7 - May 2010 Newsletter 41 Club

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[email protected] Issue 7 – May 2010

Volcanic Scarborough

As we all departed for Scarborough on the 15th April news was filtering through of the volcanic activity in Iceland and the devastating effects it was having on flights all around Europe. Consequently most of the overseas visitors did not arrive at the Conference but the rest of the attendees had a truly volcanic experience of their own! Turn to page 3 for more details.

As you are reading this you will have realised that it was agreed at the National Conference to continue with the monthly newsletter, and what a bumper edition we have for you. As editor I am very pleased by the reception the newsletter has received and by the confidence shown by the National Council for me to continue for another twelve months. Producing each newsletter has taken a considerable amount of my time, and as I am still in full-time employment, this has had to be fitted in during my free time. I would therefore ask two favours from you all:

1) Please submit articles and news items for publication in the newsletter. We want all sorts of news: good news, notification of forthcoming events, awards made to members, visits, overseas news, recognition of your clubs by other organisations or the press, sporting achievements etc. etc. The list of things that you can submit is endless, even a good joke or cartoon would certainly be welcome, but please I do not want to find my mailbox just full of moans and groans. The more articles you supply the easier my job gets and the more time I get to spend with my family. (At times only the dog recognises me because he joins me in the office when I am working on the newsletter.) Also the newsletter becomes far more enjoyable for all other members when there are more contributors.

2) Please ensure that every club receives and distributes the newsletter. There are still many clubs where we do not have a single email address; surely there must be at least one member with a PC and an email account in most of these clubs! There are also clubs where the club contact simply will not pass the newsletter on. I would appeal to members of these clubs to let us know how we can resolve this, but of course we cannot as they are not reading this and are probably blissfully unaware of its existence.

I must warn you that as [email protected] is getting larger it is not advisable to print lots of hard copies on your personal printers, as they will use a great deal of ink, especially if produced in colour. Once again I would like to thank all those who have provided input and support during the six-months trial. Richard promised to improve communication during his year and I hope that this has gone some way to providing that. I look forward to hearing from many more of you over the next twelve months.

Contents

[email protected]

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Editorial – Together we can go forward into a new era for 41 Club

Contributions to

[email protected]

Please send contributions to [email protected] or phone 01606 832807 and ask for Ray. The copy date for the June issue is Sunday 23rd May. Remember – this is your newsletter and is available for you to contact every other member of the Association, so please support it as much as you can.

Editor: Ray Hill National Councillor Region 11

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National Conference And AGM 2010

Help For Heroes

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Club News

We’re Back

The Back Page

We’re Back

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Postbox

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[email protected]

Issue 7 – May 2010

“Together we can go forward into a new era for 41 Club”

Editorial

Gentlemen, these are the words with which I concluded the April edition of [email protected]. They contain a sentiment with which I hope you will all concur, for we are an organisation built upon fellowship, continuing the friendships we built up in Round Table and hopefully making new ones through our clubs and activities. I will shortly be completing my first year as National Councillor for Region 11 (Cheshire and North West Midlands) and during that year I have had the pleasure of re-kindling many old friendships, but more importantly making many new friends both regionally and nationally. (Plus a few internationally). I have attended meetings at many clubs in my region and I hope to visit all of them within the next 12 months. Often when I have been arranging my visits I have been warned that ‘You may have a very tough time here’, but I can honestly say that this has never been the case. In recent weeks I have also had the pleasure of escorting National President Richard to two club meetings. The welcome he received at both was very warm and his jokes seemed funny, even if I have heard them on several occasions. Members of both clubs commented that this was the first time they had ever had a visit from a National President and how pleased they were to have him join their meetings. Several people asked me how do you get a Presidential visit? Well the answer is simple! Just ask and if there is a convenient date then a visit can be arranged. Probably the best way is to contact your Region’s National Councillor and he can co-ordinate a visit to your club. A visit from a member of the National Council or Executive can often dispel many of the myths that are circulating about what is happening in our Association. These visits have demonstrated to me how “together” we are a force upholding those traditions we built up in Round Table, “together” we maintain those friendships we treasured so much and “together” we can have a presence in the community. Three of the events I have attended have been joint meetings between two clubs. When was the last time your club had a joint meeting? At the last two meetings new members were inducted into the clubs and at one the National President was asked to induct a new Tabler as well. It was gratifying to see Tablers accept their 41 Club’s invitation to attend the meetings when some of their members were being moved on to the Platinum Club. I have also experienced international relations when my own club entertained several European couples, an extension of our Table’s European 48 Club. For me the jewel in the crown is the National Conference when we join up with so many ‘like minded’ couples for a great weekend, bringing memories of those wonderful RTBI National Conferences flooding back. So I ask myself why do so many clubs seem to want to cut themselves off from the fellowship that we built up over so many years? Why are we turning so inward that we cannot accept other people’s ideas? We all readily accepted that we would ‘Adopt, Adapt, Improve’, so why in our more mature years do we reject the latter two? I am writing this editorial before we know the result of the rule change vote at Scarborough. I have chosen to do this deliberately as I do not want to be influenced by the result. It appears to me that no matter which side you support, no matter how much you agree or disagree with any principle, threatening to disaffiliate from the Association if the vote goes against your beliefs is both divisive and self-defeating. Together gentlemen, we are a great organisation, based upon the ideals of Louis Marchesi, so many years ago. Divided we become small, fragmented groups of friends who meet once a month for a cosy meal and a chat about ‘the good old times’. If we are to survive then we have to change! Selective membership has been just one item on an ever-developing agenda. No matter which way the vote has gone I ask that all clubs think very seriously before they consider disaffiliation. Think of what you will be missing (this newsletter for a start) and the fellowship of so many ‘like minded men’. Our disagreements are music to the ears of Rotary, Lions, Masons, Buffaloes etc. etc. Together we can go forward into a new era for 41 Club. In the three weeks building up to the AGM there were a lot of emails and messages regarding the selective membership debate but as the vote has now taken place I have chosen not to print them here. However I have published one which has a major suggestion as to the future of our Club and I would be interested in hearing your views on the relationship between Round Table as a brand and 41 Club. We have also a letter from the real ‘power behind the throne’ in 2009-10. Barbara has been a real star over the last twelve months and I feel that we all owe her a deep debt of gratitude for all she has done for us.

