Thursday 19th November

Tonight should have been a visit to the German Market in Birmingham; train in from Penkridge, few beers a bratwurst and some sauerkraut, perhaps a gluehwein or two, few more beers and then a train home – perhaps with a curry at a suitable venue en route. But sadly not, as good an idea as I thought this was, it obviously wasn’t an exciting proposition for members and low numbers (e.g. 3!) meant that we abandoned the idea. So tonight no meeting!

Sunday 8th November

Remembrance Sunday. For many years Penkridge Round Table has been asked to take part in the Remembrance Parade. So I felt very proud, and honoured, as Chairman to take part this year and lay a wreath at the war memorial. We had eight Tablers in the parade, followed by a Church service; where due to numbers we were seated opposite the choir – not that it did much to improve our singing.
This was one of the occasions when I was able to wear the Table Chairman chain of office (a ribbon with the name of each of the past Chairmen); so when leaving the church and shaking the vicar’s hand I was surprised to be asked if I was the Mayor!
With the Parade over we rejoined our wives and families, for a few drinks in The Star.
Sunday evening had a meeting in The Keys to continue planning for the Sportsmans Dinner. As always this is a charity event, and will be at the County Showground, Stafford on Friday 5th February. It will feature Alan Minter, the voice of cricket Pat Murphy and Wolves' Steve Daley. Cost £35, dress code - lounge suits.

Saturday 7th November

Tonight was the annual village bonfire and firework display, organised by the Scouts. Round Table run the BBQ; setting up and getting the coals lit as soon as the market starts packing up. This year seemed busier than ever, and we had a queue formed ready for this first off the BBQ just after the gates opened at 6pm. And the queue continued right through the evening until close to 9pm. Even with big crowds we didn’t run out, and sold several hundred burgers and hot dogs, and raising over £500 for the scouts. Once tidied up we retired to The Keys.

Thursday 5th November

Tonight’s meeting was a joint event with 41 Club; where Round Tablers go when they are beyond the age limit for Table. The age limit is now 45, but the club is still known by the more historic boundary. So tonight around 16 of us held to Aldesley Stadium and the shooting club. Here we get a chance to try out rifles and hand guns, together with turning targets. All the guns are now air pellets, but it’s a good night, and we round off with a bit of a competition.
Back to the village and to Flames to round the evening off with a curry and a few beers.