19.02.2024    The 2024 Programme of Events  - Early bookings required!

The Events for this year have been arranged and their organisation is in "full swing". 

The Calendar of Events is shown above. The price for Event No 13 has just been finalised.

There are a few Events where the committee has decided it would be appropriate to promote them on this website ahead of the booklet being posted out, so that members can acquaint themselves with the details and send in booking forms to reserve their places. 

The Events in question are listed as follows, their descriptions and access to booking forms appear below, simply scroll down:

No. 2 - the new Company Briefings / Visits - send in the form of interest, if they appeal to you

No. 3 - the AGM in March - send in the booking form

No. 4 - the Something's Brewing trip in April - the organisers want our numbers by 1st April, send in the booking form

No. 6 - the Cults and Clangers trip to Bedford in May - the organisers want our numbers by early May, send in the booking form

No. 9 - the Weymouth 5 day holiday in September - the hotel wants our deposits by 10th March (!), send in the booking form 

No.11 - the Musical in November - the organisers want our numbers by 1st May (!), send in the booking form

EVENT NUMBER 2

EVENT No. 2  New! Quarterly Specialist Business Updates

The Long Service Club is delighted to introduce Quarterly Specialist Business Updates, a new addition to our annual programme of events. These sessions are specifically aimed at our Members who have retired, or moved on from, Perkins / Caterpillar, and are designed to provide an insightful avenue to stay connected and informed about the latest happenings and developments within their former company.

The first event is anticipated to take place in April 2024, and quarterly thereafter. The venue is envisaged to be The Forum, on site at Peterborough, although all details will be confirmed in due course. The focus of these updates is to ensure a continuous and meaningful link between our Members and the vast Caterpillar network, and its dynamic and evolving journey, along with its subsidiaries and brands, like Perkins, FG Wilson, Progress Rail, Cat Marine Power, Cat Financial, and Cat Defence, to name just a few. These updates will not just serve as a source of current information but will also act as a vibrant forum for discussion and engagement.

To enhance this initiative, we are exploring the possibility of organising visits to facilities like the Caterpillar Shrewsbury site, offering Members a first-hand glimpse into the operational and technological innovations at Caterpillar and its related brands. The planning for these informative sessions is ongoing.

Details of the speakers, topics, dates, times, and venues for each of these engaging and informative updates sessions will be communicated to our Members, as soon as they are available. We are confident that these Quarterly Specialist Business Updates will greatly enhance our Members’ connection and understanding of Caterpillar’s growth and ongoing success in the industry.

Register your interest by completing Event Form No.2 (ideally by 1st March 2024).

We will contact you with the details of each event as they become available.

Complete Event No 2 Interest Form initially by 1st March. Click on the link below to access the Form 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18V2gULeYhDl_jjfdte5OyxgQeY_v-RHr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112256692171195686187&rtpof=true&sd=true

To complete the form, click on the link above to display the Form.

• To fill in the Form manually :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll right down and select "Print". Print,  fill in the form and put in the post.

• To fill in the Form electronically :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll half way down and select "Download". This will place the Form in a file in your "Downloads" file, which you can then open (in Word) and fill in electronically. Save the completed form, which can then be attached to an email.

EVENT NUMBER 3

EVENT No. 3  Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 20th March 2024, 7.30pm. – No Charge and a free drink and finger buffet for all members attending!

Members Only

The Annual General Meeting will start at 7.30pm at:-

   The Paston and Gunthorpe Community Centre, Hallfields Lane, Peterborough, PE4 7YH

This is your chance to hear reports of what the Club is doing and have your say in the Club’s affairs. To encourage attendance, there will be a free drink (beer, wine or soft drink) for each member who attends!

A light buffet will be provided after the meeting. Under our constitution, advance booking is not mandatory for the AGM, but it does help us for catering purposes, so please complete the booking form.

Nominations (which can be taken at the meeting) will be required for the following positions:

·  Vice President

·  Treasurer

·  General Secretary

·  Membership Secretary

·  Activities Group Secretary

·  Auditor

·  Executive Committee

AGM Motions: If you require any item to be included as a motion on the agenda, please submit the motion, proposed and seconded, on the back of the Booking Form by 20th Feb. 

Return Event No 3 Booking Form by 13th March 2024. Click on the link below to access the Form 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FqBXREHFB8AgKRfgDewy3IfLC5zmLV81/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112256692171195686187&rtpof=true&sd=true

To complete the form, click on the link above to display the Form.

• To fill in the Form manually :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll right down and select "Print". Print,  fill in the form and put in the post.

• To fill in the Form electronically :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll half way down and select "Download". This will place the Form in a file in your "Downloads" file, which you can then open (in Word) and fill in electronically. Save the completed form, which can then be attached to an email.

EVENT NUMBER 4

EVENT No. 4  Something’s Brewing!

