Spice West Midlands Events Newsletter Autumn 2017 by Richard Coulter

AUTUMN 2017

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Hi all and welcome to the Autumn edition of the Spice newsletter Firstly, I would just like to say, WHERE HAS THE YEAR GONE! With so much happening in the background for Spice it is a wonder how we get such a wide variety of events and holidays together and deliver them to you. I take my hat off to your Coordinators and their dedicated teams including all of you volunteer coordinators!

Rebecca a Gregory Spice London

This leads me into saying ‘farewell’ to a much-loved and respected member of the Spice team - Dianne Livingstone is retiring after 20 years at the helm of Spice London - you will be sorely missed and we all wish you the best in your next adventure! However, I am delighted to introduce Rebecca Gregory who is taking over the reins as coordinator of Spice London. Becks is already experienced in putting on an events programme so we are sure that Spice London is in good hands and together with Karen who has been a long-standing rock of the London team we are looking forward to seeing lots of new ideas and events. Our premier Spice holiday to America and the Grand Canyon for an 8 day rafting trip has just returned led by your South West & South Wales co-ordinator Kate who, in her own words said ‘had a great trip to Vegas with a week of sleeping under the stars in the Grand Canyon. I feel very lucky to have been able to do the Canyon twice. An amazing place which is so beautiful. And the rapids are so much fun!’ The 2018 trip is DOUHDG\ DYDLODEOH WR ERRN QRZ DQG LV ¿OOLQJ IDVW VR GRQ¶W KDQJ around for too long.

Richard Coulter Spice West Midlands

Laure Fawkes Lauren S Spice Ma Manchester

In this edition we have details of the new look Spice National Weekend which many of you may already have seen and booked - we showcased this on Facebook recently and there was a real buzz around it. We also take a look at some of the more aspirational holiday destinations we are currently working on as well as the usual PHPEHU SUR¿OHV DQG holiday departures. As always keep a look out for new events and the old favourites as well as pages from your local groups that let you know what is happening in your area.

Ian Purvis Spice UK

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Kathryn Buttle Spice Thames Valley & Solent

Jonathan Banks Spice Yorkshire

Steve Dell S S Spice East M Midlands

Kate Alderson Spice South West & South Wales

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Name: Anna Marlow Which Group are you a member of? Spice West Midlands How long have you been a Spice member? Never entirely sure - always say 10-15 yrs ... might actually be longer. Why did you join Spice? To try different things that I probably wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have thought of or be able to do by myself. Have done many things from crafts to holidays. Because of spice I can now bake my own bread, tried many crafts, played Roller Derby for 2 years - a sport I had not heard of before, can now sail (badly), Dragon boated a number of times - again had not heard of before, I have a Christmas bauble that I made that I use every Christmas, I have also made 2 metal door stops and a poker from Blacksmithing.

What has been your favourite event? Have done so many would be hard to pick one event. What is your funniest memory in Spice? Maybe not funny but whilst driving a HGV I looked in my mirror to see I was been overtaken by a Tank - slightly surreal. What would be your advice for a new member? Try it - if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it again - often itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the events that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure I will like that I actually enjoy more. Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Have been to Greece twice for the Mark Warner trip, Snowboarding, 6XUÂżQJ DQG KDYH MXVW FRPH EDFN IURP WKH FDQDO ZDON IURP %LUPLQJKDP WR :DUZLFN ZHHNHQG 0\ ÂżUVW HYHQW ZDV DFWXDOO\ D weekend away at the cottage with Barry and Sonia. What is your life philosophy in one sentence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try you will never knowâ&#x20AC;?

Name: Ian Reid Which Group are you a member of? Manchester How long have you been a Spice member? I have been a member since Nov 2016. Why did you join Spice? I joined spice because I lost my wife three and half years ago and had no friends. I joined Spice to make new friends and start to go out again. What has been your favourite event? 0\ IDYRXULWH ZDV Ă&#x20AC;\LQJ D SODQH IURP &RYHQWU\ to Stafford. I have also enjoyed playing badminton.

Name: Kim Pickett Which Group are you a member of? West Midlands How long have you been a Spice member? Since January 2016 Why did you join Spice? Spice was recommended to me by a counsellor in December 2014 to add a new dimension to my life following the sad end of my long marriage. It took me a year to pluck up the courage to request D EURFKXUH DQG ÂżQG RXW ZKDW LW ZDV DOO DERXW , really regret now I did not join sooner because I would have got in so many more good times. What has been your favourite event? I love the walks and party events but the holiday to Calpe was just fabulous. What has been your most challenging event? Sounds silly but the most challenging thing was WXUQLQJ XS DW P\ ÂżUVW HYHQW LQ -DQXDU\ which was the Barn Dance at Wishaw and not

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What has been your most challenging event? I have completed a couple of rambles and found WKHVH FKDOOHQJLQJ EHFDXVH , DP QRW H[DFWO\ ÂżW , have done a few steep climbs but worth it at the end for the view. What is your funniest memory in Spice? I have had a few falls while playing badminton that other members found very funny. What would be your advice for a new member? My advice to a new member is just jump in at the deep end and get involved straight away. Book as many events as you can. Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? I have not been on a holiday yet but I have booked several trips for later in the year. Including Lapland! I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights so I am going to get the chance. What is your life philosophy in one sentence. My life philosophy is, just to get out and escape monotony.

knowing a soul. Now I realise how daft it was to be so apprehensive. I think now I need to do something really challenging and out of my comfort zone but not sure what that is yet.... What is your funniest memory in Spice? I think you had to be there for this one but the games of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the bagâ&#x20AC;? led by Beverley Wood, Calpe co-ordinator, I think alcohol played a big part in it too. What would be your advice for a new member? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay, join today! I felt very welcomed by others and put at ease when I joined as a new member. Have you been on a Spice UK Holiday? Calpe, Spain September 2016, best laugh I have ever had on a holiday, great people and fun times. Booked on Sicily the Italian Way September 2017 and keeping a look out for the next one after that. Have you had an embarrassing Spice moment? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure my worst one is yet to come as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty clumsy...I do have a habit of falling over and down holes on walks probably because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m too busy talking! What is your life philosophy in one sentence? When one door closes, another one opensâ&#x20AC;?

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BU M CK Y LI ST ET

ING H T E OM S O D NG I Z A AM R A E Y THIS • Climb Africa’s highest mountain • Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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• Learn to cook in Morocco • Explore stunning Croatian islands by kayak • Experience the culture and mountains of Nepal

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Where will your next journey take you? Please call us on 0161 873 8788 for details or find out more on the Spice UK Holidays website: WWW.SPICEUK.COM

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Hike the Inca Trail in Peru An incredible journey to visit one of the most jaw dropping sights in the world! Follow the ancient Inca trail through the Andes to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Discover colourful Peruvian traditions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley and perhaps end your trip with an extension to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty Amazon rainforest.

Get active in Croatia Get wet and wild on this islandhopping adventure off the coast of Dubrovnik! Activities such as sea kayaking, snorkelling, cliff jumping, walking and cycling through stunning coastal countryside are fuelled by delicious cuisine as well as wine-tasting at local vineyards. There’s time off to explore Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s most alluring cities and if you’re a fan, you’ll also recognise famous locations from where the Game of 7KURQHV VHULHV ZDV ¿OPHG

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New look Spice Holidays 2018 Each trip we run is hand-picked and we work directly with experienced local operators to cut out middle-men and give you with better value for money. PLUS, you’ll have a Spice Co-ordinator on hand with you to make sure you’re getting the most out of your holiday.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania If you like a challenge try this one for size! Be amongst the few to feel the incredible sense of achievement of reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. Then try to spot the Big Five; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, in two of the best places in the world to view African wildlife; the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.

EXPLORE THE DELIGHTS OF Morocco Learn a new skill and take the tastes of your holiday home with you! Explore magical Marrakesh and stay in a luxurious traditional riad in the heart of the old medina. Then discover local Berber village life and beautiful scenery whilst learning to cook authentic and delicious Morrocan dishes in the Atlas Mountains.

Go trekking in Nepal Home to the Himalaya and Mount Everest, Nepal has arguably the world’s most stunning mountain scenery. On this trip, you’ll hike DPRQJVW PDJQL¿FHQW SDQRUDPDV and snow-capped peaks in the Annapurna foothills. You’ll also experience the vibrant, colourful folklore and traditions of this spiritual country and visit ancient temples and other cultural highlights of exciting Kathmandu. Then have the option to try to see wild tigers and rhinos in Chitwan National Park.

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Ski Anticipation... We are now in October and only a couple of months away IURP WKH ÂżUVW RI RXU VNLLQJ GHSDUWXUHV IRU WKH season and what a trip that promises to be spending Christmas and New Year in the Canadian white stuff! , KDYH HYHQ VHHQ VRPH WDON RI VQRZ IDOO PDNLQJ DQ appearance in some European resorts already. Last season almost 400 Spicers took to the slopes with us on 14 ski trips â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were you one of those? I may be preaching to the converted here but skiing is such a social experience that it is an ideal activity and holiday for Spice. You may be on your own as you whizz down the latest piste but when you reach the bottom or decide to take a break itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to have the company of other Spicerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all around and when it comes to the AprĂ¨s Ski well what happens on a Spice ski trip stays on a Spice ski trip! When planning our ski programme we try to offer variety, interest and a little something for everyone. The coming season has already booked very well with a number of trips full and many more with just a few places remaining. The feedback last year was amazing with lots of fun had by all; we have a very active Spice Facebook group for Skiers (Search on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spice Ski UK Groupâ&#x20AC;?) which is a fun way to break the ice and keep in touch with your ski pals. And if you are thinking of joining us this year you can always see whose JRLQJ ZKHUH ÂżUVW :KHWKHU \RX DUH DQ ROG KDQG RU ZDQW WR WU\ LW IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH everyone is more than welcome on our ski trips and if your SUHIHUUHG Ă&#x20AC;LJKW LVQÂśW VKRZLQJ DYDLODEOH \RX FDQ DOZD\V DVN and we may be able to secure just what you are looking for. Take a look at the Spice UK website for more details and full availability on all our upcoming ski trips. So, see you on the slopes ...

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Spice Moments

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Richard’s Roundup Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter and that quarterly snapshot of our events programme in magazine format. This newsletter takes us through to Christmas and into the start of the New Year, but do bear in mind that new events are being launched every day and some at short notice. So do watch our website, Weekly Bulletins by email and Facebook Page as well if you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun. Since I last penned a Roundup, we’ve had lots of fun in all sorts of ways – be it the big get togethers like the National Dragon Boat Racing, or our crazy ‘signature’ events like Fire Eating and Llama Trekking! We’ve also had many holidays including the Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure take place this summer as well as literally hundreds of smaller events that we’ve all enjoyed. I do hope that like me, you’ve had a Spice summer full of good times had and great friendships made! But the biggest and most memorable event of all was our Summer Ball which 320 of you enjoyed at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Now we all like to bring things back that we find on our holidays, but inviting the Italian Choir who had entertained our members on our "Italian Castle" breaks to come and visit us in Birmingham was a pretty ambitious idea! It was only possible due to the kindness of many of you putting these ‘mountain men’ up in their houses. Before the ball itself, the choir had a whistle-stop tour of engagements. We started early at the BBC, where we were the stars of the Molly Green breakfast show. As well as singing two pieces live on-air, Molly was also keen to know about Spice. Her line "join Spice today and by this time next year you could have an Italian in your spare room" will go down in history as our most unusual recruitment pitch! Enjoy the last quarter of the Spice year. Autumn and Winter are wonderful times to be a Spice member - with autumnal walks, magical Christmas and New Year parties, hearty meals and of course our ski trips. In fact, our own Val D’Isere Ski Trip and Christmas and New Year Parties are already filling up quickly! The best part of what I do is seeing people out having fun. So with that in mind I’ll ..

See you on the events ..

Spice West Midlands, Ryknild House, Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 3EL Tel: 0121 353 6161 Email: richard@spicebham.com

Website: www.spicebham.com

Coming Events October 2017 * denotes event is full

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday 1 October Peak District Walk: Hathersage to Hope Play with Clay - The Wheel Run, Jog or Walk - Solihull Wilmcote Easy Ramble

Spice Book Club - Sutton Coldfield

Aladdin Birmingham Royal Ballet* Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Curry & Quiz Solihull Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Halesowen & Quinton Pub Night Spamalot Spanish Dinner Shuffle at El Borracho De Oro

New Members Beer, Skittles & Supper

Bavarian Night at Conkers Althorp Literary Festival Caving for the Terrified* Deer Walk with a Ranger Dancing with a Partner Milton Under Wychwood, Drone Flying & Racing Moderate Cotswold Ramble Entertaining Mr Sloane Peak Dist Walk: Carsington Fungi Foray in Sutton Park Romsley/ Waseley Ramble Hovercrafting Flying Run, Jog or Walk in the Indoor Skydiving Park - Solihull Medieval Jousting Social Cycle Ride: Walton RSC Behind The Scenes* on Trent & Fradley The Edges Improvers Western Style Rifle Mountain Bike Ride Shooting Experience Walking W’end Carrbridge Walking W’end - Black Mountains

Preview Evening - Sutton Coldfield Simple Sewing Workshop & Cake! Spice Book Club - Solihull Ten Pin Bowling

Fencing for Beginners Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Sutton Pub Night Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Meat Feast Brazilian Dining at The Cube Mike Sanchez at the Jam House

An Evening of Music & Mirth with Mad Jocks & Englishmen An Evening with Sir Michael Parkinson*

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Exclusive Tour & Willard Wigan Polo Indoor Lesson at Rugby RSPB Autumn Stroll Screamfest Vulcan Bomber Restoration Experience

Blacksmithing for Beginners Evening Jaguar F PACE Manufacturing Taster Tour

Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park The Trouble with Old Lovers

Greek Meal & Quiz - Sutton Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

UB40 Tribute Night at the Jam House

Acosta Danza* Spice Hits Town at the Jam House

Flight Simulator Experience Ladybower Come & Try Mountain Biking Symonds Yat Adventure Mission Weston Park Walk with the Head Gardener & Lunch

Adventure Horse Trekking Bewdley & Arley Ramble Bird of Prey Encounter Drumming Exp. Part 2 Jewellery Quarter Walk & Cantonese Buffet Peak District Walk: Edale Run, Jog or Walk - Solihull

Taking those Photo Opportunities Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Ghostly & Grisly Birmingham Wk Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Halloween Cupcake Decorating Class Indoor Climbing at Redpoint

Comedy Night at the Chateau Sitcom Special Tutbury Castle Conservation Working Party Volunteers

Flyboarding - Chepstow Ghost Hunting & Supper Halloween Dinner HDV Kayak River Adventure Make Chocolate Halloween Motorbike Off Road Exp New Dogs Home Visit Ramble, Scramble, Dangle Warwicks Villages Ramble Zip Wire & 3G Swing,

Calke Abbey Ramble Create with Clay using a Potters Wheel Erasmus Darwin House Lapworth Museum Tour Peak District Walk: Alport Run, Jog or Walk in the Park - Solihull Treasure Trail & Photo Challenge - Chepstow

Elan Valley W’end

National Stud Tour, Newmarket Racing & Party Break

City of Culture Social W’end in Hull

Sin City Murder Mystery Bunkhouse

15 Beginners Horse Trek Beginners Photography Cinema Night & Opt. Meal Golf - Play in a Day Incredible Auto Circus* Peak Dist Walk: Bakewell Robs Railway Ramble Run, Jog or Walk - Solihull Ukulele for Fun Wake up the Zoo Walking W’end Hastings

Walking W’end Llangollen Delights

Walking W’end Exmoor & Somerset Coast

31 Nina Conti Live Run, Jog or Walk - Sutton Tamworth & Lichfield Pub Night

Spice West Midlands, Ryknild House, Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 3EL Tel: 0121 353 6161 Email: richard@spicebham.com

Website: www.spicebham.com

Coming Events November 2017 * denotes event is full

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 1 November

Thursday 2

Friday 3

Saturday 4

Sunday 5

Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Halesowen & Quinton Pub Night Italian Dinner Shuffle in Aldridge Shakatak at the Jam House

Charles Dickens' Ghost Stories

Chocolate Taste & Make Create Christmas Crackers Fireworks at Stone Manor Gin Tasting Evening Nordic Walking Free Taster Urban Ramble: Warwick What Colours Really Look Good On Me?

Firework Spectacular with Reception in the Great Hall Forest Segway Go Ape Treetop Experience Hopwood Ramble Indian Head Massage Peak Dist Walk: Ashbourne

Ballachulish Bargain Break Cotswolds Walking & Social W’end Dumfries & Galloway Bike W’end Fun Sailing W’end & Rib Ride Walking W’end Keswick Walking W’end Weymouth Winter Warmer Bonfire W’end

Morgan Motors Visit

Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Sutton Pub Night Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Chinese Meal & Quiz - Sutton Longfellows Restaurant Dinner Shuffle Magic for Beginners Preview Evening (MAC)

Cocktail Masterclass & Dessert Pairing at Mal Maison Katherine Ryan's Glitter Room Museum Collections Centre

Coffin Factory Candlelit Tour & Victorian Funeral Practices Introduction to Skiing Leather Craft Workshop, Tour & Tea Wire Work Jewellery Workshop

Birmingham at War Afternoon Walk Cannock Chase War & Remembrance Ramble Easenhall Ramble Nordic Walking Official Fast Track Course Peak District Walk: Chatsworth Autumn Walk

Simple Sewing Workshop with Celebratory Cake! Ten Pin Bowling Spice Book Club - Sutton C’field NOTE DATE CHANGE

Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park Sunset Boulevard

Ghost Walk of Sutton Coldfield Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Flamenco Dancing Workshop

Spice Hits Town at the Jam House Take That & Olly Murs Tribute Cabaret Night

Abseiling for the Terrified BBC Behind the Scenes Cosford Restoration, Behind the Scenes & Lunch Get a Life - Get a Successful Life! Glass Blowing - Make a Christmas Bauble* Make your own Chocolate Advent Calendar World Wine Challenge

Cinema Night with Optional Meal Dim Sum Sunday Lunch Escape Room Challenge Glass Blowing - Make a Christmas Bauble Moira & Donnisthorpe Easy/Moderate Ramble Peak Classic Caves Day Peak District Walk: Blore

Spice Death Club

Rob Brydon - I Am Standing Up Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Thanksgiving Day: Epic American Dining Creating with Clay - Christmas Decorations! King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys

Alison Moyet Lloyds Indian Dinner Shuffle Sleep Out for St Basils at Birmingham Cathedral

Back to Backs Tour Create your own Rustic Wooden Reindeer Make a Chain Maille Necklace for Christmas Quad Bike Intro & Woodland Trek

Fly a Plane from Coventry to Stratford Hatton Easy Ramble & Christmas Craft Fair Money Management Learn & Play Peak District Walk: Eyam

Walking W’end Cheddar Gorge & Mendips Walking W’end Whitby Heritage Coast

Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park Tamworth & Lichfield Pub Night

Kababish Dinner Shuffle Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Simple Pottery Make a Christmas Pudding*

Spice West Midlands, Ryknild House, Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 3EL Tel: 0121 353 6161 Email: richard@spicebham.com

Website: www.spicebham.com

Coming Events December 2017 * denotes event is full

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1 December

Saturday 2

Sunday 3

Mocktails & Glitter Glasses Workshop Walking W’end Symonds Yat & Wye Valley

Alpaca Experience in Warwickshire Christmas Inspired Fabric Wreath Workshop Style Workshop - Making the Most of You

Holly Wreath Making Workshop Introduction to Reflexology Lapworth & Packwood House Easy Ramble Peak District Walk: Wardlow Hay Cop & Cressbrook Dale Western Style Rifle Shooting Experience

Bristol & Bath Christmas Markets Social W’end* Jacobean Mansion Christmas Party W’end, Staffordshire*

Spice Book Club - Sutton Coldfield

Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Balloon Modelling for Fun (Christmas Themed) Halesowen & Quinton Pub Night

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

Christmas Dinner Dance With All-Inclusive Cheer! Christmas Dinner Dance Accommodation Frankfurt Christmas Market Pub Treasure Trail

Hope Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride Peak Dist Walk: Whaley Br Santa Cycle Ride or Walk & Present Drop Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Markets Pub Treasure Trail

Ten Pin Bowling (Acocks Green)

Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class*

Run, Jog or Walk in Sutton Park

Zing! The Choir of Spice WM Badminton – Sutton Billesley, Coventry & Wolverhampton

A Victorian Christmas National Memorial Arboretum, Festive Lunch, Train Tour & Carols

A Christmas Carol A Christmas Wassail Caving for the Terrified Christmas Special Cinema Night with Optional Meal Peak District Walk: Black Rocks & Wirksworth

Christmas Luxury W’end, Live Entertainment 5 Star Resort Norfolk

24 Knowle Locks Christmas Eve Easy Ramble & Lunch Spice National Christmas Break : DoubleTree by Hilton Chester*

Christmas Day Link Up 2017

Shustoke Boxing Day Easy Ramble Tamworth & Lichfield Pub Night

Victorian Birmingham Walk & Afternoon Tea Badminton Sutton Coldfield

Christmas Clay Pigeon Shooting Festive Race Day at Leicester Racecourse Mulled Wine & Mince Pie Wander

Balloon Flight Christmas Pony Trekking Day with Picnic in the Forest of Dean Spice Hits Town New Year 007 & Firework Spectacular (EXTRA NIGHT OPTION)

New Year 007 & Firework Spectacular Sleepover Party Peak District Walk: Bakewell, Monsal Trail & Great Longstone

Walking Break Twixtmas Chilterns & Berkshire Downs Walking Break Twixtmas in The Lakes Isle of Wight Twixmas & New Years Break New Year Break London with Thames Cruise & Hotel* Cardiff & South Wales New Year Walking & Social Break Walking W’end New Year in Derbyshire

Spice West Midlands, Ryknild House, Burnett Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 3EL Tel: 0121 353 6161 Email: richard@spicebham.com

Website: www.spicebham.com

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

Italian Dinner Shuffle in Aldridge .. enjoy a 3 course meal with complimentary wine Date: Thursday 2nd November 2017 Place: Da Vinci's, Anchor Parade, Aldridge (WS9 8QP) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £18.50 (£20.50 Guest) Incl: 3 course meal, complimentary wine on tables & Spice coordinator Da Vinci’s is a hidden away above the shops in Aldridge and is quite a find if you’re looking for generous portions of home cooked food at a reasonable price point. It’s perfect for a dinner shuffle as they have a spacious dining area and can set up large tables for us. We have booked their 3 course set menu (see on line) which also includes bottles of wine on the table (mix of red, white & rose at ratio of 1 bottle per 2 people). If you prefer other drinks, there’s a cash bar.

Longfellows Restaurant Dinner Shuffle .. enjoy classic home cooking th

Date: Thursday 9 November 2017 Place: Hampton Lane, Catherine-de-Barnes (B91 2TJ) Meet: 7.20pm for 7.30pm Start Cost: £19.50 (£22 Guest) Includes: 3 course meal & Spice coordinator Longfellows is an individual and unique privately run and managed restaurant offering innovative English cuisine and specialising in fish, game and homemade traditional English puddings. The restaurant has a fine reputation, built over 30 years and ensured by owners Doug and Christine Long. They are directly responsible for the standards, as everything is cooked and prepared in house by Doug and Christine manages front of house. Highly recommended by Spice members.

Take That & Olly Murs Tribute Cabaret Night .. enjoy Could it be Magic with a 3 course dinner Date: Friday 17th November 2017 Place: Barston Lakes, Solihull # (B92 0LB) Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £26 (£28 Guest) Includes: Live entertainment, 3 course meal, Spice Host, service & booking fees Another chance to enjoy the live entertainment at The Lake at Barston. This time the group "Could It Be Magic" will be performing their popular tribute to Take That & Olly Murs. They are a fantastic 4 piece boyband and will be performing all of Take That's biggest and best tracks from the early days to now and their tribute to Olly Murs! The food is also great!

Dim Sum Sunday Lunch .. authentic chinese cuisine for a lazy Sunday! th

Date: Sunday 19 November 2017 Place: Chung Ying Gardens, Thorpe Street (B5 4AT) Meet: 1.00pm Cost: £22 Member, £24 Guest We always have a brilliant welcome at the Chung Ying Gardens and this time the team are keen to show us the type of cuisine that the Chinese themselves and those ‘in the know’ enjoy for a celebratory meal. It includes their mouth watering Dim Sum specialities and there’s lots of choice, so you’re sure to find your favourites! It’s a very sociable way to eat, so ideal for Spice! All the food will be served to the tables on large serving platters to share. There’s a sample menu online. 1

Lloyds Indian Dinner Shuffle .. discover an award winning curry in Knowle! Date: Friday 24th November 2017 Place: 7 Station Road, Knowle (B93 0HL) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £19.50 (£22.50 Guest) Incl: 3 course meal, 10% service & Spice coordinator Lloyds are one of just 6 Indian restaurants in the whole of the Midlands that have made it onto the shortlist for the English Curry Awards 2017. So we thought it was about time Spice paid a visit to find out what’s so special about this upmarket curry house in leafy Knowle! To make it easy, sociable and ensure we can try a little of everything, they are serving our meal on platters “banquet style”. The menu is shown on the online version of this writeup.

Thanksgiving Day: Epic American Dining .. for those who like their food "Epic Sized"! rd

Date: Thursday 23 November 2017 Place: Rub Smokehouse, Regency Wharf, Broad St, Birmingham (B1 2DS) Meet: 7.50 for 8pm Cost: £28 (£30 Guest) Incl: Light appetisers on table. "Epic" main course & drink We’ve been wanting to have a group meal at Rub for some time, so Thanksgiving Day provides the perfect opportunity. This isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving Meal with Turkey – but with the quality of the food and size of the portions, we’ll certainly have something to be thankful for! Our Spice Package includes a drink which can be small glass of wine, draught lager or soft drink. They will also put some Crackling and Texas Toast on our table as an appetiser. For the main course, you can choose any dish off the Epic section of the menu which we have a link to from our website. Epic Food: Please note that the main courses are pretty huge. If you’re a “Man verses Food” type you’ll love it. If you have a smaller apatite, just ask the restaurant to box up anything you can’t finish and your dog will thank you!

Kababish Dinner Shuffle .. enjoy authentic Punjabi cuisine Date: Wednesday 29th November 2017 Place: 266 Jockey Rd, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5XP) Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm Cost: £21 ( £24 Guest) Includes: 3 course meal & tea or coffee. Extra: Tips on night Established since 1988 and with a huge local following, Kababish is a family run restaurant offering fine authentic, traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine. The food served here has been created with an exotic collection of herbs & spices distinctively blended in the traditional ways of the Punjab and North West Frontier of Pakistan. The restaurant has recently undergone an extensive renovation and offers a spacious dining area and new central bar.

Halloween Dinner & Ghosts of Hotel Du Vin .. Halloween fun in Victorian splendour Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Saturday 28 October 2017 Hotel du Vin, Church St, Birmingham (B3 2NR) 7pm arrival for 7.30pm sit down dinner £49 (£52 Guest) Incl: Arrival drink, 3 course dinner, half a bottle of wine and ghost stories between each course. Occupying the grand Victorian building built in 1884 Hotel Du Vin was previously the Birmingham Eye Hospital. This hotel is devoted to the love of wine and harks back to elegant days of unhurried pleasure. A building that is steeped in history is a perfect place to enjoy an exclusive Halloween evening with a delicious dinner and ghost stories in an atmospheric setting. We’ll find out more about the “residents” that return to the hotel with spine chilling stories. Why a young surgeon took his life in the chapel of the old eye hospital, and recount some stories of guests that have since met the young surgeon. We will hear about the Victorian Nurses that still attend to their daily duties around the corridors of the old eye hospital, along with other ghostly stories from the local area. We will enjoy an arrival drink, a three course dinner and half a bottle of wine per person. There will be ghost stories between each course. Please advise the Spice office of your menu choice from the menu shown online.

