Car Parking at North Harbour:

We have recently become aware that there is some confusion surrounding the car parking arrangements for our trips at North Harbour. As it is essential that we adhere to our designated parking and do not use any of the other areas of the car park please note the following clarification:

Retirees participating in trips MUST park their cars in either Bay C5 or C6 and nowhere else. Coach marshals will make a point of asking for confirmation before coaches depart, and anyone parked outside these bays will be asked to go and move their car before departure.

For those people unsure of the location of Bays C5 and C6: On entering the North Harbour site follow the site road along the front of the building, get into the right hand lane, and turn right towards the car parks on your right. Keep in the right hand lane and Bay C6 is immediately on your right (easily identified as it has the bike sheds at its lower end). At the T junction at the end turn 180 degrees into Bay C6 – Bay C5 immediately joins it and is accessed by another 180 degree turn at the base of Bay C6. If in doubt ask any Committee member. Bays C5 and C6 are highlighted in yellow on the Parking map of North Harbour.

Coach Seating:

We are receiving a growing number of requests from members for reservations of specific seats on coaches to cater for walking problems etc.
Please note that apart from the front four seats on each coach (which are reserved for committee members / coach marshals) we will not reserve any other seats

We received a considerable number of thank you cards and letters from participants on the Harrogate trip and we would like to thank you all for taking the trouble to write. It was much appreciated.
We do receive a number of cards and notes of appreciation each month in respect of trips that we have arranged and we are always pleased and grateful for people being kind enough to write and express their appreciation.

Next Year:

With next year looming we shall shortly be holding our annual planning meeting to establish the programme of trips for 2010. We are sure that you appreciate that it is difficult to think of new destinations and ways to enhance the current year’s programme. Consequently we would be most grateful if you would let us have any suggestions as to places or events that you might like to visit next year. Please get in touch with any committee member or take the opportunity to have a quick chat with them on the coach on a future trip. All ideas will be considered.

Forthcoming Events:

Stourhead:

Lying in secluded privacy in its own valley, Stourhead features one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. Designed by Henry Hoare II as a place to entertain, the garden was laid out between 1741 and 1780. The magnificent lake is central to this iconic garden of classical temples and follies. Its lakeside paths and backdrop of colourful, rare and exotic trees reveal many beautifully contrived vistas, capturing the imagination of visitors for over two centuries. While the garden seasons change in beautiful succession, the majestic Palladian mansion, originally home to the Hoare family, houses a unique collection of Chippendale furniture, magnificent paintings and an exquisite Regency library. Waymarked walks can be enjoyed across the chalk downland and woodland of the wider estate, which is managed for nature conservation. Two Iron Age hill forts can be discovered, and from the top of King Alfred's Tower, a 50m-high red brick triangular folly, visitors will experience spectacular views across three counties..

Secret London:

The day covers the area from Holborn and Hatton Garden to Holland Park and tells the story of some of London’s great estates and the landowners and their legacy to the 21st century. There is gentle walking throughout the day but with opportunities to sit down. It also includes morning refreshments and a hot main course lunch (five choices available). Drinks and desserts are at your own expense.
Please note that when booking this trip runs on two separate dates, the reason for this being that the lunch venue can only cater for one coach per day

Les Miserables:

On the 8th October 2006 Les Miserables celebrated its 21st birthday in London and became the longest running musical in the world. We feel that it needs no further introduction.
The coach departure time has been set to allow people to have a cup of coffee on arrival in London before the show, but will not be sufficient for a meal.

Please Note: Due to our need to reserve the tickets well in advance the closing date for this booking is Friday 31st July 2009.

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