Champion Your Story: From a Golf Simulator to Giving Back
From a Golf Simulator to Giving Back: My Round Table Journey
Finding fellowship, embracing recovery, and helping bring Gloucester Round Table back to life.
My journey with Round Table began in 2025, when my brother-in-law, Ross Beamish, invited me along to one of their socials. At the time, I didn’t really know what to expect or where this new experience would lead me. The first event I attended was a golf simulator evening, and from that day on, I was hooked!
I walked into a room full of guys from all walks of life, with different backgrounds, jobs, interests and experiences. What I quickly discovered was that, despite all our differences, we shared one very important thing in common: we wanted to do some good in the world while having a bit of fun along the way.
That combination really appealed to me. The idea that you could meet new people, build friendships, enjoy yourself and make a genuine difference to your local community was something I wanted to be part of. Little did I know just how much Round Table would come to mean to me, or how much it would change my life in such a short space of time.
Finding Fellowship and Support
When I first joined Round Table, I was at the beginning of my recovery journey, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little apprehensive about how I would fit in.
Socialising can be challenging when you’re navigating recovery, particularly when you’re entering a new environment and getting to know a group of people for the first time. I wondered whether I would feel comfortable, whether I would fit in, and whether being part of a social group like Round Table would be difficult for me.
Those worries soon disappeared.
The support, understanding and fellowship shown by the guys was outstanding. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and accepted. I’ve never felt pressured to drink, and I’ve never felt that I needed to be anyone other than myself to fit in.
Even when it came to my initiation, the guys took the time to tailor the event so that it wouldn’t put my recovery at risk. They made sure I could be part of the experience in a way that was right for me.
That might seem like a small thing to some people, but to me, it meant an incredible amount. It showed me that I could still enjoy social events, make friendships and be part of something special without compromising the progress I had made.
Recovery is a journey, and having people around you who understand, respect and support that journey makes a real difference. The guys didn’t make me feel different or excluded. Instead, they made me feel like one of the team.
For that, I will always be incredibly grateful.
One of the things I value most about Round Table is that it brings together people from all sorts of backgrounds who might never otherwise have crossed paths. You come together through fellowship, shared experiences and a desire to help others. Before long, the people you meet become much more than just faces at a social event.
They become mates.
And for me, that is what makes Round Table so special.
My First Major Event: Cheltenham Fireworks
My first major event with Cheltenham Round Table was the Cheltenham Fireworks Display, and it was an experience I will never forget.
Within half an hour of arriving, I found myself taking on the responsibility of coordinating the sound and making sure the fireworks go off on time It was certainly a quick introduction to getting involved, but that is one of the things I love about Round Table. Opportunities come along, people trust you to get stuck in, and before you know it, you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.
I threw myself into it, and it was so much fun.
Of course, putting on a major community event takes time, effort, teamwork and plenty of organisation. There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, much of which the public never gets to see. But when you stand back and see everything come together, you realise just how worthwhile it is.
For me, the most rewarding part was seeing the smiles on people’s faces and knowing we had helped create something special for the community.
There is something incredibly satisfying about knowing that the time and effort you put in has brought happiness to others. Whether it’s families enjoying an evening together, children watching the fireworks, or people simply making memories with their loved ones, you realise that what you’re doing really does matter.
That was the moment I knew I was home.
I had found a group of people who welcomed me, supported me, gave me opportunities and allowed me to contribute in my own way. I wasn’t just attending socials anymore. I was becoming part of something that had a genuine purpose.
Cheltenham Round Table had given me that opportunity, and it was the beginning of a journey I am incredibly proud of.
Never Imagined I Would Come This Far
Looking back to that first golf simulator evening in 2025, I never imagined I would end up where I am today.
When I first joined, I thought I would simply be a Tabler who turned up to socials, enjoyed the company, made some new friends and helped out at events when I could. I never believed I would become anything more than that.
I certainly never imagined myself taking on a leadership role or helping to rebuild a Round Table group of my own.
At the time, I was just enjoying being part of the group and appreciating the friendships and experiences that came with it. I had no idea that, in such a short space of time, Round Table would open up so many opportunities and give me the confidence to take on something much bigger.