Spot The Treasurer

The sign says it all! You have to identify which is National Treasurer Mike Turner in the photo on the left. Is it A, B, or C? Please send you answers to [email protected] with ‘Spot The Treasurer’ in the title line and simply quoting either A, B or C. The results will be published in the June Newsletter. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. (Especially from the Treasurer or his solicitor!) Multiple entries will not be disqualified. Entries received after the closing date will still be counted and charged at your normal e-mail rate.

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The AGM of the Association took place at Scarborough on Saturday

17th

April 2010. The following is a summary of what was decided: TREASURER: The accounts for 2009 were approved The Budget for 2011 was approved Duncan & Toplis were re-appointed our Independent Examiners The Capitation for 2011 was set at £10 per capita (no change) SALES & MARKETING OFFICER: Hugh Milward of Ashby-de-la-Zouch 41 Club was elected National Sales & Marketing Officer RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION 1 (Change of wording of International Rules) - This was CARRIED RESOLUTION 2 (Selective Membership) - This was LOST RESOLUTION 3 (Purposes of the Association) - This was CARRIED RESOLUTION 4 (Purposes of the Association) - Withdrawn due to Resolution 2 being lost. The new National President – Malcolm Lockey of Yarm, Kelso and Party Tyne 41 Clubs was then placed in office. The new National Executive is as follows:

President Malcolm Lockey Vice-President Vaughan Harris Immediate Past President Richard Matthews National Secretary Martin Green National Treasurer Mike Turner Membership & Ext. Officer Jim Smith Sales & Marketing Officer Hugh Milward Conference Officer Dick Stanley Communications Officer David Smith International Officer Andy Waite Councillors’ Representative Barry Durman

National Conference And AGM 2010

If your image of the National Conference and AGM is just a boring business meeting

and a couple of stuffy dinners then just read the formal report below and skip the

next three pages, but if you want to know what it is really like, then read on.

“The Conference itself was excellent, it’s just like Table, or even better, more like Table Conferences 10-15 years ago for atmosphere.” Duncan Baldwin, Rossendale 41 Club

This slide says it all – it was a great conference! The organisation, the atmosphere and the facilities were all excellent. The intensity of the AGM was matched by the quality of the social events. Attendance at all events was up yet again on the previous year and the Scarborough organising committee are to be congratulated on a superb weekend.

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The Full Monty (Or Three Nights

In Scarborough)

If you have ever attended a Round Table Conference and think that 41 Club Conference cannot be as good then you are in for a big surprise! Here is a personal account of this year’s extravaganza in Scarborough. Although the main events are spread over Friday and Saturday many partygoers arrive on the Thursday. The accommodation is no longer part of the package so delegates can chose the hotel in the price band they prefer. After checking in to the hotel we moved on to the conference headquarters to register. This is when Conference really starts as you immediately start meeting friends old and new. First timers can be assured that they will make many new friends over the next few days. Registration is quick and then it is on to the bar for the first of many drinks and a time to catch up on the last twelve months. On Thursday evening there is an optional welcome party, at which 180 sat down to a traditional Yorkshire supper, with

live music, a comedian and finally a disco. The hotel had also laid on a casino night where we all spent our £200 of President Richard notes. Other delegates had arranged evening meals with friends at local restaurants.

Then off to bed ready for Friday. Friday is the day that the 41 Club National Council meeting is held and the Tangent Executive also meet. At lunch time there was a press call for the two National Presidents who made a joint presentation to the Help For Heroes representative Simon Brown. For all other delegates there is the option of a golf tournament, a coach trip (this year it was to Castle Howard) or just chilling out in Scarborough. Quite a few ladies took the opportunity for some retail therapy whilst their husbands explored the town and its hostelries. Many other delegates arrive during the day and we all prepare for the formal event of Conference, the President’s Ball. The hall was packed for the ball with over 440 booked in for this year’s event. A splendid meal followed by amusing speeches (thoughtfully not too long) and a very moving presentation of the £140,000 cheque to Simon Brown.