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

Christmas Dinner Dance & All-Inclusive Cheer! .. celebrate the season at a great new venue Saturday 9th December 2017 Vista Suite, Crowne Plaza, Central Square, Birmingham City (B1 1HH) # 7pm for 8pm - 1.00am £69 Member, £75 Guest (Deposit £15) Incl: Wine & Beer from 8pm – 12pm (house red /white wine or rose wine, bitter & lager). 3 course banquet, coffee/ tea, DJ entertainment & Services of Spice coordinators throughout Every year, the pressure is on for Spice West Midlands to find the best Birmingham Hotel on the best night of the year to hold the best Christmas Party! We think we’ve done it again, with a new venue of the prestigious Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre hotel. It has a prime location in central Birmingham, just five minutes’ walk from New Street train station, or there are options to stay over. With such a prestigious hotel, and central location we wanted to ensure a great night, without huge bar queues, so this year we have opted for an “all-inclusive drinks package” as well. Food & Entertainment: We have a great menu that includes more choice than in previous years (see online). We have entertainment from the DJ and some special Christmas surprises as well! We trust it will be a very special night indeed. The Drinks Package: This is a new departure for us, and we are still in discussions regarding the finer details of how it will work. However, the basic arrangement is that the waiting staff will keep all the tables supplied with unlimited drinks (selected draught bitter & lager; bottles of red, white & rose wine and soft drinks). These will be supplied from the moment you sit down for dinner at 8pm and will be replenished until midnight. Accommodation: We’re at a very central location with lots of transport options. However, if you want to stay over and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Birmingham including its Christmas Markets, we have some rooms held. See Online. Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

New Year 007 & Firework Spectacular Sleepover .. our most extravagant New Year Eve party ever! Sunday 31 December 2017 - Monday 1st January 2018 Also option to stay over Saturday 30th for 2 day break – see below Place: Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC (B40 1PS) # Meet: Check in from 3.00pm Cost: ● £109 (£129 Guest) sofa bed ● £129 (£149 Guest) sharing twin or double ● £159 single occupancy of double room. For any option, a £20 deposit holds your place Incl: 1 night at the 4 star deluxe Crowne Plaza, with drinks reception & fun quiz (inc tea and coffee) in the afternoon, themed party with disco, chefs themed dining experience, New Years Day Brunch. Spice coordinators at Hotel throughout. Access to midnight fireworks display on lake Extra: Extra night (Saturday) add £75 sofa bed; £85 twin/double share; £115 single You can only go to one party on New Year’s Eve, so make sure you choose the best! Every year our Spice West Midlands party gets bigger and more exciting! This year we are again taking over the prestigious 4 Star Crowne Plaza Hotel beside Pendigo Lake at the NEC and transforming it into an incredible themed Party venue. This year’s theme is “007” so you can expect wonderful James Bond props and decorations. The chefs always like to show off their skills on these nights and will be putting together a range of “food stations”, each showing off a different style of food from a particular Bond Film location around the World. You can help yourself from them all if you wish. Being an international hotel with an airport next door, it is already a meeting place for the world, so the Crowne Plaza Chefs know the best of every culture! We hope you’ll agree that when it comes to New Year, nobody does it better! Do we have to dress up: No, you don’t have to, and we have chosen this theme so that those in dinner jackets and cocktail dresses will fit in perfectly anyway. However, if you wish to go further there are endless possibilities from 24 Bond films! Entertainment: We have a great DJ with video screen. We’re planning a live video link to the Spice New Year Party in Italy (so we can celebrate New Year with them – then they can celebrate with us an hour later!). There will be some other surprises as well, but the crowning glory of our evening will be enjoying the extravagant fireworks display over the lake beside our hotel organised by Genting Casinos. Last year it was amazing and this year they say it will be even better! The Sleepover: The 4 star deluxe Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, is a great place to stay. You can arrive early and enjoy the hotel facilities and come along to a fun “quiz of the year” in the afternoon before getting ready to party. Following the party, we can return to our superbly appointed bedrooms, with truly luxurious beds and fluffy pillows! We can then discuss our New Year’s resolutions whilst enjoying a leisurely brunch in the Restaurant overlooking Pendigo Lake (where you ended up swimming naked the night before.. don’t you remember!). There’s a large car park, free to residents. Sofa Bed Option: Some of the twin sharing rooms in the hotel will be adapted so that they contain a standard bed plus a “sofa bed”. This is a temporary bed that is slightly smaller and less comfortable but made up to the same high standard as the main bed. It seems unfair for both people to pay the same price, so we have agreed a significant price reduction. Extra Night Option (Saturday): There is an extra night option if you wish to extend your stay and enjoy a 2 night stay and relax into the New Year. The additional night will include a dinner and a drink. We will enjoy an evening at the brand new Resort World next door. There’s lots there. An 11 screen cinema, or learn the finer art of gambling in the casino. Date:

Chinese New Year Celebration .. always a Spice favourite! th

Date: Saturday 17 February 2018 Place: Chung Ying Gardens, Thorpe St, Birmingham (B5 4AT) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £29.50 (£33 Guest) incl. welcome drink, banquet & entertainment plus disco & karaoke till late This is always a really popular night, and the feedback we get is brilliant! This year the New Year falls on 8th February, so we’re bringing it in on the closest Saturday. This year will be the Year of The Rooster – cock a doodle do! As usual we’ll take over the top floor of this excellent restaurant right in Birmingham's Chinese Quarter which is well known for its excellent authentic Cantonese food and lively staff. We begin the evening with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink and then to the food .. Eating Cantonese style, the tables will be laden with mouth-watering specialities, so you can try everything. Exclusivity Note: Whether or not we will be sharing the disco with the public will depend on numbers so book early!

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

Date: Saturday 13 January 2018 Place: Swadlincote Ski Centre (DE11 8LP) Meet: 5.40pm for 6pm start (food at 8pm) Cost: £22.50 (£25 Guest) Incl: 30mins each of toboggan & tubing followed by fondue meal You don’t have to go away on a ski trip to get that “apres ski” experience! Tonight we have an hour or so of “play time” followed by food & merriment at this centre. We’ll be split into 2 groups and spend time on the toboggan run (you should get at least 2 runs in) and tubing down the dry ski slope. By 7.30pm we should have worked up an appetite to spend the rest of the night in The Alpine Lodge where we’ll enjoy a wonderful alpine fondue feast and a well stocked bar till 10.30. It’s a fun, sociable event that you really can’t miss! The Tobogganing: The Alpine Toboggan Run makes a breath taking 650m descent, winding and twisting its way around and under the ski slope and the only thing in control of your speed is gravity and you! The Tubing: We hurtle down the ski slope on huge rubber tubes. It’s crazy, it’s out of control .. and you will laugh - lots! The Fondue: After all this fun, we'll move onto the apres ski. On the tables will be pork, beef and cheese fondues. We can try a little of each. There are also chips, salad, French bread and tasty dips. Dessert of the day is also included.

Barn Dance & Supper .. a cracking night in a the barn! rd

Date: Friday 3 March 2018 Place: Wishaw Country Sports, just off the A446 near The Belfry Hotel (B76 9PQ) # Meet: Arrive from 7.30pm, Band 8pm to 11pm. Food 9pm Cost: £20 (£23 Guest) includes hot buffet supper This is one of those well loved events that we run again, again & again! The same successful formula of great music, an authentic rural location & great food has been arranged. Music is provided live by 4 piece band Fiddlers Elbow, who bring us the best jigs and country sounds from Irish and Scottish roots. They’ll explain all the moves – which we all get wrong – and it's a great opportunity to mix, as you are never with one partner for long. Don't worry if you can't dance, none of us can .. it’s great fun trying! There are even fine country ales on tap!

Lasan Indian Banquet .. experience one of the UK's Top 10 Indian Restaurants Date: Friday 13th January 2017 Place: James Street, St. Pauls Sq, Birmingham (B3 1SD) Meet: 6.45pm for 7pm Cost: £39 (£42 Guest) included 2 courses & service Forty quid for an Indian! Sounds a lot, but trust us. This is not just any other Indian restaurant. Voted one of the Top 10 Indian Restaurants in the UK by The Independent & The Times, Lasan’s success is further reinforced by the restaurants inclusion in the Michelin Guide and glowing praise from many food critics and journalists. Lasan has also recently won the prestigious Gordon Ramsey F Word title. So it’s only right that Spice experience Birmingham’s ultimate Indian night! They seeks to offer Indian food with a light contemporary edge. No need to pre order, as we get the lot! All items on a long menu are presented across the table, so that we are able to share and taste each and every dish. ______________________________ 4

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

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

Date: Sunday 21 January 2018 Place: Wellesbourne Airfield near Stratford on Avon (CV35 9EU) # Meet: 12.45pm for 1pm Briefing Cost: £99 (£105 Guest) Paid as £9 (£15 Guest) deposit to Spice, plus £90 balance paid on the day This is a classic Spice event - you've just got to fly a helicopter one time in your life! We're just sorry we can't make it cheaper, but helicopters are extraordinarily costly to run! This isn't a pleasure flight, it's a lesson - and real occasion. Your session starts with a briefing on helicopters in general and the controls of the Robinson R22 you’ll be flying. These machines are touch sensitive and challenging. You’ll be in up for 15 memorable minutes. Weight limit 15 stone (95kg).

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

Date: Sunday 26 November 2017 or Sunday 18 February 2018 Place: Coventry Airport (CV8 3AZ) # Meet: Slots from 10am Cost: £129 (£139 Guest) Incl: 30mins flying under instruction & 30 minutes observing Here's a brilliant way to tick off an event that is on almost every “bucket list” – yes, the opportunity to pilot an aircraft! To make this more special, we’re using a 4 seat aircraft and 2 Spice members will share an hours flying – one taking us to Stratford (Wellesbourne Airfield) and the other flying us home. We will, of course be under expert instruction throughout. We take off from Coventry with one Spice student in the pilot’s seat beside the instructor and the other observing from the back seat. Half an hour later we land in Stratford where we swap over to return. Much better than a standard lesson.

Balloon Flights .. the altogether more civilised way to fly! th

Date: Saturday 30 December 2017 Place: Choose: ● Warwick/Stratford or ● Shugborough Hall, Staffs # Meet: Early morning - to be confirmed with joining details Cost: £145 Member, £149 Guest An experience of a lifetime with a hot air balloon flight. We share this event with public bookings, so call us to arrange.

Flight Simulator Experience .. pilot a 737 with absolute reality st

Date: Saturday 21 October 2017 Place: Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire (NN6 0BN) # Meet: Slots from 2pm Cost: £59 (£64 Guest) Step inside this fully functional Boeing 737 simulator cockpit for 20 minutes of cross-country flight with an experienced pilot instructor, from engine start to shut-down. The Boeing 737 Next Generation simulator really is state of the art. Every dial, switch, instrument and anything else you can find in the cockpit works exactly as it would in the real aircraft.

Indoor Skydiving .. yes you really can fly! th

Date: Saturday 20 January 2018 (Sorry, October 2017 date is already full) Place: Central Milton Keynes (MK9 3XS) # Meet: 12.30pm start Cost: £45 Member, £47 Guest Includes: A high quality digital photo to download Imagine a wind tunnel that can be used for testing the aerodynamics of an F1 racing car, turn it upright, step into the airflow and you’re skydiving. It's a proven concept operating in several countries to the benefit of the skydiving community and anyone else who wishes to taste the thrill of freefall. Read more at at www.spicebham.com ______________________________ 5

Animal Encounters & Equestrian Lots of fun in the animal kingdom

Wake up the Zoo .. get behind the scenes of a busy Zoo! Date: Sunday 15th October 2017 Place: Dudley Zoo, Dudley (DY1 4QB) # Meet: 8.40am start Cost: £35 (£39 Guests) includes full English Breakfast Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a major zoo before it opens to visitors each day? What food is prepared for every animal and what else has to be done before the visitors arrive? Well now you can in our guided tour with a keeper, who will take you behind the scenes. At the end of a busy morning we will go to the cafe for a full English Breakfast. After which you are free to explore the zoo at your own pace from the visitor’s side of the fence this time!

Christmas Pony Trekking & Picnic .. an idylic trek on rescue ponies in the Wye Valley Date: Saturday 30th December 2017 Place: Smallbrook Farm, Forest of Dean (GL15 6AE) # Meet: 10.45am for 11am finish around 4pm Cost: £49 (£55 Guest). Includes: Equipment, instruction & picnic lunch. Max weight 15st We’re guests of Alasdair & Moira again. But this time we’re not here for the Llamas, but to enjoy some trekking on their delightful rescued ponies. We meet our hosts at their farm, where they have a lovely collection of rare breed and rescued animals for us to meet including wild boar and llamas. They have trained a large collection rescued trekking ponies. Each has a story to tell, but they all are now safe on the farm and have been meticulously trained for us. Full details online.

Bird of Prey Encounter .. unlock their secrets - up close & personal nd

Date: Sunday 22 October 2017 Place: Ash End House Farm, Middleton Lane , Middleton (B78 2BL) Meet: 10.45am for 11am – 12 noon session Cost: £22 (£25 Guest) The Eclipse team are passionate about their birds of prey and are keen to promote education and conservation. Our Bird of Prey Close Encounter is at the bird of prey centre at Ash End House farm and this 1 hour event allows you to meet, handle and fly a selection of birds. This is a great opportunity to engage with and learn about these fantastic creatures.

Beginners Horse Trek .. a great intro ride with cream tea th

Date: Sunday 15 October 2017 Place: Ginny Hole Stables, Shropshire (DY14 8UL) # Meet: 12.45pm for 1.00pm - 2.30pm ride Cost: £55 (£59 Guest) includes cream tea Want to try horse riding but always felt a bit nervous? Here is the perfect afternoon to ‘take back the reins’ if you haven’t ridden since childhood. A gentle introduction in the arena followed by a 40 minute off road trek, followed by Cream Tea. This trek is organised by a quality, family run stables on the Shropshire/Worcestershire Countryside and is designed for beginners or novices riders. This will be a very gentle ride on kind easy horses with trained escorts. Max weight: 15 stone.

Adventure Trekking Day .. a trek for confident riders nd

Date: Sunday 22 October 2017 Place: Ginny Hole Stables, Shropshire (DY14 8UL) # Meet: 9.45am for 10am – 12.30pm trek Cost: £70 (£75 Guest) includes cream tea Enjoy a fabulous Shropshire scenic ride from the beautifully schooled, responsive horses and informative and professional guides. These rides are ideal for riders at walk, trot, canter and will finish with a cream tea. Max weight 15 stone. ______________________________ 6

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

Spice Book Club .. discuss a book each month over tea & cakes! nd

Dates: Mondays: ● 2 Oct ● 13th Nov (NOTE CHANGE) ● 4th Dec ● 8th Jan Place: Inside Spice Office, Ryknild House, Burnett Rd, Streetly (B74 3EL) Meet: 8pm Start (ends around 9.30pm) Cost: FREE, but collection for Book Aid on day In order to have a sociable literary evening each month and raise money for Book Aid International (www.bookaid.org) we have a monthly meet up at the Spice office. The idea is that each month we discuss a set book that we have read in preparation. The conversation will be led by our volunteer, Kate Coulter, but is very informal. Kate will provide teas/ coffees/mineral water and some home baked treats. A voluntary collection is taken for Book Aid. Book list on our website.

Spice Book Club - Solihull .. discuss a book each month with Spice friends th

Date: Mondays: ● 9 Oct 2017 – check for future dates on line Place: Happy Heart Cafe, 26 Richmond Rd, Olton (B92 7RP) Meet: 7pm prompt (ends 9pm) Extras: No charge to book, but collection for Book Aid. Also, take some change for any drinks/ cakes We have a thriving Book Club in Sutton, so it seemed about time for us to offer a similar event to members in the south of our area. This has been made possible by our member Alex Ajao to run these evenings as a volunteer. This is an experiment to see if there is interest, however, if it proves popular we intend to run it regularly. We have rented this lovely café for 2 hours. We can buy drinks from 7pm to 7.15pm after which the staff will leave us alone for the night. The venue isn’t licensed but you can bring your own alcohol. Format is as Sutton club, with charity collection. See book list online.

Spice Death Club .. a Spice version of the popular “Death Café” th

Dates: Monday 20 November 2017 Place: Inside Spice Office, Ryknild House, Burnett Rd, Streetly (B74 3EL) Meet: 8pm Start (ends around 9.30pm) Cost: FREE, but collection for Cruse on day Yes, you did read this right. And no, we’re not going mad! You may have heard of the popularity of an international organisation called Death Café who meet all over the world to empower people by discussing the subject of death. We are not part of that organisation, but we have on our team a very experienced facilitator who is a bereavement specialist and has offered to run a Spice evening along the same principals. If popular it could become regular! The idea is simply to gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. The objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. Like Death Cafe it will be a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. We will all have our own experiences, yet we must be clear that this is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. We all have one life and one death. A healthy understanding and attitude towards death can certainly help us to make the very most of our life. The best way to break the power of a taboo (even this, the final one) is to talk about it freely. Our facilitator, Adam Page is a professional bereavement specialist and works for the respected charity Cruse Bereavement Care who we will have a collection for tonight. Read more Online.

New Year Dog Walk .. a gentle walk with our dogs! Date: Saturday 6th January 2018 Place: Outside Bistro at Blackroot, Sutton Park (B74 2YU) Meet: 10.30am Extras: 1) Bring a dog! (2) Voluntary collection taken on the day for Birmingham Dogs Home A fun event, informal event where everyone is invited. Get out and stretch your legs with your dog if you have one. You’re welcome to bring other family members including children on this one if you want to. We’ll meet next to the Bistro and take a winter walk of around 1½ miles around the main lakes and features of this wonderful park. Richard will give a few bits of info along the way if his 2 naughty Yorkies let him share his attention! After, we can sit with our dogs on tables outside the Bistro for a drink. Warning: This event can be quite chaotic – so bring a sense of humour!

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

Date: Sunday 10 December 2017 Place: Boldmere Gate of Sutton Park (B74 3EJ) # Meet: 12noon Start Extras: No charge to book, but bring a present for Santa on the day! Our annual Santa Cycle Ride has now been extended to walkers! Whether walking or cycling, we all dress up as Santas (no need to go the whole yo-ho-ho, just a santa hat or beard will do!). You are also asked to pack a present for a girl or boy in your rucksack and these will be handed to some elves along the way who will reward us with hot chocolate, mince pies and marsh mallows! We all meet in the car park at Boldmere Gate and at 12 we leave in 2 groups (one cycling and one of walkers) with the intention of seeing some of the best bits of the Park. Cyclists: There will be a very gentle ride taking in all of the pools. We will stop frequently to group, enjoy the views. We will only use roads (mainly car free), so you do not need an off road bike. Helmets must be worn by all cyclists. Walkers: One of our volunteers will lead an easy walk of around 2 – 3 miles. The Presents: Please pack a gift, ready wrapped and labelled whether it is for a girl or a boy and the age range. The children are all ages and you are welcome to donate for any age group, however, we have had a particular request for teenage presents as they are often the ones left out! The presents are for the children who are temporarily resident at Aven House, Walsall’s refuge for those fleeing domestic violence. The place is usually full at Christmas time! (If you want to help but can’t make this event, you can also drop presents in to the Spice Office any time up to December 22 nd).

Charity Sleep Out at St Philips .. take on the challenge & help homeless young people! Date: Fri 24th Nov 2017 - Sat 25th Nov 2017 Place: St Philip's Cathedral, Colmore Row (B3 2QB) # Meet: Arrive between 7 & 8pm This annual event has previously been undertaken by such celebrities as Doug Ellis, the Bishop of Aston, Suzanne Virdee, Andrew Mitchell MP and various media VIP’s – but could you take the challenge of joining around 200 people sleeping rough in Winter in order to help the homeless (whilst experiencing for one night what rough sleeping is like)? This is how it works: On arrival, we will be given a piece of cardboard and a plastic sheet (please bring your own sleeping bag) and we’ll do our best to stake out ‘our area’ where Spice can be together. Between 7pm & 1am there will be hot food and drinks available at nominal cost (last year organized by Harvey Nichols!) and there is usually a campfire to provide a little warmth. At around 9pm there will be a presentation about the charity and also there will be the chance to attend an atmospheric midnight mass in the cathedral. We have committed to sleep out for the night, so please don’t try to sneak out to an all night curry house! Breakfast will be available from around 6am. The Charity: St Basils is not aligned to any church or religion. It was formed to serve young people sleeping rough in the region, however, the success of their work nowadays ensures that most homeless young people are picked up early and are found accommodation or reunited with their families. Their work is far reaching and has excellent results in getting young homeless people back into safety and equipping them with the tools, confidence and training to rebuild their lives. Sponsorship: Everyone who books this will be sent further details and a sponsorship form nearer the time. Sponsor Our Sleepers: If you want to support the evening without taking part, find our donation “event” online.

Cycling & Mountain Biking Cycling is great fun and our instructors, will ensure you have fun whether you're peddling along a country lane, or trying to reach the summit of a craggy peak! The rides are lead by experienced guides (unless otherwise stated) who also act as bike doctors should anybody's bike fall poorly. If you use your own bike it must be in reasonable condition and suitable for the type of event described. Also, you MUST bring & wear a helmet (usually provided with hire bikes, but check).

Social Cycle Ride: Walton on Trent & Fradley .. enjoy some gentle cycling with friends th

Date: Sunday 8 October 2017 Place: The Swan Walton on Trent (DE12 8LZ) # Meet: 10.45am for 11:00am Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Join Spice member Trevor who is starting to run some social cycle rides, often with the added bonus of a visit to an attraction after the ride. They are aimed at members who want a nice cycle ride but don’t want to rush around. This is a virtually flat 16 mile route on quiet lanes and tracks incorporating a break half way at the excellent cafe at Fradley. From Walton we climb the only small hill on the whole route, then it is downhill alongside the river Trent past Catton Hall. The route then heads south past a small airfield and on to meet the canal at Fradley Junction where we will sample the delights of David Lancaster’s excellent cafe. Fired up by the power of homemade cake, we head out again, but north into Alrewas. We pass through the village and then join the canal path to pass through a netherworld of water where the Trent, canals, and open lakes all merge into a beautiful wetland. We eventually come out by the church at Wychnor opposite old earth workings of an abandoned village. The next 2 miles are along a track, free from cars, until we enter Barton under Needwood and make the short journey back to The Swan at Walton to recover in the bar.

Ladybower Come & Try Mountain Biking .. try mountain biking in wonderful surroundings st

Date: Saturday 21 October 2017 Place: Fairholmes, Ladybower, Bamford, (S33 0AQ) # Meet: 10.30am at P&D carpark outside Fairholmes cycle hire Cost: £16 (£18 Guest) Why not give Mountain biking a try in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District National Park. The ride is partly on road and partly off road as we circum-navigating the Derwent reservoir, with stunning views of the surrounding hill. The trail undulates around the reservoir so you will need to be able to cycle up and down hill but they are not too demanding. As we ride you will get the opportunity to practice mountain biking technique and ask questions. The ride will be guided and supported by a fully train mountain bike guide with many years experience. There is an outdoor snack bar in the car park at the start and finish of the ride but please bring snacks and drinks to keep you going whilst riding. Regarding clothing, bring waterproofs in case of foul weather and wear tracksuit bottoms (not too baggy) or cycling shorts plus a fleece type top and gloves to protect your hands. SPD’s, lightweight walking boots or good trainers are best on the feet. The trails are well maintained so shouldn’t be too muddy even if it is wet but bring a change of clothes just in case!

Hope Improvers Mountain Biking .. a classic winter Peak District ride! Date: Sunday 10th December 2017 Place: P&D car park opposite Hope Garage (S33 6AA) # Meet: 9.30am Cost: £16 (£18 Guest) Come and cycle up the shaking mountain (Mam Tor) with great views of the Edale valley and Kinder Scout. This is a great ride in one of the most picturesque parts of the Peak District National Park taking in Castleton, Mam Tor, Edale and Jagger Clough on a combination of quiet roads and bridleways. The route has been designed to make the climbing as easy as possible but as we will be climbing around 2000ft over the whole ride so the climbing will not be total painless. That said we will be rewarded with some great riding and fabulous views over this beautiful part of the Peak District. This is a tough grade 3 ride so there will be a few technical sections on the bridleways however they are fairly short and can be quite easily walked. We’ll aim to include a cafe stop but please bring snacks/drinks to keep your energy levels up for the ride. ______________________________ What’s the # ? If a location is followed by the # symbol it’s a secret Spice code that means you are going to receive further joining details by post or email such as tickets, maps, directions, emergency numbers etc

Ian Jelf's England Ian is a legend within Spice. He’s a Blue Badge Guide who’ s really entertaining. His tours are very different from what you might expect, with lots of offbeat observations and crazy stories that he has researched for us! Allow a couple of hours - more if you get him talking about busses, phone boxes or 2CV’s .. or accept his invitation to the pub afterwards!

Ghostly & Grisly Birmingham Walk

Ghost Walk of Sutton Coldfield

.. discover the wicked, cruel & spooky goings on!

.. discover the secret life of a Royal Town

Date: Wednesday 25th October 2017 Place: Statue of Victoria in Victoria Square (B3 3DH) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) This is a very special Birmingham walk, ideal for the darker nights. We’re in search of the unexplained, the unexpected and the plain unpleasant as we go delving into Birmingham’s more grisly, ghoulish past! Through the darkened streets we go, hearing tales of a murder (or 2), ghostly theatrical goings on, stories of digging up bodies, the angel of death, ghostly monks and Birmingham’s most (in)famous corpse! Bring a stout heart AND warm clothing!

Date: Wednesday 15th November 2017 Place: Outside MacDonalds - The Parade (B72 1XX) Meet: 7.30pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield has its share of ghost stories and the unexplained, from spectral Roman soldiers to covens of Druids, from a Tudor King to a mysterious Victorian gentleman. So why not come along and find out more? Bring warm clothing, good shoes and a sense of adventure and discover the darker side of the "Royal Town"! Sutton Coldfield is one of the most ancient settlements within today's Birmingham - for centuries it was far more important than Birmingham. Come and find out more!

Jewellery Quarter Walk & Buffet

Victorian Birmingham & Aftern’n Tea

.. discover this fascinating & unique area

.. with luxurious Afternoon Tea at Hotel du Vin

Date: Sunday 22nd October 2017 Place: Outside Jewellery Quarter Station (B18 6HA) Meet: 10.30am (ends at Henrys for buffet 12.30pm) Cost: £20.50 – Walk & Buffet or £8.50 - Walk only Birmingham’s celebrated Jewellery Quarter is unique in Britain. It started off as a plush Georgian suburb before succumbing to the advance of small-scale industry. Today, jewellery workshops rub shoulders with retail outlets and modern apartments but the alleyways and squares of this most individual of areas still resound with a past just waiting to be discovered. It really is a fascinating walk with so many stories to tell .. Buffet: We end at Henrys Cantonese Restaurant on St Paul’s Square, where we will have a hot buffet prepared for us and will have the opportunity to socialise together and enjoy lovely food.

Date: Wednesday 27th December 2017 Place: Meet outside Snow Hill Station (B3 2BJ) Meet: 12.45pm (Ends at Hotel Du Vin for tea at 3pm) Cost: £29 (£32 Guest) What better way to enjoy the "twixtmas period" than a wonderful historic experience of Victorian Birmingham with Ian Jelf followed by an Afternoon Tea in the Victorian splendour of a historic hotel. We end the walk at approx 3.00pm in the lap of luxury at Hotel Du Vin, itself a particularly grand Victorian building adorned with terracotta and complete with ghosts! (Ian will tell more!). Our traditional afternoon tea includes a pot of tea of your choosing, a selection of mini sandwiches and savouries, a fruit or plain scone with strawberry preserve and a dollop of fresh clotted cream and mini sweet treats. If any city in the world can be described as a Victorian creation, it's Birmingham. When Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 there were about 150,000 Brummies. By the time she died in 1901 there were more than three times that number. The Victorian era is everywhere: fine old buildings, wide new streets, the railways, hotels, shops, offices and much, much more. So today we're going to look at what the 19th century gave to Birmingham.

Birmingham at War Afternoon Walk .. an atmospheric walk for remembrance Sunday! Date: Sunday 12th November 2017 Place: Meet by statue of Bull in the Bull Ring (B5 4BG) Meet: 1.30pm Cost: £8.50 (£10.50 Guest) To mark Remembrance Sunday we have a special Birmingham Walk. Bearing in mind the date, we’ll be looking at how our City has been touched by war through the ages. As well as hearing about the Blitz and the home front, we’ll have a few surprises. War has left us with the curious name of a building, a special place in the history of rationing and several narrow escapes. And this is by no means confined to the two World Wars, as we learn how the Boer War came to Birmingham, a link with the Crimea and going further back where Brummies once fought on their own doorsteps. Even by Ian standards, we reckon this one will be a bit different! The afternoon start follows neatly on from the morning’s ceremonies in Centenary Square which some people might like to see). We end in the Centenary Square area, too.

