41 Club Magazine- March 2026

Welcome to the 41 Club Magazine

Hello, thanks for opening our latest edition of the 41 Club magazine.

This issue is just before the National Conference, and so includes details of the AGM, the candidates up for election onto the board, and those that have volunteered and stand unopposed. One of those is Norvil McGlurg who will be taking over this role of Communication and Community Officer, and I wish Norvil all the best for his tenure in the position. I ask that everyone supports him and provides him the same constant level of content for his newsletters and future magazines.

I hope you enjoy reading the stories of what has been happening around GB&I, and the fantastic things our clubs have been doing.

We have the opportunity to make a big difference in our communities, please step up and do what is right. Most of us have a privileged life, just turn on the news to see that, and we can do much to help those less fortunate.

Keep on Tabling…

Andy Waring

Stronger Together –Our Legacy

Our

Our

Responsibility

Future

Celebrating 80 years of friendship, impact and fellowship - and shaping what comes next.

As I sit down to write my final magazine article as your National President, I find myself reflecting with enormous pride, deep gratitude and more than a little disbelief at just how quickly this year has passed.

The greatest joy of this year has been the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the country - and beyondmeeting members, visiting clubs, attending events and community activites, celebrating charters and representing 41 Club both nationally and internationally. Everywhere I have gone, I have experienced the same warm welcome, the same generosity of spirit and the same unmistakable camaraderie that makes our Association so special.

Seeing 41 Club in action, in meetings, at social events, at fundraisers and at national gatherings, has reminded me time and again why what we have matters. The friendships, the laughter, the shared experiences and the support we give one another are not just traditions… they are the very foundation of who we are.

This year has also given us a special moment to pause and reflect as we celebrated 80 years of 41 Club. That milestone is more than a number - it represents generations of friendship, service, laughter and shared experience. It is a legacy built by those who came before us…and a responsibility now carried by all of us. We honour the past best when we actively build the future. It has also been a privilege to represent you externallyshowcasing what 41 Club stands for and what it can achieve when we work together with purpose and passion. One of the most meaningful parts of my year has been our growing partnership and engagement with ANDYSMANCLUB. Across the country, I have seen members step forward to support, volunteer, raise awareness and help create safe spaces where men can talk openly and be supported without judgement. This work is powerful. It is life-changingand in many cases, lifesaving! To see 41ers not just supporting a charity but becoming part of the solution reflects the very best of our Association - friendship with purpose, community with compassion and action with impact.

Another highlight has been seeing our national events continue to thrive - events created by members, for members. They do not simply happen. They are built through commitment, creativity and voluntary effort. They bring us together, strengthen connections and remind us that 41 Club is not something we passively belong to… it is something we actively create. That spirit of ownership is what will define our future. But alongside celebration must come honesty. We are living through a period of change. Membership is and has been declining for some time, expectations are evolving and society is shifting. If we want 41 Club to remain strong, relevant and thriving for the next generation, we must be willing to adapt and be part of that change. Not to lose who we are but to protect what matters by reshaping how we grow.

Our three-year strategy provides direction, clarity and opportunity. But strategy alone does not create change. Action does. Participation does. Leadership at every level does. The future of 41 Club will not be decided in meeting rooms - it will be shaped by the willingness of members to step forward, get involved, take responsibility

and help lead. I have seen the dedication of club officers and of your National Council, Board, our assistants and associated committees. The hours given voluntarily are immense. The commitment is extraordinary. But the future cannot rest on the shoulders of a few. It must belong to us all.

So, here is my challenge to every member reading this: Step forward. Get involved. Join a committee. Support new initiatives. Work to bring and welcome new members. Share ideas and promote your events openly across our platforms –social media, newsletters and here in the magazine. Help shape the future rather than simply observe it. If every one of us contributes a little more, together we will achieve far more. That is what Stronger Together truly means. This year has shown me what 41 Club is capable of when we unite behind shared purpose. I have seen innovation, determination, generosity, resilience and friendship everywhere I have travelled. I have seen clubs adapt, collaborate and support one another. I have seen individuals make a genuine difference — not just to our Association, but to communities and lives. That gives me absolute belief in what comes next.

As my presidential year draws to a close, I offer my heartfelt thanks to every member, relative and friend who welcomed me, supported me and shared this journey with

me. You opened doors, shared stories, raised glasses, put the world to rights…and occasionally ensured I made it home - which, given my schedule, was no small achievement. Thank you to those who embrace change and help lead progress. And thank you to every 41er who keeps the spirit of this Association alive. The strength of 41 Club has never been in a single President, Board or Council — it has always been in its members.

Serving as your National President has been an incredible journey, one I will always cherish. But this is not an ending - it is a moment of transition. As I handover the chain of office, to Kelly at our National AGM I do so with optimism, pride and every good wish for the journey ahead. I ask you to give him the same support, friendship and commitment you have so generously shown me.

Let us honour 80 years by building the next 80. Let us turn strategy into action and plans into progress. Let us continue to grow, evolve and strengthen what we pass on. Let us move forward with confidence, with courage and with conviction.

With pride, honour and unwavering belief in our future — thank you for the privilege of serving as your National President.

Stronger Together

Iwould like to thank all the people who put their names forward for a board position at this years AGM and congratulate those that have automatically been elected but at the same time wish those who have to face the ballot box the very best of luck in their endeavours.

As the club year draws to a close and bigger things are ahead for me personally as I step up to become National President it is time for reflection on what has happened over the last twelve months, changes still happening as we transition through the business side of things bringing us in line with modern legislation and society to keep us all safe from any potential claim that may arise against us and making us fit for the future as an organisation.

Most of all I have done lots of visits to clubs for charter events, dinners, sporting events, listening to guest speakers who have a huge variety of topics and to such a high standard. Lots of laughter, good banter, catching up with old friends and making new ones it brings back the thoughts of why I joined Round Table in the first place FUN and FELLOWSHIP, 41 Club certainly continues to exude the same qualities and long may it continue.

The big question though is have we reached a tipping point our age is increasing and the number of younger guys joining are low in comparison are we now on the slippery slope

VICE PRESIDENT –KELLY CLARKE

like so many service clubs loosing members and closing.

Sadly I believe we are on the cusp of this and need to act now, we are by far the best men’s club out there for what we do Fun and Fellowship, with some fundraising on the side its these traits that keep us where we are while others close that are set hard on fundraising, you cannot fundraise if you do not have the members to put the hours in.

The age old phrase that we used to use in Table days REPLACE YOURSELF is as true today as it was then and is still used in Table, we need to keep our membership numbers high and keep this fantastic club alive. If we start sliding things may take years to recover or worse still never return we can stop it before it starts.

We have lots of tools available to help you keep things moving forward, speak to any board member or National Councillor and they will help you achieve your goals whether you just want ideas for a different club meeting, how to set up a cluster meeting (four clubs or more at an event) how to attract new members or even form a new club we can help.

This is just a brief insight into what we will be talking about at the AGM in Southampton the possible outcomes and how to keep us strong.

YiCF Kelly

VICE PRESIDENT

EIGHTIETH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF EX-ROUND TABLERS’ CLUBS LIMITED

will be held on Saturday 11th April 2026 at 9.00 a.m. at the Shane Warne Suite, Utilita Bowl Stadium, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, SO30 3XH.

AGENDA

1. Welcome by the National President

2. Purposes and Objects of 41 Club

3. Approval of Notice of Annual General Meeting

4. Appointment of Tellers and Scrutineers

5.Approval of the Minutes of the 79th Annual General Meeting

6. Matters arising from those minutes

7. Election of National Officers

8.Approval of National Board Report for 2025-26 (awards and presentations)

9.Reports of the Independent Examiner on the 2025 Accounts (1) The Association of Ex-Round Tablers’ Clubs 1st January 2025 – 27th April 2025 (2) Association of Ex-Round Tablers’ Clubs Limited 6th February 2025 – 31st December 2025

10. Approval of the Accounts for 2025

11. Presentation and Approval of the Budget for 2027

12. Motions proposed by the National Council

13.Motions proposed by Constituent Clubs

14. Retirement of National Councillors and National Officers

15. Retirement of National President 2025-26

16. Installation of National President 2026-27

17. Installation of Officers

18. Presentation of National Council 2026-27

19. 2027 Conference presentation

20. Any Other Business

21. Presentation of the Iain Kelso Award for the best contribution to the A.G.M.

22. 81st Annual General Meeting – Saturday 17th April 2027, Blackpool

Stuart George – National Secretary

From the (keyboard) of the National Secretary

By the time this magazine lands on your doorstep, the formal elements of the required notification of the Annual General Meeting will have been completed. The Notice of Annual General Meeting will have been sent out by email to all 41 Club members who have elected to receive correspondence by email (and including all C.L.G. Members), giving the required thirty-five days’ notice required under Rule 16.2.

As this is the first time that the A.G.M. has been run as the A.G.M. of the Company Limited by Guarantee (C.L.G.) – the Association of Ex-Round Tablers’ Clubs Limited – the procedures for voting will be slightly different from previously:

1. Each Club’s registered C.L.G. Member will be its Voting Delegate.

2. If the C.L.G. Member is unable to attend the A.G.M. he may appoint another member of the same Club to act as the Voting Delegate instead of him. Any such appointment must be communicated to me in the manner set out in the Notice of the Meeting (which was sent out as above and which can also be found on the 41 Club website). Any notification of appointment of another club member to vote must be received by me by 08:59 on Thursday 9th April 2026.

3. A Club Voting Delegate may vote online, subject to the requirements set out in the Notice of the Meeting.

4. Proxy voting by one club on behalf of another club is no longer permitted. If a club wishes to vote, its Voting Delegate must either vote in person at the A.G.M., or by attending and voting online.

The Order Paper (Agenda and accompanying documents) will only be provided in hard copy format (on paper within the Voting Delegate’s envelope) if it has been requested in advance, by the date and in the manner specified in the Notice. Unfortunately, I will be unable to accommodate any requests for hard copy Order Papers received after this date.

All 41 Club members are entitled to attend the A.G.M. In order to enable us to manage the meeting, if you are not a Voting Delegate and are intending to attend, please let us know by clicking the appropriate link on the meeting Notice.

Registration will open at 08:00 on 11th April 2026. The Annual General Meeting will commence at 09:00.

