MAGAZINE FOR THE WORLD’S GREATEST YOUNG MEN’S CLUB
SPRING 2015 LOVE IS IN THE AIR Valentine’s Day Advice
JEST FOR FUN The Fool Monty
CHOCS AWAY
Win A Two Night Break
MEN’S ISSUES
Time To Take A Stand
THE ITALIAN JOB CTM Exposed!
2 Tabler AutumnEdition
And now…the end is near! It is hard to believe that we are, in racing parlance, in the final few furlongs of the Table year. Where has the year gone? I find myself writing these notes in the historic Italian city of Ravenna as one of many RTBI Tablers who have made the trip to CTM (Central Tablers’ Meeting). What an experience – check out our postcard home! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Team Media has put together a guide to help you out including gifts, dating no-nos and even sex tips to ensure you spoil your good lady! If that wasn’t enough, you can enter our competition (page 11) for a two-night break at the Chocolate Boutique Hotel and really blow her away! It’s also a special year for Round Table Children’s Wish as this is their 25th year. Check out the exciting plans that every Table is invited to be a part of (Pg 38-39). In terms of events, there’s still time to book into the President’s Prom, while this year’s National Conference at Aviemore is likely to be a momentous one for the Association. It promises to be another busy Table year! Enjoy the read and see you around. Macca
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Round Table Editor: Lee McLaughlan
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Editor: 0121 456 4402 Phone: 0121 456 4402 Fax: 0121 456 4185 Email: media@roundtable.org.uk
Nicole Carroll 0121 456 4402 comms.officer@roundtable.org.uk
Marchesi House, 4 Embassy Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1TP 0121 456 4402 Enquiry@roundtable.org.uk www.roundtable.co.uk
All material appearing in Tabler magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or copyright may rest with the provider of the supplied material. Tabler magazine takes care to ensure information is accurate at the time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsiblity or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor.
Contributors Cait Allen Nicole Carroll George Dobell Steve Grew Kate Taylor Victor Ubogu
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Tabler SpringEdition 3
table news
WONDER WOMAN, A NINJA TURTLE, A PLATOON OF GRENADIER GUARDS AND EVEN A DOG IN A SANTA HAT WERE AMONG THE HARDY SOULS THAT BRAVED THE WILD WATERS OF THE WASH IN THE ANNUAL HUNSTANTON & DISTRICT ROUND TABLE CHRISTMAS DAY DIP!
“Hunstanton Round Table has been organising the Christmas Day swim for over 50 years and this year we were very pleased to have over 120 people register to swim,” said organiser Paul Searle. Among the notable participants were town mayor Carol Bower and local resident Robert Pritchard, who was taking part for the 34th year.
Hunstanton chairman Chris Stafford led the 120-plus fancy dress dippers - including the town’s mayor - into the sea, watched by a crowd of more than 2,000.
“One swimmer turned up dressed as the famous Hunstanton lighthouse and cliffs, and the winners of the group prize dressed as figures from the Tetris game.
The event, which has been going since 1959, is a successful fundraiser with approximately £5,000 raised by the salty plunge.
“We expect to raise around £5,000 and all the money is donated to local good causes.”
BLAZING SADDLES AND BLISTERS!
CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE?
IT’S TIME TO BRING YOUR BIKE OUT OF HIBERNATION AS THE ANNUAL HIKE AND BIKE RETURNS TO AMBLESIDE ON APRIL 24-26.
WE’RE FEELING THE LOVE HERE AT ROUND TABLE - ESPECIALLY AREA 14, WHO ARE HOLDING THEIR OWN VALENTINE’S BALL.
This event, for teams of four, involves a 15 mile hike on the Saturday with checkpoints (rest stops) and challenges along the way. The scoring is points based and you retain points for arriving at the checkpoints on time and can gain additional points for doing well with the challenges – it’s not just the fittest teams that win.
As well as our suggestions (see page 10) on making Valentine’s special this year, why not consider treating your other half to a night out at Area 14’s ball?
Sunday sees you off on a timed bike ride, with a quiz on the route, with the event finishing at 2pm. The event, which has run for the past 13 years, only costs £100pp which includes two nights’ bed and breakfast at Ambleside YHA, two packed lunches and an evening meal on the Sunday. Interested? Email: stevelmu@yahoo.co.uk to reserve a team place or to get a booking form. Find the event on the Area 9 Facebook page or Twitter @yorkshiretables.
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With a magician, drinks reception, live band and gifts for all the ladies, it could be the perfect way to finish off the day before a night at the Mercure Leicester. Tickets cost £42.50 per person with rooms to be booked separately. Email Charlie to see if there are places left on A14LadiesNight2015@outlook.com. Valentine’s not your thing? Area 14 are celebrating their 80th charter in style with a three-course black tie lunch at the Welford Road Stadium. It’s Rugby World Cup year and Dean Richards, the most capped rugby union number 8 in the world and one of only three men ever to have played for England in three World Cups, is the guest speaker. Book your tickets by emailing A14-80thcharter2015@outlook.com.
Front Cover and Image: Paul Tibbs paultibbsphotography.com
table news IMPROVE YOUR TABLE KNOWLEDGE Open to all Tablers (not just VCs), the next VC Day is on Saturday February 28 and is a fantastic opportunity if you want to #learnmore about how you can improve your own Table. These successful workshops have been running for three years with more than 300 Tablers attending. It’s not just a great opportunity to improve your knowledge but also to network and share ideas with fellow Tablers from across the country. The next event – which is free – is being led by RTBI vice-president Marcus Jones and will cover the follow topics: • MEMBERSHIP
• PROGRAMME
• NETWORKING
• MEDIA AND PR
Please make sure you book your spaces in advance (this helps when catering for lunch). Please speak to Annie at Marchesi House on 0121 456 4402 or email her at HQ@roundtable.org.uk. If you require accommodation for this event, please contact Annie at HQ at hq@roundtable.org.uk with your details - please note, if you require accommodation please let Annie know by 20 February at the very latest. Anybody requiring accommodation after that date will need to book their own.
If you’ve been taking part in Dryathon (well done you) then there’s the opportunity to bring it to an end with some fine beers, with FOUR beer festivals kick-starting this month. Moseley, Ilkely, Dorchester and Lampeter will all be pulling pints as Round Table again goes beer festival crazy in 2015. Beer festivals are great community events, a great way to promote Round Table and also raise funds for good causes.
ON YOUR MARKS,
GET SET, GO!
Are you Round Table’s version of Mo Farah and think nothing of a gentle 10k jog? Or are you looking for an introduction into the world of running? If you are looking to clock up the miles this year, Round Table is on hand, organising and marshalling a number of events. So if you fancy lacing up the trainers (and applying the plasters to avoid jogger’s nipple!), why not try a gentle 5k, a sweat-inducing 10k or testing half marathon? Alternatively, try a colour run! All events will be on Roundtable.co.uk. Tell us about yours and get it added. Southport Hesketh Round Table Mad Dog 10k Sunday 8 February
Leamington Round Table Regency 10k Sunday 19 April
Plymouth Round Table 10k Mad March Hare Race Sunday 15 March
Livingston Round Table 5k + 10k Fun Run Sunday 7 June
Alloa Round Table Half Marathon Sunday 15 March
Southend Round Table Colourthon Saturday 4 July
Colchester Colne Round Table Scrutton Bland Half Marathon Sunday 29 March
But have you got some of the brand new Round Table beer mats for your event? We’re offering them at special rate of 250 for just £5. Grab them before they’ve all gone. Order via Marchesi House on 0121 456 4402 or via the online shop at roundtable.co.uk/shop Here’s our current list. If yours is missing then email us at comms.officer@ roundtable.org.uk
Moseley 6 to 7 February Ilkley 6 to 7 February Dorchester Beerex 6 to 7 February Lampeter 7 February Harrogate 12 / 13 /14 March Knowle and Dorridge 20 to 21 March Yeovil 10th to 11th April Witney 2 May
Houghton Le Springs 8 to 9 May York 15 to 16 May Shirley 15 to 16 May Hitchin 11 / 12 /13 June Currie 12 to 13 June North Walsham and District 7 to 8 August Sleaford 18 to 19 September Hartlepool 16 to 17 October Tabler SpringEdition 5
table news CHAMP TYSON HEADS TO SPALDING As well as a boxer, Fury is a keen singer! Believe it or not, he’s famous for singing after his victories and has been known to sing Bette Midler (at the post-fight press conference following his victory over Kevin Johnson) and broke into Keep It Between the Lines, a country classic, following his first victory on American soil in 2013.
BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION TYSON FURY HEADLINES A NIGHT OF KNOCKOUT ENTERTAINMENT AT LINCOLNSHIRE-BASED SPALDING ROUND TABLE THIS MONTH. Fury, the current British and EBU heavyweight champion who is eyeing up a world title fight this year, will be a very special guest on the night, entertaining the crowds with his tales from a career which so far has seen him win all 23 of his professional fights, 17 through straight knock-outs. As an amateur, 6ft 9in Fury represented both Ireland and England before turning professional having being denied a place in the Olympic team of 2008.
