Europe Africa – Great Weekend & Annual General Meeting September 12th -14th 2025
We are now inviting members to book for the EA Great Weekend and 2025 AGM. We are returning to Bristol this year and will be based at The Holiday Inn Filton from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September. The address is: Filton Road, Filton, Bristol, BS16 1QX, United Kingdom.
The venue is readily accessible by road 5 minutes from the M5 Junction 19, with on-site parking, and by rail from Bristol Temple Meads (15 to 20 minutes by taxi) or Bristol Parkway (10 to 15 minutes by taxi). SATNAV: BS16 1QX The hotel has been refurbished recently and offers 4* accommodation with extensive leisure facilities.
Thornbury Castle Gloucestershire
The highlight of the weekend will be the first evening gala black tie dinner on Friday 12th in the Tudor Hall of Thornbury Castle - a Relais et Châteaux hotel with a 3AA Rosette restaurant. The castle is several centuries old and entertained Henry VIII, amongst others, in the mediaeval period. For delegates staying at the Holiday Inn coach transport will be arranged.
The Members’ Forum and Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 13th in the morning - at the Holiday Inn Filton - commencing at 10.00 am. The exact timing of the AGM will be notified with the AGM notice to be circulated in August After the meeting, a buffet lunch will be served, for which there is no charge for members attending the AGM and Members’ Forum. Later in the afternoon Averys of Bristol are presenting a wine tasting at the hotel. The closing evening event will be an informal dinner in the private Orchard Suite at the Holiday Inn hotel. Sunday 14th – after breakfast free time to explore local attractions.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation at the Holiday Inn has been reserved for delegates and should be booked directly: Special rates have been negotiated which include parking, free Wi-Fi and access to leisure facilities: Single £99 Double/Twin £116. To reserve your room call the hotel on 0117 910 4268 {+44 117 910 4268 from outside UK} between 08.30 – 17.00 (UK time) Monday to Friday and quote CODE YU7.
Alternative rates may be available on intermediary booking websites, but watch out for cancellation terms and extras.
Places for the event may be booked here on line. Two options are available:
- The whole weekend from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th including the dinner at Thornbury Castle with transport, the AGM buffet lunch, the Averys wine tasting and dinner at the Holiday Inn £295. Book Here
- All the activities on Saturday 13th in the afternoon and evening including Averys' wine tasting and the private dinner at the Holiday Inn £135. Book Here
Alternatively, you can reserve individual events through the Hereford Branch by requesting a booking form from Peter McGahey (peter.mcgahey@btinternet.com) with payment by bank transfer or cheque .
Friday 12th Dinner at Thornbury Castle £150 {with transport from and to the Holiday Inn for non residents } £165
Saturday 13th Members Forum, AGM, Buffet Lunch and Averys Wine tasting £50
Saturday 13th Dinner in the Orchard Suite at the Holiday Inn £85
Saturday 13th Members’ Forum, AGM and Buffet lunch – no charge.
Cancellation policy whether booked through the IWFS branch or the Herefordshire branch: up to 31st July 2025 - 100% refund less an administration charge. From 1st August 2025 - there will be no refund unless the place(s) are taken up by a new booking. IWFS Europe Africa will not be responsible for any cancellation charges for travel to and from Bristol nor in respect of hotel accommodation arrangements made by members.