Archive - past blg news letters
Some of our old newsletters, minus "what's coming soon" & the pictures.
beverley leisure group newsletter - may 2012
Dear Member
Welcome to May’s edition of your newsletter. I’ll start off by thanking all those that attended the recent Annual General Meeting. It was fantastic and encouraging seeing such a good turnout despite the Hall not looking it’s best with the ongoing work. For those that couldn’t make it the Group continues to thrive with membership up on most events including Tai Chi, Short Mat Bowling, Line Dancing and Trips. Turnover was up some 30% leading to a profit for the year of approximately £500.
As you are all aware we aim to cover our operating costs and profits are not the driver, therefore prices for attendances at our events and activities remain fixed for 2012 at £2 for members and £3 for non-members. Membership fees are reduced to £4 for the remainder of the year to take account of the unavailability of the Hall over the past few months. Committee Members are now accepting renewals so feel free to seek them out at your convenience before they come a hunting.
The refurbishment of the Hall is not quite finished but we’re nearly there. The majority of the work will be completed by the time you get this newsletter with the main hall having a new heating system, new lighting, new roof and decorating nearly completion. The Gents WC has been refurbished with the Ladies WC on the first floor due to be completed soon. The new kitchen is being installed at the beginning of June so for those tea guzzlers amongst us, bear with us, and Rosemary and June will be catering for all your needs and normal service will soon be resumed.
Trips Report
Now Marion does a wonderful job of arranging the trips, whether it is to the Theatre, a Stately Home or as of late to Whitby and the North York Moors Railway.
However, these trips can only be successful if they are financially viable and for that we need the support of you our members. Regrettably we have had to cancel one or two because of a lack of take up. It’s for that reason we’re asking for your help. Where would you like us to arrange a trip. We will be canvassing your opinions over the coming weeks and perhaps asking you to fill in a short questionnaire of trip suggestions and ask which ones you favour in order to gauge interest.
If you wish to discuss this further please contact Marion on Tel No. 860219 or any of the committee who will be happy to put your suggestions forward.
beverley leisure group newsletter - march 2012
Dear Member,
Well it’s been a few months since our “Christmas Do” and the subsequent closing of the Hall for its long awaited refurbishment. I am pleased to say that at the time of writing it is planned for the Hall to re-open in mid April. There will be some minor tasks still to be completed, such as the installation of the new kitchen and some electrical work, and it is for that reason your Committee has taken the decision to wait those extra few weeks before resuming to ensure everything is just right and we have no further disruptions.
I’m happy to report that the costs of the initial refurbishment was significantly less than was originally planned and as a result that not only will the Hall have a new roof, new boilers and heating, new and improved lighting to main hall, complete kitchen replacement, there will also be a refurbishment of toilet facilities, new front doors, installation of a hearing loop, replacement of stage and hall curtains, improvements to disabled access and replacement double glazing to some windows. I think I’ve just about covered it all. The facilities on offer to not only Beverley Leisure Group but to the people of Beverley and surrounding areas will be first class and certainly an improvement on what was had before.
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Some of our events have continued whilst the Hall has been closed and these include, Tai Chi, Line Dancing and some Trips and Outings. May I take this opportunity to thank the organisers of these events and welcome you back to the Hall.
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We would normally have Beverley Leisure Groups Annual General Meeting in January, however it has been impossible to do so from the Hall this year. It has therefore been rearranged to take place shortly after the Hall reopens on 27th April 2012 and all members are encouraged to attend. It’s your chance to have your say and to ask your Committee any questions you may have about the running of the Group. The last two years Statement of Accounts will also be available and be explained at the meeting.
Membership Fees
There are two elements to the income raised by the Group in order to carry out our events and include the annual membership fee and the cost per event attended. These fees have remained unchanged since the Group was set up several years ago and I have pleasure in confirming there are no plans to increase the costs to members at this time. Beverley Leisure Groups finances are in a healthy state at the moment and it is recognised that the Group is not one set up to make a profit. As long as we have the memberships support for the events and we cover running costs such as hire of the Hall, Instructors etc then fees can remain at current levels.
