A recent gathering of over a hundred Round Tablers at Olton Golf Club saw Solihull Round Table celebrate its 60th Anniversary in style.
Chairman Chris
Chairman, Chris Holtham, presided over the affair which was a balanced mix of traditional black tie dinner with a modern relaxed atmosphere that perfectly demonstrated the young men’s organisation deserves the accolades it has received over recent years as being one of the strongest clubs in the country.
The Solihull club, made up of members from all backgrounds, occupations, trades and professions, and from right across the Borough, has enjoyed a surge in interest and membership over recent years, growing to the current number of 22, and still attracting more interest.
“Many people think being a member of a club like this is expensive,” said Chairman Chris. “Nights like tonight prove it is not. The whole evening including an excellent meal, wine, port and speakers, cost £30 per head to attend.”
The club has been very conscious of the current economic climate, and after over 35 years or organising The Solihull Firework Display to mark Guy Fawkes Night, have secured sufficient sponsorship this year to make the event “free entry” for the public of Solihull.
An excellent relationship has been forged with local dignitaries, and this was noted by the attendance of the Mayor’s deputy, Clr Gary Allport who commented “What a thoroughly enjoyable and fun evening, I would not have missed it for the world.”
The evening’s modern twists included no raffle, games, or auctions, which allowed attendees to focus on meeting and chatting with friends present and past, and allowed the night to focus on fun and enjoyment rather than relieving guests of their money. The only competition was a free to enter sweepstake on the length of the speech of the guest speaker.
Lyndon Serving
Master of Ceremonies, Kevin Tomlinson, kept the evening moving along a pace, and introduced the speeches arranged to mark the occasion formally.
Past Chairman, Peter Wellings, who is the current Chairman of 41 Club, the organisation for ex-Round Tablers, gave a short address outlining the events from a club diary from yesteryear. It was noted that despite recent changes and different ways of doing things, the core values upon which the organisation was founded are still as strong today as they ever were: Fun, Friendship and Community Spirit.
Responding, Chairman Chris welcomed the guests, thanked them for their support, introduced his dignitaries, and recognised past chairmen, past members, current members, and visiting Round Tablers.
The guest speaker for the evening was Mr Ian Nichol, Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission in Birmingham. Ian regaled the audience with a relaxed, informative and hilariously funny insight into some personal and professional stories in a brilliant raconteur style (27 mins and 24 seconds of pure entertainment).
In attendance were over twenty past Chairmen, dating back to the 1970’s
The formalities were concluded with a few words from the National President of Round Table of Great Britain and Ireland, Dave Barker, who had flown in especially from meetings in Italy to join the party. Dave explained that it was his first visit to Solihull, and he could now understand the reports he had heard as to why Solihull was such a strong club, after experiencing their hospitality first hand.
“Round Table is certainly in very safe hands in Solihull,” Dave said, “it is no wonder why it is one of the strongest clubs in the country. The members encapsulate all that Round Table is, and are conducting themselves in line with 21st Century thinking.” He went on to say that “To know a local man under the age of 45 and not introduce them to such a great club is doing that man an injustice” – a nice twist given the title of the guest speaker!
Formalities were concluded in good time which allowed those attending to re-visit the bar, reacquaint themselves with old friends, and debate the benefits of modern ways.
The conclusion – fantastic!
