The Autumn Break October 2016

A few in number (8 only) this year but nevertheless an enjoyable break at the HYDRO  @ Bowness-on-Windermere.
 A few pictures below from Peter of a trip on the Lake and a train trip  ... which some had done before.

 Plenty of smiles !

 

 The destination below and still smiling.

Peter doesn't appear he's behind  the lens!!!!

2015/6 Programme

 

17 November 2015 Tuesday.  Lunch at the Nelson Pub, Grove Road, Wallasey at 1200 hrs (From Wallasey Grove Rd Station go up to cross the main road and carry on straight up and the pub is on the right.)

27 November 2015 Friday. Christmas Lunch at The Birches Restaurant, Wirral Metropolitan College, Europa Boulevard, Birkenhead. (Fully booked)

 13 January 2016 Wednesday.  Peter Brindley will lead a walk from Seacombe Ferry to New Brighton.  Meet at the kiosk at the entrance to Seacombe Ferry at 11.30 hrs and lunch will be at The Sea Horse Pub, New Brighton at around 1300hrs.  Please ring Peter on 0151 520 0154 if you will be coming on the walk or meeting for lunch.
26 January 2016 Tuesday. Pensioner’s three course buffet lunch at Jenny’s Restaurant,The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool at 12 noon.  The meal currently costs around £6.50 per person with tea or coffee at extra charge and you pay on the day on entering the Restaurant.  Please ring Eunice on 0151 608 5737 by 14 January so that she can advise the Adelphi of the number of seats required.
10 February 2016 Wednesday.  Reg Armstrong will lead a circular walk from the Childwall Abbey Pub, Childwall Abbey Road, Liverpool L16 5EY at 11.00 hrs returning for lunch at approx 1330-1400 hrs.  Please ring Reg on 0151 722 3731 if you will be coming on the walk or meeting for lunch.
23 February 2016 Tuesday.  Lunch at the Capitol Chinese Restaurant, Argyle Street, Birkenhead at 12.00 hrs.  Please send payment of £12.00 per person to Eunice Powell by 10 February (see payment slip at the end of the newsletter).  This includes the cost of the meal plus tip.  Any coffee or teas will have to be paid for separately.  Contact Eunice on 0151 608 5737.

 

FOCERRSA Reunion April 2016    

 

 

 

 

 

December News letter.

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

 I cannot believe that it is nearly Christmas already.  Hopefully you have all had a good year and are looking forward to spending time with family and friends over the holiday.
We are starting our celebrations tomorrow with lunch at the catering college in Birkenhead.  It should be a good do and we are looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Annual subscriptions will be due shortly and I attach the subscription form for completion at the end of the Newsletter. 
Past Events
9 October 2013 Wednesday.  Rob Powell led 3 walkers on a circular walk from Royden
Park, along the side of Arrowe Park via Limbo Lane and Harrock Wood to Irby returning over Thurstaston Hill along the escarpment and through Royden woods. The weather was mixed with bright spells, grey clouds and windy gusts and we made it back to The Cottage Loaf just before the deluge. Six more members joined us for a tasty lunch and lively conversation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 October 2013 Wednesday.  Peter Brindley organised a tour of the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum and nine members met for morning coffee at 11.30 hrs in the Cafe.  A volunteer took us to the Island Warehouse building where he gave us a potted history of the canal system and showed us several types of narrow boats and barges which were on display under cover in this massive historic listed building.  The driving rain and blustery showers limited our tour of the upper and lower dock basins and surrounding locks but our guide showed us several partly submerged hulks in a covered basin which were being restored.  We moved on to a small building across the lock which housed The Story of Ellesmere Port with lots of historical photographs. Then we made a dash back through the rain via The Stables to the cafe for lunch prior to a short narrow-boat trip along the canal.  There is so much industrial history to see that another visit will be necessary when the sun is shining in order to explore the quayside and many other buildings.  Thanks Peter for an interesting tour.

22 October 2013 Tuesday.  Nine members met at The Great Mogul Pub by Maghull Station for lunch and a good natter.

27 October 2013 Sunday.  Eleven Members arrived at The Windermere Hydro, Bowness for the Autumn Break and four more arrived on Monday.  It was lovely to meet up with friends from Liverpool, Derby, Nottingham, Heathrow and Norfolk.  We enjoyed some sunny spells and clear views of the mountains on our walks.
On Monday we walked from the Hydro, crossed on the ferry, then along the shore of Lake Windermere and up through the woods to Far–Sawry.  We stopped at The Cuckoo Brow Inn for lunch and enjoyed superb home-made food.  We returned via the village, through fields and lanes to the ferry, and back to the Hydro just as the rains came. 

