Category: Newsletter

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME TO 2026

Here is your first Newsletter of the year and a warm welcome to you all. I hope it finds you fit and well, and “raring to go” to join us at the events of 2026.

Unfortunately I start this newsletter with the very sad news that our dear member, friend and former Secretary of the Club, Andrew Green, died peacefully on 12th December. There is more about this after my script.

This year we are again preparing a full programme of events to include 4 lunches (Inc. the AGM in March), 2 free coffee mornings, 2 free cream teas, a theatre outing and we hope a summer outing somewhere. That is 10 events for you to enjoy.

We have our AGM on Tuesday 17th March at The Swan’s Nest near Exminster, meeting from 11 am for coffee with the business part from 11.30 am. This is the same venue as last year with a carvery lunch. Full details provided later in this newsletter.

As usual, the business part takes about half-an-hour and will be followed by our speaker this year, Stephen Powles who is a retired Vet and BBC Countryfile contributor. He is an expert on the life of otters especially those around the rivers of Exmoor and East Devon. He also comes with a wealth of knowledge, videos and “live action” of the otters at work and play! Please come and join us from 11am. Lunch will be served from about 12.50 pm onwards.

Booking details for the AGM are attached to this Newsletter with the usual options and reply slips.

Before that we have our first free coffee morning of the year at The White Horse (usual venue on the Sidmouth road, near Aylesbeare) on Thursday 19th February followed by the AGM in March and our third event of the year being a free cream tea on Friday April 24th at The Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham (Near Tiverton) and then our Spring lunch at The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth on Wednesday 3rd June.

Dates and venues and other future events will be announced at the AGM and in our Spring Newsletter.

With my other hat on, I can confirm that our finances remain in good health and we have already submitted our annual grant claim to HO which should see us maintain our lunch subsidies at around the 50% mark , with coffee mornings and cream teas free to members. As an example, the AGM subsidy to members will be 50%. A good incentive to be there! The annual accounts will be available as usual at the AGM.

Finally, please do visit our website for latest news and a write up of the Christmas lunch where we had 60 booked in to the Victoria Hotel at Sidmouth.

As an extra piece of news, we have welcomed to our Committee Jan Russell who has taken up the role of chief photographer and to provide summary write-ups for our website and facebook pages. Do take a look!

Although it seems a little late, I wish you all a very Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year, and look forward to seeing you at one or more of our events in 2026.

Garry Adams Chairman & Treasurer ESEC

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ANDREW GREEN

The Committee were very saddened by the unexpected news that Andrew Green died peacefully on 12th December and, on behalf of All the Club members, we have sent our condolences to Lyn and the Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.

Andrew was a popular and hardworking member of the club and had served as Secretary for six years along with being on the committee for many more years. He was also asked to say “Grace” at our various luncheon events, most recently at the Christmas Luncheon at The Victoria Hotel and this he did with great dignity and aplomb. He will be sorely missed.

A private funeral has already taken place, but there will be a Thanksgiving Service and Celebration of Andrew’s Life at The Mint Methodist Church, Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AT on Friday 16th January at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come along.

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Secretary’s Notes

A Happy New Year to You all and I look forward to seeing you at some of our planned events for 2026.

Regretfully, we have become aware that some of you have found (or not) our Newsletter(s) in the Junk/Spam/Trash folder rather than it being delivered to your Email address!

As you would expect, when we send them out by Email the Subject Line says “Exeter Spread Eagle Club Newsletter” and Peter (Johnson, my husband also a bank pensioner and committee member) does some covering words on the text lines to ‘show’ that it is a genuine email from his peteraj@talktalk.net account. The attachment (newsletter) is created as a Microsoft Word document and we suggest that it is ‘Saved As’ from the drop down menu into one of your folders and then it can be read and actioned, if necessary.

We send out 4 x Newsletters a year, usually January, April, July & October – so please keep a look out for them around the middle of these months. If you don’t receive anything, please let me know. Thank you.

Note: If you do not hold an email account, we will continue to post a copy to your home address.

Events that need a payment and choices:

Our Treasurer is very generous in giving us contributions towards many events but obviously can’t pay the full amount for outings say, like a lunch. If you have an email address and use Online Banking please consider making a direct BACs payment instead of writing and posting a cheque. The Club banking details are given later in this newsletter.

All we actually need from you is a short email giving your relevant information e.g. meal choices as described on the Event Booking Form, along with confirmation that you have sent a BACs payment. But, of course, we can still accept cheques and a form by post! Thank you.

Finally, if you have any other changes, please don’t forget to let me know so I can update our records. Thank you.

Take care and keep warm and cosy during these winter months.

Best wishes,
Barbara Johnson, Secretary

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Wellbeing

A Happy New Year to you all. We repeat our usual request for a volunteer to join the Wellbeing team. The “duties” are not onerous and if you feel that you can assist please give me a call to learn more.

If you have any issues that you feel one of the Wellbeing team may be able to assist you with, than please contact one of us. Should you require and independent additional advice and support, then please remember the Bank Workers Charity who can help in a variety of ways. Their website is www.bwcharity.org.uk or you can telephone their confidential helpline on 0800 0234 834.

Ray Cavill
Wellbeing Coordinator

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Annual General Meeting

The Club’s Annual General Meeting takes place on Tuesday, 17th March 2026 at 11.30am at The Swan’s Nest, Exminster EX6 8DZ. There is plenty of parking available in the car park situated in the grounds.

We are assured of a warm welcome. We do hope that you will join us for the short, but nevertheless important, meeting. This will be followed by an illustrated talk on otters by Stephen Powles. Lunch will follow at approx 12.45pm. Please complete and return the attached booking form so we can advise the Swans Nest of our anticipated numbers.

Directions: From Exeter/Countess Wear direction, take the Dawlish road (A379) at the roundabout. Continue along this road to another roundabout and turn left. The Swan’s Nest is signposted at this roundabout. From the Dawlish/Teignmouth direction, turn right at the roundabout at Exminster.

Access will be available for (free) coffee/tea and biscuits from 11.00am and we would ask that you are in your seats prior to the start of the meeting at 11.30am so that there is no distraction whilst we remember those who are no longer with us.

We have again saved some costs by not including the Agenda with this Newsletter, planning to distribute on the day, but if any would wish for a copy prior to this, in print or electronically, we shall be happy to oblige.

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Social Functions

Free Coffee Morning – Thursday, 19th February, 11.30am – White Horse Inn, Woodbury Salterton (A3052 Sidmouth Road)

Our first social event of 2026 is an informal get-together and opportunity to chat over free coffee/tea and biscuits at the welcoming White Horse Inn. If you are able to stay on for lunch (at your own cost) there is an excellent choice of meals available. (Please give Peter or Barbara a call if you do intend to stay on for lunch, so we can give them an approximate idea of numbers.)

AGM Luncheon – Tuesday 17th March (AGM from 11.00am) 12.45pm

The Annual General Meeting will be followed by lunch at the cost to members of £15.00, being well subsidised from Club funds.

We have again opted for a Carvery meal with a choice of four meats OR vegetarian alternatives. This means that members will need to collect their food from the Carvery counter. Staff will be on hand to carry plates to your tables if required. We will not be serving wine, etc at the table so any drinks you wish to have, please purchase at the bar.

Please complete and return the enclosed booking form with your food choices and payment by 3rd March, please.

It would be appreciated if everyone would join us for the short AGM and Presentation, but if you are only able to come along for the lunch, then please don’t forget to complete and return the booking form with your payment.

BACS details:
Sort Code : 20-30-47
Account Number : 10138878
Account Name : Exeter Spread Eagle Club

Free Cream Tea – Fri 24th April at 3.00pm – Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham, Tiverton EX16 7RA

Please advise Barbara or Peter by Wednesday 15th April if you are able to attend – we need to give numbers for ordering the scones!

Future dates for your diary:

Friday, 3rd June – Spring Lunch at The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth

Full details and booking form for this event in the Spring Newsletter.

Thursday, 3rd December Christmas Lunch at The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth
Full details and booking form in Autumn Newsletter

We also intend having another Cream tea in July, a theatre visit in August and are investigating a possible river boat trip for September before repeating our Pub Lunch in October. Further details in our Spring Newsletter.

Peter Johnson
Committee Member
peteraj@talktalk.net
01297 599086

Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter. Another year seems to have shot by and here we are announcing in this edition the 2025 Christmas luncheon at the superb Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth on Thursday 4th December. Do come and join us there to enjoy the wonderful decorations as well as our lovely company!

Since our last newsletter, we have enjoyed “Dial M for Murder” at the
Sidmouth Theatre where 19 of us survived the evening without mishap! At
the end of September, a goodly number of 34 lapped up a scrumptious
cream tea with massive scones at Kings Garden centre where we also met
2 new members in Bruce De Saram and Chris Hoffman. A warm welcome
to them.

