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

Kinder 41 Club 41st Anniversary – 26th November 2011

There is a first time for everything and this was no exception. Following on from the format used for their highly successful 25^th Anniversary, this was a Saturday Morning Breakfast Meeting.

The meeting started at 9.00 with a traditional English cooked breakfast followed by Bucks Fizz (and as you expect some were already enjoying the odd pint of beer!) followed by the formal speeches and with guest speaker Graham Smith, who works at Manchester United and who entertained us with many funny stories.

The meeting finished around midday, with many adjourning to the bar to sample the vast choice of real ales.

A very enjoyable way to spend the morning and it was highly successful in that most clubs in the region were represented.

Maybe it is worth a thought for your next meeting.

Bishop’s Stortford 45th Charter – 23rd November 2011

Held at the local golf club (golf clubs are a favourite this year for these events), I joined with Bishop’s Stortford in celebrating their 45^th Charter.

It was an excellent evening of fun and fellowship, and the venue and food were excellent.

The guest speaker was to have been John Spence, but due to an unfortunate accident he could not be there. Nevertheless, we all had a good time and there was time at the end of the evening to enjoy a few beers at the bar. A very enjoyable evening.

Bromley and District 41 Club Cluster Evening – 21st November 2011

Every year Bromley District 41 Club organise a cluster meeting and this year was no exception. An evening was organised at the Bromley Court Hotel, to which many of the local clubs were invited. It was an excellent evening, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to present a charter to Sidcup 41 Club. 

The guest speaker was Alan Coxon, who gave a very amusing talk on his experiences in the Metropolitan Police entitled “A policeman’s lot can be a happy one”. A good evening was enjoyed by all.

Bridge of Weir & Kilmacolm 41 Club 25th Anniversary Dinner – 19th November 2011

A long drive north to just past Glasgow, took Jill and I to Bridge of Weir & Kilmalcolm 41 Club to help them celebrate their 25^th Anniversary at the local golf club. It was a fantastic night and we were made to feel so welcome in a very nice venue and the food was excellent.

The attendees included many 41’ers, former Round Tablers, friends, former Circle and Tangent members along with a number of former members returning to see old friends.

 As well as the usual formal speeches, the guest speaker was Ms. Annabelle Goldie MSP, who had just retired as the Leader of the Conservatives in the Scottish Parliament.




There was a great interruption by the Tangent Club, well performed and rehearsed .  A great fun evening.

Whitchurch Round Table 50th Charter – 18th November 2011

It was a real pleasure to travel up to Whitchurch to help the Round Table in the town to celebrate their 50^th Charter. It was well supported by the local tables and it was excellent to see a good turnout from the local 41 Clubs. As you expect, there was a lot of banter throughout the evening, especially when the comedian came on.

Some of the members of Whitchurch 41 Club had prepared a short history of the club and it was a shame that due to time constraints this could not be heard, but it did not detract in any way from an excellent evening. It was good to see Ladies Circle and Tangent taking part in the interruption and raising funds for Children in Need as well.

Hastings 41 Club – 17th November 2011

A drive to the south coast took me to Hastings 41 Club for their Past Members Night. The venue and the food were excellent and there were many stories from the past. A really enjoyable night of fun and fellowship.

Lichfield 41 Club – 16th November 2011

A good turnout of the local clubs ensured a very enjoyable evening at Lichfield. The venue (the local golf club) was superb and the food excellent and everyone enjoyed the first part of the evening – a talk from the Assistant Professional, who had been on the Ladies Professional Tour.

The second part of the evening was a bit more serious – discussion on the future of 41 Club and how to attract those who had just left Round Table or were about to leave. A lively discussion was had with many points raised and many will be taken back to National Council.

A really enjoyable evening and it was nice to be able to take the opportunity to thank Lichfield for their hard work in organising the Dedication of the 41 Club Garden and also for their work on Remembrance Sunday, both of which were held at the National Arboretum.  

Rhyl 41 Club – 15th November 2011

A long drive north took me to Rhuddlan in North Wales. There I joined with Rhyl 41 Club in the tasting of fine wines from around the world, which included some from the Lebanon, some pudding wine and all finished off with some fine ports.

 A very good evening, which ended with fellowship around the bar. I look forward to joining them again on St. David’s Day.

