Monday 23 April 2012

41 Club International AGM held in India – 20th -21st April 2012


Jill and I had great pleasure in representing our Association at the 41 Club International AGM, held in Chennai, India. As you would expect, it was an excellent weekend, very well organised with wonderful hospitality.

Virtually all  countries in the International Association were there, and there was an excellent turnout from GB & I.

An additional bonus for Jill and I was to meet up again with Stan Evans (now the Porsche Brand Manager in Chennai), who I met many years ago in 2000 when I was National President of Round Table. He was the Area President in the midlands, when Roy Hawkins was Area Chairman.

I will be updating this post with pictures following my return from Jersey for the 2012 Conference and AGM

Newport 60th Anniversary Dinner – 16th April 2012


What a fantastic way to end the year. I, along with many local clubs in the Region, joined Newport 41 Club to help celebrate their 60th Charter. There was a good atmosphere, with lots of good banter and humour, which all added up to a very enjoyable evening. Along with the “usual” formal speeches, the evening played host to a local legend; Eddie Butler the ex-Welsh Rugby International and now a BBC commentator.

Sunday 15 April 2012

Wimbledon 41 Club 25th Charter – 14th April 2012


Jill and I joined Wimbledon 41 Club to help celebrate their 25th Charter. We were also joined by members from several local 41 Clubs as well members from their “twin” club in Paris. We both enjoyed the evening, meeting up with many old friends and especially as they were lucky enough to have along as guest speaker, Mark Saggers the Sports                Broadcaster.

Troon 41 Club 35th Charter – 13th April 2012

Jill and I travelled up to Troon to enjoy a wonderful few days of Scottish hospitality, from enjoying a curry, sightseeing around the area, enjoying “high tea” at the Royal Troon Clubhouse, playing Royal Troon Golf Course and enjoying a superb Charter night, held at the Royal Troon Clubhouse.


The Charter night was “extra” special, as during the evening I had the opportunity to present the Past Chairman’s Jewel to the outgoing Chairman of two years (it is their AGM next week), induct a new member into the 41 Club, as well as being able to present a Service Award to their Secretary/ Treasurer, who had been in the “job” for twelve years! There was formal side as well, with the usual speeches, including one from Colin Duthrie, who had many interesting stories to tell, including a wheelchair ascent of Ben Nevis.

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Dorset Knobs – 23rd March 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor David Brown, I attended the Dorset Knobs Dinner (Region 23 Cluster Dinner) organised by Weymouth 41 Club. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship, with many clubs from the Region attending, and after a superb meal was finished off with the traditional Dorset Knob (a twice baked bread roll) and Dorset blue cheese. 

The event was very special this year as it was held at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, which is the home for the sailing events of the 2012 Olympic Games and & Paralympics Games. 

There we were entertained by guest speakers Roger Willis, President of the National Sailing Academy, and John Derbyshire OBE, RYA Performance Director/Racing Manager. We learnt of the development of the site to provide the first class facilities and GB’s chances in both the Olympics and Paralympics as well as who is going to represent the country. It was an excellent talk and I am now looking forward to watching the sailing with increased interest in the summer.

Costa Blanca 41 Club Charter Night – 21st March 2012


A fleeting visit to Spain, took Jill and I to Costa Blanca 41 Club’s Charter Night for a very enjoyable evening.

 It was though tinged with some sadness as it was also the commemorative dinner for one of their longest serving members, Tony Ogden, who had been Chairman of the club back in 1990-1991 and who  helped who had helped start the Iberian Cluster Meetings. It was nice to be able to reminess and provide a tribute to Tony as he was a member of my own 41 Club in the UK and he was instrumental in me becoming a member of the Costa Blanca 41 Club.   He will be sorely missed.

Westhill Round Table and 41 Club joint Charter Night – 17th March 2012


Accompanied by Regional Councillor Ken Donald, I attended the Joint Charter Night of Westhill Round Table and 41 Club. 

There was a interruption by the Ladies that used to be in Ladies Circle many of which I knew from previous visits to the Area and who had done the interruption 10 years ago.

It was great evening of fun and fellowship, with many clubs from the Region attending. I had attended the last major charter night of Westhill Round Table when I was the RT National President, so it was especially nice to return to Westhill on this night.