Next up on 22nd of this month we should welcome 34 to the Pub Lunch at
The White Horse Inn.

After that, there is a free coffee morning (with some lovely tray-bakes) at
Bickleigh Mill with time for some Christmas gift shopping at the boutique
areas found there. That is on Tuesday 11 th November from 10.30am.
Please see later in this edition, as you need to tell Barbara Johnson if you
can make it.

And then it is Christmastime at the Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth.

Into the New Year, we have planned a coffee morning for Thursday 19 th
February followed by our AGM on Tuesday 17 th March at The Swans Nest,
Exminster where we have been for our past 3 AGMs, and with a speaker
to be arranged, but more on that and those events in the January
newsletter.

I feel I should mention at this point that one of our long-standing
members, David Evans is moving to North Yorkshire with family. We wish
him well in his new surroundings, with family at hand to give support now
that he has passed the big 90.

Please do remember to take a look at our Website for up-to-date
information and reports on our activities (www.exeterspreadeagles.org)
and also on our Facebook page which Les Rendell is kindly keeping up to
date.

Financial review

Whilst we do have funds available and will continue to run a deficit each
year to use up our surplus balance, costs have been rising and none more
so than at the major lunches which we so enjoy. Your subsidy for this
Christmas at the Victoria will attract a 50% subsidy despite the increased
contribution being asked of members. Details are at the end of this
newsletter. I look forward to your continued support of our various
events.

Finally, should I not see you at either the November or December events;
I wish you all a lovely Christmas and a Safe, Healthy and Happy New
Year! (yes, I know, it’s a bit early).

Best wishes

Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer

Secretary’s Notes

After a wonderful summer, albeit a little too hot at times, autumn has
definitely arrived and the nights the drawing in! This year the clocks
change on Saturday night 25th October.

We have learnt that some people are dispensing with their landline
telephones and are just using mobile phones, please let me know if this is
your preferred number. And, as you will all be aware, post continues to be
costly so if you now use an email address or have any other changes,
please don’t forget to let me know so I can update our records. Thank
you.

Some of our members do not drive and if you know any of them and live
close by, perhaps you could give them a lift to an event? The more the
merrier, as the saying goes!

In September we visited Pershore Abbey in Worcestershire as Peter was
keen to see the new organ which had recently been installed. In their
gardens called Abbey Park there was a wonderful, life-size Horse that had
been made entirely of horseshoes! I was bowled over with the creativity of
the maker and also the nearby display panel which was written in honour
of all the animals (horses, birds, dogs etc.) that were used in wars, many
losing their lives in action.

As we remember the people who sacrificed their lives on Remembrance
Day 11th November, we should also remember these courageous animals.
As it happens, we will be gathering for a Tray Bakes and Coffee/Tea at
Bickleigh Mill that morning, so may we make a suggestion that, if you are
attending, you wear a poppy or something suitable. Thank you.

I look forward to seeing you at some of the events, especially at the
Christmas Lunch when we celebrate the Club’s continued activities as well
as eating a delicious meal.

Take care and keep warm and cosy.

Best wishes

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

Wellbeing

Quite scary how quickly the year has passed, and despite the recent
storm, the sunshine has returned as I sit and write this. Sincerely hope
that you have all been able to enjoy the summer weather, and as we head
into the shorter days, can look positively ahead towards Christmas, and
the days lengthening once more. Think positive!

Barbara and l will be missing from the next couple of events, but will hope
to see some of you at our flagship event at The Victoria.

If you do have any issues that you feel one of the Wellbeing Team may be
able to assist you with, then please contact one of us. If you want any
independent additional advice and support, then please remember the
Bank Workers Charity who can help in a variety of ways. Their website is
www.bwcharity.org.uk or you can telephone their confidential Helpline on
0800 0234 834

Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Co-ordinator

FORTHCOMING FUNCTIONS

Pub Lunch at The White Horse Inn, Wednesday 22nd October @ 12.30pm (Now Fully Subscribed)
As in previous years, our beloved Treasurer will be handing out “a little something” towards the cost of your meal. Don’t forget to pay at the bar before your departure.

Free Coffee Morning at Bickleigh Mill, EX16 8RG, Tuesday 11th November @ 10.30am ( Opportunity to stay on for lunch)

Please advise Barbara no later than Friday 31 st October if you intend to come along so that we can advise Bickleigh of numbers for the Tray Bakes and of those intending to stay on for lunch.

Christmas Lunch at Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth, Thursday 4th December @ 1.00pm

Booking Form below.Please complete and return by 16th November at the latest with your cheque or preferably BACS payment to:-

Account Name: Exeter Spread Eagle Club Account Number: 10138878.
Sort Code: 20-30-47 Reference: (Your Surname)

The cost per head for members is £25.00 and £50.00 per head for non-members. This price includes a glass of wine or a glass of fruit juice.
(Please advise any special dietary requirements you may have, e.g. if you do not want sauces or gravy.) Should you wish to be seated with particular friends please indicate on your booking form so an appropriate seating plan can be drawn up.

FUTURE EVENTS 2026 (for your diaries)

Free Coffee Morning at The White Horse Inn, Thursday
19th February @ 10.30am

Annual General Meeting at The Swan’s Nest, Exminster
Tuesday 17 th March @ 11.00am

Full details of these events and booking forms where required will be
available in subsequent Newsletters.

Luncheon Menu – Thursday, 4th December 2025
at Victoria Hotel, The Esplanade, Sidmouth EX10 8RY at 1:00pm

Starter

Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup, Double Cream                                          SOUP
Herb roasted Salmon Rillette                                                                   SALMON
Smoked Salmon, Prawns Marie Rose Sauce, Lemon, Capers                                   PRAWN
Ham Hock Terrine, Celeriac Remoulade, Gherkin                                              HAM
Galia Melon, Mango and Pineapple Salsa                                                              MELON

Main Course 

Turkey Breast, Cranberry stuffing, Pig in Blanket, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce               TURKEY
Braised Feather Blade of Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Mushroom Fricassee, Red Wine Jus   BEEF
Fillet of Bream, Celeriac Puree, Samphire and Crayfish Butter                                                     BREAM
Root Vegetable and Chestnut Wellington, Tomato and Thyme Jus                                              WELLINGTON
All served with Roast Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts & Chestnuts, Glazed Carrots, Broccoli
OR Mixed Leaf Salad and Buttered New Potatoes.

Dessert

Christmas Pudding, Brandy Butter and Brandy Sauce                                                                       PUDDING
Chocolate and Baileys Cheesecake, Coffee Cream, Caramel Sauce                                        CHEESECAKE                                                                                                      
Mulled Wine and Blackberry Delice, whipped Mascarpone                                                             DELICE
Cheddar and Stilton Cheese & Biscuits, Fruit Chutney, Celery                                                      CHEESE
Filter Coffee or Tea and Mints
Wine OR soft drink (e.g. Apple, Orange or Grapefruit juice) will be served

Cut here……………………………………………………………………………………

Booking Form

Please complete and return by 16th November 2025 – no refunds after this date
To – Barbara & Peter Johnson, Fairways, 98 Beer Road, Seaton EX12 2PU

Luncheon at Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth – 4th December 2025

 My spouse/partner and I wish to attend this event.

Lunches at £25 per head for members, £50 for non-members; number

 I/We have paid £………. by BACS transfer. Don’t forget, if you pay by BACS transfer you will also need to send your menu request(s) either by email to barbj@talktalk.net OR by post.

OR: Cheque enclosed £.                      Payable to Exeter Spread Eagle Club.
Date___________ Signed_________________________Name__________________

Please print your name(s) below with your choice of food i.e. SOUP etc.
Name ________                                                             Name _________
Starter ________                                                            Starter _________
Main ________                                                                Main _________
(with Vegetables or Salad – delete as                 (with Vegetables or Salad – delete as appropriate)
appropriate)
Dessert ________                                                        Dessert _________
I/we wish to sit with:

Welcome all, to our Summer ’25 newsletter which I hope finds you all safe and well, but if not, then on the road to recovery. At the time of writing, it has been a hot June summer “weather wise” although now it’s Wimbledon fortnight, it will either be a “scorcher” or start raining again.

Since last April we have had a wonderful cream tea at the Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham and our late Spring lunch at the Belmont Hotel in Sidmouth where we were made very welcome with 51 signed in for an excellent meal with lovely company.

Most recently we have enjoyed a coffee morning at the St George & Dragon near Topsham, out on the Exmouth Road just beyond Darts Farm– this was a new venue for us to try as well as offering the opportunity to pop next door to Darts Farm.