Tyson will certainly prove a big draw, as will the action in the ring at Springfields Exhibition on Saturday February 21, which features bouts between the Police Community Club of Great Britain and the British Army’s boxing team. This event, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, is renowned in the area as being one of Spalding Round Table’s most important fundraising events with more than £200,000 raised since 1995. Those funds are all ploughed back into all sections of the community including schools, sports clubs, community groups and hospital appeals to name just a few. Tickets for this event are £80 each, tables of 12 start at £800. For more details and to book your place go www.spaldingroundtable.co.uk
MISSION REVEALED: DESTINATION DUBLIN IT WAS LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF JAMES BOND. We had a rendezvous point, we had our necessary documents – but we were waiting for details of our mission from our very own M. President’s Day…Coventry 23 style! In the past our missions have seen us scale Elizabeth’s Tower to take in Big Ben; ensure the nation’s safety while dining in the Houses of Parliament and report on the infrastructure of Concorde – for future supersonic flights. Ok…maybe not quite Bond…but just some of the away days we have had the pleasure of. However, this one was quite a mystery. ‘Meet at the Burnt Post, at 05.45 with travel documents’ was as revealing as it got. However, Pete Evans failed on the last part and was sent scurrying home to get his passport – or miss out! Our first - and only - clue was a gift-wrapped can of Guinness. It was only on arrival at Birmingham that it was revealed we were going to Dublin. Pulling that off for 21 people takes some doing – we raise our Walther PPKs to special agents Tony Harris (Chairman) and Andy Conkleton (President). 6 Tabler SpringEdition
Over the next few hours the Guinness Museum’s defences were tested; Dublin was tackled on foot before the day concluded with the induction of Will Green – following a hearty Irish meal swilled down with a drop of the black stuff (of which much had been swilled!) The ‘mission’ ensured we caught the final plane home on a day that will live long in the memory of all. You only live once! Round Table - #domore.
table news FESTIVE FINE GOES GLOBAL SANTA DIDN’T JUST GO TO TOWN LAST YEAR, HE ALSO PICKED UP A PARKING TICKET THAT SAW HIM HIT THE HEADLINES ACROSS THE GLOBE! News sites including the New York Post, no less, Australia, Jamaica, India plus the Daily Mirror, The Sun, The Telegraph and ITV here in the UK all picked up on the tale of Hinckley Round Table’s poor little helper Chris Uttley being stung by a traffic warden. Chris was merely dropping off collection tins, but due to the size of the vehicle and sleigh, he edged on to the zigzag lines at a crossing for all of 30 seconds. However, it was enough for an over-zealous warden, lacking in festive cheer, to slap a £35 fine on the car!
HE WHO DARES WINS! EX-SAS LEADER RUSTY FIRMIN – THE MAN WHO LED THE SIEGE ON THE IRANIAN EMBASSY IN 1980 - HAD A DIFFERENT WEAPON OF CHOICE FOR ASCOT ROUND TABLE’S GOLF DAY. Firmin was a member of the Pilgrim Bandits team – a fund-raising organisation of injured servicemen and women dedicated to inspiring and motivating young people. Also in the team, one of 20 competing in the annual fundraiser, was ex-Ghurka Hari Magar, who has lost both legs, and Pilgrim Bandits CEO Mike Witt. The golf day was a winner for the charity, as it took away a cheque for £6,000.
The Hinckley Times reported the incident initially and the press frenzy began – with TV and radio also joining the media melee! While the council refused to budge over the fine, a number of businesses offered to pay, the resulting press coverage raised awareness of Round Table, helping the club achieve £3,680 from their Christmas Collections!
Steve Glaister - National President’s Ball
The Strictly Red Carpet Prom Saturday 7th March 2015 7pm StrictlyRedCarpet.co.uk @RedCarpetProm Facebook.com/strictlyredcarpet Venue: Treetops (within West Midlands Safari Park) Tickets: £50 per person Dress code: Black Tie, White Tie, Suit & Tie Ladies: Anything goes, you cannot be overdressed Tabler SpringEdition 7
Comment STEVE GLAISTER
IT MUST BE TRUE…IT’S IN THE PAPER I OFTEN THOUGHT THAT ROUND TABLE WOULD NEVER GET PRESS SUPPORT. WHY? BECAUSE OF WHAT WE ARE. AN ORGANISATION THAT IS MALE ONLY AND HAS AN UPPER AGE LIMIT. THESE PARAMETERS DEFINE US AND MAKE ROUND TABLE WHAT IT IS. But we all know that this not very PC in a world that is very PC! Even golf realised that when the Royal & Ancient Golf Club finally voted to allow women into the club. Some valiant Tablers took to the airwaves and tried to defend the concept of single sex clubs, but, however much we try protest, someone will have the moral high ground on the basis that we discriminate, which we do.
This was followed by a comment piece from former Loaded editor Martin Daubney entitled ‘Why we need more men-only spaces’. It was penned on the back of a story about a barber banning women from his shops in the north west.
The standard replies are ‘What about the Women’s Institute? Women only gyms? The Girl Guides? These are single sex’. Illustrating these groups do likewise is not a trump card in our favour because, like us, these organisations discriminate. Just because someone else does it, doesn’t make it right. The moral high ground is against them as well.
“Men having a constructive dialogue about Masculinity’s Big Issues is too important to get mired in political correctness. We need more men-only spaces, not less.”
However, as Bob Dylan sang – The Times They Are A Changin! From time to time the press does run the odd story supporting our stance. But at the tail end of 2014 it hit a peak as The Telegraph ran two chest-thumping articles in the same week! ‘Men need nights out with the lads, scientists say’ boomed the headline following research into the behaviour of male macaques by scientists at the University of Gottingen, Germany. In essence, the study showed that male bonding reduces stress levels as opposed to time with a partner or family. The news every lad, bloke, gent wants to hear. So the story went viral. The excuse and pitch that was needed. Join Round Table to reduce stress (ahem!)
Daubney said: “I have a dream: that one day, men will be free to go to a place where we can talk, free from judgement or persecution, about the important issues in life.
As Tablers we do talk about beer, sport, cars, broadband speeds, gaming etc. However, we do trip over the serious points. I have been in conversations which have ended - “no seriously mate, you need to get that checked out”. There are further conversations about parenting, financial issues and business concerns. These are not conversations that dominate a business meeting, but happen in small groups or in the car on the way to or from an event. On a serious note, and highlighted by Daubney, mental health charity CALM recently reported that male suicide is at a 15-year high and is the biggest killer of men aged between 20-49. Occasionally we need to talk and not get mired in political correctness. Both these articles mirror what Round Table does. We are a community organisation, we are an activity based organisation, but believe me, we are also our own health club, our own safe place and our own support group.
READ THE ARTICLES www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/ howaboutthat/11281213/Men-neednights-out-with-the-lads-scientists-say. html 8 Tabler SpringEdition
www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinkingman/11269758/Why-we-need-moremen-only-spaces.html
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DON’T GET DUMPED IN THE DOGHOUSE
Valentine’s Day – the one day of the year that can strike fear into any man! Just how much time, effort and, dare we say it, money do you put into showering your loved one? For those that still count their relationship in weeks and months as opposed to years and decades, then you can guarantee they’ll be showering their loved one with gifts galore as an expression of adulation! But what of those of us a bit long in the tooth for whom Cupid’s arrow is no longer as sharp, and who view the entire escapade as yet another dose of commercialism? Ignore the words ‘don’t make a fuss’ at your peril or expect to be in the doghouse. As Tablers we, more than most men in this world, are aware just how much our other halves contribute to ensuring we get the most out of Round Table. So Round Table comms officer Nicole Carroll – very much in the ‘loved up’ category – has given us some gift advice!
LISTEN UP! Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year so you really can put the effort in – here are some suggestions.
BREAKFAST IN BED
CHOCOLATES
You haven’t got to rush off to work or take the kids to school – so make the most of the opportunity. Get in that kitchen, rustle up a breakfast extraordinaire, add a touch of colour and decadence with a flower or petals and wait for that beaming smile. Chances are you’ll be in bed that little bit longer than normal ;-). (See pages 14 and 15 to relight the fire!)
Chocolate is up there with diamonds when it comes to being a girl’s best friend, but don’t go for your standard box of Milk Tray.
A ROMANTIC WINTER WALK Yes, I know it’s February but wrap up and go for a leisurely walk in the park. Hold hands, talk, feed the ducks. Give your partner your time. Even consider a picnic! It’s not as daft as it sounds – trust me.
GO TO THE CINEMA Taking a partner to the flicks isn’t a new idea – it’s where most of us go on dates! But Valentine’s Day this year sees the opening of ‘50 Shades of Grey’. Women loved the book and now they have been tantalised and teased with the short trailers. You don’t need to know the plot, just get the tickets! And if she hasn’t got the books, wrap the tickets along with a copy of the books.
Personalisation shows you have thought about it, so why not try a personalised chocolate box from www.notonthehighstreet.com for just £12.95? Add your own special message on the side of the gift box for a really thoughtful and delicious gift. (Make sure you enter the chocolate hotel competition on the next page for an extra chocolate dose later in the year).
FLOWERS Normally you’ve done something wrong when you buy flowers – it’s a given. But Valentine’s Day is different. Flowers are guaranteed to bring a smile (unless you’ve fetched them from a local garage as a last minute gift). But why should Valentine’s be a one off, though? If you’d like to give a gift that keeps on giving, then why not try a monthly flower subscription from www.bunches.co.uk? You can choose either three, six or 12 month subscriptions with three different price points and a lovely bunch of flowers will arrive every month, keeping you well and truly in the good books.
AND FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT... If you’re not quite the lovey-dovey couple and fancy yourselves as thrill seekers, how about this for fun day out to remember for years? An indoor skydive! Simulate the feeling of a sky dive from the safety of an indoor location. Each centre will coach you before your flight and you’ll receive a certificate afterwards. www.AirKix.com even offer the ideal package for couples of one solo flight each, as well as a flight together. The ShairKix option will allow you to fly together and AirKix will even film your flight and turn it into a DVD, as well as taking a complimentary photo. 10 Tabler SpringEdition
Win A Two-Night Break For Two Romantic Package At The Chocolate Boutique Hotel!
Round Round Table Table and and Ladies Ladies Circle Circle have have teamed teamed up up with with The Chocolate Boutique Hotel to offer you the chance to win the perfect prize for the sweetie in your life! Indulge your chocoholic with two nights at the world’s first chocolate-themed hotel located in Bournemouth - just minutes from the sea.
To be d on feature 4’s l e n n a Ch a Bed Three in
The Chocolate Boutique Hotel, a restored 19th century Grade II listed hotel, will be the perfect romantic getaway in 2015, with luxury and chocolate galore guaranteed for one lucky winner and their companion. Enjoy the delights of an en-suite double deluxe room and daily helpings of delicious chocolate. Each room also includes complimentary toiletries; tea & coffee facilities; flat screen TV; free WiFi; breakfast – the chocolate pancakes are legendary – and parking. In addition, to add that touch of romance and to make the stay even more memorable, the winning couple will also have a personal chocolate fountain; a bottle of exclusive Spanish Cava; two ‘Choctails’ and a chocolate heart with a personal hand written message (in chocolate). For more on The Chocolate Boutique Hotel go to
www.thechocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk
To enter the competition go to www.roundtable.co.uk/chocolate Terms and conditions: One winner will be drawn at random from all the entries. The break must be booked direct with The Chocolate Boutique Hotel. The two-night break cannot be taken on any bank holiday weekend in 2015, nor during July or August. The booking is subject to availability and at the discretion of the hotel. The Romantic package cannot be substituted for any other package. The prize must be taken during 2015. The closing date for the competition is 11.59pm, February 28th, 2015.