Ottery St. Mary 41 Club – 14th November 2011

Along with various guests I had the pleasure of attending a superb social evening organised by Ottery St. Mary 41 Club.  The purpose of the evening was threefold – to have a good time – to enjoy the specialist beers for the beer tasting – and most importantly to present a commemorative engraved glass tankard and citation scroll to one of their members, who was celebrating 41 years in 41 Club. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.  

Cenotaph Parade and Service – 13th November 2011

Every year Round Table gives two of their allocation of tickets to each of the other Associations – 41 Club, Ladies Circle and Tangent. This year was no exception and I was honoured to represent the Association with Dave Campbell, our International Officer.

At the beginning you line up with the other service clubs alongside the service personnel who have represented this country around the world – a very humbling experience, but the most moving part of the day must be during the 2 Minutes Silence – it is so quiet – I work in London and know the level of noise that is generated around Trafalgar Square.

The weather was superb and certainly helped to bring the crowd out.  It was a great day and one to be experienced if you have the chance.

Tangent South East Regional Lunch – 12th November 2011

Along with approximately 200 Tangent members, Jill and I enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining Tangent Lunch in Southend-on Sea.





 The venue and the food were superb with the guest speakers being Mark Foster and Camilla Sacre Dallerup, both of whom had featured on Strictly Come Dancing, a programme I had to admit at not watching. Nevertheless, the duo entertained everyone with their dancing display and made it a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

Region 20 Dinner – 11th November 2011

The Region 20 Dinner was this year organised by Abingdon and District 41 Club and was held in the very historic Exeter College, Oxford. The dining room was magnificent and it was superb to eat and bask in several centuries of history – the college where J.R.R. Tolkien was a student and we gazed on the lawn where Inspector Morse expired!

Being the 11^th day of the 11^th month, we started the evening with The Last Post followed by 2 Minutes Silence. There then followed a great evening of fun and fellowship (the food was good as well) with the guest speaker being John Spence OBE.

It was a good evening and would thoroughly recommend attending a dinner at such a historic venue to anyone.

Ireland - 4th -6th November 2011

Jill and I travelled to Ireland to enjoy a wonderful weekend in Ireland, kindly hosted by Bangor 41 Club and in particular by National Councillor Phillip Ellis and his wife Sandra. It was a packed weekend and we were shown the oldest pub in Ireland (it said so on the door), a tour around Bangor and Belfast, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and also had time to take in the Titanic Exhibition. The evenings were taken up meeting the members of Bangor 41 Club and Region 3. On the Sunday morning I attended the Region 3 Half Yearly Meeting, where the issues affecting Ireland were discussed. A really enjoyable weekend and I look forward to attending meetings later in the year – diary permitting.

Locksbottom 41 Club Charter Night – 3rd November 2011

As President it is really nice to have the opportunity to attend the Charter of a new club and present the Charter Certificate. It was especially nice to attend the charter of Locksbottom 41 Club as the new chairman is Dave Campbell, who I have known for many years. It was a really enjoyable evening and was nicely finished with Gin Tasting. They have already produced an exciting, active programme and I wish them well for the future.

Birmingham Civic Day Lunch - – 3rd November 2011

With many distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Birmingham, I had the pleasure of joining many tablers and 41 club members at the City of Birmingham Civic Day Lunch. It was a really enjoyable lunch hearing about the many good things that are going on in the city and relaxing afterwards with a beer or two. 

Great South Run – 30th October 2011

Ten miles might not appear to be too far, but I assure you it seemed too long to me. The atmosphere was fantastic at the beginning with approximately 25,000 runners and walkers. All was going well until 8 miles, when we turned into the wind for the final leg along the seafront. My legs seized up and the last two miles was a serious struggle. I completed it though in 2hours 54 minutes, which was in my own personal target of 3 hours. My thanks must go to Jill and Martin and Maria Green who encouraged me to complete the course; especially to Maria who accompanied me for a mile and encouraged me round that last corner!

Norton Radstock 41 Club’s Ladies Night – 29th October 2011

Both Jill and I were invited to join Norton Radstock 41 Club at their joint Ladies Night with the local Round Table, Ladies Circle and Tangent. It was a good evening with lots of laughter and good food and after the speeches from each of the Chairmen, the evening ended with dancing to the music.