Newton Stewart 41 Club’s Charity Burns Night – 16th March 2012




Accompanied by Regional Councillor Donald Watson and his wife Doreen, Jill and I attended Newton Stewart 41 Club’s Charity Burns Night. It was a well attended evening, with members from both 41 Club and Round Table, as well as from local businesses.

It was a very well organised evening with the traditional Address to the Haggis and The Immortal Memory; both being excellently done. The evening also raised a considerable sum for Round Table Children’s Wish.

Poulton Progress 41 Club – 15th March 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Peter Caley, I attended a meeting of Poulton Progress 41 Club. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship and we were joined by members of the local Round Tables and 41 Clubs. After a meal of T-bone steak (meal chosen by the Chairman as it is his favourite!) I had the honour of presenting them with their Charter.

Meeting at The Lamb (26th Anniversary) – 14th March 2012

This was a very enjoyable afternoon. Over 25 members from Round Table, 41 Club and Tangent met at The Lamb (where the odd pint or two were enjoyed), followed by a meal in Loch Fynne. If you are ever in London on the second Wednesday of the month, please go along to The Lamb (Leadenhall Market), where you can enjoy the fellowship of all 4 clubs in an informal atmosphere.

Lancaster 41 Club and Tangent Joint Charter Meeting – 13th March 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Peter Caley, Both Jill and I  attended the Lancaster 41 Club and Tangent Joint Charter Meeting. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship and Tangent President, Jan Dowling, and I had a very enjoyable night.

Prince Bishops Dinner – 9th March 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Colin Steen, I attended the Prince Bishops Dinner (Region 4 Cluster Dinner) organised by Hartlepool 41 Club. As well as 41 Clubs within Region 4, the evening was also attended by Round Tables from Areas 10 and 20, to make this the largest event of the year – over 190 people attended. 

It was a very enjoyable day, starting off with a golf competition,where I did not disgrace myself,  followed by a very good meal and culminating in comedian Mike Kelly. I am sure that this is a great format for future years.

Mid-Wales Cluster Dinner – 7th March 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Lawrence Bamber, I attended the St David’s Day Mid-Wales Cluster Dinner (Region 12) organised by Llandrindod 41 Club. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship, with many clubs from the Region attending.  I would recommend any club in the area to book for next year

Smethwick 41 Club Cluster Night – 5th March 2012

I played golf in the Afternoon with members from Smethwick and their Chairman before attending the Cluster Night, and would thank them for a very enjoyable round.

Accompanied by local Regional Councillor Barry Durman, I then  attended the Smethwick 41 Club Cluster Night. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship, with many clubs from the Region attending and all enjoying a talk from guest speaker Jerry Blackett, the Chief Executive of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, who talked on the burning issues in and around Birmingham.

Round Table National President’s Ball – 3rd March 2012


I had the pleasure of representing the Association at the Round Table National President’s Ball, which was held in Coventry. Over 350 people attended to make this a very enjoyable evening and one which I am sure that John Payne will long remember.

The Ball committee had put together a great evening of entertainment and the Hotel looked after us superbly. There was dancing until the small hours and we left them all enjoying themselves and I understand many of the Tablers and Circlers were still going until around 4. am the  sign of a great night !! I am only sorry we could not keep up with them but I had been away since Monday.

St David’s Day Dinner – 2nd March 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Lawrence Bamber, I attended the St David’s Day Dinner (Region 12 Cluster Dinner) organised by Deeside 41 Club. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship, with many clubs from the Region attending.


One of the highlights of the evening for me was being granted Honorary Membership of Deeside 41 Club. I have visited the club three times this year and had a great time at each one and I look forward to visiting them over the coming years.


After the end of the evening old Table hijinks came out and one poor "lad"  who was a table honorary who had the misfortune of falling asleep was "decorated" by tablers and 41 Club members  and he still did not wake up!

Saturday 7 April 2012

Severnvale Dinner – 1st March 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Ray Jones, I attended the Severnvale Dinner (Region 21 Cluster Dinner) organised by Gloucester 41 Club. It was a great evening of fun and fellowship, with many clubs from the Region attending.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Club Service Award to Cleeve Hill 41 Club for their tremendous work and fund raising efforts for the local community in the organisation of the Swimathon.

