Strolled round in the evening sunshine last night, delivering Fun Run leaflets and application forms to my designated sector of the village. Normal balance between yapping dogs who try and grab the leaflets through the letter box, and curious cats.
It's now just five weeks to go to the Fun Run.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Thursday 21st May
Bit of a rush for meeting tonight night as I was in London, so I met up with the other guys at our venue – the Tamworth Snow Dome, for an evening of tobogganing (just as the days are getting longer and the evening’s lighter and warmer what more could you want than snow!). After a quick change out of my suit, and the addition of scarf and gloves, we have a safety briefing – Penkridge Round Table, and a school party of about 50 – though they are very nice to us: “let these gents go first, one shouts to his friends who try pushing in!!”.
Then it’s onto the slope via the travelator. And it’s fab, racing down real snow, there’s a decent slope, and a steeper section to the left – which toppled Paul and Andy on one of their first runs. The first couple of runs are busy with some queuing, but then things naturally spread out and it flows quite nicely. And after a few goes the steering-by-braking becomes more natural and I get up a decent speed. Really was an entertaining evening. Back to the village a swift pint at a busy Littleton Arms, then over the road for a very decent meal at Wing Fat’s.
Then it’s onto the slope via the travelator. And it’s fab, racing down real snow, there’s a decent slope, and a steeper section to the left – which toppled Paul and Andy on one of their first runs. The first couple of runs are busy with some queuing, but then things naturally spread out and it flows quite nicely. And after a few goes the steering-by-braking becomes more natural and I get up a decent speed. Really was an entertaining evening. Back to the village a swift pint at a busy Littleton Arms, then over the road for a very decent meal at Wing Fat’s.
Monday 18th May
See this link (via an RSS feed) from the Penkridge.org website. Wonder if Pete has seen this:
http://penkridgecrier.blogspot.com/2009/05/bats-in-penkridge.html
apparently there are more bats in Penkridge than the Wyre Forest !
http://penkridgecrier.blogspot.com/2009/05/bats-in-penkridge.html
apparently there are more bats in Penkridge than the Wyre Forest !
Saturday 16th May
I find a carrier bag on my doorstep of fun run leaflets and application forms. We hand deliver these to all houses in Penkridge, with each tabler taking a designated area of the village, to spread the load. I’ll aim to get mine delivered over the bank-holiday weekend, at walking pace, not running!
Monday 11th
Fun Run planning meeting. The Fun Run is just 7 weeks away (June 28th) and there’s a fair amount of prep to get things done. Veteran tabler Malc Newman’s been involved for a good few years so things are pretty slick, but as with last week’s comedy night there’s still plenty of tasks to be shared out. Tonight 5 of us meet up to see where we are with planning, and what’s still to be done. This year we are offering 250 free places to children. This is in support of the Government’s ‘Change 4 life’ campaign, and has been possible through sponsorship from Stafford and Surrounds Commissioning Group and South Staffordshire PCT. The front page of the web-site (www.penkridgeroundtable.co.uk) shows how many free places are left – so don’t delay if you’ve not registered!
This year we also have a minor change to the route; instead of running down by the brook we will divert off New Road earlier, into Croydon Drive. The good news is that we’ve checked, and the route is still the same distance. We’ve had to make the change due to the numbers of runners; the narrow path by the brook meant that runners were bunching and unable to keep their pace. Time to get in training.
This year we also have a minor change to the route; instead of running down by the brook we will divert off New Road earlier, into Croydon Drive. The good news is that we’ve checked, and the route is still the same distance. We’ve had to make the change due to the numbers of runners; the narrow path by the brook meant that runners were bunching and unable to keep their pace. Time to get in training.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Penkridge Comedy Night
Saturday 9th May
Comedy Night at the Peace Memorial, and our first fund raising event of the year. This has become a bit of a fixture in the calendar, though slightly earlier in the year than previously. We have a good showing, with around 160 tickets sold. The evening takes the same format as usual: the disco gets the atmosphere going as the halls fills up, whilst the bar dishes out jugs of beer etc. First act is on at 8pm; it’s Martin Gold and he’s very funny. Then we have a break and dish out fish and chips, sourced from Oysters in the village. Serving fish and chips for 160 is a slight logistical challenge, so we make use of the food warmers in the kitchen to keep the first batch warm whilst Andy (who’s chaired the committee for tonight) fetches the second batch. Unfortunately the chip paper in the base of the fully-stuffed warmer ignites, and flames emerge from the food warmer. A rapid response, assisted by the fire extinguisher, means the fire is quickly out, and it’s back to the comedy business (whilst the Tablers clean up the dry powered from the kitchen area!). Second act is Oliver, well known on the comedy circuit having been a professional entertainer for over 30 years.