Yet here I am today, taking on the role of Vice-Chairman of Gloucester Round Table.
The joy and pride I feel in being able to say that are honestly difficult to put into words.
If somebody had told me at that first social where I would be now, I don’t think I would have believed them. I certainly wouldn’t have imagined that I would be helping to bring a Round Table group back to life in the place where I grew up.
I am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, both personally and through my journey with Round Table. I’m grateful to every person who has welcomed me, supported me, encouraged me and helped me realise that I can do more than I ever thought possible.
For someone who originally joined simply to meet people and enjoy a few socials, finding myself in this position is something I will never take for granted.
Round Table has given me friendship, confidence, purpose and the opportunity to give something back. Now I have the chance to help create those same opportunities for others.
And that is something that genuinely excites me.
Bringing Gloucester Round Table Back to Life
My Round Table journey is now entering an incredibly exciting new chapter.
Alongside my brother-in-law, Ross, who is taking on the role of Chairman, I am currently helping to bring Gloucester Round Table back to life after it unfortunately folded following COVID. I am taking on the role of Vice-Chairman, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.
This opportunity means a great deal to me personally because Gloucester is where I grew up.
To have the chance to help bring Round Table back to an area that holds so many memories for me feels incredibly special. It isn’t just about restarting a social group. It’s about creating something positive for the community, building new friendships, bringing people together and giving local men the opportunity to experience the same fellowship that has meant so much to me.
I know first-hand how welcoming and supportive Round Table can be. I know the difference it can make when you walk into a room not knowing what to expect and leave feeling like you’ve found your people.
That is the kind of environment I want us to build in Gloucester.
I want us to create a group where men from all walks of life can come together, enjoy themselves, make genuine friendships, try new things and get involved in worthwhile projects. A place where nobody needs to feel they have to fit a particular mould, and where everyone has something to offer.
We have a fantastic opportunity to build something that will benefit Gloucester for years to come, and I am incredibly proud to be part of that journey.
Working alongside Ross makes it even more special. To be able to take on this challenge together, as brothers-in-law, and help bring something back to a place that means so much to me is an opportunity I never imagined I would have.
There is plenty of hard work ahead, but if my time with Cheltenham Round Table has taught me anything, it is that when a group of people come together with a shared goal, amazing things can happen.
Bringing Some Christmas Magic to Gloucester
One of our big priorities has been preparing for the festive season and finding ways to bring some joy to families across Gloucester.
Over the last month, Ross and I have spent many days and nights sorting out the Cheltenham Round Table Santa layout so that we can borrow it and bring some Christmas magic to Gloucester.
There is a lot of work involved in getting everything ready, and it has certainly kept us busy. But when you think about what it is all for, every late night and every bit of effort feels worthwhile.
Christmas is such a special time of year for families, particularly for children. The excitement of seeing Santa, the smiles on their faces and the memories created along the way are things that can stay with families for years.
Being able to help bring that experience to the area where I grew up makes the project even more meaningful to me.
I also want to give a huge thank you to the guys at Cheltenham Round Table. They have been incredibly kind and supportive, and their willingness to help us get started means a great deal.
The fact that they are happy to support us as we work to rebuild Gloucester Round Table is a fantastic example of what fellowship looks like in practice. It isn’t just about the group you belong to; it’s about helping one another, sharing knowledge and resources, and wanting to see other Tables succeed.
That support has helped us take another step towards making Gloucester Round Table a reality again.
I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve and about the opportunity to bring smiles to families in the area that will always be home to me.
Giving Back to the Community
Although we are still in the early stages of rebuilding Gloucester Round Table, the community work has already begun.
This Saturday, Ross and I spent six and a half hours driving around Gloucester, delivering donations to several local charities.
It was a long day, particularly after what had already been a busy stretch of 17 days without a day off. By that point, I could certainly have done with a rest!
But despite being tired, I finished the day feeling an enormous sense of pride and fulfilment.
Knowing that we had been able to give something back to several charities and support organisations doing important work in our community made every minute worthwhile.