Simon was injured during active service, but has now been retrained thanks to help from H4H. During the meal we were entertained by the Kirbymoorside Brass Band, who provided us with all the old Table favourites. Flags waved, arms were outstretched and all enemy aircraft dispatched with the usual aplomb. Afterwards we danced to the sounds of The Supertones and the Dave Marshall

disco. Carriages (or in this case the last cliff lift) were at 1am. Saturday morning dawns and we meet lots of friends at breakfast. For the men it is straight to the Spa Centre for a 9:30 start to the AGM, for the ladies it is back to their rooms to casually prepare for their lunch at 12:00. The Tangent AGM follows the lunch and finishes at around 5:pm. The 41 AGM begins with all the formalities, the welcomes, and the guest speeches. Then we move on to the officers’

The Purposes and Objects of the

Association of Ex-Round Tablers’

Clubs (41 Club)

To promote amongst the constituent clubs and those eligible for membership, the following objects:

(i) To continue to promote opportunities for fellowship amongst former members of Round Table (ii) To encourage active involvement in the Community (iii) To use our experience in support of the Round Table Family

(iv) To encourage international relationships These objects to be promoted through regular meetings and other activities. Adopted at the National AGM at Scarborough – April 2010. It is requested that these are read at all Meetings.

reports and awards. This year there was not a single question of the Treasurer, the accounts and budget being passed without a single query. Consequently the first resolution was taken early and passed and then the AGM broke for a very early lunch. During the morning session the Ipswich 2011 Conference team had given us a very amusing presentation but promised a much fuller uncensored one in the evening. The number of voting delegates and proxy votes was considerably up this year (over 200) and this was in anticipation of resolution 2, the ‘selective membership’ debate. The resolution was moved by Membership Officer Jim Smith and the queue of delegates wanting to speak rapidly grew. Many of the speakers were more serious than usual, as this resolution was very close to their hearts, but one or two did manage to provide us with some very amusing speeches. It would be wrong to single out any particular speaker but there were some very emotional and heartfelt points made. As you are probably aware the resolution failed, and 41 Club remains a closed organisation. The final resolution concerning the Purposes and Objects of the club was passed and are set out at the bottom of this page. The AGM then continued with the final thanks from the departing Executive and Council members. Richard gave a very emotional speech, as did Drew Cochran who presented a new trophy for the National Golf competition. President Malcolm was installed and he introduced his new Executive. He then set out his aims for the year which will be covered in next month’s newsletter and he closed the 2010 AGM on a very positive note. The theme for the final night party was ‘Life’s A Beach’ and the standard of fancy dress was particularly high. No speeches tonight but the food was excellent and Beach Boys Inc were a perfect choice for the event. Again there were

over 440 attendees and the atmosphere buzzed, just like the final night parties we all remember from our Table days. All too soon we were joining hands in Auld Lang Syne; it had been a great conference. But it was not over yet as we returned to various hotels for one last drink with our friends. On Sunday we all departed after breakfast apart from the two Executives who held their

first meetings of the new year. By the way we have already booked for Ipswich and it would be wonderful to meet YOU there!

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The AGM

Memories of Scarborough 2010

Friday Night

President’s

Banquet And

Ball

Next time you meet President Malcolm, ask him about the chicken!!!

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Final Night Party

Life’s A Beach

NEXT STOP IPSWICH 2011

The Long And The Short

Of It

When the 41 Club Conference visited Scarborough 50 years ago the local newspaper covered the whole of the front and back pages with articles on the Conference. This year the ‘Evening News’ published just one item, this was the presentation of the cheque to H4H for a combined total of £140,000. The article was the Saturday headline and is shown on the left as it appeared in the paper. The photograph does show that the camera can lie, for they have manipulated it to fit into the available space. I can assure you that the Mayor of Scarborough is not ‘Mr. Blobby’. Jan, Richard and the remainder should also consider consulting their solicitors for this slur on their physique. But even this slight error on the part of the newspaper cannot disguise the delight of all those involved in the presentation.

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Welcome Our New National Councillors

The National Executive 2010 - 11

Farewell And Thanks To

Secretary Martin Green

Communications David Smith

Membership Jim Smith

Treasurer Mike Turner

International Andy Waite

Conference Terry Cooper

Councillor Rep. Tony Henderson

Region 20 Brian Southgate

President Malcolm Lockey

Vice-President Vaughan Harris

I.P.P. Richard Matthews

Conference Dick Stanley

Sales Hugh Milward

Councillor Rep. Barry Durman

IPP Drew Cochran

Region 21 Ray Jones

Region 3 Phillip Ellis

Region 7 Mike Garner

Region 20 Frank Venables

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[email protected]


Past President’s report

Gentlemen, I have enjoyed the most fantastic year and thank you for your wonderful support. I started my year with 5 objectives to try and modernise 41 Club.

• Get Clubs talking about membership and their future. • Reward Clubs’ local heroes. • Support Help for Heroes. • Improve our communications. • Develop a new modern image.

The Results

• Over 66% of clubs responded to the membership survey in May and 206 voting delegates and proxies were registered at Scarborough AGM, an increase of 60% on any previous year in the last decade.

• 36 Service Awards have been given to our local Heroes. • The amount collected from 41 Clubs for Help for Heroes now exceeds £120,000. (Original target £41,000) • The new emailed monthly newsletter has become the main thrust to get closer to Clubs. • New sales items and new regalia items are now on stream and selling well.

