abc41club

Thank you to all the members, friends and all involved for making this Past-Round-Table club the fun adventure it has been, from it's beginning in October 2008 until the last meeting on December 2023.

If anyone would like more photographs or information please contact webmaster: Jonathan Lees

abc41club@foothelp.co.uk

At our final meeting in December 2023, I agreed that I would arrange another get together in the summer and it is still my intention to organize something, so please watch this space.

Final meeting! a double event on Monday 11th December 2023 (Oddly this was actually our 141st meeting since we were chartered)

1. Meet at the newly refurbished The Old Bush, High Street Wombourne WV5 9DT at 6.30pm for a pint or two of Black Country Ales finest.
2. At 7.45pm we walk(or drive) a few hundred yards to Tiffu's Indian Restaurant 2-3 High St Wombourne WV5 9DN for our final meal together.

Few other sites. 20.30pm Bitter Suite for Fish and Chips and Beer. Organised by: Paul Jay

In the lovely village of Hagley near Stourbridge ABC 41 club Thursday 12th October 2023

Met at the King Arthur, a Bathams Pub, Worcester Lane, Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 0NW

Parking on the road or in the free shoppers car park. When looking for the King Arthur look out for its association with Round Table.

Time; any time from 6.45pm to 7:30pm for a drink. At 7:30pm we went for Chicken & Chips at the nearest Curry house in Hagley. Organised by: Bob Whiston

At the AGM in September 2023 it was decided by the treasurer Paul Jay

and secretary Stuart J. Drake.

to wind up the club.

Reduced rate as we’re all ‘seniors’ is £6.45 for 2 games. Food is available on site. Organised by Andy Worrall

Monday 16th January 2023 was an Escape Room(s) challenge solving puzzles about 6 or so max per room, are placed in a room that you then have to solve a serious of clues/puzzles against the clock (an hour I think) to eventually (hopefully) escape from. These room have a theme and in the venue we are going to they have 5 different Rooms but I currently have 2 of them booked ("Bank Job" and "Enigmista"), with an option to book at least one more room if numbers require.

With at least 8-15 of us the normal price/head would be £20 but they are currently offering a weekday discount of 25% bringing this down to £15.

60-62 Constitution Hill, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B19 3JT www.escapereality.com 19:30pm sharp so get there at least 15-20 mins in advance for briefing. Yours in ABC41 Mike Lang

GREAT NIGHT AT BOMBAY PICKLES in DECEMBER 2022. Organised by Stuart Drake. First we all had a beer or few at the Duke William at 6.30pm.

A general knowledge quiz based on the decades from the 50’s to the 20’s matching the Queen’s reign. The questions started around 8:00pm

The nigh was open to friends/families/staff/users to get as many quizzers in as possible, with an entry charge of £5.00 per person plus a raffle [donations of prizes for the raffle much appreciated]

Due to the recent sad passing of our beloved Queen and the recent announcement of Her funeral to be held on Monday 19-Sep-2022. With respect our AGM was postponed to Wednesday 21-Sep-2022

Held at the Dudley Arms at Himley DY3 4LB at 7pm for 7.30pm. Food was available for our AGM meeting.

Those Present - Ben Reid, Bob Whiston, Matt Upcott, Stuart Drake, Martin Osbourne, Mike Lang, Jacob Upcott, and Jonathan Lees

Officers Elected: Chairman Matt Upcott. Vice Chairman Vacant. Secretary Stuart Drake. Treasurer Paul Jay. Webmaster Jonathan Lees

No Meeting in July and August as is the tradition of ABC 41 Club due to holidays.

We spend another 45 min or so looking around and moved onto another local pub. (Should have had a beer at home instead). Guests came too.

Churchill Members only night 7.30pm award winning fish and chips served own drinks were taken – soft or Beer etc. coats worn if outside. Monday 23rd May 2022 playing Table Football in a league format, two players per team. Hosted by Bob

Ten Pin bowling at Dudley 2 Games and a burger for £10.00 on WEDNESDAY 20TH APRIL AT 7.30pm Organised by: Jacob

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WEDNESDAY 16th MARCH 2022 19.30PM BEER AND SKITTLES WITH FOOD INCLUDED IN PRICE in STOURBRIDGE

Beer and Skittles v Spires 41 Club Lichfield - And the National Vice President will be there as well. Organised by: Paul Jay

Monday 21st February 2022 Lee Humphries

arranged a cultural visit to some of the historic pubs close to the centre of Sedgley. 7.30pm at The Beacon Hotel, 129 Bilston Street Sedgley DY3 1JE which this year is celebrating 170 years of brewing on the premises. Moved on to The Bulls Head, 27 High Street DY3 1JA, which is a Holdens pub housed in a listed building (end terrace). Finally for those who had the energy The Mount Pleasant, 144 High Street DY3 1RH known locally as The Stump, with its mock Tudor facade and selection of well kept ales. I will share some of the local history and infamy surrounding these premises but try not to bore you. Ample parking was next to all stops for those who didn't fancy walking.’

17th Jan 2022 organised by Russell Cleland -

Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis & Squash Club.

Christmas Cheer from ABC 41 Club members TUESDAY 14th DECEMBER 2021 an Indian meal at Tiffus 2 - 3 High Street WOMBOURNE WV5 9DN organised by Hon. Sec. Stuart Drake

A good turnout as usual for our annual festive curry last night. Thanks to Stuart for arranging it, excellent venue, meal and service from Tiffu's. The company and banter was great too!

Fourteenth A G M Monday 15th November 2021 - (N.B. There was no thirteenth AGM in 2020 due to Covid-19 Coronavirus restrictions from the UK government)

Thanks to all who attended the AGM on Monday at The Dudley Arms Himley. This is a summary of our discussions and actions.

Apologies from - Andy Hood Jonathan Lees Ben Reid John Ferris Paul Daniels Tim Scott Tony Smith Mike Lang Ian Povey Paul Brindley Steve Salt Geoff Gray David Wilcox and Peter Simpson

Those Present - Stuart Drake Paul Jay Craig Dollery Bob Whiston Neil Rabone Russell Cleland Alex Forty Matt Upcott Jacob Upcott and Lee Humphries

Officers Elected: Chairman Matt Upcott. Vice Chairman Vacant. Secretary Stuart Drake. Treasurer Paul Jay. Membership Vacant. Webmaster Jonathan Lees

No Other Business Meeting concluded. Stuart Drake. Hon Secretary: Thanks all for a good meeting tonight and things look positive for the future of ABC41 Club. I did mention tonight that Options for Life who run my daughter’s day centre, which we have supported with a couple of quiz nights in the past, have just set up a crowdfunding page. They are looking to get support for a music project for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. The page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/options-for-life?utm_id=1&utm_term=g5pqp6WY9 They have a big target but it will be a great help for disabled people in the area [not just children like many other charities]. If you can help with a donation or can pass this on to others, that would be great. As we also agreed, I will try to arrange a quiz night for our April meeting – subject to covid allowing us to use the centre. Best wishes, Neil

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March 16th 2020

Stourbridge Institute Snooker organised by Jonathan Lees

It would have been our 122 meeting since chartered.

Cancelled as the evening approached in real time as Covid-19 National Lockdown occurred. I believe our club never recovered from the effects of this pandemic!

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February 17th 2020 Beer appreciation evening at Starting Gate Pub, Penn Fields, Wolverhampton organised by Geof Gray

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November 2019 Zulu Talk organised by Russell Cleland at Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club

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October 21st 2019 Acorn Lodge Charity Quiz Night organised by Neil Rabone. We ran it as a night for our 41 Club [ex Round Table members] and guests/family and participants and staff too. From 7:00 pm to get some food and drink from the local establishments and then start the quiz [which I put together] at 8:00 through to around 10:00 with a raffle. At £10.00 per person which would include the entrance to the quiz and a strip of raffle tickets [save having to have separate collections]. There was teams of 4 with a prize for the winners and a booby prize for the team coming last. With various rounds including sport, music and general knowledge.

Venue: Making Tracks, Acorn Lodge, 137-149 Vicarage Road, Rood End, Oldbury, B68 8JA Making Tracks is a small day service for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

They are a charity group who, as Smethwick & Oldbury Round Table, we were able to support in the past.

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September 16th 2019 AGM + Walk Caunsal Canal + Anchor The handover from Tony Smith to incoming chairman Martin took place [ including the charter and founders photo for same keeping ] The new vice chairman Ian Povey stood unopposed. Membership Bob Whiston. Webmaster Jon Lees. Photo Mike Lang. Treasurer Paul Jay. Secretary Andy Worrell [ following discussion he had with Paul Jay ]

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April 15th 2019 Factory Visit - Tour Guides Bob Whiston and Ian Povey. Followed by Ivans famous Fish & Chips

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March 18th 2019 @ 7pm sharp (pun absolutely intended) AXE THROWING !!!– TimberJacks Kidderminster arranged by - Mike Lang Cost £20 The latest novel sports craze sweeping the nation: Target Axe Throwing! So we channelled our inner Jason Mamoa, practiced our apocalypse survival skills and simply had some fun with something that is basically darts on steroids.

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23rd January 2019 Paint and Create - Pottery Painting and Craft Studio in Apley Farm Shop Shropshire 1 ½ and 2 hours.; choose your bisque (blank, once-fired pottery) from a large range of items (cups, plates and party animals are the most popular items), paint at your leisure then leave with us to glaze and fire for collection at a later date (typically 10 - 14 days later – I will Collect for everyone and distribute at the Feb Meeting£7.50 covered a wide and generous selection of Alcoholic and non-alcoholic Drinks and Nibbles and Room Hire and you then pay for the items you paint on the night. Tiles, mugs, plates and bowls range from £5 to £13 – They have over 150 pieces of pottery to choose from so if anyone wished to splash out You could! We went to the Hundred House at Norton afterwards for a pint Just wanted to say thank you to those who could come last night – I think it went very well !!?? The reports back were great – particularly about the swing in the Hundred House!! See you all soon. Organiser: Tim Prior

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17th December 2018 - Curry Night /or Scampi if you prefer Bombay Pickles/anyone care for a beer first at the Duke William organised by Barry Povey As usual Joke Telling is invited - tell everyone your favourite! Due to the bad weather last year some members did not manage to make the traditional Xmas curry night. Those who did manage to make it have said how much they enjoyed it, thus several members have requested we go to the same venue. First

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Nov 19th 2018 organised by Craig Dollery and Paul Jay Ghetto Golf (by the Custard Factory)

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Honorary Chairman - Tony Smith. Vice-Chairman - Martin Osbourne. Honorary Secretary - Tim Prior. Honorary Treasurer - Paul Jay. Official Photographer - Mike Lang. Membership Officer - Bob Whiston. Webmaster - Jonathan Lees

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June 18th 2018 Golf Challenge - Pitch & Putt, or Par 3 £12 Three Hammers Golf Complex Coven, Wolverhampton. Organised by Andy Worrall Meals available + bar.

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May 21st 2018 Darts Extravaganza - The Shovel Lye - organised by Martin Osbourne

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April 16th 2018 - Laser Quest Stourbridge - organised by Jonathan Lees £17.50 eleven minimum was exceeded.

so the profit went to Nat President's Charity the Prince's Trust

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March 19th 2018 - The Way. YOUTH ZONE Wolverhampton - organised by Geof Gray

Voluntary Donations by us raised roughly £100 from members. Afterward feet sticking to floor at Giffard Arms + heavy metal music.

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January 15th 2018 - Old English Skittles - organised by Neil Bates - £10 including a nice buffet - The Squirrel, Alveley, Kidderminster Road, Bridgenorth

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December 11th 2017 - Bombal Pickles, Lower High Street, Stourbridge - organised by Barry Povey - Beer first at Duke William Pub around the corner.

Comments: Just to say! What an excellent night we had, with intrepid travellers from as far as Bridgnorth and Bewdley about 15 of us had Great beer and Super value, well presented and tasty food, Thanks to my Star chauffeur Tim for the Lift.
Thanks to Barry for organising a great Venue. Thanks to all who made it in very adverse conditions. Merry Christmas All, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all..Andy Worrall

Yes, Thank you Barry. The food at the Bombay Pickles was EXCELLENT !! Really good night!! Happy Christmas to all. Regards Tim Prior

Just wanted to add my thanks for a great night. Very impressed with the curry house. Best wishes Tim Scott

Well done all for a super night. Wishing you all and your families a happy Christmas and a healthy prosperous new year. Stuart Drake.

Hi Guys, A big thank you to Barry for arranging another enjoyable ‘Christmas Curry Night’ the food was tasty and well presented. I also appreciate the work Jon must have put in to produce the caption competition, extremely entertaining with some clever and witty answers. Now looking forward to 2018! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all! Mat

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Song music and words are original and written by David Wilcox. Performed and arrangement by Homity Pie. Choir were members of the Active Black Country Past Round Table (41) Club. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2017 © David Wilcox.

Recorded at: Neon Sound Studios, Unit 4a, New Road, Burntwood, WS7 0AZ (01543 677012). www.neonstudios.co.uk.We were all treated royally by the management and staff. The evening included:
• A Welcome drink • Tour of recording and rehearsal studios • Live recording of ABC members singing our own “Active Black Country Carol”. (Backing Music had already been recorded by Homity Pie) • Hot-pot meal – Chicken Tikka Masala with Rice and Beef & Ale with Potatoes as the options. • Sing-along/open-mic session hosted by Homity Pie, our local folk rock band. The cost of the evening was £25 per head included a welcome drink, the hot-pot meal and all recording services. Neon Studios included a licensed cash bar, “Humbuckers” which was open during the meal and session.

Musicians among ABC members were encouraged to bring an instrument to make for a lively session later in the evening. To which Neil Ramone and Jonathan Lees took full advantage of, to rapturous applause by all.