Tuesday.  We went to Ambleside by car in torrential rain and set off from Rothay Park to walk around the lower paths of Loughrigg Fell past Loughrigg Tarn and through Deer Bolts Wood to reach Loughrigg Terrace high above Grasmere Lake.  A few minutes after starting in the rain the sun came out and we enjoyed some spectacular views and a vast array of autumn colours. We descended the path around Rydal Water to reach the Badger Pub at the far end of the lake.   Home-made soup and fresh bread was spot on!  A mile walk along a flat lane took us back to Ambleside just as the heavy rain started.  The non walkers visited Ambleside and took a trip on the steamer and enjoyed the shopping.   After dinner there was a quiz set by Eunice which brought out the competitive spirit from the three teams. 

Wednesday. We walked from The Hydro over Biskey Howe and up the lane past Helm Farm passing some beautiful houses and magnificent scenery.  We linked up to a cart track on the Dales Way which took us out to the Kendal/Bowness road and we returned along the Dales Way through woodland, fields and lanes. The non walkers visited Sizergh Castle and some local cultural exhibitions.  After dinner we had two games of Pictionary in the same teams as on Tuesday and it was hilarious.  Some members of the Rotary Club dinner looked in hoping to join in the fun!  The atmosphere was very happy and a fitting way to end another great break at Windermere. 

13 November 2013 Wednesday.  Reg Griffiths led five members on a circular walk from St Michaels Station via the Festival Garden and along the riverside promenade to the Otterspool Pub for lunch where he was joined by another five members.  The sun shone for most of the walk and there was lots to talk about over lunch.  Thanks Reg for another good day out.

Eunice Powell

Some of the chaps on the Wednesday Walk!!!!!

A good morning out with Liverpool/Norwich/Nottingham /Derby represented!!

August News Letter

                                                   

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

 It is hard to believe that the weather has been so kind to us after such a late start to the summer.  I hope that you have been able to make the most of it and stocked up on the vitamin D that comes free in the sunshine. 

We had a lovely day out in New Brighton last week.  It really has improved out of all recognition.  Since all the changes have been made it has become really popular, there’s a pleasant walk along the promenade, crazy golf, shops, a cinema, ice cream, cafes.  There is a really good atmosphere there and it’s like an old-fashioned family resort.  I can remember going on Sunday school trips to New Brighton many years ago and it is as crowded now as it was then.

At the last committee meeting Gordon Evans was formally elected and graciously accepted the post of Treasurer. 

At the meeting we also discussed various options and venues for our Christmas meal.  We are hoping to book a lunch at The Birches in Birkenhead and have made provisional enquiries but the restaurant staff cannot accept bookings until the new term starts in September.  We will let you know the date and confirm the venue in the next newsletter.

Sue Munro has a recommendation for a winter outing that doesn’t need to be booked.  The Plaza cinema in Waterloo has special film showings at 1pm on Thursday afternoons for seniors, starting again in September, which include bingo, tea or coffee, and viewings of the latest films.  Last season the price was £4.50.  The Plaza is near to the railway station.

.Past Events

1 -4^th June 2013 Spring Break at The Mount Stewart Hotel, Rhos- on –Sea.  Three members enjoyed superb weather and managed to cram in a walk up the Great Orme,  a trip on the Mountain Railway and a visit to Conway Castle.  They joined us on Tuesday 4^th for a trip on the Llangollen Railway organised by Dave Shilliam.

4 June 2013 Tuesday. 12 Members gathered at Llangollen on a bright sunny morning and after a short walk along the river we boarded the train for a picturesque journey up the valley to Carrog. The carriage was full of chatter and laughter befitting a day out with CERSA. A tasty lunch was served at the Bridge End Hotel and enjoyed by everyone. Thanks to Dave Shilliam for another great day out on the railway.

 

25 June 2013 Tuesday.  12 members met at The Harvester Pub, Otterspool for lunch and a chat.  The weather was glorious and we all sat outside for coffee. Rob had to improvise by using a nail from his car boot odd-bit-box to support the parasol over the outside table as the pin was missing. 

3 July 2013 Wednesday.  Ken Potter led 3 walkers from Dee Lane, West Kirby to Hilbre Island.  Lunch was at The Railway Hotel, Meols where they were joined by another 2 members.
22 July 2013 Monday   Sue Munro organised a private guided tour of St Georges Hall for 28 CSPA members followed by lunch at The Crown, Lime Street, Liverpool.  3 CERSA members joined the group which went behind the scenes to places not normally open to the Public.  All agreed that it was an interesting tour and the food and service at the Crown was very good.  Thanks Sue.

30 July 2013 Tuesday.    13 members met at The Master Mariners  (Wetherspoons ) Pub in New Brighton and enjoyed a good lunch and a good natter.

 Future Events

 14 August 2013 Wednesday.  Reg Griffiths will lead a walk from Clark Gardens, Meet at The Pub in the Park car park at 10.30 and lunch will be at the Pub in the Park at around 13.30.  Please ring Reg on 0151 427 6198 to let him know you will be coming.

