Stiperstones Weekend

Outline of programme

An exploration of the Stiperstones and locations which feature in a number of the Lone Pine books. We are first introduced to the Stiperstones in Seven White Gates when David and the twins set out from Witchend to meet Peter at the Devil's Chair. We will be seeking our own adventure and will follow the Lone Piners' 'route' from ''Barton Beach'' and walk up the track which emerges near the Chair.....

There is also a special Society event on the Sunday afternoon.

Friday 1st
Evening: meet up at the Three Tuns, Bishops Castle.

Saturday 2nd
During the day: An 8 mile walk from the Bog Centre to Stiperstones Village, up the track via Perkins Beach and a steep ascent to the ridge near the Chair, evoking scenes from Seven White Gates and The Neglected Mountain. A shorter walk should be available if preferred.

Evening: informal meal at the Three Tuns

Sunday 3rd
Morning: A walk from Clun along Offa's Dyke, where we will attempt to find ''Grey Walls'', returning to Clun. Again, a short alternative should be available.

Afternoon: Society event in Church Stretton, with talks, film show and a presentation on Malcolm Saville. This is being organised by Mike McGarry.

Annual Gathering - Rye 2011

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the publication of The Elusive Grasshopper and as voted for at the Society's 2010 AGM, we are returning to Rye for next year's Annual Gathering. This was the venue for the first Gathering in 1995 and it will be the fourth occasion it has been held in this ancient town.

It has not been possible to find a venue in Rye that is suitable for both our evening events and has sufficient accommodation for all, so 2011 will be a little different with activities in the beautiful George Hotel Ballroom, but attendees free to choose their own accommodation. However, we have made special arrangements with both The George and The River Haven hotels.

Outline of the weekend's programme:

There is still a lot of planning to do for the weekend but anticipated highlights are:

• a Friday afternoon walk celebrating Malcolm Saville's Hastings
• a first chance to see Richard Griffith's new Lone Pine presentation
• a Saturday morning coach tour of the Romney Marsh area and an opportunity to explore Dungeness
• a ride on The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
• a Saturday afternoon walk in Rye or
• an alternative walk for the fitter amongst us
• The Saville Society Players present The Gay Dolphin Adventure
• a Sunday afternoon visit to Winchelsea Church and to view the blue plaque on Chelsea Cottage.

Three meals are provided, including a 'Fabulous Feast' on Saturday night (smart dress code please) and, of course, there will be a book fair where you might find an elusive title.

More details on the full itinerary will follow at a later date and will be available on this website.

Accommodation

The River Haven Hotel, Winchelsea Road, Rye TN31 7EL Tel. 01797 227982 Website: www.riverhaven.co.uk

This hotel has been reserved by the Society for the Friday and Saturday nights and can accommodate about 50 people. All doubles, twins, triple and family rooms (including superior rooms) are £80 per night B&B. Singles are £60 and a room on the Thursday or Sunday night is £50.

The George Hotel, 98 High Street, Rye TN31 7JT Tel. 01797 222114 Website: www.thegeorgeinrye.com is offering a limited number of rooms at rates per night B&B of £115 standard, £165 deluxe or £215 junior suite.

For both these hotels please mention the Society when booking.
Note: online bookings for the Riverhaven will report all rooms fully booked - please book by telephone!

Rye's Tourist Information Centre provides an accommodation booking service (debit and credit cards): 4-5 Lion Street, Rye TN31 7LB Tel. 01797 229049 email: ryetic@rother.gov.uk Also Rye has a good website: www.visitrye.co.uk including online accommodation booking.

Activity Rates (which do not include any admission charges if you visit, say, Rye Museum or the lighthouse at Dungeness) are £85 for adults, £50 for 12-16 year olds and £35 for the under 12s.

Please note that deposits are not refundable and Joining Instructions will only be sent out upon receipt of the balance due.

Please print off and fill in the booking and payment forms which should be sent along with your payment to Mrs Joy Tubby, 23 Aldis Road, Acle, Norwich NR13 3BN. If you have any queries regarding payment Joy's telephone number is 01493 751177 or email joytubby@supanet.com. If you have any other queries regarding the weekend please contact Mike McGarry 01727 837248 or email: mike.whitegates@ntlworld.com

Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of The Malcolm Saville Society will be on Sunday 3rd April 2011 commencing at 10.00am at The George Hotel.

This meeting is open to all members of the Society. It is not limited to attendees of the Annual Gathering and it is not necessary to register if you plan to attend the AGM only.

A copy of the minutes of the 2010 AGM will be forwarded upon request to George Jasieniecki, 6 Redcliffe Street, West Brompton, London SW10 9DS. Please enclose a large sa.e.

Those people attending the Gathering will receive a copy of the minutes in there information packs on arrival.