Going forward the National Executive has decided to set up a team to look at revising our voting procedures in an attempt to get every club to vote on issues affecting the Association. The National Council has approved a contract with Avid PR to try and get more public awareness of 41 Club through increased press coverage and through Social Media using the Internet in an attempt to boost membership from Ex-Tablers. The National Council has approved a project to look at how 41 Clubs can develop a greater sense of purpose through support to our communities. Help for Heroes has shown what we can do Scarborough and the AGM It was a terrific weekend and with the sun shining we all had a brilliant celebration and a great send off for me and launch for new President Malcolm Lockey. Concerning the AGM, it is fair to say that few on the National Council believed that the Selected Membership, Resolution 2, would get the majority to change the membership rules, but the debate which ensued was of the highest quality if fairly scant on any new ideas. The AGM is a very well organised event and timing is very carefully considered. On the day we suffered two unforeseen events. Nearly 20 of our overseas visitors could not attend because of volcanic dust grounding flights and therefore they could not be recognised at our meeting. Second there were no questions of the Treasurer. The morning session ended 30minutes early and the decision was made to take lunch because there was nothing we could bring forward on the Agenda. We began the afternoon session 30 minutes early with the aim of having an uninterrupted debate on Resolution 2 which lasted for over 90 minutes. I am delighted to say that the AGM eventually finished 30 minutes ahead of schedule at 4.00pm. The failure of Resolution 2 by votes of 87 in favour and 106 against poses many questions. The issue did attract the biggest number of voting delegates and proxy votes (206) that I can remember since I joined the National Council 9 years ago. The majority against, reverses the vote in 2005, when the majority of delegates voted in favour of fully open membership. Obviously on this occasion those against the motion, felt more strongly than those in favour, because those against made their votes count by being there or making sure they had a proxy. The result is in contrast with the May membership survey returns suggesting that with 660 delegates, Resolution 2 could have been carried. Scarborough has confirmed my concern that a small group (100 votes) is not representative of 838 Clubs. I am delighted therefore, that we are holding a review of the voting system to present new ideas in 2011 to obtain a larger more representative vote in future. Resolution 3 which covered the revised Aims of the Association was carried without any debate whatsoever, unanimously. Not one vote against. So, we have a clear picture. With the loss of Resolution 2 and the acceptance of Resolution 3 the National Council has been given a clear message by over 200 clubs that they support the Aims of the Association. But voting no to Resolution 2 brings with it a responsibility to actively do something about membership. If these Clubs continue to stick with Ex-Tablers only and make no effort on membership and give no help or get help for their Round Table the rest of the Clubs will simply take the easy option and take in non Tablers. Time will tell. It has been a privilege to be your National President thank you for your support and my best wishes to all our members for a long happy and healthy 41 Club life. Richard Matthews

Current News on Jewel Orders

In order to speed up the process and to ensure better quality control the sales team are now arranging for the engraving of all jewels to be done in the UK. A large consignment of blank jewels and name bars are being delivered to our suppliers by the 31st May. Please note that until then no new orders will be processed and all orders received since Scarborough are on hold. Our supplier has lined up a local engraver and deliveries will begin as soon as the consignment arrives. There will be a small price increase to facilitate this change, but the service turnaround in the future will be far superior to any we have achieved in the past.

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Resolution Selective Membership April A.G.M Scarborough.

Ian Mackenzie, Haverhill & District 41 Club, Calpe 41 Club, Party Tyne 41 Club National President 2006/2007

Over the last year I purposely decided not to communicate in any way my personal thoughts with regards to the Selective Membership Resolution. As a recent past National Membership & Extension Officer for the Association I felt it best to as they say keep my own council. Now the vote has been taken I feel I can now speak my mind. The result of the resolution changes nothing and this Association is still left with the problem of Open Membership/Selective Membership and the matter will not go away as we have already seen with some recent communications. I read a comment that the decision taken was a historic moment. What a load of rubbish. The decision changed absolutely nothing and it certainly is not going to change the course of history within this Association. The Association has this problem for one simple reason. Round Table membership is on a dramatic decline, and to give the clearest picture possible Round Table forecast that in the year 2012 membership would be at 4,000. So here we are now April 2010 and Round Table is showing membership at 4,200. Is anything being done about this problem, take a look at the facts. Simply nothing. The downward drip on membership numbers continues and more of our clubs find themselves with no Feeder Table. It looks as if between the whole Family of Round Table no one cares. Throughout all of the debate during the year either through the newsletter, magazine or the group discussion online no one was projecting ideas as to how we get out of this mess. All I read was clubs threatening to resign (disaffiliate), well that will not solve problems and in my opinion is not in the spirit of fellowship. Some members suggested the clubs concerned should leave the Association. Well o.k. that is over 60% who replied in favour of the resolution. That will not solve the problem. Some suggested go and join another organization such as Rotary or Lions. Well that will not solve the problem, and what do they have in common with Round Table. Many negative comments were made and throughout all this process I cannot remember reading positive solutions to get this Association and in particular Round Table back where it should belong and out of this awful mess. At the A.G.M. it was the same, comments for the motion, comments against, some humour which had nothing to do with trying to sort the problem. The final act for me at the A.G.M. was the Round Table National President speaking and saying this is not the solution and you should be with us and help us on membership. Now let me see, is this the same organization that did not consult us on the age rule change and left our Association with a five year gap in our membership. The age rule change that meant we lost our identity. Are we not now the 45 Club? The age rule change that froze membership for Round Table for five years. The age rule change that has made no difference and the decline in membership has continued. It would appear that listening to Round Table has made no difference at all and the downward decline continues. I had prepared my speech for the A.G.M. but in the end I decided not to speak. My speech would have congratulated National in formulating a well-worded proposal, but I was going to speak neither for nor against. My speech would have been based upon the Family of Round Table stopping all this nonsense and once and for all start working together to bring constructive solutions to our members. Why can we not have a fully worked out programme that gets our clubs either working with the Round Tables at local level that still exist, working in the community where the members are to be found. A fully constructed Round Table Membership initiative that we the members that do have some interest in our future can apply minds and bodies for the good of all the family of Round Table. It is no good standing up in front of a lectern and saying “I am a Tabler and I wish this Association to remain for Ex-Tablers”, saying that solves nothing. What would help is Round Table getting a grip of the organisation across the country, constructive and well organised Table meetings, and stop all this getting pissed meetings. It does Table harm and no good. Sorry I have seen it and it has destroyed Round Tables. They have to start being honest with themselves and stop thinking all is well through a pint glass. Those who voted against the proposal must have some answers, and the same applies to those who were for the proposals. The debate solved nothing, all it did was bring out the same old emotions, emotions that are wearing thin and solve nothing. Why can’t we have a proposal at the A.G.M. that demands National come forward with a proposal that they construct a fully working initiative to strengthen the existing Round Tables and through 41 Club create initiatives to open new Round Tables? Perhaps even consider us becoming what Round Table was and when it worked for the membership and the community. If we do nothing now it will be too late. Remember 4,200; what will it be next year? 3,200? It is not rocket science, a quick example from my club Haverhill & District. We were doing Santa’s Sleigh in a local village for Round Table, pint afterwards and there you go people in the pub were asking questions, who were we, what else do you do and yes we have generated interest within our village for a new member for Round Table. The public were asking we should give it to them. They want to know who we are and what we do. The last few years our efforts in raising money for charity have shown we have the will to do something. We just need the way. Putting it bluntly, you have to get off your backside and it will not fall into your lap. I wonder how many of those who attended the A.G.M. this year will turn up next year. If you are that passionate about our membership rules you should be even more passionate about the survival of Round Table. Come on speak up, get up or will we have a deathly silence?