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

Motor Sport Lots of crazy driving experiences to try!

Motorbike Off Road Experience .. a fantastic introduction to scrambling/ motocross Saturday 28th October 2017 Frank F Harrison Motor X Track, Walsall (WS2 7NR) # 9.30am for 10am - 3pm session £99 (£105 Guest) Includes: all equipment & instruction, specialist clothing including boots, jackets & helmets. Also drinks & burger at lunch We have exclusive private access to a fabulous off road facility in Walsall. If you have any doubts about the scale of this track, just put WS2 7NR into Google Earth and see it “from Space”! They have great equipment and brilliant instructors to teach you how to get the best from it. This fantastic introduction will get you riding in ways and on surfaces that you wouldn't believe! There is no better feeling of exhilaration, than riding a motorcycle over off road terrain. The day caters for all levels of experience from complete novice (including would-be riders who have never even sat on a motorcycle before), to experienced road and off-road riders. After a safety briefing, we’ll get off road riding instruction and assessment. Your instructors will then take you out to the course to build and develop your skills and confidence in a hands-on situation. Most people can get the hang of the skills pretty quickly. However, if the instructors do not feel you can handle a motorbike (or you are not happy on one) there is the opportunity to swap to one of their quad bikes instead. Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Quad Bike Intro & Woodland Trek .. a trek on woodland trails in Sutton Coldfield Date: Saturday 25th November 2017 Place: Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield (B75 5SA) Meet: 12.45pm meet for 1pm - 2pm session Cost: £45 (£49 Guest) Situated in the heart of the beautiful countryside at Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield, the huge NPF adventure site has great woodland trails for quad bike trekking. Under expert instruction, we will develop our riding skills and take part in a trek throughout undiscovered trails in over 120 acres of beautiful woodland on 150cc KYMCO quad bikes. This 1 hour experience starts with a full safety bri efing and training session with an instructor, teaching us how to ride and control the Quad safely. As soon as we have successfully completed this compulsory safety training our Quad trek will begin. The experience includes all kit and equipment including coveralls and helmets and a full 30 minutes riding the quad bike.

Hovercrafting "Flying" on Land & Water .. so now you can "fly" on land and water th

Dates: Saturday 7 October 2017 (please check for future dates on line) Place: Hinckley, Leicestershire (LE10 3PG) # Meet: 12.45pm for 1pm start Cost: £55 Member, £57 Guest Have you ever fancied the idea of “flying” a Hovercraft? If so, this experience is just for you! This session is a change from our usual one. This new experience will be on both land and water. We will take turns to fly the hovercraft and the overall experience time is 2 hours but you will all be taking turns within this time. The instructors are highly experienced and passionate hovercraft pilots and have competed successfully at top level racing events. You will be taught how to control the hovercraft at walking speed before progressing to faster challenges.

Forest Segway on Cannock Chase .. trek by Segway on a forest trail Date: Sunday 5th November 2017 Place: Birches Valley Forest Center near Rugeley (WS15 2UQ) # Meet: Around midday to be confirmed Cost: £35 (£39 Guest) includes all equipment and instruction Get off the beaten track and experience an hour of fun on these amazing machines. We’re off exploring the forest on the latest in green technology – self-balancing electric Segways. It’s a totally unique way to tackle the trails in the forest. Our experience with us lasts an hour, and that includes a brief bit of safety and instruction before we head out with an instructor. You’ll need to weigh between 7 and 19½ stone. 11

Outdoor Pursuits What Spice are most famous for!

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

Dates: Saturdays 18 November 2017 or 20th January 2018 Place: Black Rocks, Matlock, Derbyshire # Meet: 10am Start Cost: £34 (£39 Guest) Many members would love to do an abseil, but are too petrified to book the ones we normally offer. After seeing Mark Fenton's ability to gently coax even the most frightened, or physically disadvantaged people into achieving brilliant outdoor feats, I started these special sessions which have proved extremely popular! You just need to bring a little faith, and the will to succeed! The feeling you’ll get from your success is well worth it all. Mark will get you to overcome any fears by building up your confidence gradually. First we get used to the equipment and how to use it on a few very short descents, before tackling some bigger abseils if you feel able. You’ll not be forced to do anything you are uncomfortable with, or feel stupid if you back out of any stage. So go on…you’ve nothing to lose but your fears!

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

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

Symonds Yat Adventure Mission .. a fab multi activity day wrapped up in a journey! Date: Saturday: 21st October 2017 Place: Forest of Dean # Meet: 10am to approx 4pm Cost: £52 Member, £57 Guest Have you ever been on a walk through the forest that starts with you being kitted out with harness and helmet? If not, you've never been on one which starts with a 100 foot abseil down the Buttress at the Yat! Fuelled on adrenaline we then slide down to the river and walk along the disused railway line to a wire suspension bridge where we cross the Wye. We then ramble to Pancake Caves, which we enter by being lowered on a rope through a hole in the roof - wow! Our ramble then takes us onto King Arthur's Cave, an ancient dwelling place, and on to the Seven Sisters, a rock outcrop. Brilliant!

Flyboarding at Chepstow .. weightless by the power of water! Date: Saturday 28th October 2017 Place: NDAC, A48, Tidenham, Chepstow (NP16 7LH) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.15pm to 9.15pm session Cost: £95 (£105 Guest) incl: instructor, equipment, wetsuit/ helmet & filming This is a totally awesome event, which everyone should try at least once! If you don’t know what it is, it is worth checking some videos on Youtube. You’ll get 25 minutes on a flyboard which attaches to a Jet Ski for power, It uses a water jet for precision flying through the air or underwater. The kit consists of a thirty foot power hose, foot bindings on a board with two thrust nozzles, a stabilization thrust nozzle on each wrist. With practice, you can hover over thirty feet in the! You will also be able to perform precision flying, diving, flying underwater, and aerobatics like back flips, spins, twists, and dolphin swimming. The FlyBoard is the ultimate water toy that will get the attention of anybody serious about adrenalin! 12

Caving for the Terrified .. the Christmas Special! th

Date: Sunday 17 December 2017 (sorry, October date already full) Place: Matlock Bath, Matlock, Derbyshire # Meet: 10am to approx 1.30pm Cost: £35 (£39 Guest) Another of Mark's brilliant events for those who really want to conquer an outdoor pursuit, but need some extra 'loving care' to help them though. This day is an ideal introduction in an interesting cave system, but one where you have the peace of mind that you could quickly be brought to the surface if the experience proves too much! This is a great event for winter as caves are the same temperature all year around and this one is dry as well. Our December date is a Christmas Special, so expect some festive surprises along the way!

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

Date: Saturday 28 October 2017 Place: Symonds Yat, Forest of Dean (HR9 5QT) # Meet: 10.00am to approx 4.30pm Cost: £55 Member, £59 Guest This area really is canoe country! The team from Forest Adventure have come up with a varied route for single seat kayaks - enjoyable for absolute beginners and practiced paddlers alike. They have planned out for us, one of the most scenic, most photographed, stretches of the Wye, from Kerne Bridge to Huntsmans Bridge taking in views of Symonds Yat as we go. It’s a leisurely day and a great first timer’s event, but will also be fun for those of you who have some experience. Note: If conditions are not good for Kayaks, we may use Canadian (open) canoes instead.

Winter Warmer - Lazer Combat & Quad Biking .. blast away the January blues! Date: Sunday 28th January 2018 Place: NPF Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield (B75 5SA) Meet: 9.45am for 10am - 1pm Cost: £65 (£69 Guest) (Deposit £15) Inc: 1 hour of Quad Biking & 2 hours of Lazer Combat. Hot drinks The Quad Trek: Challenge your riding skills and take part in a trek throughout undiscovered trails in over 120 acres of beautiful woodland on a 150cc KYMCO quad bike. This 1 hour experience starts with a full safety briefing and training session with your own instructor, The experience includes Kit and equipment including coveralls and helmets, Full 30 minutes riding the awesome quad bike trails. This is a Quad Trek experience not racing. Lazer Combat is played on the same scenarios as the paintball events, but as we're only firing light, there's not the pain or mess. It also means that your achievements are recorded electronically. Our teams will be transported by Military Landrover to the lazer command zone to begin the fun. We'll be divided into teams and play various games/scenarios. Overalls are supplied - but wear your scruffs and bring a change of clothes (including footwear!) - you might get muddy! All in all, it is an extremely authentic battlefield experience and tremendous fun for everyone.

Zip Wire and 3G Swing! .. G Force & Adrenaline! Date: Saturday 28th October 2017 Place: NDAC, A48, Tidenham, Chepstow (NP16 7LH) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.15pm to 9.15pm session Cost: ● £17.50 Zip Wire ● £17.50 3G Swing ● £30 Zip Wire & Swing The Zip Wire: “The Wire” is one of the UK's longest, tallest and fastest zip slides, running the 700 metre length of the spectacular NDAC Quarry. Launch yourself from the 70m high cliff edge and speed along the length of an 80m deep flooded quarry. Reaching speeds up to 40mph this exhilarating ride will take your breath away! Read more online The 3G Swing: Experience Weightlessness 245 feet in the air with the ultimate adrenaline-pumping blast! If you dare, you'll be strapped into the Giant 3G Swing, hoisted 50ft up into the air and slowly pulled back to the release point... Then it is down to one of you to pull the ripcord! After the initial terrifying drop, you'll launch into the air, feeling the G-force as you swing up into the sky, 245ft over the steep quarry edges of the UK’s Deepest Inland Dive Site. You will then be momentarily weightless before accelerating through double gravity as you level out at the bottom! Read more online

Peak Classic Caves Day .. enjoy two caves in a day th

Date: Sunday 19 November 2017 Place: Hope, Peak District (SK17 8ET) # Meet: 10am to approx 4pm Cost: £49 (£54 Guest) plus £3 to Farmer on the day. Includes instructors & caving suits Another day with Mark Fenton plus a support instructor, this time primarily for those who have been on a beginners or “terrified” caving day, but is also suitable for a first time caver who has the fitness and confidence to go straight in at this level. We start by tackling the famous Giants Hole cave, which is famous for having the lowest point in England at the bottom of this system! After a break for lunch, we move on to Carlswark Cavern, one of the most fun and best-known caves in the Peak District. Adventure from the word go, we access the cave by abseiling down a 40 foot shaft. For the most part it’s a low, wide cave with many junctions to negotiate and explore. There’s a nice easy exit. A great day of adventure.

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

Date: Saturday 28 October 2017 Place: White Peak area of Derbyshire # Meet: 10.00am Cost: £34 (£39 Guest) We get the most brilliant feedback from these days out with Mark Fenton! Meeting in the White Peak, we embark on a 7 mile hike but along the way we encounter and overcome various obstacles! It could be a climb, a river crossing, an abseil or it could be all three. You might be asked to disarm a bomb, climb a tree or ascend a steep embankment using jumars (fixed rope ascenders) you could even be asked to find your own way back to the cars using “Marks’ special maps”.

Go Ape in Cannock Chase .. the thrill of aerial trekking high above the forest floor Date: Sunday 5th November 2017 Place: Birches Valley Forest Centre near Rugeley (WS15 2UQ) # Meet: Around 12noon (to be confirmed with details) Cost: £33 Member, £35 Guest Go-Ape provides a truly exhilarating, adrenalin pumped experience in the tree tops. It’s an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up to 40 feet up in the trees. We are fitted with a climbing harness, given instructions, and then trek from tree to tree high above the forest floor. Safety is paramount and all participants wear safety harnesses with which to attach themselves to the safety system. Everyone receives a safety briefing. The course normally takes a very enjoyable (and perhaps a little scary) 2 - 3 hours to complete.

Introduction to Skiing .. give this fantastic sport a try th

Date: Saturday 11 November 2017 Place: Snowdome, Tamworth (B79 7ND) Meet: Aspen's Bar 11.30am (for 12noon - 12.55pm session) Cost: £38 (£40 Guest) Incl: equipment and tuition This is the perfect introduction into the slippery world of snow and an ideal fun way to give this fantastic sport a try. You will be accompanied by a fully qualified SnowDome Instructor who will take you through a series of basic ski themed activities and games. This event will be shared with the public unless we achieve the exact numbers for a class. ______________________________

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

Preview Evenings! .. presentations aimed at those looking to join, just joined, or introducing a friend to the group Sutton Coldfield Date: Mon 9 October 2017 Or Mon 29 January 2018 Place: The Royal Hotel High Street Sutton Coldfield (near Police Station) B72 1UD Time: 8.00pm

Edgbaston Dates: Thur 9 November 2017 Or Tue 9 January 2018 Place: Midlands Arts Centre Edgbaston Road Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH Time: 8.00pm C F

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

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

Dates: ● Fri 20 Oct ● Fri 17th Nov & Saturday 30th December 2017 Place: The Jam House, St Pauls Square, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham (B3 1QU) Meet: From 7.30pm (arrive by 8.30pm LATEST or you’ll be charged). Meet upstairs Cost: Free (but you have to book this event). Members Only – No Guests Incl: Spice exclusive area & discounted bar to 9pm. Drink voucher to use before 8.30pm Live entertainment: ● 20/10 - Mr Ben (Rock anthems from the likes of the Police & Proclaimers to Stereophonics & Snow Patrol) ● 17/11 – Tru Groove (classic funk & soul favourites from the likes of Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Plan B & Jessie J) ● 30/12 – B’Spoke (popular & funky young ten piece of talented musicians perform a range of soul & R'n'B classics) Our monthly night out now offers more! We have our own area from 7.30pm to 9pm and the bar that serves our area will also have a Spice discount in place for our exclusive time, so go straight to our area on arrival – don’t buy at the public till! Live entertainment starts around 9pm with the headline act coming on after around 10.30pm. For those who have the staying power, the DJ will keep us partying right through to 2am! Booking: There is no charge if you arrive before 8.30pm, but your place has to be booked in advance so that your name is on the list for security to allow you into our private area. Please dress night club wise (ie no trainers, jeans etc). If you haven’t been to a Spice Hits Town before, you’ll find it a great opportunity to renew acquaintances with other Spice Members who you’ve met on events, and generally mingle in an informal but busy environment. New Members Note: Whilst all members are very welcome to attend if they wish, it is easier when you know a few people in the group. We only say this because it is a busy, loud, unstructured meet up with minimal coordination, so it can be difficult for members to spot and properly look after people who are new. Once you have been to a few events, and know some faces, however, you’ll find SHT a great way to renew friendships and get into the social life of our group.

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

Sutton Pub Night .. drop in and meet our Sutton Spicers th

Date: Wednesdays: ● 11 Oct ● 8th Nov ● 13th Dec ● 10th Jan Place: The Bottle of Sack, Bham Rd (B72 1QG) Meet: 8pm onwards Members only David & Rob are your volunteer hosts for this night for members who live in the Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas. David will be near the bar and (to help you spot him) will be drinking out of a pewter tankard. Contact: Any questions, call Dave on 0121 329 3663. ● Please read notes above before attending a pub night. Directions: Nearest free Car Park is the one by TKMaxx / Halfords/ Aldi. See online writeup for full details.

Halesowen/Quinton Pub Night .. get together with our South Birmingham & Worcestershire folk! Date: Thursdays: ● 5th Oct ● 2nd Nov ● 7th Dec ● 4th Jan Place: Amber Tavern, Hagley Rd West, (B32 2AL) Meet: 8pm onwards Members only Come and have a drink and a laugh, in a friendly atmosphere with a few Spice friends from your area. There’s food available if you wish as well. Contact: Hosts are Fiona & John. Fiona can be contacted on 07929 357 880 with any queries. ● Please read notes above before attending a pub night Directions: See online writeup for full details.

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

Date: Tuesdays: ● 31 Oct* ● 28th Nov ● 26th Dec** ● 30th Jan Place: The Bole Bridge, Tamworth (B79 7PA) *Halloween accessories welcome Meet: 8pm onwards Members Only **Christmas Jumpers Welcome This popular night is particularly aimed at getting together members in the Lichfield, Tamworth and surrounding areas – but all members are welcome. Tove and Jayne will be there to welcome you at The Bole Bridge, where they will reserve a table or two on the raised area. There are regular guest ales and good food at competitive prices. Contact: Any questions Contact Tove: tsalkvist@yahoo.co.uk or call 07967 540697. ● Please read notes above before attending a pub night. Directions: See online writeup for full details.

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

Curry & Quiz (Harborne & Solihull) .. a great social evening with Steve Dell Dates: ● Wed 6th December - Bangla Lounge, 152a High St, Harborne (B17 9PN) ● Wed 4th October or 31st January - Spice Club 697 Warwick Road Solihull (B91 3DA) Meet: 7.00pm Cost: £5 (£7 Guest) plus cost of food on the night (see each deal below) Great nights with Steve Dell, combining two favourites; a curry and a quiz! There will be all the usual rounds such as general knowledge, music etc. These are great events to meet fellow spicers and not taken too.seriously – this is Spice! ● Spice Club: Our deal is: Poppadum’s & dips, mixed starters, a choice of main and rice & naan for £12.95. ● Bangla Lounge: We have a great deal for £9.95: Popadom (with onion salad, dips etc), a starter, a main and rice or naan.

Chinese & Quiz (Sutton Coldfield) .. another gastro-quiz from Steve Dell Date: Thursday 9th November at Lee Garden, Birmingham Rd, Sutton Coldfield (B72 1QF) Meet: 7.00pm Cost: £5 (£7 Guest) plus cost of food (£18.50) on the night Today, Steve will run one of his quizzes whilst we enjoy a varied Chinese Meal. There will be all the usual rounds such as general knowledge, music etc. A set meal has been booked (vegetarian on request) – see menu on line at spicebham.com

Greek Meal & Quiz (Sutton Coldfield) .. a great social evening with Steve Dell 18th

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

Quiz of the Year & Supper (Wishaw) .. a look back at 2017 with farmhouse meal Date: Thu 11th January at Wishaw Country Sports, Grove Lane, Wishaw (B76 9PQ) Meet: 7pm for 7.15pm Cost: £14 (£16 Guest) Start the New Year off with an event comes at the request of several members. How much can you remember what happened in 2017? Steve will write and run a quiz based on “the year that was”. There will be the usual rounds such as music, entertainment, TV but with a 2017 flavour. Other rounds will be news headlines from 2017.These are great events to meet fellow spicers as you work in small teams. They are fun and have an edge of competitiveness but not taken too seriously – this is Spice! Food: Those who enjoy our regular Barn Dances at this venue will tell you just how good the home cooked food is. Anne will provide a one course meal, served as a buffet with hot and cold options. There is also a bar with at least one real ale from the barrel.

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

Milton Under Wychwood Ramble

Robs Railway Ramble: Nuneaton

Date: Sunday 8th October 2017 Place: Cotswolds (OX7 6LA) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) An 8 mile walk with Mick Cornfield starting from the Quart Pot Inn we follow footpaths to Bruern Grange then onto the village of Fifield, down the lane to the Merrymouth Inn, crossing to the bridleway passing the edge of Little Rissington Airfield before turning south passing Choake's barn to Tangley Hall, crossing back to footpaths and quiet lanes through Upper Milton back.

Date: Sunday 15th October 2017 Place: Nuneaton Railway Station (CV11 4AL) # Meet: Meet 11:15am (Car park) for the 11:43 train* Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) plus train fare (TBC) This is the next in a series of railway rambles with Rob. We will use local rail car parks which are mostly free we will then catch the train a few stops walking back to the car park. The walk will be a mixture of local roads and footpaths and has some great views. This is a new 7½ mile ramble and we initially take the train on stop to Atherstone where we alight and join the Coventry Canal leaving the canal we use local paths as we make our way up to Hartshill Hays Country Park. Here we have a brief rest stop at the tea window. After this we continue through the park and round the edge of the disused Judkins Quarry before returning to the start via the canal and local streets. Rob will find a pub for Sunday lunch or to replace lost fluids. * Important: Time is approximate - please check joining details as train times may change

Peak District Walk: Carsington Water Date: Sunday 8th October 2017 Place: Between Ashbourne & Wirksworth (DE6 1ST) # Meet: 11:15am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from the southerly part of Carsington Water we head to the village of Kirk Ireton when we walk through local farmland with some great views. We drop down to the reservoir and head back along the edges of the reservoir. The views will be varied as we use shoreline and wooded paths. After the walk we can find a pub for a drink and a bite to eat. It’s 7 miles with Steve Dell.

Bewdley & Arley Ramble Date: Sunday 22nd October 2017 Place: Bewdley, Worcestershire (DY12 2DX) # Meet: 10:30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) We return to the wonderful Severn Valley and Wyre Forest with Steve Dell. You have the option of a 6 mile moderate ramble in the morning, getting the steam train back from Arley, or you can walk back making it a 10 miler. We start from the lovely town of Bewdley and head towards Arley following the river Severn. We then head up into the Wyre Forest following Dowles Brook. After discovering some of the forest we return to the river and follow it into Arley, passing the famous Victoria Bridge. Arley is a wonderful riverside village with a great pub. From here you have a choice of getting the steam train back to Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway or walking back. The route back takes us though the delightful Eyemore Wood and then back to the river, which we follow back to Bewdley. No doubt we will find a pub to finish.

Romsley & Waseley Hills Ramble Date: Sunday 8th October 2017 Place: Romsley, near Halesowen (B62 0LF) # Meet: 1pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d A lovely new 5½ mile ramble with Rob Smith with a new route. Initially we climb up Romsley Hill where there are some great views of The Black Country and Worcestershire. We then drop down into Waseley Hills Country Park where we join the Monarchs Way. After skirting Waseley Hill we pause for a coffee at the visitor’s centre before returning to the pub. Although there are some inclines (which give us the great views!) there isn't anything too strenuous and we’ll take our time. The pub does a fantastic Sunday Lunch and has great views.

Peak District Walk: Edale & Rushop

Peak District Walk: Bakewell/Ashford

Date: Sunday 22nd October 2017 Place: Edale Village, Peak District (S33 7ZA) # Meet: 10:30 Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) A classical 7 mile walk with Paul Hunt from THE rambler's village of Edale and capturing panoramic views along the ridge of Rushop Edge. Our south west route takes us up on to Rushop Edge which is a favourite Peak District ridges with many hikers for its well defined paths and its panoramic views across to the Kinder massif and to the White Peak in the south. Leaving the village and its cute train station we'll cross the SheffieldManchester railway and watch it disappear into Cowburn Tunnel as we ascend the track known as Chapel Gate. We’ll soon start to enjoy fine views down the rural Vale of Edale surrounded by majestic high moorlands. The views continue all the way back.

Date: Sunday 15th October 2017 Place: Bakewell, Derbyshire (DE45 1BU) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from Bakewell, famous for the pudding amongst other things, we follow the River Wye through to pretty Ashford in the Water with the sheepwash bridge and stone houses. Continuing with the river we pass one of the old mills and the Sough from the Lathkill Dale mines and climb steadily through the woods to emerge at Monsal Dale Following the wide dale, we cross by the most photographed weir to climb through the woods to Monsal Head and the iconic view of the old railway viaduct. A steep descent takes us through Headstone Tunnel and the railway line then bridleway back to Bakewell. 10 miles with Mick Cornfield.

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Hopwood & Barnt Green Ramble

Warwickshire Villages Ramble

Date: Sunday 5th November 2017 Place: Hopwood, near Alvechurch (B48 7AB) # Meet: 12:15pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) A lovely 6 mile ramble with Rob Smith returning to this popular pub but for a different ramble. The walk has some wooded areas so it’s a great time to see the trees in their glorious colours. This time we head out towards the Bittell reservoirs and Barnt Green. The ramble uses sections of the Worcester & Birmingham canal and skirts around Upper Bittell reservoir. We take in part of the Lickey Hills Country Park and woods returning via Barnt Green

Date: Saturday 28 October 2017 Place: Welford on Avon, nr Stratford (CV37 6GR) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d A fine 9 mile walk with Mick taking in three of the finest villages, one where Charles II spent a night during his southward escape in 1651 and one which has one of only a handful of maypoles left in the whole country. We'll walk on part of the Heart of England Way and plan to find a pub for a bite to eat afterwards.

Calke Abbey Autumnal Ramble Date: Sunday 29th October 2017 Place: Calke Park, Ticknall, S. Derbys. (DE73 7LE) # Meet: 11:30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) We return to this lovely area with Steve Dell to experience the wonderful autumnal colours. This 5 mile ramble explores the Calk Abbey and Calke Park Estate which is beautiful at any time of the year but we go now to see their amazing colours. As well as woodland the walk will include some waterside paths and will explore the wider estate and venture in to the surrounding countryside including the lovely Dimminsdale Woods.

Peak Dist Walk: Ashbourne/Mayfield Date: Sunday 5th November 2017 Place: Peak District (DE6 1EJ) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from the Tissington Trail then footpaths over the hill to Mapleton and Okeover Bridge over the river Dove, passing the old mill for Okeover Hall. We follow Birdsgrove Lane then the bridleway past Throstle Place to Upper Mayfield, taking Slack Lane and footpaths to Church Mayfield with stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army in 1745 and connections to Lady Godiva. Finally re-joining the Dove to Hanging Bridge and home.

Peak District Walk: Alport Castles Date: Sunday 29th October 2017 Place: Derwent Valley, Peak District (S33 0AQ) # Meet: 10:30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from the Fairholmes visitor centre at Derwent Dam we first follow the wooded path beside the reservoir then the steady limb round Crook Hill onto the ridge passing Hagg Side Wood. Then again a climb to Bellhag Tor for the open moorland of Rowlee Pasture, we arrive firstly at Little Moor then the Alport Castles, the largest landslip in the county forming castle like features. At Birchen Hat we turn to descend over the moor to the reservoir where we follow the edge passing the remains of Birchenlee, Tin Town, the tin village for the workers on the dams and back to the start. Distance: 10 miles Leader: Mick Cornfield

Cannock Chase Remembrance Ramb Date: Sunday 12th November 2017 Place: Coppice Hill Car Park, Brocton # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) The day before Remembrance Sunday seems a poignant time for a themed ramble on Cannock Chase which was very active in wartime and has many secrets to share. The walk is “moderate” at 7½ miles and we’ll take it at a gentle pace with lots of stops to take in the sights so expect a pretty full day out. We have planned in a half hour café stop after a couple of miles where we can buy drinks and home cooked snacks. Our route will include visiting such sights as ● a former parade ground ● Freda's Grave ● Women's Auxiliary Corps hut lines ● a now dismantled camp railway ● The Katyn Memorial ● the Commonwealth War Cemetery ● German War Cemetery and Visitor Centre and Rifle Ranges from the 1st and 2nd World Wars. Richard will have some basic historical information to share as we go and will have a hand out to help us explore the German Military Cemetery in particular.

Nordic Walking Free Taster Date: Saturday 4th November 2017 Place: Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston (B12 9QH) Meet: 10am Start (ends 10.45am) Cost: FREE & Includes: Hire of poles and instructors Every wondered what Nordic Walking is all about and what health benefits it produces? Well here is a chance of a FREE taster session with Mark Phillips who will put you through your paces and teach you the basics of Nordic walking. This is a gentle 45 minute taster session with all equipment and instruction provided. Nordic walking burns twice as many calories as normal walking and takes 50% pressure of the joints helping improve medical conditions and posture at the same time.

Easenhall & Brinklow Easy Ramble Date: Sunday 12th November 2017 Place: Between Rugby & Coventry (CV23 0JA) # Meet: 1pm start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d This new 5½ mile ramble starts from the very picturesque village of Easenhall. Initially using local paths and bridleways we join up with the Oxford canal near to Brinklow. After a cutting we leave the canal passing under the Brinklow Arches as we head up towards Stretton under Fosse. We head back skirting the Beautiful Newbold Reave College which is a training centre for the Prison Service before returning to Easenhall. The pub does a great value three meat carvery and also has good vegetarian options as well.