Wednesday 29 February 2012

Oundle and Thrapston 41 Club – 29th February 2012


A trip to a nice country pub took me to visit Oundle & Thrapston 41 Club for a very enjoyable, relaxed evening, with good food and banter. It was nice to reminisce with the members there of the Camping and Caravan Rally organised many years ago in Table days, as well as talking about the many Charter Dinners that they organised. A very enjoyable night.

1741 Club – 22nd February 2012

I joined 1741 Club for yet another enjoyable evening in their company. I have been to a couple of their meetings this year (including fund raising at a donkey derby) and each has been a good laugh and this one was no exception. It was a simple evening; no speaker just everyone talking and eating and laughing just like table days.

This is a young active club, taking on lots of activities as well as raising monies for charity and actively supporting their local tables and I would encourage you to visit them if you are in the area.

Eastbourne 41 Club’s Valentine’s Ball – 18th February 2012

Jill and I joined Eastbourne 41 Club for their Valentine’s Ball. It was an excellent evening with very few speeches and lots of dancing. It was particularly nice to see everyone again from Round Table days, when we all worked together in Area 2 to organise National Conference and Sporting Weekends.

Saddleworth 41 Club’s 50th Anniversary Ball – 17th February 2012



This event was two years in the planning and it showed in the excellence of the evening. The venue, the service and the food were all excellent.


There was a superb turnout from the members of the Club, their wives and partners and from many members that they had not seen for a long time, as well as several local clubs and the local Round Table. 


A superb  evening that both Jill and I enjoyed, ending in dancing to 1.00pm

Monday 13 February 2012

Aberdeen Ball – 11th February 2012

Jill and I travelled up to Aberdeen to join in with Round Table  and Ladies Circle at their Area Ball " A touch of Tartan and Tiara".

It was good to see many old friends and many 41 Club and Tangent  members supporting the other Round Table  Family members.

We had a great night and with lots of dancing afterwards.

Wareham 41 Club – 8th February 2012

What a great night of fun and fellowship. Joined by Somerton 41 Club, Wareham 41 Club enjoyed an evening of good food and lots of banter. Also present was the Chairman of Wareham Round Table and with over 30 present on the night, he was able to experience an evening of what tabling used to be like.

The highlight for me was inducting two new members, with the club appearing to go from strength to strength.

Rubery 41 Club – 2nd February 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Barry Durman, I had the pleasure of joining Rubery 41 Club for an excellent evening. It was a relaxed evening with discussions on what is happening in 41 Club together with a quiz on the up and coming Olympics (which Barry won). It was a very enjoyable evening.

Thursday 2 February 2012

Lewes 41 Club – 1st February 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Manny Martins, I joined Lewes 41 Club for an informal meeting in a local Chinese Restaurant. It was nice to catch up with some old friends from Round Table days and recount the times we held Area Meetings and Ladies Nights in a local hotel which was owned by a Tabler.

The food was good and enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere – it was a good night.

Costa del Sol 41 Club – 21st January 2012

Whilst in Gibraltar, both Jill and I the pleasure of joining Past National President of RTBI, Gareth George, and the members of Costa del Sol 41 Club at the magnificent Aloha Golf Club. Unfortunately I did not have the time to play golf (I am sure it would have been too hard for me anyway!), but we were treated to a wonderful lunch and drinks on the veranda (which overlooked the course) afterwards. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and I wish the club all the best for attracting the many members who will have retired to the area.




As you would expect the weather was very nice and we left them around 6.00pm still enjoying the festivities of the evening, which I understand went on until 8.00pm.

“Burns Night “Gibralter Round Table and 41 Club – 20th January 2012

 I had the pleasure of attending my second Burns Night of the year in Gibraltar. This Burns Night was a much larger event with over 100 members and guest attending, the event being held just over the border in Spain. It was great to see many old friends in particular Paul Origio Past 41 Club National President of Girbralter,  who was Round Table National President of Gibralter when I was Round Table National President of RTBI.

