
Co-ordinator: Steve Dell Foxhall Business Centre, 2 King Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AS Tel: 0845 017 1031 office@spiceeastmids.com www.spiceeastmids.com
SPICE UK General Manger: Ian Purves 13 Thorpe Street Old Trafford Manchester, M16 9PR Tel: 0161 873 8788 info@spiceuk.com www.spiceuk.com
Spice UK emergency 24 hour telephone 07778 298497 Please be advised this telephone number is strictly for use in the case of serious accidents & emergencies only and is NOT for general use (booking, enquiries, directions etc.) thank you!
General Information Office Hours 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Please call us on 0845 6048041 or 01276 479253 if you have any questions about an event. There is a 24 hour answer phone. For emergencies only try the mobile 07702 046730 as it is checked regularly out of hours for messages. How to Join Spice Online at www.spicelondon.co.uk or by phone – 0845 6048041 or 01276 479253 Booking Events Online at www.spicelondon.co.uk or by phone – 0845 6048041 or 01276 479253 Please see our Web-Site for our full terms & conditions of booking. Bookings are only secure when payment has been received. Credit Notes Please remember to quote the number when booking & please use any credit issued when you joined within 3 months.
Confirmation of Bookings Booking confirmations are sent out via email. Where further information is required i.e. directions this will be sent out prior. Full joining instructions are sent out for all weekend events. If You Can’t Make It To An Event or are going to be late Please ring the Spice Office or the event co-coordinator if you realise that you cannot make an event so that other members are not left waiting for you to arrive and if it is a ‘team’ type events such as sports evenings we can make the necessary arrangements. Also you maybe entitled to a refund, see the Cancellation Policy for full details. Guests Guests are welcome on almost all Spice events. Guests are asked to pay a slightly higher fee and are allowed to attend 2 events, after that time we expect them to become members. This to ensure the value of membership for our members.
Late Bookings
Transport Share
Please go on the wait list, slots do sometimes become available at the last minute due to cancellations and sometimes we are able to secure extra places please call the office check availability. Never just turn up at an event as we may not be able to accommodate you.
If you indicate when booking that you require a lift or are willing to offer or share transport then we are always happy to do our best to link up members for travel share. Please ring the office about 7 days prior and we will be able to give you telephone numbers of possible links.
Event Info All event information and descriptions are correct at the time of going to print, errors and omissions and exceptional circumstances excepted. Prices in this newsletter are for Spice members booking events, guests are charged a higher fee (please see our web site for guest prices). Photographs Please be aware all photos are taken from all Spice groups nationwide and are for illustration only and do not represent any specific event advertised in this newsletter.
Cancellation Policy Please see our full cancellation policy at our Web-Site. If we cancel an event you will receive a full refund on the event price only. If you need to cancel an event please let us know, we may be able to re-sell you place otherwise there will be a cancellation fee as we pay many of our suppliers in full ‘up-front’. Sorry we cannot refund you if you fail to turn-up.
Spice Weekend Breaks - more time, more fun! Bank Holiday South Wales Walking & Chill Out Brecons: Friday 1st to Monday 4th May A couple of years ago we discovered a cosy bunk house nestled in the Brecons, we all had such a great time and have decided to head back again. The emphasis is on a relaxing chilledout weekend with some guided rambles exploring the local area and socialising thrown-in. We will be offering 3 breakfasts (2 with hot options) and a picnic lunch. In the evenings you can relax with a glass of wine or beer in the garden or at the local pub and socialise before enjoying a home cooked evening meal and a BBQ on Sunday (weather permitting). There is also an option to stay next door in the luxury cottage or at a nearby B&B. There are several walking options from easy low level canal rambles to a some higher levels walks. There is also nearby cycling and lots to see in Brecon itself. Since the Brecons national park has ‘dark sky status’ it is a great place for watching the night sky, so bring binoculars or a small telescope if you have one.
Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Friday 19th to Sunday 22nd June Our National Center Parcs weekend shouldn’t be missed this is the biggest Spice weekend gettogether of the year, all of the Spice groups from around the country will be there. The weekend starts with a welcome drink at your coordinators villa on Friday evening followed by a disco at the Venue. On Saturday we have lots of great events organised including free dance classes and bike rides, great for meeting and mixing with other Spice members. Saturday night is our fancy dress disco party, this years theme is the letter P, come as a Pirate, a Penguin or Lady Penelope & Parker. On Sunday we are running our Spice triple challenge, a fun mix of treasure hunt, photo challenge and scavenger hunt. Finally as usual Spice London will prepare a tasty BBQ in the late afternoon (please book these separately). Don’t miss it!
National Murder Mystery Weekend Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June Another Spice must do is our National Murder Mystery Weekend, can you solve the grizzly murder at Slaybury Spa? Everyone is allocated a part to play beforehand allowing you to prepare your costume and to get into character to solve the murder, but watch out you may be the murderer! The weekend also includes 2 nights accommodation at the holiday inn in Alysbury, breakfasts, lunches, evening meals and a disco on Saturday night (where you can relax out of character). This is a Spice event to die for!
Crime Scene Investigation Workshop Saturday 27th to Sunday 28th June Running alongside our murder mystery weekend at the same hotel near Alysbury, we have a unique chance to re-investigate the great train robbery of 1963. On Saturday we discover various forensic techniques including dusting for fingerprints, dentistry & blood spatter pattern analysis. On Sunday we visit the actual site of the robbery itself (it’s only 9 miles from our hotel) and then use our newly found forensic knowledge to re-investigate the crime. This promises to be a fun and a fascinating weekend for those amateur Spice detectives among you (bring your own Caf-Pow). We are really excited to be running this unique weekend book now!
Amazing April Bluebell Circular 8 Mile Walk - Hitchin, Herts Sunday 26�� April Guided climb up and over the O2 and Lunch Sunday 26�� April Theatre - The Railway Children Tuesday 28�� April
Mad May Guided Bluebell & Wildflower Walk - Haywards Heath Saturday 2ⁿ� May Guided Bluebell Woodland Walk - Billericay, Essex Sunday 3�� May Shaun the Sheep in the City Art Walk with Lunch Sunday 10�� May Alice’s Adventures Underground Sunday 17�� May VA Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition Sunday 31�� May
Jolly June Epsom Derby Festival Day and After Party (+1 night) Saturday 6�� June Rap Jumping The Tower 150ft Forward Abseiling Sunday 7�� June Kylie Live with Racing at Newmarket Friday 19�� June Opera - La Traviata at the Royal Opera House Saturday 13�� June
Make the most of Spice