Urban Ramble: Warwick Waterways Date: Saturday 4th November 2017 Place: Warwick Parkway Railway Station (CV35 8RH) # Meet: 12noon Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d From the station we take paths past the race course to the town centre. We will then walk past some of the lovely historic sights to the Castle where we join the River Avon. We follow the bank of the River Avon on the lovely Riverside Walk all the way to the Aqueduct where we turn left to join the Grand Union Canal. Towards the end of the walk we will stop at a very traditional canal side pub, “The Cape of Good Hope” that is full of Victorian charm and history. We will have tables reserved for you to order snacks, meals or just drinks as you wish. From the pub it is only a short stroll back to the railway station. The route is 6-7 easy miles.

Nordic Walking Fast Track Course Date: Sunday 12th November 2017 Place: Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston (B12 9QH) Meet: 9.15 meet up for 9.30 start till 12.30pm Cost: £30 (£32 Guest) Incl: poles & instructors We are pleased to bring you the official popular Nordic walking course. All aspects of Nordic walking will be covered and when you have completed the course you will receive a certificate and be registered with Nordic walking UK and officially qualified!

Peak District Walk: Chatsworth Park

Peak District Walk: Eyam

Date: Sunday 12 November 2017 Place: Peak District (DE4 2NX) Meet: 11:15am Start # Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d A classic walk with Steve Dell exploring the area around the Chatsworth Estate and Park and a great time of the year – the trees in the woods should be giving their glorious show of colours. From the Carlton Lees car park we head up towards Beeley Moor. Along the Rabbit Warren and we go in Stand Woods and pass the Swiss and Emperor Lakes and onto the Hunting Lodge. We stop for a break at Chatsworth House and continue along the river back to the car park. The walk will have some gradients but we will take our time and enjoy the great views. No doubt we will find somewhere for a drink and Sunday Lunch after the walk.

Date: Sunday 26th November 2017 Place: Near Baslow / Calver (S32 5QP) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) We start in the historic plague village of Eyam: In 1665-1666, after 14 months of quarantine, only 83 residents of Eyam remained alive, while the population of the village had been about 350. There are graves and memorials throughout the village. From Eyam we ascend Tideswell Lane, past Foolow, and up Silly Dale.. (rude not to).. to Grindlow. A cheeky ascent takes us to the edge of Abney Moor, which we skirt, then cross. We descend through the little hamlet of Abney before the final climb onto Eyam Edge to enjoy the views before the descent back to the village for wellearned refreshments. Distance: 9½ miles Leader: Paul and Marie.

Moira & Donnisthorpe Ramble

Lapworth & Packwood House Ramble

Date: Sunday 19th November 2017 Place: Moira, nr Swadlincote & Burton (DE12 6BD) # Meet: 11:45am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) A lovely ramble with Steve Dell in the National Forest. At the request of many regulars this will be another easy to moderate ramble. The pace will be the same but we will be going a little further, around 6½ miles. A lot of conservation has been done in this area; there will be a variety of scenery and plenty of historical interest, such as the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail which runs along the former line of the Ashby & Nuneaton joint railway, the Ashby Canal and Moira Furnace. There will be woodland and reservoirs to admire along the way, which will look glorious at this time of year. We’ll also see pretty Saltersford Valley Pools.

Date: Sunday 3rd December 2017 Place: Lapworth, Warwickshire (B94 6JU) # Meet: 12noon Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d A great ramble with Rob Smith. We start from The Boot, a lovely country pub. This 5 mile ramble takes in two canals, The Grand Union and The Stratford upon Avon, Packwood House, an impressive National Trust property and local farmland. We start on the Stratford canal with a flight of locks, a quiet country lane leads us to Packwood House. We leave there via a lovely avenue of trees. The return uses the Grand Union canal re-joining the Stratford canal at Kingswood Junction and its marina, which is well worth a visit. The pub does great food and will be open when we get back should you want to eat. The pub will be doing bar food when we get back or you could just stay for a drink.

Peak District Walk: Blore & Ilam

Peak Dist Walk: Wardlow/ Cressbrook

Date: Sunday 19th November 2017 Place: Near Ashbourne (DE6 2BS) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Today we explore some lesser known paths in the vicinity of the very popular village of Ilam. We start with a nice descent to Ilam, enjoying the views on the way down to this historic village. We cross the River Manifold via the ancient St Bertram’s Bridge, which was the main crossing of the river until the new bridge was built downstream in 1828. We then pass St Bertram's well, which is said to have provided fresh water since Saxon times (Loo stop at Ilam Hall if required!). We continue through the village, and follow the River Manifold to where it meets the River Dove. We then head uphill towards Blore before skirting the mounds of Top Low and Hazleton Clump (Wasn’t he an actor from the 1930s?) finishing with a nice descent back. It’s 7 miles with Paul & Marie.

Date: Sunday 3rd December 2017 Place: Between Buxton and Bakewell (SK17 8QU) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) The walk starts in the small pretty village of Litton, near Tideswell in Derbyshire. Setting off over typical dry-stone-wall country we bimble along the top of Cressbrook Dale peering through the trees into this superb valley. Dropping down through the village of Cressbrook we reach Millers Dale and a short walk up the lane through Hay Dale brings us to Warlow Hay Cop. We'll pause on the Cop to enjoy great views of limestone scenery and then drop steeply down in to Cressbrook Dale. Returning through Tansley Dale back to Litton to “sample the waters” and food at the popular Red Lion pub. Distance: 6 miles Leader: Paul Hunt

Peak District Walk: Whaley Bridge

Hatton Ramble & Christmas Fair

Date: Sunday 10th December 2017 Place: Near Buxton (SK23 7SR) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from the centre of this former Mill town we follow the lane towards the Toddbrook reservoir built in 1831 for the Peak Forest canal. Then we follow the footpath below the dam to pass the War Memorial and follow the river Goyt, the old boundary between Derbyshire & Cheshire. Leaving the town along Old road to pass the radio mast on Ladder Hill, great views from here, circling round the summit to descend towards Combs, join the footpath around Combs reservoir, built in 1831, to the hamlet of Tunstead Minton, follow footpaths below Eccles Pike, this reputedly has one of the oldest fell races in the country, to the village of Buxworth, joining the canal at Bugsworth Basin the end of the Peak Forest Canal and the Peak Tramway, opened 1st May 1800, we are now following the towpath back to explore Whaley Bridge. Distance: 8 miles Leader: Mick Cornfield

26th

Date: Sunday November 2017 Place: Hatton, near Warwick (CV35 8XA) # Meet: 11:45 Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) We visit Hatton Country World for this great 5 mile ramble with Rob Smith to coincide with their Christmas Craft Fair. Hatton Country World is a lovely place anyway as there are lots of lovely shops, cafes and ice creams stalls but today is their Christmas Craft Fair. There will be the usual array of stalls so whether you just want to take in the Christmassy atmosphere or why not get some early Christmas presents. This ramble uses local farmland as we make our way past Whitehall Woods and on to the village of Budbrooke. We then use part of the Hatton Flight of Locks as we take in part of the Grand Union Canal. Finally we make our way back to Hatton where we can have a coffee and cake before visiting the fair - you might find some unique Christmas gifts!

Peak District Walk: Tissington

Peak District Walk: Black Rocks

Date: Monday 1st January 2018 Place: Peak District (DE6 2AT) # Meet: 11:00 Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Blow away the holiday excesses with the first walk of the New Year, starting from near the Old Dog Inn. We will first enjoy a stroll over the fields to cross the A515 and into the village of Tissington, passing Tissington Hall, the home of the Fitzherbert family, through the delightful village for the gentle climb over the fields to the old railway, Tissington Trail, for the views over the valley towards Parwich. We follow the trail back to the old station then leave the trail for the woods, re-join the trail back to the start for a well-earned drink. It’s 6½ miles with Mick Cornfield

Date: Sunday 17 December 2017 Place: Between Wirksworth & Matlock (DE4 4LS) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from Middleton Top on the High Peak Railway then the footpath and lane into Wirksworth turning to cross the Ecclesbourne valley railway to Bolehill. We descend past the church to the Oakerthorpe Road, follow the bridleway past Wigwellnook farm to join the Midshires Way, following this to rejoin the High Peak Trail and circle round Black Rocks back to the start. Distance: 6 miles Leader: Mick Cornfield

Knowle Locks Ramble & Lunch Date: Sunday 24th December 2017 Place: Knowle, near Solihull (B93 0EB) # Meet: 11:15am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d If you want to escape the madness of the shops on Christmas Eve here is a perfect event for you - a lovely ramble and the option of lunch afterwards. We return to this popular canal side pub for an easy 4½ mile ramble with Steve Dell. The ramble initially uses a bridleway, field paths and short, quiet road sections, passing through the tiny hamlet of Heronfield, and then we skirt round Temple Balsall. The latter part is along the Grand Union Canal taking in the famous Knowle Locks which are unique and well kept. Back at the pub we can eat if you wish to join us for this.

Urban Ramble: Around Bham Airport Date: Monday 1st January 2018 Place: Birmingham International Station or Lobby of Crowne Plaza NEC (B40 1PA) # Meet: 11.20am at Hotel or 11.30am at Station Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) This turned out to be such a cracking route when we walked it last time that we’re doing it again on New Years Day. As we’re using the Greenways Map and using hidden walking spaces we have called this an urban ramble but it is surprisingly green! Our circular route which goes right around the Airport uses footpaths, cycle ways and pavements. It’s a gentle and flat 8 mile route but we’re never more than half a mile away from the airport runway, so don’t expect peace and quiet. But if you love the smell of jet fuel, roar of engines and seeing aircraft taking off and landing at very close quarters the airport adds an exciting backdrop to an unusual walk. I think you will also be surprised by some of the nature, birdlife and green spaces that thrive in the shadow of our busy international airport, enjoying the privacy that it affords. The route is flat and varied, including paths through country parks, nature reserves and by golf courses as well as a little use of cycle ways and walkways beside main roads in order to complete the circuit. On our way we’ll discover the site of a grand country house, a home for retired greyhounds, several hidden waterways that flow through the site and, of course, we’ll experience the thrill of standing at each end of the runway with aircraft just above our heads! Expect a bit of everything and you won’t be disappointed.

Shustoke Boxing Day Easy Ramble Date: Tuesday 26th December 2017 Place: Shustoke, near Coleshill (B46 2DS) # Meet: 12:15pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) & optional meal if requ’d Why not burn off some turkey and get some fresh air with this great walk with Rob Smith. It is a flat walk of around 5½ miles and is suitable for beginners or those who want a sociable walk. The ramble includes the lovely Shustoke Reservoir. We also include the hamlets of Hoggrill's End, Botts Green and Nether Whitacre and linked together by the surrounding farmland. Parts of the route use the Heart of England Way a long distance footpath. Back at the pub we will have tables reserved for lunch.

Mulled Wine & Mince Pie Wander

Shugborough & Sherbrook Ramble

Date: Thursday 28th December 2017 Place: Bracebridge Car Park, Sutton Park (B74 2YR) # Meet: 1pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Incl: Mince pies & mulled wine Walk off some of the excesses of the festive period on this Bank Holiday walk.Join Richard for a couple of hour’s gentle rambling in the wild, northern area of Sutton Park. It’s an area where wild Exmoor Ponies roam free. We hope to see some and Richard will talk about the ponies and about Sutton Park in general. To make our walk a little special, we will be met at the end of our walk with warm mince pies and hot mulled wine (or hot chocolate).

Date: Sunday 7th January 2018 Place: Seven Springs, Cannock Chase (ST17 0XS) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 Members, £7 Guests Another walk on the Staffordshire Way, and this one takes us through the magnificent Shugborough Estate. It’s 8 miles, but involves easy paths and canal tow paths where we might see a variety of wildlife if we are lucky. We can enjoy a number of aspects of Cannock Chase and the Stepping Stones on our return.

Kinver Edge Moderate Ramble

Peak Dist Walk: Bakewell & Monsal

Date: Sunday 14th January 2018 Place: Kinver, near Stourbridge (DY7 6HL) # Meet: 11:30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + optional meal if requ’d Another easy to moderate ramble with Rob Smith. The pace will be the same but we will be going a little further, around 7 miles. This is an extended and revised ramble in the lovely area of Kinver Edge with its spectacular views and pretty woods. There are a couple of gradients but we will take our time. We start by walking to the cave houses at Holy Austin Rock. Then to the top of Kinver edge. We follow the Staffordshire Way and through woodland in Kingsford County Park to the hamlet of Drakelow. The return passes by the remains of an old fort. Back at the pub we can have Sunday Lunch if you wish.

Date: Sunday 31st December 2017 Place: Bakewell, Derbyshire (DE45 1AQ) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £5.50 (£6.50 Guest) Starting from the only town in the National Park and home to the pudding! We climb to the station and leave via the old railway, leaving the railway by the Toll Bar house to join the footpaths passing Long Rake plantation to Beggarway Lane, into Great Longstone. We then turn south and re-join the railway for a while, follow the bridleway over the hill to Lumford Mill, Arkwright, then through the park back into Bakewell. Distance: 6½ miles Leader: Mick Cornfield

Pools of Sutton Park Fig of 8 Ramble

Abbots Bromley Moderate Ramble

Date: Sunday 14th January 2018 Place: Outside Bistro at Blackroot, Sutton (B74 2YU) # Meet: 10.30am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Some leisurely walking, aimed at those who like a sociable saunter amongst beautiful scenery with an option of finishing at the 3 mile or 7 mile point. The walking is fairly flat and on good paths. Figure of 8 walks allow you the opportunity to just do one short “easy” walk, or to stay on after a café break for a second circuit that makes the distance up to “moderate” level. You can decide on the day whether to stick after the first walk or continue for the full 7 miles. Richard knows the Park well and will point out features and history as we go. Our walks are as follows: Ramble 1) 10.30am depart for a circuit of Blackroot, Bracebridge and Little Bracebridge Pools. It’s an area where Wild Exmoor Ponies roam free so we hope to spot some. The route is approx. 3 miles and we plan to be back at the Bistro by 12noon. Ramble 2) 12.45pm depart from Bistro to take in the other 4 pools of Sutton Park. It’s approx. 4 miles and we’ll be back around 3pm.

Date: Sunday 21st January 2018 Place: Abbots Bromley, Nr Rugeley (WS15 3BP) # Meet: 11:15am Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) + Optional Sunday Lunch We return to this lovely village for this moderate ramble with Steve Dell. At the request of many regulars this is a bit longer, around 7 miles but still at Steve’s relaxed pace and of course Steve will no doubt find a pub for Sunday Lunch afterwards! The outward section largely follows the Staffordshire Way as we head south past Blithfield Reservoir and on to the village of Colton. The return uses a mixture of bridleways and local farmland, passing Newlands Grange as we return to the village with its lovely pubs for a well earned drink and lunch if required.

Snitterfield Easy Ramble Date: Sunday 28th January 2018 Place: Snitterfield, near Stratford (CV37 0JH) # Meet: 12noon start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) A 5 mile ramble with Rob Smith from the lovely Warwickshire village of Snitterfield. Leaving the village we head south along the Monarchs Way towards Stratford Upon Avon and onto Welcome Park and its Obelisk. The route is undulating but Rob will take his time and we can enjoy the views. The return uses bridleways as we make our way back to Snitterfield. Back in the village the pub will be doing food all day for those who want to eat. Today is the Snitterfield village fete so the village will be busier than normal but you have the advantage as being able to visit the fete.Please make the most of car shares as parking will be very tight and you may need to park a bit further away from the meet.

Meriden Easy Ramble Date: Saturday 20th January 2018 Place: Meriden, Warwickshire (CV7 7NN) # Meet: 12:15pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Extras: Optional Sunday Lunch A 5 mile ramble with Rob Smith. From Meriden we use the Heart of England Way towards Berkswell. A quiet lane and field paths through farmland then take us towards Eastern Green. We return to Meriden using footpaths following a brook and past Millison’s Wood. Back at the pub we will have a table reserved for us.

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

Western Style Rifle Shooting .. fire "the real thing" with the experts Sundays: 8 October or 3rd December 2017 Birmingham Shooting Centre, Hockley (B18 7RL) – see directions online Choose time when booking (check available timeslots online or call for info) £29 – PAID AS - £4 deposit to Spice to book. Balance of £25 to club on arrival (no credit cards) Members only (no guests) for security and due to limited numbers. Incl. approx 50 rounds of ammo. Bring photo ID With extremely tight firearms laws, it is rare to find opportunities for our members to fire live ammunition. However, under close expert supervision, here’s an opportunity to fire Western Style Lever Action Rifles (like John Wayne used!). They are 357 Magnum Calibre, but recoil is similar to that of a full power spring action air rifle, so you don’t need to be built like a cowboy! After booking in (bring photo ID such as passport or driving licence), we will have a safety talk including range rules and weapon handling safety and etiquette. We’ll then be introduced to our weapons and have time honing our skills on the range. Rules dictate that tuition has to be 1:1 when you are using this class of rifle. Important Notes: Please read the notes on the online version of this writeup before booking to ensure you are eligible.

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Indoor Rifle Shooting Evening .. learn to shoot air rifles at this world class centre Date: Wednesday 24th January 2017 Place: National Indoor Shooting Centre, Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton (WV6 9NW) Meet: 7.45 for 8pm start Cost: £16 (£18 Guest) including all ammunition, equipment & instruction Did you know that the top indoor shooting facility, where our Olympic teams train is here in the West Midlands? Air rifle shooting is great fun and after learning the basics everyone should be able to hit the target. A team of qualified instructors will take you through the basics. The evening will start with a safety talk and demonstration before we’re divided into small groups. We then have a chance to put theory into practice on the 10m range, firing rifles at fixed and moving targets.

Christmas Clay Pigeon Shooting .. a lovely morning at a country shooting lodge th

Date: Sunday 28 December 2017 Place: Tardebigge, nr Redditch (B97 6RB) # Meet: 9.30am for 10am start Cost: £55 (£59 Guest) includes: festive refreshments A fabulous morning in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside learning this wonderful country sport. The friendly team of instructors claim they can get most of our Spice beginners up to a score rate of 70% on their first attempt! And as they use high tech' low recoil cartridges, anyone can do it. The shooting ground is “state of the art” with electronic clay pigeon traps and competition “over & under” shotguns. The targets simulate flights of pheasant, duck and pigeon and even a bolting rabbit. There’s a beautiful hunting lodge, for us to use once the shotguns are safely back in the cabinets.

Winter Warmer - Lazer Combat & Quad Biking .. blast away the January blues! Date: Sunday 28th January 2018 Place: NPF Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield (B75 5SA) Meet: 9.45am for 10am - 1pm Cost: £65 (£69 Guest) (Deposit £15) Inc: 1 hour of Quad Biking & 2 hours of Lazer Combat. Hot drinks The Quad Trek: Challenge your riding skills and take part in a trek throughout undiscovered trails in over 120 acres of beautiful woodland on a 150cc KYMCO quad bike. This 1 hour experience includes 30 mins training and 30 mins trek. Lazer Combat is played on the same scenarios as the paintball events, but as we're only firing light, there's not the pain or mess. It also means that your achievements are recorded electronically. Our teams will be transported by Military Landrover to the lazer command zone to begin the fun. We'll be divided into teams and play various games/scenarios. Overalls are supplied - but wear your scruffs and bring a change of clothes (including footwear!) - you might get muddy! All in all, it is an extremely authentic battlefield experience and tremendous fun for everyone. ______________________________ 23

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

Ten Pin Bowling (Acocks Green) .. enjoy our monthly bowling night! th

Dates: Mondays: ● 9 Oct ● 13th Nov 11th Dec or 8th Jan Place: AG Bowl, corner of Warwick Rd & Westley Rd, Acocks Green (B27 7UH) Meet: 7.30pm prompt Cost: £10 (£12 Guest) Includes: 2 games, Spice coordinator, shoe hire One of our regions most famous bowling venues - independently run and very “Spice friendly”. We form fairly random teams and have 2 games during the evening. Don’t worry if you can’t bowl – as none of us can - but we have fun trying!

Escape Room Challenge .. a great team challenge adventure! th

Date: Sunday 19 November 2017 Place: Escape Time, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield (B73 6RG) # Meet: 7.20 for 7.30pm (1 hour event plus optional drink/ curry after) Cost: £18 (£22 Guest) Incl: Game, Spice Coordinator & Exclusive Spice Booking of Centre Excape Rooms are becoming really popular, so when we got the chance to book the brand new Escape Time facility in New Oscott, we jumped straight in! Escape Time is run by escape room fanatic and actor James Bartlett, who you may know from Dr Who, Hollyoaks or The Dumping Ground. He researched all the things he liked best from the escape rooms he had tried and has put them together in his own facility near Sutton Coldfield. They have 2 rooms and each takes max 6 people and we have booked both rooms during the evening. There is only time for one game, so you just need to decide which to choose when booking. Each game takes approx. 1 hour. Full details of the two games are given on our website.

New Members Beer, Skittles & Supper .. a great way to get to make a start with the group Date: Friday 6th October 2017 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston just off M42 J9 (B76 0BY) Meet: 6.45pm for 7.00pm prompt start Cost: £23 (£25 Guest) includes a “sit down” meal A beer & skittles evening is always fun and Lea Marston have a purpose full size alley. There will be helpers to organise us into teams, reset the pins and keep score. There's also a bar for the 'beer' part of the event and a “basket type” meal.

Althorp Literary Festival & Lunch .. experience a literary festival like no other th

Date: Sunday 8 October 2017 Place: Althorp, Northants (NN7 4HQ) # Meet: Meet 10.45am (We’ll set off to walk grounds at 11am) Cost: £49.50 (£54 Guest) Incl: Entrance to festival, tickets to 3 talks, light lunch & Spice coordinator This is a wonderful Spice opportunity to join in one of the highlights of the social and literary calendar and enjoy this impressive estate. As well as your entry tickets, Spice have got in quick to secure tickets for what we consider the 3 most sought after sessions of that day (see below). A Spice coordinator will meet us and help us to stay together during the day. Our Day includes tickets for three individual author sessions. Talks will take place in one of three venues; The Lecture Theatre marquee on the front lawn or in the State Dining Room or Picture Gallery inside the House: ● Evan Davies - Post Truth - 12.00 - 13.00 (Economist, Journalist & Dragon’s Den Presenter) ● Stanley Johnson – Kompromat - 13:30 - 14:15 (Father of Boris. Very, Very Funny!) ● The Rev. Richard Coles - Bringing in the Sheaves - 14:30 - 15:30 (Rock Star, Vicar, Strictly Come Dancer ..) In between the talks, the Festival offers; book shop and other pop up shops, as well as the opportunity to look around the Grounds. Richard will lead a walk to see “Diana’s lake” in the morning. There are fringe (and free!) events including poetry readings, falconry experiences and a live jazz band. Also the grounds will be open for a wander. Our special Spice package also includes a voucher for “light lunch” in Althorp Stables Café. We understand that this includes cake, sandwiches and a hot drink. Because of the timings of our talks we will take this at around 3.30pm. 24

Ghost Hunting & Supper .. a fabulous evening of history, fun & fear! th

Date: Saturday 28 October 2017 Place: Tutbury Castle, north of Burton on Trent (DE13 9JF) # Meet: 7pm for 7.15pm (ends around 10.45pm) Cost: £28 (£30 Guest) includes entrance, parking, supper & tour by Lesley Smith A thrilling foray into one of the countries most historic (and most haunted!) castles. Tutbury Castle: was established in 1066 by William the Conqueror and visited by Richard the Lionheart, Margaret D’Anjou (who lived there), The Black Prince, Charles 1st (during the Civil War, when the Castle held siege for 6 weeks), Henry 4th (who was declared King there), Edward 1st , Mary Queen of Scots (as prisoner 3 times), Prince Rupert and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Legend has it that some of these people are still there, so come and find out! Our Evening: We will be met and be shown through to the castle for our evening buffet followed by a dessert. There will also be a tour of the castle by Lesley Smith, who some of you will remember as the TV historian on the “Most Haunted” series. After dark, the Castle transforms to a more forbidding place and the real adventure begins. I promise not to tell you any more, as we want it to be a scary surprise, but trust me, you’ll meet some ghosts! We might even finish in time to catch last orders at the Dog & Partridge …for those in need of revival!

Cocktail Masterclass & Dessert Pairing .. match a trio of Cocktails with some scrumptious desserts Date: Friday 10th November 2017 Place: Malmaison, Mailbox, Birmingham (B1 2JR) Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £38 (£40 Guest) Incl: Cocktails/ desserts, private room & Spice coordinator Malmaison is a favourite boutique hotel amongst Birmingham's fashionable set. To take the luxury up a knotch we have also arranged our own private room for a Cocktail Masterclass & Dessert Pairing. Their expert mixologists will demonstrate their skills matching a trio of Cocktails with some scrumptious desserts.

Firework Evening at Stone Manor .. enjoy a display in a wonderful setting! th

Date: Saturday 4 November 2017 Place: Hogarths Stone Manor, Stone, Kidderminster # (DY10 4PJ) Meet: 7.00pm Cost: £8 (£10 Guest) Incl: Fireworks, hot mulled wine or soft drink & Spice host Enjoy this special Family Fireworks Evening in a lovely Tudor Style setting of Hogarths Stone Manor. The event is in aid of the Kemp Hospice, Kidderminster. The evening will start with an exclusive drinks reception in the Snug of this olde world hotel. Enjoy a Hot Mulled Wine or a soft drink. We will then venture out into the grounds to watch the fireworks and enjoy some of the food that will be available. This is not included in the cost.

Nat Memorial Arboretum: Lunch, Tour & Carols .. discover this place of tranquillity & remembrance Date: Saturday 16th December 2017 Place: Alrewas, nr Burton on Trent (DE13 7AR) # Meet: 12.30pm (Lunch 1pm; Tour 3.30pm & Candlelit Concert 6pm) Cost: £29 (£31 Guest) Incl: guided train ride, 2 course festive lunch, exhibition & host The National Memorial Arboretum is being created on a 150 acre site as a living tribute to the wartime generations of the 20th century with a maturing woodland landscape it is home to over 330 memorials, gardens and monuments created by the various forces and regiments involved in our recent history each with a story to be discovered. We will meet up at 12.30pm before heading to our table in the Remembrance Centre restaurant for our festive lunch at 1pm. A turkey dinner awaits with delicious homemade trimmings, followed by a choice of festive desserts and tea or coffee and a mince pie. At 2.30pm we will climb on board the Land Train for our guided tour. The Train is the perfect way to enjoy the 150-acre site. Whatever the weather, the 50-minute journey will provide us with lovely views across the landscape and will introduce us to some of the 300 plus memorials. Highlights en route include the Shot at Dawn Memorial, The Polish Armed Forces Memorial, The RAF Remembrance Garden and views across the Naval Review. Perfect for first time visitors, the Land Train commentary provides an ideal introduction to the Arboretum and its many stories. Following on from our tour between 3.30pm – 6.00pm we can enjoy the Christmas entertainment in the Remembrance Centre along with access to the exhibitions which provide lots of information on this amazing place. The restaurant will remain open for snacks and drinks before the Christmas Carol by Candlelight which at 6.00pm. 25

World Wine Challenge - Hotel Du Vin .. try 8 different wines under expert guidance th

Date: Saturday 18 November 2017 Place: Hotel du Vin, Church St, Birmingham (B3 2NR) Meet: 6.45pm for 7.00pm - 8.30pm session Cost: £29 (£31 Guest) Incl: The tasting of 8 wines and a wine tutor We are very excited to be linking up with Hotel du Vin for a World Wine Challenge. Occupying the grand Victorian building that was previously the Birmingham Eye Hospital is the distinctive Hotel du Vin. This hotel is devoted to the love of wine and harks back to elegant days of unhurried pleasure. Our World Wine Challenge is a 90 minute blind tasting event. There will be 8 wines to taste on each table with one from the old world and one from the new world. Can you work out which grape variety is on each table and which of those wines is from the old world and which from the new? Work your way around the room trying all 8 different wines under the expert guidance of the hotel's friendly sommeliers.

