The weekend of 12^th & 13^th May 2006 - National Conference and AGM – Killarney, Ireland

Already a weekend that will stay in the memories of many for a long time, the National Conference in Killarney was a resounding success. From arrival on Wednesday and a briefing meeting with other Exec Members to the exceptional Final Night Party the Killarney Conference Team did RTBI and NALC proud.

Richard’s weekend was to be packed – a National Exec meeting on Thursday was followed by a buffet dinner and an evening of wholly Irish themed entertainment in the Ballroom. An early(ish) retirement by Richard was not matched by many revellers whom were still active in the Gleneagle bar at
three am!!

Friday started bright and early as Richard chaired the early proceedings of the National Council Meeting. Reports and PowerPoint shows from international guests as well as Sports and Media trophy presentations would extend this meeting to almost three hours, but would enable a shortened AGM the following day. An entertaining national quiz final was convincingly won by Area 9, Yorkshire, having been ‘comedically’ chaired by National Sports and Social Officer, Sean Smith.

In the absence of a football final it left a gap in the afternoon for some quiet time before the Presidents’ Banquet in the evening. This was to be an excellent function - directly surrounded by some eighty international guests and members of his own Area - within a crowd of almost 850. An excellent meal was followed by exceptional entertainment that certainly had everybody up and dancing. A brilliant Queen tribute band could be forgiven the Irish accent sported by their Freddie Mercury! With the main INEC function room clearing at 2am the Gleneagle bar managed to continue to entertain until
breakfast – suffice it to say, Richard had again, sensibly retired a lot earlier…

And so to the highlight for many – the National AGM. A number of issues were soundly debated, not least of which the Treasurer’s Report and Budget. Area 33, Essex succeeded in getting their motion for ‘With Pride’ to be correctly included into the RTBI Induction Ceremony and sooner than you could imagine Gary was passing the President’s Jewel to Richard.

As tradition would dictate, Richard was immediately removed from the stage and the video screens came alive with GMTV news…Round Table has been voted The King of Clubs and Fiona Phillips had secured PLC Chairman, Jim Conway, and Vice Chairman, Steve Woolnough, for an interview on the GMTV sofa. This was followed by the first showing of Richard’s new video – featuring numerous Tablers and Circlers - as he “Showed us the Way”… Huge congratulations must go to presentations guru – Mat Osborne – for stealing the show as Richard’s interruption was immediately rated ‘one of the
best ever…’.

Richard’s inaugural speech immediately set a stunning tone as he advised that his first duty having recognised Gary and presented his Past President’s Jewel would be to present a Marchesi Medal. Having only been presented twice previously this was a President’s Gift to be presented in recognition of outstanding service to the Association.

Richard advised us of a man that has travelled over 250,000 miles as Tables’s most committed and motivational speaker. This individual had achieved many things within and out of Round Table in spite of losing his eyesight.  For over twenty years - having previously served at every level of the Association – he is still actively speaking at charter nights, Area meetings, etc and is still widely considered the greatest President we never had – the recipient was the one and only,
John Spence MBE.

To say there was barely a dry eye in the house as John was brought to the stage by past President, Kevin Bentley, would be an understatement. In tears and deeply moved himself, John, however, gathered himself and comfortably would have won any trophy for Speaker of the Day as he humbly and humorously accepted the accolade.

Jim Conway gravely accepted the PLC Chairman’s Jewel from its previous incumbent before reminding us of his family’s roots just thirty miles up the road…

As the AGM was brought to a close and football fans rushed for a screen showing the FA Cup final - preparations were in hand for the Ceile in Killarney and the Final Night Party. Richard hosted a brief early evening reception in his hotel for his Liaison Committee members before heading to the party. A smaller function – only 760 people – cheered in both new National Executive Members before settling down to another great meal and superb entertainment…

One final reception just before midnight for members of Area 33 Tablers and Area 30 Circlers – the Essex posse - and Richard’s formal duties were ended.

Fancy dress and fellowship were in abundance as the night rocked. Wizened, “Been There Done That” Tablers were even heard to say how good it all was.

Richard is safely installed as our National President and the real work starts now!!!