Morning Dave. Just wanted to say thank you for a great and entertaining evening last night! Brilliant – looking forward to our No 1 in the Mozambique Charts!? Tim

Hi Jon, In the unlikely event of the ABC Carol going any further, I'd be grateful if you could attach the credits as follows: Active Black Country Carol - Original Words and Music by David Wilcox. Arranged by Homity Pie. ABC Choir - Barry Povey, Bob Whiston, Craig Dollery, David Wilcox, Geoff Gray, Ian Povey, Jake Upcott, Jonathan Lees, Lee Humphries, Lloyd Rodgers, Matt Upcott, Mike Lang, Mike Upcott, Neil Rabone, Paul Jay and Tim Prior. Produced by Mike Newey. Engineering and additional programming by Sam Brice. Mixed and mastered by Sam Brice and Mike Newey. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Neon Sound Studios, Burntwood, Staffordshire, England, WS7 0AZ on 13th November 2017. Homity Pie - Mandolin: Roger Morgan. Bass guitar and banjo: David Wilcox. Drums: Jim Allder. Acoustic guitars: Mike Newey. Flute and percussion: Kate Hoare. Musical consultant: Roger Morgan. Many thanks. Yours in ABC David Wilcox

16th October 2017 organised by Bob Whiston ABC Casino Night. Beginners to Advanced. Castle Hill Casino, 10 Castle Hill, Dudley, DY1 4QQ 7.45pm for 8.00pm

Staff were available to show everyone how to play each game. How much you bet is up to you, free entry to the casino. You do not need to become a casino member to play unless you want to gamble over £1,200

Dress code is smart casual but no shorts please. Food and drink available. All welcome, it’s as easy as ABC. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU MUST REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT or photo ID if you look under 25

Skittles + AGM - (Our clubs ninety eighth meeting since chartered). Queens Head, Enville Street, A458, Stourbridge, DY8 3TQ. Tuesday 19th September 2017 7:30pm £ Free. Historic Pub. We were the first club to use their new skittles alley/room!

The AGM was a great success, Mike spent a couple of minutes going over some of the highlights. New officers were elected with great enthusiasm: Charman = Matt Upcott Vice Chair = Tony Smith Existing officers re-elected also enthusiastically. Secretary = Tim Prior. Treasurer = Paul Jay. Membership = Bob Whiston. Webmaster = Jonathan Lees. Photographer = Mike Lang. Bob dealt with our club business followed by encouragement to attend other local national and international events.
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Defence Class - 14th August 2017 James very kindly ran this night for FREE and reorganised one of his usual classes, slightly active after all thats what the “A” in ABC stands for. Organised by Ian Povey

Tuesday 27th June 2017 Organised by - Tony Smith - Shooting Up A CLAY PIGEON SHOOT At OAKEDGE on the A 513 out of Rugeley towards Stafford [ just past the Wolsley Arms pub] ST17 0XS www.oakedgeshootingground.co.uk £25 for 25 clays, gun and cartridges

Wrens Nest Dudley - Monday 15th May 2017 “WE HUNTED THE DUDLEY BUG” – 6:15pm We joined warden Ian Beech guided walk around the Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve, Wrens Hill Road, Dudley, DY1 3SB. We learnt how Dudley used to be under a tropical sea, find your own fossils to take home. Afters, we had booked a table at 9:00 pm at Mad O’Rourkes Pie factory, Hurst Lane Tipton, DY4 9AB. Were any horny enough to tackle a Desperate Dan's Cow Pie - The World Famous Meal in a Pie – four pounds all-up-weight complete with reinforced table? Organised by David Wilcox

Holdens Brewery Tour - 10th April 2017 Then I have arranged with Mandy at the Park Inn to do some "Hot Pork Sandwiches" on Crusty Bread for us after the tour and we can enjoy a tipple or two also in a traditional black country pub. The cost of the tour is £12.50 which includes a commemorative glass and a bottle of Holden's finest black country beer. Organised by Stuart Drake.

20th March 2017 - A guided tour of CMC classic cars. Thank you so much for the tremendous interest in this evening – I have managed to get them to extend numbers to 30. I have now taken 31 bookings so we really are full and I am sorry to say can’t take any more bookings – really sorry but it’s a popular evening!! - Thank you again to Tim Prior Bridgenorth, who has organised his second meeting for us this year. This was GREAT OPPORTUNITY to have a look around one of the UK’s most respected Car Restorers in the UK. Classic Motor Cars Restore Jaguars (Primarily) but also have restored Ferrari’s, Aston Martin’s, Rolls Royce and many many more Classic Cars. I was fortunate to be able to arrange an evening tour of their works on Stanmore in Bridgnorth on Mon 20th March 2017. The venue is : Building 9, Stanmore Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth WV15 5HP Time 7 pm for 7.30 pm Start. Cost £10 per person. Beer at the Dog at Worfield afterwards Davenport Arms (The Dog), Main Street, Worfield WV15 5LF

In case any of you want to contact CMC to arrange another visit ask Lucy Smallman - CMC lady’s e mail is Lucy Smallman lucy@classic-motor-cars.co.uk should you want to look at booking another evening at CMC

20th February 2017 – BOOK SIGNING. Organised by Tim Prior- A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY To MEET HER AND GET A BOOK SIGNING BY THE ACCLAIMED (Vanessa Thorpe of the Observer) – "THE NEXT J K ROWLING" LOCAL AUTHOR ‘CATHERINE COOPER’ Catherine delightfully gave us an insight into how and why she became an author and how any of us you might too – after all they do say there is a Novel in all of us!? Film Rights have already been negotiated and agreed!! Although by heart she is a teacher. Her passion is to write books that children can read without concerned parents having the worry of them being exposed to inappropriate unsuitable language, but still be engaged and inspired by what they read. The cost of the evening is £8 per person to include a finger buffet at The Danery, Kidderminster Rd, Quatford, Bridgnorth WV15 6QJ – 7.30 for 8pm We had a really good turn out (including many members wifes by popular request) and so made this a Brilliant Start to the ABC 41 Club year!

AVAILABLE NOW... BOOK ONE IN A NEW SERIES - HANGING GATE HALL An Ariadne Adventure

"If you like magic and adventure you will love The Nut of Gold. Pure fantasy. The first volume in the series of the Adventures of Jack Brenin. A very pleasurable read in addition to an exceptional debut". S Horrigan.

The Nut of Gold (available free on Kindle Reader) will have great appeal among those who read the books of J K Rowling and J R R Tolkein. Fantasy Book Review.

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Pub treasure hunt in the Georgian riverside town of Bewdley. Tuesday 17th January. They will be joining Wyre Forest Round Table and anyone else I can think of inviting. ABC Treasure Hunt around Bewdleys wonderful Pubs 19:30 onwards at Mug House. Bewdley. DY12 2EE. Parking on main Bewdley car park. Cost £2 to go towards Wyre Forest Table Membership Initiatives. No food is planned, however the evening will finish at the Wetherspoons which serves good until 11pm (it is also steak night). There is also lots of eating opportunities along the route. ABC will be accompanied by the local Round Table- Wyre Forest RT. Table are also using our meeting a membership night so there may be some first timers there.

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12th December 2016 - Curry in Lye food = 8:30pm - Drinks over road first 7:30pm + Fun Joke Telling Evening bring your best to share and you will be judged. Isha's Indian restaurant in Lye. First Windsor Castle Pub which is directly opposite at 7 Stourbridge Road Lye, DY9 7DG at 7.30 or as early as anyone wishes. There is a good selection of beers and they do 2 pint cardboard carry out containers which people can take to the restaurant if they like although it is also licensed. We decided to order far too much food, massive starters, and ran up a bill including drinks of £24 per head. rather than taking advantage of the set price meal of £10.95 which will provide poppadums, pickles/chutneys, a main course and either rice or naan bread. The house specialty called a Handi more than one person took uneated quatities home. There was parking at the rear of the curry house and also opposite at the pub. The booked 25 places booked went down to 13 with illnesses rife, Cheers, organised by Tim Scott

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Going to Jail - Monday 21st November 2016 Jail Visit Shrewsbury - organised by Andy Hood. Started at 7pm for 2 hours. Cost was £18 per person a rare opportunity as the jail closed last year and will at some point in the future be converted to apartments. MEMBERS! WERE ENCOURAGED TO BRING ALONG FRIENDS TO THIS EVENT The address is The Dana, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HP - although it's very central, right next to the railway station with plenty of pubs and restaurants close by for after the tour the weather was so bad all wanted to head home after. Shrewsbury was in Area 5 remember. Street Parking is available or Shrewsbury Station SY1 2DQ Car park 24hours but you have to pay £4.50

INTERESTING TRIVIA: In 1961 21-year-old George Riley was the last man to be hanged at the Dana prison Shrewsbury

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Quiz Night Monday 17th October 2016 - organised by Neil Rabone - Venue: Making Tracks, Acorn Lodge, 137-149 Vicarage Road, Rood End, Oldbury, B68 8JA Cost: £5.00 being a donation to Acorn Lodge Charity. Making Tracks is a small day service for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. They are a charity group who, as Smethwick & Oldbury Round Table, we were able to support in the past. More details can be found on their website at: http://www.optionsforlife.info/Normaltext/makingtracks.htm The purpose of the evening is to have fun but also raise a few quid for Making Tracks to help them further develop the services they offer to the community, which, as it happens includes my own daughter, Charlotte. It will also give you a better sense of the type of support that is needed by ADULTS with learning disabilities, a group often forgotten about amongst all of the charity fundraising for disabled children

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Monday 19th September 2016 - (Our clubs Eightyseventh meeting since chartered) Ninth Annual General Meeting. organised by Honorary Chairman for 2015/16: Richard Cooper. There seemed a general census to try the Dodge Ball etc. at ‘Boing’ as it was something we had not done before. (7-45pm to 9pm). Note that if you weigh over 120Kg you will not be allowed to participate! After the activity part of the evening the membership moved over the road to the Duke William Public House in Stourbridge Town for the formal AGM. Outgoing Chairman Richard Cooper thanked all who organised each meeting throughout his year and stated what a sucsessful varied and interesing set of events we had all enjoyed. Membership Officer Bob Whiston detailed many of the future arrangements in place for the incoming year. New Chairman Mike Lang thanked Richard for a most successfull year and arranged his officers for the next 12 months as: Officers for 2016/2017 Chairman = Mike Lang. Secretary = Tim Prior. Vice Chair = Matt Upcott. Treasurer = Paul Jay. Membership = Bob Whiston. Webmaster = Jonathan Lees

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Monday 20th June 2016 from 17:30hrs In the Visitors Centre (glass fronted building) we met our guides. A guided tour of hangers 2/3 (Research and War in the Air) and the National Cold War Exhibition was arranged for an 18.00 start. Two knowledgeable guides were on hand taking our group around. The Royal Air Force Museum has 75 aircraft on display in 3 wartime hangers and in the National Cold War Exhibition. Car parking was free of charge. The cost was £10.00 each and included a Souvenir Guide Book Post visit refreshments (last food orders at 21.00) at The Crown, High Street Albrighton, Wolverhampton, WV7 3JA (Just to let you know – the Crown do 2 for the price of 1 on a Monday Night – Steak Night!! For those who may not have eaten - Tim

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TUESDAY 17th May 2016 Organised by Mike Lang. Worcs Norton Shooting Club, Norton Barracks, Brockhill Lane, Norton Worcs WR5 2PP off Jnc 7 of M5. Meet N Greet - registration cost £35 per person (which covered refreshments/loan of safety gear & insurance/ use of guns & ammunition). Tea-coffee on arrival / safety briefing / issue safety equip / meet Range Safety Officers. 7 to 9pm Shoot a selection of Section 1 Firearms under supervision (concluded 9pm latest due to local bye laws). debrief return of safety gear / disperse. Afterwards the pub: The Swan, Old Road, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RL (lovely Pub) http://www.swanatwhittington.com

Glad you enjoyed your evening. From memory you shot / or had the opportunity to shoot the following:- Type of gun - caliber. Ruger 10/22 semi auto rifle - .22 BSA Bolt action singe shot rifle - .22 Marlin Rifle - 38/357 western style under lever rifle. AK47 Rifle - 7.62 rifle. Southern Gun Rifle - .223 M16 Rifle - .223 Taurus Long barrel revolver - 38/357 Mossberg Shotgun - solid slug. Plus several members acting as your hosts additionally brought along their own guns so I dont have a definitive list of what they had on the night.. Hope that this may assist? Look forward to seeing you at another ABC41 Club event in the future. Regards Neil.

Morning both, I know I don't have to ask if your Club members had a good evening last night the grins on every face said it all!! I am aware that there was a slight confusion over names on a couple of certificates I think an incorrect named one was given out in error? If any members would like to email me I can send a replacement. As I am aware you normally meet on a Monday night I regret that I am already committed to my Rotary Club meetings on the same night - however please keep in touch and I would like to participate if event(s) is on another night/day of the week. Best wishes to all, Neil

Hello Neil, Thank you for all your help in organizing a brilliant night of shooting. Using Andrews words, ‘’a few moments in your life are truly memorable our shooting night is definitely one of those moments’’. We will keep you in touch with our meetings. Kind regards, Bob

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Roundhill Water Treatment Works Visit - Organised by Jonathan Lees. A big thank you to Seven Trent Water Authority Wholesale Operations Manager - Mr Paul Acton for allowing us access, and then personally giving up his time to give us a tour for over an hour of this fascinating and essential facility. What a lovely guy, he patiently answered the same question at least 4 times " how long does the water take...." without showing a bit of annoyance, he laughed at all of the jokes when he must have heard them all many times over. A true gentlemen and scholar. An exciting and rather special (if not unique) opportunity to see around the Sewage Treatment Works at Roundhill Stourbridge. DY7 6LU For entrance exactly tell satnav: 52.451125, -2.206389 21 Attended including our brand new National President Barry Durman!

