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: