The motion is: This Table believes Viking rape and pillage was good for British Society.

1218An extremely well attended meeting with a 99% turn out from Southgate members, plus guests meaning that there were in excess of 22 at the meeting – the buzz was fantastic.

Usual Table business was handled quickly, and then on to the debate …

The Danes opened the debate with a spirited if not somewhat misguided presentation, which was quickly cut asunder by Chairman Steve.

1221Their 2nd speaker was eloquent, although we all found it very hard to take him seriously in that outfit .. but still, brave and fearless .. if not somewhat like Brumhilda! .. again their arguments were thwarted, this time by Gary who made an excellent effort at dismantling their arguments with whit and humour … and just plain insults when all else failed

Finally came their Chairman who made an impassioned case, and whilst Rob Reid made an excellent case for the defence, the judges scoring began to waver. Who was actually going to win the debate.

In the end, and after a rather protracted statement and verdict by the appointed adjudicator the decision was (not that anyone actually cared by the time Martin had finished – he actually took longer than all 6 speakers to deliver his verdict) Martin declared a tie!

The matter was then put to the other honoraries upon appeal, and after further discussion it was agreed that with the handicap of having to debate in English the Danes should in fact gain those valuable extra points which made them the winners.1209

So our congratulations to The Danish 111 Table (who’s name I can’t quite spell) and also good luck to Peter who is standing for National IRO in Denmark next year at their AGM – our best wishes for the election!

National Council Meeting starts at 09:30 … 10am we stagger in, this time at least having had some breakfast and a shower.

The meeting was being called to order just as Tufty and I made it into the room and we only missed the first/initial bits of house keeping (no fire drills expected, exits are here – here and here … usual stuff)

An interesting and heart felt talk from Vice President “Manners” about the state of the union and the planned road ahead.

A basic introduction to the whole membership / recruitment tool kit that Brad is putting together.

A long and protracted debate about use and licensing of the new Rondel, as well as how 41 Club want to use it in their “Table Plus” regalia / branding … and the fact that they seem to not be living up to their end of the new arrangement on sales / management of membership / etc.

Graham tasked with writing them a letter asking them to at least come to the table to discuss as they seem to be avoiding any meetings Sean is trying to arrange.

More membership style discussions, more licensing, a Treasurers report that makes the small print on a Faustian Contract look like it was passed by the “Campaign for Plain English” … a “short” report by the CSO which seemed to last for longer than everyone else’s reports combined, and then we broke for lunch.

2 more agenda items now to be discussed after lunch, but as we’d heard the Membership presentation – which was the main reason for attending, Colin and I felt it was time to head back to Watford in order to try and get back in time to watch England win at the Rugby .. ok well that was wishful thinking I know .. still, PMA (positive mental attitude) .. sometimes it does really work!

Tomorrow … Brazilian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton to do something amazing … or amazingly stupid … and I’ll probably try to get some sleep at some point!

Oh .. and drop Tufty and family off at Luton while they head off for half term break to Malaga with the kids.

79 years of Liverpool Round Table. Formed in 1928, that’s only 1 year after Round Table itself was formed – and this Table are rightfully very proud of the tradition.

The venue was the Liverpool City Marriot Hotel, a modern hotel – with extremely helpful and polite staff.

The Charter went well, with some fantastic fellowship both before hand in the bar, as well as both during and after the meal.

Fellowship Trophies were thin on the ground, however I am pleased to report we managed to acquire not only their bell, but also the lectern (actually in the middle of the Chairman’s speech) .. oh yes, and the Chairman’s speech!

It was quickly decided that Bushey / Area 54 would retain the bell, and as my partner in crime was from the Isle of Skye Round Table that they should keep the lectern for their trophy. Chairman Rowan is busy planning how they will reclaim both items of regalia at the moment, but we hope to see them soon either at the Area 54 Charter in January, otherwise at our AGM in April.

The Charter concluded at something approaching 12:30 I think, it was all becoming a bit of a blur … then we went on out into the town.