Hi Everyone, Nice to see a number of you last night and thanks to Alan (and Tim) for the pictures. Just a reminder from me that I am available to visit your “other” clubs. Just check the events page on our website which shows all the Presidents diary dates, then send an invite using the booking form on the Presidents page. Also just a reminder that my charity for the year is Shelter and I am hoping that I can persuade as many of you as possible to donate £14.50 for those “less fortunate” – our grace says we should be ever mindful of them, so I am asking for the equivalent of our National subs. In aid of Shelter I am cycling John O Groats to Lands End and going down the A49 on the last Tuesday in July and would love to meet up for fellowship on that night. Ludlow/Leominster area. Keep a look out in the Newsletter and let’s make it a good night of fellowship somewhere. Barry

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Cards Cobs and Cider - A lesson in the oldest card game ever from Ian. 15th February 2016 from 7.30pm, finish 10-10:30pm Location: The Anchor Inn, Caunsall Road, Caunsall, Kidderminster DY11 5YL http://www.theanchorinncaunsall.co.uk

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18th January 2016 - organised by Matt Upcott - Pizza Making! Stourbridge DY8 1DX

Afterwards we went for a pint at the damp fungi smelling Talbot Hotel in Stourbridge.

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Scampi(well atraditional curry night really for all except Russell) and Joke telling Night. The Maverick Public House followed by Indiluxe Restaurant Amblecote - Monday 14th December 2015 organised by Barry Povey

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Royal Monmouth Royal Engineers. The oldest Reserve unit in the British Army. WEDNESDAY 18th November 6:50pm organised by David Wilcox. ABC were invited to visit during 225 Squadron's training night and Major Jim Edwards arranged an interesting and comprehensive programme for us followed by a fork supper and a beer with the officers and senior non-commissioned officers in the Squadron Mess. £10 per head which to cover the catering and possibly a first drink. Dress was Smart casual (for the supper) but also suitable to have a look around some of the Squadron's equipment. At: Gundolf House Army Reserve Centre, Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, West Midlands, B68 8DH. Telephone: 0121 541 420

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Molineux Tour. Organised by Stuart J. Drake. - 19th October 2015 Meet by the Billy Wright statue at 6.45pm latest.

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Organised by our Chairman Andy Worrall We’m gooin on the Buz !!!! On the evening of Monday 21st September 2015 we had a private showing of the Aston Manor Road Transport Museum. Shenstone Drive, Northgate, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8TP website www.amrtm.org Helping to make this a memorable occasion, after looking around we held our AGM actually on a vintage bus! Thank you to all for attending the Transport Museum, £190 being donated to the museum charity. Delightfully the National Vice Chairman, Barry Durman joined us for our night. He made a special request; for classic car drivers to bring along their own Classic Cars. We followed our Bus museum visit by partaking a beer or two at the barless!!:
Manor Arms, Park Road, Walsall WS4 1LG.

ABC 41 Past Round Table Club's 8th AGM. Attendees (from memory): Andy Hood, Paul Daniels, Russell Cleland, Bob Whiston, Tim Prior, Richard Cooper, Barry Durman, Tony Smith, Ben Reid, Mike Lang, Matt Upcott, Steve Glaister, Martin Osborne, Neil Rabone, Neil Bates, Jon Lees, Barry Durman, Stuart Drake. Apologies included: Paul Jay, Andy Worrall, Tim Scott, Harrison Riley, John Ferris. Outgoing Chairman Andy Worrall's statement: "Unfortunately Gentlemen I have to be in France that Evening as we have a Sales Meeting Scheduled for 9.00am the next morning. It does mean however that you wont have to listen to me waffling on about my year in the chair. The Event is sorted and I’m sure Richard and Bob will get you organised. I would therefore like to thank all of you who have organised meetings this year, especially Bob, who always seems to have something planned if there is a shortage of ideas. Keep up the Good work for next year. Thanks to Tim and Paul for keeping the paperwork up to date. Jon for the Website, Mike for the Photography etc. And Rich Cooper my VC for standing in when I’ve not been available, Sorry I missed so many Meetings, It’s not been my best year as most already Know, but onwards and upwards. Good Luck for Next Year all, I look forward to seeing you at the next event. PS this will probably shorten the AGM by another 5 minutes. Best Regards Andy pissedoff.com@reallywantedtodothis.

Officers for next year 2015 - 2016: Chairman - Richard Cooper was formally elected at the AGM. Secretary – Tim Prior has kindly agreed to continue this position and was approved at the AGM. Membership – Bob Whiston has kindly agreed to continue this position and was approved at the AGM. Web Master – Jon Lees has kindly agreed to continue this position and was approved at the AGM. Treasurer – Paul Jay has kindly agreed to continue this position and was approved at the AGM. Vice Chairman – Mike Lang has kindly agreed to continue this position and was approved at the AGM.

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On Monday the 17th August 2015 we had a casual Guided Tour with gardening tips as ABC went Green, accompanied by some wifes and visitors, organiser Bob Whiston. at: "Westacres", Wolverhampton Road, Prestwood, Near Stourbridge
Worcestershire, DY7 5AN. Gardens open for charity. NGS – National Gardens Scheme. Donation £5.00 It is a ¾-acre plant collector’s garden, with unusual plants and many different varieties of acers, hostas, shrubs. Woodland walk, large koi pool. 3m W of Stourbridge. A449 in between Wall Heath (2m) & Kidderminster (6m). Ample parking Prestwood Nurseries (next door). Described by a visitor in the visitors book as 'A garden which we all wished we could have, at least once in our lifetime'. http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/find-a-garden/garden.aspx?id=19772 This was followed by Drink (and food for those who wanted it) Whittington Arms Inn, A449, Whittington, nr. Kinver DY7 6NY

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Lake Fishing 15th June 2015 - organised by Neil Bates. We joined Master Baits for an evening of coarse entertainment at: The Willow Marsh Fishery in Shenstone, Kidderminster - see www.willowmarshfishing.co.uk for more details. As beginners we were catered for excellently by the real anglers will be on hand to help. Equipment supplied. For the first time in 20 years we were also be able to compete for the Master Bates trophy !! Traditionally handed to the biggest w***** of the evening. Almost mid summer’s eve in the glorious English countryside, what could have been better. Afterwards, tall stories of the one that got away was swapped at the Plough a local ale house serving Bathams!. - Cost £15- All bait/tackle provided. - Bacon sandwiches were excellent (extra cost)

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18th May 2015 SPEEDWAY WOLVERHAPMTON organised by Nick Hingley. We enjoyed a fabulous evening of thrills and spills at Monmore Green Speedway on Monday 18th May when Wolverhampton Wolves face King's Lynn Stars in an Elite League tie. There are three tiers of speedway in the UK of which the Elite League is the top tier, and Wolves and King's Lynn well established teams. Our package included a guided tour of the pits, an opportunity to meet the riders plus a rare chance to watch the racing from the unique perspective of the centre green! All this is available at a specially discounted entrance price of £13.50 including programme for our group of over 20. The first race is at 7.30pm was marred by a rainstorm and dramatic spin offs of riders. We though it might get abandoned as has happened in the past due to the wet, but the riders stoically raced anyway. Stadium address: Ladbroke Stadium, Sutherland Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV2 2JJ. Wolves ride in the Elite League (the top league of three British leagues) and have current World Champion Tai Wooffinden in their team, although Kings Lynn beat them soundly tonight.

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Artist Painting - organised by Tim Prior. This painting course on Monday 28th April 2015 ‘Paint My Way’ was brilliant. At Worfield Village Hall – near Bridgnorth - WV15 5NS. We all started with a blank canvas and the tutor took the group through the various stages of building up a scene and within 2 ½ hrs we all ended up with our own pictures created ourselves. Info from the company:- The workshops are suitable for people from the age of 5 years upwards who have never held a brush in their hand before through to people who have painted for years. If you have always painted using tiny details this may be the thing for you it will help you loosen up and be free, take a look at the students snaps page of my website and see for yourself! All the materials needed to complete a 16in x 20in painting are supplied (some workshops may vary in canvas size) the paints which depending on the workshop subject— will be oils or acrylic paint, high quality box canvas, brushes and most importantly the tea, coffee and biscuits ! The detailed instruction is step by step—-everything is explained as I show you how to use each brush. I will show you how to load the brush with paint and how to apply it to the canvas. Each painting turns out different to the next persons as everyone interprets what I show them differently from the next person. The classes are very laid back as well as being informative, as a rule I only have a maximum of 14 students each time so I can give lots of attention to everyone. Many students come back again and again.

Dear All, This is was a GREAT evening! – all were surprised at the Artist that lies within!!! Diane Jennings operates her business called ‘Paint My Way’ and has done so for 20 years or more by teaching complete novices how to create a MASTERPIECE in just 3 hours !! – a bit of artistic licence here!! but certainly at the end of 3 hours we all had a presentable painting to take home. The Cost was a special price of only £25 per person which included canvas and paints. Teacher = Diane Jennings 01584 872013 or 07800902488

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Glass Museum Visit 16th - March 2015 - organised by Geoff Gray. Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 9NS. It will began at 7pm and took approximately 2 1/2 hours although many wanted longer! The cost was around £10 per person. All were welcome, including guests. The museum is situated on the south side of Kingswinford town centre, just off the A491 Stourbridge to Wolverhampton road. Follow the brown tourist signs for 'Glass Museum'. There is free car parking. SAT NAV: DY6 9NS

Afterwards we vised Sean Smith's (R.I.P.) favourite watering hole-The Park Tavern in Cot Lane, Kingswinford! great to see you all there Geoff

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TUESDAY 17th - February 2015 organised by - Richard Cooper Indoor Archery with Frankley Bowman Club (same people as last time but different venue) Venue will be at Redhill School (in the hall) – Junction Road, Stourbridge DY8 1JX. 7-30pm to 9-00pm. Target shooting, game of darts with arrows + shooting at 3D animal targets. Cost – Approx £10 - £12 depending on numbers. Afterwards – Walk to Local Pub (to be determined).

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Night Watch - A friend of mine from my musical past is part of a duo called The Night Watch and they do an evening which will involve them talking about historic musical instruments, demonstrating them and giving us a chance for a hands on try on some of the less delicate ones. Songs, instruments and culture.Venue; The new Cradley Heath Liberal Club, 60 Upper High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5HU. Monday 19th January 2015 for 8pm, upstairs room, downstairs bar. Cost £5.00 each - a genuinely real bargain for these talented gentlemen. Private car park, modern building. The Night Watch played ‘early music’. This means songs and dance tunes from the 12th century (the earliest we have in Europe) to the end of the 17th century. This covers the medaeval (12th–15th centuries), renaissance (15th– early 17th century), and early baroque (17th century) periods. As always guests were very welcome. Booked and organised by Neil Ramone

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8pm - 15th December 2014 - Curry Night - Party hats were worn! ASKA Balti Restaurant, 53 High St, DY9 8LQ LYE. http://azkarestaurant.com/ Ranked #1 of 106 Restaurants in Stourbridge Tripadvisor Four Course Meal £10… wide choice of dishes! We brought along our own drinks and party hat or cap, noting that ASKA sells soft drinks only. Jon did a caption competition of compromised pictures of our Chairman Andy that most members joined in with, won by Martin O... Prizes of incalcuable value were also awarded for the best jokes of the evening as judged by Bob. By special request, some very keen members will met first at the Windsor Castle Inn, 7 Stourbridge Road LYE DY9 7DG For pre meal drinks, from 6.30pm onwards http://www.windsorcastleinn.co.uk/ Organised by Bob. This meeting is from an original idea by Richard Cooper

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Indoor Cricket - organised by Andy Hood. At the Wolverhampton Sports Arena, Racecourse Road, Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton, WV6 0QU. 17th November 2014 8pm. We needed 16 for 2 teams of 8, we got far more than that and even had spare spectators.

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20th October 2014 - organised by Mike Lang. A visit to Westbeach Flight Academy, Halfpenny Green Airport. Chocks away 19:00 - Local pub afterwards. We found out what it takes to Pilot an aeroplane, be it as a Private Pilot or going all the way to Commercial Pilot, at the regions Premier Flight Training School and Aviation Club. We got up close and personal with a whole fleet of light aircraft including a twin engine DA-42 (top left). We found out what all those dials are actually for!! Guest too were most welcome.

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15th September 2014 - (plus AGM) organised by Harrison Riley.Visit to Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Road, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN. Afterwards we went for a pint or two at The Garden Room - Hagley Road, Birmingham. Welcome to our newest member Stuart Drake Ex-Tabler from Seisdon

Harrison passing the Chairmanship onto Mr Andy Worrall 15th September 2014. AGM Notes: New Committee for 2014/2015. Chair = Andy Worral. Secretary = Tim Prior. Vice Chair = Richard Cooper. Treasurer = Paul Jay. Membership Officer = Bob Whiston. Official Photographer = Mike Lang. Webmaster = Jonathan Lees

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The Black Arrows - Organised by Airman Russell Cleland (Retired). No dress code, just your usual shorts are fine. This is an informal evening and as it is the 50th anniversary of the Red Arrows I thought that perhaps the club would like to know where it all started with 111 (F) Squadron (Black Arrows) which was part of my youth about a hundred years ago. 18th August 2014

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Hole-in-one - Netherton Canal Tunnel Walk. 21st July 2014 – 7.00pm start. It was a little damp inside (up to an inch deep in places!) so good shoes/boots and a torch were a must. organised by Ian Povey afterwards we went to The Old Swan for a beer (or in one case a couple of cobs)

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AN EXTRA EVENT TO OUR MAIN MEETING IN TWO WEEKS THAT ABC 41 CLUB MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ENJOY: 7/7 Night. 7:00pm on 7th July 2014 (or even "7ups" if you are driving). Open to anyone who fancied marking the Anniversary of Dudley 7's. This year as it was a Monday on 7th July a few might be up for it. Geoff spoke to me about this the other day and suggested we might do the Wollaston Run. There are some great Pubs, starting at 7.00pm then walking around a few pubs if possible, in memory of Sean and Ian Denning who joined us at the last one but sadly died earlier this year... If anyone needs food, apparently Graham's Place should be able to oblige... As response so far not prolific and I understand the reasons given. The plan was that a few of us (and it is a few) are going to meet in the Foresters on Wollaston high street for an informal couple of drinks and a stroll down the high street, we will meet on the 7th at 7 o'clock but will certainly not do seven beers or even 7 pubs but thought it might be nice to mark the occasion, anyone who wants to join us will be most welcome. Otherwise I should 'see' you down the tunnel. Regards Andy

Jon’s alternate suggested route began with Andy & Geoff where we: Started early at 7 minutes to 7pm in: 1. The Gate Hangs Well – a normal type pub with an old feel. Several hundred yds up the hill to: 2. The Foresters Arms – met up with Matt and his son. Over road headed down to: 3. The Plough Inn – Excellent Pub Grub + some real ales. Onto Wollaston on right: 4. The Unicorn Inn – Bathams Beer at its very best. We then scotched the plan to do a few more and ended up staying where we were for scratchings and a few pints - so 7 drinks were achieved!