In this newsletter you will find details and booking forms for our next events which will be our Sidmouth Theatre visit (Thurs 14th August) to see a mystery play based on that well known Hitchcock film “Dial M for Murder” ; followed in September by a free Cream Tea at King’s GardenCentre, Sidmouth (Tuesday 30th September) and in October by an informal Pub Lunch at The White Horse, near Aylesbeare (Weds 22nd Oct.).

Beyond that , we have the Bickleigh Mill Coffee morning with the opportunity of some Christmas shopping (11th Nov.) and our usual Christmas Lunch at the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth (4th Dec.).

It is a full programme to see us through this year. Please do come and join us at one of these events which are either free or heavily subsidised.

Financial review

Our finances are in good shape with a grant received this year of £4285 from H.O. which we are keen to spend! Mind you, that won’t take long judging by the prices at the Victoria Hotel this year!!

As always, your Committee is working hard to keep the Club going, finding new venues and things for us to do together, so if you have any bright, practical ideas, do let us know. Also, we are looking for some “fresh blood” on the Committee or as part of Ray’s Wellbeing team. Pleaseget in touch to volunteer.

And now congratulations to our member David Evans on reaching his 90th Birthday on 31 st July. Well done DBE!

Finally, I look forward to seeing many of you at our remaining gatherings and wish you all a relaxing summer.

Best wishes,

Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer

Secretary’s Notes

We are organising a further 5 Events this year and these are listed later on in this Newsletter. Do please put all the dates in your diaries and take careful note of final dates for advising us. We don’t want you to miss out as we, the committee, have deadlines to keep in advising the different venues of numbers, menu choices etc.!

Would any of you be willing to join us on the Committee? We do need some extra help and following the sad loss of Carole Searle earlier this year, we have a big gap to fill. As the time-old saying goes, “many hands make light work” and the commitment isn’t too onerous.

The committee meets quarterly for a working lunch, usually at The White Horse Inn, near Aylesbeare (no cooking a meal that night!) and there are various ‘jobs’ that we need help with: for example, producing the newsletter, researching ideas for future events, writing a brief report and/or taking photos of events for our Website and Facebook etc. to name but a few of the things we do. Please, give this some thought and contact any of the committee for more information.

And, don’t forget that if any of your details change e.g. new telephone number, please let me know in order for me to update your records.

Thank you.

I hope you are all enjoying this pleasant summer, albeit a little too hot at times, and I look forward to seeing you at the various events.

Best wishes,

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

Wellbeing

Sincerely hope that you are enjoying the additional sunshine hours seen so far this year. There is always a flip-side to anything, and the gardens and reservoirs may wish to lodge a few comments here!

As far as our Wellbeing Team goes, there is potential good news with the vacancy for Chris Leigh’s area being filled – watch this space!

Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Forthcoming Functions

Theatre Visit Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth Thursday 14 th August, Curtain up 8.00pm

Please see Application Form below, complete and return as soon as possible if you wish to attend. (cut-off date 28 th July –so not much time) We have booked our usual block of seats for this performance of “Dial M For Murder”. This gripping thriller is a razor-sharp tale of betrayal and murder full of twists and turns.

Free Cream Tea at King’s Garden Centre, Sidmouth Tuesday 30th September @ 2.30pm

We need to know numbers to advise Kings how many scones to provide. Please call or text Wendy Mitten (07980 945651) by Friday 19th September. Also note earlier start time of 2.30pm.

If texting please remember to include “ESEC” and your name at the start of your message.

Pub Lunch at the White Horse Inn, Wednesday 22nd October @ 12.30pm

Please see Application Form below , complete and return with your menu choices if you wish to attend. We have opted to have similar selections as last year with the addition of Scampi. (Payment at the Bar on the day – don’t forget to settle-up!)

As in previous years, our beloved Treasurer will be handing out “a little something” towards the cost of your meal.

FUTURE EVENTS

Free Coffee Morning at Bickleigh Mill, Tuesday 11th November @ 10.30am (Opportunity to stay on for lunch)

Christmas Lunch at Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth, Thursday 4th December @ 1.00pm

Full details of these events, and booking forms where required, will be available in subsequent Newsletters.

Exclusive Discount for our Club members:

We have received another great holiday discount offer which includes Solo Travellers for our club members from Wendy Wu Tours (www.wendywutours.co.uk) If you are contemplating a trip of a lifetime, do let Barbara know and she will forward you their latest Flyer with the details. This Summer Sizzler Sale applies to a variety of great tours.

Wendy Wu Tours is the UK’s leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours to Japan, China and the Far East, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Central Asia, South America and Europe. To find out more visit www.wendywutours.co.uk. To book call their reservations team on 0808 3046 343 or email Keith Norman at Keith@wendywutours.co.uk

THEATRE VISIT – MANOR PAVILION THEATRE, MANOR ROAD, SIDMOUTH, EX10 8RP

THURSDAY, 14th AUGUST 2025 – CURTAIN UP 8.00p.m.

For this year’s outing we stay with the theme of “Thriller” and have chosen a performance of “Dial M for Murder” by Frederick Knott (famously adapted by Alfred Hitchcock). We have reserved a block booking of up to 30 seats. Come and join us for what promises to be another enjoyable evening together.

A theatre discount applies for our block booking and a further subsidy from club funds means that on this occasion we can offer seats (maximum of 2 per member) at just £12.00 per ticket (the full advertised price being £23.00) which represents excellent value. (Non-refundable)

We need to confirm numbers and make payment to the Theatre by 31st July, so if you would like to attend we need your confirmation and payment, preferably by BACS please (or by cheque payable to “Exeter Spread Eagle Club”) as soon as possible and no later than Monday 28 th July. Please return the booking form attached to Peter Johnson (by e-mail if preferred).

MANOR PAVILION – THURSDAY 14th AUGUST 2025 AT 8.00 P.M.

“Dial M for Murder” by Frederick Knott

I wish to apply for ……………………….. tickets (max. 2 per member]

I have paid by BACS £…………….. (£12.00 per ticket) – Please give your surname as reference.

(Account name: Exeter Spread Eagle Club Account number: 10138878 Sort Code 20-30-47)

OR – I enclose my cheque for £………………. (£12.00 per ticket) payable to “Exeter Spread Eagle Club”

NAME ………………………………………………………………………………

ADDRESS …………………………………………………………………………

Telephone No ……………………………………. E-Mail …………………………………

Please return to Peter Johnson, “Fairways” 98 Beer Road, Seaton, Devon EX12 2PU  e-mail: peteraj@talktalk.net

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT NO LATER THAN 28th JULY 2025

PUB GRUB LUNCH MENU – Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 at 12.30pm at the White Horse Inn, Sidmouth Road, Woodbury Salterton, EX5 1EP

Main Course

Fried Wholetail Scampi, Chips & Peas                       SCAMPI

Ham, Egg & Chips                                                             HAM

Curry of the Day with Rice & Naan Bread                  CURRY

(please state MEAT or VEGETARIAN)

Pie of the Day with Chips & Peas                                          PIE

Fish (breaded Haddock) with Chips & Peas               FISH

Salmon Fillet with Mushroom sauce, New Potatoes & Veg     SALMON

Butternut Squash, Spinach  & Mushroom Lasagne,

Garlic Bread                                                                        LASAGNE

(Optional) Dessert

Choice from board

Please complete and return (either by post or e-mail) by Friday. 10th October 2025

To – Barbara & Peter Johnson, 98 Beer Road, Seaton, EX12 2PU or Email to barbj@talktalk.net

Lunch at the White Horse Inn, Woodbury Salterton – Wednesday 22 nd October 2025

Date___________ Signed_________________________ Name__________________

Please print your name(s) below with your choice of main course, e.g. FISH

Name ___________________ Main__________________

Name____________________ Main____________________

Telephone No ……………………………………. E-Mail …………………………………

Welcome to the second newsletter of the year. I hope this finds you all safe and well, but if not then on the road to recovery. We have had two events already, namely the coffee morning at the White Horse on 19th February and our AGM on the 13th March at The Swan’s Nest, Exminster.

A report on the AGM follows after these opening remarks.

Your committee has agreed to a full programme of events this year withthree of them detailed later in this newsletter. That will be the free cream tea at The Hartnoll Hotel at Bolham (near Tiverton and the Knightshayes NT property) on Tues 29th April followed by our late Spring lunch at the Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth on Weds 4th June.

After that we thought something in July would be good and have settled on an extra coffee morning. It will be at the St George & Dragon Inn, just beyond Darts Farm outside Topsham on Thurs 3rd July. You could double it with a lunch at Darts Farm café!

After that we will have a theatre visit in August to the Sidmouth Pavilion Theatre, another cream tea afternoon on 30th September followed by an October Pub lunch (22nd).

