Who Needs Friends?



It was December 1965 when we moved to Easington Road from Hythe, Hampshire. leaving behind friends and family.

In those early days of the expansion of the village, Easington Road ended at “The Baulk” and was a soggy orange mass of hoggin. Through which the residents of the new houses made a daily struggle. We were mainly young families and community spirit was strong both in the village and area.

Within a few months of moving I had joined the Ware and District Round Table http://www.roundtable.co.uk an organisation in which I had so much fun and fulfilment in giving service to the community and in doing so made so many friends.

Organising the Ware Fireworks display, Collecting for and delivering Christmas parcels to the needy, digging a sandpit for a Children’s Home. Delivering coal in a deep freeze to pensioners. Fitting security chains for pensioners, Organising the Donkey Derby and Hog roast and many other activities.

The fortnightly dinner meeting was a chance to get to know men from other professions and to build lasting friendships.

Round table is a Club for younger men and had a retirement age of 41 (Recently extended). Retiring members go on to 41 Club a largely social association of like minded men.

Sadly, as work pressures and affluence have increased it is apparent that people are less inclined or have less time to devote to community activities and the Ware and Hertford Round Tables no longer exist. However the Ware 41 Club continues to thrive.

We meet on the third Wednesday of each month for a dinner and chat. (Usually about 15/20 of us aged between 50 and 70’s).We, together with our partners, undertake a local walk or two, probably an excursions to an open air concert., possibly visit a show in London, perhaps a week-end away, arrange an annual golf tournament etc.

So, if you are an ex Round Tabler or 41 Club member who has moved into our area and you would like to make some new friends and expand your social horizons, why not come along and meet us!!

You can reach me by e-mail at david.tomlin@talktalk.net or on 01920- 438205

David. Tomlin, 22 Easington Road. Dane End.