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All Targets Exceeded

What a wonderful response you

have made

Thanks to all who have

generously made this a bumper

appeal

£120,688 + £25,550 41 Club Tangent

On the left is one of the many letters received by 41 Club in recognition of the contributions made over the last 12 months. I would ask you to click on the link below to see just how important this work is: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8603423.stm Thank you gentlemen, and another date for your diary is 24th June, Music For Heroes at Leicester :-

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Club News

Club Forum Since the end of the Conference the Club Forum has been buzzing with messages regarding the way forwards for our Association, but there are still only 84 members. (This is a 300% increase over the membership this time last year.) If you are interested in the future of 41 Club then why not join the Forum and have your say. You can put questions directly to the members of the National Executive and make your point of view known. Much of what appears in this newsletter is directly related to the discussions on the Forum. Why not give it a try? http://41forum.notlong.com

Club Website Of The Month

http://www.shirleylateknights.co.uk/

At the AGM of Shaftesbury & Gillingham 41 Club on 8th April National President Richard was presented with an Honorary Life membership of our Club by outgoing Chairman Andrew Daymond. Pictured (l to r) are new Chairman Terry Mole, Richard and Andrew Daymond.

Region 20 Inaugural Quiz Night

As the three-year stint of our National Councillor, Brian Southgate, comes to an end, Brian thought it would be a good idea to encourage more fellowship in the Thames Valley by organising our first Regional Quiz Night. Brian, as many of you will have seen or heard, recently competed in BBC Television’s ‘Mastermind’ and did extremely well, so the Regional Quiz was a real mental challenge! Having been beaten (again!) in the yearly quiz against our Round Table, Witney 41 Club was up for the challenge and set off to 333 Banbury Road, Oxford – a superb venue – where Cherwell hosted the event. As a supporter of the team, I thought it right and proper to drive our worthy team and set off for what turned out to be a truly memorable evening of fun and fellowship. There was much banter (just like Round Table days) and a number of individuals paid fines for their witty comments! These fines, plus money from the raffle, went to “HELP for HEROES”. It was a close competition and, with one round to go, only one point separated the two top teams. I thought Witney had “blown it” when they only scored 2. Then we found that Wantage – the runners up – had also scored just 2, so Witney were declared the winners! Well done, Brian, and thanks to Cherwell for hosting. As you can imagine, the atmosphere in the car going home, was great! Well done lads!! Graham Sharman, Chairman Witney 41 Club.

Gongs and Ribbons

Andy Nation of Welwyn 41 Club has suggested that as an alternative to gongs at formal DJ events, we ADAPT our formal dress code and ADOPT the use of ribbons like the armed forces due to the sheer weight and manageability of them hanging on the old dinner jacket. Andy suggests that different ribbons bands be made available as per the new gong ribbon colours that can slide on a strip that would easily fix to a DJ pocket without damaging or distorting the garment. Andy is keen to point out that this suggestion would not stop any member wearing his gongs when the circumstances dictate, but before I look into costs and availability, what do members think? Any comments please to Hugh Milward, [email protected]

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[email protected]


Meet Your Councillor

Region 2 – Allan Thomson

Born during the war years in 1941 in the market town of Inverurie and I have spent all my life there, went to school in Inverurie and then to Aberdeen Trades School where I completed a years pre-apprenticeship building course, before returning to serve my time as a joiner with a local firm. My working life from there on being spent in the building / associated trades, firstly moving into quantity surveying and then to precast concrete production and management. I am still involved in this 16hrs a week. Married Moira in 1964 and we have three daughters Susan, Kathleen and Amanda and six grandchildren Vicky, Craig, Darren, Leyanna, Ryan and Katy. Joined Inverurie and District Round Table No 764 in 1969 and spent many happy years there, Round Table caravan rallies, galas, teddy bears’ picnics and many others were full family events. Club Chairman in 1975-76 and Area 44 Chairman in 1981-82 Four members retired from Table on the same night, we had 50 years Tabling between us. I then moved on to 41 Club with Inverurie and District being Chairman in 1986-87 and again in 1998-99. Having noted in the Association Magazine in July 2007 that the East of Scotland had no National Councillor, I ‘volunteered’ to assist in the National Councillors Post in the ‘interim’. 3 years and 9 months will be my punishment, however moving round the Region on visitations has been enjoyable any many Table friendships renewed. As National Councillor for Region 2 East Scotland I have a large geographical Region that covers four Table Area: 39, 44, 49 and 51 from Banff in the north to Hawick in the south. Apart from Round Table and 41 Club, since I was 8 years old I have been involved in the Scout movement and in a warranted position as Assistant Leader to Area Commissioner over a period of 43+ years, and I am still involved as District Chairman. Other hobbies include caravanning (including being a founder member of the Scottish Nomads Caravan Club, again started through R/T), indoor bowling, golf and shooting.