Frankfurt Christmas Market Pub Treasure Trail .. enjoy one of the City's most atmospheric events Date: Saturday 9th December 2017 Place: Burlington Hotel, New St, Birmingham (B2 4JQ) # Meet: 12.15 for 12.30pm Start Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) Just bring a pen We are running this very popular treasure hunt again at one of Birmingham’s spectacular events. The atmosphere is fantastic, with are over 100 stalls ranging from handmade crafted gifts including jewellery, glassware and candles right through to mulled wine (Glühwein) and German sausages and cakes. Steve Dell has designed another pub Treasure Trail in the pubs around the Market (the clues will be different to previous years). As with previous Pub Treasure Trails the clues are in a number of pubs! You will be put together in teams of 4 and given a set of clues to solve along the way. Some will be simple observations but some will be a little more cryptic. The hunt starts and ends at the lovely Burlington hotel where we’ll have a drink before and after whilst the scores are being added up and the obligatory chocolates are awarded.

Firework Spectacular & Reception in Great Hall .. enjoy fabulous themed fireworks in a perfect setting th

Date: Sunday 5 November 2017 Place: Tutbury Castle near Burton on Trent (DE13 9JF) # Meet: 5.00pm meet for 5.30pm Cost: £14 (£16 Guest) Inc: early entry & Spice pre show drink/mince pie in Great Hall Voted as one of the best firework displays in the UK, Tutbury Castle is opening its doors again for fireworks and by popular demand, the Vikings will be back with a great moonlit battle, followed by a Viking 'funeral'. There will be a living history camp with lots to see and do. This will be followed by the Viking Battle and Fireworks. Spice Reception: So that we get a better opportunity to meet and socialise as a group, we have arranged an exclusive pre firework display drinks reception in the Great Hall of the Castle, a glass of Hot Mulled Wine or a soft drink and Mince Pie. Important: On leaving the Great Hall please note that the event is not a Spice exclusive and will be very crowded.

Gin Tasting & Talk at Erasmus Darwin House .. discover gin at an atmospheric location! Date: Saturday 4th November 2017 Place: Cathedral Close/Beacon St, Lichfield (WS13 7AD) # Meet: 8.00pm Cost: £12 (£14 Guest) Incl: Sampling of 5 gins, talk on gin & admin/ booking fees Erasmus Darwin House is a hidden gem of Lichfield. Tucked away in the Cathedral Close, it was once the home of Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, and an important and influential figure in his own right. Inventor, poet, scientist, doctor and philosopher, he was a founder member of the Lunar Society, and had his own theories of evolution which influenced his grandson. This evening we’ll be learning all about gin. The evening will start with a sampling of 5 different Gins with an opportunity to purchase. We’ll then enjoy a talk that takes on a historic journey from ‘Gin Lane to Beacon Street’ exploring the history of alcohol consumption in the C18th and what became known as "The Gin Craze". Important: This is not a Spice exclusive event. We are sharing the experience with public bookings.

A Spice Newsletter is just a Snapshot in Time We’re busy booking new events all the time so please check our website, Weekly Bulletin by email and Facebook Page for d t

A Victorian Christmas .. experience the atmosphere of a bygone era Date: Saturday 16th December 2017 Place: Blists Hill, Ironbridge Gorge (TF7 5DU) # Meet: 10.00am (ends 4pm) Cost: £22 (£24 Guest) Incl: admission, exclusive welcome talk, coffee & mince pie The residents at Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge will be busy preparing for Christmas at this wonderful special event. Come along to experience the atmosphere of a bygone era and you will be treated to an array of traditional celebrations including carol singing, wandering pantomime characters and festive entertainment as well as having a chance to do some Christmas shopping. Before you explore the Town you’ll be welcomed over a cup of coffee and a mince pie and a short talk about Blists Hill by a guide. We will then have free time to enjoy the atmosphere.

Stratford Christmas Markets Pub Treasure Trail .. a great social event with Steve Dell th

Date: Sunday 10 December 2017 Place: Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire # Meet: 12.30pm Cost: £6 (£7 Guest) just bring a pen This year we are running a pub treasure hunt to coincide with Stratford’s new Victorian Christmas Markets opening this festive season in the main shopping streets, throughout the town centre. This will include 150 stalls filling its historic streets with the colours, sounds and irresistible aromas of Christmas past and present. A wide range of stalls offering a range of delights, traditional roast chestnuts, warming mulled wine, ciders and gin, and Bailey's chocolate. Join in the spirit of Christmas with the joyful sound of choirs, instrumentals, chimney sweeps, dance displays and Victorian stilt walkers. A very English Christmas market with a Victorian carousel and barrel organ music. Steve Dell has designed a pub Treasure Trail in the pubs around the Market. As with previous Pub Treasure Trails the clues are in a number of pubs! You will be put in a team of 4 with a set of clues to solve along the way. Some will be simple observations but some a little more cryptic! These are very social events and a great way to meet other Spicers.

Christmas Day Link Up 2017 .. an informal meet up for Spice members th

Date: Monday 25 December 2017 Place: Spice West Midlands Members Meet: To be arranged by those booked For all those members who would be spending Christmas Day on their own and prefer to share it with friends, we'll be running this popular register again this year. It’s more of a “link up” than an “event” as such. If you book on, we will put you in touch with all the others who have registered their interest so you can get together for a drink or arrange a communal Christmas Dinner with other members in your area. If you want to take advantage of this service, just book on line or call the office and we'll put you on a list with your contact details which we'll send out to everyone listed the week before Christmas (please be sure to tell us – if you haven’t already - if any of your contact details should not be shared). As usual, we are looking for a sociable volunteer to act as the contact point for everyone taking part in this link up (usually around 6 –12 people). If you would like to put yourself forward for this role, please let the office know.

Fizz Quiz at Hotel Du Vin .. Fun, facts and fizz! Date: Friday 19th January 2018 Place: Hotel du Vin, Church St, Birmingham (B3 2NR) Meet: 7.15pm arrival for 7.30pm Cost: £20 (£22 Guest) Not all sparkling wines are made equal! Some take longer to make, some are more expensive and some just suit your taste better. Can you find your favourite amongst a line up in a blind tasting? Do you prefer Champagne or Prosecco? Do you have expensive tastes or are you a cheap date? All of these questions and more will be revealed. Taste your way around four different sparkling wines from around the world under the expert guidance of the Hotel du Vin Sommelier team. ______________________________

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

Vulcan Bomber Restoration Visit .. enjoy this awesome aircraft th

Date: Saturday 14 October 2017 Place: Wellesbourne, nr Stratford upon Avon (CV35 9EU) # Meet: 10.00am Cost: No cost to book but please donate at least £10 to the restoration society on day Avro Vulcan XM655 (pictured right with its crew & fire crew) was one of the last v-bombers produced for the RAF, and part of the UK's nuclear deterrent force throughout the 60s & 70s. XM655 is one of the few Vulcans remaining in ground running condition and The 655 Maintenance and Preservation Society aim to keep it running for as long possible. Today we join up with the restoration group which is run entirely by volunteers. There’s a short talk about the work of the team on arrival before we split into groups of 4 to spend some time in the cockpit. A video will also be shown about the aircraft and there will be an opportunity to ask questions to the dedicated volunteers. Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.

BBC Birmingham Behind the Scenes .. enjoy a tour of BBC Birmingham's home in The Mailbox Date: Saturday 18th November 2017 Place: BBC, The Mailbox, Birmingham (B1 1RF) Meet: 1pm tour. Meet in BBC reception 10 mins before & take photo ID for security Cost: £10 (£12 guest) (includes booking fees & Spice coordinator) BBC Birmingham has thrown open its doors, offering you the chance to go inside the state-of-the-art studios situated in The Mailbox. Take a peek behind the scenes of programmes which are made here and try your hand at some interactive fun! During the tour there is always the chance of bumping into a favourite presenter or radio DJ, hearing some trade secrets or being party to some juicy gossip while passing the actors' green room... They'll take you inside as many studios as business allows but please remember that BBC Birmingham is a working building and no two tours are the same.

New Dogs Home Visit in Solihull .. discover how dogs are rescued, reunited & rehomed! Date: Saturday 28th October 2017 Place: Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull (B92 0DJ) # Meet: 11.30am to approx 1pm Cost: Free but please donate £5 and/or bring a gift of old blankets, bedding, toys & food for the dogs Birmingham Dogs Home was founded in 1892 on land made available by the late Sir Alfred Gooch Bart, in New Canal Street, Birmingham. In 1987 they moved to New Bartholomew Street in Digbeth and now, due to the redevelopment of Digbeth, they are on the move again to a brand new, purpose built Dog Rescue and Welfare Centre in Solihull. The new centre, features 120 glass fronted kennels with under floor heating. We will be given an overview of the work of the dogs home and their aims. This will be followed by a guided walk around the kennels veterinary rooms and other facilities.

Erasmus Darwin Evening & Cellar Tour ..a special opportunity to visit his house & its cellars Date: Sunday 29th October 2017 Place: Corner of Beacon Street & Cathedral Close, Lichfield (WS13 7AD) Meet: 2.30pm (Ends 5pm) Cost: £13.50 (£15.50 Guest) incl. venue hire, guides & refreshments We’ve arranged another Spice exclusive tonight, hiring a popular venue and its staff to open in an evening – just for us! Erasmus Darwin House is a hidden gem of Lichfield. Tucked away in the Cathedral Close, it was once the home of Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, and an important and influential figure in his own right. Inventor, poet, scientist, doctor and philosopher, he a founder of the Lunar Society, and had his own theories of evolution which influenced his grandson. The house will be open exclusively to our group, and will begin with an introduction to the house and the man, followed by a chance to explore the house, famous cellars and herb garden. Teas & coffees are provided.

Back to Backs Tour .. spend time in Birmingham's fascinating past! th

Date: Saturday 25 November 2017 Place: 55 - 60 Hurst Street, Birmingham (B5 4TE) Meet: Choose 1.45pm or 2.00pm or 2.15pm Start (Tours last 90mins) Cost: £10.50 (Members & Guests) includes booking fees & Spice coordinator Birmingham’s last surviving court of back to back housing has now been fully restored by the Birmingham Conservation Trust and the National Trust. Thousands of houses like these were built, literally back to back, around courtyards, for the rapidly increasing population of Britain’s expanding industrial towns. The story of the site is told through the experiences of the people who lived and worked here. Visitors move through four different periods, from 1840 to 1977. The design of each interior reflects the varied cultures, religions and professions of the families who made their homes here. The tour of the houses lasts around 1½ hours and is timed allowing just 8 on every 15 min time slot as the interiors are pretty cramped.

Museum of Jewellery Quarter Exclusive Tour .. a very special Spice tour plus Willard Wigan th

Date: Saturday 14 October 2017 Place: 75-80 Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham (B18 6HA) Meet: 5pm Start (Ends 7pm) Cost: £23 (£25 Guest) Includes: Introductory talk, tea/coffee/cake & entry to exhibition It’s great when we can arrange for a special place to open exclusively out of hours just for Spice! Join us today in the heart of the renowned Jewellery Quarter for an atmospheric tour of the former factory of jewellery makers, Smith & Pepper who closed their doors in 1981 after 80 years of trading leaving behind a time capsule with all its original machinery, tools and papers. The evening will start with an introductory talk about the Jewellery Quarter in the museums event space, a converted wedding ring makers factory, accompanied by tea, coffee and cake. There will then be an opportunity to browse the Willard Wigan exhibition that showcases 21 microscopic sculptures from Willard Wigan’s collection which sit within the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin. Many of the artworks have never been seen in Birmingham before, including the world’s smallest Pair of glasses on a pin head, Hatty Mcdaniels from Gone with the Wind, and Fred Hammond.

Jaguar F-PACE Manufacturing Taster Tour .. see how this radical new car is created! Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Monday 16 October 2017 Jaguar/Land Rover, Solihull # (B92 8NW) 9.45am for 10.00am - 11.30am Guided tour £31 (£33 Guest) Incl: Booking fees, co ordinator, Spice private booking arrangements, refreshments, dedicated guide, Access to privileged areas We’ll be treated to a brief overview of the amazing logistical challenge in creating Jaguar's world-class vehicles. This tour is suitable for all levels of automotive knowledge, as a friendly tour host will explain and show some of the secrets of making an amazing Jaguar. Find out what it takes to bring to life the F-PACE- at Solihull. It’s like a gigantic toy shop for grown-ups, where thousands of components come together with split-second timing to create a gleaming F-PACE.

Weston Park Walk with Head Gardener & Lunch .. discover the secrets with an expert Date: Saturday 21st October 2017 Place: Off A5 between Cannock & Telford (TF11 8LE) # Meet: 11.15am for 11.30am - 12.30pm tour, then Lunch at 1pm Cost: £32 (£35 Guest) Incl: Guided tour, garden entrance, 3 course lunch This is a really special Spice day, with a morning in the fascinating company of Head Gardener, Martin Gee, whose forefathers also occupied this important role. We will be given a private guided tour by Martin to take a look the work in progress in the Park and Gardens. We’ll enjoy the stunning autumnal colours in vivid showers of reds, ambers and golds across the Parkland and learn the secrets of producing such wonderful displays.There will be ample opportunities for ‘questions & answers’. The guided tour should last approximately 1 hour, after which point we will head to the Granary Grill for a delicious three course lunch. Please advise the office of your menu choice from the menu on our website. The cost of this event includes admission to their parklands, woodlands, formal gardens and a three course lunch. About Weston Park & Stately Home: The stunning buildings boast as much character as any English castle and the history contains as many stories as any royal home. Weston has recently welcomed royalty for a wedding, G8 Summit leaders for a conference, as well as lots or families on a day out. Weston has a unique 'family home' appeal. 29

Morgan Motors Visit .. a wander around a motoring legend th

Date: Monday 6 November 2017 Place: Morgan Motor Works, Malvern Link, Worc (WR14 2LL) # Meet: 10.30am for 11am tour Cost: £20 (£22 Guest) includes booking fee & Spice coordinator The Pickersleigh Road Morgan Factory is a unique 'time capsule' where little seems to have changed since it opened in 1918! And that is probably the reason why the cars are still in such demand. The chasis is still made of seasoned wood and metalwork is cut, beaten and polished by hand. We can only visit in working hours, so I'm afraid these times will not suit everyone, but if you love classic English sports cars, we figured a few of you might find a way to get there. On arrival we will be met by our guide who for the tour around this 'holy ground' and enjoy the opportunity to tour the new visitor centre.

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

Date: Sunday 29 October 2017 Place: Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston (B15 2TT) Meet: 12noon for 12.15pm tour in the reception area Cost: FREE and includes guided tour. Extras: Donations to museum are appreciated The Lapworth Museum of Geology holds the finest and most extensive collections of fossils, minerals and rocks in the Midlands. Dating back to 1880, it is one of the oldest specialist geological museums in the UK. The Museum has recently reopened following a £2.7m redevelopment. We will be able to explore life over the past 3.5 billion years with state-ofthe-art galleries and a range of innovative and interactive exhibits. From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum will capture the imagination of all. It’s award winning, it’s free – what’s not to like?

Museum Collections Centre Experience .. a venue straight out of “Night at the Museum” th

Date: Friday 10 November 2017 Place: 25, Dollman St, Nechells, Birmingham (B7 4RQ) Meet: 12.45pm for 1.00pm - 3.00pm Cost: £14 (£16 Guests) Incl: Tea & coffee and exclusive tour If you’ve seen the movie “Night at the Museum”, you have some idea of what this event is about. Hundreds of stuffed animals peer at you from packing cases ... African spears poke out menacingly from the baskets ... yesterdays cars park silently ... You really could believe that the exhibits come alive once your back is turned! Yes, we’re exploring behind the scenes at one of the country's biggest museum stores, with the curators. Around every corner there is a different kind of treasure from Birmingham and the West Midlands, from a Sinclair C5 to a bread slicing machine, an Austin Atlantic, motorbikes, sewing machine, lathes, sculpture, or even an eighteenth century shoe! It’s a rare journey of memory and imagination that few people have the priviledge to take. The Centre houses a huge number and variety of objects for Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery. Some are priceless, others just fascinating! The unique and vast range of stored items really does have something for everyone - from cars & bikes, to sculptures & sewing machines!

Coffin Factory Candlelit Tour & Talk .. with a talk on Victorian funeral practices Date: Saturday 11th November 2017 Place: 13-15 Fleet Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham (B3 1JP) Meet: 6.15pm for 6.30pm Cost: £16 (£18 Guest) Includes: Guided Tour, tea/coffee & biscuits Enjoy an atmospheric candlelit tour of the Coffin Works Factory opened by the Newman Brothers in 1894 to make coffin fittings, renowned for their quality which made them perfect for dignitaries and royalty. Today we will tavel back in time to experience how Newman Brothers operated during its heyday. We will enter a time capsule where the music of the 60s is piped into the building, mingled with the industrial sounds of a working factory. This slice of Birmingham’s industrial heritage was preserved by Birmingham Conservation Trust. The shelves and workbenches at Newman Brothers are full of original stock and tools of the trade. With the original machinery working again, with a guided tour we can truly experience how this old Jewellery Quarter firm once operated on a day-to-day basis, producing some of the world’s finest coffin furniture, including the fittings for the funerals of Joseph Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother. After the tour at 7.30pm we will then find out about the fascinating traditions surrounding Victorian funeral practice in an informative, illustrated talk led by Josie Wall. The talk will last 45 minutes with the evening concluding .at 8.30pm. 30

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

Date: Saturday 18 November 2017 Place: RAF Cosford Museum, Nr Telford (TF11 8UP) # Meet: 10.15am (Restoration Centre in morning lunch 12.15pm & guided tour from 2pm) Cost: £24 (£26 Guests) Incl: Entance to Restoration Centre & Museum, Lunch & Guided Tour We will start our day with a visit to the Conservation Centre which is one of the world's centres of excellence in aircraft conservation. The skilled technicians undertake extensive work to prepare aircraft and other objects for display. You will be able to view progress on the Museum's bombers, the Handley Page Hampden and Vickers Wellington, plus other aircraft in various states of restoration. There will be a rare opportunity to speak with the skilled Technicians and Apprentices about their work. Following on from the Conservation Centre tour we will enjoy a 2 course hot lunch (details online) before joining our guide for a 2 hour tour of the Warplanes, Transport and Test Flight collections.

Sikh Gurdwara Visit .. enjoy the warm welcome & hospitality of this community Date: Saturday 6th January 2018 Place: 18-20 Soho Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham (B21 9BH) – details on-line Meet: 11am prompt outside main entrance Cost: FREE (But please donate to the Gurdwara on the day). Includes traditional food We are grateful to have been invited again to visit this major Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) and discover more about the facility itself and the Sikh faith and community. It’s one of 13 Gurdwaras in Birmingham serving a Sikh community of 40,000. There are many ornate halls and some surprising features to discover! (I won’t spoil the surprise on the roof!) Our visit also includes a meal together in the Langar Hall. Please read much more about this visit on our website.

Polo Behind the Scenes - The New Year Cup .. watch a match & meet the players Date: Sunday 7th January 2018 Place: Willoughby, Rugby (CV23 8AJ) # Meet: 11.30am Cost: £2 (£3 Guest) includes special arrangements & Spice host Come and discover the unique atmosphere of a day at the Polo! This Club hosts around 25 tournament weekends every year and today we have been invited to the New Year Cup. We will have our own area to watch the games as well as an opportunity to chat with the players about the sport. After the matches there will be an opportunity to go onto the yard and see the horses and meet the players, who will then come up to the clubhouse. The clubhouse sells food and drink.

Guide Dog Training Centre Visit .. how can a dog become the eyes & ears of a human? Date: Saturday 13th January 2018 Place: Edmondscote Manor, Leamington Spa (CV32 6AH) # Meet: 9.45am for 10.00am to 12.00pm tour Cost: FREE to book, but please make a donation of at least £3.00 on the day This wonderful organisation provides guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services that meet the needs of blind and partially sighted people. They are the largest breeder of working dogs in the world. The really interesting bit though is how they transform these pups into highly trained adults who you could trust your life to on the busy UK roads. 130 dogs are taught to this standard each year in Leamington. Our visit starts with a talk & video, before we’re off on a guided tour.

RSC Behind the Scenes, Tower & Tea .. visit the new theatre & get the best views in Stratford! Date: Sunday 14th January 2018 Place: Royal Shakespeare Theatre (CV37 6BB) # Meet: 10.15am meet for 10.30am tour Cost: £18 (£20 Guest) Incl: Tower Tour, Behind The Scenes Visit, tea or coffee & cream tea Enjoy a Behind the Scenes visit of The Royal Shakespeare Theatre followed a trip up the tower that rises 36m above the River Avon (there is a lift!). Our visit will conclude with a cream tea. Tea or coffee, scone, jam and cream. ______________________________ 31

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

Run, Jog or Walk in the Park .. sessions now in Sutton & Solihull! Dates: ● Solihull: Every Sunday Morning (check dates online) ● Sutton: Every Tuesday Evening (check dates online) Place: ● Solihull: Brueton Park Lake Car Park, Warwick Road (B91 3HW) ● Sutton: Car Park of Toby Carvery, Near Town Gate, Sutton Park (B74 2YT) Meet: ● Solihull: 10.30am (Café option after) ● Sutton: 7pm Start (back in pub by 8.30pm) Cost: Free (members only) but you must book. Donations always welcome for our Fun Run Charity An opportunity to get fit and active by enjoying an easy run, jog or fast walk with us at one of these lovely locations. It’s very sociable and we will set off on a route of around 3 miles before returning to the pub. So that everyone can go at their own pace, These evenings are appropriate to anyone who wants to increase their fitness in a sociable group. As a minimum, you should be capable of a brisk walk (walking is very popular!). But whatever your pace you’re very welcome.

Badminton for Free .. FREE in Coventry, Wolves, Bham & Sutton Date: Every Wednesday Place: ● Coventry: Alan Higgs Centre, Allard Way, Coventry CV3 1HW ● Wolverhampton: Aldersley Leisure Village, Aldersley Rd, WV6 9NW ● Birmingham: Billesley Indoor Tennis Ctr, Wheelers Lane, Billesley B13 0ST ● Sutton Coldfield: Wyndley Leisure Centre, Clifton Road (B73 6EN) All these sessions are Meet: ● Cov, Wolves & Bham ● 8pm to 9pm; Sutton 7pm – 7.40pm FREE to Spice Cost: All sessions are FREE but must be pre booked and are for members only We have a number of regional badminton venues. At each one, you’ll find a fun evening, with nothing taken too seriously and the chance to play with a whole new bunch of players. You just need a basic grasp of the game to play.

Fencing for Beginners .. try your hand at this Olympic sport! th

Date: Tuesday 10 October 2017 Place: The Budokan, Sutton Street, Birmingham (B1 1PE) see directions online Meet: 7pm prompt start (ends 9pm) Cost: £15 Member, £17.50 Guest Fencing is particularly trendy at the moment, following many recent appearances in the movies. It is a skilful and surprisingly energetic activity, stretching muscles you never knew you had! Using the coordination of hand, eye and psyche, makes for a great ‘workout’. This workshop gives you the chance to try out basic skills and manoeuvres with a fighting session at the end! Once kitted up you'll be shown safety procedures and warm up, then you'll be shown the correct stance and way of holding your sword before you face your first opponent!

Golf - Learn to Play in a Day .. a wonderful day with everything included – even lunch! Date: Sunday 15th October 2017 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, nr J9 of M42 (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.00am - 3.00pm Cost: £30 (£34 Guest) incl. instruction, equipment, light lunch & refreshments throughout This excellent golf hotel is providing us with an opportunity for complete beginners or relative newcomers to have a day of golf coaching with an experienced PGA Professionals on all major aspects of the game. At the end of the day you will actually play on a championship course with guidance from the Professional. Schedule: ● 9.30am – Welcome, Tea/Coffee ● 10am - Intro to equipment & set up ● 11am - Basic Swing Movements ● 12noon - Light Lunch ● 12.45pm - Short Game - Chipping & Putting ● 1.30pm - Long Game - An introduction to Woods/Tee Shots ● 2.00pm -On Course tuition (inc basic rules of the game) ● 3 - 3.30pm – Finish No dress code is required however flat shoes are essential. ______________________________ 32

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

Cinema & Meal Nights .. informal get togethers for film lovers Date: Sundays: ● 15th October ● 19th November ● 17th December ● 21st January Place: Cineworld, Broad Street (corner of Broad St & Bishopsgate St) (B15 1DA) Meet: Meet Sean 5.50pm in foyer or at optional meal venue prior (see online) Extra: No cost to book, but you buy your film ticket & meal on the night. Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

The Trouble with Old Lovers .. enjoy this bitter-sweet comedy! Date: Tuesday 17th October 2017 Place: Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5HD) Meet: 7pm to collect tickets for 7.30pm Cost: £12 (£14 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

UB40 Tribute Night at the Jam House .. see Johnny2Bad at this intimate venue th

Date: Thursday 19 October 2017 Place: Jam House, St.Pauls Square, Birmingham (B3 1QU) Meet: Arrive from 6pm. Entertainment starts 9.30pm Cost: £3 (£5 Guest) Special discounted rate for members Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Comedy at the Chateau - Sitcom Special .. Ricky Tomlinson, Sherrie Hewson & John Challis! th

Date: Friday 27 October 2017 Place: Regent Centre, Chateau Impney, Droitwich (WR9 0BN) # Meet: 7.15pm Cost: £29 (£31 Guest) inc welcome drink, booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Nina Conti - In Your Face ..‘Gut-Bustingly Funny’ st

Date: Tuesday 31 October 2017 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £23 (£25 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com Cancellation Terms – Ticketed Events Please remember when booking any ticketed events in this section, that refunds on cancellations can only be offered if we resell your place. Our normal terms do not apply.

Shakatak at the Jam House .. see them live at this intimate venue nd

Date: Thursday 2 November 2017 Place: Jam House, St.Pauls Square, Birmingham (B3 1QU) Meet: Programme from 9pm but arrive any time Cost: £5 (£10 Guest) Special discounted rate for members Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Charles Dickens' Ghost Stories .. chilling tales from the master! rd

Date: Friday 3 November 2017 Place: Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Gt Hampton St, Birmingham (B18 6AD) Meet: 7.15pm (to collect tickets from coordinator) for 7.45pm show Cost: £11 (£13 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Katherine Ryan's Glitter Room .. brand new stand-up show th

Date: Friday 10 November 2017 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Cost: £22.50 (£24.50 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Sunset Boulevard .. one of the all-time great musicals th

Date: Tuesday 14 November 2017 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street (B5 4TB) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £43 (£45 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Rob Brydon: “I Am Standing Up” .. a giant of comedy – don’t miss him live! st

Date: Tuesday 21 November 2017 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.30pm for 8pm Cost: £28 (£30 Guest) Incl: booking and admin fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys .. see them live at this intimate venue rd

Date: Thursday 23 November 2017 Place: Jam House, St.Pauls Square, Birmingham (B3 1QU) Meet: Arrive from 6pm. Entertainment starts 9.30pm Cost: £3 (£5 Guest) Special discounted rate for members Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

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

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe .. enjoy this much loved classic fantasy th

Date: Friday 8 December 2017 Place: Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (B1 2JA) Meet: 6.45pm in bar to collect tickets from volunteer. 7.15pm start Cost: £16 (£18 Guest) includes: All booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com.

