Christmas 2011 Comes to Solihull

17 11 2011
Santa Claus is coming to Town
Guess who’s coming to town?

Father Christmas has already sent word that he will be visiting Solihull again this year with his helpers from Solihull Round Table  in advance of his main rush on Christmas eve.

From the 5th December Father Christmas and his helpers will be seen around the town collecting for local charities

Routes





Welcome to the new Table year

18 05 2011
Solihull Round Table Chairman 2011 - Paul Jennings

Solihull Round Table Chairman 2011 - Paul Jennings

It was as proud moment for me when, at the AGM in April 2011, I became the 62nd Chairman of Solihull Round Table after being a member of Solihull for 5 years.

I originally joined the Round Table movement 8 years ago in Winchester where I was living at the time. I was chatting with a friend in our local pub and he said to me ‘I’m off go-karting with a load of guys, do you fancy coming along?’ . I agreed and I was hooked. Over the next few months I learned more about Winchester Round Table and got myself involved with the organisation of their Bonfire and Fireworks display along with taking part in activities such as clay pigeon shooting and LaserQuest.

It was not long before I realised that I wanted to be part of this truly global organisation and signed up. I was inducted to Winchester Round Table as part of Wine Tasting Night. I spent another few years at Winchester, getting involved with international trips and charity events such as taking over the local cinema for a Gala Premier Film night.

There is an old adage that goes the more you put in the more you get out’, that cannot be said enough of being part of Round Table. Round Table has given me the opportunity to develop leadership and organisational skills which I have taken into my professional career.

It was with mixed feelings that I announced to Winchester that I was moving to Solihull, sad that I was leaving a great bunch of guys of which I have made many friends, but joyful in the fact that I was moving back to my home town for a great opportunity in the professional and home life.

It was with no hesitation that I contacted Solihull Round Table and told them that I was coming and could I meet up. The chairman and a number of members arranged to meet me in a local bar and tell me about Solihull Round Table and some of the activities that it does. As soon as I got home I was filling in my transfer forms to become officially a member of Solihull Round Table.

5 years later I am now the Chairman of Solihull Round Table and I have already had the honour of inducting 2 new members to Solihull and, quite by chance, meeting the Chief Executive of Round Table. I am looking forward to a fantastic year, with a fantastic Table.

I have now updated the Diary Page of the website so you can see what we’re up to for the next 12 months and if you’re interested in coming along – let me know!

We Did, We Do, YOU CAN! 

Paul Jennings

Chairman, Solihull Round Table 209

RTBI

Round Table





Fireworks Spectacular 2010

1 10 2010

In just over a month’s time Solihull Round Table will be lighting up the Solihull skyline yet again as this year’s Fireworks Spectacular is ignited.

Yet again, thanks to sponsorship, we have been able to provide this fantastic evening FREE OF CHARGE

Solihull Round Table Fireworks 2010

Solihull Round Table Fireworks 2010

The Details:

  • THE EVENT IS FREE
  • Saturday 6th November
  • Tudor Grange Park
  • From 5.30pm
  • Free parking will be available in Monkspath Hall Car Park (with thanks to Solihull Council)

Entertainment

BRMB will be on site to entertain you and a number of local schools and scout groups will be providing food and novelties for sale.

The Good Cause

Every member of Round Table gives their time freely and for what we think is a fantastic local community event. This year we are truly honoured to say that we will be supporting the local charity TroopAid and we hope you will also support them by giving generously on the evening.

(To find out more about TroopAid read our previous Blog entry here.)

Sponsorship

It is with great thanks, and without whose help this event could not take place, that we acknowledge our fantastic sponsors this year:

Fireworks Partners:

John Lewis Solihull

John Lewis Solihull

Specsavers Solihull

Specsavers Solihull

Touchwood Solihull

Touchwood Solihull

Hospitality Partner

Ramada Solihull

Ramada Solihull

Venue Partner

Solihull Council

Solihull Council





Troop Aid – Solihull RT Charity 2010

6 09 2010

This year Solihull Round Table are pleased to be raising money to support Troop Aid to look after injured service men and women.

Troop Aid Logo

Troop Aid

Who are they…

TROOP AID was founded in November 2006 by three ex servicemen as a result of a visit to Selly Oak Hospital’s Alexandra Wing in Birmingham. This is the home of the Defence Medical Welfare Services who are responsible for the welfare of all Armed Forces Personnel, male and female who have been injured during the conflict in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

What do they do…

When Troops return to the United Kingdom from the war zones they arrive back without their personal effects or clothing. The objective of TROOP AID is to supply the ‘basic essentials’ when service casualties return from serving their country overseas.