Chepstow and Offa’s Dyke 41 Club Charter – 28th October 2011

Chepstow and Offa’s Dyke 41 Club were celebrating their 35^th Charter and it was held at the famous St Pierre Hotel and Country Club and I must say that they looked after us very well – both the service and the food were excellent. It was a really enjoyable evening and was finished off with a really funny comedian. A very good night.

Northwich 41 Club – 27th October 2011

I had the pleasure of joining Northwich 41 Club for their International Evening. It really is a good format. There were five courses from all parts of the world, for example the starter was from Tunisia and the dessert from Sweden. All you had to do was to enjoy the food and answer 3 “simple” questions on the dish, which normally included what country you thought the food was from and the main ingredients. When the dish was cleared away you were asked several more questions about the country. A really good evening and one which any club could include in its programme.

Farnham 41 Club – 25th October 2011

Farnham 41 Club held an excellent social evening, which was also attended by several guests and several members from the local Round Table. It was a wine and food matching evening to which you were invited to taste and compare the wines, evaluate their quality and see how well they matched the food dish being served. Each wine was presented by a 41 club member and he outlined why he believed that his chosen wine went the best with the course in question. There was a chance at the end to discuss the wines and select the preferred choice. It was an excellent evening.

Inverness 41 Club – 22nd October 2011

 A long drive north took me to Inverness (a really beautiful part of the country) to join in the Area 13 41 Club AGM followed by a really enjoyable evening and dinner with Inverness 41 Club. There was lots of laughter and good banter (as well as whiskey, wine and beer) and I look forward to seeing the members again when I visit Stornaway on the Isle of Lewis.

White Rose Dinner – 21st October 2011

A really good evening was enjoyed by over 190 members of 41 Club and Round Table at the White Rose Dinner, which was celebrating its 50^th Anniversary. Members came from all over Yorkshire and wider afield (some clubs even came from Lancashire) to participate in the event. As you would expect, there was a great atmosphere that night, with the guest speaker Sir Rodney Walker – “Yorkshire Man of the Year” and Past Chairman of Wakefield Round Table. It was also good to see Round Table there to support the evening as well.

Exeter 41 Club – 19th October 2011

Jill joined me for a relaxed meeting of Exeter 41 Club. It really was a most enjoyable, sociable evening which involved lots of laughter, wine and good food. A good evening amongst many old friends.

Sidmouth 41 Club 50th Charter Anniversary – 18th October 2011

To a town that I had not been to before, I was invited to take part in Sidmouth 41 Club’s 50^th Charter Anniversary Dinner. It was superbly organised in a very good venue overlooking the sea and the food was excellent. The Club was well supported by many local clubs and it was good to see so many people that I knew from my travels in Round Table. The guest speaker was Tony Rowe, Chief Executive of the Exeter Rugby Club (I had first met Tony in 1995 at the Eastbourne National Conference), which was very apt as the Rugby World Cup Finals were on. An excellent night.

Ramsgate 41 Club 40th Charter – 17th October

I had the pleasure of joining Ramsgate 41 Club to celebrate their 40^th Charter. It was a really good evening and they were joined by lots of the local clubs. It was planned to be quite an informal evening, with plenty of time to meet up with old friends and new – the plan worked with everybody having a very memorable and enjoyable evening.

Red Rose Dinner – 7th October 2011

A large turnout for the Red Rose Dinner (upwards of 100) ensured a great evening was held in Lancashire for what was billed as the 14^th Annual Dinner and it was excellently organised by Bentham & District 41 Club.

It was a very good evening with good food, a brass band and listening to John Spence.  A really enjoyable evening which was full of good humour and lots of laughter. An event to put into your diary for next year

Chorley Rural Charter Night – 4th October 2011

Accompanied by Regional Councillor David Yardley, I had the pleasure of attending Chorley Rural’s Charter Night. It was really pleasant evening held in a lovely pub. It was a relaxed evening even though we were all in DJ’s, but it was a good evening remembering old times in Round Table and catching up with old friends.

Boston 50th Charter -3rd October 2011

I was looking forward to this Charter as it nice to visit the County of Lincolnshire where I was born – not many miles away from the Charter Venue.