For those travelling on the day, the address and postcode for the venue is:

Shane Warne Suite, Utilita Bowl Stadium, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, SO30 3XH.

There is ample parking situated immediately outside the main entrance to the stadium.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the meeting (or afterwards in the bar!). If I can be of any other assistance prior to the A.G.M., please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stuart George National Secretary secretary@41club.org

CANDIDATES PROFILES

NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT

CANDIDATE: Trevor Langford

CLUB(S): Christchurch 41 Club and Wimborne 41 Club

Trevor Langford will speak second

From To Role in Round Table or 41 Club

1983 1998 Darent Valley RT1143

1983 1989 Membership, Fund Raising and Social

1988 1990 Area Delegate

1989 1990 Chairman, Darent Valley Round Table 1143

1991 1992 Chairman, Round Table Area 26, Thames South East

1997 2015 Darent Valley 41 Club 1997 1998 President, Darent Valley Round Table 1143 2014 2015 President, Darent Valley 41 Club

2014 Present Christchurch 41 Club 2019 Dorset Knobs Organiser

2019+ 2023 Joint Chairmans Dinner & Dance Organiser

2020 2021 Chairman, Christchurch 41 Club

2022 2024 Burns Night Organiser

2022 60th Charter Celebration Organiser

2023 2024 Chairman, Christchurch 41 Club

2022 2024 Christchurch Motorhome and Caravan Weekend Organiser

2024 Present National Councillor Region 12

2024 Present Membership Committee, new member enquiries & Fellowship Committee

2025 Winner of the National Councillor of the Year Award

2025 2026 Chairman of the National Councillors

2025 Present Media & Community Committee

2025 National Motorcycle Weekend Organiser

2025 Present Chairman, Wimborne 41 Club

2025 80th Charter Celebration organiser responsible for registration

CANDIDATE: Kevin Lovett CLUB(S):

41 Club needs leadership that is positive, practical and focused on people. We are at a pivotal moment in our history, and the future of our clubs depends on strong membership, meaningful fellowship and above all, enjoyment. I am standing for Vice President because I believe I can help deliver all three through action, not just intention.

My focus is simple: energy, engagement, and enjoyment. Success is not built on policies alone. It comes from motivated clubs, connected members and events people genuinely want to attend. I will champion collaboration between clubs, actively share what works, and promote practical, proven approaches to recruitment and retention. My aim is to ensure clubs feel supported, inspired and confident about the future.

Through active involvement and listening to members when running the membership workshops, I have gained a clear understanding of what helps clubs thrive and what holds them back. I bring that experience with a willingness to roll up my sleeves, engage openly, and turn good ideas into real outcomes.

This role is not about titles. It is about service, commitment, and follow-through.

My vision is clear: we must grow our membership nationally, strengthen fellowship locally and keep fun at the heart of everything we do. A thriving 41 Club is one where members feel proud to belong, excited to participate and confident about what lies ahead.

This is a call to action:

• Let us be ambitious.

Let us be visible in our communities.

Let us welcome new members with renewed enthusiasm.

Together we can build a stronger, more dynamic and future-focused 41 Club, one that respects its traditions while embracing opportunity.

I ask for your vote, your energy, and your belief.

The future is ours to shape. Let’s make it exceptional.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” – Nelson Manadela. So here I am for the second time asking for your support in my bid to be your National Vice President.

It is said that change is inevitable, and indeed change to our wonderful Organisation is happening all the time. Managing that change does not have to be difficult. In everything I do, I try to be fair to everyone concerned whether they are a new member or one that has been with us for thirty years. We of course need new members but that should not be at the cost of our existing membership, who make this Association the success that it is today. Our major source of new members should still be from Round Table; and where they want something different, we should embrace the challenge, not forgetting that it is each club’s choice as to their programme and ultimately their membership.

I enjoyed my four years as your National Treasurer, six as a National Councillor or deputy, and running and being a part of numerous National and International Events. I had the honour of leading the Conference Team in Blackpool 2017 and will be welcoming you back there again next year as Chairman, for a Conference that I hope will surpass all your expectations, celebrate the centenary of Round Table, and represent the values of our Association.

National events continue to grow from strength to strength and with new regional events being organised, they should not only benefit our existing membership but encourage new members to join as well.

Now that I am retired, I hope to meet many more of you very soon, so here is to Continued Friendship and thank you for reading these words.

NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT

CANDIDATE: Manny Martins

CLUB(S): Kingston upon Thames Ex-Tabler’s Club, Alpha Knights 41 Club, Hamble Valley and Fareham 41 Club, Medway 41 Club.

Manny Martins will speak first.

From To Role in Round Table or 41 Club

2018 Present Joined Medway 41 Club

2019 Present Jointly founded Alpha Knights 41 Club

2019 Present Founder Hon. Secretary, Chairman

2022 Present Founded Hamble Valley and Fareham 41 Club

2022 Present Founder Chairman

1993 1997 National Councillor Region 11

1997 2001 National Editor

2010 2012 National Councillor Region 24

2012 2017 National Secretary

2024 Present National Councillor Region 10

I am very happily married to Margaret with three super kids, two girls and a boy, who have blessed my life with happiness.

I have a long history of service to our organisation(s), both RTBI and 41 Club. This has been incorporated into my family life – taking Margaret on honeymoon to 41 Club Conference in Jersey for instance. I have been National Editor and Honorary Secretary of 41 Club enabling changes that have reduced our operating budget and improved our service

delivery to you, our members. I have taken on additional roles to ensure our events are both entertaining and satisfying. I ran the 2024 National Classic Car Weekend and at present am Chairman of the 2026 National Conference and AGM in Southampton. Here, again, my team and I have endeavoured to ensure we deliver a wonderful experience with a keen price; this year’s package deal is approximately 60% of past conferences. We have worked hard to maintain that standard of value for money you so deserve. This is the past and I hope that you believe I have helped improve our organisation and am member focused. None of this can happen in isolation, I have been lucky in bringing together other members of 41 Club, Tangent, Round Table and Ladies Circle who are like minded and are ensuring that we enrich our members experience in every role and event we undertake. Our feedback is your enjoyment level.

So, the future. This role will lead on the most important aspects threatening the future of 41 Club, finance, and membership. We both need to increase membership numbers or at least stabilise them whilst increasing our income. I am working on plans to achieve both which I will happily share with you at Southampton during my speech in person or on camera.

NOMINATION FOR NATIONAL TREASURER (ELECT)

CANDIDATE: Richard Turner

CLUB(S): Dereham & District 41 Club, Founders Area Past Area Chairmans 41 Club

Richard Turner is not required to speak.

From To Role in Round Table or 41 Club

1983 2000 Dereham Round Table 175 – Chairman x 2; Treasurer, Sports, President (later) Round Table Area 6 – Chairman (1997-98), Treasurer (two years) President (later)

2001 Dereham & District 41 Club –Chairman x 2

2022 Founders Area Past Area Chairmans 41 Club

I graduated from the University of East Anglia in 1981 and trained as an accountant in Norwich.

I was first introduced to Round Table by my father-in-law who was a member of Aylesbury RT. When I joined Westgarth and Co, Chartered Accountants in 1984 my boss John was Area Chairman of Area 6 and he encouraged me to join Dereham RT 175.

I was soon appointed as Area Treasurer and held the post for 2 years. I played in goal for the Area 6 national winning football team at Scarborough in the 90’s.

Posts held include Table chairman twice, and other various roles within Area including Chairman (1997-98). In 2012-2013 as a 41 Club member, I was asked to be Round Table Area President.

I joined Dereham & District 41 Club in 2000 and became Chairman 2012-2013.

I was also a country member of Javea – Costa Blanca 41 Club until 2011 when my father-in-law died. (He paid my subs for me!!)

My wife Paula joined Ladies Circle and was Chairman 2⅓ times. She is now a member of Tangent.

Outside of Table and 41 Club, I have played cricket, rugby and hockey and have been Chairman of Dereham Hockey Club since 2015.

From 1996 until it closed in 2018-2019, I was a member of Dereham Rotary Club and was President twice during that period.

I’m currently Treasurer and Seniors Captain of Dereham Golf Club.

I worked initially in practice and then took on the role as financial Accountant for Barratt and Cooke Stockbrokers in Norwich (1987 – 1993).

I rejoined John Westgarth as a partner in 1993 running 2 offices in Norwich and Dereham, I bought out John in 1997. In 2017 I sold my practice and became a regional director for the Affinity Group of Chartered and Certified Accountants.

CANDIDATES PROFILES

NOMINATION FOR NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY OFFICER

CANDIDATE: Norvil McClurg

CLUB(S): Ponteland 41 Club

Norvil McClurg is not required to speak.

From To Role in Round Table or 41 Club 1992 1994

Ponteland Round Table 952

1994 1995 Honorary President Ponteland Round Table 952

1994 Present Member Ponteland 41 Club 1996

& Round Table Liaison Ponteland 41 Club

Ponteland 41 Club

Ponteland 41 Club

An Ulsterman by birth and a, now retired, businessman, I joined Ponteland Round Table in Northumberland in 1992, serving on Committee as Programme Secretary and subsequently as Honorary President, joining Ponteland 41 Club in 1994. I took an active part in organising community activities - Village Fair and Annual Wheelbarrow Race as well as Area 20 social activities, Rallies, family weekends etc.

I’ve served 41 Club as RT Liaison, Fellowship, Programme Officer and Chairman and now Secretary for many years. I have promoted engagement with RT Area and 41 Club Regional functions, arranging Club visits to National Conference. Since

the Millennium I’ve planned and conducted Club weekend visits around the UK and in Europe to explore new areas, link with other Clubs and celebrate 41 Club fellowship on a wider scale.

I attend other Region 2 41 Clubs and Round Table meetings across Area 20 promoting practical support for their community projects, Firework Displays, Beer Festivals, Santa Sleigh Runs, Food Bank Collections and am privileged to share in some social outings and activities.

More recently, I’ve focussed on Recruitment, marketing & PR, having attracted new members to Ponteland Club through a recent display at a Recruitment Fair, arranging regular bulletins in the village magazine, coverage in local & national press and broadcast media and launching a 41 Club Community Newsletter.

I’ve participated in the National Recruitment Roadshows and am currently working on developing a mobile exhibition display system for use throughout the Association. I’m also working with Round Table Area Committee to re-establish Round Table in Ponteland.