As well as the traditional haggis, the highlight of the evening must have been the singing and poetry readings/recitals and the  evening raised a considerable amount of money for local charities.

his is very well supported by the UK with Past National Presidents, Peter Manley and John Kilsh attending, various Round Table Board members and EMA Chairman Steve Lord  as well as many others.  Lawrence Bamber also came over for the event.


Gibralter Round Table and 41 Club organised for the wives and partners to be taken out while we were at the event and Jill also  had a great evening with friends she had made there over the years.

Ilminster 41 Club Founders Night – 18th January 2012

A quick drive from Heathrow Airport took me to Ilminster to help the local 41 Club celebrate Founders Night.

 It was a very enjoyable evening with many local 41 Club’s in attendance, where we all enjoyed an evening of good food, good wine in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere combined with a touch of formality.

 A really good evening, which the club hopes will be the start of an annual reunion amongst the local clubs to celebrate the life of Louis Marchesi.

“Burns Night” with Troon 41 Club – 17th January 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Donald Watson, I attended my first Burns Night of the year in Troon. What made this a very special evening for me was that it was held in the Bachelor’s Club in Tarbolton, where Burns started the Debating Society and also where he attended his Masonic meetings. 

The room was small, but the history around the walls was tremendous, with old pictures and artefacts distributed around the walls and in various cabinets. As well as the traditional haggis, the highlight of the evening must have been the singing and poetry readings/recitals and also listening to the history of the Club. It was also great to see Dave Hadden who used to be a Tabler in my Club East Grinstead,

The downside to a wonderful evening must have been listening to me trying to recite the Selkirk Grace in my best possible London accent!

Norwich Wensum and Yare Forecast Meeting – 16th January 2012

Having heard about this event from many Past National Presidents, it was a pleasure to join Norwich Wensum and Yare at their Forecast Meeting. After a very enjoyable meal, it is then down to the individual to forecast the answers to such questions as which team will win the English Football Premiership and what will be the total rainfall in Norfolk. The papers are marked at the end of the year (2012) and a prize awarded to the winner at the next Forecast Meeting in 2013. It is a great way to bring many clubs together and the event’s popularity has grown over the years, with now well over 100 attendees. The evening was rounded off by guest speaker David McNally, Chief Executive Officer of Norwich City Football Club.

The evening was also a chance to award Martin Sexton the organiser of the Annual Forecast Meeting (and has done so for many years) with the Association Award for all his hard work and the testimony written in support of his nomination reads:


“It’s become an exceptional event run by an outstanding individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure his peers and the movement have a great night of fun and fellowship on an annual basis.”

Kings Norton 41 Club 50th Anniversary – 11th January 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Barry Durman (this was the third event in two days and I thank him not only for hosting me, but driving me around to the events), I had the pleasure of joining Kings Norton 41 Club in the celebration of their 50th Anniversary. It was an excellent evening with many local clubs attending, with many jokes told by the members. A good evening of fun and fellowship.
Accompanied by Regional Councillor Barry Durman, I had the pleasure of joining Solihull 41 Club for their January Walk. This involved walking 5 miles around the countryside near the village of Studley and then enjoying lunch at the Green Dragon in nearby Sambourne.



 During the walk, we also managed to take in a very small section of the Millennium Way. It was a very enjoyable morning and I had not realised just how much work went into organising such a walk – from organising a half-way point for some of the members to join in to the organisation of a suitable pub for lunch.






It is also the first time I have been on Utube see the link below 

Tamworth & District 41 Club 59th Charter Dinner – 10th January 2012

Accompanied by Regional Councillor Barry Durman, I had the pleasure of joining Tamworth & District 41 Club in celebrating their 50th Charter. It was an excellent evening with many local clubs attending. The highlights of the evening were a historical trip through the decades showing the history of Tamworth Round Table and 41 Club followed by an excellent talk from Mike Nield from the local cricket club. 

Martin Young Cluster Meeting – 9th January 2012

This annual event is organised by Southend-on-Sea 41 Club and invites go out to all the clubs in the region. This year the event was well attended and everyone enjoyed the evening – Tablers and 41 Club members alike. An excellent evening to catch up with old friends and we were all entertained by comedian and former Round Tabler, Adger Brown.