The occasion was Boston’s 50^th Charter and despite a relatively small turn out, everybody enjoyed the evening and the fun and fellowship were there in abundance. At the beginning of the evening I was presented with cheques for the Shelter Box appeal from both the Tangent and 41 Clubs which they had discussed after the email  . I look forward to a swift return.

Both Jill and I had the pleasure of joining City of Birmingham 41 Club at their 60^th Charter Celebration Lunch. It was good to meet them all and enjoy a very pleasant lunch. The event was held at the very historic St Paul’s Club and it was very nice to hear of some of its history from one of its members.

National Council Meeting – 30th September and 1st October 2011

My thanks must go to Duncan Kennedy (Region 12 Councillor) who organised the National Council meeting in Cardiff. A lot was discussed as well as enjoying social time. Thanks must also go to Mike Tulley and Chris and Mary Harness who together with Duncan organised the social side. It was especially nice for me to hold the meeting in Cardiff, as it was the venue for my Conference when I was Round Table President and all the “organisers and helpers” of the weekend were the principal organisers of the Conference.

41 Club National Golf Finals – 29th September 2011

On a glorious sunny day, the 41 Club National Golf Finals were held at the Longcliffe Golf Club near Loughborough, and is now established as one of the leading golf courses in the Midlands. A record number turned up to play for The Cochran Cup (team) and The John Wood Cup (individual). An excellent day which was really well organised by Donald Watson (Region 1 Councillor) and we were excellently looked after by the Golf Club. The eventual winners were Newport 41 Club (Shropshire) and the individual winner was Mark Ashton from the same club. The event will be held there next year.

Moseley 41 Club 50th Birthday Dinner – 28th September 2011

Moseley 41 Club celebrated their 50^th Birthday Dinner at the magnificent Highbury Hall, a Grade 2 listed building and former home of the Chamberlain family. It was very good evening and the food was excellent. The highlight of the evening for me was to present their Affiliation Certificate (only 50 years late!) to Stan Cheeseman, a founder member of Moseley Round Table and then their 41 Club as well. A really good evening, with lots of laughter and banter.

Ladies Circle 75th Anniversary Ball – 24th September 2011

There were over 400 in Birmingham to help celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of Ladies Circle. There was a good turn-out from all the Round Table Family Clubs, with every Association represented. After a few brief speeches and greetings, we all enjoyed a fine dinner followed by dancing into the small hours. A really good night and a nice way to celebrate 75 years.

Swadlincote – 23rd September 2011

There was a great turn-out for the celebration of Swadlincote Round Table’s 60th Charter and Swadlincote’s 41 Club’s 41st Charter. There were many guests there, including many “08” Tablers from across Europe.


The event was excellently hosted at the Branston Golf and Country Club and we all entertained by Colin “Fingers Henry. A really good night and it was especially nice to see the two clubs closely supporting each other.

Shelter Box – 22nd September 2011

“Following my appeal for funds in support of Shelter Box in the aftermath of the Japanese Earthquake, I am pleased to say that a good number of clubs responded and we raised a considerable sum which we are to donate to Shelter Box on 22nd September 2011 at their London Offices - 37 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London SE1 7TL between 12.30 and 1pm ...”
Malcolm Lockey, Immediate Past President, 9th September 2011.

I participated in this presentation, with:
National President, Vaughan Harris
National Treasurer, Mike Turner
Alan Pattinson, former National Councillor, led the introduction of ShelterBox to 41 Club and initiated the International Collection in the wake of the earthquake in Japan.
Peter Bolt, Treasurer of Feltham & Hounslow 41 Club

I was particularly interested because my club, Faringdon & District, made the first contribution to Malcolm’s appeal: the full value of a ShelterBox.

We were entertained by Tim Bunting, Head of ShelterBox Great Britain & Ireland, and John Leach, Head of ShelterBox Operations.

Tim briefed us on ShelterBox with a DVD presentation illustrating its activities in various regions. The full ‘ShelterBox’ weighs 55kg (more than 1cwt in old money) – heavy even as a two-man lift – we saw ladies walking away balancing them on their heads!

John described the operations side from recruiting, assessing (rejecting if necessary) and training volunteers, to deployments and methods of working. Headquarters in Cornwall is the focus for selection, training and operations; the twenty or so overseas ShelterBox agencies are dedicated to fundraising.

