RHSoc 2022 Annual Dinner and AGM

It is England's turn to host the dinner this year since the 2021 dinner attendees voted for Shropshire. We are reverting to an early summer date which is Saturday 28 May 2022.

Barry Smith, our Treasurer and organiser this year, has been looking into possible venues throughout Shropshire. The options are somewhat limited because of the backlog of weddings and generally higher prices. However, he has found an excellent venue at the Park House Hotel, Shifnal, near Ironbridge.

The venue can take up to 80 people for the Dinner and AGM and will cost £25 per head for the meal (the hotel will provide vegan options, menu attached: no orders required at this early stage). Barry is aware that some of you have credits from last year's dinner. Guests are very welcome however they will not be able to attend the AGM.

Please email rhsocdinner2022@gmail.com to confirm your attendance and to arrange payment.

Format

The AGM will be held at 5.00pm, for all RHSoc members, followed by the Annual Dinner for members and guests, gathering at 7.00pm for drinks and chatter. The shortlisted photos from the 2021 Annual Photo competition will be on display, and there will be an opportunity for everyone to help in the selection of the winning photos and runners-up.

After the dinner, there will be an awards presentation, followed by time to socialise.

Location

Park Street,
Shifnal
Shropshire
TF11 9BA

Located just minutes from Junction 4 of the M54, in the market town of Shifnal

Find us on Google Maps

Other accommodation

There are other bed and breakfast options in Shifnal: the nearest is the Bell Inn, about 200 metres away. We will explore hotel car park overnight options nearer the time, for those who are happy to wait a bit longer.

YHA Ironbridge Coalport is now available for bookings over the May 28/29 weekend, Ben is the contact there. Currently, they have full availability. A minibus/taxi to and from the hostel should be possible, sharing the costs.

A number in the group prefer to camp, which can be quite sociable, and the suggested sites are in a scenic area with many hill-bagging opportunities nearby. Norman Wares has been busy looking at campsite options and reports that he has found that the nearest campsite to Shifnal appears to be Teds at Hunger Hill, Sheriffhales about 5km to the North. Barry Smith has had a look and it's pretty basic so may not appeal to all.

Norman's preferred campsite is just south of Much Wenlock and is about 15 miles from Shifnal. If a group decides to camp/caravan there then they could arrange a minibus to and from the hotel, about 30 minutes each way, and share the costs. It's called Lower Hill Farm (Map Reference SO 581978.) In addition to having facilities for caravans and tents they also have a range of facilities by way of Roundhouses, Buzzard Pods, Basic Shepherds Huts and Glamping Shacks. Not particularly cheap but, if sharing, the prices may be acceptable.

One alternative could be Sytche Caravan and Camping Park (SJ 619004) the main advantage there is that it is within walking distance of Much Wenlock. Those camping here could be picked up in the town by the minibus from Lower Hill Farm, if there is sufficient demand for transport.

Norman is happy to be the co-ordinator for transport from the campsite at Lower Hill, calling at YHA Coalport but would need an indication of who may be interested in this arrangement. He can be contacted via the RHSoc Email Forum and looks forward to comments. Early days, but caravan sites tend to get fully booked early in the year. Currently, there is availability at present for all types of units.

Indicative price for an 8-seater minibus from Shifnal to Ironbridge is £16 one way. Much Wenlock is a bit further away so probably more expensive. Prices will obviously depend on how many wish to avail themselves of this arrangement.

The 2021 Dinner

The 2021 Annual Dinner and AGM held at The Moorings Hotel, Banavie in September. We had 62 Members and guests present, and Alan Dawson's talk on the High Hills of Britain proved very popular; as did the Photo Competition and the Merchandising (RHSoc 2022 calendars are sold out). It was great to catch up with friends after such a long absence, thanks again to Jenny for a great job organising the event. You can read the report of the 2021 event here.