27 August 2013 Tuesday. Lunch atThe Hooton Hotel at 12 noon. (come out of Hooton station and turn left to the main road and the hotel is a few yards on the left).

11 September 2013 Wednesday.  Reg Armstrong will lead a walk from the Black Bull Pub in Gatacre at 10.30 hrs arriving back at the pub for lunch at around 13.30hrs.  Public transport is by No 75 bus ( every 10 mins) from Liverpool 1 Bus Station to Gatacre Brow.  Please ring Reg on 0151 722 3731 to let him know you will be coming.  

24 September 2013 Tuesday.  Lunch at The Freshfield Hotel, Freshfield at 12.00hrs 

9 October 2013 Wednesday.  Rob Powell will lead a circular walk from Royden Park starting from the car park at 10.30hrs and lunch will be at The Cottage Loaf at approx. 1330hrs.  Please ring Rob on 0151 608 5737 to let him know that you will be coming.

16 October 2013. Wednesday  Peter Brindley has arranged a guided tour of the National Waterways  Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 4FW  starting with coffee on arrival at 11.30hrs (included in price)  and the tour starts at 12.00 hrs and includes a boat trip 14.00 to 14 30hrs.  The cost is £7.00 per person, pay on the day and he has provisionally booked 15 places. 

22 October 2013 Tuesday.  Lunch atThe Great Mogul Pub at Maghull next to Maghull railway station at 12.00 hrs. 

27 October 2013 Sunday. Autumn Break – The Hydro Hotel, Bowness.

Liverpool CERSA has arranged a four night or five night autumn break at The Windermere Hydro Hotel at Bowness on Windermere from Sunday 27 October or Monday 28 October to Thursday 31 October 2013 at £45.00 per person per night Dinner Bed and Breakfast for a Double or Twin room.  There are four single rooms available on a first come first served basis.  Further singles will be available at a supplement of £10.00 per night.  Please contact Tracey at The Windermere Hydro, quoting Liverpool CERSA.  A deposit of £25.00 per room will be required.  If you wish to stay for a shorter period please contact Tracey.  The address is Windermere Hydro Hotel, Helm Road, Bowness-on –Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3BA.  Telephone 015394 44455.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Committee Meeting will be held at 10.30am on 26 September 2013 at Imperial Court, Exchange Street East, Liverpool.  Please contact Peter Brindley on 0151 520 0154 if you are unable to attend as he has to provide a list of names to the Security Officer.

 Eunice Powell

June Newsletter

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

 

It’s lovely to see the trees in full leaf and the blossom at long last.  Winter seems to have lasted a long time this year, but at last Spring has arrived and all we can do is hope that the Summer will not let us down.

I must apologise for the delay in the issue of this Newsletter.  Rob and I were away in Ireland for 6 days last week and so didn’t get started on the Newsletter until we got back.  But we had a lovely time, the weather was better than back home and we had such a great welcome.  The Irish are so hospitable.  The “craic” was great.

Our loyal and caring friend and CERSA Treasurer Bryan Kayley passed away in Arrowe Park hospital on 29 April 2013.  

Bryan and his wife Norma joined our group when the Revenue and Customs merged and they made an invaluable contribution to the social activities.

He was a great organiser and loved planning holidays and short breaks, often presenting detailed suggestions for CERSA activities and breaks.  He always asked his friends how they were, despite having complex health problems himself, and he was determined to live each day to the full. Bryan loved his family very dearly and kept us up to date on their progress.  He was a lovely man and will be remembered by his many friends.

Past Events

10 April 2013 Wednesday.  Dave Shilliam led six walkers walk around Chester taking in the walls, canal, the racecourse and the park.  They were joined by two non walkers at The Kings Head for a well earned lunch. Thanks Dave for a very interesting tour of Chester and a tasty lunch stop. 

22-25 April 2013. FOCERSA Reunion at Ironbridge, Shropshire.

The Heathrow and West London CERSA organised the Reunion at the Best Western Valley Hotel, Ironbridge.  It was a lovely hotel set in large gardens on the banks of the River Severn.  The food was very good and the company very jolly and relaxed with everyone mixing well at meal times and on the walks and coach trip.  Paul Houghton led a Gorge walk on the level starting and finishing at the Tile Museum taking in The Tar Tunnel and the Coalport Bridge. 

The more energetic walked over The Wrekin, (407 metres) led by Peter Shea in blue in the centre of the picture. The weather was superb and the views glorious.  The FOCERSA AGM was held at The Valley Hotel on 23 April 2013 and the minutes are attached at the end of the Newsletter.  A more detailed account of the FOCERSA break can be seen in May edition of The Bond at (www.hm-waterguard.org.uk).