“Much has been achieved by National Board Members since the Review of 2024. I aim to help embed these developments across the membership with new communication tools to reach all of our members and through them, our communities”.

NOMINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICER

CANDIDATE: Colin McKenzie

CLUB(S): Royal Deeside 41 Club

Colin McKenzie is not required to speak.

My international bug started when I was in Table. I attended my first international event in 2011 (9 years after joining!), since then my love of all things international has developed into 41 Club, with me attending all World & Half year meetings since 2022.

I strongly believe that international engagement is one of the most rewarding and under-used benefits of our association. My aim is to inspire more members to look beyond their local and national clubs and experience the true global fellowship that 41 Club International offers.

Meeting like-minded 41ers from across the world builds lifelong friendships, broadens perspectives, and reinforces the values that unite us. International travel through 41 Club is not simply about trips abroad; it is about shared experiences, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to represent Great Britain & Ireland on the international stage. I want to showcase the benefits of international so that more members get involved.

A key message I am passionate about promoting is that international participation is far more accessible and affordable than many people imagine. With careful planning, shared accommodation, hosted events, and strong relationships with overseas clubs, international travel can be achieved costeffectively without compromising the experience. By sharing real examples, practical guidance, and honest breakdowns of costs, I hope to remove perceived barriers and encourage wider participation.

Communication will be central to my approach. I want to grow a stronger international presence on social media, using engaging content to highlight trips, twinning opportunities, and international events. Alongside this, I plan to provide regular newsletters that keep members informed, inspired, and connected, ensuring international opportunities are visible and easy to access.

Ultimately, my goal is to make international involvement feel welcoming, achievable, and exciting — strengthening both our global connections and the future of 41 Club Great Britain & Ireland.

41 Club, please support the below initiative which is trying to get off the ground. It will be very useful for some of our older members, friends and family. For more information or to get involved please email admin@helpmeplz.org.uk

THE HELP DIRECTORY

The new national phone directory

Introducing THE HELP DIRECTORY the new national phone directory.

It’s a free 24-hour help and information phone directory that connects you to over 70 support organisations nationwide.

THE HELP DIRECTORY was created to help people with limited or no knowledge of how to access to the internet, to get the information and support they need.

No internet searching for phone numbers required, just a mobile phone. Use the phone camera to scan our QR code and you are set for the national service. You could choose to use to a Local directory, more regions are being added all the time, so scan the QR code below to try the current directories!

THE HELP DIRECTORY is free and puts at your fingertips:

• 24-hour helplines

Health organisations

Benefit support

Government departments

• Support for those with special needs

• Medical Charities

• Care services

Accommodation

Travel information

• Money

• And much, much more

Get the QR Code: We need your support to help as many people as possible. That’s why we’ve created THE HELP DIRECTORY. Scan the code below to add the national directory to  your phone under THE HELP DIRECTORY app.

Spread the Word:  THE HELP DIRECTORY is continually being improved. Once you’ve tried it for yourself, please forward this email to all your friends and suggest they try it too. Then ask them to forward it to their friends!

Share on Your Socials: Are you a member of an organisation that holds coffee mornings or other events? You are welcome to promote THE HELP DIRECTORY on social media.

Print out a Leaflet: If you’d like some leaflets, simply go to our website and download the promotion material you feel most appropriate.

As THE HELP DIRECTORY is provided by Helpmeplz.org.uk. ltd, a not-for-profit organisation, this approach helps keep costs down. Print out copies of the leaflet and put them up in coffee shops, on notice boards - wherever you think they can most benefit people! If you require large numbers, please let us know.

Thank you for supporting our mission to break down barriers to information, support and advice.

Values & Pillars

A long long time ago I was in charge of an office accommodating some 30 trainee Actuaries - the sort of enthusiasts who didn’t raise questions about their potential ‘pay & benefits’, but rather about what sort of computer they could have … … we were just transitioning from NCR punched cards and over night batch processing! I digress …. ��

Two ‘toys’ in my ‘fishbowl’ office that drew questions, developed an interest … and in a few cases led to new RT recruits were (i) My  Table Chairman’s gavel which was polished up on alternate Thursdays, and (ii) a framed ‘certificate’ which spelled out the Aims & Objects of ARTSA.

It now occurs to me that the newly published 41-Club Values and Pillars (displaying relevant logos at the header) MIGHT also look good on the walls (does anyone have walls rather than glass panels nowadays?) of ‘Executive’ offices. Decently framed and prominently placed I’m sure these would be a cause for discussion with visitors. Who knows, such visitors my be young enough to encourage for Table: or old enough to understand (and rue) what they’re missing by not applying for admittance to their local 41-Club.

YiCF (or Hinges … if you prefer)

Jeff (ARTSA Pretoria 19; subsequently 41-Club Bodmin, now Ottery St Mary)

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Another club year end is fast approaching and its time to consider your clubs plans for next year.

It’s very easy for clubs to go through these rituals, banter a bit, remember and recall the same old war stories from your time in Table.

Talk about how many years Fred or George has been secretary or Chair. Agree to the same programme, of three curry nights, two nights at the Red Lion, a partner’s night at Christmas, two business nights at the golf club and that’s another year planned. In doing this, the programme guy will normally say the numbers are not so good now no one responds to emails for events, and people are dropping out from age, illness, (and frankly they won’t tell you boredom).

You’re not getting new members because there is not a Table feeder club, you won’t accept non tablers and anyway and you all start to think about disaffiliation.

So many clubs are having these very conversations right now I’ve been to a few this year and I’ve of course received the requests to fold.

My reason for writing this is to tell you there is an alternative age is not the barrier you believe nor is not having a feeder club but attitudes to not wanting to change or not being willing to consider change are.

Let’s start with a few questions. Have you got a feeder club from Round Table?

Yes, they join when they are 45 or over

Yes, but they don’t join

No

So, if you have people joining that’s good clubs lucky enough to have feeder clubs should have at least one or more joint meetings in the year either to help with the sleigh or an interclub competition meeting like a sports/quiz event. You may even have a person as their president or liaison officer that’s a good start keep it up! There will be another question in a bit.

If you answered but they don’t join, are you doing what the first set of clubs are doing and have you got some joint activities?

Secondly if your programme sounds like the one agreed at the AGM early in this piece is not a wonder they don’t want to come to three curry nights two golf club speaker nights and the partners evening at Christmas. With an age gap of around twenty to thirty years between them and you?

So, answer this are you willing to change your programme a bit to take on new members and involve them in the planning.

“Escape room nights”, “Taskmaster Nights” and a “Butchery Night” are different, fun and age is no barrier! It also reduces the boredom factor and number of war stories you can re listen too and perhaps you can add some new ones.

You answered no, ok that’s a lot of clubs you are not alone with only 4,000 members in Table most of them now under 30 you will be waiting a long time for the cavalry to ride in and save 41 club again.

So, you need to ask yourselves do we let the club die with us or can we recruit new members who were not Tablers but would have been great.

That’s the first step, but if you can’t agree that step sadly, you’re letting yourselves down the association down, and your history, legacy and

war tales, will all disappear along with you.

You agree to take new members! Thank you, right answer! We are here to help you take the next steps.

Here are some options to help you.

Firstly, get your Vice Chair and Chair on one of the 2026 workshops we are no longer calling them Membership Roadshows but Development Workshops.

Secondly speak to your national councillor and say you want help with your programme and recruitment and email me membership@41club.org I will find you a mentor from my team to help you look at your programme, help you with marketing, and setting up a rescue plan for your club.

We don’t want to lose you we are here to help.

The membership roadshows have made lots of clubs like yours re -think and re -evaluate their clubs. They are now growing members, and some were very traditional clubs. I have reports of 90-year-old members Axe throwing at Hatchet Harry’s and enjoying being in a club again wouldn’t that be great if we could do that for you, we have one life and much as I enjoy remembering my glory days in Round Table. I’ve new glory days still to make and so have you.

Mark Gray National Membership officer

IPP - WYNN PARRY

After my retirement I re-joined 41 Club in mid-2018 and became a member of Shipley 41 Club and to be honest it’s been a bit of whirlwind since then.

My wife, Heather, became Tangent National Secretary and I decided I’d try to become the Region 6 (Yorkshire) National Councillor following the retirement of Ian Burnett. I was successful and was installed into the role at the 2019 Conference and AGM in Torquay and the rest, as they say, is history.

I had a wonderful few years representing Yorkshire as their Councillor making many new friends and becoming re-acquainted with many fellow Round Tablers that I had known from my Round Table days. I visited many clubs and enjoyed wonderful fellowship during that time. As part of this role, I was also part of the I.T. and Comms Team which involved in producing the newsletters and the magazine, which was great fun at times, at least it was when I got content! ��Under the guidance of Tom Atkins, I really enjoyed myself on National Council and during my second year I was awarded the Terry Cooper Shield for the best National Councillor an award I am very proud to have received from the legend that was Tom Atkins.

After COVID, Shipley 41 Club resurrected the White Rose Dinner, a “Top 10” dinner that I obviously believe is the best dinner in the calendar. I am pleased to say that the dinner is now going from strength to strength with more and more 41ers attending. As I was having such a great time, I managed to persuade Baildon 41 Club to re-form and reaffiliate to the Association and we are still going strong. In my last year as a Councillor, I was then elected by my fellow Councillors to be the National Councillors Liaison Officer (NCLO) and joined the National Board, another great experience. Being part of National Council can be great fun and it’s like being a member of another 41 Club with all the fun, fellowship and banter that goes on, as you would expect, whilst also playing an important part in helping to take our Association forwards in a suitable and positive direction.

Having enjoyed myself on the Board, I decided to stand for National Vice President, something I’d never dreamt I would do, and was fortunate to be elected at the Jersey National Conference and AGM in 2023. To be honest there was a feeling of “What have you done?” at that point but I began planning for my year as President, John Kilshaw assembled a small but perfectly formed PLC for me, everyone was fantastic with their support and commitment and we will all remain very good friends and continue to meet regularly as a group.

As Vice President, the main roles are to support the President and to lead the forward Planning Committee. During this time, I announced that we should undertake a full review of our Association to determine what our future structure should be, what direction we should go and to make ourselves more attractive to encourage more members. This review was undertaken during my Presidential year; I know that you are all aware it’s outcome. The Association owes a big thank you to everyone that participated in that review process.