The team philosophy is to provide immediate shelter to enable families to survive and remain together. The contents of the ‘ShelterBox’ provide shelter, bedding, stove, water purification, children’s activities, tools, water carrier, etc, for 10 people (see illustration). The most important feature is that the team will not affect adversely the activities of other agencies, nor will it suck in any of their resources. “When available food runs out, the team does not eat.” John has a good track record of getting teams in against vested interests; telephone calls and emails to the British Embassy and Universities in Japan got vital contacts and, even more vital, a dedicated translator.

‘Boxes’ have been sent to practically all major disaster areas over the last decade. Amongst the recipients were Haiti, 30,000 ‘Boxes’, the Indonesian Tsunami areas and Pakistan.

These are just recollections of a fascinating hour spent with these guys; no doubt you can find chapter and verse for all this and more on the charity’s website: shelterbox.org.

Oh, by the way, a cheque for £10,125 was handed over. Well done everyone!

 Report by Frank Venables, Faringdon & District 41 Club. Region 20 National Councillor



 

Welwyn 41 Club – 19th September 2011

Having won the Elsan Trophy (a ceremonial toilet seat) last year, it was the turn of Welwyn 41 Club to organise the event this year. The event is held in Region 19, and clubs are invited to attend to compete in a competition of the host’s choosing. This year Welwyn organised a series of games which required a wide range of skills, but the nice thing is that they were all designed so that every member could take part in the evening.


There was a good turnout with many clubs represented. I played for Hoddesdon 41 Club with strict instructions that they were not to win – in the end there was no danger of that. The winners were Baldock 41 Club, who will have to organise the event next year.

A good fun and fellowship evening with a great format, which was finished off with a nice, sociable dinner.

Scottish Tangent Luncheon – 17th September 2011

Jill and I joined members of Tangent at the Scottish Tangent Luncheon, held in Turriff near Aberdeen. Approximately 90 Ladies turned up to enjoy the lunch, which had been superbly organised by the local Turriff Tangent Club. After a very enjoyable lunch, we heard from the guest speaker Agnes Stevenson, a journalist specialising in gardening. A really enjoyable time and I look forward to visiting Tangent again at the South East Luncheon.

 

A long drive took Jill and me to Banff in Scotland, where we arrived in time to join Deveron 41 Club for a curry on the Thursday evening. On the Friday, I took part in the local Round

Tables’ annual charity golf day,    which is well supported by the local 41 Club.

The rain held off and it was a day in which the putts went in and the result was I joined 4 others on the winning score of 37 points; unfortunately I came 5^th on the count back. It was a really enjoyable day, with monies raised for local charities.

Haselmere 41 Club – 14th September 2011

 

I joined Haselmere 41 Club for an evening of “Slot Car Racing” – scalectrix by any other name. It took you back to childhood days racing cars around track. We ended up racing all sorts of cars with a bit of a twist at the end, in terms of the cars used.

We also enjoyed a homemade curry in the interval. An enjoyable evening was had by all.

Fleet 41 Club – 13th September 2011

I joined Fleet 41 Club for a very enjoyable sociable evening at the local curry house. There was good banter around the table and it was a pleasure to meet the members in a very relaxed atmosphere. The food was excellent. The Club had obviously been there before, as they looked after us very well and even brought us extra dishes! An excellent evening.

Esher 41 Club – 12th September 2011

Along with members from Kingston ex-Tablers and Hamble Valley 41 Clubs, I joined Esher 41 Club for their joint meeting. After a very nice meal, it was time to ask the President what was happening in 41 Club. A lively discussion ensued and after about one hour (it seemed to go very fast) we all  adjourned to the bar. It was a very enjoyable relaxing evening.

The Muswell Hill Festival & Donkey Derby – 11th September 2011

A warm and sunny Sunday aftenoon took me to the Muswell Hill Festival and Donkey Derby.

There Jill and I  helped 1741 Club, together with local RT's Tablers (together with various family members) to run the Donkey Derby and Donkey rides . It was good fun and very funny to watch. The afternoon was spent with some very frisky donkeys which caused the riders some problems.

All this was part of raising monies for the London Centre for Children with Cerebal Palsy. The day was attended by several thousand people who all enjoyed the attractions which included a karate display, dog show, food courts, bouncy castles, inflatables and many other stalls.