The winner will be notified within seven days and will be publicised on Round Table and Ladies Circles media channels. By entering this competition, you agree to receive communications from Round Table/Ladies Circle and details of offers and promotions from The Chocolate Boutique Hotel. All competition entrants to are deemed to have accepted these rules and agree to be bound by them.
Tabler SpringEdition 11
Ditch those dating disasters OUTRIGHT LYING IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA IN A RELATIONSHIP, BUT TO ENSURE THAT HARMONY IS MAINTAINED, YOU SHOULD THINK VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SAY THE FOLLOWING TO THE OBJECT OF YOUR AFFECTIONS... MATCH.COM’S RELATIONSHIP EXPERT KATE TAYLOR GIVES US SOME TIMELY ADVICE. MY MUM THINKS YOU SHOULD GET A HAIRCUT Don’t break the cardinal rule of relaying what your mum says about your wife or girlfriend. Naturally, your beloved will want to impress your parents and any criticism, as slight as it might be, will make her paranoid about what they really think of her. And you might run the risk of annoying your mum in the process if she finds out you’ve been blabbing, so keep schtum!
THAT WAITRESS IS HOT Realistically, your partner knows you’re going to find other people attractive, but she still wants to feel like the most beautiful girl in your world. And if you’re at a restaurant together, chances are she’s made an effort to look her best, so give her your full attention instead! YOU’RE BEING HORMONAL
She should know better than to ask the question, but for goodness sake don’t reply with anything other than “No darling, it looks great, those trousers are really flattering on you.” OH... I THOUGHT OUR ANNIVERSARY WAS NEXT WEEK
If your girlfriend’s grumpy or agitated, there’s nothing she’ll find more irritating than having her gripes reduced to PMT by a condescending man. Try to be considerate of her feelings and don’t mention the P-word; she’ll thank you for it in the long run.
Forgetting an anniversary could make your partner think you don’t care. If the date creeps up on you unawares, pull the old trick of promising a big surprise later then hit the shops/internet for a lastminute gift.
ISN’T IT TIME YOU BOOKED YOURSELF IN FOR A WAX?
This unhelpful phrase is only going to make her see red. If you take the time to listen and talk through her concerns you will help her find that inner peace a lot more quickly.
Let’s face it, girls are expected to go to far greater lengths than men in the pursuit of physical perfection. So if she’s rivalling you on the body hair front for once, give her a break. Everyone’s their own worst critic so she’ll probably be silky smooth before you know it anyway. YOU’RE JUST LIKE YOUR MOTHER Much as us girls love our mums, we don’t want to turn into them just yet. And with mother-in-law jokes a stock-in-trade of many comedians, we won’t take it as a compliment to be compared to our ma by our man.
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YES, YOUR BUM DOES LOOK BIG IN THAT
CALM DOWN DEAR!
BUT MY EX LOVED IT WHEN I PLAYED THE TIN WHISTLE! Discussing an ex in detail is always dodgy territory, but comparing your current flame to a former one is a no-no, especially if your previous girlfriend comes out favourably. DO YOU REALLY NEED A THIRD HELPING OF CRUMBLE? Everyone knows women are sensitive about their weight, so any casual hints about what they’re choosing to eat or not eat won’t go down well. Raising eyebrows about her diet could make her paranoid and make you come across as a control freak, so steer clear and let her make her own decisions.
FONT-ASTIC! With the new strapline of Do More comes a new font, known as Veneer 2. This is a commercial font and not available for free, however we have purchased a license for every Table in the country so they can use it to brand their social media, pictures and beyond. Has your Table claimed their font yet? If not, contact Nicole at Marchesi House at Comms. Officer@roundtable.org.uk and she’ll send it to you. #DoMore with your branding! Want examples? Head to the marketing materials section on your members area to see the logo in use. THE SIRENS ARE SOUNDING FOR THE BRAND POLICE New year, new start! With that in mind, this year we are looking at branding with greater scrutiny. The updated roundel has been available for a number of years now, but the odd pesky roundel with scroll appears from time to time.
ROUND TABLE HITS THE AIRWAVES We’re into the second month of the year and just how many of you know people that have failed to keep to their New Year’s Resolution? Round Table decided to rock the boat and this year chose to say NO to resolutions and issued a press release to that fact! And what a response we had to that. Instantly on a blog site and then interest grew further as we had requests for interviews from BBC Radio Devon, Humberside and Shropshire. It became the topic of comment piece in Western Daily Press (Plymouth) and the subject of online poll in Wolverhamnpton’s Express & Star, the biggest regional newspaper outside of London.
New formats of the roundel are available through the members area and we can provide advice on sizing for Facebook and Twitter profiles. Avoid feeling the long arm of the brand police this year!
Agendas, surveys, offers, events all of them are emailed to you and yet if you unsubscribe you never get to hear about them. Worse still it weakens the efforts being made by the association to increase and improve engagement. Long term repercussions…who knows. More importantly, if you’re in a Table role – well – how effective can you be if you take the decision to click the ‘unsubscribe’ button? If you’ve not seen the emails, check your spam folder or promotions (on Google) or better still check your details are correct in the members’ area. Communication is the key to the thriving association.
It all plays a part in raising awareness of Tabling on a wider scale!
Just a thought.
Didn’t manage to see the press release? Get yourself over to roundtable.co.uk/news and read about why we became the resolution sanctuary this year.
Has your Table got a story to tell? Have you a Tabler with an interesting job or hobby that would make a great feature like Solihull’s Matt Gupwell (P16-17). Then we want to hear from you!
WHAT’S THE WORST THAT CAN HAPPEN? We understand that you may have useable materials with an old logo on, and that is expensive to replace. However, please avoid falling into the trap of having new materials made with an old logo.
No bad thing some of you may say. But why disenfranchise yourself when you’re proud to be a Tabler.
Within minutes of the latest eblast email from HQ there had been four unsubscribes. All members and all with significant Table roles – two treasurers, one secretary and one membership officer. So what? Well, taking wounded pride aside at the neglect, this has far wider repercussions as email is still the main method of communication with every paid up member in Round Table. And so, when you unsubscribe from the newsletter you also unsubscribe from everything else sent out from HQ.
WANT TO BE IN TABLER?
The next printed issue will be out in the summer so if you want to be in it then the DEADLINE IS MAY 31 – NO EXCEPTIONS! However, if that’s too far away, then the next edition of Tabler Extra (online only) is due out in April – COPY DEADLINE IS APRIL 12 at the VERY latest! Images are also key so where possible include up to three images to accompany your story. Send submissions to comms.officer@roundtable.org.uk
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LOVE E L B TWelHl, heEre wTeA are, about to greet another St. Valentine’s Day. Do you fancy making it different and
, wouldn’t it? special this year? That would be nice
INST A HOWEVER, THIS IS ALL SET AGA Y BUSY. BUSY BACKDROP OF LIFE BEING SO VER FAMILY, RUNNING THE ING ANIS ORG K, WOR WITH AND THERE THE HOME, SOCIALISING, RELAXING TIME TO OUR ON E SUR PRES IS EVER GROWING T, OR FEEL FIT IN EVERYTHING THAT WE WAN WE NEED TO ACCOMPLISH. THE ADVENT OF AND ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY IS MAKING SO MUCH MORE AVAILABLE TO US THAT WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR NOTHING! PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING OUR HEARTS DESIRE, WE CAN HAVE AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON AND IF IT IS NOT DOWNLOADABLE, IT COULD CERTAINLY BE WITH US BY THE NEXT DAY.
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THE KNOCK-ON EFFECT OF THIS IS A GROWING CULTURAL EXPECTATION OF INSTANT GRATIFICATION. A HUGE AREA RELATED TO THIS IS ADDICTION TO ONLINE PORNOGRAPHY AND HOW LIFECHANGING THAT CAN BE BUT WE’LL LOOK AT THAT ANOTHER TIME MAYBE…
Anyway, back to instant gratification. Our time is squeezed so much that we end up trying to utilise it more effectively by multi-tasking - which we women are dab hands at (something to do with having a thicker corpus callosum, a shaft of nerve tissue connecting left and right halves of the brain.) In certain areas of life it makes absolute sense to multi-task in the hope it will free some precious time at a later point, so an activity that deserves our full attention, gets it. This is where we get to the sex bit, unfortunately for many couples, they get stuck in a rut; too tired, can’t be bothered, too much to do…let’s get it over with quickly. The act of intimate bonding and love making becomes merely about the release experienced at climax. Get the feeling fast. Enjoy. Move on. Job done. Well, you know what? It could be much better and far more enjoyable for both parties if you just slow down. Delay gratification. Enjoy the scenery along the way, don’t just rush on at 100 mph to get to the destination.