November will be coffee time at Bickleigh with some Christmas shopping and December is already booked at the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth on Thursday 4th December.

How about that to fill your diaries!

AGM Review

We held our 50th AGM on the 13th March at The Swan’s Nest, Exminster where we were made very welcome by the staff and had a room to ourselves and a carvery lunch. Numbers were similar to last year with 36 attendees including our guest speaker Kerry Lord from Shelterbox.

The normal business part was quickly done: all parties duly elected on, including myself with 3 more years as your Chairman. We do have a Committee vacancy as we sadly lost Carole Searle in January. If you would like to volunteer for a non-arduous position, please get in touch with me or Secretary Barbara.

Ray Cavill’s Wellbeing report included his usual plea seeking an extra person to join his team of volunteers as Chris Leigh has decided to stand down after many years of service. We do need some help….so please consider volunteering to join us.

The business part was followed by a very memorable and thought provoking presentation by Kerry Lord, a volunteer speaker for ShelterBox. He showed us a large number of contents that go in the survival packages which are now spread across many countries affected by disasters and conflict. For instance, ShelterBox is already active in Myanmar.

With my Chairman’s hat on I did the usual round of thanks to my Committee without whom this Club could not keep going and welcomed in 8 new active members to the Club this past year.

The AGM minutes and summary of all the reports (including the Financial Statement) are available from LesRendell, just email him for a copy at lesrendell41@gmail.com

To all of you, please stay safe and healthy. I look forward to seeing you at

one or more of our 2025 events.

Chairman Garry

Financial review

You will be pleased to know that our finances are plentiful and in good order. Roger Handover completed the examination of the 2024 accounts, his second outing as our new accounts examiner. Thank you, Roger. I am pleased that he wishes to continue in post!

With my change of hat, I can report that in 2024 we achieved a planned deficit of £1210 which has used up some of our accumulated funds as a result of larger subsidies available at lunches along with a number of free events. We have brought forward into 2025, a balance of £5846 to which we now add our annual subscriptions (£860) and the grant claim this year of £4285 plus interest of about £95. Total income thus £5240 expected……

With our proposed full programme of events this year (being say 10 in number), I estimate a net expenditure of £5220 on social subsidies and £1380 on Admin and Welfare payments. That should result in a deficit of £1360 in the year. That reduces our final balance to around £4500 at the year end. As you can see we are gradually using up our surplus funds.

We do however need our members to attend events as our social grant income (which is 65% of the funds from HO) depends upon attendances .If you can attend just one event in the year, then that benefits our annual grant claim!

I can end our financial review on the extra positive note that for your £5subscription , active members can enjoy subsidies and free events to the tune of about £125 per head across the year, if you were to attend all those events. Wow! Not bad for a fiver!

Best wishes from Treasurer Garry.

Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer

Secretary’s Notes

We are so lucky that our friendly Club has been running for 50 years but, we are looking for some new recruits to join us on the committee – for some new ideas and a bit of help. We enjoy a working lunch four times a year, so it isn’t too much of a commitment. If you are interested, please give me a ring.

At the moment we are enjoying sunshine and blue skies and long may the fine weather last! I recently visited the National Trust property at Lanhydrock, near Bodmin and enjoyed the visit. Their Magnolia trees and Camellias were almost in full bloom and the colours were quite spectacular.

The days seem to fly by and, as we the committee members have been busy organising a variety of forthcoming events, can I urge you to check your diaries and write the details in if you want to come along. (Especially urgent for the Hartnoll Hotel Cream Tea on 29th April)Then, all you have to do is let us know as soon as possible! Thank you.

I have received a further communication from Keith Norman of Wendy Wu

Tours – see below for details if any of you are contemplating a holiday of a lifetime. If you are interested, let me know and I will email you their latest flyer.

As ever, please let me know if you change address or any details, thank you. I am sure you are aware that stamps are now 87p for second class and £1.70 for first class.

I look forward to meeting some of you at the events.

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

Exclusive Discount on Wendy Wu Tours for our Club members:

At Wendy Wu Tours we have some amazing offers for April and as you know Exeter Spread Eagle Club members are entitled to an additional 5% discount. That’s on top of the offers we have in place so it represents a really nice benefit and some of the holidays on offer are for dates later in the year. Don’t forget to use your unique discount code ESEC5 to redeem the discount at the time of booking.

Wendy Wu Tours is the UK’s leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours to Japan, China and the Far East, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Central Asia, South America and Europe. To find out more visit www.wendywutours.co.uk.

To book call their reservations team on 0808 3046 343 or email Keith

Norman at Keith@wendywutours.co.uk

Wellbeing

After many years of looking after EX20-24 and TQ and All Others postcodes, Chris Leigh has ‘retired’ from being on the Wellbeing Team. do sincerely thank Chris for her capable support over the years. So, we are looking for a new Wellbeing person(s) to join our Team and we do hope that we can find someone to cover this soon! How about YOU?

We are delighted to report that Betty and Ray Plumb have recently celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in March. What a wonderful celebration of their many years together – Congratulations to you both.

And, finally, as ever, if you want to talk through any matters with any of the Wellbeing Team, then please feel free to contact any one of us.

Barbara and I are presently with our grandchildren in Melbourne and hope to see some of you at the Belmont in June.

Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Three Forthcoming Functions

Free Cream Tea at Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham, Tiverton

EX16 7RA on Tuesday 29th April at 3.00pm. URGENT !! Please advise Barbara or Peter by Friday 18th

April if you are able to attend – we need to give numbers for ordering scones!

Lunch – Belmont Hotel, The Esplanade, Sidmouth EX10 8RX – Wednesday 4th June at 1.00pm (Note New Date)

A return to the Belmont Hotel: We are assured of a warm welcome.

Menu and Booking Form is attached for this lunch (click here)

You are able to pay for the lunch – £20.00 per person for members, guests £40.00 – preferably by BACS transfer, rather than cheque, if you wish. Full details below.

Account Name: Exeter Spread Eagle Club

Account number: 10138878, Sort Code: 20-30-47, Ref: Your Surname

Your menu choices may be emailed as an attachment to Barbara and

Peter Johnson rather than returning by post by Wednesday, 21st May.

However you still have the option of returning your booking form by 21^st May to Barbara & Peter with a cheque, made payable to Exeter Spread Eagle Club.

Whichever method you choose, please also let Barbara and Peter know when replying of any special dietary requirements you may have, e.g. if you do not want sauces or gravy.

Please note that parking is limited at the Belmont Hotel. There are pay and display car parks nearby or you may be able to park on adjacent roads. Please check whether these too are pay and display.

Free Coffee Morning at St George and Dragon, Clyst St George, EX3 0QJ, Thursday 3rd July at 10.30am – A new venue for us close to Dart’s Farm.

As this is our first club visit to the Inn, it would be helpful on this occasion to them and us if you could let Peter & Barbara know if you intend to come along. Thank you.

FUTURE EVENTS 

Theatre Visit  (Late August – details and date to be confirmed)

Free Cream Tea at King’s Garden Centre, Sidmouth

Tuesday 30^th September at 2.30pm

Pub Lunch at the White Horse Inn, Wednesday 22^nd October 12.30pm

Free Coffee Morning at Bickleigh Mill, Tuesday 11^th November at 10.30am (Opportunity to stay on for lunch)

Christmas Lunch at Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth, Thursday 4^th December 1.00pm

Full details of all the above events, and booking forms where required, will be available in subsequent Newsletters.

Barbara & Peter Johnson

barbj@talktalk.net

peteraj@talktalk.net

01297 599086

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ShelterBox

As we learnt at the AGM this is a small Charity based in Cornwall and they provide emergency shelters, tools and other essentials so families can rebuild after a disaster. They don’t believe that one size fits all, so they work hard to understand the impact of each emergency. The equipment provided, whatever shape it takes, enables people to transform their own lives.

If you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause please visit their website www.shelterbox.org and click on the Donate section. Thank you.

Welcome to 2025

Here is your first Newsletter of the year and a warm welcome to you all. I hope it finds you fit and well, and “raring to go” to join us at the events of 2025.

This year we are again preparing a full programme of events to include 4 lunches (inc. the AGM in March), 2 free coffee mornings, 2 free cream teas, a theatre outing and perhaps a summer outing somewhere.

We have our AGM on Thursday 13th March at The Swan’s Nest near Exminster, meeting from 11 am for coffee with the business part from 11.30 am. This is the same venue as last year with a carvery lunch. Full details provided later in this newsletter.

As usual, the business part takes about half-an-hour and will be followed by our speaker this year, which should be someone from Shelterbox , that well known humanitarian charity based in Cornwall. Please come and join us from 11am. Lunch will be served from about 12.45 pm onwards.