All too soon the comedy is over and the disco kicks in; and with the kegs of lager sold out the audience is on top form. Around 12:30 we manage to get the last stragglers out and clear up the hall, with a return trip in the morning to cart everything away. A thoroughly entertaining evening, and a decent amount raised for charity.
Comedy Night at the Peace Memorial, and our first fund raising event of the year. This has become a bit of a fixture in the calendar, though slightly earlier in the year than previously. We have a good showing, with around 160 tickets sold. The evening takes the same format as usual: the disco gets the atmosphere going as the halls fills up, whilst the bar dishes out jugs of beer etc. First act is on at 8pm; it’s Martin Gold and he’s very funny. Then we have a break and dish out fish and chips, sourced from Oysters in the village. Serving fish and chips for 160 is a slight logistical challenge, so we make use of the food warmers in the kitchen to keep the first batch warm whilst Andy (who’s chaired the committee for tonight) fetches the second batch. Unfortunately the chip paper in the base of the fully-stuffed warmer ignites, and flames emerge from the food warmer. A rapid response, assisted by the fire extinguisher, means the fire is quickly out, and it’s back to the comedy business (whilst the Tablers clean up the dry powered from the kitchen area!). Second act is Oliver, well known on the comedy circuit having been a professional entertainer for over 30 years.
All too soon the comedy is over and the disco kicks in; and with the kegs of lager sold out the audience is on top form. Around 12:30 we manage to get the last stragglers out and clear up the hall, with a return trip in the morning to cart everything away. A thoroughly entertaining evening, and a decent amount raised for charity.
Rodbaston Visit
Thursday 7th May
I catch up with the car convey heading to Rodbaston from the Cross Keys. This evening we have a tour around the Rodbaston Campus of South Staffordshire College. The college is on the doorstep of Penkridge, and yet I’ve never visited. The 10 of us our met by Chris Mitchell, Animal Centre Manager, who acts as a guide for the evening, and I’m genuinely surprised by what we find. I’d expected a few sheep, the odd goat and a cow or two, but it’s radically different. Over recent years the college has been transformed into a Zoological centre; Chris tells us that they are both licenced for zoo animals and firearms – the two are a necessary combination!. We start with an aviary area, and some noisy birds. Into the nocturnal area we see bats (and a comment that we’d already seen more in 10 minutes than an entire, wet, evening in the Wyre forest last year!). Continuing around the visitor centre (much of which is in the old pig farm) we see exotic fish, meerkats, snakes, spiders, lizards, porcupines, rabbits – housed with plenty of space in the old pig sties!, sheep, turkeys and lemurs. It’s a fascinating tour and Chris is a knowledgeable guide.
It’s getting dark by the time we leave the centre, but a short trip back to the village, and a couple of beers over a curry whilst Chris tells us tales of life amongst primates (his old Zoo experiences – not the students at Staffordshire college!
The Animal Centre is open to the public at weekend and during school holidays from 10am to 5pm.
I catch up with the car convey heading to Rodbaston from the Cross Keys. This evening we have a tour around the Rodbaston Campus of South Staffordshire College. The college is on the doorstep of Penkridge, and yet I’ve never visited. The 10 of us our met by Chris Mitchell, Animal Centre Manager, who acts as a guide for the evening, and I’m genuinely surprised by what we find. I’d expected a few sheep, the odd goat and a cow or two, but it’s radically different. Over recent years the college has been transformed into a Zoological centre; Chris tells us that they are both licenced for zoo animals and firearms – the two are a necessary combination!. We start with an aviary area, and some noisy birds. Into the nocturnal area we see bats (and a comment that we’d already seen more in 10 minutes than an entire, wet, evening in the Wyre forest last year!). Continuing around the visitor centre (much of which is in the old pig farm) we see exotic fish, meerkats, snakes, spiders, lizards, porcupines, rabbits – housed with plenty of space in the old pig sties!, sheep, turkeys and lemurs. It’s a fascinating tour and Chris is a knowledgeable guide.
It’s getting dark by the time we leave the centre, but a short trip back to the village, and a couple of beers over a curry whilst Chris tells us tales of life amongst primates (his old Zoo experiences – not the students at Staffordshire college!
The Animal Centre is open to the public at weekend and during school holidays from 10am to 5pm.
2009 Programme
Tuesday 5th May
Bit more planning on the 2009 programme of activities. Pete’s got some good ideas of activities for the year; all I need do is find some time to take a look at the details and work out some dates.
Bit more planning on the 2009 programme of activities. Pete’s got some good ideas of activities for the year; all I need do is find some time to take a look at the details and work out some dates.