My Presidential year surpassed all my expectations, during which I meet so many great people around the Country and enjoyed a great deal of fun and fellowship along the way. What a wonderful Association we are part of. Throughout my year I attended more than 240 events in all parts of GB&I, travelled more than 25,000 miles in the car along with many

train journeys. Heather supported me on many of these journeys, and we had a wonderful year meeting you all.

A special thank you to Rory Tompsett, who created a ‘My Name’5 Doddie” (MNDF) themed garden at the RHS Tatton Park Flower show. The show was attended by thousands of visitors which included many members of the Round Table family and senior members of the charity executive, great publicity for both the Association and charity. I believe part of the garden has now been relocated the grounds of the Countess of Chester Hospital.

I have to say the highlight of the year was for me being able to walk through London as part of the remembrance Sunday Parade, a truly humbling experience and one I will never forget. I thank you for electing me to be your National President which allowed me that honour. It was a pleasure to be in attendance with Steve, Emma & Becky my fellow National President’s and members from the Round Table family. As our Round Table Family challenge, the four of us completed the Zipline in North Wales side by side, what a terrifying experience! It was so bad I did it twice. It was great sharing a Presidential year with Steve, Emma & Becky, we supported each other and have become good friends and intend to meet up socially in the near future, when I pull my finger out!

The culmination of my year was an amazing AGM and Conference held in Aviemore, it was brilliant and was enjoyed by all who attended. Congratulations and thank you to Morag and her Team for putting on the event.

My gratitude goes to everyone for their invitations and hospitality during the year, it is very much appreciated, there are too many of you to mention, you know who you are. A huge thank you to all Clubs, individuals and sponsors who raised money for my chosen charities, MNDA & MNDF. As an Association we raised a total of £70,000, a phenomenal amount which was equally divided and very gratefully received by both charities.

As for my year as the immediate Past National President (IPP), my main role has been to provide cakes for the Board meetings and undertake duties as the Tea Boy. A job, I hope I have undertaken satisfactorily. As IPP I have also gone full circle on the Board, as in the new structure the IPP is also the NCLO. It has been a challenging year as the NCLO as the Councillors, both new and old have had to come to terms with the new structure and the new job description. Hopefully, these teething problems are behind us and Councillors build on the lessons learned and take our Association successfully forwards.

I have enjoyed my quieter year supporting Jason & the Councillors in their roles. On a personal level I greatly enjoyed a visit to the Algarve to attend their 40th Charter and laying a wreath at the National Arboretum on behalf of the Association, alongside my fellow IPP’s.

That’s it from me as a Board member, but not from Council as I am succeeding Andy Ventress as the YAP convenor, so I’ll still be out and about at events, please say “Hello”. Good Luck to Kelly and National Council for next year.

IMMEDIATE

THE GREAT TOMMY SLEEP OUT

THE GREAT TOMMY SLEEPOUT

A cold night in the woods

Many of you will have seen me advertising The Great Tommy Sleepout, it’s an event that takes place every year during the month of March to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans in the UK.

Organised by the Royal British Veterans Enterprise www.rbve.org. uk the idea is to sleep rough for a night and get sponsorship whilst raising awareness for the charity.

Myself and my friend Lee Stilgoe, from Hinckley Round Table, took on the challenge and decided to spend the night in the woods.

Whilst some people doing the challenge sleep on the streets, and some take a tent, we decided we’d manage without a tent and I took a hammock, Lee took a camp bed, and we had a cover to keep the rain off in case it got wet. We underestimated how difficult this would be! It was cold, really cold. I ended up wearing all the layers I’d brought with me, and the hardest part for me being an overweight 51 year old was trying to get into a sleeping bag whilst maintaining balance in a hammock, I was exhausted climbing in and out and only managed to get my feet in and then just pulled it over the top of me, I’m definitely not as agile as I used to be when I did this in the army in the 90’s.

We spent much of the night trying to work out what the random

noises were, is it a fox, a badger, an owl, or even worse could it be a human getting strangled (your mind works overtime in these situations). I convinced Lee that there were bears in UK woods which was entertaining for me.

As soon as it got light we declared it a success and packed up to go to Costa for a coffee and warm up and to talk about the experience. The one thing we agreed upon was that it must be very hard for people with no home to go to. We are lucky, we knew it was for one night and we could afford a coffee and go home to a hot shower, but for many people this is day to day life, not knowing what the next day will bring.

Nobody should be homeless in this country, especially not a veteran who put his life on the line for our security!

Please, when you see someone on the street looking homeless don’t assume they deserve to be there. Maybe buy them a coffee or a sandwich, give them some spare change or talk to them and ask them their story.

My sponsorship page is still open if anyone would like to donate to the RBVE: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/andywaring-1771175169

When people leave the armed forces they don’t get as much support as you might think, I know this from personal experience. The RBVE transforms lives by creating jobs, providing homes, and building communities for veterans and people with disabilities across the UK. Please support this great charity who support our veterans.

Thank you,

Andy Waring

MARY ANN HOSPICE NEEDS

YOUR HELP

Mary Ann Hospice needs your help to continue providing Compassionate Care.

Mary Ann Hospice has been a trusted provider of palliative and end-of-life care in their community for over 30 years. Every day, their dedicated team supports patients and families with compassion, dignity, and expert care during life’s most difficult moments. But today, we and sadly many other hospices, face a serious challenge. Due to rising costs and limited funding, Mary Ann is experiencing a monthly shortfall of £65,000. NHS funding has not kept pace with the increases in expenditure, salaries and pensions. Without urgent and ongoing financial support, we may be forced to reduce or even cease some operations within the next 10–12 months. This would be a heartbreaking loss for the local community of Nuneaton, Bedworth and north Warwickshire.

Why This Matters

If Mary Ann Hospice closes:

● Families will lose some access to local palliative and end of life care

● Pressure on local NHS services will increase massively

● Community-based end-of-life support will be severely reduced

● Who will people call to help – 999?

What We have Already Done

We have taken every step to protect the vital services:

● Merged retail stores to improve efficiency

● Frozen recruitment and reviewed vacancies

● Prioritised services and reviewed departments

● Engaged with our funding commissioners

● Planned a major 35th anniversary campaign for next year

These actions show our commitment— but they’re not enough

How You Can Help

We are asking for support in three keyways:

● Support our campaign for an increase in Recurrent Funding from their local NHS commissioners

● Raise Awareness by asking people to share our story with friends, family, and on social media. The more people who know, the more support can be built

● Join us in backing Hospice UK’s campaign for sustainable funding for hospices especially small, local ones like the Mary Ann Evans Hospice

Mary Ann has an incredible team of staff and volunteers. Their dedication and resilience are at the heart of everything they do. They recognise that this is a difficult time and are committed to doing everything they can to keep our vital services open and working effectively. It is important that hospices work together to make sure that no one in their community faces the end of life without the care and dignity they deserve.

Everyone deserves a quality end of life

What can you do?

One of Mary Ann’s Trustees, John Barrett, who has been a member of both Bedworth Round Table and 41 Club for many years said, The Mary Ann Evans Hospice has been delivering vital services to the people of northern Warwickshire for 35 years. Without a significant increase in financial support from the Government these services will not be here in a year’s time. We are also asking our local community to dig deep and continue to help us.

I am asking all members of 41 Club, wherever you are, to help support your local hospice –they need you now more than ever.

Elizabeth Hancock Chief Executive

THE MARY ANN EVANS HOSPICE Eliot Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7QL. Tel: 024 7686 5440 www.maryannevans.org.uk www.instagram.com/maehospice/ www.facebook.com/maehospice/

More than a logo

One year on from the launch of the new 41 Club brand, Adrian Wakefield reflects on why branding matters — not just as a visual refresh, but as a clear expression of who we are and how we present ourselves as Stronger Together.

We are fast approaching the first anniversary of the introduction of the new 41 Club Branding Guidelines and the launch of the new 41 Club logo. The original had served us well, but it was time to move forward with a fresh image. There will always be some sadness in saying goodbye to an old friend, but a refresh was needed to take the Club confidently into a new and challenging age.

I was originally tasked with developing ideas for a new logo and was pleased to take on the challenge. Having already been involved in projects across both Associations, it felt a natural progression. Over many months leading up to the Aviemore Conference, ideas evolved. What began as sketches and concepts gradually became something more significant — not just a new look, but a defined identity.

The brand isn’t simply a logo or a badge. It represents our ethos. It conveys aspiration, unity and purpose. It reflects who we are today and the direction we want to travel tomorrow. When we say Stronger Together, it isn’t just a strapline — it captures the spirit of friendship and shared experience that is evident throughout 41 Club.

Why is branding important?

Branding is more than a logo refresh — it is our identity. Consistent branding builds recognition, trust and pride, both within 41 Club and beyond. When members, prospective members or partners see our communications, they should immediately recognise who we are.

Our refreshed logo, colour palette and approved variations ensure we present a modern, cohesive image that strengthens visibility, supports recruitment and keeps the Association relevant for the future.

All official logos, formats and guidelines are available in the Members’ Area, including files for print and social media, and versions suitable for both light and dark backgrounds. A complementary signature colour palette has also been developed to maintain consistency across all materials.

By using these resources and following the guidelines — whether creating a poster, newsletter or social media post — every club helps reinforce one strong, united 41 Club identity.

Because when we present ourselves consistently, we truly are Stronger Together.

Using the brand with confidence

All official logos, colour palettes and approved formats are available in the Members’ Area. By using them consistently, every club strengthens the identity and reputation of 41 Club.

Members area

In the members area you can find a wealth of logo resources and the brand guidelines which show you how to implement the brand, including the fonts and recommended colour palate. There you will find a downloadable zip file with all that you will need with updates as and when new files are produced.

Tips for great results

Here are a few pointers

1. Choose the right logo for your job, for small areas, squarer logo formats work well. Black or white logos depending on what the background is.

2. Consider the positioning of your text and logos, leave clear borders so that you can read the message clearly, we call it ‘White Space’ Employ invisible grids or rules to that your work looks tidy.

3. Avoid badly created Ai versions of the logo and over-use of Ai can turn readers off.

4. Good use of colour can energise the reading experience.

5. Limit the use of large blocks of text, readers often ‘scan read’ and don’t engage.. keep it brief, keep it simple.

Logo options

Everything you need is already in place. The resources are accessible, practical and designed to make producing highquality communications straightforward. The brand is not something to be wary of — it is there to be used confidently and creatively within the guidelines provided.