Moira and myself with our new Hyundai Santa Fe, YES the affinity deal does work.

2010 Marathon des Sables

Keith Robins (ex-Stafford & District RT and current Stafford 41 Club member) thought he'd have an Easter with a difference this year. Not for me a visit to a rather tasteful hotel in pleasant surroundings with nice food, good company, maybe an occasional walk and, possibly if we are all good, the odd glass or two of sherry to pass the evenings while we chat about old times. Oh no - too straightforward all that. So having submitted my entry in December 2007 and having my place finally confirmed in September 2009, I jetted out from Gatwick on April 1st with approx. 270 other Brits on a charter flight courtesy of Monarch Airlines to Ouarzazate in mid-Morocco. The reason behind all this - to take part in the 2010 Marathon des Sables. Described as "The toughest Footrace on Earth" it involves covering 250kms of the Moroccan Sahara in 7 days.

Gentlemen this is an amazing account of a truly amazing adventure. Keith’s full story will be featured in next month’s newsletter.

Prize Competition

How many words of 4 or more letters can you find in the word of the momth. Plurals are allowed but no real names or foreign words. The list must include at least one other 8 letter word. Email your answers to [email protected] by the 20th May. There will be a small prize and please do not use an anagram generator otherwise the competition becomes meaningless. I can assure you that there is another 8 letter word. The word this month is:

MARCHESI

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The National Memorial Arboretum

Not just a military site…………. Created in 1997, the National Memorial Arboretum is a special place that remembers those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation in many different ways. With some 50,000 trees already planted, and 160 dedicated memorials established on the site of 150 acres, the Arboretum is a living tribute that will forever acknowledge the work of many for the benefit of many. 41 Club at the Arboretum……….. Back in 1997 the Arboretum was little more than an idea promoted by some enthusiastic amateurs but by late 1999 they had defied the doubters and created this wonderful facility. Lichfield 41 Club became involved in 2000 and after an appeal over 200 clubs and Round Table contributed to a “garden” opened by then President Paul Cammiss in 2003 which would commemorate the contribution made by the Round Table family over the years. This is the only 41 Club facility of its type in Great Britain and Ireland. Every year National Officials take part in the Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying ceremony. The ravages of time (and the local rabbit population which found the hedging to the site absolutely delicious!) have demanded a total re-think and re-furbishment. The planning process has been tortuous as our plans, drawn and re-drawn by David Duffy our in-house architect, were pored over and ultimately approved by the Trustees. The work is not cheap; financial assistance has been provided by our National Association. Materials have been kindly provided by Marshalls (after some quiet behind the scenes work by Andrew Tipper of Tippers of Lichfield) and then there are the many Lichfield members who have just got on with it…..! The Ladies of Tangent are adding their own tribute to the Garden and we shall soon all be able to share the fruits of all this work. Watch this space! A place to visit………. This is a truly lovely spot. It is centrally situated near Alrewas in Staffordshire bordered by the rivers Trent and Tame. It is a place where current and future generations can wander and wonder. The Arboretum has something for everyone. For some it is a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the beauty of the trees; for others it's a peaceful and beautiful place to remember loved ones, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The recently erected Armed Forces Memorial is at once magnificent and poignant and is a fitting spot to remember those heroes who have laid down their lives for us just as we have helped many others through our fantastic “Help the Heroes” effort. Only last month the iconic Basra Wall was completed, having been moved from its original home in Iraq to this beautiful place. And more is planned….. I have the good fortune to live close by the site. I visit regularly and it never fails to impress and humble me. I am proud that our “family”, 41 Club, Round Table and Tangent are so involved in investing in its future.

Mac Cummings, Communications Lichfield 41 Club

More at www.thenma.org.uk/

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[email protected]


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Postbox All members are invited to submit views on any topical subject. Please do not make them too long and definitely no personal attacks will be allowed. Further debate on these topics can be found on the club forum at http://41forum.notlong.com. Send your letters to

[email protected]

The Future

Bookings for Ipswich 2011 are already open and are well ahead of previous years. The hotels are filling fast so get you booking in ASAP. All the information and a booking form are available from the conference website. Ian Mackenzie Ipswich 2011 Chairman

With reference to the article "Accounts 1946 Style" in the newsletter "......nobody now knows who or what Spink was, but we hope that he was worth the expenditure......" Presumably it was medals from Spink (see www.spink.com) Things would have been done properly in those days ;) Don Mullane, Secretary, London Old Tablers' Society

Spink ?