A Christmas Carol .. Charles Dicken’s iconic seasonal tale th

Date: Sunday 17 December 2017 Place: Blue Orange Theatre, 118 Gt Hampton St, Birmingham (B18 6AD) Meet: 6.30pm in bar to collect tickets from volunteer. 7pm start Cost: £11 (£13 Guest) includes: All booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

A Christmas Wassail .. a show with plenty of Christmas spirit th

Date: Sunday 17 December 2017 Place: Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (B1 2JA) Meet: 7pm in bar to collect tickets for 7.30pm Cost: £23 (£25 Guest) Includes: Mulled Wine and a mince pie & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Jersey Boys .. Oh What A Night! Date: Thursday 4th January 2018 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (B5 4DS) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £50 (£52 Guest) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Cinderella the Panto ..the perfect pantomime experience th

Date: Wednesday 10 January 2018 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome (B5 4TB) # Meet: 6.45pm for 7.15pm Cost: £31.50 Member, £33.50 Guest includes all booking fees & Spice Host Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Boeing Boeing .. fasten your seatbelt for a classic farce of aerial affairs! Date: Tuesday 23rd January 2018 Place: Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield (B73 5HD) Meet: 7pm to collect tickets for 7.30pm Cost: £12 (£14 Guest) includes booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Bill Bailey: Larks in Transit .. silliness on a grand scale Date: Monday 29th January 2018 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.30pm for 8pm Cost: £29.50 Member, £32.50 Guest includes all booking fees & Spice Host Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Griff Rhys Jones: Where Was I .. laugh your way through his 40 years in the spotlight! Date: Sunday 4th February 2018 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.15pm for 7.45pm Cost: £21 Member, £25 Guest includes all booking fees & Spice Host Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Some People vs Reginald D Hunter .. dry, honest hilarity! th

Date: Saturday 17 February 2018 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.30pm for 8pm Cost: £26 Member, £28 Guest includes all booking fees & Spice Host Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

David Baddiel - My Family .. dementia & infidelity - a moving yet hilarious show! Date: Wednesday 28th February 2018 Place: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (B5 4DS) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £32 (£35 Guest) (Deposit £10) includes all booking fees & host Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Jason Manford - Muddle Class .. an extremely funny man! th

Date: Saturday 28 April 2018 Place: Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (CV4 7AL) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £29.50 (£31.50 Guest) (Deposit £10) includes all booking fees & host Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

The Band .. featuring the songs of Take That rd

Date: Thursday 3 May 2018 Place: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street (B5 4TB) # Meet: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Cost: £52 (£55 Guest) (Deposit £10) includes all booking fees & Spice Coordinator Please find details of this and similar events on our website www.spicebham.com

Find more 2018 shows such as Matilda, War Horse, Wicked & Sarah Millican online ___________________________________________________________

Workshops & Talks Whether it’s self development, craft, music, art or practical skills you’re after, we have a diverse range of opportunities to learn something new!

Drumming for Beginners Stg1 & 2 .. Spice help you realise another childhood ambition Dates: Sundays: Absolute Beginners 28th January or Stage 2* 22nd October 2017 Place: Drum School, Lawley Middleway, Birmingham (B4 7XX) – directions online Meet: 4pm to 6pm session Cost: £19 (£21 Guest) *The stage 2 is aimed at those who have already done the first session or already have some basic experience. Do you ever find yourself bashing your table top with a couple of pencils as your favourite tune blasts out of your radio? Well this is your chance to have a go in a small friendly group led by one of the Midland’s most experienced instructors. Your instructor will guide you through the workings of the kit, how to sit at a drum kit and hold the sticks for ease of playing and then the fun begins as you learn to play your first rock beat! This session is a fun, hands on introduction.

Blacksmithing Evening .. learn a new skill with friends Mondays: 16 October 2017 or 22nd January 2018 Lichfield (WS13 7SG) – read directions online (note different venue this year) Choose 6.30pm or 8.30pm Slot £12 (£14 guests) PAID AS £2 (£4) deposit to Spice to book PLUS balance of £10 to supplier on the day. Incl: equipment & materials. Your masterpiece to take home This is a simple, fun evening with a Blacksmith around his forge where he manufactures a range of beautiful objects such as iron gates, decorative ironwork and even the candlesticks for Lichfield Cathedral! Each small group of Spice members will be issued with safety equipment including leather aprons before a full safety briefing. We will then be taught how to work hot metal with hammer and tongs on the anvil. Each session lasts a couple of hours. Time Slots: We can only take 6 at the forge at a time (you can’t have too many irons in the fire as they say!), so have 2 timeslots to choose from.

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Zing! The Choir of Spice West Midlands .. incorporating The Matthew Jones Singers Every Weds to 20th December 2017 (Check for possible further dates online) The Crossing at St Paul's, Darwall Street, Walsall (WS1 1DA) 7.30 - 9.45pm each Wednesday Your first session free. After that £12.50 (£15 Guests) per session Cost includes Musical Director/ Vocal Coach and accompanist and venue hire Following the success of Choir Camp, we’re delighted to be teaming up with Matthew Jones again, to launch our very own choir: Zing! The self-proclaimed Patron Saint of the Tone-deaf, Matthew is a passionate believer that anybody can learn to sing and has trained members to play such venues as The Royal Albert Hall and record with the likes of Boy George to critical acclaim. Whether he’s leading the Queen’s grocers at Fortnum & Mason in song or those serving time at her pleasure, Jones’s formidable yet witty style never fails to engage! With a little help from The Matthew Jones Singers, we’ll be singing everything from Mozart to Metallica and working towards an inaugural concert at Christmas. Read more online.

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Simple Sewing Workshop with Celebratory Cake! .. a fun evening learning the basics of needlework Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Monday: 13 November 2017 Living in Loveliness, St John's Hall, Hill St, Essington (WV11 2BX) 6.30pm to 9.30pm (Note, if numbers are low we share with public) £30 (£32 Guest) paid as £5 (£7 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £25 paid direct to supplier on the day. Includes: Instruction, equipment, tea & cake! A perfect introduction for beginners with the lovely Kerrie Padmore in her “grannies attic” style workshop. We’ll learn such skills as: threading a sewing machine; choosing stitches; stitch lengths & understanding tension; sewing seams & the concept of a seam allowance; sewing in a straight line & turning corners. We’ll take away a plush padded pin cushion and a string of bunting to start our sewing collection. Most importantly, we celebrate our achievements with home made cake!

Ukulele for Fun .. have fun learning this popular instrument! Date: Sunday 15th October 2017 Place: Alrewas Village Hall, Wellfield Road, Alrewas, Staffs (DE13 7HB) Meet: 2pm to 4pm Cost: £18 (£20 Guest) includes ukuleles & instruction Ukelele playing is easy when you know how and very trendy at the moment due to the cult popularity of The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain! It is also an instrument that is cheap, simple and a lot more portable than a guitar. So why not have some fun discovering what it’s all about with a fun group of Spice friends? Today we’ll have a go at playing the ukulele in an entirely unintimidating atmosphere. The session will start by explaining how to hold and strum the ukulele and then working on some simple chords. We can then play some tunes together. You don't need to be musical in any way or to be able to read music as you will be shown how it is done. A fun event that will make everyone smile.

Breadmaking Workshop at Hindleys .. learn from Britain's award winning TV bakers Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Tuesday 6 February 2018 10 Tamworth Street, Lichfield (WS13 6JJ) – Directions online 6.45pm for 7pm start (Ends around 10pm) £55 (£59 Guest) Includes: simple buffet food on arrival, 3 hours hands on practical with demonstrations from Duncan Hindley, All ingredients & equipment including aprons & hats. Your delicious bread creations to take away. Full instruction & recipe cards. Exclusive out of hours group arrangements for Spice Hindley’s Bakery is quite an institution and has been in the centre of historic Lichfield since 1893! Some of you may have seen them on TV winning the title of ‘Best Bakery in the West Midlands’ (Britain's Best Bakery - ITV). So we think we’ve found the very best people to teach us how to bake perfect bread! We’ll be taught by Duncan Hindley himself, who is the 4th generation of Bakers. We’ll learn basic bread making skills within an informal and friendly environment. The course lasts 3 hours and is suitable for beginners. They supply ingredients, equipment, apron, hat, refreshments (tea/coffee) as well as a small buffet on arrival – so don’t worry if you’re coming straight from work. The best bit! Of course you take home 2 bags of your own bread, extra yeast, flour and instruction sheet!

Play with Clay Using a Potters Wheel! .. create your own masterpiece in this amazing setting! Date: Sunday 7th January 2017 Place: Red House Cone, Wordsley, Stourbridge (DY8 4AZ) Meet: 1.45pm for 2.00pm - 4.00pm Cost: £22 (£25 Guest) Incl: All tools & clay, 1 to 1 tuition on potter's wheel & tea/ coffee During our 2 hr session Sarah will demonstrate how to build a coil pot first, then leave us to get started whilst she works with individual members on a 1-1 on the potter's wheel! You can make practically anything using this simple technique, which is great, because you never get the same look twice! This class is made even more enjoyable simply by the setting. Saz’s ceramic studio is well equipped, and has an inspiring, creative atmosphere and of course is based at the wonderful Red House Glass Cone. Take a walk around the beautiful historic building and visit numerous other craft studios on site.

Get a Life - Get a Successful Life! .. - a day with SPICE that may just change your life! Date: Saturday 18th November 2017 Place: Spice Office, Ryknild House, Burnett Rd, Streetly (B74 3EL) Meet: 9.45am - 10.00am until 4.30pm Cost: £49 (£55 Guest) Incl: Light snack at lunch & refreshments throughout Here’s a great introduction to creating a successful life, personally or professionally. Most people tend to see success through financial worth and achievement. However, success is different things to different people, and in truth success can be whatever you want it to be, whether that is material, emotional, personal or practical. It’s not just about achieving success, it’s also about maintaining that success through successful thinking and successful living. Along with this people are under the illusion that success brings happiness. While it can bring moments of joy and upliftment, happiness is a product of how we are as people and how we live our life. Success is a part of that journey to happiness and being fulfilled. Edited Writeup – Read a detailed description of what this day with Roy Martin is all about at our website.

Beginners Photography Course .. friendly, informative & good fun th

Date: Sunday 15 October 2017 Place: Tworld, Weeford Workshops, Hungry Lane, Weeford, Lichfield (WS14 0PR) Meet: 9.45am for 10am - 2.00pm Cost: £39 (£45 Guest) Incl: 4 hours training, tea/coffee & biscuits Have you ever wanted to take better photographs on holidays or of your family? No matter what DSLR, Compact or bridge camera you have, get the most from it with help from an expert. This beginner’s photography course is led by professional photographer Warren Garrett, the workshop is split into a theory session first followed by a practical session to try out the knowledge that you have learnt. During the session you will be taught: The technicalities of different camera types, shooting the RAW format. Exposure - shutter speeds, apertures and ISO, Camera metering modes, Correcting for incorrect exposure, White balance, Working with Light, Composition and more. After coffee we will enjoy a practical session in the locality or studio if weather is poor. You will need to bring your own cameras with batteries fully charged.

Edit your Wardrobe .. an interactive, fun & informative workshop th

Date: Saturday 13 January 2018 Place: Riverside House, 21 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham (B13 8AR) Meet: 2pm - 5pm Cost: £40 (£42 Guest) paid as £10 (£12 Guest) deposit plus £30 paid on the day Incl: Information packs to take away & refreshments Have you got a wardrobe bursting at the seams with clothes you're not sure you'll ever wear again, or perhaps opening your wardrobe doors fills you with dread as it's so disorganised in there? It's easier to just stick to your favourites that are right there on hand. But these are starting to look a little tired and you know that you've got great pieces in your wardrobe you feel you need some help getting organised, working out whether you really need another pair of trousers, or top or jumper.... But you don't know how to get started - but expert help is at hand! Moseley-based Image Consultant, Nicky Jones has a real heart for working with women and wants you to feel amazing about who you are. She really enjoys helping clients sort out their wardrobes, and will use her expert knowledge and skills to enable you to do the same. Nicky has pulled together everything about this topic into an interactive fun and informative workshop for you to learn her tips to enable you to edit your own wardrobe. It’s really useful for anyone wanting to be empowered in having a smart clear out.

Taking those Photo Opportunities .. learn some simple tips from a professional th

Date: Tuesday 24 October 2017 Place: Royal Hotel, High St, Sutton Coldfield (B72 1UD) Meet: 7.15pm for 7.30pm - 9.00pm Cost: £9 (£10 Guest) Extras: Drinks can be purchased from the bar. Whether you’re a total beginner or have a good grasp of how to use your camera, this talk will give you a few extra ideas about how to make the most of every opportunity. Whether it's to get better holiday snaps, photographing your family, or perhaps taking shots of local wildlife and landscape there are plenty of ways to improve your images. You'll be given a better idea of how to compose a shot, make better use of light conditions and have a better understanding of what the different camera settings mean. Nothing complicated, just simple plain English tips and guidance from well-respected professional photographer Ashley Grove illustrated with images to show how the different settings effect a photograph.

Halloween Cupcake Decorating Class .. get creative for Christmas Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Thursday 26 October 2017 Spice Office, Burnett Road, Streetly (B74 3EL) 7pm to 9.30pm £18 (£20 Guest) paid as £3 (£5 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £15 cash paid direct to instructor on day for expenses. Incl: All equipment to decorate 6 (pre baked) cupcakes. Box to take your cakes home in, and tea/coffee and cake to eat! Want to impress your friends and family at Christmas this year? Then why not book onto this fun evening workshop with keen celebratory cake maker Sue Kelland. She will show you how to pipe swirls on cupcakes, how to use cutters successfully and how to produce cute ‘domed’ cupcakes. You could even make more at home and decorate to give as Christmas presents this year! These skills can be replicated at home using simple cake decorating tools. Full details online. 39

Tutbury Castle “Working Party” .. volunteer to help maintain England’s heritage! th

Date: Friday 27 October 2017 Place: Tutbury Castle near Burton on Trent (DE13 9JF) # Meet: 11am Cost: FREE and includes a light lunch and drinks This is a bit of an unusual request, but should provide a lot of fun and satisfaction to those who can give up a day to help with the upkeep this ancient monument. We’re helping preserve the nation's history and we hope many Spice members will think it worthwhile – and rather fun! It’s a great opportunity to take in the scenery of the beautiful castle and grounds, exercise a little whilst removing any plants not valued for use or beauty - weeds in other words! As this is hungry work we will be rewarded with a light lunch provided in exchange for our help. Stay as long as you like, a full day or a couple of hours, all will be gratefully received. Just book this with Spice and we will send detailed information nearer the time.

Make your own chocolate Halloween Creation .. chocolate heaven meets chocolate hell! Date: Saturday 28th October 2017 Place: Burton on Trent Market Hall (DE14 1HA) Meet: 11:45 for 12:00 start Cost: £13.50 (£14.50 Guest) Incl: Your Halloween chocolate creation & a drink Spice East Mids have found a lovely place called the Kandy Factory that’s a chocolate and sweet lover’s paradise. Come along and create Chocolate Halloween extravaganza goodies. We make the goodies from scratch; you will be given moulds and create your own design. Step by step guidance will be given throughout the 2 hour workshop. Aprons will be provided as things can get messy. You will be able to take your creations home and purchase any extra Chocolate, Kandy or cakes from the well-stocked shop. They also do gluten free & Dairy free so please advise us when booking so it can be ordered. After the workshop we can buy lunch at one of the many eating places around the Market Hall.

Create your own Luxury Christmas Crackers .. a cracking Christmas event! th

Date: Saturday 4 November 2017 Place: Living in Loveliness, St John's Hall, Hill St, Essington (WV11 2BX) Meet: 1.15pm for 1.30pm - 4pm Session Cost: £15 (£17 Guest) PAID AS £5 (£7 Guest) to Spice when booking. Balance on day Incl: All equipment to make 6 luxury Christmas Crackers. Extra: Refreshments from their cafe Join us to make up to 6 luxury Christmas Crackers. You will be provided with luxury Christmas papers, ribbons trims and embellishments to make beautiful personalised Christmas Crackers - perfect for a gift or your Christmas table. All levels of ability are welcome and you're encouraged to go at your own pace until you've got the hang of the technique.

What Colours Really Look Good On Me? .. a fun afternoon discovering the power of colour th

Date: Saturday 4 November 2017 Place: Riverside House, 21 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham (B13 8AR) Meet: 1.30pm for 2pm - 5pm workshop Cost: £55 (£57 Guest) PAID AS £10 (£12 Guest) to Spice when booking. Balance on day Incl: Folder with a colour direction card & notes. Refreshments are provided. What colours really look good on me? This fun workshop run by Nicky Jones of Look Chic is designed to explore how colour can really influence us - in the world, the workplace, what clothes we wear, our accessories and jewellery. We will use activities to see how various colours can affect our thinking, emotions and even mood. The world is full of vivid colour and there is such a huge choice of them in clothing and accessories that it can be so hard to choose what suits you. Different fabrics and shades can look so different against our unique skin tones/eye and hair colour. Come prepared to join in with your fellow participating ladies. We will discover how to see the signs of which is your primary colour direction' (come along to find out what exactly that is…) This is not a full colour analysis session as this requires concentrated personal attention. However, at the end of our time together you will have a good idea of how to judge for yourself when you go shopping or sort out your wardrobe which shades/types of colours will enable you to look and feel great. Please bring a few items of clothing that you would wear close to your face. Read more on our website What’s the # ? If a location is followed by the # symbol it’s a secret Spice code that means you are going to receive further joining details by post or email such as tickets, maps, directions, emergency numbers etc

Flamenco Dancing Workshop .. discover the dance with attitude! Date: Thursday 16th November 2017 Place: Walker Memorial Hall Ampton Road Edgbaston (B15 2UJ) Meet: 8.15pm for 8.30pm - 10.00pm Cost: £12 (£14.50 Guest) You’ve asked for Flemenco Dancing so here it is! Info: You should wear shoes or boots with a cuban heel no higher than 2". Please absolutely no flat shoes, trainers or bare feet. You should wear comfortable clothing as you would do for any other dance or exercise class. The ladies could bring a long wide skirt if they wish, it is not essential! The price is higher than our usual dance workshops as this has to reflect the fact that Flemenco dancers are rare and command a premium rate!

Indian Head Massage Workshop .. make your self a very popular person! th

Date: Sunday 5 November 2017 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Warwickshire (B76 0BY) Meet: 10am to 4.30pm Cost: £39 (£42 Guest) includes teas/ coffees and light lunch Indian Head Massage is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses soothing acupressure massage techniques on the head, face, neck and shoulders to rebalance the whole body and spirit. Indian Head massage is an ancient therapeutic treatment that has been practiced in India for thousands of years and is incredibly relaxing and refreshing to the whole body. This one day workshop is fun, informative and hands on, you will learn all the basics of this wonderful treatment and will practice your newly taught massage skills in the practical part of the session. The day will include: ● the benefits of Indian Head Massage ● the use of oils ● how to balance the body and banish stress. You will be taught an Indian Head Massage sequence that you can practice at home. Sharon Gander is an experienced Lecturer in Complementary Therapies.

Leather Workshop, Tour & Tea .. including a brand new leather craft challenge! Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Saturday 11 November 2017 Walsall Leather Museum (WS2 8EQ) 1.15pm for 1.30pm start £30 (£33 Guest) Incl: Craft workshop of 3 items including your very own, hand stitched leather notebook cover. Tour of museum. Tea/coffee/cake in cafe Several of you have requested to make more leather goodies at The Leather Museum. So here is your chance to learn a variety of skills and make your very own leather notebook. We’re with the experts at the World’s leading Leather Museum. It even gets a recommendation in The Rough Guide to England, so gets visitors from all over the world! Our Visit: We start with a guided tour of the Museum which is housed in an original Victorian factory building. Along the way we’ll learn about the town's historic Leather trade and you have the opportunity to personalise a leather keyring and bookmark. We then progress to a bigger project, where we make and hand-stitch our own high quality re-useable leather notebook cover. The afternoon will end with hot drinks and homemade cakes in the museum's Saddle Room cafe.

Wire Work Bracelet Workshop .. enjoy this creative experience th

Date: Saturday 11 November 2017 Place: Hylton Street, Jewellery Quarter (B18 6HN) – detailed directions online Meet: 10.30am (ends 12.30pm) Cost: £29.50 (£33 Guest) Discover new skills using wire and beads to create a unique bracelet. You pick the colour of the beads and Estelle will show you how to enhance these into a stunning effect using tools and techniques to twist wire into shapes and spirals. These techniques are a transferable skill that would allow you to make beautiful necklaces and earrings in the future too.

Magic for Beginners .. learn the secrets from an enthusiast! Date: Thursday 9th November 2017 Place: 80 Brook Street, Stourbridge (DY8 3XB) Meet: 7.30pm to 9.30pm Cost: £22 Member, £25 Guest Tonight we enjoy a special Spice evening with an amazing opportunity to learn the art of magic. We will be taught by Stuart Millward a professional magician in his magic store 'The House of Magic UK'. You will learn tricks, sleights, finesse and patter to amaze and baffle your friends and family. Learning magic builds confidence as well!

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

Date: Sunday 19 November 2017 (Sorry, Sat 18th already full) Place: Red House Cone, Wordsley, Stourbridge (DY8 4AZ) Meet: Choose ● 9.30am to 12.30pm or ● 1.00pm to 4pm sessions Cost: £35 (£39 Guest) Incl: all materials, instruction and your own unique bauble Join us in this historic location for a fantastic opportunity to become a glass-blower! The very room where this half day workshop takes place in where every piece of glass used on the Titanic was made! It’s the holy of holies for glass enthusiasts. Our tutor, Charlotte Hughes-Martin is also well known, being a highly respected glass artist and is Artist in Residence at Red House Cone. We’ll learn how to create the colours we want for our baubles – be it festive red or green, wintery white, or something unusual! Whatever you decide, your bauble will be totally unique and an indication of your character and personality. We’ll also learn the basic skills of glass-blowing so that we can blow our own creation under Charlottes close supervision - no doubt taking lots of photos of each other as we each do so! This event is perfect for Christmas event. It “just goes on giving” as year after year you unwrap your creation and give it pride of place on your Christmas tree! Charlotte is also a glass engraver, so is happy to help you personalise your bauble further, with a name, date or decorative engraving. The price includes all materials, instruction and your own unique, hand-made bauble. As the baubles will need to cool overnight, they will not be available to take home on the day. You can arrange to collect them in time for the all-important hanging on your Christmas tree!

Money Management - Learn & Play .. how the rich get rich & the poor stay poor! th

Date: Sunday 26 November 2017 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, just off A4097 near M42 (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.30am Finish around 4.30pm Cost: £49 (£55 Guest) Includes: Light snack at lunch & teas/ coffees during day In this unique Sunday workshop, coach and author Richard Bisiker will be sharing some key principles behind how the rich get rich & the poor stay poor". We'll start with some great insights, then a chance to play with some case-study figures (no one discloses anything of their own circumstances) then finally an interactive game that makes the learning come alive and fun. Without realising it you'll have learnt how the social and psychological reasons affect how we choose to spend our earnings, learning how to break free from the stressful cycles of debt, and make our money work harder. You'll see how to appreciate the difference between assets, liabilities, profit and loss as a basis for sound financial planning. Says Richard: "One of the biggest problems is that most people tend to spend their money on things that drain rather than build up their asset base in order to earn them more money. With the rising cost of living, surging energy bills, escalating credit card debt, and the scandal of financial mis-selling, personal finance is becoming increasingly confusing and stressful for the ordinary person. One of the biggest problems is that over 80% of the population has developed the wrong attitude to money. The key to good financial management is always to stand back and look at the bigger picture first. This workshop will dispel a lot of the confusion and common misconceptions surrounding personal finance. People won't get rich over night as a result of attending the seminar, but hopefully they will learn how to use their money more effectively"

Mocktails & Glitter Glasses Workshop .. perfect Christmas gift for your friends st

Date: Friday 1 December 2017 Place: Living in Loveliness, St John's Hall, Hill St, Essington (WV11 2BX) Meet: 6.45pm for 7.00 - 9.00pm Cost: £15 (£17 Guest) PAID AS £5 (£7 Guest) to Spice when booking. Balance on day Join us for a night to design a glitter wine glass or mason jar and enjoy a refreshing mocktail! You are welcome to bring prosecco if you want to add a little extra sparkle! 42

Style Workshop - Making the Most of You .. learn the secrets. Boost your confidence! nd

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Saturday 2 December 2017 Riverside House, 21 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham (B13 8AR) 1.30pm Start to 5.30pm £65 (£70 Guest) PAID AS £10 (£15 Guests) deposit paid to Spice when you book, plus the balance of £55 paid on the day (by cash or cheque) Nicky Hawkes is an independent Image Consultant, and director of Look Chic, based in Moseley. She trained at First impressions and is now passionate about empowering her clients to feel the best they can about themselves. In her words: "I have a real heart for working with women and want you to feel amazing about who you are". This fun workshop for ladies will help you dress for your body and face shape. Nicky will use her expert eye to analyse your shape - but don't worry, it's nothing like the TV shows. There’s no 360° mirror and the only thing you'll need to remove are your shoes! You'll learn which styles and shapes are flattering for your body shape as well as the finer details such as fabrics, patterns, and accessories. This will be an assessment of your style which will give you the confidence to choose the most flattering clothes for your shape. Plus, Nicky will help you uncover your Wardrobe Personality, this is the thing that makes your style your own and lets you express yourself through your clothing. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

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Saturday 2 December 2017 Living in Loveliness, St John's Hall, Hill St, Essington (WV11 2BX) 9.45am meet for 10.00-12.00 noon session £25 (£27 Guest) paid as £5 (£7 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £20 paid direct to supplier on the day. Join us for a couple of hours crafty fun with with the lovely Kerrie Padmore in her “grannies attic” style workshop. During the session you will make a beautiful “wrag wreath”. You will be given a beautiful kit made up of pre cut materials a polystyrene heart, ribbons and buttons. You will create a beautiful stylish wreath to take home at the end of the session which is a perfect gift or great decoration for your own home. Kerrie’s wreath design is simple and elegant, made up of beautiful red and green Christmas inspired fabrics. If you don’t get it all done, you can take away your kit to complete.

Holly Wreath Making Workshop .. let's get festive! rd

Date: Sunday 3 December 2017 Place: National Memorial Arboreum, Alrewas, nr Burton on Trent (DE13 7AR) # Meet: 9.45am for 10.00am - 12.00 midday Cost: £29.50 (£31.50 Guest) Incl: Entrance, tuition, materials, mince pies & mulled wine Enjoy this perfect festive activity in the new Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum. This two-hour tutorial includes all the materials and instruction you need to create an elegant, natural holly wreath. Using greenery, holly, flowers, pine cones, sparkles and ribbons, you will finish with a masterpiece to be proud of. Mince pies and mulled wine are also included for a warming festive treat! Create a beautiful bespoke wreath for your front door.

Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class .. get creative for Christmas Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Thursday 14 December 2017 Spice Office, Burnett Road, Streetly (B74 3EL) 7pm to 9.30pm £18 (£20 Guest) paid as £3 (£5 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £15 cash paid direct to supplier on the day for expenses. Includes: All equipment needed to decorate 6 (pre baked) cupcakes. Box to take your cakes home in, and tea/coffee and cake to eat! Want to impress your friends and family at Christmas this year? Then why not book onto this fun evening workshop with keen celebratory cake maker Sue Kelland. She will show you how to pipe swirls on cupcakes, how to use cutters successfully and how to produce cute ‘domed’ cupcakes. You could even make more at home and decorate to give as Christmas presents this year! These skills can be replicated at home using simple cake decorating tools. Full details online.

Learn to Draw in a Day .. a fun day unleashing your creative potential! th

Date: Sunday 4 February 2018 Place: Centre of England Arts, Near Solihull (B92 0LT) # Meet: 10am to approx 3.30pm Cost: £39 (£45 Guest) Incl: All materials and tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day This is a workshop designed for anyone to be able to understand the basic principles of drawing as all the mysteries of perspective, vanishing points and measurements will be revealed! In this very practical, hands on workshop with artist and tutor Julie Hyde, who will show you how to draw objects in proportion, explain and give you some simple techniques to help you understand perspective and then get you to play with tone. We will be using pencils, paper, and then perhaps charcoal and ink. See www.COEA.co.uk for more information about Centre of England Arts and Julie Hyde.

NLP for Beginners .. what you can achieve with Neuro Linguistic Programming? Date: Sunday 28th January 2018 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, just off the A4097 between Kingsbury and J9 of M42 (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.30am (Finish around 4.30pm) Cost: £49 (£55 Guest) includes coffees/ teas & light snack at lunch What a great way to develop your communication skills! Ever wanted to achieve rapport really, really quickly, then go onto to influence them? Well NLP gives you the skills to improve the way you talk, behave and use your body language to interact with others successfully. You've heard the name - you may have seen the results in someone you know, now is your chance to feel what its like! NLP is about modeling excellence, about understanding how to integrate whatever you want to into your life. Come with a characteristic or behaviour of someone that you admire to play with and model during the day. The results can be truly amazing: ● You will learn all about controlling your state (positive vs negative) ● Use physical state modelling(using body language to influence) ● Use emotional state modelling (changing the way you feel to get energized) ● Learn what the right type of questions are that get results(for yourself & others) ● Get a chance to try out the principles in real-time(fun exercises to do) Our trainer is Richard Bisiker, a management trainer, manager, coach and author of the book “More of What You Want”.