Annual Membership fees for 2012 are to be fixed at £4 and not £5 as last year, to reflect the time the Hall has been closed.
So Ladies and Gentlemen get your purses and wallets out and renew your membership by contacting a committee member. In fact tell your friends; we’ll have their money too. Remember events for none members are £1 more so join and save!
Lottery Grant
I am pleased to announce that a successful application was made to the National Lotteries “Sport for All” and under their small grants scheme we were successful in our bid for £1,585 for additional indoor bowling equipment. This equipment will be ordered shortly.
Trips Report
Marion arranged successful trips to the ballet in February to see Swan Lake at the New Theatre in Hull and more recently “Broadway meets the West End or West End meets Broadway” (can’t remember which) at the Spa Theatre in Bridlington and was enjoyed by everyone. I think the highlight of the Bridlington trip for many was the exceptional 3-course meal in the dining room. The staff at the Spa certainly do us proud and really look after us as a group.
Many of our indoor short mat bowlers enjoyed a couple of Sundays out at Hornsea Indoor Bowling Centre arranged by June. A bit different to what many were used to but feedback was positive and we await more such visits especially with the Sunday lunch that follows.
What is it about you lot and lunches!
Next and back by popular demand is a trip to the Harrogate Flower Show on 26th April 2012 at a cost of £26 each which includes coach and entrance fee. Last year a full coach of 52 members enjoyed this day out where you could browse the latest developments in garden plants and equipment and pick up some good bargains along the way.
beverley leisure group - newsletter november 2011
Dear Member
Well it seems we’re back with a bang. It’s great to see so many new faces at our events, especially at the Tai Chi, Line Dancing and Indoor Bowling. The Group was initially set up to ensure there was a need for the Hall, for the people of Beverley and surrounding areas. I think we’ve established that, and therefore I would like to thank everyone for their continued support whether you’re a member who attends our events or not. Yes, believe it or not there are a few who are willing to pay their membership fees annually even though they do not attend events, because like us they feel the Hall is an asset that shouldn’t be lost to Beverley.
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A Bit of a Do
We’ve fixed the date for our Christmas jolly for Friday the 9th December, so if you wish to attend please inform a member of the committee so that we know how many we are catering for. There will be a restriction on numbers, so it will be members only at this event, but we hope to be able to cater for all those wanting to attend. It’s our way of saying a big thank you for your support throughout the year. As usual the afternoon will be a mixed bag of Sequence, Ballroom and Line Dancing, with spot prizes, tombola and the like. Oh, and any unwanted gifts/donations that we can use for the tombola will be greatly appreciated.
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Short Mat Bowling
Unfortunately for Beverley Leisure Group, the Hall has taken a long term booking for Sunday afternoons, which has resulted in the winter Sunday bowling being curtailed. We have therefore arranged for an extra session on Friday afternoons when there isn’t a tea dance and hope this will go some way to satisfying the need during the winter months for this popular activity.
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Refurbishment Works to the Hall
Works to replace the roof, electrics and heating system is likely to commence very early in the New Year and will result unfortunately in the Hall being closed for approximately 6 weeks. As soon as we are able to we will give you more details. It is intended to continue with the newsletter during this period so we can keep you informed and we’ll get it out to members either delivered by hand, by post or email.
beverley leisure group - newsletter August 2011
Dear Member
As you can see from the “Diary of Events” we’re just about back to our full programme after most have taken their holidays. It’s always regrettable to reduce the activities of the Beverley Leisure Group but unfortunately we have learned that historically attendance drops off during August each year and as such we have a job making events pay their way.
An addition to the regular events is the return on Sunday afternoons during October of Short Mat Bowling. A few years ago following a successful grant bid to the Sports Council we purchased 3 mats with all the necessary equipment including spare bowls. So if you want to give it a try, come along, you don’t have to bring anything but yourselves and everyone has a really good time. The bowling takes part in a friendly atmosphere and no one takes it seriously. As many bowls end up off the mat as on. Don’t they Sue!
