Vice-President Barry attends the World Meeting organising committee meeting.

By Jim Smith



2023’s first full meeting of the World Meeting committee took place earlier this month in the iconic Board room in Marchesi House, the home of the Round Table family.

The committee were joined by International Vice-President Barry, complete with the new version of the International Conference guide, and a new hairstyle (see later). The committee are working hard to make the World meeting in Stratford-on-Avon a memorable event for all our visitors. Committee chairman, Steve James – who also doubles up as Vice-President of GB&I 41 clubs – makes sure that everyone knows their role and reports regularly to the committee. Steve is joined by a strong cast including 5 past National Presidents of 41 club, 2 past National Presidents of Tangent, 1 current and 1 past IRO plus other members of the current GB&I National Board. The committee have put together a great few days with some wonderful trips out for the pre-tour to include a Royal castle and very special historic palace plus trips to a Gin distillery and a variety of eating houses in beautiful countryside.

The evenings of the three-day event will be full of entertainment, fun and fellowship with over 400 delegates from 23 different countries attending. Additionally, it promises to be a wonderful time to be in Great Britain. Following the sad death of Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ, who had reigned in this country for over 70 years, her eldest son became King Charles Ⅲ. The weekend leading into our meeting just happens to be the weekend of his coronation which will be full of pageantry and celebration with thousands of visitors to the country. Following that on the night of our final night gala dinner, 13th May, GB is hosting the Eurovision song contest in Liverpool, so more International visitors to the country.

The last 2 months have seen a huge increase in numbers registering and the team have been working hard to get as many people in as possible. They have increased capacity twice with juggling the rooms around on the first occasion and on the second occasion all committee members and partners relinquishing their tickets on Friday Nations night. Whilst we are delighted with the success, we are now completely full for the events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We have also just heard that the pre-tours are now full despite doubling capacity a month ago.

Since our last meeting Barry has been out and about in the UK attending a number of major events alongside current 41 club National President Jim Conway. No doubt he is getting in practise for attending lots of events around the world of 41 club next year. The one bit of preparation we’re not too sure about though is the new hairstyle as shown below. Maybe we should have a competition to decide how you want his hair to be. Any suggestions are welcome. With less than 4 months to go now until he takes over the Presidency, he, and we, have time to get it right. Ponytail or no ponytail, it’s up to you!

 

As we get towards the World meeting, we will give some updates on Barry’s movements, and we will be reporting on his visits throughout the year.

We wish all our Round Table family friends a very Happy and Healthy 2023 and look forward to seeing many of you in Stratford in May.

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