ER WITH SEX THERAPIST, NICOLA PIND
Making changes can be really tricky for a couple when they have done it the way they do it for so long, neither now feeling able to suggest a different approach. You know how it goes, that look, a playful grope to test the water, a kiss, a deeper kiss, down to the breasts, tune the radio, hands downstairs, ready? Quick fiddle, in and out times 10, all done! If this is far from your experience then you are working at your relationship well: and we do have to work at relationships for them to grow and develop and to stay fresh. If you could relate to that tale or part of it, maybe it is time to consider doing something about it. Maybe it didn’t sound familiar because with your night time schedule you simply avoid the inevitable by going to bed at different times making intimacy impossible. It then becomes a case of ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’, because our brains can forget all the lovely aspects of being close with someone so that after a while, we don’t even miss it. It is really rewarding to help people in loving relationships get out of a sexual rut. Most of the couples I see have wonderful general relationships but unfortunately feel the intimate side of things is not how they want it to be. Sorting it out and making some positive changes can take a while, but it is worth the wait and the effort to make the improvements that both will
benefit from. Both partners have a role in maintaining the problem, as if it were that easy to sort out, there would be no sex therapists! A question I often ask my clients is what else they invest so little time in and yet expect such huge rewards? The good news is that with time, support, gentle encouragement and the odd kick up the backside a couple can get back on track and end up with a loving, satisfying, rewarding and fun intimate connection. So, think about this Valentine’s Day, what could you do to make it different and special? How about just slowing down? Take in the scenery, maybe don’t even arrive at the destination… With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of sexual health within the NHS, charity and private settings Nicola is skilled in dealing with sexual dysfunction, sex and pornography addiction and compulsive sexual behaviours. For more information please visit: www.nicolapinder.co.uk
Tabler SpringEdition 15
JUGGLING JESTER IS THE EVERYONE IN ROUND TABLE KNOW S ALL ABOUT JUGGLING… ACHIEVING THAT BALANCE OF WO RK, FAMILY AND TABLE HOWEVER, FOR SOLIHULL TABLER MATT GUPWELL, JUGGLING IS A WAY OF LIFE, ALONG WITH STILT WALKING AND THE UNICYCLE, AS BY DAY HE IS BETTER KNOWN AS THE FOOL MONTY JESTER. The school careers officer would certainly not have approved, which is why it was only in 2009, after a string of dead end jobs, that Matt took the plunge. “I had more jobs than you could shake a stick at,” said Matt, who learned at 19 that there was good money to be made when he was busking on the streets of Solihull and Birmingham. “My parents thought customer service was the way for me and so I had jobs from cabin crew for British Airways to hotel restaurant and reception management, to managing entertainment and history at Warwick Castle, which would later come in very useful as a jester, to sales jobs. Frankly, aside from British Airways, Warwick Castle and restaurants I was pretty rubbish at most of them and ended up being fired more times than a human cannonball! “Becoming Monty wasn’t so much a decision as a necessity born of 15 years of umm-ing and aah-ing. I’d been sacked from a sales job I hated and had nowhere to go, options-wise. I had a wife, two young kids and a roof to keep over their heads. “We’d gone away to friends for a weekend as I was spiralling into depression and my wife and best friends all sat me down and said ‘now is the time to do what you love as a job, you’ve got everything to gain and literally nothing to lose’. “I’d sold all my juggling and magic kit so had to beg, steal and borrow what I could to start again. “That was 2009, precisely one month before the first recession hit. But I secured a contract with Warwick Castle based on my friendship with the jester I’d employed there in 2004 and her brilliant idea of a jester double act. “At that moment Monty and Jingles the Jesters were launched and I got the best springboard and advertising platform I could have wished for.”
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Over the past five years Matt has performed in front of thousands at Warwick Castle and expanded the business to the Jesters Academy – teaching and entertaining kids and adults some of the tricks of the trade. Monty has also become a firm favourite for children’s parties and his tomfoolery and magic is also in demand at weddings! And then there is Round Table. Having dismissed the notion, based on the usual misconceptions, he was finally persuaded by a persistent Craig Smith to go along to a go-karting night with Solihull Round Table; Craig knowing that Matt’s weakness was go-karts. “Craig is a good friend and had been sending his daughter to my early morning circus skills club at school for a couple of years”, added Matt. “He would mention Round Table to me and I have to admit to thinking it was a bit Masonic, all funny handshakes and regalia, so I’d not done anything about it. “But Craig knew that another of my hobbies is go-karting with my sons and when the Table night happened to be go-karting he told me I was going along and as it was all for free I couldn’t pass up the chance. I went and had a brilliant night and realised that I was wrong about RT so decided to give it a go.” After joining Table he was left to arrange his own ‘new boys’ night’ and it wasn’t that difficult to think of a theme! “It could only have been a circus skills night. I invited the guys to the school I run my clubs at and we had a couple of hours where I taught most of them to juggle three balls and one of the guys got up to four. I got them walking my not so high wire and trying a variety of wheeled stuff including unicycles. “It was great to see them all getting stuck in and I’m now planning a balloon modelling night for this year as well.”
FULL MONTY
IF YOU FANCY A GO AT ANY OF THESE… MONTY IS AVAILABLE. For more information go to .uk www.thefoolmonty.co 5 or call/text 0770 946 981
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Round table Children’s wish The Biggest Wish Ever
THE MOST AMBITIOUS EVENT IN A GENERATION OF ROUND TABLERS WILL HAPPEN THIS SUMMER – MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR TABLE ARE PART OF IT. IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROUND TABLE CHILDREN’S WISH, ROUND TABLE IS JOINING WITH RTCW TO STAGE THE BIGGEST WISH EVER, WHICH HAS RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM THE ROUND TABLE CHARITABLE TRUST. Founded by Round Table, this continues the relationship with the charity but emphasises the close links between Round Tablers and RTCW. The event is being held at Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, on Saturday July 4 – American Independence Day - and will touch hearts and minds as well providing a day to remember for more than 400 children and their families. There is great energy and drive to create a significant day in the history of both Round Table and RTCW, and to create a lasting legacy for both organisations. Heading up the project is Sean Poultney, vice chairman of Tamworth Round Table and a Round Table Children’s Wish Ambassador. He has put together a team but this event is open to every Table in the country and the hope is that every Table will embrace this incredible initiative. The One Big Wish also features significantly in the calendar of 2015-16 President Marcus Jones.
Drayton Manor Theme Park, whose management team is supporting the event, is opening the doors to give each family full access to the park and its facilities. There will also be on-site bespoke entertainment and lunch will be the ‘Big Picnic’ Save the date: SATURDAY JULY 4. HOW YOU CAN BE A PART? There are a number of ways Tables and Tablers can play a role in making this happen and the success of the event will be dependent on that support. NOMINATE A FAMILY – Every Table in the association will be asked to find a family to attend the One Big Wish. There will be criteria so that the families meet the requirements set out by RTCW. You will be notified of these after registering your interest. 18 Tabler SpringEdition
BE A WISH MAKER – We want an individual Tabler from the nominating Table to join each family on the journey and help to make the day memorable. This will be a unique opportunity to be involved in the One Big Wish and is limited to those nominated. This is a hugely significant role that carries prestige and responsibility. We must stress this is a supportive role – not a free day out at the theme park. If required, accommodation (hotel or camping) is available.
CORPORATE SUPPORT – Do you own a business or would your employer consider supporting this event? Opportunities are available.
DONATE – Can your Table donate, to help to make this the best day out for everyone involved? If you are a nominating Table we ask for a contribution of £100. This will go towards supporting your Table’s nominated Wish Maker (entrance lunch and accommodation – if required).
As you can see there are many ways to be involved and we are urging all of the Tables in RTBI to embrace this and make One Big Wish part of your Table’s year.
ASSIST ON THE DAY – There will be many tasks to perform to make this a huge success and while Sean’s team and the Wish Makers will be key, other individuals will be needed. Can you offer your support on July 4 to bring a smile to the faces of children and families who have been through so much?
To get involved register your Table’s interest by emailing: sean@biggestwishever.co.uk
CONFERENCE 2015
THE LURE OF THE
As spr in the ch g looms it sig anging nals o and th e time f the guard w h ic h Table r efresh every es. But it’s also th e time an imp to mak ac e stage – t on the nat iona to give y our Ta l a genu ble ine voic e. Table is on era wh the cusp of a new today en decisions will s mad Round hape tomorr e ow’s Table – be the to m This ye ake it happe re n ar’s co nferen . be a p ce busine erfect blend will s o time to s and pleasu f re t Aviem ake the high . It is ore ro pages, . Over the n ad to ext fiv discov e e r more the ve nue ab get inv and how yo out olve u ca Confe d-and just w n rence matter hy s.
Tabler SpringEdition 19
CONFERENCE 2015 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HIGHLAND FLING! THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS OFFER A FEAST OF EXPERIENCES AND STUNNING SCENERY SO YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER PROLONGING YOUR STAY IN SCOTLAND. THE 2015 CONFERENCE TEAM HAS PUT TOGETHER A RANGE OF OPTIONS TO ENTICE YOU TO COME EARLY AND STAY LONGER. Imagine waking up in a beautiful Scottish glen, a horizon of snow-capped mountains visible from the hotel. After your hearty Scottish breakfast all you want to do is head out and explore. A short walk and you are at the Strathspey Steam Railway station. You get your ticket and the adventure begins as you savour a stunning steam trip through the heart of the Scottish Highlands to your next stop, the osprey reserve at Loch Garten. Along with local wildlife, the centre provides fantastic views of magnificent ospreys on the nest, a once in the lifetime photo opportunity! Soon it’s all aboard and back to Aviemore, where you take refreshments of a light lunch or afternoon tea onboard as you gaze out of the window. If you’ve a thirst for something stronger than tea, perhaps you’d prefer a pint of locally brewed beer? Your luck is in because the station is minutes from Cairngorm Brewery. If you are among those who love the great outdoors and are looking for some adrenaline-pumping action then stop off at Rothiemurchus Estate where you can experience gorge walking, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, 4x4 driving, archery and segways to name but a few, in this picture perfect paradise! If you prefer your adventure on water, continue along the majestic banks of Loch Morlich and partake in the various water sports on offer.
If not then relax on the natural sandy beach or head on to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre where you will meet Elvis, Ghandi and the other reindeer - you might even meet Rudolph! From here you have the chance to take in the grandeur of the Cairngorms and some stunning scenery. A short journey past the reindeer and you have an opportunity to board the longest and highest funicular railway in Britain. When you reach the top, why not refuel in the Ptarmigan Restaurant whilst taking in the spectacular views? Now if you want to amuse the kids – and if that wasn’t enough already – then take the high road and head a few miles north of Aviemore to the Landmark Centre in Carrbridge. Here, kids of all ages can enjoy splashing down the wild water coasters, ride the runaway timber train, get lost in the labyrinth, try a sky dive and spend the day exploring the many other attractions. It’s a sure way to keep all the ankle-biters happy! However, if you favour animals over thrills, then take the low road and head to the Highland Wildlife Park, where you will come face to face with a polar bear, wolves, Scottish wild cats, bison, European beaver, elk and red panda to name but a few. If you’ve still got the energy – or fancy taking in two elements of Scotland’s rich culture – then there are always the numerous golf courses to test yourself on, or you could sample a few drams of fire water (whisky) at any of the distilleries within the region.
