Category: Events

The AGM for 2023 was held on 9th March at the Swan’s Nest near Exminster when 36 members attended. Garry Adams as both Chairman and Treasurer reported on the year’s events and planned events for the future. The Club is in a good state financially thanks to continued grants from the Bank and the future lunches, coffee mornings, cream teas and other visits will be heavily subsidised.

The Committee members remain unchanged but with the welcome addition of Wendy Mitten.

The Minutes of the AGM may be obtained by contacting Les Rendell (lesrendell41@gmail.com)

……..the latest function of our Club has been a visit to Bickleigh Mill near Tiverton to enjoy a free coffee morning together but also to look around the extensive and beautifully stocked shop full of gift items especially with Christmas in mind.

Twenty three members enjoyed the morning and eleven stayed on for lunch (not free this time!) which was very much up to expectations as we were repeating this event from twelve months ago.

Our Christmas lunch is on Thursday 8th December at the venue we have used for many years, the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth.

An informal and traditional pub lunch was the first of two functions in November for Exeter Spread Eagle members. This was at the White Horse Inn , Woodbury Salterton and was attended by 34 members who all enjoyed the fare on offer. There was a wide choice of both main course and dessert and the meal was heavily subsidised. There is no doubt that this type of function will be repeated in 2023.

The second November function is a free coffee morning at Bickleigh Mill on Tuesday 29th (10.30am). This was voted a hit last year especially as the gift shop there provided lots of Christmas ideas and many members stayed on for lunch (this time at their expense!). No need to book in advance.

But don’t forget to book for the Christmas Lunch at the Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth on Thursday 8th December. The closing date for booking is 21st November.

After the success of last year, the Committee resolved to visit the Orangery at Powderham Castle, near Exeter once again as the cream tea they serve is extra special and subsidised 100% by the Treasurer.

Another fine day meant that the event, attended by around 30 members, was just as enjoyable as before.

Next event? A pub lunch at the White Horse Inn. Check in your Newsletter for details.

Thirty members enjoyed Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy at the Manor Pavilion Theatre in Sidmouth on the last day of August. This function was another to be heavily subsidised by the Club with members paying only £10 instead of the normal price of £19.50.

From a heavy subsidy to nothing at all! The free cream tea at the Orangery, Powderham (so enjoyed last year) is on Wednesday 21st September. Simply let Secretary Barbara know if you intend to join us.

Despite the inclement weather 26 members gathered at the famous Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth in late June to enjoy a free cream tea and, of course, much discussion. Whilst the rain curtailed the opportunity for a full tour of the sanctuary, a visit to the main barn revealed around 40 donkeys sheltering from the typical summer showers. Members are now looking forward to the theatre visit on Wednesday 31st August at the Manor Pavilion in Sidmouth. For more details see our latest Newsletter.

A sunny but showery day saw 36 members arrive at the Sidmouth Harbour Hotel for an excellent and subsidised three course lunch. Everyone seemed to enjoy both the lunch and the company and Chairman Garry outlined the plans for the rest of the year.

Our next function is a free cream tea at the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth on Thursday 30th June at 3pm.

22 members attended another cream tea at the Hartnoll Hotel in Bolham near Tiverton on Thursday 28th April and were treated to the usual filling and delicious fare that this hotel offers.

There was plenty of chat and some new friendships were made. The enjoyment was the more marked because the cream tea was free. Barclays’ subsidy of the Club allows members to have such occasions and a heavy discount on the full lunches arranged throughout the year, the next one being on Tuesday 24th May at the Sidmouth Harbour Hotel.