I write as a member of a “non-influential” 41 Club, Henleaze, Bristol . I say “non-influential” as we rarely get involved in national association matters and, as a club, take the view that open membership may be appropriate for some clubs and we won’t stand in their way, but we cannot see that we would want to introduce non-ex-Round Tablers into our club. However it is clear to me that any proposal on this subject and whatever the voting outcome will leave the National Association of Ex-Round Tablers’ Clubs in a worse position than before, since “yes” to open membership will cause clubs to disaffiliate and a “no” will result in a different set of clubs disaffiliating. So it would be best if the motion, however it is worded, be not put. In its place, a motion enabling a totally different approach could be put to the AGM. The following may not be the right one, but it takes the now sterile and divisive discussion into a new arena. Also, many of the details which follow need further thought too. I do not claim to have the total answer. But I base this alternative on a simple question, the answer to which is, I believe, un-contentious. THE QUESTION IS: WHICH IS THE MORE POWERFUL, BEST RECOGNISED AND MORE VALUABLE BRAND, “ROUND TABLE” OR “41 CLUB”? The answer has to be Round Table. If 41 club and Round Table merged, retaining the name Round Table, with no age rule, men over 41 could be inducted into the Round Table family. This solves our current select/open membership debate and gives Round Table a larger presence which can surely be built upon to serve the needs of new members, young ones indeed. Existing 41 clubs and their feeder Tables, if they have one could be given the option to merge. If they chose not to do so, the 41 Club becomes Anytown Round Table Seniors (or some such). Nothing much need change within a Round Tablers Seniors club if they choose not to do so. But if they did want to regenerate themselves under the Round Table banner and work in the community, so much the better. Many will reject this simple solution because they do not want to have the commitments of membership of Round Table, or simply because they have "been there, done it". But, as I have shown, there need be no compulsion upon clubs or their members to do anything other than they are already doing. For those clubs, it would simply be a change of title, to the more meaningful one of "Round Table". For other current 41 clubs, they may wish to seize the moment and become, in Tabling terms, active again, either on their own or with a nearby Round Table. And members of those existing clubs who merge with Round Table can participate as

Congrats on another excellent newsletter. I was particularly interested in the article about the first accounts. For your info Spinks were / are regalia manufacturers. Alan Toplis, Aldridge 41 Club

Tablers again, or not as they choose. The motion before the AGM is divisive. It should not be put. Instead, 41 National Association should be promoting for discussion a motion which enables such a plan as I have outlined (or some other radical solution to the question of what 41 club is for and who its members should be) to be put into effect. I agree with a comment already made that the ethics of the motion in 2009 requiring National Council to do something as suspect. National should not have got into a YES/NO situation which holds the possibility of destroying what we have, whilst at the same time Round Table itself is quickly passing away. We have a moral inheritance of the Round Table brand. SAVE THE BRAND - ROUND TABLE - AND SAVE 41 CLUB from destroying itself. WITHDRAW THE MOTION David Garrett, Henleaze 41 Club

www.41clubconference.co.uk

Ipswich 2011

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Travelling with “2TTS”

As Richard approaches his final week of tenure as National President I would like to express my personal thanks and appreciation for the friendship and fantastic support which has been extended towards both of us over the last twelve months. Our clubs, both in Bournemouth and in Shaftesbury & Gillingham have been so enthusiastic and encouraging, always ready to help in any way they can. Since becoming involved at national level a decade ago never had it crossed our radar that Richard would, one day, gain the dizzy heights of President of the Association of Ex-Round Tablers’ Clubs. It just evolved over the years and, if I am honest, when Richard became NVP in Torquay, I had some moments of trepidation at the enormity of the responsibilities which lay ahead. Never should I have been in doubt, however, as we were destined for one of Life’s greatest opportunities and adventures! Since last April 2009 the year has been a whirlwind of visits, both here and abroad, and we have been treated with the utmost courtesy and respect wherever we have been. The welcome everywhere has been truly heart-warming and sincere: complete strangers have taken us into their homes without reservation. Of course, these wonderful people have become friends instantly and I truly thank you all for your kind hospitality, flowers and gifts. Of course there have been “highlights” - occasions which have impacted more than others perhaps. Travelling from the airport to Nottwil for the HYM in Switzerland was a hoot, as the Sat Nav gave us rather tardy directions and we ended up going in circles before finding the correct route out of Zurich - RAM was not best pleased. Eastbourne 41 Club discovered that it was our Ruby Wedding last July and booked us into The Grand Hotel for the night which was just fabulous. The Tangent SERL where Richard suggested that we should sing “To Those In Peril On The Sea” as being in the marquee felt like sailing on a vast ocean liner in a Force 10 gale! Having the Hyundai car has been of huge benefit and I have thoroughly enjoyed wearing my chauffeuse’ “hat”, when required to drive the President, as he has either worked or slept, on his travels. The car is so easy to navigate and we are still discovering all the wonderful storage places it has “squirreled” away inside. Pity it’s got to be returned at Scarborough! Other “hats” worn this year as ADC to the NP - quickly recognized by the ladies naturally - have been “medic”; “counsellor”; “secretary”; “laundress”; “valet” or is it “valette”? All huge fun but “par for the course” in most households I expect. Help for Heroes has, without doubt, made the biggest impact on our lives this year. The highly entertaining evening with Michael Parkinson, in Wolverhampton last Autumn; when we met the charity’s co-founders, Bryn and Emma Parry, for the first time – then the Cluster Meeting in Lancaster; where a local GP, also a Colonel in the TA, gave us a very personal insight into the enormous achievements and challenges being made, and faced, by the medical staff and troops in Helmand Province. Two amazing occasions amongst so many. With hindsight however, and not being at all mercenary I assure you, transcending all these wonderful memories has been the arrival of the 41 Club post! Your envelopes with donations enclosed have provoked so many emotions in Richard and I. Some envelopes have had just the cheque inside; some envelopes have had cheques stuck to post-its and some envelopes have had cheques plus letters of encouragement within. My bulging H4H file is testament to the spectacular contributions 41 clubs have made to this deserving cause and I hope that we have managed to acknowledge them all, either by post or email. Gentlemen – by the time the next Newsletter is published Richard will have announced the total you have raised at Scarborough Conference and I believe that you will have been astonished at the fantastic sum of money contributed by your clubs to H4H. Very many congratulations and what a tremendous response from a simple request for £50.00 per club! The journey, with 2TTs on his 41 Club travels, has certainly had a truly remarkable and memorable itinerary; a breathless and hectic schedule and has, accordingly, reached its final destination, on time, in Scarborough as planned. The outcome for H4H has been the “icing on the cake” and I am incredibly proud of my hub and what he has achieved as a member of your Association this year. The effort, enthusiasm and energy he has given to the post of National President has been 110% of that I can assure you. He’ll be ready for a rest as IPP!