Booking details for the AGM are attached to this Newsletter with the usual options and reply slips.

Before that we have our first free coffee morning of the year at The White Horse (usual venue on the Sidmouth road, near Aylesbeare) on Weds 19th February followed by a free cream tea on Tuesday April 29th at The Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham (Near Tivertion) and a May/June (Spring time) lunch .

Dates and venues and other future events will be announced at the AGM and in our Spring Newsletter.

With my other hat on, I can confirm that our finances remain in good health and we have already submitted our annual grant claim to HO which should see us maintain our lunch subsidies at around the 50% mark , with coffee mornings and cream teas free to members. As an example, the AGM subsidy to members will be 50%. A good incentive to be there! The annual accounts will be available as usual at the AGM .

Finally, please do visit our website for latest news and a write up of the Christmas lunch where we had 70 booked in to the Victoria Hotel at Sidmouth. That event marked our 50th Anniversary as an official Barclays Retirement Club and the AGM this coming March will also be our 50th.

By the way as an additional plea (I say it each year), if there are any keen photographers out there ; do take pics at our events and send them to Les Rendell (lesrendell41@gmail.com) for inclusion on the website.

Although it seems a little late, I wish you all a very Happy , Safe and Healthy New Year, and look forward to seeing you at one or more of our events in 2025.

Garry Adams, Chairman & Treasurer

Since writing this report I am greatly saddened to have to let you all know of the sudden passing of our loyal member and committee stalwart, Carole Searle. Her funeral will take place at All Saints Parish Church, Exmouth EX8 1RZ on Wednesday 29th January at 11.30am (Corner of Exeter Road & Church Road)

Secretary’s Notes

Secretary’s Notes for January 2025

A Happy New Year to each one of you and here we are, already nearly at the end of January! Although short winter days and the cold weather may keep us indoors, you hopefully, have noticed that the days are lengthening.

I have been living in East Devon for over ten years and although it was a wrench to leave some family and many friends behind in Cheshire, I am pleased that we took the ‘plunge’ to move here. The South West is an incredible area with so many interesting places and the geology of the Jurassic Coast is amazing. An added bonus is that the garden ‘wakes up’ earlier down here with the kinder weather. Only today, I spotted a clump of Snowdrops in our garden.

Post continues to be costly so if you now have an email address and would be happy to receive your newsletter via email please let me know. Also, if you use Online Banking why not consider making a BACs payment instead of writing a cheque? See later in this newsletter for the details.

Doing a payment this way will save you printing/copying then posting us a completed Booking Form e.g. for a lunch. All we actually need from you is a short email to give your relevant information e.g. meal choices as described on the Event Booking Form, plus confirmation that you have sent a payment.

If you have any other changes, please don’t forget to let me know so I can update our records. Thank you.

Also, you may be aware that some of our members do not drive and if you know any of them, perhaps you could give them a lift to an event? If you can help it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

We continue to celebrate the Club’s 50 years at the forthcoming AGM and Carvery Lunch in March and I hope that you will support this event.

I look forward to seeing you during 2025 and please keep safe and warm during these winter months.

Best wishes.

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

Wellbeing

Delighted to say that I successfully came through my heart surgery, and was even able to drive to the Xmas Lunch. I shall look forward to seeing more of you at the forthcoming coffee morning, and then our A G M.

Shortly after the A G M, we are going Down Under again to visit the family, and the rapidly growing 4 grandchildren, and will be away from mid-March for a couple of months. I shall still be contactable on email, and the rest of the Wellbeing Team will be available to assist where they can.

A Happy and Healthy New Year!

Ray Cavill

Wellbeing Coordinator

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Annual General Meeting

The Club’s Annual General Meeting takes place on Thursday, 13th March 2025 at 11.30am at The Swan’s Nest, Exminster EX6 8DZ. There is plenty of parking available in the car park situated in the grounds. If you would like to come but need a lift, please contact one of our Wellbeing Officers who will do their best to find a lift for you.

We are assured of a warm welcome. We do hope that you will join us for the short, but nevertheless important, meeting to be followed by a presentation by Kerry Lord, a ShelterBox Ambassador. Lunch will follow at 12.45pm. Please complete and return the attached booking form so we can advise the Swans Nest of our anticipated numbers.

Directions: From Exeter/Countess Wear direction, take the Dawlish road (A379) at the roundabout. Continue along this road to another roundabout and turn left. The Swan’s Nest is signposted at this roundabout. From the Dawlish/Teignmouth direction, turn right at the roundabout at Exminster.

Access will be available for (free) coffee/tea and biscuits from 11.00am a

Access will be available for (free) coffee/tea and biscuits from 11.00am and we would ask that you are in your seats prior to the start of the meeting at

11.30am so that there is no distraction whilst we remember those who are no longer with us.

We have again saved some costs by not including the Agenda with this Newsletter, planning to distribute on the day, but if any would wish for a copy prior to this, in print or electronically, we shall be happy to oblige.

Social Functions

Free Coffee Morning – Wednesday, 19th February, 11.00am – White Horse Inn, Woodbury Salterton (A3052 Sidmouth road)

Our first social event of 2025 is an informal get-together and opportunity to chat over free coffee/tea and biscuits at the welcoming White Horse Inn. If you are able to stay on for lunch (at your own cost) there is an excellent choice of meals available.

AGM Luncheon – 13th March (AGM from 11.00am) 12.45pm

The Annual General Meeting will be followed by lunch at the cost to members of £12.50, being well subsidised from Club funds.

We have again opted for a Carvery meal with a choice of four meats OR vegetarian alternatives. This means that members will need to collect their food from the Carvery counter. Staff will be on hand to carry plates to your tables if required. We will not be serving wine, etc at the table so any drinks you wish to have, please purchase at the bar.

Please complete and return the attached (click here) booking form with your food choices and payment.

It would be appreciated if everyone would join us for the short AGM and Presentation, but if you are only able to come along for the lunch, then please don’t forget to complete and return the booking form with your payment.

BACS details: Sort Code 20-30-47, Account Number 10138878

Account Name Exeter Spread Eagle Club

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Future dates for your diary:

Tuesday, 29th April Free Cream Tea at Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham

Thursday, 5th June Spring Lunch (to be confirmed)

Full details of both events in Spring Newsletter following the AGM.

Thursday, 4th December Christmas Lunch at Victoria Hotel

Full details in the Autumn Newsletter

Peter Johnson

Committee Member

peteraj@talktalk.net

01297599086

Another year seems to have shot by and here we are announcing in this edition the 2024 Christmas luncheon at the superb Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth on Thursday, 5th December. Do come and join us there to enjoy the wonderful decorations as well as our lovely company!

Since our last Newsletter, we have enjoyed “Looking Good Dead” at the Sidmouth Theatre where 25 of us survived the evening. In early September a bumper number of 37 lapped up a scrumptious cream tea with massive scones at King’s Garden Centre and then a month later 26 of us enjoyed an excellent Pub Lunch at the White Horse Inn.

Next up is a coffee morning (with some lovely tray-bakes) at Bickleigh Mill with time for some Christmas gift shopping at the boutique areas found there. That is on Tuesday, 12th November from 10.30am. Please see later in this edition as you need to tell Barbara Johnson if you can make it.

And then it is Christmas time at the Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth for our 50th Anniversary luncheon.

Into the New Year we will plan a coffee morning for February followed by our AGM on Thursday, 13th March at the Swan’s Nest, Exminster where we have been for our past 2 AGMs, and with a speaker to be arranged, but more on that and those events in the January Newsletter.

Please do remember to take a look at our Website for up-to-date information and reports on our activities (www.exeterspreadeagles.org) and also on our Facebook page which Les Rendell is kindly keeping up to date.

Finances

Whilst we do have funds available and will continue to run a deficit each year to use up our surplus balance, costs have been rising and none more so than at the major lunches which we so enjoy. Your subsidy for this

Christmas at the Victoria will be 55% despite the increased contribution being asked of members. Details are later in this Newsletter. I look forward to your continued support of our various events.

Finally, should I not see you at either the November or December events I wish you all a lovely Christmas and a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year! (yes, I know, it’s a bit early).

Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer

Secretary’s Notes

The weeks seem to be flying by and don’t forget to change your clocks on Saturday night, 26th October. At least then we will have lighter mornings but the downside is that it will get darker earlier in the evenings! It is definitely the time to close the curtains and ‘hunker-down’.

