Birmingham England
June 21-24, 2009

Birmingham is located in the heart of Shakespeare country with rolling countryside and historic medieval castles all around and only 90 minutes by train from London.

The Convention is at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) on the outskirts of the city, a 10 minute train ride from the city centre and connected by covered walkways to the rail terminus. The AirRail shuttle transfers visitors, under cover between the airport, NEC and rail station during the Convention.

Hotel booking – IFRM has reserved a block of rooms at a 4-star city centre hotel. If you are not already an IFRM member, join IFRM to take advantage of the block booking and 'early bird' room rates. Check out the Burlington Hotel at: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/burlington. If you are an IFRM member, contact Peter Sotheran , Membership Chair, to avail yourself of this member special rate.

Three Day Tour: North Yorkshire
June 25 – 27, 2009

IFRM has arranged an optional three day tour of North Yorkshire at special rates.

Travel by luxury coach to North Yorkshire, visiting an Elizabethan stately home en route. Unwind in the historic city of York for a day. Join local Rotarians in a 19th century country mansion. Return to Birmingham in time for your onward journey on Sunday 28 June.

Itinerary

• Depart Birmingham 8.30 a.m.
• Visit 17th century Hardwick Hall.
• Arrive Gisborough Hall Hotel.
• Join RC of Guisborough & Great Ayton for dinner with entertainment in their 19th century country mansion HQ hotel.

• Day trip to the ancient city of York.
• Tour of historic York Minster.
• Visit Yorvik subterranean Viking Museum.
• Free time to explore city after lunch.
• IFRM Banquet at Gisborough Hall.

• Depart Guisborough.
• Visit medieval Bolsover Castle.
• Return to Burlington Hotel, Birmingham.
• Own entertainment in evening.

The Tour Cost - £150

(about US $300 at May 2008 exchange rates)

The Tour Price includes admission to Hardwick Hall, York Minster, Yorvik Museum, Rotary Club dinner & entertainment, IFRM’s banquet, all transfers. Not included – hotel bills, gratuities, drinks & mid-day meals.

The Burlington Hotel is on New Street, two minutes walk from New Street rail station and ten minutes by train to the Convention centre.

Gisborough Hall is the former home of Lord Gisborough who still lives nearby in Gisborough House. It is the meeting place of the Rotary Club of Guisborough and Great Ayton and stands in acres of park-land close to the North Yorkshire Moors.

NOTE: At both hotels, room rates include cooked breakfasts. Rooms have 1 king-size bed or 2 single beds, data-port, television, tea & coffee facilities.