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Clay Pigeon Shoot - A Different Venue This Time in Beautiful Countryside. 16th - June 2014 - organised by Tony Smith cost was £25 per person, which includes 25 cartridges, clays, gun hire and instruction. venue: Oakedge shooting ground Wolseley bridge Staffordshire ST17 0XS www.oakedgeshootingground.co.uk Brief directions as follows: Leave rugeley heading for Stafford on A513 and follow brown signs for Shrugborough. Take the left fork at the Wolsley bridge island (nice pub) and the shooting ground is the first thing you come to on the left. No food or drink included in the cost but a nice local pub is near.

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An Introduction to Magic - 19th - May 2014 - organised by Matt Upcott. Venue ‘The House of Magic (UK)’ 80 Brook Street, Stourbridge, DY8 3XB www.houseofmagicuk.com Followed by a pint in the ‘Plough & Harrow’ Worcester Street, Stourbridge. 1hr and 45 minutes of ‘Magic’ tuition from the proprietor and magician - Stuart Millward Followed by a short 15 minute ‘Magic Show’ performed by the local ‘Magician’ Cost £15 per person which included a free booklet that covers everything that has been taught during the lesson (to practise at home) a free pack of cards and a free magic trick.

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Introduction to the art of Fencing - 14th April 2014 7.15pm - for an 7.30pm start, organised by Barry Povey. Venue – Pedmore Technology College, Grange Lane, Pedmore Stourbridge, DY9 7HS http://www.stourbridgefencingclub.co.uk/
A short video and talk on the introduction to Fencing followed by a practical taster session. Cost of hall hire equated to £7.00 each. Our excellent and interesting instructor "Peter Baron" advised that we wore a pair of trainers in gym, also loose trousers (not tight jeans). After this - just half mile down the road is a well-known ‘Real Ale Pub’ ‘Shovel Inn The Lye‘ for a quick pint (or two). http://www.theshovelinn.co.uk/

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8:00pm, 17th - March 2014 - organised by Paul Jay. WALSALL CRICKET CLUB, GORWAY ROAD, WALSALL, WS1 3BE 20.00 OR EARLER IF THERE IS A FOOTBALL MATCH (SKY)? BEER AND SKITTLES AND POOL
TOURNAMENT WITH A FISH & CHIPS SUPPER. COSTS THE FOOD - BOOK IN WITH PAUL JAY WITH WHAT FOOD YOU WANT FROM A CHIP SHOP.

It was brilliant to have a visit from our National Executive RTBI Secretary Manny Martins who drove up from Portsmouth (over 150 miles) just to be with us this evening, offering great advice, terrible jokes, and even worse skittle playing. Delightful to see him, what a guy! Thank you to Paul Jay for organising a very successful ABC meeting last night, with 18 enjoying an evening of Chips & Skittles. Yours in ABC Bob

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Caught by the Goulies in Dudley - 7:30pm for 8pm Wednesday 12th February 2014 - organised by Bob Whiston. Tickets are now sold out for this Dudley Ghost Tour. From an original idea, by ABC member, Ian Povey. I have purchased 13 tickets for the difficult to get Dudley Ghost Tour, So on the night please pay Bob.Starts at 8pm, for 2 hrs. cost £8.20 each, (includes booking fee), admission by ticket only. Meet any time from 7.30pm onwards for a drink (spirits of course) at the Station Hotel Castle Hill Dudley. Join the Dudley Ghost Tour, starting and finishing in the Station Hotel, one of the most haunted buildings in the town, at the bottom of Castle Hill, Dudley. Various haunted sites around the town are then visited, including Dudley Castle itself, meeting a few of the "ghosts" of Dudley along the way. http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/events-and-experiences/ghost-walks. PS this is an outside, cold event, without planed food. Due to various staircases and the nature of the terrain, it is not recommended for people with walking difficulties, or a heart condition. Sensible shoes are recommended - and an umbrella if raining! You may bring a torch, if you are at all nervous about the Castle grounds. For reasons of health and safety, the maximum number of people allowed on any tour is 32. You may bring a still image camera. In fact, digital photography is positively encouraged! Although Video Cameras are not allowed. MAP https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?aq=0&q=station+hotel+dudley&safe=active&ie=UTF-8&hl=en

We had a great night, very windy, no real rain, a full moon, Dudley Castle and Zoo was very atmospheric. Only Tim actually witnessed a ghost!

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Blokes Cinema Evening - The Cinema visit was successful, I am not sure you should call the film (cert 15) entertaining; it was very disturbing, harrowing and violent!!! Some ten ABC members, including one members wife, who was celebrating her birthday that night, watched the film; 12 nights a slave. We could not take our usual photographs so here are some stills from the film and the original flyer. ABC meeting Monday 20th January 2014. ABC is going to the Cinema. The Movies - The Flicks - The Pictures. 12 Years a Slave. Book in with Bob Whiston.Empire - Birmingham Great Park, Bristol Road South, Rednal, Rubery Great Park, Birmingham - ??20:30 (8:30pm), Meet up say 8pm+ at the Cinema to buy tickets/ Popcorn etc. You can take in drinks and food. ?2hr 13min?? - Rated 15?? - Drama?? - English? Director: Steve McQueen - Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garrett Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scott McNairy, Lupita Nyong'o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty at the hands of a malevolent slave owner, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.

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9th December 2013- organised by Neil Rabone. Library of Birmingham 7:00pm followed by Frankfurt Market 8:00pm. Our December meeting was going to be broken into two sections:
Library of Birmingham – 7:00-8:00pm. Opened only this year it is a stunning addition to the architecture of the area. Guided tours of the Library were full booked, but we went on our own self-guided tour using the brochure and maps provided.

Frankfurt Christmas Market – 8:00-9:00pm: This market has run for the last 12 years and has become a centrepiece of Birmingham’s Christmas events. The number of stalls seems to increase every year – with around 190 this year, there was be plenty to see and opportunities to buy Christmas presents. We partook in the German beer, Gulhwein, and kebabs. Although many serving staff if foreign were polish rather than German?

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18th November 2013 - Pool Competition at Kidderminster, organised by Ian Povey. Cue and Brew Sports, Prospect Hill, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1PA www.cueandbrew.co.uk (next to Wyre Forest glades swimming pool). Car parking was available opposite on the public car park, free after 6:30pm Http://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/cms/transport,-streets-and-parking/parking/car-parks-in-wyre-forest/bromsgrove-street-car-park---b.aspx Two English Pool Tables were booked for 7:30pm until 10pm. Event was free apart from a pound on the side. Ian drew up a knockout tournament for added fun. A dartboard was available later on for those who wanted to participate in a game of killer, but as it turned out this was not needed.

The winning team, presented with their "booty" by Chairman Harrison. Well done Ian for organising a superb evening. So inexpensive too, most impressive.

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Halpenny Green, Enville Wines - Organised by Ben Reid. 14th October 2013 Tour, Winetasting, and a Meal for only £19.95

What a super evening. Thank you Ben for organising this, it was enjoyed immensly by all. YIABC Jon

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Craddocks Brewery Visit Stourbridge Duke William - 23rd September 2013 7:30pm for an exclusive 8:00pm Tour. We enjoyed a fabulous opportunity to see around this 4 barrel brewery within Stourbridge Ringroad at the back of the Duke William pub which opened in March 2011. We tasted the different brews and the minor cost of £8.00 included two free pints of our favourite in the excellent pub after too. Supposedly organised by outgoing Chairman Jonathan Lees, in truth all of the real donkeywork was done by Tim Scott for his July meeting in the summer which was postponed to tonight. Even the onerous task of collecting in the money was taken over by Bob most kindly for the evening, and the subs, therefore Jon did very little at all! [I did not know that Yom yom yom - very nice Beer – I liked the ‘Mad Sheep’ brew! - Jon]

1. The minutes of the last AGM were approved even though they hadn’t been circulated – in Andy’s (Worrall) defence he did say that they were put on the website a year ago so everyone had had long enough to raise any issues – proposed Andy Seconded Jon – All in favour

2. Jon then went on to thank his exec for their help and support during the year and then thanked everyone for supporting the events. Jon at least had enjoyed the year! Jon as ‘Web Master’ then went on to tell us that the site had had 5,233 hits to date – this is probably one or two of our more forgetful members?!

3. Secretary’s Report – My report is non-essential & avoidable therefore I appeal for Max Brevity ensuring the minimum number of words, thus keeping to the Sovereign essence without division, embellishment or procrastination and without repetition, therefore a NIL Report was submitted.

4. Membership Report – Bob welcomed 3 new members, namely; Ian Povey, Barry Povey and Matthew Upcott – welcome. Bob collected £13 membership of everyone including the new members before they changed their minds!! Bob advised us all to look at the website shortly as the new ROTA of event organisers will be updated very soon

5. Jon then handed over the Chair to his Vice; Harrison, who happily accepted the Chairmanship for the next 12 months. Harrison then thanked Jon for a Great Year and he was looking forward to taking the reins!!

6. Election of Officers: Vice Chair – Andy Worrall. Secretary – Tim Prior. Web Master – Jon Lees. Membership – Bob Whiston. Treasurer – Paul Jay. Official Photographer – Mike Lang.

7. Date & Time of Next Meeting. Ben Reid is organising the October meeting at the Halfpenny Green Vineyards but apparently a lot of people are away for the date so Andy Worrall was asked to contact Ben to see if the meeting could be postponed by a week – TBA

Congratulations to our new Active Backcountry 41 Club Chairman, Harrison Riley and our new ABC Vice Chairman Andy Worrall. Congratulations to three new members who joined ABC at the AGM, namely; Barry Povey, Matt Upcott and Ian Povey.Twelve members paid subs (£13) at the AGM, other members can pay direct to our ABC treasurer Paul Jay or to Bob Whiston (who will pass on subs to Paul) over the coming meetings. This is the meetings rota for the coming year as detailed on our ABC website. If you have a problem with a date, let Bob know and we will swap members around. Usually our meetings are the 3rd Monday of the month but we can accommodate change. - October 2013 – Ben Reid. - November 2013 - Chris Edwards. - December 2013 (9th) - Neil Rabone. - January 2014 - Mark Heys. - February 2014 - Lee Humphries - March 2014 - Paul Jay. - April 2014 - Gez Green. - May 2014 - Matt Upcott. - June 2014 - Tony Smith. x July 2014 x No Formal Meeting x. - August 2014 - Russell Cleland. - September 2014 - (plus AGM) Harrison Riley. - October 2014 - Mike Lang. - November 2014 - Andy Hood. - December 2014 - Trevor Whittall. - January 2015 - Richard Cooper. - February 2015 - Neil Rabone. - March 2015 - Geoff Gray. - April 2015 - Tim Prior. - May 2015 - Nick Hingley. - June 2015 - Neil Bates

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Walk in Hagley - Monday August 19th 2013. Time 7.00pm Cost £0.00 Country Walk. We met in the overspill car park at rear of the Lyttelton Arms, Bromsgrove Road, Hagley, nr Stourbridge, DY9 9LJ. http://www.thelytteltonarms.co.uk/ Some more dressed for a country walk than others, for a one hour 2 ½ miles walk over pastures, lanes and fields over relatively flat ground. To burn off circa 384 calories, none were lost due to Bobs expert sheperding care (although he had the most unusual sheep dog, it looked more like the blach cousin of TinTin's dog Snowy). We were accompanied by guests, neighbours, and prospectives alike. Our trip passed Field House, the Woodman pub (now French Hen), Lower Clent, a too friendly horse, some sheep, over Gallows Brook, over a stile or two. We saw the real Badgers Set close to Hagley Hall. We met the odd ex-Tabler (no names but he is the club secretary) after 8pm in the Lyttleton Arms for a drink. Our great thanks to the excellent organiser and guide Bob Whiston who even thoughtfully supplied us beforehand with bottles of the hard stuff for those that wanted.

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17th June 2013 - organised by Martin Osborne - Factory Visit . We were royally hosted, plied with drinks from the fridge, and nibbles were put out - what a treat. Then we were delighted by a fascinating talk and visual computer display by MD Peter Wooldridge, recent past Chairman and President of Bewdley Round Table. We then had a full tour of Quantum Mouldings Ltd. www.Quantummouldings.co.uk. Quantum work in GRP and make a fascinating array of stuff. In a previous life they were a car making company building kit cars – a few of which I still see running around the district. They are just off the Stourbridge Ring Road on 133 Enville Street. DY8 3TD. Time 7:30pm

Afterwards we had a bathams or two at The Unicorn Inn in Wollaston on Bridgnorth Road, DY8 3NX. Just ½ a mile away.

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QUEST - 20th May 2013 Merry Hill. £15 per person, for 90 mins of activities. Rough Run through – · 7:25 Scheduled arrival time (Meet at Quest reception desk - Just inside Main Entrance in Debebenhams Car Park End). · 7:30 Meet and Welcome from Quest Staff + Ropes Preparation. · 7:40 Commence Harnessing and Ropes Briefing and Start 1st Activity. · 8:20 Stagger Off Ropes and onto 2nd Activity (Crazy Golf). · 8:45 End Second Activity. · 8:45 Demonstration time for other activities. (NERF Arena/Gallery). 9:00 Off to The Vine (Bull & Bladder) for a well earned pint of Bathams. Organised by Richard Cooper

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Tiger Helicopters - Appreciation Evening - (Our club's fiftieth meeting since chartered). Organised by John Ferris. A most interesting visit was enjoyed by a dozen members of our Active Black Country Past Round Table (41) Club. Monday 15th April 2013 at 8pm. A visit to Tiger Helicopters at Shobon Aerodrome in Herefordshire HR6 9NR. Although some distance from the core ABC territory the visit was well worth it as it was a rare chance of a lifetime to touch and get close to these aircraft, and receive a fascinating talk from Director Alan Ramsden. Tiger Helicopters has one of the most advanced helicopter pilot training facilities in the UK and as such, trains pilots for International police forces and the military as well as our own alongside anyone who wants to obtain their private pilots license. An excellent cold buffet was included during the visit. Cost was £10.00 which included food and a allowed us to make a £100 donation to (most appropriately) the Air Ambulance charity nominated by the managing director of Tiger. We finished up at a local pub The Bateman Arms which is situated on the perimeter of the Aerodrome. Potential members and guests were most welcome. It was great to have a large group from Bridgenorth Ex-Tablers club join us too.