Grab Bag

Grab Bag

Examples of what they supply are a GRAB BAG containing washing and shaving kit, towel, face flannel, shower mules, socks, underwear, t-shirt and shorts. Female requirements are also provided. Troop Aids GRAB BAGS are currently being sent out to the UK Military Hospitals in Afghanistan, the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and other Ministry of Defence Hospital Units within the UK.

How do they do it…

Funds come entirely from fund raising events and donations from organisations such as Help for Heroes, Rotary International, Lions International, The Monday Club in Kuwait, ex Service Associations, the local business community, the general public and several British expatriate communities overseas. Troop Aid pledge to continue to help our Troops returning from conflicts for as long as possible.

TROOP AID understands that everyone who joins the Armed Forces may one day go to war and fight for their country. We believe that when injured Troops return home they should be cared for. At the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital injured servicemen and women receive the very best medical care.

Jason Wilkes, Chairman of Solihull Round Table and ex-service man himself, said “We at Solihull Round Table are extremely proud to support Troop Aid and the work that they are doing. Service men and women give so much on  the front line, so anything we can do to help them when they get back is a bonus.”





Frisbee Golf – Solihull RT style!

2 09 2010

Solihull Round Table took to a new challenge like a duck to motor sport.

With great enthusiasm (making up for the lack of skill) we took ourselves out to Quarry Park Frisbee Golf Course to try out Frisbee Golf. Needless to say it was the taking part that counts as each of ended up more times in the bushes than on the fairway!

I think that I will let the video tell its own story.

This is just the sort of thing that we get up to. If you’re interested in find out out more then get in touch!





Santa delayed at North Pole on Sunday – will now visit on Monday 21st December

15 12 2009

We are very sorry that Santa Claus and ourselves could not make it to the Alderbrook Road area of Solihull on Sunday 13th December as advertised in the local press and also on this site. We have resechduled the route for Monday 21st December and hope to see as many people as possible.

Santa Claus and Solihull Round Table

Santa Claus and Solihull Round Table

Chris Holtham, Chairman of Solihull Round Table made the following comment “We are extremely sorry for any disappointment that this will have caused young families.  Solihull Round Table has been working with Santa for over 30 years and has never failed to do all the routes to which it commits. This year will be no different.  We are looking forward to joining Santa on the 21st December. All other routes this year have been extremely well received, and I would like to thank the people that have come out to meet Santa and his helpers for their support”.

The route on 21st December will be as follows:

  • Broad Oaks Road
  • Streetsbrook Road
  • Dorchester Road
  • Winterbourne Road
  • Bearminster Road
  • Dorchester Road
  • Blossomfield Road
  • Alderbrook Road
  • Welcombe Grove
  • Alderbrook Road
  • Spring Close
  • Alderbrook Road
  • Blossomfield Road
  • Alderpark Road
  • Endwood Drive

View Larger Map




Santa Comes to Solihull

27 11 2009

Santa Claus has arrived early in Solihull this year to inspect preparations for his annual visit with the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Norman Davies, and his friends from Solihull Round Table, Smooth Radio and Stratstone Land Rover.

Santa Comes to Solihull

Santa pictured with (from left) Chris Holtham (Chair of Solihull Round Table), Amy Snelling (Regional Marketing Executive at Stratstone Land Rover), Jason Wilkes (Vice Chair of Solihull Round Table), Tammy Gooding (Presenter on Smooth Radio), Cllr Norman Davies (Mayor of Solihull) and Brenda Davies (Mayoress of Solihull).

Santa is very grateful to Stratstone Land Rover for the use of a Discovery to pull him around this year so that he can familiarise himself before Christmas Eve. Smooth Radio will be working closely with Santa and Solihull Round Table so that everyone knows where he will be so tune in for more details.

Every year the Round Table visit homes in Solihull along with Santa entertaining children of all ages with a colourful float and a friendly wave. As they transport Santa the Round Table and their helpers will be seeking donations for their annual Christmas Collection which goes to support local charities in Solihull.

Helpers this year include Smooth Radio, Reynalds Cross School, Mick Joiner’s Friends, a Scout Troop, Oak Cottage PTA, Families and friends of Round Table past and present.

