Hi everyone.

Hope you’re all enjoying the World Cup, especially now England have negotiated the group stages. cI also hope members’ teams from other parts of the world are fairing just as well. Don’t forget you an enjoy the footie with good company at some IVC events - as plenty did at Lisa and Kevin’s very successful musical party.

Summer is finally in full swing and to take advantage, July’s bulletin has plenty of outdoor events to enjoy - including a Mediterranean themed BBQ with an intriguing and exotic sounding belly dancing taster, an o zrchestral concert in Campbell Park to satisfy cultural tastes, two dragon boat races - Kara is looking for anMKIVC team for the one in Bedford, as well as bike rides, runs and a wild adventure weekend in the Wye Valley.

Even the Around the World in 80 Tastes is going al fresco, taking part in the MK Festival World Picnic. This festival includes an extravaganza of free events including theatre, cookery demonstrations, dance and live music.

The venue for our summer 80’s party on the 21st August is now confirmed at the Caldecotte Project in Simpson near the river and Caldecotte Lake, which has ample room and lovely grounds. We’re providing a top quality buffet to suit most tastes and dietary requirements, an 80’s disco till midnight, and as the highlight of the evening we have the top local band, the High Wires, playing just for us. Tickets should be on sale from the July club night, and to combat this ‘age of austerity’, we’re rolling back the price to the 80’s – to a mere tenner. So snap them up before they are all sold out!

Have a lovely, sunny July.

Callum, MKIVC Chair.

I hope those that attended enjoyed the Christmas Party at The George as much as I did, and from what I gathered from the feedback, as well as my personal opinion, the food was exceptional and the service was excellent. At least we know there is one place which can cater for 65 of us and deliver on quality – so we’ll be booking again for Christmas this year.

Last year ended and this year began in style at Gillian’s Winter Wonderland New Year party which was well attended despite the freezing weather. The exotic blue and white cocktails went down well and got everyone into a party mood. Many thanks to Gillian for hosting this crucial event.

There has already been quite a few interesting events this month including a marathon pub crawl on part 2 of the Rail Ale Trail, which was mostly around St Albans. Those participating may only have been drinking halves of interesting real ales, but the sheer number of pubs ensured everyone was fairly toasty by the end of the evening...

For February there is plenty of running, dancing, theatre, pub, and restaurant events with Chinese New Year being celebrated not once, but twice!

I wish you all the best for 2010 – and the Year of the Tiger!

Callum, MKIVC Chair