The Club outing to watch the thriller play at Sidmouth Theatre was a great story with the usual twist to the ending. Peter and I went to some of the other plays including the final one of the Summer Season: ‘Ben Hur’ featuring four actors playing numerous parts. I have vague memories of a film with Charlton Heston but couldn’t remember much of the story other than a dramatic chariot race. At Sidmouth we had the actors rowing in a boat with some audience participation and then a chariot race with two mobile scooters mocked up as chariots with shields on the sides and when they reversed, we had the ‘blipping’ – very funny and so clever. The actors worked really hard with swift role and costume changes and it was a real fun evening.

It is a busy time in the garden at the moment with winter pruning and planting some spring bulbs in my pots and it is lovely to see the bright colours of the dahlias and even some roses.

Post continues to be costly so if you acquire an email address or have any other changes, please don’t forget to let me know so I can update our records. Thank you.

Also, some of our members do not drive and if you know any of them, perhaps you could give them a lift to an event? The more the merrier, as the saying goes!

I look forward to seeing you at some of the events, especially at the Christmas Lunch for the celebration of the Club’s 50 years as well as having a scrumptious meal.

Take care and keep warm and cosy.

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

Wellbeing

Autumn already and that must mean – amongst other things – even more jabs! My still outstanding heart surgery has focused my mind on several matters and leads me to mention these varied issues:

Winter Fuel Payment/Pension Credit

The Government is encouraging all pensioners to check if they qualify for Pension Credit and if so, to apply for it in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. The deadline for a backdated claim is December 21st. Nearly 40% of eligible pensioners are NOT claiming. Full details are on the Government website, or phone: 0800 99 1234.

Winter Jabs

In addition to the Covid and Flu jabs, there is an additional winter virus jab – Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV). This is, however, restricted to those aged 75 – 79. Contact your GP Surgery for further information and advice.

Contact Details for Willis Towers Watson

WTW are the administrators for the Barclays Bank Retirement Fund. They moved earlier this year and although their details are updated on the latest communications, including this year’s pension increase letter, it might be wise to check your Email and postal contact details to ensure that it is all up to date. To this end, attached to this Newsletter is a revised general contact list giving the updated WTW details. (Click here)

Lifts to Club Events

This is not a new subject, but is an increasing issue. The Committee and Wellbeing Officers always try and arrange support for those unable to drive themselves and we shall forever be grateful to those who can help. Do not be surprised to receive a call asking you for a lift!

Sincerely hope that I see you all at the Victoria for our Christmas celebrations!

Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Officer

Functions

Tuesday, 12th November, 10.30am – Free Coffee Morning, BICKLEIGH MILL EX16 8RG.

We are returning to Bickleigh Mill again for our special morning event and they will be providing free tray bakes to accompany coffees/teas. To help with their catering it would be helpful if you could let us know whether you are intending to join us for this event. Please contact Peter or Barbara Johnson by email – barbj@talktalk.net – or telephone 01297 599086, by Monday, 4th November. Thank you.

Also, if you know you will be staying on for a lunch (at your own expense) please tell us. Last year 20 people stayed on which was great and the staff were able to accommodate us all together at large tables. However, if you haven’t decided yet, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Thursday, 5th December, 12.30pm – Christmas Lunch at Victoria Hotel, The Esplanade, Sidmouth EX10 8RY

Please complete and return the attached booking form (click here) to Barbara & Peter Johnson by 18th November at the latest with your cheque or confirmation of BACS transfer.

Account name: Exeter Spread Eagle Club

Account number: 10138878

Sort code: 20-30-47

Reference: Your surname

The cost per head for members is £20.00 and £45.00 per head for non-members. The cost includes a glass of wine OR a glass of orange, apple or grapefruit juice.

Please advise any special dietary requirements you may have, e.g. if you do not want sauces or gravy.

Should you wish to sit with particular friends would you please indicate on the Booking Form so that an appropriate Seating Plan can be drawn up. Please check the Seating Plan when you arrive to see where you are seated.

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.

---

Future date for your diary:

Thursday, 13th March 2025 Annual General Meeting and lunch at Swan’s Nest, Exminster

Look out for full details of this and other events in subsequent

Welcome

Welcome all to our Summer ’24 Newsletter which I hope finds you all safe and well, but if not, then on the road to recovery. It has not been much of a summer weather-wise although it has been dry for the past couple of weeks. It’s Wimbledon time, so it will surely rain soon!

Since last April we have had a wonderful cream tea at The Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham and our May lunch at The Belmont Hotel in Sidmouth where we were made very welcome with 57 signed in for a lovely meal.

Fortunately there have been some sunny days in June and none more so than for our Tiverton Canal trip on June 18th which included a good commentary and talk from the staff of the Canal company. It was a charming and peaceful trip with “Ross the Hoss” pulling us safely along.

In this Newsletter you will find details of our Sidmouth Theatre visit (Wednesday, 21st August) to see a Mystery play, followed in September by a free Cream Tea at King’s Garden Centre, Sidmouth (Tuesday, 3rd September) and in October by an informal Pub Lunch at The White Horse, near Aylesbeare (Thursday, 3rd October).

Beyond that we have the Bickleigh Mill coffee morning with the opportunity of some Christmas shopping (12th November) and our usual Christmas Lunch at The Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth (5th December).

It is a full programme to see us through this year. Please do come and join us at one of these events which are either free or heavily subsidised.

Our finances are in good shape with a grant received this year of £4,248 from H.O. which we are keen to spend!
As always, your Committee is working hard to keep the Club going, finding new venues and things for us to do together, so if you have any bright, practical ideas, do let us know.

Finally, I look forward to seeing many of you at our remaining gatherings and wish you all a relaxing summer.

Best wishes.

Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer

Secretary’s Notes

There is a lot going on over the next few months, so please get all the event dates in your diaries and take careful note of final dates for advising us. We don’t want you to miss out!

The horse-drawn Barge trip on the Tiverton Canal was an amazing outing and very relaxing.

If you have access to a computer or tablet, have you had a look at our website or Facebook page recently? There is plenty of information there and if you have any comments, we would love to hear them. Thank you.

I hope you are all having a pleasant summer and I look forward to seeing you at the various events.

Take care and keep well.

Best wishes.

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

Reminder – Exclusive Discount on Wendy Wu Tours for our Club members:

Wendy Wu Tours is the UK’s leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours to Japan, China and the Far East, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Central Asia, South America and Europe.

Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, they’ve grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences offered to an expanding range of destinations.

To find out more visit www.wendywutours.co.uk.

As an exclusive offer to the Exeter Spread Eagle Club they are offering a 5% member discount. There are also further discounts available for single travellers.

To redeem this discount you will have to quote the code ESEC5 at the time of booking.

To book call the reservations team on 0808 3046 343 or email Keith Norman at keith@wendywutours.co.uk

Wellbeing

I am absolutely delighted to confirm that Richard and Sandra Lewis have joined the team and have taken on the Exeter postcode areas EX1-4. The Club’s website has been updated to reflect this and attached is a new contacts list giving Richard and Sandra’s contact details.

This is the first time in more than three years that we have had a full team. As ever, please do not hesitate to speak with one of us if you feel that we may be able to be of help and support.

Christmas Grant

Bank Workers’ Charity has advised that it is only allowing applications from previous applicants for this year. The Charity is considering various options for future years and we shall keep you informed as soon as there is any more news. The Charity will continue to offer one-off grants and other means of assistance.

Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Functions

“Looking Good Dead” – Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth EX10 8RP – Wednesday, 21st August – curtain up 8.00pm

We propose to make another visit to the Manor Pavilion Theatre in Sidmouth this summer to watch a performance of Peter James’ “Looking Good Dead”. This thriller has been adapted from James’ best-selling novel featuring Detective Roy Grace.

A provisional booking has been made for 30 seats and we hope you will be able to come along and join us for this entertaining and enjoyable evening.

Tickets are normally priced at £22.00, but are offered at just £11.00 each (after a theatre group discount of £1.00 has been applied and a further generous subsidy of £10.00 from our kindly Treasurer).

Full details and an application form are attached (Click here)

Please return to Peter Johnson, “Fairways” 98 Beer Road, Seaton, Devon EX12 2PU
e-mail: peteraj@talktalk.net AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT NO LATER THAN 22nd JULY 2024

– put the date in your diary and send in your application as soon as possible.

Free Cream Tea – King’s Garden & Leisure Centre, Stowford, SIDMOUTH EX10 0NA – Tuesday, 3rd September, 2.30pm

A new venue for us and please note the earlier starting time of 2.30pm. The café closes at 4.00pm but the Garden Centre will be open until 5.30pm. It is a friendly Garden Centre with a good café, a selection of gifts, garden furniture and lovely plants, etc plus a small food section to tempt you!

Note: The Garden Centre is on the main road and is just half a mile further on from the Bowd Inn, Sidmouth on the A3052 in the direction of Lyme Regis. There is a large car park with disabled places near to the main entrance.

