Introduction
What a wonderful autumn we have been having! A fine open season like this will make the winter seem a lot shorter. Those of us who went to the Tiverton Hotel enjoyed probably one of the best lunches of the year. In the same week, and still enthusing, your Committee met to continue planning future events for the Club. For many years we were able to meet at Westpoint at no cost to the Club. We were very grateful for this privilege, and have thanked Ollie Allen, the retiring Devon County Show Secretary, on your behalf. From now on we shall be meeting in Committee members’ homes, so once again at no cost. We are fortunate that the continuing financial support from Barclays, coupled with your subscriptions, allows us to generously subsidise not just our customary four lunches a year, but also coffee mornings, cream teas and a theatre trip. Next year looks like being even better, with further exciting additions to our programme. Watch this space! Inside this issue we have details of the Club’s Christmas Lunch at the rather special Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth. The Doorman always provides a warm welcome as you arrive and, once inside, the decorations are a joy to behold. A fine festive lunch tastes even better for being enjoyed alongside old colleagues, now long-standing friends. I do hope we see you there.
Andrew Green, Hon. Secretary
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A Note from the Chair
Welcome to all our members to the final newsletter of the year. Andrew has dealt above with our recent events and I shall look to the future.
Our budget for 2018 is set to break-even and we will be coming out with an extended programme for 2019 to use up some of our surplus funds.
Your committee is thinking of running with 4 lunches, 2 free cream teas (including a June one with a garden visit), 2 free coffee mornings and probably 2 theatre outings at the Sidmouth playhouse. Details of all these events will be in future newsletters.
We will start with our AGM on 7th March at the Exeter Golf and Country Club where Andrew Millington will be our guest speaker. Andrew is the former Director of Music, principal organist and composer at Exeter Cathedral and has many wonderful stories for us to enjoy. So put that date in your diaries now.
I would hope to see many of you before that at our Christmas lunch on 6th December at The Victoria in Sidmouth, where we are offering again a fantastic 60% discount on the overall price: Just £12 for members to enjoy a great Christmas meal and friendly atmosphere. We have space for 120, but in recent times have been around 90 in number. Please therefore, come and join us.
If you haven’t been to an event with us this year, please make 6th December a must! Details are included in this newsletter that require your early attention and response.
See you there!
Although it seems a little early, for those of you not able to join us for our two remaining events, I wish you the Season’s Greetings, a Healthy New Year and hope to see you in 2019.
Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer
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Wellbeing
Not too much to report, other than once again mentioning the wide range of support services that BWC offer and on an independent basis. You are very welcome to contact them directly, or talk with me in the first instance. Whilst the following is similar to that posted on our website, I feel it is worth another mention.
“The Bank Workers Charity (BWC) Did you know that the charity has been around since 1883? Since then we’ve changed a lot. Then, we just provided financial assistance, now we offer the banking community a wide range of advice, expert support and services as well.
“As a retired bank worker, it’s your charity. Our funds, support and services are specifically for you. Even if it’s just a query about something you’re facing, it’s worth making use of a service that’s here for you.
“Free and confidential Our team of skilled Client Advisors will listen and work with you to find a practical solution for you and our services are free. We’re independent of banks and won’t share your personal information.
“Visiting Caseworkers If you, or someone you know may need more in-depth support and benefit from a home visit, one of our caseworkers can come to you. They will provide advice, guidance and advocate on your behalf.
“Our services and support Our services are tailored to your needs. Amongst others, we can help in the following areas: Caring responsibilities Money and debt Disability and long-term conditions Relationships Bereavement Mental health.
If you’re not sure BWC can help, call our free, confidential helpline on 0800 0234 834 or email hello@bwcharity.org.uk to find out.
“You can also learn more about BWC and browse our easy-to-follow guides by visiting www.bwcharity.org.uk.
“Even if you don’t need anything from us, tell your friends or colleagues that have worked in banking. With your help, we’d like to support as many people from the banking community as we can.”
Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Officer
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Functions
Our next function on Thursday, 8th November 2018 is a free Coffee Morning at the White Horse Inn, Sidmouth Road (A3052), Woodbury Salterton EX5 1EP, 10.15am-12 noon. We hope to see you there.
Following the coffee morning is our Christmas lunch which is on Thursday, 6th December 2018 at the Victoria Hotel, The Esplanade, Sidmouth EX10 8RY.
Click Here for Christmas Lunch Menu & Booking Form which should be returned to me with your cheque by Monday, 19th November. Cheques will be banked on Thursday, 29th November. No refunds will be given after this date. The cost per head for members is £12.00 and £25.00 per head for non-members. The cost includes a glass and a half of wine OR a glass of orange, apple or grapefruit juice.
Please also let me know when replying of any special dietary requirements you may have, e.g. if you do not want sauces or gravy. For those who like to make this event more of an occasion, you can arrive from 11.00am to purchase tea/coffee and the bar will be open from 12 noon. Should you wish to sit with particular friends would you please indicate on the Booking Form so that I can complete the Seating Plan. Please check the Seating Plan when you arrive to see where you are seated. Some future dates for your diary Thursday, 7th March 2019 AGM and Lunch, Exeter Golf & Country Club
Tuesday, 11th June 2019 free Cream Tea, Fursdon House, Cadbury EX5 5JS with a chance to look around the gardens at no charge
Lynne Ring, Committee Member
01392 879446 lynne_ring@hotmail.com
[Please note my email address has an underscore between Lynne and Ring]
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And lastly….. Recycling pens For anyone living in the Axminster area there is a recycling point at the Axe Valley Community College for extinguished pens (roller ball, fibre tip, ballpoint, highlighters). For further information visit www.terracycle.co.uk.