Introduction to Reflexology ..a fun and informative workshop rd

Date: Sunday 3 December 2017 Place: Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Warwickshire (B76 0BY) Meet: 10.15am for 10.30am to 4.30pm Cost: £39 (£42 Guest) Incl: tea/coffees & light lunch This is a fun and informative workshop that is ideal for anyone who has an interest in Reflexology and would like to learn more about this ancient, non-evasive and effective treatment. No experience is required and you will be able to use the techniques you learn on yourself, friends and family. You will learn how reflexes on the feet, hands and ears represent anatomical area on the body and how to work on these reflexes for relaxation and wellbeing. The workshop involves a practical session where you will learn a relaxing foot massage using reflexology techniques to rebalance the body and will cover how to treat common aliments such as stress and headaches using this highly effective and safe treatment.

Create a Rustic Wooden Reindeer .. make your very own Rudolf! Saturday 25th November 2017 Timber Yard Kingsbury Water Park Kingsbury North Warwickshire (B76 0DY) 9.45am for 10.00am till 4.00pm £50 (£55 Guest) Incl: All equipment to produce and take away one large reindeer. Also lunch provided by the cafe, soup and rolls or sandwiches, mince pies & festive hot drinks Join James & Tracey to make your very own eco-friendly rustic Rudolph at Kingsbury Water Park. They will provide all the tools, materials and know-how needed to create a wooden reindeer - no two are ever the same and they are a great festive addition to your home or garden. This is a relaxed enjoyable workshop so come along and have a go. Mince pies and festive hot drinks available all day next to their wood burning stove. No previous skills necessary and all wood is sourced from the park. The course is in an outdoor shelter so please wear the clothing appropriate for the weather. Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Balloon Modelling for Fun .. this one is Christmas themed! th

Date: Thursday 7 December 2017 Place: Spice Office Burnett Road Streetly (B74 3EL) Meet: 7.30pm to approx 9.30pm Cost: £10 (£12 Guest) Incl: equipment & instruction, tea/coffee & cake/ biscuits Balloon Modelling is a fun challenge that anyone can pick up and also provides you with a very useful trick to have up your sleeve if you find yourself needing to entertain children (or adults!) or perhaps raise money for charity. Our instructor “Mr Tweedle” (he also answers to “Andy”) is a professional children’s entertainer and all-round fun guy. He will take us through the stages of making some popular balloon models that you can perfect at home until you can do them with your eyes closed! Allow around 2 hours. There will also be drinks and some suitably childish cake/ biscuits to enjoy to give us a little of that “children’s party ambiance” – so what’s not to like!

Creating with Clay - Christmas Decorations! .. you’ll be amazed what you can create when you know how! Thursday 23rd December 2017 Spice Office, Ryknild House, Burnett Road, Streetly (B74 3EL) 7pm to 9.30pm £13 (£15 Guest) paid as £3 (£5 Guest) deposit to Spice to book plus £10 cash direct To supplier on the day for expenses. Includes: All equipment, tea/coffee & cake to eat! Do you want to make a cute gift? Then why not book onto this fun evening workshop with keen artist Sue Kelland using lightweight clay that air dries in just 24 hours! She will show you how to make the cutest of teddy bears, bring along a small jam jar so we can all make a lovely gift for your valentine, your child or just your best friend!

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Make a Chain Maille Necklace for Christmas .. create a unique necklace to take away th

Date: Saturday 25 November 2017 Place: Hylton Street, Jewellery Quarter (B18 6HN) – directions online Meet: 10.15am for 10.30am - 12.30pm Cost: £29 (£32 Guest) Incl: 2 hours tuition, materials and light refreshments. Another special Spice opportunity to get creative with an expert! You may want to make unique presents, but then again, you might decide to keep them for yourself! This is a great training studio with one of the most enthusiastic instructors (Estelle) that we have ever discovered! We will get all the equipment we need, plus expert tuition and style advice. You will have time to create, a chain maille necklace for Christmas, featuring decorative silver balls. Our special price includes 2 hours tuition, materials and light refreshments. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and willingness to let your creativity run riot! We’ve just 8 places, so if you want to try something creative, therapeutic and fun… get booking quick!

Mosaic Making with Vintage China & Glass .. create your own masterpiece in this amazing setting! Date: Sunday 21st January 2018 Place: Red House Cone, Wordsley, Stourbridge (DY8 4AZ) Meet: 9.45am for 10.00am till 1.00pm Cost: £42 (£45 Guest) Incl: all materials, instruction & your mosaic to treasure Join us in this historic location for a fantastic opportunity to have a go at creating your own mosaic bird or heart. We will make a beautiful bird hanger/heart using vintage crockery pieces and glass with various effects. Sarah will demonstrate how to safely use the tools and equipment, to cut and shape the crockery and glass. Then you can pick the colours and design the hanger. Sarah will talk you through the mosaicing process from designing, arranging, gluing and grouting. The course is held at Glass Quarter Designs, a glass studio on the site of the Red House Glass Cone, near Stourbridge in the heart of the glass quarter. The Red House Glass Cone is set on the canal side, and there are several craft studios to explore. You can spend some time looking around the site and glass blowing demonstrations are held on W’end afternoons. There is also a coffee shop on site but refreshments will be provided. ______________________________

Booking a Workshop for Business? Just let us know and we’ll send you a VAT receipt so you can claim it back

Selected Weekends & Holidays These pages contain a selection of weekends & trips offered to our members. There are very many more weekends away of all different types on our website. Spice UK overseas trips are listed separately in the colour section of this Newsletter.

Cannes by Eurostar French Riviera Break .. with excursions to Monaco & Mougins Friday 6 - Monday 9th April 2018 Montaigne Hotel & Spa # Around 6.30am (TBC) London St Pancras (N1C 4QP) £479 (Add £140 if you prefer single room otherwise we will link shares). Return travel by Eurostar & RER from London St Pancras via Paris to Cannes; 3 nights in a well located 4 star Spa Hotel; Day trip to Monaco and half day trip to Mougins. Transfers in France Extras: Meals other than breakfasts. You must have travel insurance Since the last newsletter, introduction of the direct London to Marseilles Eurostar service has been put back, so instead we are now using Eurostar from London to Paris where we change station to catch the fast RER all the way to Cannes. We’ll still be crossing Europe to the cosmopolitan splendour of The French Riviera without having to board a plane! And it’s one of the ‘great train journeys’. A very civilized, enjoyable way to travel and a wonderful way to see France from top to tail in around 7 hours! We’re staying in the glamourous resort of Cannes, where we can promenade amongst the rich, famous and stylish. We have also included a day trip to Monaco/ Monte Carlo, favoured retreat of the super-rich and a ½ day trip to the idyllic hill top town of Mougins, home to Picasso and many other artists/ celebs. Our Hotel: Around 7 minutes walk from the beach, Hotel Montaigne & Spa is located in the centre of Cannes, just a 5 minute walk from La Croisette. We have free access to the Spa, rooms with flat-screen HD TV and Wi-Fi. Eating & Drinking: A buffet breakfast is included to start the day, but other meals are not. We can find café’s/ bars for lunches as we explore and there is no shortage of places to eat out in the evening. Exploring Together: It is very much up to you how you wish to spend the time between our excursions. However, the coordinator will always ensure there is a “group option” for those who wish to stay together. You can opt in and out of this as you wish, but there should never be any need to be alone unless you wish to be. The coordinator is not a “tour guide” but will have some ideas of places to see and possible places to dine to suit all budgets. The tour operator we are using is Success Tours. We act as their agents and their terms and conditions apply. Please read the detailed information on our website including train schedules etc Date: Place: Meet: Cost: Incl:

Ski Val D'Isere - Spice West Mid Ski Trip 2018 .. discover this awesome ski area Saturday 20 - Saturday 27th January 2018 Val D'Isere, France # Birmingham Airport £899 (Deposit £150) Incl: Flights, transfers, chalet hotel accom, 7 breakfasts, 6 evening meals, wine with dinner, afternoon tea and coffee with a selection of cakes, private spa facilities, Spice host Extra: Holiday Insurance. Lunches & 1 evening meal. Ski Requirements (Last seasons prices as a guide) - Whole Area Lift Pass - £250; Ski hire from £88; Ski Boot hire from £39; Ski/Snowboard Tuition from - £212 for 6 half days if needed; Ski Carriage £35 per skis/board It’s been a few years since Spice West Mids have skied in France and even longer since we skied the incredible Espace Killy so we’ve found a great way to return by booking this wonderful chalet just for us! This small chalet includes a spa area to unwind in at the end of the day and yes this year we do have afternoon tea and wine included with our meals! Even without its sister resort of Tignes, Val d’Isère would be one of the finest ski areas in the world. Together they are pretty much unbeatable, particularly for skiers and snowboarders searching for challenging off-piste terrain. And yet there’s plenty for beginners, intermediates and those who like to take their skiing at a leisurely pace as well! “Val” combines with Tignes to form the fantastic Espace Killy, offering endless excitement to suit all tastes and abilities. The resort is composed of La Daille, Val d’Isère centre and Le Fornet, all linked by a free bus service. At the bottom of the famous Ski World Cup piste, La Daille provides easy access to skiing via the Funival funicular whilst Val d’Isère centre has a lovely alpine village atmosphere. With many cleared walks, shops and a sports centre, Val d’Isère also offers plenty for the non-skier. Val is renowned for its nightlife, which ranges from lively clubs to cosy crêperies and traditional bars. Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Please see the detailed information on the Spice UK Website including Inghams Booking Terms and Conditions The tour operator for this flight inclusive holiday is Inghams (ATOL 0025) for whom we act as Agents. This holiday is protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Inghams holiday terms and conditions apply, as supplied with the full holiday information pack. Your money is further protected via our trust account in compliance with EC travel regulations 46

Keswick Derwentwater & Bassenthwaite W’end .. discover this wonderful walking area Friday 3 - Sunday 5th November 2017 Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Lake District (CA12 5TY) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 7pm) £189 (£209 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £35). Single supp £40 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Overview: This is only our second visit to this fine house with spectacular views to Keswick and a waterside frontage comparable to any property on the lake. Its amazing location allows us get the very best out the wonderful walking area. With great walking days planned to take in the high and low fells we will experience everything the north Lakes has to offer. Ranging from; the fine high fells with open moorland, to the low level field systems laden with dry-stone walls; from the fast flowing rivers replete with tumbling ghylls, to the hidden away gems of Derwentwater and Bassentwaite. Amazingly this is all without even mentioning the fine white washed friendly country pubs with real fires and real ales! Also, though we can’t guarantee this yet, but if there is a local bonfire and firework display we’ll aim to pack that in too! Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Whitby Heritage Coast Walking W’end .. enjoy coastal walks from a great base Friday 17 - Sunday 19th November 2017 Larpool Hall, Whitby, North York Moors (YO22 4ND) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 7pm) £189 (£209 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £35). Single supp £40 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Overview: This excellent Whitby walking weekend has a change of venue this year. We have always longed to run out of this historic Country House, a grade II listed building dating from the 1780’s...by the way. From this elegant property you’ll enjoy far reaching views across the wooded grounds and Esk valley all the way towards the sea at Whitby. The location of this hotel, centrally situated 30 minutes walk above Whitby not only allows us to experience tremendous surroundings but also affords us the opportunity to achieve truly interesting and invigorating walking. By day we shall whisk ourselves off along the best of the Heritage Coast. Here we shall indulge ourselves with 2 super coastal days, one from the north west and one from the south east, to finish each afternoon with refreshments in the bustling, picturesque fishing town Whitby. By night we shall have the option of staying safe in our luxurious centre or heading back in to Whitby to partake of the night life in this small but vibrant town. Whey hey!

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Weymouth Bonfire & Fireworks Walking W’end .. one the coolest gigs around! Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Friday 3 - Monday 6 November 2017 The Hotel Rex 3*, Weymouth, Dorset (DT4 8DN) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £269 (£289 Guest) sharing. Incl: 3 b’fasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 dinner & 3 guided walks (Deposit £50). Single supp £60 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used Overview: After last year’s torch light success in Worthing we’re heading to Weymouth this year for a beach bonfire and International fireworks display over a moonlit bay. It happens right across from our hotel too! Now as Bonfire Night is on the Sunday night we’ve pushed the boat out and booked a super 3 night break so we can party on into the night without having to take our foot off the gas. Add to this the most beautiful and dramatic coastal walking in the UK. One day we will enjoy the sensational scenery around Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove whilst Sunday we will walk the stunning stretch of coast adjacent to Weymouth. Weymouth itself is a wonderfully traditional seaside town. Party on, Gideon!

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

See the whole Walkwise Programme online at www.spicebham.com 47

Weymouth & Jurassic Coast Walking W’end .. beautiful & dramatic coastal walking Friday 3 - Sunday 5th November 2017 Hotel Rex, Weymouth, Dorset (DT4 8DN) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £189 (£209 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £45). Single supp £50 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Overview: This is an excellent base to explore some of the most beautiful and dramatic coastal walking in the UK. Everybody loves walking on the coast so this year both days will be coastal walking. One day we will enjoy the sensational scenery around Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove whilst Sunday we will walk the stunning stretch of coast adjacent to Weymouth. Weymouth itself is a traditional seaside town with a lovely long, promenade and modern marina with a lively mixture of traditional pubs and modern bistros and plenty of live music to enjoy on a evening. This year to keep things sociable we’ll dine in the hotel both nights and later those that wish to can enjoy the many live music venues.

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Cheddar Gorge & Mendips Walking W’end .. stunning walking around this dramatic area Friday 17th - Sunday 19th Nov 2017 Webbington Hotel Country Club, Somerset (BS26 2HU) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £179 (£199 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £45). Single supp £40 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Overview: 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 Spice walkers perspective its location is perfect to explore the splendour of the surrounding region. To the west the Mendips stretch out and the autumnal date will afford un-interrupted views from the chalk escarpments across the Somerset levels below. Last year we walked right across the Mendips from Wells in the east to the hotel in the west. This year it is our intention 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 friends and have a relaxing weekend away or you want some excellent walks in great surroundings – this is the weekend for you. Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

Symonds Yat & Wye Valley Walking W’end .. discover this world famous river landscape Friday 1 - Sunday 3rd December 2017 The Paddocks Hotel, Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye (HR9 6BL) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £189 (£209 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £45). Single supp £50 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Overview: Symonds Yat is famed for its natural river scenery and wooded expanses. It is a fantastically beautiful spot, set below steep-sided wooded slopes, straddling the River Wye lazily meandering below. Symonds Yat Rock is an amazing viewpoint on a limestone outcrop that rises some 500 feet from the banks of the River Wye. Along with the nearby Forest of Dean and the Welsh Border, this is a justifiably popular Spice walking area due to its picturesque scenery, which offers much reward for any effort expended! This hotel gives us a great scope to enjoy the best of the walks in comfort.

Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

See the whole Walkwise Programme online at www.spicebham.com 48

Chilterns & Berks Downs Twixtmas Break .. discover the Chilterns & Berkshire Downs at Christmas with Walkwise Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th December 2017 The Milton Hill House Hotel, Abingdon (OX13 6AF) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £189 (£209 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £45). Single supp £40/ £50 otherwise we link twin shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Overview: The Milton Hill House Hotel is a wonderful venue set it its 22acres of secluded sublime parkland just south of Oxford. This charming whitewashed Georgian country house simply oozes charm and character; it also offers quality cuisine, service, a lovely swimming pool and quality leisure facilities. In fact this is quite simply, just a great place to get away for a weekend. But the location is also superb for us walkers. It provides easy access to a wide variety of walking. There are options from the Thames Path to Goring and Streatley and the beautiful Berkshire Downs to the rolling Chilterns and the Vale of the White Horse. Oh and it’s easy to get to with easy access to the M4 and M40! So come and enjoy!

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Twixtmas in The Lakes Walking Break .. wonderful walking between Christmas & New Year Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th December 2017 Glaramara, Borrowdale, the Lake District (CA12 5XQ) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 7pm) £214 (£234 Guest) sharing. Incl: 2 b’fasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinner & 2 guided walks (Deposit £45). Single supp £40/ £50 otherwise we link shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Overview: Christmas has passed and we're not quite at New Year, which leaves a wonderfully peaceful gap in our schedules! This classic break enables you to squeeze in a fantastic winter escape amongst some of the finest mountains in Britain! And Glaramara is an excellent location with some lovely accommodation, absolutely superb food and great walking. Plus if you want an extended break, you can easily link it with one of the New Year events. Glaramara in Borrowdale is one of our most popular locations as it occupies an enviable location in the heart of some of England's most spectacular mountains and beautiful valleys, and the food is great too! From our front door, there is a massive range of walking to choose from, with something for everyone! There are the towering heights of Great Gable, High Spy, Maiden Moor, Castle Crag, the beautiful Derwentwater, the superb cafes throughout Borrowdale and traditional Lakeland pubs!

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New Year in Derbyshire Walking W’end .. classic Peak District walking & NY Party Friday 29 Dec 2017 - Monday 1st Jan 2018 The Derbyshire Hotel, South Normanton (DE55 2EH) # Anytime from 4pm (meal at 8pm) £339 (£359 Guest) sharing. Incl: 3 b’fasts, 3 picnic lunches, 3 dinner (incl Hogmany buffet/ disco & 3 guided walks (Dep £60). Single supp £60 otherwise we link shares Extras: Transport to walk starts if used. Extra night option (costs on website or call) Overview: See in the New Year with a fine walking break in Derbyshire’s Peak District, one of Britain's most endearing national parks. The White Peak area features fascinating limestone cliffs, waterfalls and flora that encapsulate the dales. Add to this, pretty hamlets and villages, not to mention good pubs and cafes plus so much more; and all in great company. We’re delighted to be teaming up with our old friend Shelly from the Lakes, who now manages the Derbyshire Hotel. The hotel’s gym & pool is the perfect space to unwind and relax after a long days walk, it has a fully equipped air-conditioned gym, you’ll have access to the swimming pool and jacuzzi, steam rooms, and sauna. New Year’s Evening: We’re joining a sophisticated celebration, with a Champagne cocktail and 5-course gala dinner before dancing the night away at the disco. When the countdown begins, we'll make sure you're celebrating in style with a sparkling toast at midnight too! Date: Place: Meet: Cost:

See the whole Walkwise Programme online at www.spicebham.com 49

Fun Sailing Weekend & Rib Ride .. a brilliant weekend –ask anyone who’s done it! Friday 3 - Sunday 5th November 2017 Unit 7, Brixham Marina, Berry Head Road, Brixham, Devon (TQ5 9BW) # 6pm £279 (£299 Guest) Incl: tuition, all meals/ snacks, hot/ cold drinks, fuel, on board accommodation, life jackets, waterproof clothing if required, marina fees Would you like an opportunity to sail in the picturesque waters of Torbay? Well, now’s your chance! Whatever your level of skill or experience, Torbay Sea School are hosting a fabulous sailing weekend. Their emphasis is on fun, and their experienced skippers will ensure you have a safe weekend on the water. This will be a great introduction to sailing if you have little or no experience, and if you have sailed before, it’s a good opportunity to build on your knowledge and skills. The Sea School is located at the marina right in the heart of Brixham. This is a quaint town with lots of local pubs to frequent in the evenings, or you can have the option of staying onboard to socialise. As an added extra, included in the price exclusively for Spice members, you will be taken on an exhilarating rib ride around Torbay!

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Christmas Luxury Resort Weekend .. a 5 Star pre Christmas get together with entertainment! Friday 15th - Sunday 17th December 2017 Potters Resort, Coast Road, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk (NR31 9BX) # Arrive from 2pm. Evening Meal at 7pm £215 (£235 Guest) sharing ‘Bungalow Plus’ or £245 (£265 Gest) Member Single (Deposit £40) 2 nights accommodation, all meals, live entertainment and a whole host of activities, Spice Host throughout. Fantastic Value £50 discount on brochure price! Extras: Drinks. Activities such as segway, karts, badminton are all included Join Spice this weekend as we return for our Christmas Festive Weekender at the 5 star Resort which is Potters. This is one of the best Spice weekends ever, the live entertainment is fantastic and this is truly a 5 star resort of exceptional value. The only extras on the weekend will be for your drinks! Seriously where else could you have segway, air rifle shooting, archery, pitch n putt, badminton, giant swing, tennis, short tennis and table tennis all included in the price. The weekend is fully catered for the whole weekend, you will have to diet when you get back there is so much fabulous food. Set on the beautiful Norfolk Coast and only a stone’s throw away from the sea. Potters pride themselves on creating truly memorable experiences for their guests, take a look at what is included and book your place real quick! We get: ● Comfortable accommodation in bungalows with bathrooms ● Live Entertainment every evening ● Full Board – 4 meals a day for each full day of your stay ● Huge range of Sports and Leisure facilities and activities – most of them free. ● Friendliest service you will find anywhere ● Spice host throughout the weekend Spice Programme for the weekend: ● Arrive from 2pm ● Meet for pre-dinner drinks ● Meet at reserved Spice tables for 3 course evening meal ● Followed by ‘Friday Night Live’ in the Atlas Theatre followed by disco ● Saturday meet for breakfast at our reserved tables ● Enjoy the extensive activities available during the day ● Superb Lunch is included with lots of choices from menu or buffet ● Meet for pre-dinner drinks before dinner ● Followed by Christmas Spectacular Show with the Potters Theatre Company ● Ease into Sunday with Breakfast followed by a last swim, game of tennis. Date: Place: Meet: Cost: Incl:

Sin City Murder Mystery Bunkhouse W’end .. a classic bunkhouse break with difference! th

Date: Friday 27 - Sunday 29th October 2017 Place: YHA Braken Tor, Saxongate, Okehampton (EX20 1QW) Meet: From 4pm Cost: £120 (£130 Guest) (Deposit £20) It has been a year since the Paramount Casino has changed ownership and Ronald Trump, the new owner, is ready to celebrate! As the largest and most extravagant casino on the Las Vegas strip, The Paramount Casino is throwing a party of epic proportions. With the highest rollers and the gutsiest gamblers, the stakes are going to be high and there is no limit to what could happen. Everyone who is anyone in Vegas is sure to be in attendance for this grand event. From the powerful politician to the sexy showgirl, the cunning cocktail waitress to Elvis himself– the guest list is as unlimited as the possibilities of how the night will end. Like everything else in Vegas, the party will be a gamble and there is no certainty to the events of the evening. Whose secrets will be exposed? Which lies will be uncovered? And who will fall victim to the lawlessness of the night? Your bet is as good as mine. Be prepared for a sinister evening in a city known for its secrets and its scandal! Read full details of this weekend online.

See the whole Walkwise Programme online at www.spicebham.com 50

Highlands Wildlife, Whiskey & Wonderful Food .. a guided break based at the UK's premier wildlife hotel Date: Friday 25th - Tuesday 29th May 2018 Place: The Grant Arms Hotel, 25 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey (PH26 3HF) # Cost: £799 (£819 Guest) for Single or Twin (Deposit £200) Incl: 4 nights full board throughout. Transport & guiding throughout, tour of a whisky distillery, tickets for the Cairngorm No Single funicular railway, An evening in the famous Rothymurcus mammal hide, Collection and Supp! drop off at Aviemore railway station if required. Not Included: Drinks and travel to Aviemore The Grant Arms has been carefully chosen, not only for the excellent quality of this hotel and its food, but because of its location. We will be central to many of the Highland’s best wildlife watching hotspots and the trip has been well planned to give you the opportunity to see much of Scotland’s iconic wildlife and landscape. At this time of year Ospreys and Slavonian Grebes will have returned to nest in the area and residents like Golden Eagle, Black Grouse and Pine Marten will be more visible than in other seasons. On the 2017 trip, we identified 92 species of birds and 11 mammal species. A visit to a local whisky distillery just adds a cultural twist to a very enjoyable, social and rewarding break. Day 1: ● Arrive at your leisure and settle into the welcoming surroundings. ● 6pm - Welcome meeting. Ashley will run through the itinerary for the following days activities and answer any questions ● 7pm - Dinner in the restaurant Day 2: ● 7.30am – Breakfast ● 8.30am - We head north to the coast, visiting Lossiemouth and Findhorn Bay, which will give us a great variety of Waders and Seabirds. Various Auks and Gannet will be busy at sea and there may still even be a few from the winter months like Long-tailed Duck and Redbreasted Merganser off shore. On from here to have our packed lunch aside the river to be serenaded by Willow Warblers and Cuckoos. Nearby Dulsie Bridge is a picturesque spot, which gives us excellent chance of catching up with Dipper, then onward to Lochindorb, home to Black-throated Diver, Red Grouse, Golden Plover and if we are lucky Merlin. ● 6.30pm – Dinner ● 8pm - We leave to spend the evening in the Rothymurcus Mammal hide, where we hope to be rewarded with sightings of various animals. Red Deer, Roe Deer, Red Squirrel, Wood Mouse and Badger are regular, but our main target is the illusive Pine Marten. Being primarily nocturnal we are more likely to get a visit after dark, however at this time of year they have Kits, so may bring them, or come earlier. Day 3: ● 7.30am – Breakfast ● 8.30am - Meet in reception for a full day out ● All aboard the minibus to explore some of the local wildlife highlights, starting at Avielochan for the splendid Slavonian Grebe, which breed in Scotland in very small numbers. Then Loch Insh for nesting Osprey and onto RSPB Insh Marsh which has a very good variety of birdlife. ● After enjoying our packed lunch in the Scottish fresh air, we move on to Loch Morlich, where we should see Redthroated Diver which breed here along with Goldeneye and other more common duck species. From here we head up to Cairngorm mountain which at this time can host Ring Ouzel around the car park, along with the local heard of Reindeer. ● After a good scan of our surroundings, including great views back across Loch Morlich, we take a ride up the mountain on the Funicular railway. This will take us up to over 3500ft, affording even more spectacular views and with luck at this level, we may get a sighting of Ptarmigan, a true mountain dweller and possibly Snow Bunting. ● 7pm – Dinner. Day 4: ● 8am – Breakfast ● 8.45am - Leave the Grant Arms for Findhorn Valley, which is pretty much raptor central for Scotland. The road in is famous for being one of the most reliable sites for Golden Eagle, but White-tailed is also possible, along with Peregrine Falcon, Red Kite, Kestrel and Merlin which all breed in the area. The valley also holds a good population of Red Deer and Mountain Hare, along with Wild Goats which live precariously on the steep slopes. ● 12.30pm - After lunch in Findhorn Valley, we head a short distance for our Tomatin Whisky Distillery Tour. The tour it’s self including a bit of tasting takes around an hour, with opportunity afterwards to visit the gift shop. Onward then back to our hotel for a leisurely afternoon, perhaps having a look around Grantown, or catching up with your birding notes, or maybe even a nap. ● 6.30pm – Dinner ● 8.30pm - Ashley will be giving a talk on British Birds in the Osprey Suite. Day 5 ● 6am (Optional) - We leave the hotel early and head into Abernethy forest in search of Capercaillie. They are easily disturbed, so an early start gives us the best chance of a sighting. Nearby we can also check out a site or two where Black Grouse display, before heading back for breakfast at 8.30am - Breakfast at Grant Arms. 11am - Is check out time. _____________________________ “It was a Center Parcs photo challenge – honest”