Please let Peter & Barbara Johnson know if you are coming by Friday, 23rd August either by email peteraj@talktalk.net or barbj@talktalk.net or by telephone 01297 599086. Thank you.

“Pub Grub Lunch” at the White Horse Inn, Woodbury Salterton EX5 1EP (A3052 – Exeter to Sidmouth road) – Thursday, 3rd October, 12.30pm

Following the success of last year’s “Pub Grub” event we are offering a repeat visit to the White Horse Inn this coming Autumn.
This lunch will be restricted to 34 attendees on a first-come basis and we will be accommodated in the usual private room. The Proprietors do need to know our actual numbers and main course menu choices on this occasion by Friday, 20th September. Unfortunately we cannot give a precise costing at the moment but expect the main course will be in the region of £16 (pre-subsidy).

We have selected a choice of six main course dishes from their (extensive) menu and there will be a choice of desserts from the board on the day.

Please note that members will be asked to pay their individual meal and drinks’ bill at the bar but those attending may expect a surprise subsidy from our generous Treasurer.

Please see the attached application form for details and complete and return slip to Barbara & Peter Johnson as soon as possible (or by e-mail if preferred) – no later than Friday, 20th September please.

Diary dates:

Tuesday, 12th November Free Coffee Morning at Bickleigh Mill – 10.30am

Thursday, 5th December Christmas Lunch at the Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth – 1pm

Thursday, 13th March 2025 50th Annual General Meeting at the Swan’s Nest, Exminster – 11am for coffee, 11.30am for AGM

Full details of all the above events, and booking forms where required, will be available in subsequent Newsletters.

Barbara & Peter Johnson

barbj@talktalk.net
peteraj@talktalk.net

01297 599086

Welcome

Welcome to the second newsletter of the year. I hope this finds you all safe and well, but if not then on the road to recovery. We have had two events already, namely the coffee morning at the White Horse on 14th February and our AGM on 12th March at the Swan’s Nest, Exminster. A report on the AGM follows after these opening remarks.

Your committee has agreed to a full programme of events this year with two of them detailed later in this newsletter. Our Spring lunch at the Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth on Thursday, 23rdMay. That will be followed in June by a visit to the Grand Union Canal at Tiverton with a leisurely horse drawn barge trip on the afternoon of 18th June.

After that we will have a theatre visit in August to the Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth, another cream tea afternoon in September followed by an October Pub lunch. November will be coffee time at Bickleigh with some Christmas shopping and December is already booked at the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth on Thursday, 5th December. How about that to fill your diaries!

AGM Review

We held our 49th AGM on 12th March at the Swan’s Nest, Exminster where we were made very welcome by the staff and had a room to ourselves and a carvery lunch. Numbers were similar to last year with 38 attendees plus our guest speaker Rose Chanin.

The normal business part was quickly done: all parties duly elected on, including a new committee member in Martin Mitten. Ray Cavill’s Wellbeing report included his usual plea seeking an extra person to join his team of volunteers. We do need some help….so please consider volunteering to join us.

Sadly, we said goodbye to Andrew and Lyn Green from our working committee after many years of thoughtful and inventive input from them. They are remaining as loyal members, but with restricted mobility issues have decided to stand down. The business part was followed by a very memorable and entertaining show by Rose Chanin with many cameo items of nostalgia and the Devon way of life! It was a wonderful performance.

With my Chairman’s hat on I did the usual round of thanks to my Committee without whom this Club could not keep going and welcomed in 15 new active members to the Club this past year.

To all of you, please stay safe and healthy. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our 2024 events.

Financial review

You will be pleased to know that our finances are plentiful and in good order. Roger Handover completed the examination of the 2023 accounts, his first outing as our new accounts examiner. Thank you, Roger.

With my change of hat, I can report that in 2023 we achieved a planned deficit of £1,042 which has used up some of our accumulated funds as a result of larger subsidies available at lunches along with a number of free events. We have brought forward into 2024 a balance of £7,056 to which we now add our annual subscriptions (£840) and the grant claim this year of £4,248 plus interest of about £82. Total income thus £5,170 expected……

With our proposed full programme of events this year (being at least 10 in number), I estimate a net expenditure of £6,220 including all admin costs and generous subsidies against the income of £5,168 resulting in a deficit of £1,050 in the year. That reduces our final balance to around £6,000 at the year end: More than enough to keep us going for a few years yet!

We do however need our members to attend events as our social grant income (which is 60% of the funds from Head Office) depends upon attendances. If you can attend just one event in the year, then that benefits our annual grant claim!

I can end our financial review on the extra positive note that for your £5 subscription, active members can enjoy subsidies and free events to the tune of about £125 per head across the year, if you were to attend all those events. Wow! Not bad for a fiver!

Best wishes.

Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer

Secretary’s Notes

Spring has arrived, despite the seemingly endless rain! It is lovely to see the trees turning green with their fresh leaves and now the early daffodils have almost finished, bluebells and forget-me-nots are displaying their blue colours along with the various colours of the tulips.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the National Trust property at Knightshayes, Bolham, near Tiverton and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. It is a beautiful house, superb garden and large park with a long winding drive up to the property and café.

The committee members have been busy organising the variety of forthcoming events and I do look forward to chatting with you when you can come along and join us. Please put the dates in your diaries so you don’t forget and miss out. It is a great opportunity to meet up with past work colleagues and new friends in the club.

I have received a further communication from Keith Norman of Wendy Wu Tours – see below for details if any of you are contemplating a holiday of a lifetime!

As ever, please let me know if you change address or any details, thank you. I am sure you are aware that stamps are now 85p for second class and £1.35 for first class.

I hope you all enjoyed the early Easter weekend and it won’t be long until we have the next Bank Holiday on May 6th, which also celebrates one year since the Coronation of King Charles.

Take care and keep well. Best wishes.

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

Exclusive Discount on Wendy Wu Tours for our Club members:

Wendy Wu Tours is the UK’s leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours to Japan, China and the Far East, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Central Asia, South America and Europe.

Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, they’ve grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences offered to an expanding range of destinations.

To find out more visit www.wendywutours.co.uk.

As an exclusive offer to the Exeter Spread Eagle Club they are offering a 5% member discount.

To redeem this discount you will have to quote the code ESEC5 at the time of booking.

To book call our reservations team on 0808 3046 343 or email Keith Norman at keith@wendywutours.co.uk

Wellbeing

Exciting News!

Delighted to report that Wendy and Martin Mitten have agreed to take over from the retiring Lyn Green for the EX14-19 postcodes. Once again, my sincere thanks to Lyn for her amazing support over the years!

For the eagle-eyed amongst you, you will see that there has been a slight revision of the postcode area allocations, with the areas all about equal – apart from me and the Exmouth area.

Exeter is still available, and we do hope that we can find someone to cover this soon!

As ever, if you want to talk through any matters with any of the Wellbeing Team, then please feel free to contact any one of us.

Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Annual General Meeting

If you wish to see the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, please email Les Rendell – lesrendell41@gmail.com – or telephone him on 01884 254375 and he will send you a copy.

Following the Annual General Meeting, as is our usual practice you will find attached a list of Officers, Committee and Wellbeing Officers for 2024 for you to keep and for your information.

Functions

Lunch – Belmont Hotel, The Esplanade, Sidmouth EX10 8RX – Thursday, 23rd May at 1.00pm

A return to the Belmont Hotel: We are assured of a warm welcome.

Menu and Booking Form is enclosed for this lunch.

You are able to pay for the lunch – £15.00 per person for members, guests £32.00 – by BACS transfer, rather than cheque, if you wish: Full details below.

Account Name: Exeter Spread Eagle Club
Account number: 10138878
Sort Code: 20-30-47
Ref: Your Surname

Your menu choices may be emailed (see attachment) to Barbara and Peter Johnson rather than returning by post if you prefer by Friday, 10th May.

However you still have the option of returning your booking form with a cheque, made payable to Exeter Spread Eagle Club, to Barbara and Peter Johnson by Friday, 10th May.

Whichever method you choose, please also let Barbara and Peter know when replying of any special dietary requirements you may have, e.g. if you do not want sauces or gravy.

Please note that parking is limited at the Belmont Hotel. There are pay and display car parks nearby or you may be able to park on adjacent roads. Please check whether these too are pay and display.

Cruise on the Grand Union Canal, The Wharf, Canal Hill, Tiverton EX16 4HX – Tuesday, 18th June

A new venture for the Club which we do hope you will support and enjoy.

The cruise is for 1½ hours along the Grand Union Canal on a horse-drawn barge. Boarding from 1.45pm and the cruise begins at 2.15pm. Tickets are £10 each payable in advance in the usual ways as detailed above.