What can I say, Liverpool is a fantastic place to party. We managed several bars and clubs, and ended up in Mosquitos – which is apparently where all the stars and football players hang out (when they’re not getting ready for the Derby the following day

Richard Swain put in a late appearance having been sampling the delights of some of the other bars, but made it to Mosquito for about 02:30am where we danced and drank and danced until they closed somewhere around 03:00 am.

Somehow we then found ourselves in a Chinese Restaurant having supper with a couple of young ladies who we’d been talking to / dancing with, before making our way “home”.

I recall posting on the RTBI discussion forums at 04:46 for some unknown reason …. and then I woke up at 8:45 … damn .. National Council Meeting is due to start at 09:30 .. and I need breakfast!

Tonight’s venue was the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club, which I understand used to be a prison. You would never know judging by the way the hotel is styled and decorated. Truly sumptuous surroundings worthy of a 5 Star Country Club!

Themed around the 1935 “No Limit” film with George Formby (ie a TT and motorcycle theme) the night saw several Tablers in various fancy dress outfits including leathers, t-shirts, and more.

Thankfully the organisers had seen sense and arranged for a television to be in the room so we could watch England beat France in the World Cup Rugby Semi Finals … Well Done Boys!

The night was superb, with one of the best President’s speeches I’ve heard, I think ever, by Rushen’s President Mike.

Bruce Fummey then provided a spirited standup routine, and defended well against the onslaught of jibes and jokes from Tablers who were most definitely in high spirits!

I honestly don’t quite remember what time it all started to wrap up, but I do recall finding myself in the Casino (again) at 2am .. and making it home for about 4am this time …

Yet another fantastic night’s Tabling! This may be the best kept secret in the world, but it’s definitely one worth finding out about and enjoying once in a while!

Special mention to Lars “Barbie” Scholander and Mark Haynes for outstanding performances and fancy dress on the night!

Roll on next Friday for Liverpool 8’s Charter and the National Council Meeting Saturday morning (oh that’s a bad idea!)

A great night all in all, only let down by the Area 8 Exec who didn’t bother turning up (with the exception of Sales, Vice and Chair)

I was dismayed to find that not only could they not turn up (even though one of them had actually flown in that day, but had decided to stay in a bar up the road in Douglas), but they couldn’t even be bothered to submit a written report – knowing that they wouldn’t be able to attend the meeting.

The only “written” report was from John Kilshaw, not reporting on his post in Area, but to say he would be standing for National Vice President next year.

The meeting however was high spirited and the banter was exceptional. RTBI was called at 10:12pm which is about the earliest I’ve ever known it for a Table meeting, especially an Area meeting – however we didn’t make it out of the pub until gone midnight, at which stage we moved on to a hotel in Douglas, had several more beers, moved on to Colours (night club) and from there to the Casino upstairs and I staggered home at about 04:30am – what an excellent night!

Despite initial fears of it being an expensive night, the £40 meal cost included what seemed to be unlimited wine with the meal, as well as champagne and port after dinner (served in a rather large quaich)

The evenings entertainment was excellent, if not somewhat close to the bone (but very very funny) – provided by comedian Ian “Alex” Irving who refreshed and re-presented a number of jokes first aired by a certain my Roy “Chubby” Brown, as well as some more modern alternatives.

An excellent night, and a testament to the evening that its now just gone 12:30 and I’ve only just managed to drag myself out of bed – still hung over!

The event was well attended by Tablers old and new as well as friends of Table, and at National President Graham Drummond, Past National President Adrian Gibbons, several past national councillors and Area Chairman Stu Stafford, Area Vice Chairman Stephen Sprod and past Area Chairman from Areas 17, 28 and 42 (plus maybe more, but my memory is a bit foggy)

The evening concluded with “Mess Games” including a tug of war, and various other silly games (especially considering the event was black tie)

A great night, well attended and well worth the night out!

sitting here bleary eyed at 8:30am … what do I find in my email .. but a picture of Colin and several Belgian Circlers

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Not what I wanted to see this early in the morning I an assure you!

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