Mi d la nd Are a. Gazette. 30th Bristol Balloon Fiesta. National Rounders The News from the World of Plus

Transcription

1 Midland Area Gazette National Rounders 2008 N at io na l F eder at io n o f P l us Area - Mi d la nd Are a Volume 1, Issue 8 August 2008 Key Dates in rd August Archery 9th August Solihull Bristol Balloon Festival Trip 25th August Weekend Break September NEAT 2008 Inside this issue: 30th Bristol Balloon Fiesta August Diary] King s Lynn Weekend 25th Midland Area Conference 2 3 The News from the World of Plus To have your activity or event published either send 16 copies to James Oliver at the address at the back page of this Gazette or in word, publisher, or jpeg format to maadmin@18plus.org.uk with BULK POSTI- ING in the subject line. If you would like the Bulk posting by electronic means please me I will ensure that you received a copy of the Paper posting (where permitted under data protection laws) and you will receive them first before the posted ones are sent out. Hog Roast Activity Weekend National treasure Hunt MAD weekend East Anglia News Bristol Balloon Fiesta WASH Accommodation details WSH Poster MA Ghost Supper Midland Area Diary 2008 Last Page SADY Quiz Results Group s Contact details

2 Volume 1, Issue 8 Page 2 August 2008 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 MA Archery Bristol Ballons S c h e d u le o f E ve n t s 3rd August 2008 Midland Area Archery 9th August Solihull Bristol Balloon festival 23rd August Southern Area Aunt Sally Provisionakl MA Solihull King s Lynn Weekend & National Rounders. Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who attended the Kings Lynn Mid-summer Party and made it such a fab weekend. Thanks to everyone who took part in the National Rounders, which was held in Kings Lynn on Saturday afternoon. We were slightly up numbers-wise once again, with 55 people attending. Of these over 30 people did the camping. The rain showers didn't manage to dampen our spirits and all in all it was a very enjoyable weekend for us, and hopefully for you too. A big thank you also to those who helped either in the setting up or clearing away - the assistance was much appreciated. It was a very closely fought competition, with the winning team coming from behind in the first innings to snatch victory by only one and a half runs. So well done to the winning team, "Jaffa Cakes" - captained by Steve Geary - and commiserations to Mark Harrington's team for a valiant effort. A picture of the winners can be found here: tinyurl.com/6h8unm. Thanks to Richard Leach for transporting the Rounders equipment. Regards,

3 Volume 1, Issue 8 Page 3 25th Midland Area Conference - 27th July 2008 Hog Roast Activity Weekend Hello from RocknRoll Adventures. We are an activity holiday company, offering bespoke adventures and training camps in the rolling Swiss Normandy countryside. We pride ourselves on the quality of our guiding, hospitality and the tastiness of the food and booze we serve, all endorsed by our returning guests. This month we have created an excellent value package to invite clients new and old to enjoy a two-day trip of activity combined with a fantastic Hog Roast, all for 99 per person. See the sample weekend schedule/ poster attached for all the great stuff that s included. We hope to speak to you soon, R.A.R.A. info@rocknrolladventures.com PHONE National Treasure Hunt Great turnout with 33 people entered, making up 7 teams, of 4 and 5 people each, answering questions on parks and palaces. Results are as follows:- 7th Brentwood 74pts 6th Chiswick 79pts 5th South Bucks 80pts 4th Stevenage 87pts Joint 2nd Reading and East Anglia 90pts won 25 each group 1st Coventry 91pts won 50 Many thanks go to Brian Graham for again doing all the cycle work working out all the questions, and to Adrian Barnard for help with administration and finance. Thank you everyone who came along and listen out for details for next year, to be in a different location! Tina Slough Windsor & Eton Plus group.