Sometimes, when you are busy with work and everyday life, it is easy to forget just how much of a difference small acts of kindness can make. You don’t always need to do something enormous to have a positive impact. Sometimes, simply giving your time, making a donation or helping an organisation that supports people in need is enough to make a real difference.
For me, that is one of the most rewarding parts of Round Table.
We give our time because we want to help. We get involved because we care about our communities. And we do it alongside a group of mates who share that same desire to make the world around them a little bit better.
That Saturday reminded me exactly why I had been drawn to Round Table in the first place.
I finished the day tired, but incredibly proud. Proud of what we had achieved, proud of the opportunity to support local charities, and proud that we were already starting to make a difference in Gloucester.
It also made me realise that this is just the beginning. As Gloucester Round Table grows, I hope we will be able to support even more local organisations, take on new projects and bring people together through the work we do.
If we can make even a small difference to the lives of the people around us, then all the time and effort will be worth it.
More Than Just a Social Group
When I think about everything that has happened since that first golf simulator evening, it is difficult to believe how much my life with Round Table has developed in such a short time.
I joined because I wanted to meet new people, enjoy some socials and have a bit of fun. What I found was so much more than that.
I found friendship, fellowship, understanding and support. I found people who accepted me for who I am and respected the journey I was on. I found opportunities to get involved, take on responsibilities and challenge myself in ways I had never expected.
Most importantly, I found a place where I belong.
My experience has shown me that Round Table can be about far more than nights out and social events. It can give you the opportunity to grow as a person, develop confidence, learn new skills and discover just how much you can achieve when you surround yourself with the right people.
It has also shown me that you don’t have to be a particular type of person to get involved. Everyone brings something different to the table, and that is what makes it so special.
For me, Round Table has been a positive part of my life and a place where I can contribute something meaningful. It has helped me see that, regardless of where you start your journey, there are always opportunities to move forward, challenge yourself and make a difference.
Now, as I help rebuild Gloucester Round Table, I have the opportunity to help other men find that same sense of belonging.
I want them to experience the friendships, the laughter, the support and the satisfaction that come from working together to help others. I want them to see that you can have a brilliant time while also doing something worthwhile for your community.
And I want Gloucester Round Table to become a group that local people are proud to have in their area.
Find out more about Gloucester Round Table, including how to become a member here:
The Journey Is Only Just Beginning
If you had told me back in 2025, as I walked into that first golf simulator evening, that I would one day be helping to bring Gloucester Round Table back to life, I probably would have laughed.
I never imagined I would find myself taking on the role of Vice-Chairman, helping organise community projects, supporting local charities and working towards bringing a little Christmas magic to the place where I grew up.
But here I am, and I couldn’t be prouder.
I am proud of the progress I have made on my personal journey. I am proud to be part of Cheltenham Round Table and grateful for the support its members have shown me. I am proud to be working alongside Ross to bring Gloucester Round Table back to life, and I am excited about what the future holds.
Most of all, I am proud to be part of something that makes a positive difference.
Round Table has shown me that fellowship is about more than simply spending time together. It is about supporting one another, making people feel welcome, giving your time and energy to good causes, and creating opportunities for people to make a difference.
It is about knowing that you can turn up as yourself, be accepted for who you are and still have the opportunity to achieve things you never thought possible.
My journey started with one invitation from my brother-in-law and one evening at a golf simulator. It has led me to friendships I value, experiences I will never forget and an opportunity to help rebuild something meaningful in my hometown.
I will always be grateful that I said yes to that first invitation.
To everyone at Cheltenham Round Table who has welcomed and supported me, thank you. To Ross, for bringing me along in the first place and now sharing this exciting new chapter with me, thank you. And to everyone helping us get Gloucester Round Table back on its feet, I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.
I joined Round Table thinking I would simply be a Tabler. I never imagined I would become Vice-Chairman of Gloucester Round Table. The pride and joy I feel in being able to say that are beyond words.
If my journey proves anything, I hope it is that you never know where one invitation, one new friendship or one opportunity to get involved might take you.
For me, that journey has only just begun.
And I can’t wait to see where it leads next.
Luke Hayward, Gloucester 146
Comments