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

Events Index A Christmas Carol .................................. 35 A Christmas Wassail .............................. 35 A Victorian Christmas ............................ 27 Abbots Bromley Moderate Ramble ........ 22 Abseiling for the Terrified ...................... 12 Adventure Trekking Day .......................... 6 Althorp Literary Festival ........................ 24 Back to Backs Tour ................................ 29 Badminton Sessions................................ 32 Balloon Flight ........................................... 5 Balloon Modelling for Fun ..................... 45 Barn Dance & Supper ............................... 4 BBC Behind the Scenes .......................... 28 Beginners Horse Trek ............................... 6 Beginners Photography Course............... 39 Bewdley & Arley Ramble ...................... 18 Bill Bailey Live ...................................... 36 Bird of Prey Encounter ............................. 6 Birmingham at War Afternoon Walk ...... 10 Blacksmithing Evening........................... 37 Boeing Boeing ........................................ 35 Breadmaking Workshop at Hindleys ...... 38 Calke Abbey Autumnal Ramble ............. 19 Cannes by Eurostar French Riviera Trip . 46 Cannock Chase War Ramble .................. 19 Caving for the Terrified .......................... 13 Charity Sleep Out ..................................... 8 Charles Dickens' Ghost Stories ............... 34 Cheddar Gorge Walking W’end ............. 48 Chilterns & Berks Twixtmas Break ........ 49 Chinese New Year Celebration ................. 4 Christmas Clay Pigeon Shooting ............ 23 Christmas Day Link Up 2017 ................. 27 Christmas Dinner Dance - All-Inclusive ... 3 Christmas Fabric Wreath Workshop ....... 43 Christmas Luxury Resort Weekend ........ 50 Cinderella the Panto................................ 35 Cinema Night ......................................... 33 Cocktail Masterclass & Dessert Pairing . 25 Coffin Factory Candlelit Tour & Talk .... 30 Comedy Night at the Chateau ................ 33 Cosford Restoration Day & Lunch ......... 31 Create Luxury Christmas Crackers ......... 40 Create a Rustic Wooden Reindeer .......... 44 Creating with Clay-Make a teddy bear ... 45 Cupcake Decorating Classes ............. 39, 43 Curry & Quiz - Solihull .......................... 17 David Baddiel - My Family .................... 36 Dim Sum Sunday Lunch ........................... 1 Dog Walk in Sutton Park .......................... 8 Drumming Experience for Beginners ..... 37 Easenhall & Brinklow Easy Ramble ....... 19 Edit your Wardrobe ................................ 39 Erasmus Darwin Evening & Cellar Tour 28 Escape Room Challenge ......................... 24 Fencing for Beginners ............................ 32 Firework Evening at Stone Manor .......... 25 Firework Spectacular & Spice Reception 26 Fizz Quiz - Hotel Du Vin........................ 27 Flamenco Dancing Workshop ................ 41 Fly a Plane from Coventry to Stratford ..... 5 Flyboarding at Chepstow ........................ 12 Forest Segway on Cannock Chase .......... 11 Frankfurt Christmas Treasure Trail......... 26 Fun Sailing Weekend & Rib Ride .......... 50 Get a Life - Get a Successful Life! ......... 38 Ghost Hunting & Supper ........................ 25 Ghost Walk of Sutton Coldfield ............. 10

Ghostly & Grisly Birmingham Walk....... 10 Gin Tasting Evening & Talk ................... 26 Glass Blowing - Christmas Bauble.......... 42 Go Ape in Cannock ................................. 14 Golf - Learn to Play in a Day .................. 32 Greek Meal & Quiz - Sutton Coldfield.... 17 Griff Rhys Jones Where Was I ................ 36 Guide Dog Training Centre Visit ............ 31 Halloween Dinner at Hotel Du Vin ........... 2 Hatton Easy Ramble & Craft Fair ........... 20 Helicopter Lesson ..................................... 5 Highlands Wildlife, Whiskey & Food ..... 51 Holly Wreath Making Workshop ............ 43 Hope Improvers Mountain Bike Ride ....... 9 Hopwood & Barnt Green Easy Ramble .. 19 Hovercrafting .......................................... 11 Indian Head Massage Workshop ............. 41 Indoor Climbing at Redpoint Centre . 12, 13 Indoor Shooting ...................................... 23 Indoor Skydiving ...................................... 5 Introduction to NLP ................................ 44 Introduction to Reflexology .................... 44 Introduction to Skiing ............................. 14 Italian Dinner Shuffle in Aldridge ............. 1 Jaguar F PACE Manufacturing Tour ....... 29 Jason Manford - Muddle Class................ 36 Jersey Boys ............................................. 35 Jewellery Quarter Walk & Cantonese ..... 10 Kababish Dinner Shuffle ........................... 2 Katherine Ryan's Glitter Room ............... 34 Kayak River Adventure........................... 13 Keswick & Bassenthwaite W’end ........... 47 King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys ........... 34 Kinver Edge Moderate Ramble ............... 21 Knowle Locks Christmas Eve Ramble ... 21 Ladybower Come & Try M'tain Biking .... 9 Lapworth & Packwood House Ramble ... 20 Lapworth Museum of Geology ............... 30 Lasan Indian Banquet ................................ 4 Learn to Draw in a Day ........................... 44 Leather Craft Workshop, Tour & Tea .... 41 Lloyds Indian Dinner Shuffle in Knowle .. 2 Longfellows Restaurant Dinner Shuffle .... 1 Magic for Beginners................................ 42 Make a Chain Maille Necklace ............... 45 Make your own Chocolate Halloween .... 40 Meriden Easy Ramble ............................. 22 Milton Under Wychwood Ramble .......... 18 Mocktails & Glitter Glasses Workshop ... 42 Moira & Donnisthorpe Ramble ............... 20 Money Management - Learn & Play ....... 42 Morgan Motors Visit ............................... 30 Mosaic Making Workshop ...................... 45 Motorbike Off Road Experience ............. 11 Mulled Wine & Mince Pie Wander ......... 21 Museum Collections Centre Experience . 30 Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Tour ... 29 National Mem Arboretum, Festive Day .. 25 New Dogs Home Visit in Solihull ........... 28 New Year 007/ Firework Sleepover Party . 3 New Year in Derbyshire Walk W’end .... 49 Nina Conti - In Your Face ....................... 33 Nordic Walking Free Taster .................... 19 Nordic Walking Fast Track Course ......... 19 Peak Classic Caves Day .......................... 14 Peak District Walk Alport Castles from Fairholmes ......... 19 Ashbourne & Mayfield....................... 19

Black Rocks & Wirksworth Circular . 21 Blore & Ilam ...................................... 20 Carsington Water ............................... 18 Chatsworth Park Autumnal walk ....... 20 Edale - Rushop Edge ......................... 18 Eyam.................................................. 20 Tissington .......................................... 21 Wardlow Hay Cop & Cressbrook ...... 20 Whaley Bridge ................................... 20 Play with Clay Using a Potters Wheel! ... 38 Polo Behind the Scenes New Year Cup .. 31 Pony Trekking & Picnic ........................... 6 Pools of Sutton Park Fig of 8 Ramble..... 22 Preview Evenings ................................... 15 Quad Bike Woodland Trek ..................... 11 Quiz of the Year ..................................... 17 Ramble, Scramble & Dangle .................. 14 Rob Brydon - I Am Standing Up ........... 34 Robs Railway Ramble ............................ 18 Romsley & Waseley Hills Ramble ......... 18 RSC Behind The Scenes & Cream Tea... 31 Run Jog or Walk in the Park ................... 32 Santa Cycle Ride/ Walk & Present Drop .. 8 Shakatak at the Jam House ..................... 34 Shugborough Hall & Sherbrook Ramble 21 Shustoke Boxing Day Easy Ramble ....... 21 Sikh Gurudwara Visit ............................. 31 Simple Sewing Workshop & Cake! ........ 37 Sin City Murder Mystery Bunkhouse ..... 50 Ski Val D'Isere - Spice WM Ski Trip ..... 46 Snitterfield Easy Ramble ........................ 22 Social Cycle Ride Walton on Trent .......... 9 Some People vs Reginald D Hunter ........ 36 Spice Book Club (Sutton & Solihull)........ 7 Spice Death Club ...................................... 7 Spice Hits Town ..................................... 15 Stratford Christmas Pub Treasure Trail .. 27 Style Workshop - Make the most of you. 43 Sunset Boulevard .................................... 34 Symonds Yat Walking W’end ................ 48 Symonds Yat Adventure Mission ........... 12 Take That & Olly Murs Cabaret Night ..... 1 Taking those Photo Opportunities........... 39 Ten Pin Bowling ..................................... 24 The Band ................................................ 36 The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe ... 35 The Trouble with Old Lovers ................. 33 Thanksgiving Day Epic Dining ................ 2 Tobogan & Fondue Night ......................... 4 Tutbury Castle Working Party ................ 40 Twixtmas in The Lakes Walking Break .. 49 UB40 Tribute Night at the Jam House .... 33 Ukukulele for Fun ................................... 38 Urban Ramble Around Birmingham Airport ............. 21 Warwick Waterways & Castle Views 19 Vulcan Bomber Restoration Experience . 28 Wake up the Zoo ...................................... 6 Warwickshire Villages Ramble .............. 19 Western Style Rifle Shooting Afternoon 23 Weston Park Walk with Head Gardener . 29 Weymouth Walking W’ends.......... 47 & 48 What Colours Look Good On Me? ......... 40 Whitby Heritage Coast Walking W’end . 47 Winter Warmer - Lazer & Quad Biking.. 13 Wire Work Bracelet W'shop ................... 41 World Wine Challenge - Hotel Du Vin... 26 Zing! The Choir of Spice West Mids ...... 37

Christmas Present Shopping Made Easy Get them what they really want this year with a Spice gift voucher We can produce these for individual events or for periods of Spice Membership. All presented beautifully for you to put under the tree. Call 0121 353 6161 52

Spice Cancellation Policy EVENING AND ONE DAY EVENTS Providing you give us more than seven dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (includes weekends and bank holidays) notice you will receive a full refund as a Credit Note, less a Cancellation Fee of 20% of the cost of the event OR loss of deposit (whichever is lower) with a minimum of ÂŁ3 (except where stated otherwise in the Newsletter event description). Credit Notes are valid for 12 months and only redeemable against events. TICKETED EVENTS Note: Theatre, Concerts, etc. These are non-refundable unless we can resell your place, as tickets will have already been purchased. 29(51,*+7 (9(176 $1' (9(176 &267,1* 29(5 Â&#x2026; Note: This excludes overseas trips which have a separate Holiday Cancellation Policy. Providing you give us more than 28 days (includes weekends and bank holidays) notice you will receive a full refund as a Credit Note, less a Cancellation Fee of 20% of the cost of the event OR loss of deposit (whichever is lower except where stated otherwise in the Newsletter event description). Credit Notes are valid for 12 months and only redeemable against events. GENERAL Where cancellation is received within the cancellation period prior to an event, you will lose all monies paid (and also be liable for any balance) unless we can replace you. If you simply do not turn up for an event without contacting us, you will automatically forfeit any monies paid, and will be liable for any balance. SHOULD SPICE CANCEL AN EVENT..... Should Spice cancel any event you will be refunded directly back by the payment method used. Our policy is that wherever possible we will always issue a refund. HOLIDAYS AND OVERSEAS TRIPS Note: More than three overnights or outside UK. Cancellation is as per the Tour Operators Terms and Conditions as supplied with Holiday Information Packs. Cancellation must be in writing and a back up phone call is recommended. You should assume you are still booked until you have ZULWWHQ FRQÂżUPDWLRQ RI \RXU FDQFHOODWLRQ :KHUH FDQFHOODWLRQ LV UHFHLYHG within the cancellation period prior to an event, you will lose all monies paid (and also be liable for any balance). If you simply do not turn up for an event without contacting us you will automatically forfeit any monies paid, and will be liable for any balance.

Group Contact Details 6SLFH 8. 1DWLRQDO 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH 0161 873 8788 info@spiceuk.com www.spiceuk.com

Spice Manchester 0161 864 3849 info@spicemcr.com www.spicemcr.com

Spice Scotland 0131 531 2653 info@spicescotland.com www.spicescotland.com

Spice Yorkshire 0113 418 2818 info@spiceyorks.com www.spiceyorks.com

Spice East Midlands 01827 767150 RIĂ&#x20AC;FH#VSLFHHDVWPLGV FRP www.spiceeastmids.com

Spice West Midlands 0121 353 6161 info@spicebham.com www.spicebham.com

Spice Thames Valley & Solent 0118 9724810 info@thamesvalleyspice.co.uk www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk

Spice London 0208 973 2355 rebecca@spicelondon.co.uk www.spicelondon.co.uk

Spice South West & South Wales 0117 971 5593 kate@spicesouthwestandsouthwales.com www.spicebristolcardiff.com

Spice UK Emergency 24hr Telephone. 07778 298497 This emergency telephone is strictly for use for serious accidents and emergencies only. It is NOT for general enquiries, bookings, directions, etc.

Finding events in your local area: 'R \RX ZDQW WR Ă&#x20AC;QG D W\SH RI HYHQW HJ ZDONLQJ PHDOV RXW HWF RU HYHQWV LQ \RXU local area? You can do this quickly and simply on your local spice website From the home page click the EVENT button. In the SEARCH EVENTS block you can search for a type of event by clicking on the drop down on CATEGORY for example WALKING, PARTIES, WEEKEND BREAKS etc. <RX FDQ Ă&#x20AC;QG DQ HYHQW LQ your area by selecting SUBCATEGORY and selecting your area for example ESSEX , KENT, SURREY etc. You can also search on words, by using WORDS When done click SEARCH to Ă&#x20AC;QG ZKDW \RX ZDQW

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22/09/2017 18:30

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Welcome to the NEW Spice National Weekend Break at Denstone College – we hope you can join us! ,W¶V WDNHQ D ZKLOH WR ¿QG DQG LV YHU\ GLIIHUHQW WR &HQWHU 3DUFV EXW ZH EHOLHYH ZH KDYH IRXQG D YHQXH WKDW FDQ IXO¿O WKH main focus of a national weekend which is to bring Spice members together for a fun weekend to meet old faces and make lots of new friends. But Denstone also offers so much more with plenty of FREE sports facilities available and full board all included in the package. Based near Uttoxer in Staffordshire between the M1 and M6 motorways access to Denstone is hopefully relatively easy for everyone by road and if travelling by rail Uttoxer is the closest location station (approx 6½ miles) or Stafford and Derby are the nearest mainline stations (both approx 21 miles). Whats included in the package are your breakfast and lunches for Friday and Saturday with 2 evening meals and your accommodation. Your 2 party nights (one themed with disco) with live band on Saturday night. Other than that it is all still in planning but rest assured that with all your coordinators involved there will be plenty of activities available throughout the weekend including walks and sports to keep you interested and occupied – a more detailed plan will be available nearer the weekend. 7KH ZHHNHQG ¿QLVKHV RQ 6XQGD\ DQG \RX FDQ FRQWLQXH to socialise on site until 12 noon. Alternatively the college is only 20 minutes drive from Alton Towers - if thrill rides are your thing we will be arranging a meet up at the park at 11am on Sunday and are looking to arrange discounted tickets if you book with us in advance. There will also be some local events available to book arranged by your coordinators on Sunday if a theme park isn’t your thing. We have a number of different types of accommodation available to you spread across a number of buildings and they are hopefully self explanatory but here is a little more information just in case! The rooms are fairly basic but have everything you need and all accommodation is on a full board basis.

DORMITORY – a single bed in a large dormitory style room ranging from 4 to 9 beds in a room and have separate shared facilities in the building. They will be single sex rooms unless there are group requests to mix. TWIN SHARED FACILITIES – 2 members sharing a room with two single beds.Some of these rooms are triple bedded but being used for 2 people, if you would like to share as 3 please speak to your co-ordinator but there is no discount. Facilities are shared with other rooms in the block. TWIN EN SUITE – 2 members sharing a room with two

single beds and facilities within the room. (Limited availability) Single shared facilities – a room for one person with a single bed. Facilities are shared with other rooms in the block (there are no single en suite rooms). (Limited availability) NB – there are no locks on the rooms and hanging

space in wardrobes may be limited and vary from room to room. There are lockers available outside the rooms if you want to put anything away in a locked space however you will need to bring your own padlock! FULL BOARD – there are 2 breakfast, 2 lunches (Fri/ Sat) and 2 evening meals one of which will be a BBQ on Saturday included for everyone. Depending on numbers that book the weekend it may be that meals need to be split into 2 sittings to accommodate everyone. Meals are buffet style. DEPOSIT £30 non-refundable. Balances due 1st June and no refund for cancellation unless you can replace yourself or we can replace you from a waitlist. No dogs allowed.

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access to a sports pavilion with toilet and shower facilities (mixed sex). You will need your own tent and camping HTXLSPHQW EXW QR %%4V¶ RU ¿UH SLWV DOORZHG ,I \RX ZDQW WR bring a camper van you will need to let us know when you book as space for these is limited and there is no electric hook-up.

All details correct at time of press. Event launched midday on 22nd September. Please check with your local group for accommodition availability.

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TS R A

W G O

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DATE: COST:

Friday 10 – Sund ay 12 August 18 Prices from £129 (check your local group website fo PLACE: r full detials) The Fabulous De nstone College, INCLUDES: 2 breakfasts Staffordshire , 2 lunches (Fri & Sat), 2 evening m 2 party nights on eals, accommodat e themed, live ba ion as chosen, nd on Saturday nig Access to all facil ht. 2 walks in the ities on site includ local area. ing an all-weather track, 18 outdoor pitch, outdoor runn tennis courts, ind ing oor sports hall wh volleyball; Gym; ich includes badm indoor swimming int EXTRAS: on and po ol (time restrictions Drinks and person will apply) al extras DEPOSIT: £30 non-refundab le THEME: Hogwarts, Harry Potter and all thing s magic! (Friday night party)

magic

S Standard Spice Weekend Terms and Conditions supplied with joining pack, and on Spice UK website. Your money protected via our Trust Accounts in accordance with Travel Package Regulations. AUTUM _2017_41.14_Singles.indd 11

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International Holiday Programme pp

As at 15 September 2017

yh olid ays fr om your 6 piFe UK team!

Welcome to the Spice international holiday programme, available to all Spice members DV DQ H[FOXVLYH EHQHÂ¿W RI PHPEHUVKLS 2YHU WKH \HDUV 6SLFHUÂ¶V KDYH WUDYHOOHG ZLWK XV to every corner of the world enjoying action and adventure, amazing sights, interesting cultures and always great company with plenty of laughs along the way! Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after an easy going leisurely break, an active walking week or a trip of discovery we hopefully have something to suit. Over the next few pages weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked out a few of our current holidays to highlight plus thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a full OLVWLQJ RI HYHU\WKLQJ FXUUHQWO\ DYDLODEOH LQFOXGLQJ WKLV VHDVRQV VNL WULSV ,I \RX GR Â¿QG VRPHWKLQJ WKDW you want some more information for then more information is available on the Spice UK website www.spiceuk.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; alternatively if you want to discuss anything at all donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to call Spice UK on 0161 873 8788.

Spice Holidays Date

Nights

05/11/17

Deposit

Price from

Â£150

Â£739

Â£150

Â£569

Â£190

Â£1879

Â£150

Â£770

Â£150

Â£725

Â£150

Â£879

Â&#x2026;

Â£150

Â£899

Â£150

Â£940

Â£150

Â£815

Â£150

Â£794

Combine Marrakech with a discovery of Berber life!

Â£150

Â£729

Â£150

Â£799

A really popular Spice destination

Â£150

Â£819

Ski Morzine A huge ski area to discover!

Â£150

Â£849

Spice Trip Iceland Discovery Visit the land of Ice & Fire but hurry as we only have a one place left!

15/12/17

Venice before Christmas

23/12/17

29/12/17

13/01/18

Spice South West & South Wales â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ski Leas Duex Alpes

$ Â¿UVW IRU 6SLFH 6:6: LQ D VPDOO H[FOXVLYH FKDOHW

20/01/18

Spice West Midlands - Ski Val Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Isere

27/01/18

28/01/18

17/02/18

28/02/18

A pre-Christmas getaway to a wonderful city! Ski Canada at Xmas & New Year Fantastic High Altitude skiing in the Big 3 ski area! New Year in an Italian Castle (part 2) Nearly 100 booked the two Castle trips and only a few places left! Ski Cortina Skiing in the Italian Dolomites! Spice Scotland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ski St Christoph Only 2 places remaining!

Stylish, exciting and lively with world-class skiing - a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resort! Spice London â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ski Verbier Ski in one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier resorts! Ski Les Deux Alpes Mark Warner ski holiday Ski St Christoph Ski Austriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge Alberg area! Marrakech & Atlas Mountains

04/03/18

Ski Andorra Our ever popular social skiing trip is already Â¾ full!

10/03/18

Ski Champoluc

10/03/18

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Spice Holidays

Deposit

Price from

Spice London â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ski Les Arcs Only one place remaining!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ770

Italian Winter Adventure Skiing and more in Bormio!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ869

17/03/18

Walking in La Palma Winter walking with Walkwise

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ899

18/03/18

Ski Tignes Mark Warner ski holiday

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ895

22/04/18

Lake Garda A popular destination for Spice but at a different time of year!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ589

06/05/18

Cyprus Chillout Enjoy some early spring sun!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ719

*ROÂżQJ RQ WKH $OJDUYH Including 2 rounds of golf!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ699

12/05/18

Dubrovnik & Active Dalmatia Cycling, sea kayaking, walking & much more!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ1099

Discover China & Yangtze River Cruise Already 25 booked and only 5 places left!

ÂŁ275

ÂŁ2845

AndalucĂa Highlights Great feedback in previous years and already booking well!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ899

How the Venetians Holiday A choice of 6 or 8 days on this unusual break!

ÂŁ150

ÂŁ899

ÂŁ350

ÂŁ3595

Date

Nights

11/03/18

17/03/18

12/05/18

10/06/18

14/06/18

5 or 7

04/09/18

Spice Trip

Grand Canyon Rafting Experience The Ultimate Spice Adventure!

The Spice holiday programm e is a rolli new holid ng one an ays are b d eing adde so please d all the ti check ww me w.spiceuk for full de .com tails & up to date availability !

All Spice UK air holidays are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Each Ea tour operators ATOL number is stated at the end of every holiday wri write up on our website www.spiceuk.com plus full terms and conditions.

The Spice holid ay programm rolling on e is a e and ne holidays a w re being a dded all the time so please ch eck www.spic euk.com for full de tails & up to date availability !

Your money is protected via our Trust Account in compliance with EC Package Travel Regulations Regulations.

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Highlighted

SKI CANADA AT CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 13 days, Friday 23 December 17 from £1879 Departs London Heathrow only (Xmas & NY only departures available on request) September is one of the most beautiful times to visit the hills of After a difﬁcult few years in Europe recently with the snows coming very late we thought we’d try something a bit further aﬁeld and head to Canada! Banff is a lively town set in the spectacularly beautiful Banff National Park. Downtown Banff offers traditional Canadian hospitality with an excellent variety of bars, some with live music, and a wide choice of restaurants catering for all tastes and budgets. Your Tri-area lift pass covers the three ski areas of Lake Louise ski area (45 minutes’ drive), Mount Norquay (10 minutes’ drive) and Sunshine Village (25 minutes’ drive). A regular ski bus service, included with the pre-booked Tri-area lift pass, operates from our Banff hotels to all three ski areas.

MARRAKECH & ATLAS MOUNTAINS 6 days, Wednesday 28 February 18 from £729 Departs London Gatwick only This 6-day tour is packed with adventure, fun and relaxation, giving you a real taste of authentic Morocco. You’ll spend a couple of nights in a riad in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, the perfect location to explore the colourful markets and souks. After a scenic trip through lakes and mountains you’ll arrive at Kasbah Africa where you’ll spend the remainder of your trip visiting Berber villages, learning to cook tagine, camel trekking or simply relaxing in the mountains. In a place referred to as ‘the country that travels within you’, Morocco’s richly exotic and entrancing culture taps into all the senses. Take one tiny step out of Europe, and discover it’s a huge leap into a bold, richly exotic and enchanting world. It’s the gateway to Africa, and one of the few places that is so tantalising close to the UK yet offers such an incredible contrast.

SKI LES DUEX ALPES 8 days, Sunday 28 January 18 from £815 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham Skiing in Les Deux Alpes - You won’t just like it, you’ll love it! Les Deux Alpes is a lively village and one of the oldest resorts in France. For singles, couples and families you’ll ﬁnd there’s a wide choice of bars and restaurants along the resort’s main street that will suit all pockets and tastes - including the Tribeca Bar and Restaurant or The Windsor Pub. With an impressive snow record and above average sunshine to put you in the mood, this resort has over 200km of pistes and areas to suit all levels of skier and snowboarder. This resort is great for skiing or snowboarding - You can ski from 3,400m all the way to 1,300m without getting on a lift. If you are an off piste extreme skier, you may be interested in La Garve, offering some of the most exciting and challenging terrain in the world - be warned you must arrange a local guide to take you to La Grave, as skiing is dangerous!

ITALIAN WINTER ADVENTURE 8 days, Saturday 10 March 18 from £869 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester, Luton & Edinburgh Have you thought about a ski holiday but just want to dip your toe in the snow ﬁrst? Well in conjuction with our friends at Wings Italy here we have a ski trip with a difference. One that will appeal both to keen skiers who want to discover some world class descents and also non skiers who want to experience a winter “house party” atmosphere with friends. This trip was runfor the ﬁrst time in March this year and the feedback from experienced and non-skiers was so good we we have decided to return. This is a ski holiday with a difference, as it has much more to enjoy than just skiing. Whether you are non-skiers, beginners, intermediate, advanced, snowboarding and/or cross country ski ing, Bormio has it all!

All Spice UK air holidays are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Each tour operators ATOL number is stated at the end of every holiday write up on our website www.spiceuk.com plus full terms and conditions. Your money is protected via our Trust Account in compliance with EC Package Travel Regulations. AUTUM _2017_41.14_Singles.indd 14

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Holidays

LAKE GARDA 6 days, Sunday 22 April 18 from £589 Departs London Stansted & Manchester Join us on a wonderful Caribbean break to the historic island of Repeated once again after huge success in recent years! The sheer splendour of Italy’s largest lake is legendary. Charming waterside resorts and villages lie sheltered by a stunning backdrop of mountain scenery. Enjoying a mild climate, Lake Garda has a unique charm that has captivated visitors for centuries, offering something for everyone. The hotel is located in the town of Garda which is set on the eastern side of the lake in an ideal location enabling easy exploration of the surrounding countryside.

The story of Cyprus’ tumultuous past is told through its historic sites, Roman ruins, multifaceted museums and dusty urban streets. This sense of living history is highlighted most vividly in Paphos, with extraordinary archaeological sites like the Tombs of the Kings, which sprawls like an ancient theme park.

HOW THE VENITIANS HOLIDAY 6 or 8 days, Thursday 14 June 18 from £899 or £1089 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester & Luton Staying in an exclusive villa this experience offers the opportunity to not only visit Venice, but, explore other unknown areas around Venice. The emphasis of this experience, “How the Venetians Holiday” is going where the noble Venetians in past times spent their holidays. It’s an authentic, unique experience, in close contact with relatively unknown local areas. Stay for 6 days and experience Venice and its surrounding areas or book for 8 days and move on for 2 nights in Grado where you can relax in a 4* hotel and discover this historic Roman naval port.

We have received excellent feedback from previous Spice members who have enjoyed our Lake Garda offers in previous years and with the hope of warm Spring sunshine April is a great time to visit.

ANDALUCIA HIGHLIGHTS 8 days, Sunday 10 June 18 from £899 Departs London Gatwick, Manchester East Midlands & Edinburgh

CYPRUS SPRING CHILLOUT 8 days, Saturday 06 May 18 from £719 Departs London Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham & Manchester Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean, has a rich, turbulent history stretching back to antiquity. Known for its beaches, it has a rugged interior with wine-growing regions. It’s separated into a Greek south and Turkish north, with the capital Nicosia also divided. Coastal Paphos is famed for its archaeological sites relating to the cult of Aphrodite as it is believed to be where the goddess ﬁrst came to earth and is ‘where the gods go on holiday’. The dividing line between Europe and the Orient, Cyprus has so much to offer and that’s not even mentioning the great weather!

La “Costa Tropical” (the Tropical Coast) is situated to the west of Málaga and runs along the shoreline of the province of Granada for more than 100 kms. It’s ﬁlled with picturesque beaches, cosy coves and charming little towns and villages. The Costa Tropical is blessed with a subtropical microclimate and its average annual temperature is 20º and has around 320 days of sunshine per year. This privileged climate has helped the fertile plains and gentle slopes that rise up from the beach to grow all kinds of tropical fruit, which is the one the most important economic resources in the area. There is also some tourism and some foreigners have settled in the area, but it has not happened in the massive way as it has done in the “Costa del Sol” to the other side of Málaga. There is still a Spanish atmosphere about the Costa Tropical, and it’s only a short distance away from locations as special as the Alpujarras (Sierra Nevada), the last Moorish stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula or Granada with its world famous Alhambra.

To book visit www.spiceuk.com or call Spice UK on 0161 873 8788

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0161 873 8788 info@spiceuk.com AUTUMN 2017

spiceuk.com @spice_uk facebook.com/spiceuk

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