FOCERSA Reunion April 2014 to be hosted by London Cerrsa at the Le Strange Arms Hotel, Hunstanton, Norfolk.  See advert at the end of Newsletter. 

30 April 2013 Tuesday.  Reg Griffiths arranged a lunch at The Academy Restaurant in Liverpool and 15 members enjoyed a splendid meal and a good natter. It was good to see Arthur Rigby and we were sorry to hear that Noreen was in the Liverpool Women’s Hospital recovering from a fall.

8 May 2013 Wednesday.

On a bright and blustery morning Reg Armstrong led 5 walkers from Freshfield Station along Fishermans Walk and round the woodland circuit.  Leaving the shelter of the trees they were battered by what seemed like a hurricane force wind along the beach. 

After a monumental climb over the sand dunes they returned along Victoria Road past the squirrel reserve to the Freshfield Hotel for lunch where they were joined by a non walker. 
Thanks Reg for an interesting walk. 

16 May 2013 Thursday   Clouds Restaurant, Southport was cancelled due to Bryan Kayley’s Funeral which was very well attended by members and friends from far and near.

Future Events

12 June 2013  Wednesday   This walk was cancelled due to The Spring break at The Mount Stewart Hotel, Rhos-on-Sea, on 1st-4th June 2013 previously advertised in the Newsletter.

 25 June 2013 Tuesday.  Lunch at The Harvester Pub, Otterspool, Liverpool.  Meet at the pub at noon.

3 July 2013 Wednesday.  Hilbre Island walk to be led by Ken Potter. Meet at the slip way at Dee Road, West Kirby at 10.30 hrs.  Lunch will be at The Railway, Meols at 13.30.  Please ring Ken Potter on 0151 334 3802 to let him know you will be coming.

 22 July 2013 Monday.   St Georges Hall tour with members of the CPSA, meeting at 11.30 in the Foyer.  Charge will be £3.50 per person.  Please ring Sue Munro on 0151 920 5014 by 1 July 2013 at the latest.  Lunch will be at Dr Duncan’s Pub, St John’s Lane, Liverpool, after the tour. 

30 July 2013 Tuesday.  Lunch at the new Wetherspoons in New Brighton- (on the roundabout opposite to Morrisons).  Meet at Noon.

14 August 2013 Wednesday.  Reg Griffiths will lead a walk from Clark Gardens, Meet at The Pub in the Park car park at 10.30 and lunch will be at the Pub in the Park at around 13.00 to 13.30.  Please ring Reg on 0151 427 6198 to let him know you will be coming.

21 August 2013 Wednesday.  Liverpool Town Hall tour, led by Steve Binns.  Cost £3.00 per person.  Please contact Peter Brindley on 0151 520 0154 as soon as possible.  He has made an initial booking for ten places on a first come first served basis.

 27 August 2013 Tuesday.  Lunch at The Hooton Hotel (next to Hooton Station).  Meet at noon.

 11 September 2013 Wednesday.  Reg Armstrong will lead a walk from The Black Bull Pub, Gatacre, Liverpool.  Meet at 10.30 returning to the pub for lunch at 13.30.  Please ring Reg on 0151 722 3731 to let him know you will be coming.

27 October 2013 Sunday. Autumn Break – The Hydro Hotel, Bowness

Liverpool CERSA has arranged a four night or five night autumn break at The Windermere Hydro Hotel at Bowness on Windermere from Sunday 27 October or Monday 28 October to Thursday 31 October 2013 at £45.00 per person per night Dinner Bed and Breakfast for a Double or Twin room.  There are four single rooms available on a first come first served basis.  Further singles will be available at a supplement of £10.00 per night.  Please contact Tracey at The Windermere Hydro, quoting Liverpool CERSA.  A deposit of £25.00 per room will be required.  If you wish to stay for a shorter period please contact Tracey.  The address is Windermere Hydro Hotel, Helm Road, Bowness-on –Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3BA.  Telephone 015394 44455.

 Date of Next Meeting

The next Committee Meeting will be held at 10.30am on Thursday 1 August at Imperial Court, Exchange Street East, Liverpool.  Please contact Peter Brindley on 0151 520 0154 if you are unable to attend as he has to provide a list of names to the Security Officer.

Eunice Powell

The Autumn Break

Down to only 10 attending this year (3 couples and 4 singles) The Hydro Bowness provide once again splendid accommodation food and facilities. Although only 6 attended the visiting   “Magician” entertained us for an hour on Wednesday evening.

Rob Powell, as always,   led and organised  a series of splendid walks and also arranged for  the weather to smile on us. The swimming/jackussi/sauna Facilities  at the hotel were enjoyed by some after the walks, while others replaced lost juices in the local hostelries.

On one of the walks the walkers identified themselves passing through a "stile"!!!