Thank you John for another different and fascinating evening organised by your good self. Lovely buffet agan. Raising money for Air Ambulance too what a great idea, well done. YIABC Chairman Jon.

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Kiddermister Carpet Museum - Evening Visit, Demonstrations and Talk. A most interesting visit was enjoyed by a dozen members of our Active Black Country Past Round Table (41) Club. Possibly the most knowledgable speaker on the subject of Kidderminster Carpets in the word Mr Melvyn Thompson who has written a number of books on the field was kind enough to give us all a wonderful taster of what the industry was and still is about. Accompanied by a strong team of experts who powered up the machines and showed us real Carpet actually being made on these classic showpieces. We also had a privilaged demonstration of the hand looms and enjoyed many other exhibits during our private showing. What a treat. Organised by Honorary Chairman Jonathan Lees he thanked the staff of the museum for opening this Tuesday evening 19th March 2013 especially for us. Most members stated they would be going back with others for a more detailed visit in the future. Afterward we had the odd drink at the Boars Head, a unique experience in itelf with wonderful crazy staff and friendly patrons. Stour Vale Mill/Green Street, Kidderminster DY10 1AZ

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Monday 18th February 2013 - 10 Pin Bowling Dudley 7:30pm one round then off to a local Pub for fellowship. It was enjoyed immensly by all members, once we had broken the lanes and clogged up all of their balls in the machinery, so we did just the one round then went to the Lamp Inn Dudley. Organiser: Paul Daniels

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Warley Model Railway Club - Unit 1F, Pearsall Drive, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 2RA. On Tuesday 22nd January 2013 despite the snow and freezing conditions many members of ABC41 Club were made very welcome indeed by the enthusiastic members of Warley Model Railway Club. First we had a fascinating talk about the history of this model train club and heard how it has a strong membership, and how it is responsible for annually taking over one of the massive NEC halls to put on a rally for enthusiasts who come from all around the world. As a hobby it appeals to both world famous stars and both men and boys from all backgrounds alike. We learnt the difference in track guages and how diverse the hobby is. We then were shown some of the superb layouts under contruction, most working before our eyes. It was delightful to see the care taken by club members of the impressive apparatus. Well done Bob for arranging this for us, as always an interesting different inspiring evening. Afterwards we sampled the delights of ales available at the Weatherspoons Pub - Court of Requests, Church St. Oldbury

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Bewdley Brewery Visit - December 2012 Well done Trevor and Bob for organising such a super evening. It was enjoyed very much by us all. The talk was excellent. The Worcestershire Way beer we sampled was excellent. The Chillie Con Carne was really tasty and hot. In every was the experience was a fabulous success. The £5.00 we each paid has gone to charity as the beer and food was supplied free by the brewer owners - thank you very much. I have even earned many brownie points since due to the crate of mixed beer we brought back home for my wife. My Dad thanks you all for making him so welcome as a visitor, and said when we went to the pub afterward that it was many years since he had gone to a pub with a sizeable group of men only. He had almost forgotten what that was like.

Cheers to you all for making it a great night. Thank you Mike again as always for supplying a pictoral record of our meeting. YIABC Jon

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19th November 2012. Dominoes at the Anchor Inn (Bob and Jon’s Local). Scoring was Fives and Threes, a traditional pub or cribbage game. We all picked it up in 5 mins. Food: We sampled the Anchors amazing cobs,as people travel from all over the midlands to have a cob and a pint in this real ale and real cider pub. The Beer and Cider on offer is first class and choice extensive. The Anchor Inn at Caunsall Road, Caunsall, Near Kidderminster, DY11 5YL Parking was on the quiet road and pub car park. 7.15pm for 8pm, but there was no problem with anyone coming after then. http://www.theanchorinncaunsall.co.uk/ 5 & 3 scoring as follows: 3 - 1 point. 5 - 1 point. 6 - 2 points (two threes). 9 - 3 points (three threes). 10 - 2 points (two fives). 12 - 4 points (four threes). 15 - 8 points (three fives and five threes). 18 - 6 points (six threes). 20 - 4 points (four fives). Note this meeting replaced the advertised ABC meeting (trains) which will now take place in the New Year. Organised by: Bob Whiston

Thank you Bob for organising such a superb evening on such short notice. I know the ethos of abc41club was to avoid us all becoming a bunch of old farts only meeting up at pubs occationally to drink beer and play dominoes, so this was a great rebellious idea even against out own constitution to do just that. The anarchist spirit of ex-tablers has not been lost. Well done. We all look forward to doing the original scheduled event of mini train spotting at some future juncture. Cheers. YIABC Jon Lees Chairman. Decent looking Cobs on the side there Jon Hectic pace this evening Friendly place this pub.

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Horseracing October 2012 organised by Andy Worrall at Wolverhampton. What a superb evening. The planning and organising of the evening as expected was perfect by Andy, well done Sir, thank you. How lovely to meet some of our members wives / partners too, perhaps we can do this at other suitable evenings in the future again? All I spoke to said they had a most enjoyable time indeed. Yours in continued friendship, Hon. Chairman Jon

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Temple Lodge Masonic Education Evening - organised by Andy Hood. Tonight we had a most interesting insight into the rituals and what the Masons organisation was about. Members of Temple Lodge treated us to an excellent buffet, then afterward donned some of their regalia - told us what it meant to them, and told us in a most professionally slick prepared ceremony about some of what they do at their meetings, what was the values and ethos of their club, any why so many chose to join Masons over the centuries. We learnt some of their history, duties, charitable works, and commitments. + ABC 41 Club 5th AGM. Afterward we agreed who was to do what in our club over the next 12 months. The Batton offfice of Chairman is passed from Tim Prior to Jonathan Lees. CHAIRMAN JON'S ROUGH NOTES MADE DURING THIS 5th AGM Active Black Country 41 Club AGM Monday 17th September 2012. Agenda : 1. Welcome Done Tim Prior. 2. Vice Chairman’s Report Nil Jon Lees. 3. Secretary’s Report All Ok Andy Worrall. 4. Treasurers report Carried out by Bob Whiston on behalf of PJ. 5. International Report Nil Neil Bates. 6. Membership Report Nil Harrison Riley. 7. Honorary Webmasters’s Report 4383=1140hits this yr Jon Lees. 8. Chairman’s Report Committee & meeting organisers thanked, complimentary statements on every month given Tim Prior. 9. Installation of new Chairman Jonathan Lees Tim Prior. 10. Pre Election addresses by nominees in alphabetical order Nil. 11. Election and Installation of Officers (as below) Jon Lees. 12. AOB International Officer post removed. Fellowship post role name added to Membership Officer. 13. Close Nil. Vice Chairman Harrison Riley. Secretary Tim Prior. Membership & Fellowship Officer Bob Whiston. Webmaster Jon Lees. Treasurer (alleged to be happy to continue) Paul Jay. Minutes of AGM 19th September 2011. The Meeting was held at The 10 Pin Bowling evening organised by Bob Whiston and the minutes were prepared and uploaded on to the ABC Website at that time, no alterations or omissions have been since reported. Andy Worrall Secretary 2011/12 Tim Prior Chairman 2011/12. Official Agenda & Minutes that were Circulated Beforehand to all membership by Hon. Secretary Andy: From here you shall be taken to a place of excruciation...It has to be one of you who's turn it is to do the washing up, I did it last time.

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NFL Motorcycling - organised by Mike Lang Monday 20th August 2012. So where do the batteries go? This will be a le-mans running start Everybody say vroom vroom
What a magnificent evening. Good weather, great company, interesting experience, pleasant staff, working motorcycles and scooters, proper safety equipment, all followed by decent beer next to a brewery. Well done Mike for organising yet another excellent Active Black Country Past Round Table (41) Club exciting adventure. On behalf of all of us there Mike, thank you. YIABC Jon

Thanks Jon! Just very happy that everyone had a good time and what a great bunch of people the NFL guys and girls were!! YIABC Mike

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Dudley 7/7 Pub Crawl -&th July 2012. Good morning Andy/Geoff, On behalf of the club I sincerely thank you for organising the Dudley 7s commemorative pub crawl this year. It embraced the true spirit of Table, all there enjoyed some great fellowship, and those of us unfamiliar with Bilston saw places we have never seen before. Well done for resurrecting a great idea. The toast to Sean especially was most appropriate, thinking of him brought back some great memories of times and events we spent together, all who knew him genuinely miss him, I believe he would have soundly approved of the association of this event with his name. Sorry for me being a lightweight, and bailing out on the last pub, but it took two weeks of begging to get my wife to agree to take me and pick me up afterwards so I did not wish to be later than I asked her to get me. Naturally I did toast you all with another pint when I got home to complete the 7. Look forward to seeing you both again at the next ABC41 club meeting organised by Mike, on two wheels, check our website www.abc41club.com for detail. YIABC Jon

Morning Gents. Tim asked me to drop you all a line after Saturday...... Just a quick Email to thank those of you who supported the Dudley 7’s event. A lovely afternoon of old fashioned Round Table Fellowship was had by all, the Pub takings in Bilston were bolstered by our efforts, and we managed to avoid the rain. I’m sure Sean would have approved. It was a shame we couldn’t have got a few more out,but maybe next year, I understand Saturday is not the best day to abandon the Family. Thanks to Geoff for doing the organising, I can’t take any credit for this one, he had it all well in hand before I got involved. Thanks also to those of you who have sponsored me for my Bike Ride on Saturday.. See you all at the next Meeting, if I can walk again by then.... Best Regards Andy W. [Andy, I didn't do much organising! Geoff]

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Clay Pigeon Shoot - 19th June 2012 at Millride Country Sports, Hill Farm, Bognop Road, Essington, Wolverhampton WV11 2AZ - organised by Tony Smith. Dear All, I wanted to formally thank Tony for organising a great night on Monday! Thank you all for also making Ian Mansfield feel so welcome - he will be joining us again I am sure. Just to say - Monday was a great night and well done to Mike Lang who is now our Undisputed Champion Clay Pigeon Shot !! - I feel an entry coming on for the forthcoming Olympics!! Next Meeting is Dudley 7's on July 7th - details will follow and all are welcome. See you all soon, Tim Prior Chairman

What a super evening. Thank you Tony for organising such pleasant event for us. On a personal note I would particularly like to thank you allowing my daughters to enjoy the opportunity to shoot real guns too, they both had a wonderful time and loved the experience. Well done Mike winning the trophy from me, looking at the score sheet below, want was wrong with that second clay? Yours in ABC, Jonathan Lees

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Canal Tunnel Trip - 21st May 2012 at the Dudley Limestone Caverns - organised by Chairman Tim Prior. Good Morning All, Thank you for such a brilliant turn out last night - I hope you all enjoyed it - I did !! I thought it was absolutely fascinating!! From the total up this morning, I owe Bob, Richard Pugh and Tony Edwards £4 - which I will sort next time we meet. Just a quick reminder about next months event - 18th June - 7 pm. See you then Tim Prior Chairman

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Battlestorm - 17th April 2012 organised by Harrison Riley. It is a different type of Laser Game evening to the one we did in 2009 Battle Storm HQ, Clarkson Place, Dudley Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 8BQ Dear All, Many thanks to Harrison for last nights Battle Storm event - fantastic evening and great turn out - thank you everyone it was great to see you all. Well done to Andy McNab as over all winner. I am sure that the photo's will be published shortly on our SUPERB Website !! Tim (Chairman). We had a pint afterwards at the Shovel Inn Lye

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Scalextric Racing Evening - (The clubs thirtyseventh meeting since chartered) This is the 41st proper meeting since we decided to create the club so "happy birthday" to us as we are now a proper 41 club in more ways than one! Organised by Neil (with help from Bob).

Dear All, I just wanted to say a big thank you to Neil Bates and Bob Whiston for last nights Slot Car Racing !! Excellent fun and congratulations to Mr Daniels for his eventual Trophy position !! Many thanks, Tim Prior Chairman

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Greyhound Racing - Thursday 16th February 2012 - organised by Nick Hingley at Monmore Green Stadium, Wolverhampton. Well done Nick for negociating a reduction on the usual rate - our tickets were just £10* and included: Admission to the stadium. GATES OPEN 6:30pm, FIRST RACE STARTS 7.00pm. Race Card. 3 Bets at the Tote: 2 win bets and a jackpot bet. 2 drinks from the bar. Basket meal. Also, there are two bonus races in addition to the usual twelve races. *This was superb value at only a tenner per head*

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Acorn Lodge - Fun Quiz Evening 16th January 2012 Organised by Neil Rabone. Venue: Making Tracks, Acorn Lodge, 137-149 Vicarage Road, Rood End, Oldbury, B68 8JA Parking: The car park holds about 10 cars, but there is also plenty of on road parking on Vicarage Road. Cost: £10.00 including food. Making Tracks is a small day service for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. They are a charity group who, as Smethwick & Oldbury Round Table, we were able to support in the past. The plan for the night is as follows: 7:30 Don’t eat before you come! There will be a Caribbean buffet including jerk chicken, rice and peas, curried goat and much more. You will appreciate that the venue is not licensed to sell alcohol, but there is no problem with bringing your own lubrication for the evening, or if it is easier, there is an off licence directly opposite. 8:15 A brief opportunity to find out about the work that is carried out at Making Tracks. Dannie will give us a guided tour of her domain including the sensory room where we can check if 41ers have really lost all of their senses. 8:30 A fun quiz including rounds on sport, music and general knowledge, but nothing too onerous. During the quiz we will have a few extra activities designed to divest you of a couple more quid to add to the charity pot. The purpose of the evening is to have fun but also raise a few quid for Making Tracks to help them further develop the services they offer to the community, which, as it happens includes my own daughter, Charlotte. It will also give you a better sense of the type of support that is needed by ADULTS with learning disabilities, a group often forgotten about amongst all of the charity fundraising for disabled children. I should point out that if you look for the venue on Google, you will see the picture below – yes it is the big sandy coloured building site. I am pleased to say that building work has progressed well and you will not be needing a hard hat!