ICF B arbara PS Congratulations to Shaftesbury and Gillingham 41 Club who were awarded the Kiwi Club for the best attendance at Conference. As Bournemouth won it last year, it means that Richard’s two clubs have won the award in consecutive years. My thanks go to both clubs for all their wonderful support over the last twelve months.

A Humbling Experience

Having returned from the Scarborough Conference I had an appointment at my London office the next day. On the train home to Cheshire that evening I was explaining to a fellow traveler all about 41 Club and Tangent and how we had jointly presented £140,000 pounds to Help For Heroes. Suddenly a young lad in the next row of seats walked over and asked had he heard correctly, “£140,000 for Help For Heroes?” He then shook my hand and thanked me for what we had achieved. The lad was a 17 years old soldier returning home for a weeks leave. He had already seen limited action in Iraq, but is currently too young to serve on the frontline in Afghanistan. However a friend of his had been severely injured in Afghanistan and had lost both a leg and part of an arm. As a result of the treatment at Headley Court and the support of H4H his friend has managed to find a job as a chauffeur and is in fact now earning more than he did in the army. He was full of praise for everything that H4H has achieved and for those that support it. He said that many soldiers themselves donate part of their pay to the charity. As I left the train he shook my hand again and thanked me on behalf of his friend. I felt very humbled, this young man, who is so young, but who has signed up for twelve years to serve his country. He will soon be 18 and two days later will be departing for the front line in Afghanistan. I had already decided to keep collecting for H4H and now I am glad I have. I do hope others in our Club will continue to support this very worthwhile cause. Ray Hill, Editor

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And Finally …….

Just to prove that the editor does not spend his entire life at the computer, here is a photo of yours truly enjoying an evening of fellowship with the Northwich Round Tablers. Despite aging bones and a rather large spare tyre I accepted their invitation to visit the abandoned copper mines at Alderley Edge. The two hours guided tour showed us just a small part of the 30 plus miles of man-made tunnels under the Cheshire countryside. I can be seen here emerging from one of the smaller passages we had to negotiate. A great experience and thanks to Northwich 348 for inviting 41 Club. (PS Table also took the opportunity to induct a new member whilst underground.)

John Udall

Association Secretary 1978-97

Not to be confused with the National Secretary, John Udall was, in 1978, chosen from 105 applicants for the post of the

Association’s first paid Secretary. He would be part-time, notionally putting in sixteen hours a week. As someone once remarked, there is no such thing as a part-time job, just full-time jobs with part-time wages. After John had spent his first week sorting out the filing cabinet full of “stuff” he had inherited, he put in a second week of thirty-two hours. John lived in Uttoxeter and at the time he was appointed he

ran a successful stationery business with his wife, and doubtless saw being Secretary as a bit of extra work on the side. At first he ran the office from the shop, then from a room in his house, and in the end had to convert his garage, effectively, into Association headquarters. Later he used a room in the bed and breakfast establishment he and his wife ran. Thankfully John had retired from his stationers in 1983 and was able to devote his full-time energies to the task the Association set him. By the early nineties he was putting in fifty hours on a regular basis, his job was officially full-time and he had a part-time assistant. John worked tirelessly for the Association and when in 1996 he announced his decision to retire the Association decided to contract out the Secretariat’s work to Marchesi House. Therefore John was our one and only paid Association Secretary. He stepped down formally at the 1997 AGM. John was a modest man and despite the long hours he worked every week, well beyond his contract, he would have expected nothing more than, perhaps, the friendly applause that anyone involved with the Association could be assured to get upon standing down. Not so, John was visibly shaken to receive the award of Life Honorary Member. (Only the fifth recipient of this honour.) Sadly he died only a few months later. (Adapted from “Continued Friendship – Sixty Years Of FortyOne” by Alan Wilkinson.

The Back Page

Round Table News

Do we still have any pin badge collectors in our ranks? Apart from Laurence Bamber that is! If so here is your opportunity to add a further 300 plus to your collection. Graham Cater has been collecting pins from all over the world to raise funds for the Kidney Wales Foundation. If you have pins to add or would like to buy a ticket for the draw then there is still time as the draw takes place at the RTBI National Conference in Harrogate on 15th May. The link for contributing is: www.justgiving.co.uk/roundtablewaistcoat. I must point out however that there is no guarantee that the waistcoat will actually fit a 41 Club member!

Next Month ….

Will return to a more normal size newsletter … ?

7 - May 2010 Newsletter 41 Club

Documents

Transcript of 7 - May 2010 Newsletter 41 Club