USEFUL LINKS www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk www.cairngormbrewery.com www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/ reserves/guide/l/lochgarten/about.aspx
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www.cairngormmountain.org/funicularrailway www.rothiemurchus.net www.landmarkpark.co.uk www.lochmorlich.com www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk
CONFERENCE 2015 BE A
YES MAN!
HAVE YOU SEEN THE FILM ‘YES MAN’, WHERE THE MAIN BLOKE DECIDES TO TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY HE GETS? STEVE CROSS HAS. Driving hours on the motorway to the East Midlands Conference Centre last May, I was dubious about taking this positive stance when asked if I wanted to go to a ‘National Conference’. Knowing just four other people there, and having little clue about Table outside of my own city, I imagined this to be a terribly boring, stiff affair. Even so, dressed up in a Maid Marion wig with matching Robin Hood outfit, I carefully meandered my way through the hotel for dinner wondering what people meant by ‘fancy dress’ in the Nottingham area. Suddenly, an arm appeared from a hotel doorway, and in I was quickly dragged in by a friendly, if tipsy, South African fellow, who introduced himself by head-butting me, and confirming this now meant we were now friends. This was a sign of the weekend to come, as I soon gave in to his forced attempts to share a lightly chilled beverage. With my new companions all around, the Friday night banquet was an intoxicating sight (in fact most sights that weekend were indeed intoxicated), and I surrounded myself with many fantastically dressed up merry men and maids, who all shared stories of their local Round Table over a traditional East Midlands feast of meat and bread. Before long, the tables gave way to 80s music and more merriment.
Just a few hours later, I was sat bemused, munching scrambled egg and bacon surrounded by men in lounge suits and ladies dressed up for a day at the races, ready for that acronym which brings out a light snoozing sound amongst many - AGM. There was no need to fear, as whooping, cheering, jeering and impassioned speeches about the future of Round Table filled the morning and left us with a puffed out proud chest, that our organisation is something quite special. Ready for an afternoon of freedom, I grabbed a book, and naively made my way to the hotel bar to find a quiet corner for a few hours break before the evening affairs. Little did I know, as I meandered through the packed bar, this plan would be foiled. I was ‘high fived’ by a man I had never met, who slid a pint glass into my hand before introductions had even been made. The pages of the book remained as closed as I had been before arriving in Nottingham, and I spent the afternoon with international and local Tablers sharing stories, real ale and learning about Table rituals from far and wide. My real introduction to International Tabling had begun. I have many pictures of the evening dinner, a grand lavish ball, with tuxedos and extravagant attire that only our ladies have the foresight to put together.
I remember speeches that celebrated the work of Tablers across the world, I have a video of myself dancing with a hotel bouncer and a picture where I encouraged everyone in a lift to join me in a hotel ‘lift selfie’.
Nodding my rather sore head throughout Sunday breakfast at the huge number of people I had met, hearing the jangling of all the pin badges I had been given and remembering the stories of the previous 48 hours, I began to realise that this was more than just a drunken weekend patting ourselves on the back, it is bringing together like minded people from around the world. Be a ‘Yes Man’ and I’ll see you in Scotland! Tabler SpringEdition 21
And the winner is… THERE ARE THE OSCARS, THE GRAMMYS, THE BAFTAS…AND THE ANNUAL ROUND TABLE AWARDS. NOT ON TV, NO BIG NAME CELEBRITIES TO HAND OVER THE GONGS…BUT STILL THE SAME IMMENSE PRIDE AT BEING ACKNOWLEDGED BY YOUR PEERS. Do you know an individual Tabler or Table that has shone this year and been that ordinary guy (or guys) doing something extraordinary? Then speak up… we want to know. Nominations are now open for each of the following categories so don’t delay and get them in before the deadline on Tuesday, March 31.
TABLER OF THE YEAR Is there an individual that has stood out for their contributions to Round Table this year and who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding efforts? TO NOMINATE: Tell us their name and Table: Tell us the nominee’s name and Table and why this person should be named Tabler of the Year. You can even nominate yourself! Email to secretary@roundtable.org.uk
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Have you made a significant impact on your community? Is there a project you are proud of that has made a difference to the lives of others? Don’t be bashful. Email nominations for the best project by a Table or Area to programme@roundtable.org.uk
MEDIA Have you hit the headlines this year? Have you trended on social media? Have you produced PR with impact that has raised awareness of Round Table? Then email your submission with evidence to media@roundtable.org.uk
MEMBERSHIP INTERNATIONAL AWARD Get your hands on the cherished ‘Danish Axe’. Presented to RTBI by Denmark RT, the second Association to be chartered, recognition of the start of international Tabling. It is awarded to the Tabler/Table/Area that has done the most to further International Tabling. Nominations to: international@roundtable.org.uk
No nominations needed… but get your new guys in as this is presented to the Table that inducts the most new members in the Table year.
INTER-AREA SPORTS AWARDS The best brain boxes, potters, putters and strikers are revealed as the winning areas pick up the quiz, pool, golf and ten-pin bowling trophies. If you have any questions – email secretary@roundtable.org.uk
DID YOU WIN LAST YEAR? REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE A TROPHY THEN IT NEEDS TO BE RETURNED AHEAD OF AGM IN SPARKLING CONDITION. 22 Tabler SpringEdition
WITH ROUND TABLE? WANT TO DO MORE Are you one of those members that can’t get enough of Round Table and wants to have even more fun? Or perhaps you’re a member who thinks ‘National’ need to do more to help local Tables? Either way, we want you on the team. Being a national board member or a team member means you can play a vital part in building our great club, increasing the fun factor, and making sure we make an even bigger impact on local communities. At the same time, you’ll learn new skills, maybe become a company director, and have boat-loads of fun. What’s not to like?
THE BOARD POSTS UP FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR ARE:
ent Elect)
• Vice President (Presid • Secretary • Treasurer
• Membership Officer cer • Marketing and PR Offi • ICT Officer
U WANT TO GET IN ALL AREAS, SO IF YO Y. ON THE BOARD TEAMS NIT LP HE RTU TO PO OP PLE EAT PEO AT IS A GR WE ALSO WANT THE COMMITMENT, TH A TASTER WITHOUT
If you want to look at the job descriptions or download the application form, they are on the members’ website, click on the Info and Advice tab at the top, then the Table Guidance tab on the right. There is then a further tab on the left, Job Descriptions. Or, just pick up the phone for an informal chat. Call the Vice President on 0843 507 3777 – select option 3 for Board and then Vice President.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 12 NOON ON SATURDAY 7 MARCH. Applications can be submitted by post – deadline for postal applications is Thursday 5 March. Alternatively they can be emailed or handed over in person to Immediate Past President Stephen Sprod by midday Saturday 7 March. Email them to pastpresident@roundtable.org.uk
CAN'T WAIT...
TO READ THE LATEST VERSION OF TABLER? Get it delivered straight to your tablet or mobile the minute it is published! Download your Round Table app today from iTunes or the Google Play store on your device
Tabler SpringEdition 23
Conference Conference 2015 2015
Round Table and Ladies Circle National Round Table and Ladies Circle National Round Table and Ladies Circle National Conference 2015 will be hosted in the Conference 2015 will be hosted in the Conference 2015 will be hosted in the heart of Scotland from the 8th to the heart of Scotland from the 8th to the heart of Scotland from the 8th to the 10th of May 2015 10th 10th of of May May 2015 2015
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RBS 6 Nations Preview
FORMER ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL AND #NUTNOMINATE AMBASSADOR VICTOR OBOGU ASSESSES THE FORTHCOMING RBS 6 NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP. This is a massive year for rugby with all players, coaches and fans looking forward to the most important global sporting event of the year – Rugby World Cup 2015. Ireland apart, the Southern Hemisphere teams dominated the recent autumn internationals, so there is much work still to be done as the teams build towards RWC 2015. The forthcoming RBS 6 Nations 2015 Championship presents the final competitive arena for the players to put their hands up for inclusion in RWC squads. The current RBS 6 Nations champions, Ireland, look strong based on the form they showed in 2014, winning all their autumn internationals including those against South Africa and Australia. Coach Joe Schmidt continues to show great tactical and strategic brilliance, and in blending both youth and experience in the Ireland squad he has shown why he is the number one rated coach in the Northern Hemisphere. Ireland have a settled squad who have belief and are on a winning streak. Strength in depth is a possible weakness for Ireland, but if the squad stays fit and available then with home advantage over England and France, I expect Ireland to retain the 6 Nations trophy. Could it be a possible Grand slam year? I believe so.
England’s youthful squad grew in stature in coming a close second to Ireland in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations Championship. However, the wheels fell off during the autumn internationals with just two victories from four, while coach Stuart Lancaster lacked consistency in selecting his back line – you simply cannot develop any consistency in performance if you keep chopping and changing players game to game. England have a strong and settled pack of forwards with great strength in depth, who can mix it with the best in the world. Their weakness is a lack of consistency in the back line selection, the players lacking game time together. If Lancaster can fix the back line problem then England can offer a strong challenge to Ireland’s dominance. Have Wales’ ageing Lions warriors got enough juice left in their legs to carry them through 2015? Wales has a squad that is full of talent and Grand Slam winning experience but will want to view the 2014 season as an aberration. They have a proven coach in Warren Gatland and it’s whether he can re-ignite the fire in the Welsh dragon for a final flourish. If they can get off to a good start against England, in the opening game of the RBS 6 Nations at the Millennium Stadium, then it could be the injection needed to re-awaken the dragon.