Lavenham and Bury St. Edmunds

Saturday 20th April 2024 – Price:-  Coach only £31.00  Coach + optional Greene King Brewery Tour £51.00

After departing from Peterborough at 9am, our first stop will be at Lavenham. This pretty town was the 14th wealthiest town in Tudor England, due to its famous wool industry. Its famous characteristic Lavenham Woad Blue cloth was sold all over the world, and its rich merchants built some stunning properties, many of which are preserved today. We will have about 2 hours to have a coffee, and a look around at some of its 300 listed buildings

Another short drive will take us to Bury St. Edmunds, arriving at about 1.30pm, in time for lunch.

The afternoon can be spent exploring the many attractions in Bury, or by taking the Greene King Brewery Tour at 3.30pm. On completion of the tour there is a tasting of various beers, and a bottle of beer to take home (not to be consumed on the coach please!)

The Greene King Westgate Brewery has been brewing in Bury for over 200yrs.  The gravity-fed brew-house was built in 1939, and is a very tall building, with good views of Bury from the roof. Please note, walking aids are not allowed in the brewery, and to do the tour you have to be capable of climbing 100 steps unaided – equivalent to about 7 stories.  It is also advised that during brewing there can be Gluten in the air.  This tour is not open to under 16s.

If you wish to do the Brewery Tour you must indicate (and pay) at the time of booking. It cannot be booked on the day.

We will depart Bury St. Edmunds at about 5.30pm (provided the Greene King tour finishes on time at 5.15pm) and should be back in Peterborough at around 7pm.

Full Payment with Event No 4 Booking Form by 28th March 2024. Click on the link below to access the Form 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rIs71hIahDvxFM3GaN0vSTLcDzDyd6vm/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112256692171195686187&rtpof=true&sd=true

To complete the form, click on the link above to display the Form.

• To fill in the Form manually :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll right down and select "Print". Print,  fill in the form and put in the post.

• To fill in the Form electronically :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll half way down and select "Download". This will place the Form in a file in your "Downloads" file, which you can then open (in Word) and fill in electronically. Save the completed form, which can then be attached to an email.

EVENT NUMBER 6

EVENT No. 6  Cults And Clangers

Bedford – Thursday 30th May 2024 – Price £53

Discover the wonderful, the wacky, and the weird, in the rather delightful town of Bedford, situated on the river Great Ouse.

We will meet our Blue Badge Guide at 10.30am at the grand and historic Swan Hotel, where we will have morning coffee/tea and something sweet (included), before starting our tour, which is a gentle walk to explore areas which are within a stone’s throw of the hotel.  There may even be a chance to buy a Bedford Clanger!

Learn why Bedford became the Somewhere in England of WW2 radio broadcasts, see the cathedral-like church from where the Daily Service was broadcast, and the Coal Exchange, that hosted Big Bands, including Glenn Miller.

Our walk arrives in the Castle Quarter at The Higgins, an art gallery and museum housed in historic buildings. The core collection is Cecil Higgin’s own of ceramics, glass and objet d’art, with a Design Gallery of textiles and furniture, and the Settlement Gallery of archaeological finds, which will take us on ‘a human journey though time’. The Higgins really is quite marvellous, so you’ll be pleased to hear that this is where we break for lunch. There is a tiny café on site, or you can bring a packed lunch, or take a stroll back to The Swan Hotel or town cafes and restaurants. The tour continues after lunch.

Did you know that Bedford was the original site of the Garden of Eden and that when Jesus returns he will live in a small terraced house at 12 Albany Road, just around the corner from the The Higgins?

The Panacea Society, founded by a clergyman’s widow called Mabel in 1919, proclaimed that "War, disease, crime and banditry, distress of nations and perplexity will increase until the Bishops open Joanna Southcott's box."  This might be the quirkiest visit you have ever made but it is in the tradition of English eccentricity. You’ll see the chapel, Joanna Southcott’s Box and Mabel’s own house and bedroom just as she left it seventy years ago.

There’s a little Garden Cafe where you buy a cuppa before we head for home at 4.45pm, with lots to talk about.

Deposit of £20pp (or full payment) with Event No 6 Booking Form by 12th April 2024. Balance (£33) by 2nd May 2024.  Click on the link below to access the Form 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QR4fLfphixg-A4w41zsDUrMNjdA2lLOh/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112256692171195686187&rtpof=true&sd=true

To complete the form, click on the link above to display the Form.

• To fill in the Form manually :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll right down and select "Print". Print,  fill in the form and put in the post.

• To fill in the Form electronically :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll half way down and select "Download". This will place the Form in a file in your "Downloads" file, which you can then open (in Word) and fill in electronically. Save the completed form, which can then be attached to an email.