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Walsall Leather Museum Visit - 21st November 2011 - 7.30 to 9.30pm organised by Paul Myatt (well Bob again really). £2.50 each

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Rugby - Stourbridge R.F.C. Organiser Bob Whiston Tuesday 18th Oct 2011 - Time 7:45 pm No CostMeet in the main club bar, the principle bar of three bars!! Tour of the Clubs facilities, history and see the practice sessions in progress Enjoy a social pint in Stourbridge RFC’s well stocked bar, no food. Cost £ free Please wear suitable outdoor clothes, but don’t panic you won’t be playing. Directions Stourbridge Rugby Football Club Ltd. Stourton Park, Bridgnorth Road, Stourton, Stourbridge DY7 6QZ Tel: 01384 395000

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Bowlplex Dudley - +the fourth ABC 41 Club AGM. 7pm, 19th September 2011 organised by Russell Cleland cost was £13.00 each for 2 games all cancellations had to be paid for :-( The winner of the bowling individual competition was Neil Bates who was presented by Russell with a customised bottle of Champagne. Russell's arrangements did not go to plan as there was a tie for the runner up prize, therefore after a coin toss Harrison was presented by Russell with the second place prize of a customised bottle of wine, and Mike got nothing.

The fourth Active Black Country Past-Tablers (41) Club Annual General Meeting was held 19/9/11 after the bowling. 1. Outgoing Chairman Bob thanked Russell for organising such a super event this evening, thanked all organisers of ABC events throughout the year, and argued with the Secretary over protocol as the agenda called for a welcome only at this point rather than the Chairman's report which would be item 9. Then continued the argument that the meeting timing should not be taken from this point. 2. Vice-Chairman Tim thanked Bob for a most successful year under his capable management (24 seconds). 3. Hon. Secretary Andy's report had been distributed in writing and available on-line beforehand as below. THE NOTICE which was sent to all members of todays AGM. THE AGENDA which was sent to all members of todays AGM. THIS 4th AGM Minutes. 4. Hon. Treasurer Paul forwarded his report via the secretary stating books have balanced and he is willing to stand again. Capitation for ABC 41 Club is proposed to remain at £10 with the proviso that National does not make any unexpected change in their charges. 5. International Officer Neil reported that in line with the established requirement of not associating with any foreign nation more than 26 miles from England he had not been approached to make contact on our behalf with anyone involving commitment from members of our club. 6. Membership Officer Andy eloquently and accurately stated a full and comprehensive well prepared report, presenting in professional detail that we now have a club membership of 32, no 34, or is it 32? There were no questions from the quorate assembly present. 7. Hon. Webmaster Jon stated the site is running well, thanked Bob for his continued hosting of the site, and reported www.abc41cub.com had now received 3243 hits which means it had 1540 hits in the last 12 months. Therefore it appears to be being used well by the membership. 8. Hon Chairman's report (the real one this time) Bob stated it had been a fantastic year, well enjoyed be all. He noted over 50% of our current members belong to other 41 Clubs in the area too, and this should continue to be encouraged. (1 minute 20 seconds). 9. Installation of our new Chairman elected for 2011/12 is Tim PriorBob congratulating Tim taking over ABC41 Club Chairman's Office. We need to encourage our existing members to continue attending as many events we have as possible, and need to get more existing Area 5 past Round Tablers to join us. (12 minutes 5 seconds). Tim being such a popular guy there was a fight for who will be his Vice-Chairman requiring election addresses of the candidates and a vote from the members present. 10. Pre-Election addresses by nominees for Vice-Chairman in alphabetical order meant that Jon spoke to the room first? Jon urged the members to vote for Andy, but said there was no bad choice between them, and when questioned he stated he would happily carry on being the club's webmaster whether elected or not. Andy spoke second urging the members to vote for Jon, and said if he was elected Vice-Chairman he would not be willing to continue as the club's Hon. Secretary this year. 11. Winner of the election for Vice-Chairman 2011/12 is Jonathan Lees The returning Hon. Secretary for 2011/12 again is Andy Worrall. The new Membership Officer for 2011/12 is Harrison Riley. The returning Hon. Webmaster for 2011/12 again is Jon Lees. The returning Hon. Treasurer for 2011/12 again is Paul Jay. The returning Official Photographer for 2011/12 again is Mike Lang. A new office was created for 2011/12 of Fellowship/International Officer being Bob Whiston. 12. A.O.B. It was suggested future meetings might be more enjoyable for organisers if paired with another. It was decided after some discussion to continue with the current system of one person clearly carrying the responsibility exclusively to manage each date alone, noting that they can ask for assistance from any member when needed.

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15th August 2011 (Monday) organised by Bob Whiston/Mark Varnish - A Night at Wolverhampton Speedway Wolves v Kings Lynn. Admission was £12 concession rate, or we used our return tickets from the rained off from our date in the summer. Ladbrooke Stadium, Sutherland Avenue, Wolverhampton. WV2 2JJ. A spectacular evening. Most enjoyable. Tension right up to the end with level scoring until Wolverhampton winning the last race.

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Dudley 7th of the 7th Night - 7th July 2011 (Thursday) (In fond remembrance of Sean Smith), the infamous: Dudley 7’s Night, starting at 7pm and visiting 7 pubs for 7 pints. Organised by Geoff Gray, Andy Hood & Andy Worrall. In Memorial of Sean Smith, the famous Dudley 7's makes a one off return. Starting and ending at The Old Courthouse Pub, 55 High Street, Kingswinford, DY6 8AX. Buffet in the 7th pub for £7. All packed into a 7,777 feet walk (about 1.5 miles). Certificates for all those completing the Tour and for the winners of the on route quiz. spread the word, the more the merrier........

Hi All, Hope you are not feeling too groggy today. Thank you all for your support. The pubs of Kingswinford had a small boost in trade to the tune of 35 extra blokes on the Beer and a good time seemed to be had by all, even the Curry seemed well received. £120 was raised and will be passed to Jo to donate to a Cancer Charity in Sean's Name. Thanks to Geoff Gray and Andrew Evans for their help in sorting out the Route, and thanks to Andy Hood for his Sevens Based Quiz.. Can someone please pass on my thanks to the Tenbury, Stourbridge and West Brom Guys for their support I don't have all their Emails. We also recruited one new Member, Mark Heys formerly of Bridgnorth Table joins us. I'm sure Bob will be in touch on his return from Holiday to slot him into organising something, and we had some interest from some other potentials. I didn't notice anyone taking any Photos but if anyone did can you let Jon Lees have them for the Website Please. Please note: Anyone who was booked in but didn't turn up, got away with it, as the pub only charged for what they served, however if you feel like making a donation to the Charity for the evening please let Geoff have your contributions when next you see him. Unless there has been a change I don't know about see you all at the Speedway in August... Regards Andy W

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Raincheck - Basket Meal + Beer at Speedway, Followed by Pint at Bilston Swan. Motorbike Racing called off due to rain. Re-scheduled for later in year. 20th June 2011 (Monday) organised by Mark Varnish A Night at Wolverhampton Speedway. Wolves v Eastbourne KOC2. Admission with Basket type meal was £17 Each. We met on the Main Car Park Next to Entrance (see map and address below) before 7.00 pm .....we watched them watering the pitch to keep down the dust........ First Race was supposed to be at @ 7.30 pm but then they called it off due to the heavy rain! Ladbrooke Stadium, Sutherland Avenue, Wolverhampton. WV2 2J

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Canoeing/ Kayaking - organised by Martin Osbourne 23rd May 2011 on the River Severn, from Upper Arley to Bewdley. Thank you Martin for organising an aquatic ABC meeting; we all enjoyed an exceptionally good jaunt down the river and naturally the real Ale atmosphere of the Mug House. YIABC Bob.

What a superb evening, thank you Martin, all for just £15 well done. Can I ask - Did anyone see Bob rowing at all? He was doing so every time I turned around, but we seemed to be going very slow most of the time. We even managed to be aiming for several part submerged trees, the bank sometimes, and into overhanging branches while he was supposedly steering - usually after he had just made a statement like "well this is wonderful" or "isn't this peaceful" or "it is all going very well", then we would crash into something! YIABC Jon

Hi Bob. I really enjoyed the evening. It's good to know that there is life after Table, especially as I am in my last year!. Thanks again for a warm welcome. Clive

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Motorbiking - 18th April 2011 The motor biking night was voted one of the best ABC meetings so far. Richard Cooper won the very difficult event of slow control – the slow race and we all learnt a lot about the two wheel world. NFL Training were very good, even presenting a gift at the end of the evening; a gift to all members of magazines, medical kit and memorabilia. Afterwards we had a nice pint at Himley House.

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Darts and Skittles - 21st March 2011 organised by Chris Edwards. Also invited were Walsall and Bloxwich 41 Clubs. venue: Walsall Cricket Club, Gorway Road, Walsall WS1 3BE. A great evening of fellowship playing darts skittles and table football at Walsall Cricket club A great evening of fellowship playing darts skittles and table football at Walsall Cricket club A great evening of fellowship playing darts skittles and table football at Walsall Cricket club. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by members of the Active Black Country Past Round Table with the Walsall and Bloxwich Ex-Tablers Clubs. No fix or anything but the clear winner of the evening was the organiser Chris, and the clear looser was Jonathan. Hmm! Bah Humbug. Also interesting was the far too skillful wrist action of Bob on the table football, me thinks our Chairman must have had a misspent youth.

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Indoor Cricket - Organised by Gerry Green - Monday 21st February 2011 - at the Wolverhampton Sports Arena (01902 420827) Racecourse Road, Wolverhampton WV6 OUQ. The evening was a great success with the clubs best athletes Jon and Neil as opening batsmen scoring a politically correct 41 runs (ideal for a pair of 41 club members). With a final score of 258 to 47 there were no losers as all were winners, with the possible exception of Mike due to pulling a hamstring. Star of the evening was Andy who made a number of magnificent catches causing the opponents to go down to -26 at one stage.

Thank you Mike some wonderful action shots well done in the strange artificial light getting these pictures. I hope your hamstring is recovering nicely. I have great sympathy. A similar thing happened to my achillies during a Laser Game a few years ago so I have empathy for you. YIABC Jon. [Thanks Jon. Able to walk fairly normally again now but don’t think I’ll be fit for the next England game J!! Mike]

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Battlestorm - 17th January 2011 organised by Steve Salt. It is a different type of Laser Game evening to the one we did in 2009. Battle Storm HQ, Clarkson Place, Dudley Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 8BQ They gave our 9 players a great session. It was a excellent meeting and Richard Cooper won the event. (Hmm... that is Archery and Laser in the same Table year!) We had a pint afterwards at the Sadlers Ale - Winsor Castle on Lye Cross Traffic Lights

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Wine Tasting and Buffet - Tuesday 14th December 2010 - What a superb evening of enjoyment and education. It was delightful to learn about the 'fair-trade' activities of Co-op around the world along with appreciating the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring us superb wines at such bargain prices to enjoy regularly.

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Brewery Visit - Enville Monday 15th November 2010 Click here to see brewery website We had a superb tour hosted by Jerry, along with Owen and Peter on Monday evening. There were two of their seasonal beers "Gothic Ale" (A deep tasting winter full flavour - most welcome for a cold autumnal evening) and their famous "Cherry Blond" (a most pleasant refreshing ale) for us to taste along with plenty of Enville Ale. Afterward we retired to the Plough at Wollaston and were looked after royally. There had been a lot of work done at the site of this wonderful creator of ale over the last year. We marvelled at the new mezzanine floor, tried out the new safety rails, wondered at the new legs on the 400 gallon stainless steel vessels, and stood in awe below the new steam extraction canopy. Plenty of money was raised with a healthy amount going to Mary Stevens Hospice, and the Help for Heroes charities.

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Snooker - October 18th 2010 organised by Paul Daniels. An excellent evening involving skill, gamesmanship, and fellowship, followed by the excitement of crime, robbery, panic, despair, invonvenience, intrigue, confusion, acusations, investigation, exhaultation, discovery, understanding and resolution - what a night, please lets do it again.

