AIVC Conference 2010
Spring at the Sea Side.... 16 - 18th April 2010
The Venue : AIVC Conference 2010 is being hosted by Bristol & Bath IVC at Warrens Holiday Village in Clevedon, North Somerset. Warrens is a self-contained venue in a rural location between the M5 Motorway and the genteel Victorian resort of Clevedon with its pier, seafront, gardens, tea shops and views across the Severn Estuary to South Wales.
Your Accommodation : will be in lodges, all with private bathroom, TV, fridge and kettle and free wifi internet. Some lodges available with separate lounge/kitchen and 2 twin/double bedrooms. Onsite facilities include a large restaurant, bar, and function room. Free parking provided outside your lodge. There is also a fishing lake on the site.
Location : just south of Bristol, a couple of minutes drive from exit 20 of the M5. British Rail "Yatton" Station is 3 miles away and a short taxi ride.
Theme : as the first AIVC conference took place in 1960 our theme this year is "Swinging 60's" and, as we are staying in a holiday village, a touch of the Hi-de-Hi theme thrown in for good measure. A chance to relive those days of flower-power, mini skirts, the Beatles, hippies, Mary Quant, and expect some holiday camp style surprises too! Prizes for the best themed outfits on Saturday night.
Weekend Highlights : Friday afternoon walk and tea shop visit for those who arrive early enough - Friday evening quiz, buffet dinner and socialising - Saturday afternoon free time and coaches to Bristol for a selection of activities or local visits to Clevedon or Weston-Super-Mare - Saturday night 60's themed party night with 3-course dinner, disco with DJ and live music from our band "The Swamp Men".
Things to do in the local area : take a stroll on the pier and have a cream tea in Clevedon, or a walk along the coast. For great views of Clevedon and the Severn Estuary across to the Welsh mountains. The walk is said to have been an inspiration to many artists and poets. Just along the coast is Weston-Super-Mare, famous for its donkeys, wide sandy beach, tourist attractions and the burnt-out pier currently being rebuilt. Weston was also the home of Jill Dando where there is now a public garden in her memory.
The vibrant city of Bristol : 15 miles north of Clevedon and 30 minutes by road. Attractions in Bristol include Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Observatory with its Camera Obscura, the S.S. Great Britain, the redeveloped floating harbour, buildings, theatres and pubs dating back to the days of the slave trade and paying tribute to Bristol's maritime sea-trading history. Why not join "the Pirate Walk" to find out all about it. Visit the award-winning Cabot Circus shopping centre where there is everything from Harvey Nichols to the second-largest Primark in the country, or pay a visit to the recently-opened Blue Reef Aquarium
The city of Bath with its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian crescents is a few miles further away and is ideal for a full-day trip from Clevedon.
Why not extend your weekend and spend a few more days exploring the local attractions or take the opportunity to venture further into the west-country. Non-conference delegates are welcome and encouraged to come along as guests for the weekend.
Bristol & Bath IVC look forward to welcoming you!