EVENT NUMBER 9

EVENT No. 9  Weymouth - 5 Day Holiday

The Crown Hotel, Weymouth

Monday 2nd – Friday 6th September 2024 – Basic Price £398

Weymouth is one of the UK’s most beautiful seaside resorts, with one of the sunniest and warmest climates. The esplanade still retains much of its Georgian elegance, and offers wonderful views over the beautiful sandy beach, along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, and of the picturesque harbour.

The Crown Hotel is located in an extremely favourable position at the top of the town centre, near the historic fishing harbour, a few minutes from the Brewer’s Quay, and the sandy beach.

This holiday will include:

·  Executive coach travel.

·  Half board.

·  Live nightly entertainment.

·  Two included excursion day trips will be organised. These have not yet been finalised, but will probably be to West Bay (TV’s Broadchurch) & Abbotsbury, and Swanage & Poole

Only bookings from Members and their Guests will be accepted up to 29/2/24, and Members will always have priority for single rooms, which are in short supply as usual.

The final balance will be due by 10th June 2024. Please note that the Member making the booking is responsible for all payments to the Club, including final balances, for all the people on their booking.

Insurance is not included, so you are strongly advised to take out your own travel and cancellation insurance for this event.

Deposit of £30 pp (or full payment) with Event No 9 Booking Form by 10th March 2024.  Please ensure that you fill out the second page of the booking form.

Balance (£368pp) due by 10th June 2024. Click on the link below to access the Form 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OowfisNFoqdYfQj13LDG-bRQN02n-kfy/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112256692171195686187&rtpof=true&sd=true

To complete the form, click on the link above to display the Form.

• To fill in the Form manually :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll right down and select "Print". Print,  fill in the form and put in the post.

• To fill in the Form electronically :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll half way down and select "Download". This will place the Form in a file in your "Downloads" file, which you can then open (in Word) and fill in electronically. Save the completed form, which can then be attached to an email.

EVENT NUMBER 11

EVENT No. 11  Now That’s What I Call a Musical

Milton Keynes Theatre – Saturday 16th November 2024.   Price £63

Get ready to relive the playlist of your life, by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand Now That’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide.  This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham!, Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet, and many more.

Written by award winning comedian Pippa Evans, and directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing legend Craig Revel Horwood, this heart-warming and funny story takes us on an uplifting journey down memory lane.

It’s Birmingham, 1989.  Two school friends, Gemma and April, are very busy with very important business – planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes, and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley.

Cut to Birmingham 2009, and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives – the school reunion.  Drama, old flames, and receding hairlines come together, as friends reunite, and everything from the past starts to slot into place.

The biggest question is: What was with all that hairspray?

So you are invited to dust off your Spandex, get your crimpers out, and enjoy an unbeatable soundtrack, show stopping choreography, and an original story.

The coach will leave Peterborough at 9am, giving you plenty of time in Milton Keynes to browse around the compact shopping centre, and get a meal before the 2.30pm Matinee.  Apart from M&S, most restaurants will require you to book your meal – this can usually be done when you arrive in the morning.

We will set off home after the show at 5.30pm

Deposit of £40 pp (or full payment) with Event No 11 Booking Form by 1st May 2024. Balance £23pp by 1st October 2024. Click on the link below to access the Form 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRJgufOsQlGYVn_cMku7asdw5scFQvA_/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112256692171195686187&rtpof=true&sd=true

To complete the form, click on the link above to display the Form.

• To fill in the Form manually :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll right down and select "Print". Print,  fill in the form and put in the post.

To fill in the Form electronically :- Click on "File" (top LH corner) to reveal the menu, scroll half way down and select "Download". This will place the Form in a file in your "Downloads" file, which you can then open (in Word) and fill in electronically. Save the completed form, which can then be attached to an email. 

9 stands were also set up on the car park between Franks and the Machines display, including the Company Charity partners, a stand showcasing the work the company does on sustainability and environmental awareness, another about mental health support, an HR stand and a stand where people could try their skills at assembling a fuel filter!

As far as we were concerned the Long Service Club stand (nearest to No 4 Gate) was the most important one!

It was soon clear that many were ignorant that the length of service required to join the Club was now just 15 years, as a lot of those who came to the stand thought that the service requirement was still 25 years, and some even thought it was 30 years! Sadly some did not even know the Club existed!

35 new members signed up at the event, while others took the information and application forms away to look at later. The number who signed up represents a fantastic result, and shows that there is a large untapped pool of employees we can recruit from.

We have decided that the Club will have a stand several times a year in Franks to advertise its presence and recruit new members. We are also conscious that many of our activities and outings are not attractive to younger members still in employment, either because of the nature of the events, or because they are held during working hours, so the Club will be getting input from working members to widen our range of activities to suit all members for our 2023 programme.

Report by Bob Gregory-Smith