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Ten Pin Bowling- + A.G.M. Monday 20th September 2010 organised by Bob Whiston. Agenda: 1. Welcome Andrew Evans (Meeting began 10:29:03pm). 2. Vice Chairman’s Report Bob Whiston. 3. Secretary’s Report Andy Worrall. 4. Treasurers report Paul Jay. 5. International Report Neil Bates. 6. Membership Report Andy Hood - Now 35 Members! 7. Honorary Webmasters’s Report Jon Lees (Site has been running since March 2009. As of today it has received 1703 visits which is over 1100 in this last 12 months. I wish to on behalf of the club thank Bob very much for generously sponsoring and hosting the site.). 8. Chairman’s Report Andrew Evans (Speech began 10:34:01pm and finished 10:37:26pm - a new club record of 3minutes and 25seconds, beating last years record set by Andy Hood of 7minutes and 20seconds). Hello All. I would like to thank all members for their support over the last year. I feel we had a good twelve months all the meeting were totally different a big thank you to the organisers. The year has flown by and I have been very proud to hold the position of Chairman. May I also thank my officers Bob Andy H Neil Sean (who will be sadly missed) Jon "Mr Website" and a big thank you to Andy W who has done a great job in a position which is never appreciated but crucial to keep the Club together. I know Paul Jay (new Treasurer) will be contacting you for your subs in the near future. Finally may I wish Bob and his Officers a fantastic year ahead and hope the Club continues to provide interesting meetings which will be well supported. Once again a big thank you to you all, we have a wonderful Club without you and your support we would not exist. YI41 Andrew Past Chairman. 9. Installation of new Chairman by Andrew Evans. 10. Election and Installation of Officers: New Chairman - Bob Whiston (speech began 10:37:26pm and finished 10:38:45pm - another club record at 1minute and 19seconds, smashing Andrew Evans record set last year of 13minutes and 5seconds). 11. AOB. Elected unanimously were: Vice Chairman - Tim Prior. Secretary - Andy Worral. Membership - Andrew Evans. Webmaster - Jon Lees. Treasurer - Paul Jay. International Officer - Neil Bates. Photographer - Mike Lang. -- Minutes Of Previous AGM held on 21st September 2009. The Meeting was convened on the 21st of September 2009 at the Story Telling Evening organised by Tim prior. The previous year’s officers gave full and candid reports of their activities during the year and Outgoing Chairman Andy Hood thanked all his officers for their support before handing over to new Chair Andrew Evans. The Following Officers were nominated and elected en Block. Andrew Evans (Chairman), Bob Whiston (VC)), Sean Smith (Treasurer), Andy Worrall (Secretary), International (Neil Bates), Andy Hood (Membership), Jon Lees (Webmaster). Sean Smith and Geoff Gray handed out Flyers for a Ladies Evening planned for March 2010 , and the meeting was closed with the Members adjourning to the Bar. Andy Worrall Secretary Andrew Evans Chairman

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Clay Shooting- Monday 16th August 2010 organised by Tony Smith. Best marksman of the evening Jonathan Lees receiving the 1st Prize Inaugural Trophy for the first Clay Pigeon Shoot by organiser Tony Smith 2010

Thank you Tony for a superb evening, I would certainly be delighted to do this again every year or bi-annually. Yours in ABC Jon

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Monday 19th July 2010 organised by Richard Cooper. Bows and Arrows versus the rubber wildlife of Romsley in the woods. abc 41 club bowmen guests Charlotte and Peter. Winner of accuracy Richard, and runner up Bob

Hi Guys, Thank you all for coming along to our: Archery Night with the Frankley Bowman Archery Club. Venue - The Dingle, Bell End Farm, Belbroughton. Target Practice + tuition in the field using Recurve Bows + Wooden Arrows followed by a walk through the Dingle Wood shooting at 3D animal targets. I won the gong fair and square for the highest score. Robin Hood eat your heart out! Start - 6.30pm, approx 2 hrs. Cost - £15 (minimum 15 people needed) Afterwards most of us went far a drink and chat in the Bell Pub opposite (food was available if required). Yours in abc Richard C.

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Tenbury Farmyard Equipment Challenge 7th July 2010. Thank you Tenbury Round Table for inviting ABC41 Club to put in a team to your fun evening. As you might expect from Tenbury the "all you can eat" barbeque was excellent, the real ale was sublime, and the opportunity to play with the "men's" machines was fabulous. Jon Lees (winner this evening of the competition for using the mini JCB digger) said; "It was like playing with something that Thunderbird 2 had just dropped off"

Thank you John for inviting us to this fabulous evening, and thank you Tenbury Table for a superb fellowship, masterfully organised and great fun. Jon Lees won the digger driving & I won 2nd place overall & Paul did pretty good as well. 26 tablers excluding the tenbury lads represented a good cross section of Area 5, plus the ABC41 team. Great night! Cheers John Ferris

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Sunday 20th June 2010 a Social Luncheon organised by Geof Gray and Sean Smith in Shifnal. It was good to meet the National 41 club Vice President, Vaughan Harris & wife Jill, all the way from East Grinstead (way south of London), they can be seen in one of the photographs. 39 members and guests enjoyed a lovely warm afternoon; with good food, hotel venue and value.

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Mawley Milk Farm. Monday 17th May 2010 organised by John Ferris. Morning Gentlemen just to a note to say a huge thank you to all who attended last nights meeting on the farm. I was well aware when I arranged it, it was a considerable distance away from most of you, so a very sincere thank you for making the effort to come. Adrain & Rachel have also asked me to convey a big thank you for the donation from the club which grossed £250.00 which was the whole take on the night. (because Adrian insisted on paying for the food). I hope the smell of the slurry did not detract from your enjoyment to much and equily linger to long when you got home! Your in ABC John Ferris

Oh arr I am a veggie. Email received 10:54 18.5.2010 -------- Hi John, A great night - thank you for organising it. I am looking forward to seeing the photo's on the website !! See you soon, Tim

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Climbing - Monday 19th April 2010 organised by Simon Daniels. The largest indoor rock climbing centre located in Moseley, Birmingham. Beware of falling ex-Tablers

Email received 17:56 20.4.2010 --Thanks to Simon Daniels for organizing the climbing night last night. The 5 intrepid members who braved the heights enjoyed it, some however, more than others. Regards Chris

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Historical Glass Making Visit - 15th March 2010 ABC 41 Club visited the last Glass Cone left in the Black Country, one of only 3 left in the UK. Here we heard how children as young as 8 years old used to work inside the chimney, alongside men who never retired. "We don't know we are born these days", said one member. Well done Geoff for organising this interesting evening costing just £7.50 including a demostration, guided tours, followed by chocolate biscuits tea and coffee. Then afterwards over the road to 'The Pie Factory' pub for some ale (although some of us were in there for beer and pies before too). Times were hard, but they did have lots of employment - unlike today!

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Games Evening - Monday 15th February 2010 ABC 41 Club must all be over 41 years old playing these sort of games! PUB GAMES & FELLOWSHIP NIGHT ….Real Ale Beer, chicken or scampi & chips & good company…with a prize for winner of most games. The event was open to all members and guests. 7.30 start Cost was £6.50 Casual Dress. At Springvale Sports & Social Club, Millfield Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV14 0QR. Thank you Paul Jay for organising a super evening.

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Tues 26th January 2010 organised by Andrew Evans - we visited BBC Mailbox in Birmingham a good humoured ABC meeting.

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Karting Night - Monday 21st December 2009 organised by Mike Lang - I hope you have a very Happy New Year! photos from the pub after the karting in December. They’re taken on the mobile phone so not best quality but OK. You will see that there was a prospective member there who might just meet the bear necessities for membership! No photos from the karting as didn’t get a chance and would be very much the same as last year anyway. Cheers Mike

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Monday 9th November 2009 organised by Nigel Mills - Shooting Up. Here are some members of the abc 41 club enjoying the sport and fellowship of an evening of shooting. With poor eyesight, terrible balance and slow reactions it must indicate how bad at shooting the rest of ABC is-or how easy shooting pop guns is! G.G. Congratulations Nigel, a very good night, good fun with lots of guns to fire, including pistol and rifle shooting. Richard Cooper won the rifle range target shoot and Geoff Gray won the rapid change target shoot, undertaken sitting down!! PS Good value for money and a nice pint of Banks’s afterwards. YIABC Bob Whiston

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Monday 19th October 2009 organised by Steve Bullock - Drakelow Tunnels. Well done Steve for organising an excellent evening, and just in time it seems we may be the last outside visitors if the rumours are true!. Welcome to new members Tim & John.

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Monday 21st September 2009 organised by Tim Prior - Story Tales ere are most members of the abc 41 club enjoying the fellowship of a storytelling evening. A new beginning. The handover of the honorary chairmanship post. There followed some club business: We have had our first years changeover of staff. At this AGM Andy Hood took the floor for 7 minutes 20 seconds, followed by Andrew Evans for 13 minutes 5 seconds. Reports were given by all officers, it was agreed to support our Ladies Night send our remaining £67 of club money to charity supporting the Association National Presidents nominated cause, and move our December meeting to 14th. --- From Monday 21st September 2009 - ABC 41 Club Executive Council 2009/10 = Chairman.............Andrew Evans. Secretary...............Andy Worrall. Membership.............Andy Hood. Treasurer...................Sean Smith. International Officer....Neil Bates. Vice Chairman.......Bob Whiston. Non-Executive Officers 2009/2010 = Official Photographer...Mike Lang. Webmaster....................Jon Lees.

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Monday 17th August 2009 organised by Steve Harvey - 18 members, again not a bad turn out, considering the change of night to a Thursday and the holiday period. Good value for money at £10, including food, drinks and initial betting. A few members did come out on top with a selection of winners (see below) showing off their tax free cash.

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Monday 20th July 2009 organised by Harrison Riley - Golf Evening. Hi Jon, Some photos from the golf night. Andy Worrall will be particularly pleased if you use all of the sequential still photos of his successful put on the 19th! Regards Mike. We had a great time golfing and the Station Pub was right next to the railway line, an old station office. Good turn out considering so many were on holiday. Photos, taken on the night attached, new member John (left), and Harrison (middle) showing off his new 'hard look' hair cut! YIABC Bob. Thanks to Harrison for another good evening on Monday, especially the banter in the pub after the Golf. Welcome to John (Ferris) yet another Past Area Chairman, Will need your address and Phone details for the National register, to ensure you get Magazine..See you all at The Dogs, Regards Andy Worrall Chief Scribe ABC 41 Club.

Gentlemen, Thank you for all your support. The pub gave us 3 options for food at £7 The Holdens ale was excellent at : The Station pub, Station Road, Codsall WV8 2EJ. Golf at was at: Ledene Golf Centre, Wood Road, Codsall Wood, Wolverhampton WV8 1QR It was suitable for those who play on a regular basis and novices, course is similar to 3 Hammers, a longer version of pitch & putt. We could play 9 holes, or whatever, but the cost will be £6* for 18, 9 or 1 hole. The driving range, was available with a charge for balls. The pub is actually part of Codsall Railway station which is clearly marked. The car park is also the railway car park. ***** Total Cost £13.00 *****

Hi Everyone, Thanks to Harrison for another good evening on Monday, especially the banter in the pub after the Golf. Hope you are all looking forward to Steve's Doggin night next month, Note it is Thursday, not the usual Monday. If anyone who went to the Horse Racing night is worried, I wont be asking my dad for any tips. He knows even less about dogs than Horses.. Please see the updated Meetings and Members list, we have Tim's night in September, can the Oct, Nov and dec people let me have some idea of what you might be doing, It is good to advertise. While we are Advertising please put the date for Ladies Night in your diaries now, it promises to be just like the old days, complete with Rang-a-Tang.........Saturday 27th March........Bring your Friends...... Welcome to John (Ferris) yet another Past Area Chairman, Will need your address and Phone details for the National register, to ensure you get Magazine.. See you all at The Dogs, Regards, Andy Worrall Chief Scribe ABC 41 Club.

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Monday 15th June 2009 organised by Neil Bates - Brewery Tour Our 20th April 2009 meeting was a fun quiz night held at: Winsor Castle Inn, Lye crossroads. Costs was only £15.00 which included a guided tour of the brewery, two pints of beer, and sausage and mash. A large turnout of our club was achieved, and much fellowship and new friendship bonds were built upon. Well done Neil for organising such a super evening.

Dear ABCers Just a belated vote of thanks to 'Big' Neil for organising the brewery micro tour last Monday; couldn't make it myself but by all accounts it was a hugely enjoyable evening with about 20 in attendance. Cheers Neil. Hope to see you all at the next event - Harrison's golf night - on 20th July. Kind regards, Andy.

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Monday 18th May 2009 organised by Nick Hingley - Horse Racing a night at Dunstall Park Horse Racing Park in Wolverhampton.

Hi Nick, Thanks for organising such a great evening, hugely enjoyable. I was very lucky - mainly because after his tip for the first race I decided to ignore 'Wozza's Dad'! Hope to see you all next month. Andy. A superb evening, thank you for all that you did for us, now you can sit back for over two and a half years before your turn to organise a night comes around again :-) Well done. Jon. The package included entry to the grandstand, racecard, vouchers for three drinks (worth £2.50 each) and a discounted betting voucher - all for a price of £15 per person. For those who wished to have something to eat during the meeting there was bar snacks available. The first race started 6.50pm. Dunstall Park is located north of Wolverhampton town centre, off the A449 dual carriageway. Follow the brown tourist signs to Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton WV6 0PE. Please note that tickets had to be booked in advance and therefore there are no refunds. Gentlemen, A big thanks to all of you who came along last night and made it such a good turn out. I know that some were considerably luckier than others but I hope you all had a good evening's entertainment. I was sorry to discover that "Wozza's Dad" wasn't in fact a runner but I would like to thank him for the tips. Yours in fellowship Nick H

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20th April 2009 organised by Neil Rabone - Fun Quiz and Curry Wednesbury Rugby Club, Woden Road North, Wednesbury WS10 9NP [home of the tallest rugby posts on the planet !!!] Costs was only £6.00 and included a chicken curry with nan, chips and rice! A large turnout of our club was achieved, and much fellowship and new friendship bonds were started. Well done Neil for organising such a super evening.

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16th February 2009 organised by Andy Hood - Laser Quest and Charter Night (Our first event from being chartered)

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January19th 2009 organised by Paul Myatt - Skittles in Walsall (month to go before chartered).

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This website is maintained for nostalgic purposes of the surviving members. Past Events and Archive Records. It was always hoped that members would try to arrange a varied program and avoid copying what others have arranged before or were planning already. Please note that initials are used to protect personal data, apart from the committee members where full names are used. Editor assumes that members of the executive do not mind their name being displayed in the public domain on the internet, unless you inform our clubs webmaster here. Do not copy or reproduce these pictures without permission from the ABC 41 club.

Below, are our clubs initial ideas, taken from the first concept meeting, held in Sept 2008.
We all believe, you will really enjoy supporting your new active club.
Looking forward to your own ABC rota meeting, date to follow.

Procedure
· To form a new regional 41 club to be called 'Active Black Country' or the acronym 'ABC' club
· To elect a full complement of club officers, with Andy Hood as Chairman, all positions were filled with succession secured.
· To complete the 41 club application form and Charter the club.
· To pay first year subs, which all have paid, £8.50 each
· To agree a meeting date of the 3rd Monday in each month
· To agree a meeting organiser rota; this is now covered up to 2011
· New members joining will be put on the meeting rota.
· The AGM to be a short part of a regular meeting only.
· No formal club regalia
Objectives
· To enjoy an 'active club', with food if required being a minor part of the evening
· To encourage fellowship between younger ex-tablers or young at hart ex-tablers within a wide region.
· The ABC club should be additional or supplementary to any currently attended 41 clubs and not to be considered a rival.