Friday 23 December 2011

Burgess Hill 41 Club Xmas Dinner – 20th December 2011

Jill and I enjoyed our last 41 Club meeting of 2011 at Burgess Hill’s Xmas Dinner. The venue, food and service were excellent and everyone had an enjoyable evening singing carols. What a really nice way to end the year. 

Somerton 41 Club Christmas Dinner – 19th December 2011

I had the pleasure of joining Somerton 41 Club for their Christmas Dinner. We all enjoyed a really nice meal and then we were entertained with quizzes and making various hats, swords etc out of balloons. A really good evening.

Marchesi House Xmas Dinner -16th December 2011

Jill and I joined (along with Martin Green and Mike Turner) with some of the Executive of Round Table and the staff of Marchesi House for their Xmas Dinner. It was also the chance to present 41 Club’s best wishes and a small gift to Sue Barnicoat and Maureen Huggins, both of whom are leaving the services of Round Table and 41 Club after many years service. The lunch was really enjoyable and a bit sad at the same time. Jill and I have known both of them for many years and they will both be sorely missed by both Associations.

Meeting at The Lamb – 14th December 2011

If you are ever in London on the second Wednesday of the month, I recommend that you visit The Lamb (Leadenhall Market) at lunchtime to join up with other members of the 4 Club Family for an informal meeting of “friends” and enjoy a few beers and a sandwich.

Jill and I joined them this year for their Xmas gathering. It was a very enjoyable day attracting over 50 members of the “family” for a few beers, an excellent meal and adjourning afterwards to the largest pub in the City Of London before making our way home. There were Tabler's from as far away as  Norwich. 41 Club members from Stafford and Billericay and many of the Tangent Executive.

 A good day out and we both  look forward to joining them again next year.

Wimbledon 41 Club Xmas Dinner – 13th December 2011

Jill and I joined Wimbledon 41 Club for their Xmas Dinner, which took place in a small Italian Restaurant in Wimbledon Village. The venue, food and service were excellent, and both Jill and I enjoyed a very pleasant evening. It was great to have Italian Christmas food  with not a Turkey in sight.

East Grinstead 41 Club Xmas Dinner – 12th December 2011

It was nice to attend a meeting of my own club for a change and we joined everyone at our Xmas Dinner.

We all had a very nice evening at the local golf course (the staff there looked after us very well) and it was a great opportunity to catch up with friends and wish them a happy xmas.

RTCW Charity Ball – 9th December 2011

Jill and I were delighted this year to attend the Torquay Barcelo Imperial Hotel’s Charity Ball with the  Round Table President John and his partner Lizzie, Round Table Vice President Jason and Conference Officer Neal ad his wife Karen,  where this year the monies collected were shared between Devon Air Ambulance and Round Table Children’s Wish.

It was an excellent night with dancing until the early hours of the morning and the event raised good monies for the charities through the raffle and silent auctions.

The Round Table Conference next year is being held in this hotel and the Manager Cormac and his team are doing all they can to ensure that we all have a great time.


Long Eaton 41 Club Xmas Dinner – 8th December 2011

The home of next year’s National President, Jill and I enjoyed an excellent evening with Long Eaton 41 Club at their Xmas Dinner.


 




The food and the service were excellent and after the usual formal speeches, we all sat back to be thoroughly entertained by the guest “speaker” – a mind reader, this was very entertaining and we are still wondering how he does it.


 A very good evening and it was very nice to take this opportunity to wish David Smith and the Club all the best for next year. 


We look forward to seeing many of them in Jersey.

Deeside 41 Club Xmas Dinner – 3rd December 2011

On my second visit to Deeside 41 Club, Jill and I enjoyed a very good Xmas Dinner – again in North Wales. 

We all ate a wonderful meal and the evening was rounded up with a quiz. 

A very good night and I look forward to visiting the club again in March in the Regional Dinner. 

Aberystwyth 41 Club Xmas Dinner – 26th November 2011

After a quick drive across Wales on the Saturday afternoon, Jill and I arrived in Aberystwyth to join the local club at their Xmas Dinner.


 It was good to see many old friends from Round Table days (it was with them that I scored my one and only hole in one at the local course golf) and after a few beers in the local pub, we travelled by taxi up into the hills to a country pub.


The meal was excellent (all local produce) and after the coffee, the singing began. It was a very good, fun evening