Funds raised by 41 Club and Table amoted to over £1200.00  and it certainly raised the profile of RT and 41 Club in the local community.

City of London RT13 Nun Run – 11th September 2011

Over 200 runners turned up on the Sunday morning to dress up as Nuns and run around some of the City of London’s landmarks and bridges. It was good to see some 41 Club members supporting the event and Jill and I were asked to help on the day looking after the left luggage/bags.

The event was run by City of London RT13 and the monies raised (approximately £1500) went to RTCW.

Many of those that took part came up to us after the run when collecting their bags saying how well organised it all was and what a fun event and they would be looking out for it next year.

Joint meeting of Deeside and Birkenhead 41 Clubs – 7th September 2011

A pleasant drive took me to North Wales to visit Deeside and District 41 Club who were having a joint meeting with Birkenhead 41 Club. They meet twice a year and take it in turns to host the event. It was a very enjoyable evening (an informal meeting) with lots of laughter and good banter and it was good to see the local Round Table there to enjoy the evening as well.

Region 25 Golf – 6th September 2011

There was a good turnout at West Malling Golf Club (near Maidstone), which played host to Region 25’s Golf Day, for a really enjoyable day’s golf with dinner afterwards – despite the pouring rain the whole day (it only eased after 16 holes). They also managed to raise monies for RTCW.


It was a difficult course with plenty of water and trees, which I did find on many occasions, but on the plus side it is set in the heart of the Kent countryside and has magnificent views over the South Downs. I did though manage to win the longest drive competition – more by luck than judgement.

I look forward to welcoming the winners to the National Golf Finals in September.

Aldershot 41 Club – 5th September 2011

I joined Aldershot 41 Club for dinner and a chat at their September meeting. It was a most enjoyable meeting and I was made to feel most welcome. Over dinner many stories from tabling days were recounted and with business kept to a minimum, everyone came away having a very enjoyable evening.

National Sporting Weekend – 2nd and 3rd September 2011

This year’s National Sporting Weekend was held in Leeds and was (as usual) well organised.

The Friday started off with the golf at Headingly Golf Club with the main sports taking place on the Saturday at the University Campus. It was good to see the event so well supported by 41 club (I recognised many old faces), but it was also good to see the participation of so many young tablers.

The Sportmans’ Dinner on the Saturday evening was excellent with an excellent speaker in Kriss Akabusi MBE.

Next year’s event will be held in Birmingham and I am sure that the committee will put on an excellent weekend.

Downland Eastbourne 41 Club – Croquet Evening – 31st August 2011

On a warm sunny evening I joined Downland Eastbourne for an evening of Croquet. It was really enjoyable to have someone who knows how to play come round with you and explain the rules of the game and what to do – it is not such a friendly game. The evening was rounded off by a fine fish and chip supper.

41 Club Presidents Journal: Scottish Regional Golf Day – 25th August 2011

41 Club Presidents Journal: Scottish Regional Golf Day – 25th August 2011: In glorious sunshine, teams of golfers from all over Scotland travelled to Inverurie Golf Club for the Scottish Regional Golf Day organise...

Region 24 Murder Mystery Night - 26th August 2011

Several clubs from the southern end of Region 24 met in Bexhill – many of the members there I recognised from Table days.


It was a really enjoyable evening where the entertainment was several of us playing characters in a murder mystery evening, with everyone else having to guess who did it. Both Jill and I had “acting” role and the banter went around the room – it really was very funny. The characters’ names had all been carefully scripted eg I was Harris Enford (i.e. Harrison Ford) and it carried on from there.

It was an excellent evening and a thank you must go to the organisers from Bexhill 41 Club.

Scottish Regional Golf Day – 25th August 2011

In glorious sunshine, teams of golfers from all over Scotland travelled to Inverurie Golf Club for the Scottish Regional Golf Day organised by Inverurie 41 Club. It really was a good day for meeting old friends (and making new ones) and playing golf, especially as the players from each team went out with members from other clubs.

The golf course itself was in very good condition, especially considering the amount of rain recently. It was not a long course (5564 yards par 69), with an undulating initial 9 holes and a testing and tight finish with broom, gorse and tree-lined fairways. The course had excellent views from the higher points on the course.

The overall winners on the day were again Inverurie and congratulations to everyone involved for organising such an enjoyable day.