4 Volume 1, Issue 8 Page 4 MAD Weekend Update Kirsty with an update about Southampton Friends and South hants Quest MAD weekend At the moment MAD committee have 26 people booked in. One Full Mad Weekend is still up for grabs (Skiing / Snowboarding, Karting, Saturday night stay-over, Indoor Skydiving, Bowling) for the bargain price of 175. We could squeeze in 5 more National Karting Competition entries, 3 more Skydivers, a couple of Skiers / Snowboarders and about 4 more National Bowling Competition Entries. There is also space for photographers, Plus film crew, observing crowds and the like.. As in good Mad Weekend Tradition, Friday and Saturday night partying is not out of the question :) Prices as follows Full Weekend National Karting National Bowling Pick n Mix Prices as follow Hotel Stay Friday Night pp Hotel Stay Saturday Night pp These are base on two sharing Saturday Morning Skiing Saturday Morning Snow boarding Saturday Morning Rock Climbling Saturday afternoon Karting Sunday Morning Indoor Sky Diving Sunday Afternoon Bowling Balance is due on the 5th September Cheques should be made payable to So ton Friends East Anglia News West Kent & Crawley Join EAA I am very pleased to announce that West Kent Plus has voted to join East Anglia Area! On behalf of the Area I would like to say welcome: I trust all the groups in EAA will also do their best to make them feel at home. This exciting new development will necessarily mean a whole number of changes to our Area. West Kent will now included in the Footsore Competition - where points are awarded for visiting other groups on their club-night. So as to encourage people to visit West Kent, the Area Committee will, for the remainder of the2008 Competition, be awarding Double Footsore Points for Plussers visiting them. I am very pleased to announce that Crawley Plus has now voted to join East Anglia Area as well. On behalf of the Area I would like to say welcome: I trust all the groups in EAA will also do their best to make them feel at home We will also be looking at the possibilty of changing our name - obviously we are not exclusively "East Anglia" anymore Joe Gurney Those interested in visiting Crawley should consult their website - Their Chairman is Richard Lavery ( richard@lavery.plus.com ) Please remember to include them in any publicity if you are organising an event Bristol Air Balloon Fiesta 9th August 2008 Solihull Plus group is planning a trip to the above event on the 9th August 2008 One of the UK s top outdoor events and the largest show of its type in Europe celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The Discovery Channel International Balloon Fiesta takes place from Thursday 7th Sunday 10th August in the beautiful parkland of Bristol s Ashton Court Estate. The Fiesta regularly draws crowds of up to half a million people from across the country by combining the spectacle of mass hot air balloon ascents with a daily programme of top class entertainment, children s activities, carefully selected food and drink outlets, awe inspiring Night Glows together with a whole array of exhibitors and shopping opportunities. Perhaps the most amazing part is that after 30 years the Fiesta continues to provide all this free of charge - so it s no surprise that the Fiesta is one of the most popular family days out in the whole country The fiesta includes mass launches of 120 hot air balloons each morning and evening from Friday to Sunday (6am and 6pm, weather permitting), the spectacular Night Glows which combine illuminated balloons, fireworks and music at 9.30pm on Saturday. All of this plus arena displays and entertainment throughout the day.

5 Volume 1, Issue 8 Page 5 WASH 2008 Accommodation Details 8 berth A centralised hallway (with walk-in storage cupboard) services the whole lodge with immediate access to a spacious and well appointed lounge with remote control satellite TV, a video player and an attractive fireplace. Quality comfortable seating is catered for with a 3 seater sofa and 2 armchairs. From the lounge, patio doors open onto a railed raised veranda area with access to the garden. The fully equipped fitted kitchen is both spacious and airy and benefits from an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, toaster. The dining area boasts a full seater table with matching dining chairs. A well designed bathroom/shower room features WC, sink and vanity unit, full length bath with overhead shower, with well appointed fixtures and fittings. There is a further bathroom with WC, sink and a shower which is en-suite to the master king size bedroom. Sleeping accommodation is provided by a master king size bedroom, a double bedroom and two twin bedrooms. All feature quality fixtures and fittings with full length wardrobes, dressing tables. Outside there is a raised timber decked veranda with table and chairs. The veranda area can be easily secured via an entrance gate which provides a safe secure area for those with smaller children who need containing. 6 Berth As 8 berth with the exception of the king size bedroom. 4 Berth As 8 berth but with one master double bedroom and one twin bedroom 8 Berth: 1 King, 1 Double, 2 Twins 6 Berth:1 Double, 2 Twins 4 Berth: 1 Double, 1 Twin Central heating and double glazing 6 Berth: 36 feet by 20 feet 4 Berth: 31 feet by 20 feet Full length wardrobes and dressing table Full size beds Storage cupboard in hallway Extra Toilet and washbasin Full length bath Microwave, fridge / freezer, radio CD or Cassette player Full seater dining table and chairs Spacious Lounge area Free standing sofa and armchairs TV & video (DVD) Decked veranda with furniture Top range luxury in natural surroundings No smoking It is quite possible to overlook that WASH is an ideal opportunity for you to have a relaxing Autumn break in the company of friends in the popular Norfolk countryside at a much reduced price than you would expect to pay at Centre PARCs or other similar centres (Four sharing at Centre Parcs Thetford in similar standard accommodation over the same weekend would be 112 each). For a start we will be occupying the centre's top of the range accommodation, which in Mid- Summer would set you back the best part of per week. All units are warm, cosy and have all the facilities you'd expect. Your bed is even made for you on arrival. All have colour TV's and many have microwaves, dishwashers and DVD players. On site we have an indoor swimming pool with 2 organised aqua aerobics sessions with Jacuzzi, sauna and Gymnasium. There is also a highly regarded Country club and 9 hole golf course, all of which are available to members attending. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting. The Norfolk coastline gives the more energetic a chance for spectacular walking and the area is steeped in traditional Country Pubs. Within 15 minute of Searles is Royal Sandringham, with over 1000 acres of woodland to explore. If retail therapy floats your boat, then the City of Norwich is less than an hour away and has recently opened a new shopping centre which has been described as one of the best in the UK. As we have said, we believe the party atmosphere at WASH is second to none, but if a relaxing stress free break in the company of friends is what you fancy then WASH has the answers. Keith Israel Chairman WASH organising Committee