Table Programme Ideas
Sunday 26th April
Life as chairman never stops!
Whilst out with our programme secretary at the Shugborough Food Show we discover there is a micro-brewery not far from us, and a lager specialist (should keep Ian happy). And as the proverb says: If we can’t organise a visit to a micro-brewery then ……..............
Life as chairman never stops!
Whilst out with our programme secretary at the Shugborough Food Show we discover there is a micro-brewery not far from us, and a lager specialist (should keep Ian happy). And as the proverb says: If we can’t organise a visit to a micro-brewery then ……..............
ATC Dining-In Evening
Saturday 25th April
This evening a party of us (5 tablers and partners) attend a formal dinner at the Hatherton Hotel. This is the annual ‘dining-in’ evening for the 2415 (Penkridge) Squadron Air Training Corps, attended by senior staff of the Staffordshire Wing and Honorary President David Kidney (Stafford MP), and includes their annual awards ceremony, to thank and reward the ATC cadets for the hard work they put in during their time at the squadron; two of the cadets have been shortlisted for national awards. Like many other local organisations the ATC is a core part of the Penkridge Community and we are pleased to be able to support their activities. The achievements of these young people is outstanding, and deserves real recognition. I’m also very grateful of the support that the ATC provide to Round Table at many of our community events, such as marshalling at the Annual Penkridge Fun Run. In support of this I present a cheque to the ATC’s Commanding Officer Steve Lewis.It’s a good evening, and we attended last year and had a good time. After the meal, the awards and presentations, there’s a disco and the cadets are transformed (after changing out of their uniforms). Penkridge Round Table also take to the dance floor, with the chairman demonstrating his ‘unique’ style of dance. David Kidney has a chat with me at the bar to understand more of what community activities we’re doing this year. He’s been involved in the Penkridge Fun Run in the past – both as the official starter, and as a runner. It would be good if he can get along again this year. He kindly invites us visit him in Westminster for a tour of Parliament.
This evening a party of us (5 tablers and partners) attend a formal dinner at the Hatherton Hotel. This is the annual ‘dining-in’ evening for the 2415 (Penkridge) Squadron Air Training Corps, attended by senior staff of the Staffordshire Wing and Honorary President David Kidney (Stafford MP), and includes their annual awards ceremony, to thank and reward the ATC cadets for the hard work they put in during their time at the squadron; two of the cadets have been shortlisted for national awards. Like many other local organisations the ATC is a core part of the Penkridge Community and we are pleased to be able to support their activities. The achievements of these young people is outstanding, and deserves real recognition. I’m also very grateful of the support that the ATC provide to Round Table at many of our community events, such as marshalling at the Annual Penkridge Fun Run. In support of this I present a cheque to the ATC’s Commanding Officer Steve Lewis.It’s a good evening, and we attended last year and had a good time. After the meal, the awards and presentations, there’s a disco and the cadets are transformed (after changing out of their uniforms). Penkridge Round Table also take to the dance floor, with the chairman demonstrating his ‘unique’ style of dance. David Kidney has a chat with me at the bar to understand more of what community activities we’re doing this year. He’s been involved in the Penkridge Fun Run in the past – both as the official starter, and as a runner. It would be good if he can get along again this year. He kindly invites us visit him in Westminster for a tour of Parliament.
St Michaels School
Friday 24th April.
A busy Table week! Tonight we’ve been asked by a fund-raising committee at St Michaels School to help out. They need to raise £80,000 as part of a major building project (the remainder being provided by grants etc). So they are holding a Silent Auction at the Peace Memorial Hall in the village, and Table has been asked to assist by cooking and serving burgers and hot-dogs. So shortly after 5pm I start burger flipping, accompanied by around 7 other tablers and Mrs Chairman. We have an entertaining time, and seem to sell a decent number of burgers and sausages. The silent auction is well attended, so hopefully this adds a good amount to their funds.
A busy Table week! Tonight we’ve been asked by a fund-raising committee at St Michaels School to help out. They need to raise £80,000 as part of a major building project (the remainder being provided by grants etc). So they are holding a Silent Auction at the Peace Memorial Hall in the village, and Table has been asked to assist by cooking and serving burgers and hot-dogs. So shortly after 5pm I start burger flipping, accompanied by around 7 other tablers and Mrs Chairman. We have an entertaining time, and seem to sell a decent number of burgers and sausages. The silent auction is well attended, so hopefully this adds a good amount to their funds.