A few of your Committee attended the AGM of the Trustees of the Memorial Hall so we could ascertain the latest news on the future refurbishment. I can confirm the available money has been released and work can now go ahead. However this has to be planned, with up to date competitive tenders being sought and work programmed in. The main areas of work include a new roof and electrical rewiring and upgrades to toilet facilities. It is expected this work will commence in the spring of next year and it does seem to be dragging on a bit but I can assure you that behind the scenes work is progressing. We raised on the members behalf the problems of day time parking and were promised that this will be looked at with the Trustees making representations to the East Riding Of Yorkshire Council to see if the garden to the right of the Hall can be converted to a car park.
Over the last few weeks many more of you of you have taken up the option to have your Newsletter delivered electronically which is great.
Let me know if this is for you at beverleyleisuregroup@inglefields.karoo.co.uk
Beverley Leisure Group was initially set up to ensure the maximum use was being made of the Memorial Hall. I think we’ve helped to achieved that and established the need for such a venue for the benefit of the people of Beverley and surrounding areas, and I wish to thank everyone for their fantastic support.
In early September we intend to take out a quarter page advertisement in the Beverley Advertiser to promote the Groups activities and hopefully attract some new members. It’s always healthy to have new blood into the membership and a few more attendees at some of our events will help the group thrive and grow.
Beverley Leisure Group - Newsletter June 2011
Dear Member
Welcome to June's edition of your newsletter. Unfortunately as you can see from the Diary of Events we have had to curtail our activities over the next few months and this is for a variety of reasons, which is worthy of explanation.
Traditionally over these months attendance at events have dropped off to such extent that the Group cannot sustain the financial loss when the hire of the Memorial Hall costs more than the income generated by events. Holiday arrangements of instructors and committee member's also has an impact which results in an unacceptable level of work hosting the events for those volunteers still available and lastly, sometimes the Memorial Hall is booked by other organisations. So reluctantly we have had to cut down a bit. However we'll be back to our usual happy routine in September.
On a positive note, work on the refurbishment of the Memorial Hall is due to start over the coming weeks which we are informed should not impact on our events too much. A new roof, rewiring of the electrics and redecorating should ensure the future of the Hall for many years to come and offer Beverley Leisure Group an improved venue for its activities.
The Bridge Group who meets on a Friday morning is appealing for new members. Perhaps you've not played for a while, well you're still very welcome to join this friendly bunch for a game which is played in a light hearted and not too serious an atmosphere. Something I might give a go myself!
A few of you have taken up the option to have your Newsletter delivered electronically which is great, but oops, I missed part of the email address off the last edition. To confirm, it's beverleyleisuregroup@inglefields.karoo.co.uk
Let me know if this is for you.
Marion does a wonderful job on behalf of the Group organising the trips and outings. However we would appreciate some feedback and ideas on where you, the members, would prefer to go and if there is enough interest we'll see what we can do.
Trips Report
Harrogate Flower Show was well attended and a great success on a nice sunny day. A prize-winning display from the show is the subject of our front cover. Many of us came back laden with plants and flowers and the latest garden gadgets. Better luck next time Tracey, perhaps you'll get that ice cream after all.
The Humber Bridge Walk in May was certainly a mixed bag with the hardy few crossing the bridge, others venturing along the foreshore and some just happy to have a coffee in the nearby Café. Unfortunately the weather wasn't ideal with some heavy showers, however it didn't appear to dampen anyone spirits. They're a tough lot these walkers.
Other trips being looked at to gauge interest are, Chatsworth House, Brigg Garden Centre, Monks Cross, York for shopping and I'll make a suggestion of Eden Camp which may be of interest to those old warriors and fly by nights Jock and Les. Let us know what you think.