6 Volume 1, Issue 8 Page 6

7 Volume 1, Issue 8 Page 7 MA Ghost Supper. 11th October 2008 Cost is per person, Deposits 5.00 For over five years we have entertained and scared hundreds of people at Dudley Castle, it is one of the most haunted castles in Britain and regularly has paranormal activity. Our event includes a two course meal including complementary glass of wine (or soft drink), exclusive ghost demonand a final ghost hunting vigil in the Chapel croft August rd August MA Archery Sutton Coldfield 9th (Sol) Bristol Air Balloon Festival 16th NEC Meeting 9th Southern Area Water Fight 22nd to 25th MA Weekend Break To Upton upon Seven (Provisional) 23rd Southern Area Aunt Sally 23rd (Lichfield) Stratford Ghost Cruise 25th (Sol) Warwick Races tour, mediumship stration Under- Dudley Castle stands over the town on a great limestone hill, one of the highest points in the West Midlands. Many people have visited the castle through the years and of times in the past few years, his presence is felt throughout the castle and sends shivers down the backs of visitors he passes by. During our events at Dudley Castle participants have regularly experienced Midland Area Diary 2008 August 2008 to October 2008 amazing ghostly activity including ghostly figures, poltergeist activity and strange sensations. Dudley Castle could well be the most haunted castle in the country! The night begins with a gorgeous two course supper and complementary glass of wine (or soft drink) at the Queen Mary Suite before start our exclusive ghost walk of Dudley Castle. The September th NEAT, York incl 6th National Pool 5th (Lichfield) Ghost Tamworth Castle 13th (Solihull) Great Western Railway 20th (Sutton) Mary Hippodrome B,ham 21st (Sol) Lake Vyrnwy 27th (Sutton) The Pie Factory, Tipton 27th King Lynn Scaletric Challenge & Camping Ghost will Walk include visiting its most haunted areas including the ruins, castle keep and the notorious cottage where our attendees regularly collapse in fear! After the walk we move on to the most haunted location in the castle - The Chapel Undercroft with its two stone coffins and haunted armour. The Undercroft is notorious for its paranormal activity that ranges from full manifestations to intense poltergeist activity. In the Chapel Undercroft, a Psychic Medium demonstrates their psychic skills and 28th MA General Knowledge Quiz October 2008 to secure place 3rd to 5th MAD Weekend, Milton Keynes Incl the following 4th October National karting 5th National Ten Pin Bowling 11th Area Event TBA 19th EAA Publicity Forum 26th MA Conference & Lunch Midland Area Diary 2008 October 2008 to December 2009 November th 8th Southampton Friends Pre WASH Booze Cruise 14 17th 25th anniversary WASH 23rd Midland Area Pool Competition 29th NEC Meeting December th 3rd Solihull Xmas Dance 31st December NT & C Slough New Year Eve Party th January National Skiing Holiday 21st Feb 2009 National AGM Late March or Early April 2009 Brean May 2009 NGOOT June 2009 Southern Area Centre Parcs Weekend June 2009 SADY September 2009 MAD Weekend October 2009 NEAT Fri 13th Mon 16 November WASH 26

8 N a t i o n a l F e d e r a t i o n o f P l u s Ar e a - Mi d l a n d Ar e a Midland Area Plus 105 Links Drive Solihull West Midlands National Rounders 2008 Winners Phone: Mobile maadmin@18plus.org.uk Party like US Midland Area Plus Facebook site Final Word Your contact local group details Lastly Please find attached contact details for all the Midland Area groups Coventry Meets every Wednesday (except 3rd of month) at The Flying Standard, 2/10 Trinity Street, Coventry CV1 1FL from 8:45pm Leamington Spa Meets every Tuesday at The Jug & Jester Bath St, Leamington Spa CV31 3AF from 8:30pm For further information contact Leamingtonspa18plus@yahoo.co.uk or Lichfield Meets every Wednesday at The King's Head, 21 Bird Street, Lichfield WS13 6PW from 8:45pm Solihull Meets every Wednesday at Silhill Football Club, Sharmans Cross Road, Solihull B91 1RQ from 8:30pm info@solihullplus.org.uk or tel Sutton Coldfield Meets every Thursday at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, Rectory Park, Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 7RS from 9:00pm enquiries@suttonplus.co.uk or tel Next Month's Area Bulk Posting Next month's Bulk Posting is due to go out at the end of August. If you have any material you want to be included then send 16 copies to James Oliver, 105 Links Drive, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2DJ or maadmin@18plus.org.uk by 21st August2008.