When we apply it consistently and thoughtfully, it works for us. It strengthens recognition, reinforces credibility and ensures that wherever 41 Club appears, it appears united; Stronger Together

Adrian Wakefield Branding and Media Manager

Adrian Wakefield Branding and Media Manager

If I Can Do It, Anyone Can

Four years ago, I could never have imagined that I’d meet a new partner or become part of an association I’d never even heard of. Yet here I am, having the time of my life, making great friends, and getting involved in activities I didn’t even know existed.

As a relative newcomer, organising and hosting the 2025 National Caravan and Camping Rally at Pentewan Sands Resort in Cornwall—over 200 miles from home—was certainly not something I ever expected to do, or felt particularly qualified for.

The idea came about quite simply. While my partner of four years, Viv Wyss, and I were enjoying one of our regular stays at our favourite Cornish campsite, it struck us that it could work rather well as a national venue. A few tentative enquiries were made, some early relationships were formed, and before I knew it a proposal was put together. After discussions with the then Fellowship Officer, Kelly Clarke, budgets were prepared and, much to our surprise and delight, we were given the opportunity to host the event.

It’s important to say at this point that the rally was very much a team effort. Viv did a huge amount of work behind the scenes with budgeting and administration, without which it simply wouldn’t have happened. I had ideas about how I wanted the event to look and feel, posters, bags, tickets, a small giveaway brochure that I’d written and produced with local history and highlights, even free maps of Cornwall.

Support came from many directions. Local businesses were incredibly generous, with sponsorship from St Austell Brewery and Tarquin’s Cornish Gin providing prizes, a hugely popular brewery tour, and a gin-tasting evening enjoyed by over 80 campers. I was also fortunate to have steady, calm support on hand throughout the event from Dave and Karen Bentley, whose help and reassurance made a real difference when it mattered most.

For me personally, some of the most enjoyable moments were also the most daunting. Writing and presenting the quiz, and compering the rather chaotic “Mr and Mrs” competition, meant standing up in front of nearly 90 people. Four years ago, that simply wouldn’t have been me. I would never have put myself forward, and the thought of it would have been well outside my comfort zone.

The difference this time was the environment. Instead of feeling like I was performing, it felt like having a laugh with a room full of friends. I was still nervous, and there were definitely a few wobbly moments—but with encouragement all around, I somehow pulled it off, and even enjoyed it.

That, for me, sums up what I gained from hosting the rally. It was challenging, rewarding, and confidence-building, but never something I had to do alone. If you’re someone who has an idea but doubts whether you’re “the right person” to host an event, I’d say this: I felt exactly the same. With a bit of help, a supportive club, and the courage to step just outside your comfort zone, you might surprise yourself, just as I did.

41 Club Caravan and Camping Weekend

A Cornish Weekend of Camping, Camaraderie and Laughter

The 2025 41 Club and Tangent Caravan and Camping Weekend was held at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, near St Austell in Cornwall, and brought together around 80 members for a relaxed and sociable few days.

Running from Friday 4 July to Monday 7 July, many members took advantage of discounted pitches to arrive early or extend their stay, making the most of the excellent facilities and the surrounding area.

On arrival, members received a welcome pack containing a programme of events, local information, maps, and a selection of light-hearted quizzes and activities to enjoy over the weekend.

Friday evening offered a choice of a casual meet-and-greet or a gin tasting experience hosted by Tarquin’s Cornish Gin. The tasting included an introduction to the history of gin, followed by a guided sampling of several varieties, and proved a popular way to start the weekend. The evening continued with a fish and chip supper and lively entertainment from local sea shanty group Kesvarner, encouraging plenty of audience participation.

Later, a light-hearted “Mr and Mrs” competition provided plenty of laughter, followed by karaoke and informal socialising that continued well into the evening.

Saturday was deliberately unstructured, allowing members to explore at their own pace. Optional activities included a visit to St Austell Brewery, local attractions, or simply relaxing on site. The brewery visit offered an insight into the history and process of brewing, finishing with a tasting session accompanied by local pasties.

The group reconvened on Saturday evening for a buffet supper and quiz, which quickly became competitive despite initial protestations from some that quizzes weren’t their thing.

Sunday was largely free, though many chose to join a coastal walk into Mevagissey, rewarded with impressive views before regrouping for lunch in the harbour village. Later, members gathered for the traditional tea and cake session, featuring Cornish scones and the inevitable cream-versus-jam debate. Awards were presented for various activities held over the weekend.

The weekend drew to a relaxed close on Monday, with members heading home having enjoyed time together in good company.

The Cornwall weekend reflected what these events are about: an easy-going way to meet new people, catch up with friends, and enjoy shared experiences. With plenty of support and a willingness to get involved, it was another reminder that these gatherings work best when everyone plays a part.

Louis Marchesi – The Legend SPECIAL BLUE PLAQUE EDITION

How & Where It All Began

The history of Round Table takes some unearthing, however this new blue plaque will dispel the myth about where it all began way back in March 1927.

Known by many as ‘Mark’ Louis was reportedly the youngest Rotarian in the county when he first mooted publicly the need for a Young Men’s Club at a Norwich Rotary Lunch meeting, having been called on by the President to speak briefly after a guest speaker had failed to turn up. What is not so well remembered is that when subsequently in February 1927 he put a resolution to a Rotary meeting proposing its formation, the resolution was defeated, provoking sufficient

The Marchesi Room

indignation in some quarters resulting in correspondence in the local “Eastern Daily Press”. On February 12th 1927, writing under the nom de plume “service”, a fellow Rotarian complained to the Editor:

“At the first real proposition put forward for doing something practical to foster social intercourse between young professional men, the senior body makes the excuse that such organisations already exist. With all due respects to the societies mentioned in the discussion I venture to assert that there is room for a club such as outlined by Mr. Marchesi. Why should not a Junior Rotary Club be formed irrespective of the senior’s discouraging defeat of the resolution? They really must ‘practice what they preach’ if we younger folk are to believe them sincere in their resolves”

But by this time events were moving swiftly, regardless of the apparent reticence in some quarters. Records of a meeting to discuss “the proposed Young Business & Professional Men’s Club” held on 22 November 1926 may still exist somewhere. At this meeting it was recorded that an

unnamed Rotarian had offered to bear the expense of hiring Suckling House for six months for meetings; although an identical offer was also made for a room in the YMCA and a decision was not taken until some time later.

Suckling Hall is now better known by many as the bar/dining area of Cinema City.

Hall as it is today

Created as part of the redevelopment of the buildings which Cinema City operates from, the Marchesi Room was named in 2016 to honour the Round Table Founder Louis Marchesi. There is a Round Table Family organisation memorabilia cabinet on the stairs leading up to

the Marchesi Room, with a specially designed pin board for members to add their badges to when they visit Norwich.

Round Table Family organisation clubs can hire the Marchesi Room for meetings with food and drinks, to check availability contact Cinema City direct.

Special Edition Craft BeerAvailable in the Louis Marchesi Pub to toast the new blue plaque 14th March 2027

Many members of the Round Table Family organisation, especially older generation exTablers and those who have joined the Continued Fellowship 41 Club, if asked, would probably nominate ’Mark’ as the man who conceived the name “Round Table” for the new club - but again credit should go to the first Honorary President of Norwich Table, W.LincolneSutton, as an extract from records testifies:

“Mr. P.V.Howes asked if it were not possible to incorporate the words ‘Norwich & Guild’ in the title of the Club. The Chairman (Mr. W.Smith) pointed out that the name was not

definitely fixed and members could suggest names to the Committee to be elected later for their consideration. Mr. W. Lincolne-Sutton put it as a suggestion that some such name as “The Round Table” be adopted”.

(an extract of Minutes from the meeting 21st February 1927 at Suckling House) This suggestion was adopted unanimously by the committee for ratification by the General Meeting. In true Table tradition there is no subsequent mention that such ratification was ever formally given; the name just seems to have stuck.

The First Official Meeting

“ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR ROUND TABLE WAS 10/6D WHEN THE ORGANISATION BEGAN IN 1927”

The Inaugural Meeting of Round Table was held at Suckling House on 14th March 1927 in the presence of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich - both of whom, remarkably were under the age of 40. Although the importance of the occasion was clearly appreciated, no formal minute or record survives of what took place, but some 70 people attended and were suitably fed and watered on arrival at a cost of 6p per head. The subscription to the new club was 10/6d. And within a year membership had risen to 95 members: an indication that the idea had well and truly caught on, very much with the help of Rotarians who nominated suitable members; but also suggesting with such large numbers the character of the early meetings must have been much more formal and serious than the closer-knit smaller gatherings which take place now. Certainly the 1927 programme could hardly be criticised as facetious:

September 26th - The place of Accountancy in Commerce

October 10thThe need for Economy

October 24th - Amateur and professional sport: a comparison

November 21stMechanical Transport

December 5thAviation: Local Possibilities

December 19thThe Fishing Industry

What response might a Table Chairman invoke nowadays by introducing a talk on the Fishing Industry for the last meeting before Christmas!

I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this specially adapted news-letter, featuring some of the exciting new developments surrounding the specially designed blue plaque in honour of Louis Marchesi.

Des Fulcher

Louis Marchesi Club

SLK member Terry hailed a Hero on National Television

Channel 5 News recently featured Shirley Late Knights’ Terry Flower as their ‘Hero of the Week’ in their 5pm news item, in recognition of his sixteen years of voluntary service as a Community First Responder (CFR) with West Midlands Ambulance.

He was even described as ‘a true legend’ by Chanel 5. https://www.facebook.com/share/ v/1DNstR4sX5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Since 2009, Terry has been responding to life threatening 999 emergency calls passed to him by the Emergency Operations Centre at the ambulance service. So far, he has answered more than 5,000 calls for help.

Terry told 41 Club magazine

“Having retired, I was looking to fill my newly acquired spare time, volunteering. It had to be something challenging, stimulating and involving

local community service. My Father in Law was taken ill whilst visiting our home in Solihull and we dialled 999. First to arrive were two Community First Responders. I now had an idea.