LFA Tai Chi
A new beginners class of this popular form of gentle exercise and relaxation is due to commence in September. If you're interested in this activity held on Monday mornings please contact Jeanette on 888006.
beverley leisure group - newsletter april 2011
Dear Member
Welcome to spring and your favourite read that tries to let you know about what's happening and going on with the Beverley Leisure Group. To keep you informed, representatives of the Committee were asked to attend a meeting between the Hall Trustees, Hall Manager and Beverley Councillors to discuss the proposed funding and improvements to the Hall. We reminded those present of why the Group was set up, what we do, the negative effect on membership numbers with our temporary move to St Nicholas's last year and how much an asset the Hall is to the people of Beverley. Being back at the Hall has resulted in membership recovering and we obviously want that to continue. There is funding set aside for the Hall improvements and the work costed and all that remains is for the Council to release that promised money. At the end of the meeting it was felt that the Trustees had the support of the Councillors who would approach the necessary committee to get the funds released so work can begin. We'll just have to wait and see, but we are assured that once the work commences the Hall itself will be closed for a relatively short time and disruption to our events should only be for a matter of several weeks. We'll keep you informed.
As more and more of us are becoming computer literate those silver surfers amongst you who would prefer to receive your newsletter electronically we have now set up our own email account.
To request a copy please email: beverleyleisuregroup@inglefields.co.uk
Using this method of communication saves the Group time, effort and monies in print and postage, however it's not for everyone, just an option for those who want to use it.
In fact if you have any queries, suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us either through the email address or in person at any event.
Trips Report
The trip to Harrogate Flower Show has still to take place, however, with 38 members booked to go on the 14th April it's sure to be a success. Here's hoping the weather holds.
Sixteen of our bowling fraternity had a good day out at the Hornsea Indoor Bowling Centre. It's different from Short Mat as some of our newer members soon found out! Sunday Lunch to follow, what more could we ask for. Well Marion and Les would have liked more than one roast potato but that's life when you're at the back of the queue.
There's a stroll booked for the Humber Bridge area on the 26th May for those with surplus energy to burn. This is becoming an annual event, as it's so popular. Work up an appetite before lunch at the Toby Inn at Willerby. Some will be coming just for Lunch, won't they Anne? There is no pressure to keep up on this one, take your time; it's a stroll to be taken at your own pace. For coach and pick up details contact Marion on Tel: 860219
Remember instead of counting your days, make your days count.
beverley leisure group - february 2011 newsletter
Dear Member
Since the last newsletter Christmas has been and gone and we're well into the new year, and what a start it's been. Now we're back at the Memorial Hall it's marvellous to see so many members renew their membership and the increased numbers attending the events so far certainly gives those on the committee a boost to see such support.
The AGM in January again was well supported and a new chairman duly elected. I do get roped into things! Steve Scrivener is my name and I will endeavour to serve the members of Beverley Leisure Group to the best of my ability. I hope to circulate and meet as many of you as possible in the near future and I can be contacted on tel 888006 if any members have any issues about the Group they wish to discuss.
Well, spring is nearly here and the flowers will soon be blooming. Marion has certainly got into the spirit of things and arranged a few outings that I'm sure will be as popular as ever. The first is a trip to Burton Agnes Hall to enjoy the Snowdrop Walk on 1st March and will cost around £10 per person.
The second is to the Harrogate Spring Flower Show on 14th April. This event proved very popular last year and so we've hired a large coach this time too. After the Committee mentioned this trip at some of our events it is already half booked. Now this is a really, really good day out so if you are interested please contact Jeanette in the first instance on 888006 and reserve your place whilst you still can. I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. Cost of £25 per head includes coach travel and entrance fees. Even I may go to this one.
Unfortunately Marion, who always does a sterling job arranging these trips is out of action for a few weeks following hospital surgery but will hopefully be back leading us on the coach to Harrogate. Get well soon kid.
A suggestion put forward by a member is for the formation of a Craft Group. The idea is to get like minded people together, to do such things as quilting, knitting or in fact anything crafty. We need to gauge interest and ask if this is for you then come to the Friday coffee morning on 18th February and we can discuss dates and times to best suit.
Trips Report
Some of you lucky people had a grand day out at the New Theatre on 3rd February to see the Sound of Music, starring Jason Donavon. Despite the big name star, evidently the Mother Superior stole the show. See what you miss if you don't take advantage of your membership. A day out with singing nuns!