Business Meeting
Thursday 23rd April
Business Meeting tonight. We have this in the Haling Dene Centre, with a modest showing of members. This is a good but vocal meeting. We discuss the planned changes proposed at National, and also some changes to Members accounts. We constantly strive to ensure that Table is as affordable as possible, and keep a balance of events that are interesting but don’t break the bank. Nights involving more expensive activity such as mud-buggies, go-karting, or microlight flying have to be offset in the programme with quiz nights and pub tours to keep costs for members manageable.So it’s good to discuss these issues, and we had 10 members at the meeting. We vote to accept the structural changes proposed at national level, but against the increases in capitation. Two of our tablers plan to travel to Eastbourne to vote at the AGM on May 8thWe’ve recently given money to fund sailing lessons for pupils at Sherbrook Primary School in Cannock, an all age Special School. Peter visited them, at Gailey Sailing School, and has brought a DVD with him.
Business Meeting tonight. We have this in the Haling Dene Centre, with a modest showing of members. This is a good but vocal meeting. We discuss the planned changes proposed at National, and also some changes to Members accounts. We constantly strive to ensure that Table is as affordable as possible, and keep a balance of events that are interesting but don’t break the bank. Nights involving more expensive activity such as mud-buggies, go-karting, or microlight flying have to be offset in the programme with quiz nights and pub tours to keep costs for members manageable.So it’s good to discuss these issues, and we had 10 members at the meeting. We vote to accept the structural changes proposed at national level, but against the increases in capitation. Two of our tablers plan to travel to Eastbourne to vote at the AGM on May 8thWe’ve recently given money to fund sailing lessons for pupils at Sherbrook Primary School in Cannock, an all age Special School. Peter visited them, at Gailey Sailing School, and has brought a DVD with him.
Area AGM
Wednesday 22nd AprilArea AGM. Penkridge Round Table is part of a larger Area, and each Area has its own committee, so they also have an AGM. So this evening five of us from Penkridge squeeze into Richard M’s car and shimmy down to Stourport for the Area 5 AGM. I’ve not been to an Area AGM before, but it’s not dissimilar to our own. Tonight there are around 50 tablers from the 16 individual tables across the area. This includes Steve Glaister, the outgoing Area Chairman; also here is Peter Manley the National president of Round Table Britain and Ireland (RTBI). Round Table is fairly sizeable, there are over 600 individual ‘tables’ with a total of around 7,000 members. But in the last few years membership, in general has declined, and the National Council is proposing some fairly innovative ways to tackle this decline. So when we get around to the speeches, Peter has a chance to say a few words about these changes, why they are necessary and what benefit it will bring to table.The rest of the ‘formal’ part of the meeting is more comical than our own table; we have no minutes from the last AGM - both incoming and outgoing secretary have denied responsibility for the lost minutes. There’s also a presentation of sports trophies: there are quite a number of Area sports competitions. Penkridge won the football competition this year;. but the football trophy is missing, so we come away with the squash trophy - maybe by next year someone will have returned the football trophy.The new chairman, Chris James, takes over (curiously dressed as a chicken, and with non-opposable thumbs this makes holding his speech a bit tricky, though amusing to watch), and he appoints his officers for the year.
AGM - End of the old Year / Start of a New
Thursday 8th April.Penkridge Round Table AGM; the end of one year and the start of a new year for Penkridge Round Table. We meet at the (newly renamed) Hatherton Country Hotel, Penkridge. A swift pint then settle down to quite a decent meal three-course meal. As always there is a good attendance for the AGM, with 22 tablers, including Steve Glaister, the current Area Chairman.The AGM isn’t overly formal, there is structure and an agenda to the meeting, but lots of good humour and barracking. Each of the table officers gives a report on what they’ve done during the year. In most cases they give up their role, but often then take on a new role. For the community events that we organise we have committees, which helps share out the workload. We have a few traditional elements to the AGM, that I think help reinforce the long history of Round Table.We also have some new elements, and I’m the second in-coming Chairman to be faced with Richard Biskier’s mind-over-matter challenge of smashing my fist through a thick piece of wood (which he bravely hold aloft). I achieve this, on second attempt, with much applause - and much hilarity when it doesn’t break the first time.I then take over from Pete, the out-going chairman, and he relinquishes his chain of office. This looks ominous but is quite simply a ribbon with a small badge for each of the past chairman, adding Pete’s makes 34 past Chairman of Round Table - that’s quite a history! I see my role as Chairman as being a custodian of Penkridge Round Table, to keep it going, encourage our members and attract new members - through having a good social programme and continuing to have community events that raise money for charities and local good causes. Ensuring that they provide fun and entertainment for our members, their families and the wider community. So I read a short speech to the AGM telling the members what I want to do in the year ahead, then I introduce the officers for the coming year. We have a swift drink at the bar, then retire back to Pete’s house for a post AGM party!
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