The outstanding form shown by Scotland’s regional teams in Europe has carried over to the national team and the arrival of new coach, Venn Cotter, appears to have had a positive effect on Scotland. From the low of last season, Scotland have given their fans hope by the form shown in the autumn. In a rejuvenated Ross Ford, the new young and exciting fly-half Finn Russell along with old heads Jonny Gray and Stuart Hogg, the Scotland team is likely to throw a few surprises this season. France continue to be very French! Who knows which France team will turn up? On their day they are capable of defeating any team in the world or of hitting the self-destruct button and they can be woeful. Coach, Phillip Saint Andre, has shown a lack of consistency in selection, lost support from factions of his squad, faced criticism from French media and simply cannot galvanise the players, fans and media to be wholly behind his efforts. France is a team in disarray and with away fixtures against Ireland and England I see them finishing mid table or lower: or they may surprise us all and win the championship! The Italians continue to show tremendous spirit and effort but just do not have the strength in depth and talent pool to consistently threaten in the 6 Nations. The wooden spoon is theirs. Tabler SpringEdition 25
ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP OVER SIX WEEKS FROM FEBRUARY 14, THE EYES OF THE CRICKETING WORLD WILL BE FOCUSED ON AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND AS THEY HOST THE 2015 CRICKET WORLD CUP. Fourteen teams, including the likes of Afghanistan and the UAE, will join the hosts and the rest of world’s heavyweights in bidding for glory. From these shores Ireland, who have pulled off wins over Pakistan and England in their previous two appearances, return as do Scotland who are coached by former England one day captain Paul Collingwood. The Auld Enemy do battle on February 23! England begin their campaign on the opening day - Valentine’s Day - against Australia in Melbourne. You can bet there won’t be much love around on that day! SO WHAT OF ENGLAND’S CHANCES? George Dobell, senior correspondent for ESPNCricinfo, gives Tabler an exclusive view on the Barmy Army’s favourites. There are four years between cricket World Cups. But while other teams hone their plans and go into the tournament with a settled team of players that who have had time to learn their roles, England go into it like a man who woke up late and remembered they had an important job interview in 20 minutes. Their recent record provides little cause for optimism. England have won just one of their last seven ODI series and three of their last 13 completed ODI matches. Also they go into the event having just sacked their captain, Alastair Cook, after a run of form so grim that it should be kept from the young, the pregnant and those with heart conditions. But the promotion of Eoin Morgan to the captaincy does give England an outside chance of success. While Morgan’s own form is little better than Cook’s, he does represent a fresh start. England will field a side containing several exciting young stroke-makers and with a captain who has something of a reputation as a limited-overs specialist.
Key batsman: Much is made of the ability to attack in limited-overs cricket but, for a side that has been bowled out in nine of their last 12 ODIs, the ability to survive is equally important. Joe Root has the ability to do both. He made three ODI centuries in 2014 and has the skills to rebuild an innings if England start poorly, or to accelerate if they start well. If England are to progress to the semi-finals – which should probably be considered a par performance Root will have to enjoy an excellent tournament. Key bowler: James Anderson’s record as one of England’s finest bowlers is assured.
He is already England’s highest wicket-taker in international cricket and he will, barring unlikely misfortune, overtake Sir Ian Botham to become their leading Test wicket taker in the next few months. But, going into his fourth World Cup, he still has something to prove in this format of the game. He endured a disappointing 2011 tournament, when his wickets cost 70 apiece and he conceded more than a run per ball and, if England are to progress this time, he will have to perform far better. With an ability to swing the ball both conventionally and reverse and with excellent control, he will be relied upon to bowl both at the death and in the powerplays. If England are to prosper, he will have to be at his best. Conclusion: While Australia, New Zealand and India are likely to be the favourites, England are a dangerous side. They have a puncher’s chance. Any batting line-up containing the likes of Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan and Alex Hales has the potential to hurt opposition attacks and, with Stuart Broad and James Anderson reunited in the bowling line-up, they have the experience and skills to defend their totals. Realistically, though, this looks to be an England team in a development phase with more chance of success in the next World Cup, scheduled to be held in England in 2019.
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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL THE SPORT OF KINGS DESCENDS ON CHELTENHAM NEXT MONTH FOR ITS ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE. THE CHILL OF SPRING, THE THUNDER OF HOOVES AND ONE OF THE SPORTING OCCASIONS OF THE YEAR – THE GOLD CUP. DAILY MAIL LEAD TIPSTER SAM TURNER – TWO-TIME WINNER OF THE RACING POST’S TIPSTER OF THE YEAR - RUNS HIS EYE OVER THE CONTENDERS AND GIVES A FLAVOUR OF THE FOUR-DAY FESTIVAL. Fans of horse racing will flock to the Cheltenham Festival in their droves this March for four days of breathtaking National Hunt action, played out in the natural amphitheatre of Prestbury Park. Millions of pounds will be bet during the week and nearly as many pints of Guinness sunk, as the Cotswold town is besieged by thousands of Irish enthusiasts, on their annual pilgrimage to the home of jump racing. The atmosphere of the Festival – firmly established at Cheltenham since the early 1900s – is undoubtedly unique with the first race start greeted by a deafening roar from the packed stands. The pace of the week is unrelenting, especially given the decision in 2005 to increase the Festival to four days. This ensures that those of us who once enjoyed some social activity in the town post-racing, now lurch from day to day on a diet of strong coffee and Berocca. Day one features some fabulous races with the highlight being the Stan James Champion Hurdle. At the time of writing, Faugheen,
successful at the 2014 Festival, is a warm favourite to justify the Irish hype and lift hurdling’s blue riband event for trainer Willie Mullins, who has an embarrassment of riches assembled for the week. Unbeaten in eight starts under rules, Faugheen won one of the eminent trials for the Champion Hurdle over Christmas at Kempton, strengthening his hand, but he will face stiff opposition from the likes of last year’s winner Jezki and the locally-trained The New One who is rapidly gaining cult status among his British fans. The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the feature race on day two, but at this stage there are more questions than answers surrounding the leading principals with ante-post favourite Sprinter Sacre and last year’s winner Sire De Grugy both striving to return from long-term ailments. Maybe Al Ferof could be the one to profit for West Midlands businessman John Hales who finances horse purchases like Grand National winner Neptune Collonges and One Man, himself a past winner of the Champion Chase, thanks to the huge success of Golden Bear, a company whose place at the top table of toy manufacturers was cemented by the Teletubbies. Big Buck’s was a standing dish for many on day three as his four consecutive World Hurdle victories led to him being dubbed ‘the cashpoint’ by his fans.
There doesn’t appear to be any horse with such valid credentials this year, with the reigning champion More Of That a huge disappointment on his comeback before Christmas at Newbury. He has since been dispatched for a breathing operation, something this correspondent may require if he reaches day four without a winner. The Cheltenham Gold Cup – first run in 1924 – boasts a roll call of legendary names with Arkle, Desert Orchid, Best Mate and Kauto Star just some of the star names to adorn the illustrious trophy. Last year’s event left racegoers perplexed as much-fancied duo Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth both looked like winning before being overhauled by three largely unconsidered outsiders. Up until Boxing Day, the race had a similar feel with no horse keen to put up its hoof and claim favouritism; that was until Silviniaco Conti routed his rivals in the King George at Kempton to assume the mantle of market leader. He could be the answer to a complex puzzle this time round, though I wouldn’t discount another huge showing from the locallytrained The Giant Bolster or Shutthefrontdoor who landed the Irish National last spring and stays as long as your chairman at a free bar. Win, lose or draw it is hard to match the Cheltenham Festival for emotion, excitement and exhilaration.
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Email queries to
nsw@roundtable.org.uk or visit www.NSW2015.co.uk
NSW
2015 3
NIGHTS £239
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NSW 2015 in NORWICH 4th - 6th September 2015 www.NSW2015.co.uk
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table SPORTS DARTS FLIGHTS OF FANCY! DARTS IS AGAIN ALL THE RAGE AND ROUND TABLE’S VERY OWN ‘ARROWS’ SPECIALIST STEVE GREW HITS THE BULLSEYE WITH HIS APPRECIATION OF THE GAME! Believe me when I tell you that darts has evolved. It wasn’t that long ago that ‘darts’ conjured up the vision of a smoky working men’s club or backstreet pubs full of old men drinking bitter and throwing ‘arrows’. That was then – but it has undergone a transformation since the days of the Crafty Cockney (Eric Bristow for the young and uninitiated), Bobby George and John Lowe! Nowadays, darts is a multi-million pound sport (and entertainment industry) with players strutting onto the oche to Dizzee Rascal, accompanied by nubile and lithe dancing girls in front of a crowd of thousands. If you didn’t know, darts is the new rock and roll and many people, myself included, suggest you go and find out as it provides one of the best atmospheres and experiences you can have.
IN THE BEGINNING… Darts is a simple game. You need very little equipment, a small amount of space and, more importantly, anyone who can throw a dart could be a potential match winner. However, hisorically access was limited as those that played were men in smoky bars and clubs. The significant change came with formation of the British Darts Organisation (BDO) in 1973. The BDO was designed for, all and most importantly for people for whom darts was a hobby and who had ‘real’ day jobs. Initially sponsorship was secured from the world of tobacco, with Embassy being the major sponsor and for a few years things were good, but despite this darts seemed destined to
have a limited appeal, and once the tobacco, advertising ban hit in 1988 the game slowly started going into decline. It seemed that there was no money available to invest in the game and as people could not make a living from darts, it became harder to attract players.
TWO IN A BED! Before the decline set in, darts was primetime TV – thanks to a larger than life bull, a bespectacled and slightly awkward quizmaster asking some ‘interesting’ contestants some very easy questions like ‘what is the capital of Spain?’ to win £30. Meanwhile, their team partner threw darts at a novelty board....yes Bullseye brought darts into millions of people’s living rooms and ran for 14 glorious years. Host Jim Bowen, ably assisted by scorer Tony Green, fronted for a time what was ‘must see’ TV. I confess to owning a bendy Bully as a reminder of when my uncle went on the show (he lost in the first round, before you ask). Prizes were the stuff of dreams, with radio alarm clocks, board games and canteens of cutlery on offer. But best of all, if you got to the final board you had a chance of winning Bully’s special prize, which was usually a car or holiday, but very occasionally a speedboat, particularly useful if you come from Tamworth.
as because of the way that they had broken away from the BDO and the bad feeling it had created, they were all banned from participating in BDO events and thus set about arranging their own in conjunction with Sky Television. This huge gamble paid dividends. As people bought satellite TV dishes, the sponsorship opportunities grew and as a result darts could have more tournaments and more promotion. The upshot – the PDC got stronger and attracted more players from the BDO as prize money grew. This year, the 2015 PDC world champion trousered a cool quarter of a million pounds, compared to the £100,000 won by the BDO winner.