I joined the charity FastAid and was soon on the 8 day West Midlands Ambulance Training Course for CFRs. But before going ‘live’, I had to raise funds for my uniform and kit. Three SLK colleagues came to my help, Barry, Nigel and Peter.

Together we completed a sponsored cycle ride ‘off road’ from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the biking equivalent of the more famous Coast to Coast. We raised £4,000; a lot of money back then. Our bike ride also made the front page of 41 Club magazine! I was now “operational”.

“No two days are the same. I never know what each day will bring or how each call will develop. It’s part of the interest I have in being a CFR. That, and adding to a good patient experience. Because we respond in our local community, we can be on scene quickly to start lifesaving treatment, begin clinical care and provide reassurance to patient and relatives before the ambulance arrives. I am first on scene in 90% of calls. Sometimes the time saved can be critical. It is a privilege to be trained and equipped to help people, often at their time of greatest need”

FastAid scheme cars carry vital lifesaving equipment such as a portable patient monitor, an advanced defibrillator; adult and paediatric resuscitation equipment; oxygen, airway suction; major trauma

dressings, helmets, and sterile FastAid scheme water for use after an acid attack. Because of the high visibility markings scheme, cars can be sent to calls such as road traffic collisions and are part of the Ambulance Service major incident plan

Terry continued

“My first real test came in year one. I attended a cricketer who had collapsed. I was on scene in three minutes. He was in cardiac arrest. After 3 shocks from the defibrillator, a cardiac output was restored and he began breathing for himself. He went on to make a complete recovery. At the time Shane Getkate was 19 years old. He used to ‘phone me on Christmas morning. Later, whilst playing for the 2021 Irish T20 team in South Africa, he recalled the event on BBC 5 live and spoke of me by name, saying he would never forget the name of the guy who saved his life”.

Terry tried to scale down his hours last year, but it ended up being one of the busiest years with 449 attendances at life threatening incidents. On average, when booked on, he receives a call every 90 minutes and is first on the scene in 90% of calls. He volunteers for around 80 hours a month, as well as joining in with free training in the community, teaching lifesaving skills such as cardio pulmonary resuscitation and how to use a defibrillator. He also looks after local public access defibrillators.

Terry is no stranger to recognitions for his support for his local community. He has received 8 Chief Officer Commendations and in 2017 was given the honour of Volunteer of the Year for the whole of West Midlands Ambulance. He was also presented with ‘Local Hero’ in the Churchill Retirement Living 2025 awards. He has received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, the King’s Coronation Medal.

In 2022, Terry was chosen to carry the Queen’s Baton for the Commonwealth Games through part of his neighbourhood, just a few days before the games began.  It had been to every corner of the Commonwealth on its 294 day long journey.

The support given by Round Table and 41 Club for Terry and his charities has been maintained for decades. Whilst he was a member of St John Ambulance, Shirley Round Table raised funds in 1981 for a brand-new emergency ambulance. In recognition of the work Terry did with Fast Aid during Covid, SLK made FastAid its chosen charity for the 41 club year 2022-3,

Terry, who is married with two daughters and four grandsons, said his family have been so supportive and are very proud of him, especially after his recent Channel Five recognition. As are Shirley Late Knights and the whole of 41 Club. WELL DONE TERRY!

HARROGATE 41 CLUB XMAS DINNER

Phil Totty, Secretary at Harrogate 41 Club sent us in this picture of him presenting a cheque for £558 to their local charity, Horticap.

The funds were raised at the Harrogate 41 Club Christmas Dinner, and I’m sure the charity will

be very grateful for their support. Another great example of how our clubs around the country can support small charities and good causes in their community.

Great work Phil, and Harrogate 41 Club!

WENSUM & YARE FORECASTER FORECASTER OF THE YEAR

Norwich Wensum & Yare 41 Club held another successful ‘Forecaster of the Year’ evening in January, when nearly 100 members and guests met for an excellent dinner and to try and forecast the outcome of various events at the end

of 2026. Each participant puts their answers in a sealed envelope, along with a donation to charities chosen by the winner and our speakers including the guest speaker, who this year was Chris Page, an ITV meteorologist, weather presenter and broadcaster. A total of over £1250 was raised for the charities.

The winner of the ‘Forecaster of the Year 2025’ competition is Martin Sexton, who initiated the event 21 years ago and ran it for several years.  He was also a founding member of W & Y Round Table. This years organisers were Stuart Smith and Rex Humphrey.

Questions such as - who will be PM, winner of the FA cup, value of the euro and maximum temperature tested everyone’s skill and luck.

National President, Jason Thomson also attended and addressed the meeting, after dinner, with enthusiasm and encouragement. Members attended from across the region and further afield, including Leicester.

Everyone is now looking forward to finding out if their predictions are correct, at next year’s event.

For further information contact Rex Humphrey - rex.humphrey@icloud.com or Peter Griffin - petergriffinphotography@gmail.com

REGION 12

CLUSTER EVENTTrethorne Bowling evening

Region 12’s 41 Club enjoyed an excellent evening at Trethorne Leisure Park on Wednesday 12th November for the Annual Ten Pin Bowling and Dinner, an event best described as a spirited mix of enthusiasm, optimism and a very selective attitude towards caring about scores.

Members attended from Liskeard & Looe, Launceston, Saltash, Tavistock and Ilfracombe, joined by Area 12’s National Councillor Trevor Langford, along with National Vice President Kelly Clark and National

Secretary Stuart George, who co-organised the evening with Launceston 41 Club, to whom thanks are extended for delivering such a well-run and enjoyable event.

While a small number of bowlers approached the lanes with impressive focus and technique, most adopted a more creative interpretation of the sport. Bowling balls were dispatched with varying degrees of accuracy, some drifting thoughtfully down the lane while others appeared to consider entirely different destinations. Professional careers remained safely intact, although one performance did stand out, with Lister Tamblyn of Saltash & District 41 Club finishing as Top Bowler on the night

If the bowling was unpredictable, the fellowship was not. The evening provided a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, welcome new faces and enjoy the relaxed camaraderie that 41 Club events are known for. The carvery proved extremely popular, with several members clearly planning their second helping before completing their first, while the raffle produced an impressive haul of prizes — particularly for one table whose success briefly raised suspicions of foul play.

Fundraising on the night supported the National President’s Charity, Andy’s Man Club (AMC), including a sweepstake on the length of the Vice President’s speech. The sweepstake was won by Paul Vincent of Liskeard & Looe 41 Club, who generously donated his winnings back to the charity. In total, £160 was raised for AMC. The speech itself was both engaging and informative, covering XRT and the importance of staying active within 41 Club, and was very well received.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of good food, good company and memorable moments, setting the bar nicely for next year’s inevitable rematch.

James Decaux

Chairman Tavistock 41 Club

CAMBRIDGE 41 CLUB FLAMENCO FIESTA

The Cambridge club had been looking to strengthen its community service commitment for a number of years. After much discussion and a rejection of anything involving shaking cans in the local high streets, the club decided to look for alternatives applying skills picked up by members over the years. Our chairman and his wife had lived in Spain for a number of years and had developed a love of flamenco. They’d seen a spectacular dancer called Rebeca Ortega who was Spanish and had an international reputation. Would she come to our area? Before approaching her, the club had become aware of some sterling work being carried out in Milton, a suburb of central Cambridge, by a charitable group known as the Phoenix Trust. They provide social support and work experience for young people with learning difficulties. After several visits, members became convinced that this was a cause worthy of their support, especially as the Phoenix Trust was looking for funds to reconstruct their dilapidated buildings. Could our club raise funds from a flamenco evening?

Remarkably, Rebeca Ortega responded to the club’s invitation and said that she’d bring a flamenco guitarist, Ramón Ruiz and singer Carlos Lobo, both international performers. We agreed a date in July 2024. The next step was to find a suitable venue. Cambridge has many venues, but it was decided to find one in the surrounding villages. Finally, we discovered Milton Parish Church, which had been reconfigured after removing the pews and replacing them with chairs that could be arranged around a side stage for more intimate services and performances. The church authorities were

approached and they agreed, offering considerable support. Sponsors were sought, one example being a local timber yard that provided the boards to cover the floor of the stage (flamenco dancing on carpet is not ideal!). A local commercial artist produced the poster, leaflets were widely distributed and the local Tesco stores offered sangria. Tangent members and co-workers from Phoenix Trust agreed to make tapas to be served at a pre-concert reception before the performance to be held in the hall adjacent to the church.

The performance was truly spectacular: the ancient church with its wonderful arches provided a dramatic backdrop to these incredible performers. A standing ovation followed and the proud announcement was made that the venture had raised £2000 for the Phoenix Trust’s building fund. Many volunteers remained behind to clean-up and restore the church for its next function, which was to be a wedding the following day.

What was achieved apart from a great show and a profitable outcome? Fellowship grew within the group of 41 Club members who put the programme together; contacts were made in the local community, including other charities, local businesses; there was close liaison with Tangent and the event was publicised in the local press getting the work of 41 Club known in the wider community….and not a single can was shaken!

CAMBRIDGE 41 CLUB BURNS NIGHT SUPPER: RECRUITMENT EVENT

Cambridge has suffered, as have many 41 clubs, with a decline in transfers from Round Table as the local club has gone into decline over the years. As our age profile climbs steadily upwards, we’ve widened our criteria for membership. A catalyst for this was the Membership Roadshow organised by national. Our current chairman and secretary attended the Leicester event and were stimulated sufficiently by the constructive sessions to review our current approach to recruitment. We had previously tried some local advertising that didn’t generate much interest. Our charity fundraising Flamenco Fiesta was widely promoted in our region: although this was a very successful event, widely reported in the local press, it did not promote sufficient interest in generating applications to join the club.

After much discussion, the steering group concluded that personal recommendation and the encouragement of men we thought would make good members, should be the way forward. A showcase event was suggested, one to which we could invite guests and potential new members. A Burns Supper was considered an ideal event.

Many members had attended these suppers in the past and the vice-chairman, being a Scot, was not only keen on the idea, but knew the whereabouts of a Piper and Master of Ceremonies. Our venue would be our normal meeting place, Madingley Hall, a magnificent Tudor building set in beautiful grounds. Several meetings with the managers at Madingley Hall ensured that a traditional meal was possible in one of the historical banqueting rooms.

