With the conclusion of the National Conference Big Weekend in Bournemouth, we are pleased to introduce you to the National Board for the Table year 2024/25.
We thought it would be a bit of fun to ask them some questions so you can get to know them a little better. So without further ado, we’ll start from the top!
National President
Steve Eccles
What is your Home Table and Area?
Great Dunmow 768, Essex Area 33
When did you Join?
2014
Most memorable social activity (the one you think of when telling people about the things you can only do in Table!) ?
SO many! But probably the story (and pictures I show the most) are from entering a GDRT rugby team into a semi-pro rugby sevens tournament (most of the squad had never played rugby before!!). Our first match was against the British Army! According to the news article in our local paper, we made it to the quarter-final! Also:- six-man bike to NSW and helping win NSW- cycling to Ypres and raising £120k for BLESMA- supporting a young member to establish what is now the largest independent soapbox race in the UK- various cultural trips including a trip to Auschwitz and having direct engagement with the Holocaust Educational Trust to raise awareness. - being lucky enough to have the members support me in being elected as the next president.
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Direct member engagement to help Tables to grow and retain members and hopefully building the momentum with an extremely passionate and hard working board. My hope is that we can also unlock the comms issues that we have working RTBI and encourage open and transparent conversations at all levels.
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
National Vice President
Jon Clark
What is your Home Table and Area?
London West End 623, Area 26
When did you Join?
2013
Most memorable social activity?
Recording as part of a song at Abbey Road Studios - organised by the team at Chelmsford RT! Keep an eye on the socials as the song will be out later this year...!
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Engaging with as many of you as possible at your social and community events to support the inspiring work that you do, while continuing our momentum in membership growth and making sure that all young men in the UK are able to experience Round Table!
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
National Membership
Mark ‘Faz’ Farrell
What is your Home Table and Area?
Keswick 424, Area 21
When did you Join?
2019
Most memorable social activity?
Keswick 24 numbers meeting!
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Supporting grassroots tables and tablers
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
membership@roundtable.org.uk (or the hundreds of Whatsapp groups I’ve been added to already)
National Secretary
Col Devitt
What is your Home Table and Area?
Mold & Buckley 399, Area 36
When did you Join?
2020
Most memorable social activity?
Visit to the gun range with my home table, where I got to let of a flashbang!
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
RTBI is at the start of an exciting journey now. The board are some of the most enthusiastic tablers I've met. I'm looking forward to bringing that enthusiasm to the while of RTBI
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
National Treasurer
James Black
What is your Home Table and Area?
Hartlepool 102, Area 10
When did you Join?
2006
Most memorable social activity?
Every event is memorable, but the very fact I'm part of a group that runs a huge beer festival event year with 50+ beers all for charity is too crazy not to mention.
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Standing up and moving the organisation forward. Getting out and about to learn how other tables do it!
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
National Communications
Rob ‘Meow’ Menown
What is your Home Table and Area?
Chelmsford 132, Essex Area 33
When did you Join?
2016
Most memorable social activity?
Gas Power Station Tour in Hoddesdon and more recently singing backing vocals in Abbey Road Studios
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Engaging with as many Tables and Tablers as I can to try and help make the national pages of RTBI an asset that everyone can get behind to help grow the association and help more young men gain the sort experiences I have been so lucky to have.
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
media@roundtable.org.uk , Rob Meow on Facebook or the various whatsapp groups I’m in and will no doubt be added to shortly!
National Community Officer
Sheraz ‘Raz’ Shahid
What is your Home Table and Area?
Lytham 130, Area 34
When did you Join?
2018
Most memorable social activity?
Meeting Red Arrows with our Red Barrows
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Supporting the Round Table Community in their events all over the country
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
International Relations Officer
James Edwards
What is your Home Table and Area?
Penistone 1094, Area 9
When did you Join?
2010
Most memorable social activity?
Went up Emley Moor Tower
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Spreading the word of International Tabling, and fighting for more affordable International events!
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
National Events
Dan Robertson
What is your Home Table and Area?
Beeston 573 Area 14
When did you Join?
2021
Most memorable social activity?
Sailing trips on the solent or Recording at Abbey Road Studios recently
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Enticing new tablers to national events!
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
National Programme & Retention
Marc Drury
What is your Home Table and Area?
Diss & District 439, Area 6
When did you Join?
2018
Most memorable social activity?
Classic Team Lotus Tour (Was a 'money can't buy' tour at the time)
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Seeing tables thrive with the right support. Fresh ideas come to the National events. A total modernisation of Table from top to bottom
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
Immediate Past President
Christopher Bush
What is your Home Table and Area?
Portsmouth and Southsea 2, Area 1
When did you Join?
2009
Most memorable social activity?
Venice Carnival
Thing(s) you are most looking forward to during your time on the board?
Seeing RTBI develop into a fresher and more exciting organisation for young men to join.
How can Tablers get hold of you this year?
Comments