Association Diary Dates

East Midlands

19 July 2008
Walk in the Peak District.

For the last two years Ken and Viv Parker have organised delightful walks in the Peak District. Ken has offered to arrange activities for the group depending on demand.

The possibilities are:  Cycling. The trails are old railways so it is easy cycling although there could be opportunities for something longer if there is demand.  Cycle hire can be organised at a cost of £11 for up to 4 hours: Walking could be in on the same pattern as previously - a long and a short option with afternoon tea somewhere. A farm trail on a local farm, perhaps including some arts and crafts activity. There are three or four possibilities, all with something different to offer. Two of them might be willing to heat up their authentic Swedishhot-tubs for a uniquely warming open air experience (they are wood fired as well as wooden construction).  This would depend on numbers and incur some cost.  Once I have some idea of numbers we will sort out a programme eg walk/cycle am: farm trail pm.

Please contact the Acting Secretary, Ted Gray – Tel: 01623 861027.  Email:  ted@yet2.demon.co.uk

20 September 2008
Annual dinner in the Rutland/South Lincolnshire/SE Nottinghamshire area

Combined with a visit to a local attraction beforehand. Full details of this are being worked on and will be circulated to all Fellows expressing interest nearer the date.

Please contact the Acting Secretary, Ted Gray – Tel: 01623 861027.  Email:  ted@yet2.demon.co.uk

South

04 September 2008
Visit to Marlborough College, Wiltshire to meet the astronomer, Mr Charles Barclay.
7.30 pm.  Meet at The Observatory, Marlborough College.  Welcome by Mr Barclay.  Introduction to observing techniques, tour of observatory, history of the telescope and its renovation.  Observing if clear.
8.30-9.30 Depart.  A limit of 20 in the Observatory Dome applies.

20 September 2008
Joint visit with the South East Association to Winston Churchill’s home, Chartwell, Kent.

Visit the family home where Britain's wartime Prime Minister lived for more than 40 years.  See the rooms as they were in Churchill's time right down to the daily papers and his famous cigars.  Explore the lovely gardens with lakes and water garden, and magnificent views over the Weald of Kent.

1200 midday: meet at The Grasshopper Inn, Moorhouse (on the A25) near Westerham, Kent, TN16 2EU.

1230: Complimentary drink before lunch in Carvery (cost £8-£12).  (If some prefer to take their own picnic they can meet up at the Reception at Chartwell at 1400.)

1345: Depart Grasshopper Inn

1400:  Arrive Chartwell

Admission: National Trust members free.  Adults £11.20, children £5.60.

1400-1630: Tour of house and grounds.

14 November 2008
AGM and Members evening at Sarisbury Green Community Centre, The Green, Sarisbury Green, Near Fareham, Hants SO31 7AA.

1915 for 1930: Buffet supper with wine.  Cost £3 each (or £5 for 2).

If any Fellows would like to attend any of these meetings, please contact Colin Bonsey, Programme Secretary, South Association, preferably by email: colinbonsey@gmail.com or at Bull Farm House, Kings Worthy, Winchester, Hants, SO21 1AB; tel: 01962 8822212.

South West

12 July 2008
Fellows’ Day at the National Maritime Aquarium in Plymouth.

The plan is that Fellows, with or without guests, attend a morning session to launch the new categories for 2009, whilst other adults with children can visit the NMA (complimentary tickets for all).  This will be followed by a buffet lunch and then a boat trip (subsidised by the Association).  Dinner (in front of the aquarium tanks) is optional but will need to be paid for when booking.  Children are welcome to the evening dinner and a children's menu is available.

Morning presentation and buffet: approx £10 per Fellow.

Details from Malcolm Harrison (Hon Treasurer) at malcolmgharrison@yahoo.co.uk

Surrey & West Sussex

20 September 2008
Visit to Chartwell – for details, see under the ‘South’ region.

For details of these events please contact Liz Morrison (Hon Chairman); tel: 01403 752468; email: liz08@sportingtactics.co.uk

Thameslea

06 July 2008
Meeting at Walnuts School, Hazeley, Milton Keynes

Meeting at Walnuts School, Hazeley, Milton Keynes.  Speaker: Frances Sutherland (F/07) - ‘Development of social skills in SEN children’ in Australia, New Zealand and the USA.   Please contact Marjorie Sanders on 01844 281208 or marjoriesanders@btinternet.com

Wales

03 October 2008
Annual Dinner at The Towers Hotel, Jersey Marine, Swansea.

For details of these events please contact David Emerson (Hon Sec); tel: 01646 601452; email: davidcemerson@hotmail.com