50th CHARTER NIGHT
Our 50th Charter Night Dinner will be held on 23rd October. Ink it in your diary. We are inviting up to 80 people to attend. Obviously we hope that all current members will be there, and we will invite ex members, along with guests from our brother 41 Clubs in our surrounding area, Gracing us with their presence will be the National 41 Club President, our Area 24 Councillor and the National Councillor for Communications. We have arranged a very exciting Speaker, with films, projections, music and sound effects.
Vintage Fire Engine Exhibition and BBQ 4th August
The wonderful old fire Engines, the oldest going back to pre war days and some have been used in Films were a great spectacle. We didn't get to ride on one with Blue Lights Flashing, but nevertheless a fun evening with a BBQ that wasn't run as smoothly as the engines. Whilst some members managed to grab more than they could eat and felt very satisfied, some others struggled to find a sausage. Well worth knowing the exhibition is there. Good place to take the grandkids.
New Cars for the Boys and Girls
On 29th June, 18 or so of us, visited Scuderia Prestige Cars on the A30 to view their collection of Hyper Cars in their sales showroom. Prices ranged from £750K for a 1000 HP Ferrari to £75K for a common or garden Porsche. In between were Rollers, Bentleys, Audi's of all hues. Amazing cars at mind blowing prices. An excellent trip out with Bridget Devlin, Elizabeth Burns and Jill Boxall all going home with ideas in mind.
Howard's choice was this one.
Mike Mawtus preferred this one
Making 41 Club Better for All
MAKING A BETTER 41 CLUB FOR ALL
At our Meeting on 27.3.23, the membership engaged in a discussion to decide what actions could be taken to Make 41 Club Better for All. A summary of the most supported ideas is shown below. Don't stop here. If you have an inspirational idea, tell a Council Member.
1. PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES
Social Get-Togethers with Partners in Small Groups. Afternoon Tea and Cakes or Evening Cheese and Wine. Hosted by one couple with 3 or 4 other couples. Themed eg Games, Cards, Music, Photos, Tastings. A simple, static return to Progressive Suppers/Teas. Promote closer socialising especially for newer members.
Dinner Meetings – Fewer Speakers. More participative meetings. Half and Half? Participative meetings could be Team building activities, Learning new skills, Hobbies, Competitions, Debates etc. Food tailored to the agenda. Eg Buffet. Could be at appropriate different venue.
Fellowship – Continue to invite local 41 Club members to join us in all activities and actively attend theirs when invited.
2. MEMBERSHIP
Name Badges for members and guests to aid communication, integration and to support ageing memories.
Actions to attract new, younger (50-60 year old) members. Target local groups (eg Rugby Club, Cricket Club, Lions, U3A, RMA Officers, etc and invite to join our meetings. Attract with ‘special’ content eg University Challenge.
3. PARTICIPATION
Every member on a Committee – Social, Fundraising, Community Service, Speakers, Programme Council Officers to each have a committee encompassing all members.
Members take turns (voluntarily) to organise an 2/3 events per year.
41 CLUB NATIONAL EVENTS – A group of Camberley members participate in National events eg Fred Olsen Cruise, Rally’s, Walks, Hosted Rail Trips
4. OTHER
Organise a multi-day event for Members and Partners. 5 Day Coach trip to interesting UK area.
Hosted Walk in Windsor Great Park with Picnic
FAST - Centrifuge Visit
Another great Day Out arranged by the maestro, John Devlin. The visit to the Centrifuge at Farnborough was incredibly interesting and informative. Derek Overton said, " Fantastic visit to the centrifuge. What a bargain to get someone of Sue’s stature taking us through it. Members who didn’t attend will never know what they missed". The Band of Brothers present, were spellbound by the sight of this extraordinary machine. Enthralled by the feats of engineering involved and very engaged through all the presentations and films we were given. Lunch afterwards at the Gloster, convivial and amusing with Fellowship provided by members of Egham 41 Club and friends. Sorry for those who missed it.
Roger and Chris set for a spin.
Old Boys at Twickers
Here we were in the England Dressing Room at Twickers. This England team for this year's 6 Nations look like they have some great experience but might be lacking some youthful speed.
Thanks to John Devlin for organising a great day out for 14 of us. What an enthralling experience to be treated to the full tour of Twickenham Stadium. We were quickly steeped in the fascinating history of the Stadium, the England Rugby team, World Cups and all things Rugby. As well as the changing rooms we visited Bars, Conditioning Rooms, Conference facilities, the Shop and the excellent Museum of Rugby. The highlight was to sit in the Royal Box and absorb the magnificent view from there of the pitch and stadium. This is how it looked.
Leading Out theTeams
What Happened at the AGM? 24th April
For those of you who missed the AGM, or fell asleep after the Sponge Pudding and Custard, here is a resume.
The Outgoing Chairman, Mike Mawtus, gave a summary of his year. To read what he said CLICK HERE
Roger Holdaway was elected to be our Chairman during our 50th Anniversary Year. As he was away on holiday, he will give his Incoming Chairman's Address at the next Meeting.
Howard Ford was elected as Vice Chairman, so for the first time in a long time we know who will follow Roger as Chairman.
The Full list of Council Officers elected is as follows:-
| Chairman | Roger Holdaway |
| Vice Chairman | Howard Ford |
| Treasurer | Alan Chapman |
| Secretary | John Carpenter |
| Social and Sports | John Devlin |
| Speakers and Programme | Mike Franzkowiak |
| Fundraising and Community Support | Chris Bamford |
| National Liaison | Roger Holdaway |
| Fellowship | Mike Mawtus |
| Communications and Webmaster | Mike Mawtus |
Meeting 25th July - An Experiment
You wanted to try the odd 41 Club Dinner Meeting with a different Venue and format.
So, on 25th July we met at Camberley Rugby Club and enjoyed an excellent and authentic Curry provided by Sanjha's Restaurant. Choice of 4 starters, 4 curries and all the trimmings. Attending we had 19 Camberley 41 Club members, 11 Guests of 41 Club, 4 Chelsea Pensioners (see the photo), and 5 Sandhurst and Yateley 41 Club members, so a lively group who intermingled and socialised with gusto. The beer is cheaper at the Rugby Club, altho' we served ourselves from the buffet and cleared away our own plates. We had two speakers, John Byett, the RFU Citing Officer, and Phil Burgess who with the England Rugby Sevens team won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics. Their presentations and the Q+A gave us a hugely interesting insight into all things rugby and a unique exposee of the physical and mental preparation and training required of a world class athlete.
So a Great Success. Grateful thanks to Mike Franzkowiak, John Carpenter and Alan Chapman for the herculean efforts to ensure the evening was a triumph.