A local graphic designer produced a flyer and members were able to use this to stimulate interest in the event. Within the thirty-eight attending, ten were guests and potential new members. A grant from national subsidised the event and the National President, Jason Thomson, said he would attend: he even wore a traditional kilt. The aim was to produce an evening with some sparkle and spectacle to impress our guests. The piper played traditional bagpipe music as members and their guests paraded along the corridors and up the stairs to the grand saloon, where the tables had been prepared with candlelight generating a welcoming ambience. Typical of 41 Club members, there was much social interaction and good humour. The traditional haggis was carried in led by the piper and the address made with gusto before being taken away to be prepared for serving. Plenty of malt whisky was available to wash it all down. The poems of Robert Burns were read by members, and one even sang, My love is like a red, red rose, to much applause. The guests were toasted and Jason Thomson replied on their behalf.

We think our guests were impressed, but only interest in joining will demonstrate how much.

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RIBBLE & LUNE CLUSTER MEETING

For Ribble & Lune Active 41 Club February meeting we hosted a region 3 - 41 club cluster meeting in the form of a sporting challenge (with a twist)

30 members from over 10 - region 3 - 41 clubs & Round Tables joined together along with the National 41 Club President Jason Thompson at Squires Snooker & Sports Bar, Lancaster for an evening of sporting fun & fellowship. Darts Winner Tom Waring (Ribble & Lune 41 club) Pool Winner Peter Ogden (Lancaster 41 Club) Dominos Winner Luke Stott (Area 34 Round Table Chairman) a great fun inexpensive evening was had by all. Topped off with Ribble & Lune Active 41 Club Chairman Clive present a cheque for £500 to 41 Club National President Jason Thompson charity for his year Andys Man Club.

The evening was a great success with some good feedback with a further sporting region 3 – 41 club Cluster meeting now being planned for Thursday 4th June, at a venue close to Blackburn which will be another sporting type challenge, Crown Green Bowling, Speed Snooker & Table Football.

Rebuilding the hinges

Frank Barratt

Honorary Life President (Ribble & Lune Active) Founder Chairman 2016-2017

Ribble & Lune Active 41 club

Make Your Membership Go Further: Why Every 41 Club Member Should Use Wider Wallet

As 41 Club members, we’re pretty good at spotting value - whether it’s a wellpriced lunch venue, a great fellowship weekend deal, or a smart way to raise funds. But here’s a question:

Are you making the most of the savings already available to you?

If you’re not using Wider Wallet, you could quite literally be leaving money on the table.

What Is Wider Wallet?

Wider Wallet is the member benefits platform available to 41 Club members, giving access to thousands of discounts across retail, travel, groceries, motoring, entertainment and more.

Where Can You Save?

Think of it as a cashback and discount hub that works quietly in the background while you get on with life.

No complicated schemes.

Just everyday savings.

Here are just a few examples of brands regularly featured on the platform:

You can save money on:

● Groceries

● High street shopping

● Online retail

● Travel bookings

● Car maintenance

● DIY and home improvement

And that’s before you even look at cinema tickets, gift cards, tech, fashion, dining and more.

What Could You Actually Save?

Let’s put some real numbers to it.

Here’s a conservative example for an average household:

Estimated Annual Saving: £486

And that’s using modest percentages. Many members report savings comfortably over £500 per year simply by routing everyday spending through Wider Wallet.

Why It Makes Sense for 41 Club Members

We pride ourselves on being:

● Practical

● Forward-thinking

● Community-minded

Using Wider Wallet fits perfectly with that mindset.

● It costs nothing extra.

● It takes minutes to set up.

● It rewards spending you’re already doing. In effect, it can more than cover your annual capitation - and still leave you with change for a fellowship weekend.

The Bigger Picture

Imagine if every member used it.

That’s thousands of pounds saved by our members each year - money that can support family life, travel to events, or even be redirected into charitable giving.

It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending smarter.

How to Get Started

1. Log in via the members’ area – if you have forgotten the login and/or password see the email from Andy Waring with Friday 41er.

2. Request login details from fellowship@41club.org

3. Activate your Wider Wallet account.

4. Start browsing retailers before you shop.

5. Enjoy the savings. Simple.

Final Thought

We often talk about making the most of our membership.

This is one of the easiest wins available to every one of us.

If you haven’t activated your Wider Wallet yet, today is a very good day to do it.

Your future self - and your bank balancewill thank you.

Trevor Langford National Councillor Region 12

Dronfield 41 Club Fundraiser

At a joint 41 Club and Tangent meeting at the Sheffield Greyhound racing arena in October, fellow member Peter Ludlam and myself decided to grow a moustache during November, but instead of donating any monies raised to the national Movember charity for Men’s Health, we would donate it to the Cancer Centre at Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield where Peter had recently received successful treatment for Prostate Cancer.

Having 14 years ago having received Radio and Hormone Therapy treatment at Christies in Salford, Greater Manchester myself, it wasn’t difficult to agree to the final funds recipient being local to our 41 Club of Dronfield, Derbyshire.

So, during November, our friends, relatives and fellow 41 Club members including complete strangers were encouraged to part with their finest British Pounds through personal cash donations, WhatsApp groups, 41 Club Motorcycle and Caravan & Camping Group pages, Facebook pages, Golf Club and local pubs to achieve a fantastic end sum of Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Five Pounds (£2,225)

Many thanks go out to all who donated to this achievement knowing that the funds will in some way alleviate and help those suffering from the effects that cancer can cause.

Featured in the photograph, from the left, is Peter Ludlam, President James Dixon, fundraising manager Hannah Williams, and myself, Howard Gibbons.

Howard Gibbons

Secretary & Vice President – Dronfield 41 Club

P.S. Whilst at Weston Park, it was so nice that a member of Matlock 41 Club, wearing a Centre’s fundraising T shirt identified himself to us having seen our club’s signatory on the presentation cheque we were holding up. Great fellowship.

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Saltash 50th Charter

Saltash and District 41 Club marked a major milestone in style, celebrating its 50th Charter Anniversary with a special lunch at the Bedford Hotel on Sunday 25 January 2026.

The event was superbly attended, with Chairman Drew Potter welcoming members and guests for an afternoon of fellowship, reflection and celebration. The Club was delighted to host National Secretary Stuart George and National Area 12 Councillor Trevor Langford, who both delivered engaging and uplifting addresses.

Trevor took members on a nostalgic journey back to the year the club was founded — from key world events to

the pop chart hits of the time — sparking smiles and fond memories around the room. He also reinforced the core values that first drew many into Round Table: friendship, community service and having fun.

With most Saltash and District 41 Club members boasting over 25 years of Tabling experience, the strength of the club’s heritage was clear. A special mention went to the club’s longest-serving member, Glen Honey, who has been a Tabler for more than 60

years and continues to attend meetings regularly — a true inspiration.

As the club looks ahead, the focus remains firmly on the future: welcoming new members, strengthening fellowship, and ensuring the next generation can enjoy the same lifelong friendships and opportunities that have defined the last 50 years.

A golden anniversary — and an even brighter future.

Paul Wilton Saltash 41

Club

DORSET KNOBS 2025 HOSTED BY WAREHAM 41 CLUB AT THE SBS BASE, HAMWORTHY.

The traditional 51st annual gathering of Dorset Knobs was organised and hosted by Wareham 41 Club at the prestigious Special Boat Service (SBS) Hamworthy Barracks, Poole on the 28th of November.

The 110 guests included National President Jason Thomson, Vice President Kelly Clark, Wareham President Mike Fletcher and National Councillor for Region 12 Trevor Langford.

Pre-dinner drinks and registration gave ample time to explore the wonderful Lake House with its incredible displays of unique paintings, photographs and memorabilia that tell the story of heroism, service and the debt we owe to The Royal Marines and The SBS.

The spectacular four course silver service dinner, which included complimentary wines and port ( for less than £50 ) was served in the historic and beautiful Officers’ Mess. Full regimental silver trophies and Mementos were on display and the superb food and hospitality throughout was provided by the catering staff and senior members of the elite regiment, three of which gave memorable talks on the history, ethos and actions of the SBS.

The programme included potted histories of The Royal Marines and previous campaigns, after which the ten individual dining tables were named.

A generous raffle, the Dorset Knobs Heads and Tails Survival Game (won by The National President !) and the proceeds of an impromptu auction donated and conducted by The SBS Base CO, enabled Wareham 41 Club to forward a cheque for £1,194.00 to Jason Thompson’s National Charity – ANDYSMANCLUB.

Wareham Chairman Ian Stainer and his hard-working committee ( Colin Humphries, David Hannibal, Doug Milburn, David Tharby, Ian Oughton, Terry Wood and Alan Washbourne ) had to adhere to strict security measures due to the nature of the venue and no mobile phones or cameras were allowed. A few pictures were taken by the base official photographer.

Immense gratitude is due to the Base CO and his colleagues for their contributions and generosity in allowing us all to enjoy an unforgettable event, in true 41 Club fashion, in unique surroundings.

We await news of the host for 2026 to continue the pleasure of the fellowship of Dorset Knobs.

OTD (Germany 41 Club) AGM 2025

Neil McGrane, new to international events, tells us his experience.

I’m a new Hinckley 41 club member and recently my friends Paul and Andy asked me if I wanted to attend the International AGM in Bad Zwischenahn Germany with them. As both of them told me what fun they’d had in previous years, I agreed to go. I have to be honest, I’m an introvert, so I was worried about entering a room containing hundreds of people I didn’t know. I needn’t have worried, the welcome I received from the president (and everybody else) was so warm and friendly, it was as if we were life long friends.

We arrived on Thursday, and the fun started when we attended president’s dinner. We walked into a room fizzing with excitement and were greeted very warmly by the President Carsten. We were the last to leave.

On Friday we went to the welcome dinner which was held in a park with a band playing as we drank beer in the sun. The dinner was in a big greenhouse which then turned into a disco.

On Saturday afternoon, as international guests of Carsten we attended a Boat cruise on the lake, during which banners and gifts were exchanged. In the evening we attended the Gala dinner, a black tie event, with live music and dancing. One of the highlights was the “last beer”, Paul and I were just having a beer before retiring for the night and we were joined by loads of friends from Denmark and there was a lively chat about a Danish drinking game, the last beer turned into five!

Over the three days, I met people from the Netherlands, Denmark and of course Germany, all of whom were super friendly just looking for fun. A special thanks to Johann and Sieto for giving us a lift to the farewell diner and going out of their way to drop us off at the railway station.