There is a fully licensed bar, light refreshments, teas, coffees, ice creams and gifts available aboard the barge. Prior to or after the cruise – your choice – Ducks Ditty Bar (canal-side bar and beer garden) or the Cottage Tea Room nearby should also be open for refreshments (cost of refreshments not included in the ticket price).

There is a pay and display car park adjacent to The Wharf.

Please advise Barbara or Peter Johnson on barbj@talktalk.net or peteraj@talktalk.net or telephone them on 01297 599086 by 1st June if you wish to join us for this new venture.

Diary dates:

August (date to be confirmed) Visit to Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth for evening performance

Tuesday, 3rd September Free Cream Tea at King’s Garden Centre, SIDMOUTH (please note) – 2.30pm

Thursday, 3rd October Pub lunch at the White Horse Inn, Woodbury Salterton – 12.30pm

Tuesday, 12th November Free Coffee Morning at Bickleigh Mill – 10.30am

Thursday, 5th December Christmas Lunch at the Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth – 1pm

Thursday, 13th March 2025 50th Annual General Meeting at the Swan’s Nest, Exminster – 11am for coffee, 11.30am for AGM

Full details of all the above events, and booking forms where required, will be available in subsequent Newsletters.

Barbara & Peter Johnson
barbj@talktalk.net
peteraj@talktalk.net
01297 599086

Welcome

Here is your first Newsletter of the year and a warm welcome to you all. I hope it finds you fit and well, and “raring to go” to join us at the events of 2024.

This year we are again preparing a full programme of events to include 4 lunches (including the AGM in March), 2 free coffee mornings, 2 free cream teas, a theatre outing and a visit to the Grand Union canal at Tiverton during the year. The last item is currently in abeyance as it is shut for the winter!

We have our AGM on Tuesday, 12th March at The Swan’s Nest near Exminster, meeting from 11.00am for coffee with the business part from 11.30am. This is the same venue as last year with a carvery lunch. Full details provided later in this Newsletter.

As usual, the business part takes about half-an-hour and will be followed by our entertaining speaker, Rose Chanin. She comes well recommended, is highly amusing and worth listening to. Please come and join us from 11.00am. Lunch will be served from about 12.45pm onwards.

Booking details for the AGM are attached to this Newsletter with the menu options and reply slips.

Before that we have our first free coffee morning of the year at The White Horse (usual venue on the Sidmouth road, near Aylesbeare) on Wednesday, 14th February followed by a free cream tea on Wednesday, 17th April at The Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham (near Tiverton) and a May (Spring time) lunch.

Dates and venues and other future events will be announced at the AGM and in our Spring Newsletter.

With my other hat on, I can confirm that our finances remain in good health and we have already submitted our annual grant claim to HO which should see us maintain our lunch subsidies at 50% or better, with coffee mornings and cream teas free to members. As an example, the AGM subsidy to members is likely to be around 60%. A good incentive to be there! The annual accounts will be available as usual at the AGM.

Finally, please do visit our website for latest news and a write up of the Christmas lunch where we had 74 booked in to the Victoria Hotel at Sidmouth. By the way as an additional plea (I say it each year), if there are any keen photographers out there; do take pics at our events and send them to Les Rendell (lesrendell41@gmail.com) for inclusion on the website.

Although it seems a little late, I wish you all a very happy, safe and healthy new year and look forward to seeing you at one or more of our events in 2024.

Garry Adams, Chairman and Treasurer

-o0o-

Secretary’s Notes

A somewhat belated Happy New Year to you all and here we are already into the second month of 2024!

Garry, our Chairman and Treasurer, has covered some of the events we are planning for this year and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible when you come along to one or more of them.

Do please let me know if you change your address or any details. With postage costs being high we are always keen to add email addresses too, so that we can reduce costs.

We have received some requests and two interesting offers (see later in this Newsletter) via our website www.exeterspreadeagles.org to share with you. The first is a call to those of you who enjoying singing. The Shaldon Singers are presenting a ‘Come & Sing Workshop’ of Verdi Requiem on Saturday, 27th April from 9.30am to 5.00pm. If any of you are interested please have a look at the website www.shaldonsingers.co.uk and contact them.

The second request is from Don Semmons who wrote an interesting article in the winter edition of Connections magazine (page 15). He is a volunteer for a charitable organisation called AbilityNet who offer free technical advice to support older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK. Please have a look at this article and do not hesitate to contact him for further information or help.

The third request is homes are needed for the lovely painted Eagle models that Mick Mabbutt has made from copying them from an original sculpture. Perhaps one could sit in a corner in your garden? He will be bringing them to the AGM for you to look at.

Now spring is coming and it is wonderful to see the signs of new growth in the gardens. Enjoy the longer days, take care and keep warm and cosy.

Best wishes.

Barbara Johnson, Secretary

-o0o-

Wellbeing

Spring will soon be Sprung!

Having just ‘entertained’ our Oz family over a very busy few weeks here, and in temperatures of minus 3 when we visited Disneyland Paris in January, the brighter warmer days, blessed with the array of spring flowers cannot come soon enough!

Thinking of change, I will again be looking for additional support to our Wellbeing Team at the upcoming AGM. I shall be only too pleased to outline the role and it will be up to you to decide whether or not you will also want to join as a full Committee member as well.

I regret that I will not be at the next social function in February, but do hope to see as many of you as possible at the Swan’s Nest for our annual get together.

Ray Cavill, Wellbeing Co-ordinator

-o0o-

Annual General Meeting

The Club’s Annual General Meeting takes place on Tuesday, 12th March 2024 at 11.30am at The Swan’s Nest, Exminster EX6 8DZ. There is plenty of parking available in the car park situated in the grounds. If you would like to come but need a lift, please contact one of our Wellbeing Officers who will do their best to find a lift for you.

We are assured of a warm welcome. We do hope that you will join us for the short, but nevertheless important, meeting to be followed by a presentation by Rose Chanin, as mentioned by Garry in his opening remarks. Lunch will follow at 12.45pm.

From Exeter/Countess Wear direction, take the Dawlish road (A379) at the roundabout. Continue along this road to another roundabout and turn left. The Swan’s Nest is signposted at this roundabout. From the Dawlish/Teignmouth direction, turn right at the roundabout at Exminster.

Access will be available for (free) coffee/tea and biscuits from 11.00am and we would ask that you are in your seats prior to the start of the meeting at 11.30am so that there is no distraction whilst we remember those who are no longer with us.

We have saved some costs by not including the Agenda with this Newsletter, planning to distribute on the day, but if any would wish for a copy prior to this, in print or electronically, we shall be happy to oblige.

-o0o-

Functions

Free Coffee Morning – Wednesday, 14th February, 10.30am – White Horse Inn, Woodbury Salterton (A3052 Sidmouth road)

On this occasion it would be helpful if you would let Barbara or Peter Johnson (contact details below) know by 9th February, if you intend to stay on for lunch (at your own cost) after the coffee morning. No requirement to decide on what to eat: It’s just helpful for the staff to know how many to expect. Many thanks.

AGM Luncheon – Tuesday, 12th March, 12.45pm

The Annual General Meeting and Presentation will be followed by lunch at the cost of £12.00, being subsidised from Club funds.

On this occasion we have opted for a Carvery meal with a choice of four meats OR vegetarian alternatives. This means that members will need to collect their food from the Carvery counter. Staff will be on hand to carry plates to your tables if required. We will not be serving wine, etc at the table this year so any drinks you wish to have, please purchase at the bar.

Please complete and return the booking form (click here) with your food choices and payment.

Whilst it would be appreciated if everyone would join us for the short AGM, should you be able to come along for the lunch only, then please do complete and return the booking form with your payment.

Please collect upon arrival your booking form showing your food choice and place on your chosen table before the AGM. On this occasion it is likely that, because of space restrictions, we will need to occupy our dining places for the whole of the day’s proceedings.

-o0o-

Diary dates:

Full details of both events in Spring Newsletter following the AGM.

Thursday, 5th December Christmas Lunch at Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth

Full details in Autumn Newsletter

Barbara & Peter Johnson
barbj@talktalk.net
peteraj@talktalk.net
01297 599086

-o0o-

And finally…..

Two Great Offers for Club Members!

Hair Perms for free:

The Meraki Salon & Spa, 75 Queen Street, Exeter is looking for 3 clients to have their hair permed for free by apprentices (under supervision) for their hairdressing qualification. If you are interested please ring Jack at the salon on 01392 343102 for details.

Exclusive Discount on Wendy Wu Tours:

This reputable holiday company is offering our Club members a discount if they book a holiday with them. Please contact Keith Norman (Specialist Sales) on 07983 474493 or their main number 0808 2581 714 for more details.