THE PRESENT The world of darts now has the grass roots BDO with local teams and county players and the progressive, sensationalist, theatrical PDC with its darts superstars and showmanship. They both have their merits and the arguments for each could go on and on. The rebranding of the game by the PDC worked and darts is now a true event, travelling round the UK and Europe, bringing the circus with it. I urge you to go – who knows, you might even see me there!
ACRIMONY AND DISSENTION! I digress. Darts hit turmoil and by the end of 1992 crisis talks had taken place. Sixteen players, upset at the lack of opportunities, split from the BDO and formed the World Darts Council (later renamed the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)). This faction of players, which included Phil Taylor, hired a PR consultant and took a risk by signing with satellite television. In 1994 they started hosting their own version of the world championship,
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MEN’S HEALTH
WE NEED TO TAKE A STAND FOR MEN’S ISSUES IN
2015
IF WE WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR MEN AND BOYS WE NEED TO TAKE A STAND IN 2015, SAYS MARK BROOKS OF THE MANKIND INITIATIVE. We all know there is a multitude of challenges facing those of us who work, volunteer and advocate for charities helping to overcome the problems and barriers that men and boys face. Two challenges we regularly encounter are the exclusion of men and boys in the public story (often on purpose, which is a form of discrimination by omission) and also the problem of ‘straw man’ arguments. There were examples of both of these at play in Parliament recently. DISCRIMINATION BY OMISSION The discrimination by omission phenomenon is more often than not created deliberately, but then is unknowingly taken on, unchallenged and accepted as a truth – especially if it fits snugly into an accepted political framework (men=bad, women=good). The exclusion from the public story can be seen in discussions where a debate affects men and boys as well as women and girls. It doesn’t matter whether women and girls are the main victims (eg sexual violence, domestic abuse etc) or if men and boys suffer the most (eg educational attainment), the debate is focussed upon women and girls either way–if there is a debate at all (eg homelessness, suicide, family law, male cancer etc).
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STRAW MEN Straw man arguments are those that try to misrepresent the views and/or actions of people as a means of attacking them. Last year the ManKind Initiative video, ViolenceIsViolence, was successful at raising awareness of our double standards around violence between men and women. The video demonstrated how the public is more tolerant of violence by women against men. PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS In Parliament there were two clear examples of discrimination by omission and straw man arguments. Firstly, there was the first reading of the Equal Pay (Transparency) Bill, proposed by Sarah Champion MP. The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that employers with more than 250 employees publish data on the pay differences between male and female workers. The Government already has the powers to force companies to do so under the Equality Act 2010, but has chosen so far not to invoke the power. The Bill went through to its second reading with 258 voting yes, with 8 noes. We can debate the gender pay gap for hours and whether it is due to lifestyle choice vis a vis the family unit, or direct discrimination, but if the debate and the Bill were really about equal pay for everyone then why was there no mention that men between 22 and 39 are, on average, paid less than women? This gap will surely grow as in the very same week, UCAS highlighted the gender university gap whereby 34 percent of 18 year old women go to university but only 26 percent of men – the equivalent of 32,000 missing males. Ironically in Rotherham, Ms Champion’s constituency, 24 percent of 18 year old women go to university and only 14 percent of men, a gender university gap of 42 percent. So was the debate really about just equality and ending discrimination? Because if so, the debate and the Bill’s intention would not have omitted the statistics above? And was it also a straw man to paint men in a bad light as if we all sit in smoke filled boardrooms actively discriminating against women?
EXCLUDING MALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FROM HELP The following day, another Bill was proposed, this time the Women’s Refuges (Provision and Eligibility) Bill 2014-15. It did what it said on the tin and failed to recognise the awful situation in the UK where for male victims and their children there are only just over 50 safe house/refuge places, run by 11 organisations. There are huge swathes of the UK – London, North West, Scotland, East Anglia for example, where there is not one place (London has nothing for heterosexual men). I recognise there are not enough places for female victims, but to ignore male victims and fail to call for provision for men in the same way as for women shows another clear cut example of discrimination by omission. It is a straw man argument, as it suggests that only men commit domestic abuse. How can this Bill be about equality when it purposely ignores 40 percent of domestic abuse victims? SO WHAT WE DO ABOUT IT? For me, 2015 has to be the year where those of us I mentioned at the start of the article have to be bolder in speaking up for our causes and in challenging those who ignore them – whether on purpose or through the belief in what they have been told is true or the full story. We have to up the ante – we have no choice, we have to speak up on behalf of those we fight for. Mark Brooks is Chair of The ManKind Initiative, a charity that helps and advocates for male victims of domestic violence. Follow them on twitter @ManKindInit. This article was originally published by insideMAN - inside-man.co.uk is committed to pioneering conversations about men, manhood and masculinity that make a difference.
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Vice Chairman’s (Open to all Tablers eventwho want to #knowmore) Marchesi House 9.30am - 2.30pm 28th February
What is covered: Membership Programme Media and PR Networking
To book:
Contact Annie Caines at HQ by ringing 0121 456 4402 or email on: hq@roundtable.org.uk Expenses can be claimed in line with the national expenses policy
GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND
MOVE
OVER D
AVID BRENT !
The Offi ce the joys … a TV classic hig of a collea the daily grind hlighting gu !E rub you e with working ver had up the w habits th ro what re ally grin ng way? Here at ’s d – and it s the na tio do Express esn’t include th n’s gears way! e Aston
1: THE BLAME DODGER The clear winner is: the blame dodger. This person will make a mistake and do everything in their power to deflect the blame. “Someone told me to do it” or “Well, you need to be clearer in how you communicate with me”. The nation is sick of it, blame dodger, it’s time to tidy up your act. Blame dodgers are particularly irritating to people from the West Midlands and Wales. 2: LATENESS Turning up to work 30 minutes after everyone else, coming back from lunch late and still leaving on time at the end of the day – those who display this behaviour are second on the top 10 list of most irritating office behaviours in the UK. Lateness is particularly irritating to 55-64 year olds in the East of England. 3: PEOPLE WHO STICK THEIR NOSE INTO EVERY DISCUSSION Ever start a conversation with a colleague only for someone to stick their nose in and offer their own opinion on the matter, when their participation is not required? Annoying, right? The nation certainly thinks so – predominantly 18-24 year olds from Scotland. If you’re an office worker north of the border in particular, it’s time to check yourself for ‘sticking your nose in syndrome’ and do something about it pronto to stop irritating your colleagues.
7: DOMINATING ALL MEETINGS 4: POWER TRIPPING The power tripper enjoys shouting orders and avoids talking to people like respected colleagues. They may even try to impose authority in a manner that wouldn’t look out of place in an army barracks. Unsurprisingly, ‘power tripping’ makes the top five of the most irritating office habits. 25-34 year olds working in the East Midlands are particularly scathing of the power tripping mentality. 5: POOR LISTENING This is a behaviour whereby the person you’re talking to acts like they’re listening, letting you get all the way to the end of your sentence, only to say “sorry, what was that?” Poor listening irritates people from Scotland and Yorkshire and The Humber the most, meaning it’s time for workers in those regions to listen up and take note. 6: PEOPLE PLAYING MUSIC TOO LOUDLY Ever sat next to someone who feels the need to have music bellowing out through their headphones at eardrum-bursting levels? Annoying, right? Well 18-24 year olds and people over 65 from the North East find this behaviour the most irritating.
The behaviour of those who make every meeting about them, never letting anyone else get a word in edgeways is definitely in there. Women more than men find this behaviour irritating, bringing the phrase ‘two ears, one mouth’ sharply into focus. Meeting dominators take note. 8: STEALING OTHER PEOPLE’S FOOD No matter how many times people label their food in the work fridge as ‘MINE, DO NOT TOUCH… DEATH PENALTY APPLIES’, food stealing is still a prevalent behaviour in offices across the nation. Food stealing is particularly frowned upon by 25-34 year olds from the West Midlands. 9: CORPORATE LAUGHING Nothing that the boss says is that funny. The corporate laugh is a false cackle, often used by people looking to climb the hierarchical ladder. It’s not funny, so stop! 10: PEOPLE HAVING DIRTY DESKS Desks are meant to be for work, but not for the owner of the dirty desk. Plates, dishes and the remnants of last week’s lunch are piled high – a mouldy ‘delight’ for everyone else to put up with!
List courtesy of FLXOffices
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Central Tablers Meeting
FROM INTERESTINGLY SHAPED BOTTLES TO GIANT SALAMIS, TO COLLAPSING BELGIANS IN BASELISKS TO BEING TAKEN TO BED ON A TROLLEY, TO DRINKING WITH NAKED FINNS IN THEIR DIY SPA TO MEETING THE LOCAL MAYOR – WELCOME TO EUROPEAN TABLING!
These are just a flavour of the highlights and memories of the 2015 Central Tablers Meeting (CTM) in the Italian city of Ravenna. Amongst the nations present, RTBI certainly made their presence felt during the four-day annual shin-dig of Tablers from across Europe. At the last count 13 nations from the continent were represented in this celebration of Tabling. More than 300 partied hard, while from RTBI a small number (Studley and Steve Glaister along with Jose Brinkmann and Lee McLaughlan) also worked hard alongside their counterparts from across the continent sharing ideas and enthusiasm to improve associations as well as international Tabling, with the rise of more nations in the offing (Canada, Spain, Slovenia). RTBI boasted the youngest Tabler at the event in Ashley Harrison from Leicester de Montford – which was recognised by the CTM nations – while the hosts presented our National President with a humungous salami as a reward for being the first person to book in! Swifty Steve’s salami was just one of many items on the week’s banter scale! A brilliantly organised event from start to finish including the discovery of Italian Table time! Next year’s event is in Luxembourg (22-24 Jan) and if you decide to go it alone – you’ll instantly be among friends. However, CTM is also a perfect event for Tables to go en masse. If you’re looking for an event where all you have to do is turn up then get booking now! To register your interest go to www.ctm2016.lu Ciao! 34 Tabler SpringEdition
Got a passport? Fancy a cheeky
WE ALL LOVE A GOOD WEEKEND AWAY WITH THE LADS IN THE ROUND TABLE SO WE’VE SCOURED THE INTERNET (WELL PUT A FEW WORDS IN GOOGLE) TO FIND SIX PARTY-FILLED DESTINATIONS BETWEEN NOW AND THE SUMMER.