Membership
· To be extended to like minded ex-tablers
· To date the average age is 50 ish
· Ex-tablers joining prior to affiliation, will be known as founder members, (There are 30 founder members).
· The active membership is now 35 (correct as at Sept 2010)
· So far ex-table members are all from Area 5, Hagley, Walsall, Bridgenorth, West Brom, Halesowen, Bewdley, Tenbury Wells, Dudley, Bilston, Shrewsbury, Smethwick and Oldbury.

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Founder Honorary Chairman - Mr. Andy Hood
Founder Honorary Vice-Chairman/Chairman Elect. - Mr. Andrew Evans
Founder Honorary Secretary - Mr. Andy Worrall
Founder Honorary Treasurer - Mr. Neil Bates
Founder Honorary Membership Officer - Mr. Bob Whiston
Non-Executive 2008/9
Founder Honorary Official Photographer - Mr. Mike Lang
Founder Honorary Webmaster - Mr. Jon Lees

We have had our first years changeover of staff. At the AGM Andy Hood took the floor for 7 minutes 20 seconds, followed by Andrew Evans for 13 minutes 5 seconds. From Monday 21st September 2009

ABC 41 Club Executive Council 2009/10
Chairman.............Andrew Evans
Secretary...............Andy Worrall
Membership.............Andy Hood
Treasurer...................Sean Smith
International Officer....Neil Bates
Vice Chairman.......Bob Whiston
Non-Executive Officers 2009/2010
Official Photographer...Mike Lang
Webmaster....................Jon Lees

Officers for 2010/2011
Chairman - Bob Whiston
Vice Chairman - Tim Prior
Secretary - Andy Worral
Membership - Andrew Evans
Webmaster - Jon Lees
Treasurer - Paul Jay
International Officer - Neil Bates
Official Photographer - Mike Lang

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Officers for 2011/2012
Chairman - Tim Prior
Vice Chairman - Jon Lees
Secretary - Andy Worral
Membership - Harrison Riley
Webmaster - Jon Lees
Treasurer - Paul Jay
International/Fellowship Officer - Bob Whiston
Official Photographer - Mike Lang

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Officers for 2012/2013
Chairman - Jonathan Lees
Vice Chairman - Harrison Riley
Secretary - Tim Prior
Membership/Fellowship Officer - Bob Whiston
Webmaster - Jon Lees
Treasurer - Paul Jay
Official Photographer - Mike Lang

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Officers for 2013/14
Hon. Chairman - Harrison Riley
Vice-Chairman - Andy Worrall
Hon. Secretary - Tim Prior
Membership/Fellowship Officer -Bob Whiston
Hon. Webmaster - Jon Lees
Hon. Treasurer - Paul Jay
Official Photographer - Mike Lang

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Officers for 2014/2015
Chairman = Andy Worrall
Secretary = Tim Prior
Vice Chair = Richard Cooper
Treasurer = Paul Jay
Membership = Bob Whiston
Photographer = Mike Lang
Webmaster = Jonathan Lees

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Officers for 2015/2016
Chairman = Richard Cooper
Secretary = Tim Prior
Vice Chair = Mike Lang
Treasurer = Paul Jay
Membership = Bob Whiston
Photographer = Mike Lang
Webmaster = Jonathan Lees

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Officers for 2016/2017
Chairman = Mike Lang
Secretary = Tim Prior
Vice Chair = Matt Upcott
Treasurer = Paul Jay
Membership = Bob Whiston
Webmaster = Jonathan Lees

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Officers for 2017/2018
Charman = Matt Upcott
Vice Chair = Tony Smith
Secretary = Tim Prior
Treasurer = Paul Jay
Membership = Bob Whiston
Webmaster = Jonathan Lees
Photographer = Mike Lang

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OFFICERS FOR 2018 - 2019
Honorary Chairman - Tony Smith
Vice-Chairman - Martin Osbourne
Honorary Secretary - Tim Prior R.I.P. 10th July 2019. We all will sadly miss you Tim!
Honorary Treasurer - Paul Jay
Official Photographer - Mike Lang
Membership Officer - Bob Whiston
Webmaster - Jonathan Lees

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OFFICERS FOR 2019 - 2021 (extended into two years due to Covid-19 lockdown)
Chairman Martin Osbourne
Ian Povey is our new Vice Chairman
Paul Jay has kindly volunteered to continue as Treasurer
and with the sad loss of Tim, Andrew Worrall was happy to undertake the position of club Secretary.
Bob Whiston was willing to continue as Membership Officer.
Jonathan Lees was happy to continue as Webmaster/Online Club Editor.
Mike Lang is our official club Photographer again.

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Officers Elected 15th November 2021
Chairman Matt Upcott
Vice Chairman Vacant
Secretary Stuart Drake
Treasurer Paul Jay
Membership Vacant
Webmaster Jonathan Lees

Due to the recent sad passing of our beloved Queen and the recent announcement of Her funeral to be held on Monday 19-Sep-2022.
With respect our AGM was postponed to Wednesday 21-Sep-2022
Officers Elected:
Chairman Matt Upcott.
Vice Chairman Vacant.
Secretary Stuart Drake.
Treasurer Paul Jay.
Webmaster Jonathan Lees

At the AGM in September 2023 it was decided by the treasurer Paul Jay and secretary Stuart J. Drake to wind up the ABC 41 Club.

NOVEMBER 2021: Thanks all for a good meeting tonight and things look positive for the future of ABC J I did mention tonight that Options for Life who run my daughter’s day centre, which we have supported with a couple of quiz nights in the past, have just set up a crowdfunding page. They are looking to get support for a music project for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. The page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/options-for-life?utm_id=1&utm_term=g5pqp6WY9They have a big target but it will be a great help for disabled people in the area [not just children like many other charities]. If you can help with a donation or can pass this on to others, that would be great. As we also agreed, I will try to arrange a quiz night for our April meeting – subject to covid allowing us to use the centre. Best wishes, Neil

Twelve attended our Laser Quest Game on Monday 16th April 2018, which meant I actually had a little bit of cash over rather than making the loss I expected. This I have sent to the "Princes Trust" as part of the campaign promoted by our wonderful immediate past 41 Club association National President David Campbell.

Thank you to all for attending the Transport Museum in September 2015, £190 being donated to the museum charity. (Please leave a review on tripadvisor) - Bob Whiston

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I cant believe I did it, but I did!!!!! I can't thank you enough for your support. Love Margie.x

Margie Ferris running 10K race for life 2014. Hello, Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness in sponsoring me to run the 10K Race For Life. I have never done anything "sporty" before, so this is a personal challenge for me. Some days it is a bit of a struggle to cover the whole distance, but the thought of people like you pledging your hard earned cash and the need to "give something back" for care I received, keeps me going. Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be fit and well enough to run the whole distance on the big day. I have warned John (Ferris) that if anything happens before July the 6th 2014, he will have to put me in a wheelbarrow and PUSH me over the finish line as I intend to complete the course, come hell or high water, but I do hope it wont come to that! Thank you again for your much appreciated support. Regards, *Margie*X
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Gentlemen your support is invited: Dear friends, business partners and associates. The Midcounties Co-operative is in its second year of charity partnership with The Teenage Cancer Trust, the UK’s only charity dedicated to improving the lives and chances of survival of cancer patients aged 13 to 24. Our aim is to raise £500,000 by February 2015, so far the amount raised stands at £380,000. The work of the Teenage Cancer Trust has been highlighted in recent weeks by the media coverage of Stephen Sutton. I am sure that we were all moved by the courage shown by Stephen in his fight against cancer. It is amazing how he motivated people to donate money to the Teenage Cancer Trust and so far he has raised over £4 million. Quite a legacy. I have to say I have been inspired by him as well and therefore I am asking people to sponsor me on my Coast to Coast walk. This is a 13 day, 194 mile trek which I am sure will challenge my fitness and I suspect my feet. The walk starts on the 13th of June. I realise that we all get lots of requests for sponsorship but if you were able to donate even a few pounds it will make a difference to people like Stephen in the future, and who knows , one day, there might not even be a need for a Teenage Cancer Trust because we have beaten the disease. You can be assured that every penny you donate has been ring fenced to go directly to providing nursing care for young people and will not be taken up in administrative costs. Please give what you can via my just giving site http://www.justgiving.com/Ben-Reid5 and I will do my best to complete the challenge and maximise donations.

Kind regards , Ben Reid OBE

Chief Executive. The Midcounties Co-operative
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Organised by John Ferris Click Here to book in Monday 15th April 2013 at 8pm. A visit to Tiger Helicopters at Shobon Aerodrome in Herefordshire HR6 9NR During this £100 was raised toward the Air Ambulance charity appeal.

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The Prince Charming Ball 2012 in memory of Sean Smith was a great success. 165 people went, and £4000 was raised for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Appeal.

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Several hundred pound were raised for Acorn Lodge at our Quiz Night organised by Neil Rabone in January 2012 - well done Neil, a great evening enjoyed by all and helping others at the same time - great work sir.

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So far £120 was raised and will be passed to Jo to donate to a Cancer Charity in Sean's Name on the 7s night July 2011. Andy W

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On our visit to Enville Brewery November 14th 2010, we raised £200 with half going to Mary Stevens Hospice and half to Help for Heroes charities.
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At our club AGM on Monday 21st September 2009 it was proposed by our outgoing treasurer Neil Bates and seconded by incoming treasurer Sean Smith that all the remaining money (£67) of our membership club account would be given to this years National President's nominated charity "help to heroes". The motion was voted upon and carried unanimously by the full room of members (plus 5 other people present who were nothing to do with our club - strange!)

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Eight couples (mainly National Executive) accompanied ABC 41 Club member Jon Lees and wife Heather, sailed from Southampton on the 13th August bound for the waterways of Belgium and Holland. This was the inaugural 41 Club/Tangent Cruise organised with Fred Olsen Cruises, one of our Members' Benefits partners.

The MS Braemar has a very shallow draft and was, therefore, able to navigate several waterways not usually open to ocean-going vessels. There were four ports of call Antwerp, Ghent, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, two of which were first time calls for Fred Olsen. We all enjoyed seven days of fun. fellowship and some very interesting attractions. A full report will appear in the next club magazine and in the meantime, we are investigating potential club cruises for 2018. If you are interested in joining us then please keep an eye open for future announcements.

I see our club (and Bob also) have mentions in 41 Club THE MAGAZINE Issue 181 - Winter 2015

Photographs of me completing the Millennium Way, the long distance 41 club route. Summer 2015 YIABC Bob

Click here to read the article.

The ABC 41 Club got a mention in the Wolves Speedway Magazine August 15th 2011 edition - how wonderful of them, and what a great night was enjoyed by all at the club who went too - thank you guys.

From the National Monthly Newsletter of the Association Of Ex-Round Tablers Britain and Ireland. NEWS@41CLUB.ORG publication, issue Number 18, April 2011. Again one of our members does it again and is a caption competition winner with his delightfully charming comment:-

“Does she look fat in this Green Dress? Are you going to tell her or me?” Paul Jay, ABC 41 Club

From the National Monthly Newsletter of the Association Of Ex-Round Tablers Britain and Ireland
NEWS@41CLUB.ORG publication, issue Number 17, March 2011.

One of our members is a caption competition winner with his delightfully charming comment:-

You may be bigger and fatter than me “but I have the microphone so P--- O--“!!!! Paul Jay, ABC 41 Club.

Congratulations Ben on your OBE well deserved, could not have been awarded to a better bloke:

I see our Vice-Chairman Bob Whiston has had an honorable mention again in The Links 41 Club Magazine Winter 2009 Edition:

Here is a letter written by our Founder Membership Officer for 2008/9 Mr. Bob Whiston that was published in the Past Round Table National Magazine Summer 2009 edition.

Here is a scan from the Birmingham Post, referring to Paul Jay and Ben Reid both abc41club members.

Well done Paul, well done Ben, we are all delighted that you both made it in one piece.

41 Club is the pet name for The Association of Ex-Round Tablers' Clubs. Prior to April 2008 it had been called The Association of Ex-Tablers' Clubs for many a year, the "Round" being deliberately left out to dispel any misconceptions that it was a sort of senior Round Table. Now, with the passage of time and this name change, its place in the "Round Table Family" is perhaps more recognisable to those outside.

In March 1927 a young Rotarian by the name of Louis Marchesi

became aware of the lack of opportunities for the young businessmen of the day to meet and prepare themselves for their responsibilities as senior businessmen of later years. Being a member of Norwich Rotary Club he found himself surrounded by older men, so he started a club for young men in the age range of 28 to 40 to give them the right environment to develop their professional and civic skills whilst assisting the local community, the nation and later the world as whole.

Round Table was formed after being inspired by a speech by the then Prince of Wales who said - "The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the times and wherever possible, improve them". Round Table not only immediately took its name from this speech but also the other key words "Adopt, Adapt, Improve" as its motto. www.roundtable.org.uk

Originally, membership of Round Table was limited to men in the age range of 18 - 40 years, so that following his 40th birthday, a member of Round Table would have to retire. He was then eligible to join The Association. In 1998 Round Table raised the age limit to 45 and so it is now possible for a member of Round Table to also be a member of 41 Club.

Three years after the formation of Round Table, an equivalent women's club was formed called Ladies Circle (known colloquially as Circle) Since 1993, Circle has an open membership and accepts not only partners of Round Tablers and Ex-Round Tablers but any women in the age range of 18 to 45. www.ladies-circle.org.uk

Tangent is the equivalent to 41 Club for a past member of Ladies Circle, or the wife or female partner of a current or past member of Round Table. Their first club met in 1953. www.tangent-clubs.org

By 2008, there was almost 20,000 declared members of 41 Club and it continues to assist Round Table in many of its activities and also Circle and Tangent, the other two members of the Round Table Family.
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