This year Santa will be visiting the following areas:

Routes

For more information about Solihull Round Table or the Christmas Routes please email general@solihullroundtable.com





Top Table

15 09 2009

Solihull Round Table recently added another piece of silver-wear for their continued efforts to be the best club around.

Club Chairman Chris Holtham proudly showed off the newly presented trophy at The Town House, the home of the Solihull Round Table.

Chairman Chris Holtham  proudly showing off the Community Service Club of the Year Trophy.

Chairman Chris Holtham proudly showing off the Community Service Club of the Year Trophy.

The Solihull members were recognised for their efforts in raising significant funds and distributing them back into their community, top of the list was a brand new fully equipped mini bus for Reynalds Cross School student… now affectionately referred to as “The Big Red Bus” by members and students alike. Also noted by the judges was the partnership with other organisations like Scouts, St John Ambulance, PTAs, Schools, as well as other local Round Table and Ladies Circle clubs.

A shake up in leadership style three years ago has seen the club resurrect itself like the phoenix from the ashes, increasing membership from 10 to 24, and raising it’s profile locally, regionally and nationally. The club narrowly missed out on picking up national

Prizes at a conference back in May, being shortlisted for no less than three awards.

“We are very proud of our achievements, and what we do,” said Chairman Chris, “the club now has a great vibe to it, we are attracting members regularly and from all sorts of backgrounds and occupations.”

This year, the club is raising the profile of the Round Table Children’s Wish that provides wishes to children with life limited conditions and are working with hospitals and schools that provide services to children of the borough to raise the awareness of this great charity.

The club prides itself on being first and foremost a social club that enjoys events like gliding, nights at the races, off road karting, poker, wine tasting, speakers, and restaurant visits. The club also has organised for over 35 years the Solihull Guy Fawkes Firework Display and Father Christmas visits across the borough.

If you are interested in finding out more about the club, and how you could join the fun and dynamic members help the community further and help us become the UK’s premier club please contact Brad Parkes 0121 711 3411 or bradparkes@btconnect.com.





Civic reception for Solihull RT

20 08 2009

The Mayor of Solihull, Clr David Bell, and the Mayoress, Mrs Sally Bell  hosted and welcomed members of Solihull Round Table into Council Chambers and presided over the presentation of cash to local needy causes.

The mayor extends a warm welcome at Civic Reception

In his address the Mayor expressed how impressed he has been with the efforts of the club, “Solihull Round Table do an amazing amount of good work putting on community events and raising funds for local causes. They certainly punch well above their weight.”

The local club invited guests to receive funds following the two main fundraising activities of their year – Solihull Fireworks Display, and the Christmas Santa Collections. Many of the organisations represented help out on these and other similar events.

Round Table Chairman, Lyndon Eales, said, “It is a first for us to be hosted by the Mayor, it is a privilege and an honour to be recognised for our efforts in this way, and to be able to hand over well deserved funds on such a special occasion. We like to pass on the money we raise as quickly as we can so it can work to improve the lives of others straight away.”

In all there were presentations to twelve organisations amounting to a total of £3,800.00, with the presentations being witnessed by a large number of Round Table members and past members of Round Table – the 41Club.

Peter Wellings, Chairman of Solihull 41 Club, explained they are called 41 Club because originally Round Table was only open to members up to the age of 40, although nowadays the limit is 45. “As the past members, we are very proud of the current members of Solihull Round Table,” he expressed, “they have maintained the principles of Round Table whilst modernising into a fun, active, dynamic club. It is no wonder they have become one of the largest Round Table clubs in the UK.”

New member Andrew Cole flanked by Solihull Mayor Cllr David Bell and Chairman Lyndon

New member Andrew Cole flanked by Solihull Mayor Cllr David Bell and Chairman Lyndon

The club grew even larger on the night when the Mayor was asked to perform the induction of their newest member Andrew Cole, General Manager at the Ramada Hotel in Solihull, photographed right with The Mayor and Chairman Lyndon.

Money was presented to:

  • Mick Joiner representing Solihull Breast Cancer Trust;
  • Julia Bloxsome from St John Ambulance;
  • Rob Warwick of the Solihull Vengeance Scout Troop;
  • Rachel Clarke from Shirley Ladies Circle (the female equivalent of Round Table);
  • Jane Davenport representing Kingswood School PTA;
  • Peter Wellings from Solihull 41 Club;
  • Jude May of Oak Cottage School PTA
  • Barney Morris from the Challenge Adventure Group who provide much needed support to young people on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.







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