DUBLIN The Irish love a party and what better time to go than St Patrick’s Day. It’s not just about the parade. For four days from March 14, Dublin will be alive and buzzing with a host of activities across the city ahead of the big day! Grab some Guinness, go green and Go Dublin! For more on the Festival: www.stpatricksfestival.ie
ICELAND Just two hours from the UK there’s an opportunity to savour thermal springs, snowmobiling on the largest glaciers in Europe, witness the Northern Lights and party in Reykjavic – the world’s most northerly capital. If that wasn’t enough, on March 20 there’s also the best viewing spot in Europe to witness the solar eclipse. There’s also EVE fest – for fans of the science fiction online game (no, I haven’t a clue either). www.visiticeland.com
AUSTRIA Grab your ski gear and head to the resort of Mayrhofen for the Snowbombing festival. Ski and snowboard by day, party by night to the likes of Rudimental, Basement Jaxx, Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim to name just a few, over six days of hedonism that kicks off on April 6. Munich or Salzburg are the nearest airports, or take the adventurous road trip through five countries!
Always a favourite for a weekend jolly. Head out on the final weekend of April but stay for the Monday too, as April 27 is King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) – when the whole city turns Orange and goes party crazy! Almost TWO MILLION revellers swell the streets for a mass 36-hour party.
www.snowbombing.com
www.iamsterdam.com
MURCIA (SPAIN) Everyone is aware of the Running of the Bulls (in July), well there’s also the less wellknown Running of the Wine Horses (Caballos del Vino) in Caravaca de la Cruz. The town, 70 miles from Murcia airport, comes to a standstill for four days of fiesta. The highlight is on May 2 when brave Spaniards run cobbled streets racing smartly dressed steeds – before celebrating with copious amounts of wine!
AMSTERDAM
ISLE OF MAN The most famous motorcycle races in the world – the Isle of Man TT Races – rev up from May 30 and stretch well into June. This unique 37-mile island track sees speeds of up 200mph and immense skill and bravery from the riders. Qualifying starts on May 30 with races June 6-12. www.iomtt.com/TT-Info.aspx
http://murciatoday.com/practical-information-forvisiting-the-running-of-the-wine-horses_6155-a.html#. VMi3BGjkdV0 36 Tabler SpringEdition
Images: Migel / Rainer Herhaus Shutterstock.com
Round Table Family News from Ladies Circle!
LADIES CIRCLE IS THE SISTER ORGANISATION TO ROUND TABLE AND IS OPEN TO ALL WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 18-45. THERE ARE OVER 130 CIRCLE GROUPS IN THE UK AND WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE ROUND TABLE ON LARGE CHARITABLE PROJECTS SUCH AS CHILDREN IN NEED AND RACE FOR LIFE. Being part of Ladies Circle means that there is always something interesting going on… from enjoying nights out with your local group trying new things such as drum fit, making chocolate truffles, Bollywood dancing or just meeting up for a drink, to supporting your local community groups and charities through volunteering or fundraising activities whenever you can.
Anybody who volunteers knows that it’s really hard work but the personal reward in knowing that you are making a difference to people’s lives is unbelievably satisfying.
up on Facebook, visit our website at www.ladiescircle.co.uk or email us at membership@ladiescircle.co.uk.
Most Ladies Circle groups meet every two weeks on a week-night. If you’d like to find out more about joining in the fun and finding a Circle near you, please look us
Ladies Circle (Great Britain & Ireland)
Yours in friendship, Claire Wevell National President 2014/2015
CLAIRE’S PRESIDENTIAL CHARITY IS THE KAREN CLIFFORD SKIN CANCER CHARITY (SKCIN).
SEE WWW.SKCIN.ORG TO FIND OUT MORE.
JIMSMITH, 41 CLUB PRESIDENT 2014-15
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL TABLERS. I’M DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE TO WRITE AGAIN FOR YOUR GREAT MAGAZINE AND WANT TO BRING YOU SOME REALLY POSITIVE NEWS. One of our clubs in Kent, Darent Valley, decided to take on my 40/40 challenge for Anthony Nolan but with the added benefit of finding potential new members for Table and Circle. Here’s the story from local 41 Club Secretary, Colin Annets.
“Our event took place at North West Kent College, where six Darent Valley 41ers and two Round Tablers joined together to recruit new members – for both the Anthony Nolan register and for the newly formed Dartford Round Table. Over the two hour lunchtime period we were inundated with interest and enquiries from a huge number of enthusiastic 16 – 30 year olds, the perfect match for Anthony Nolan and Round Table/Ladies Circle. A huge 218 names and email addresses were captured– and now the massive task of emailing them with the link to join either or both of the organisations begins.” Hopefully Round Tables locally will benefit as well as my charity, Anthony Nolan. Has your club had a go? If you want to, just get in contact with me. I hope you have a great year!
SEE WWW.41CLUB.ORG TO FIND OUT MORE.
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Round table Children’s wish
THIS IS A MOMENTOUS YEAR FOR ROUND TABLE CHILDREN’S WISH AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY. That’s 25 years of granting wishes and bringing smiles But we also want to continue the legacy and get to dozens of children and their families during through the next 25 years – which we hope you very difficult times. will help us with, as you already do. Founded by a local Tabler… we continue to bear Round Table’s name and this year we’re looking to make a year to remember.
ONE BIG WISH Join us on July 4 as we bring Round Table and families from across the country together for a fabulous and memorable day to create the Biggest Wish Ever!
DONATE Given it’s our 25th year, we’re asking each and every Round Table in Great Britain and Ireland if they can donate or raise £250 for us!
So how can you help us? There are many ways, from donations to taking part in fundraising events, but of course this year we’re looking to do more – as you will have already read – with the ONE BIG WISH DAY in July.
25 ROUND THE WORLD FOR WISHES
RUNS AND CHALLENGES
For our 25th we are reviving this popular challenge! We will be challenging Tables to take part but this year with a ‘25’ theme! From bath races to 25 miles on roller coasters, we hope Tables will take part, have a brilliant laugh and raise funds for RTCW
Take part in the Great Manchester, South and North Runs, with our entrants running in memory of past Round Table and 41 Club President, Vaughan Harris.
DIAMOND BALL On Friday 16 October we will be holding a celebratory Diamond Ball. This former annual event was something of a prestigious occasion for Round Table Children’s Wish and as a result, we are holding one this year to commemorate our official 25th Birthday. More information about tickets and venue, coming soon. 38 Tabler SpringEdition
CALLING
ALL RUNNERS!
THE LONDON MARATHON 2015 IS FAST APPROACHING; IT’S JUST OVER TWO MONTHS AWAY ON SUNDAY 26 APRIL. Every year RTCW puts in a team of runners to take on this 26 mile challenge past some of the capital’s famous sights including Cutty Sark, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. It’s not too late to be in shape and join the fantastic atmosphere of around 36,000 people pounding the streets. To entice the last few runners, fundraising commitments have been reduced to £1,250. If a 10k is more your thing, then why not consider the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 10 May. This is a fun-filled 6.2 mile run through the vibrant streets of Manchester city centre. With a great vibe and lots of spectator support, why not pencil in your diary a fab day out, whilst raising funds for RTCW? We also have spaces in the British London 10k on Sunday 12th July. Another opportunity to see the great sights of London, without the 26 mile trek! If you want a bigger challenge than a 10k, but are not ready for a marathon just yet, then we also have spaces in the Great North Run in Newcastle on Sunday 13 September which is a half marathon that attracts around 56,000 participants as well as the Red Arrows, who fly overhead whilst the runners are getting ready to start! We are also looking for runners who might fancy taking on a 10 mile run through Portsmouth’s historic dockyards and along the sea front at the Great South Run on Sunday 25 October. If you want to run for us, but we haven’t listed a run you are interested in, please do let us know. We will be more than happy to help. It may be that you can purchase your place directly and we can support you with a fundraising pack to start collecting sponsorship. Just contact Sam on 01202 514515 or email samantha@rtcw.org to find out more!
LUKE READY TO ROCK LUKE WAS REFERRED TO US BY CUMNOCK AND DISTRICT RT. HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A EWING’S SARCOMA LAST NOVEMBER AND HAS UNDERGONE LOTS OF TREATMENT INCLUDING A TWO MONTH STAY IN FLORIDA FOR PROTON THERAPY TREATMENT.
When he returned to the UK he also had to undergo a small operation on one lung. During one of his visits to his local hospital, Luke found some time to have a look in the shops with his mum. One of his loves is playing guitar and he even had a few lessons before he became ill. He really wanted a guitar that was easy for him to manage and ‘fitted’ him just right. He came across the ‘the one’ and asked if he could have it for his wish, along with an amp. With the help of Cumnock RT members we were able to grant Luke’s wish. They visited Luke and presented him with his guitar and amp and he was very happy. He is now coming towards the end of his treatment and will hopefully be able to start his guitar lessons in a few months. We’ve asked him not to forget us when he’s famous, especially as he now has the overwhelming desire to start up his own rock band!
WISH WEDNESDAY! A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE ROUND TABLES, UP AND DOWN THE COUNTRY WHO GOT INVOLVED WITH ‘CHRISTMAS WISH WEDNESDAY’ AND THE GRANTING OF WISHES. THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS WISH WEDNESDAY WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 15 DECEMBER. The great news is that we are seeing an increase in the number of Round Tables across the country who want to get involved in the wishes within their own communities. Some fantastic work has been done and we are delighted to share with you one of the most recent wishes. It’s so important to keep in the forefront of our minds what this charity is about and the fantastic hand crafted wishes we are able to bring to the children and young people, whom with your help, we support.
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