It’s hard to put in writing the buzz and excitement I got from weekend, it’s opened my eyes to a new avenue of exciting adventures and we are discussing attending other events on my first day back home.

FARNBOROUGH KENT’S

50TH CHARTER LUNCH

Farnborough (Kent) 41 Club, not to be confused with the much geographically larger Farnborough Hampshire 41 Club has just celebrated its 50th Charter anniversary.

Fortunately, the National President, Jason Thomson, didn’t get the two clubs mixed up and duly arrived on time to join the celebration lunch. The whole event turned out to be a splendid occasion and the presence of the National President added a certain sparkle to the day. Also present was our own former National President, Dave Campbell, making a total of 25 attendees, all hosted by Chairman Chris Martin.

Paul Denby Organiser

41 CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Entries for the annual photography competition have been received and judged by a panel of 3 people. The entries received can be seen below (in no particular order) and the winner will be announced at the AGM on 11th April.

The brief for the competition was announced in the January newsletter and was as follows:

“The theme for the annual photography competition this year is “Rubbish”. You can interpret that as you wish, whether it’s an image of a pile of trash, something not very good, or

Don Taylor of Bolton Le Moors 41 Club

Adrian Wakefield of Litchfield 41 Club –Titled ‘Surface Tension’

Mark Warr of Harrogate 41 Club –Rubbish Tyre Workshop

a picture of Kier Starmer, however you’d like to present your photograph with the theme “Rubbish” is ok. Please don’t over edit your photos, and no AI please, I’d like the photograph to be as natural as possible, heavily edited pictures will be marked down.”

Frank Venables of Isis Area; Faringdon & District; Mumbles, 41 Clubs –Titled ‘Wartime Junk?’

David Cardus of Bramhope 41 Leeds –Titled ‘Happiness of a sort’

Colin Wright of Orpington in Kent – Titled ‘ Urgh – I wish they had taken that home…’

Chris Wynn-Jones of 1178 Penkridge 41 Club – A remote control car made of rubbish. Beer cans, Coat hanger, Costa coffee sticks, Orange phone cover

Paul Stevens of Shirley 41 Club Shirley Late Knights –Titled ‘Fleeting Fashion’

FIRED UP FOR 41 CLUB…

… and Celebrating a Decade of Fellowship, Fun and Community: 10 Years of Redditch 41 Club

This year marks a special milestone for the Redditch 41 Club as we celebrate ten fantastic years of friendship, fellowship and community spirit. A decade ago, a small group of former Round Tablers came together with a simple aim: to continue the camaraderie, laughter and sense of purpose they had enjoyed in their Tabling days. Ten years on, that modest beginning has grown into a thriving, welcoming and spirited club that continues to embody the very best of what 41 Club stands for.

When the Redditch 41 Club was formed, it was built on enthusiasm and the shared belief that life after 40 didn’t mean slowing down — it simply meant doing things a little

differently (and maybe with slightly earlier finishes!). What started as informal gatherings soon developed into a calendar packed with social events, guest speakers, inter-club visits and charitable activities.

Over the past decade, we’ve welcomed new members, reconnected with old friends, and strengthened ties across the wider 41 Club network. The friendships formed here have extended far beyond monthly meetings — into holidays, weekends away, family events and countless memorable evenings.

At its core, Redditch 41 Club has always been about fellowship. Whether it’s sharing a meal, raising a glass, supporting one another through life’s ups and downs, or simply enjoying

good conversation, the bond between members is what defines us.

We’ve seen members celebrate milestones, overcome challenges, and support each other in times of need. The strength of our club lies not just in the events we organise, but in the genuine friendships that underpin everything we do.

Ten years inevitably brings a wealth of stories — some printable, some perhaps best left to the imagination!

From lively social evenings and themed dinners to sporting events and charity fundraisers, we’ve created a decade of shared experiences. We’ve travelled together, laughed together, and occasionally tested the patience of restaurant staff together.

Our joint events with neighbouring clubs, and Round Table family clubs locally, have strengthened regional ties, and our participation in national gatherings has reminded us that we are part of something much bigger.

Giving Back

While fellowship is central, community involvement has remained a proud part of Redditch 41 Club’s identity. Supporting local causes, attending community events and maintaining the spirit of service that began in our Tabling years continues to be important to us.

It’s a reminder that while we may have moved on from Round Table, the ethos of “Adopt, Adapt, Improve” still quietly guides what we do, and we #StillDoMore.

Fired Up for the Future

Reaching ten years is not a moment to slow down — it’s a moment to accelerate.

Redditch 41 Club is fired up for 41 Club like never before. We are energised, focused and ambitious about what comes next. We don’t, just have the next few months mapped out, we have the next three years planned. That forward thinking is a clear statement of intent.

It shows our resolve to one another: that we are committed to strengthening our fellowship and continuing to make the club a place where members, and aging out Round Tablers genuinely want to be.

It shows our resolve to the community: that we are here for the long term, ready to support, engage and play our part in making Redditch #StrongerTogether.

And it shows our resolve to the wider Round Table Family clubs in Redditch: that 41 Club stands shoulder to shoulder with each club — as an active, enthusiastic and supportive partner in the Redditch Round Table family.

We are proud of our past, but even more excited to look towards our future.

Looking Ahead

Ten years is an achievement. Fifteen will be momentum. Twenty will be legacy.

The next chapter of Redditch 41 Club is already being written — with bold plans, renewed energy and the same spirit of friendship and fun that started it all.

Here’s to ten years of Redditch 41 Club… and to the exciting years still to come.

NATIONAL SPORTS & SOCIAL WEEKEND 2026 – COVENTRY

During my 2 years as a National Councillor I attended 2 NSSW weekends, one in Stranraer (Scotland) and one in Okehampton (Devon). On both occasions I tried to encourage clubs from within my region (Midlands) to attend but was constantly told that “it’s too far away”, and while I agree that it’s quite a drive, especially the one in Stranraer which had the tag line “it’s not that far”, I do think that NSSW is the best 41 Club weekend for a fun time with a bunch of like minded men. To help with the distance issue I decided I’d try and organise my first 41 Club National event, along with Andy Ventress and Sean Poultney.

Thursday 5th February

With all the planning done, 96 people booked in, several changes with some dropping out and others taking their places, and a last minute dash to Costco on the way, we arrived at the venue to welcome our guests. The plan was for people to make their way into Coventry city centre for food and watch the Rugby. Everyone managed to get taxi’s, often with new friends we’d just met. Wetherspoons

Friday 6th February

Friday was supposed to be the golf competition, but due to the heavy rain the course was closed and the golfers went into town to entertain themselves. It was also the National Council

I have to say that even though organising 41ers is like herding cats, it was great fun. The three of us decided the Windmill Village Hotel in Coventry would be a great venue, and we’d make it more about the “Social” than the “Sports”, and wanted to keep the majority of events on-site and indoors in their function rooms, so that most people were kept together and mixing, catching up with up friends and making plenty of new ones. The emphasis was on FUN, and here’s how the weekend went:

was an obvious place to start, and from there some went to a quieter pub and some of us went to Boom Battle Bar to play pool and games. Esa came out champion for the pool and Colin McKenzie was best with a mallet on the High Striker game. Back to the bar at the hotel at the end, which thankfully didn’t stay open too late and we got to bed at a fairly reasonable time.

meeting, where the board and councillors meet to discuss 41 Club matters, which every member is entitled to join and was good to see several members attending.

In the evening Tamworth XRT 41 Club laid on an interactive quiz after the meal. This was

great fun and much more than a regular pub quiz. Towers of balloons were made, drinks

Saturday 7th February

Saturday is the main day for NSSW, and as we were hosting in the heart of England we made available a day pass with no accommodation. There are a lot of clubs nearby and some people preferred to just attend the day and evening without staying overnight. The games started first thing and went on throughout the day, with each event scoring points for 1st 2nd and 3rd.

Sports and games for the day were: Table Tennis, Table Football, F1 simulator, BMX (5 meters, slowest wins), 5km Parkrun, Darts, Scalextric, Retro Arcade, Basketball Hoop, Surfing Simulator, Remote Control Cars, Batak, Indoor Archery, and Cornhole.

Winners were verified, scores were tallied, and time for the presentation in the evening after the meal. Charlie Weller was crowned NSSW champion 2026, followed closely by Jonathon Carlisle and Juan Ibanez.

were drank, and it was a fun and enjoyable evening with plenty of laughs.

After the awards Sean’s company Flamingo Events, who had also put on the games at the hotel, hosted a fun game show which got everyone involved having fun and playing silly games into the evening.

If anyone has never been to NSSW before with 41 Club then I highly recommend you do. I stand by my opinion that it’s the most fun in 41 Club.

Andy Waring

OBITUARIES

DAVID SMITH

Past 41 Club National President 2012/2013

It is with great sadness to report the untimely passing of Past National President David Smith on Saturday 4th October 2025 whilst on holiday in Spain.

DERRICK HANKIN

We have sadly lost one of our members, Derrick Hankin, at 94.

Derrick was both a founding member and Chairman of NW 41 Club, in 1985.

He was regularly involved in our club, his experience and knowledge was invaluable and will be greatly missed, He continued to support and attend into his 90’s, unfortunately  he was unable to attend our 40th Charter night in 2025, the then National Chairman, Wynn Parry, was in attendance and visited Derrick and his wife, Barbara at their home (as reported in the 41 Club magazine at the time), a visit they both greatly enjoyed.

Chris Allen - Secretary, North Walsham and District 41 Club.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday 14th November 2025 and was attended by over 150 people including the present National President Jason and 12 Past National Presidents.

David first joined Round Table in Ealing before transferring to Long Eaton in 1974.

David threw himself into Round Table life becoming Table Chairman in 1978, Area Chairman in 1981 and National Councillor in 1982. He retired from Round Table at 40 and moved on to 41 Club where he held numerous local and national roles eventually becoming National President in 2012.

David was very popular by all who knew him and he will be sadly missed.

Condolences to his wife Kay and all the family.

Anthony “Tony” Jones

Brian Cooper

Michael Rolt Llandrindod Wells 41 Club

Mr Maxwell Ayr 41 Club

Please send all obituaries, along with a photograph and the name of the 41 Club to obits@41club.org to be entered in the 41 Club remembrance book.

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