More days out planned soon so watch this space and get your names down for the Harrogate Spring Flower Show and the Snowdrop Walk at Burton Agnes Hall.
Membership Subscriptions
Gentle reminder folks, the renewal of Membership Fees for 2011 are now due.
beverley leisure group - newsletter december 2010
Dear Member
Well, it's the season to be jolly and we've certainly something to be jolly about. Wait for it.. Yes we're going back to the Memorial Hall from January 2011, Hurrah. As you all know we tried to plan in advance and moved to St Nicholas Community Hall in anticipation of the modernisation of the Hall taking place in early 2010. You also know that didn't happen so we've arranged to go back in January until such time as the refurbishment takes place. These works are on a smaller scale than the modernisation plans, and at this time the committee doesn't know when these will actually take place but will probably be in late spring, early summer. We intend to play it by ear and probably suspend the activities of the Group for a few weeks/months while the work goes ahead. We'll lry to keep everyone informed through this newsletter.
We must take this opportunity though to say a big thank you to Terry, the manager of the Community Centre at St Nicholas for his help and assistance over the past twelve months. Without the facilities offered at St Nicholas we would have been homeless and would have had extreme difficulty in continuing as a group. So thanks Terry.
Secondly, we would like to thank all the members who supported us whilst we have been away from the Memorial Hall. Again without that support we could not have continued.
We appreciate that for some, the Community Hall at St Nicholas's was not an ideal venue, in that it was away from the town centre and not as easy to get to by bus and too far to walk for others. Nevertheless we hope to welcome everyone back to the Memorial Hall in the New Year.
It's the Annual General Meeting of the Group at 10 o'clock on the 21st January 2011 at the Memorial Hall and all members are encouraged to attend as it's your chance to put questions and suggestions to the Committee. The Committee is there to serve the members, and we are appealing for volunteers to serve on that Committee. We welcome new ideas from people willing to get involved. Interested and want to learn more? Any of the present Committee will be happy to discuss.
An agenda for the meeting will be drawn up shortly and is available on the day. The Treasurer will also be giving a report on the Groups finances for the year.
Trips Report
A visit to Harewood House in October for 16 members was reported to be extremely enjoyable despite the showery weather which evidently did not dampen the group's spirits. The house itself was fascinating with a wealth of things to see, as was the gardens with the trees displayed in all their autumn glory. Another trip may be arranged in the spring or summer, so that providing the weather is better we can include a stroll and perhaps a picnic near the lake.
November saw the ever popular trip to McArthur Glen Designer Shopping Centre, near York. Despite the terrible weather with snow and the bus going to the wrong shopping centre, the 17 members on the trip all still managed to grab a bargain or two.
beverley leisure group - newsletter october 2010
Dear Member
Well it appears work still has not started on the refurbishment of the Memorial Hall and we understand it will be some time before it actually does. This has proved extremely frustrating for the committee who have worked extremely hard in ensuring we could continue as a Group during the proposed closure. After all it's why we moved temporarily to St. Nicks in the first place. The committee are now reviewing the options available, which includes returning to the Memorial Hall early in the New Year and just see how it goes. We welcome your views, so let us know what you think.
A round up of what's going on around our activities includes:
Tai Chi The new beginners class has commenced and attracted a few new starters. Its' not too late if you want to give it a try. Ring Jeanette on 01482 888006
Line Dancing Again, some welcome new members to join our regular dancers.
Contact is Anne on 01482 679505
Short mat indoor bowling on Sunday and Monday afternoon has a regular loyal following with new members recently joining. Contact Jeanette on 01482 888006
At a loose end then come and meet our "Jack"
Tea Dances Now summer's at an end it's time to trip the light fantastic, glide across the floor, like Fred and Ginger, or Brian and Maureen as friends call them.
Coffee Mornings, Art and Bridge Group A band of people who enjoy a good old natter over a hot drink. It's good to talk! Just ask Jock and Les. You can even have tea instead of a coffee. Now how's that for variety and excitement. June makes a really mean brew, and I really mean, but Rosemary keeps her under control!