Tigger - he could be yours!

Issue 76 • February 2016
N AT I O N A L A S S O C I AT I O N O F
A member of the Round Table Family
CLUBS
Susanne
Nørager
and Alex V
oller,
President
s of TCI a
nd
NATC me
et at the
historic H
alf Year
Meeting
in Birmin
gham
ON
EDITI
S
I
H
T
ub
t Cl
Tangen ebration
y cel
birthda
ture a
e
F
l
a
i
Spec
LPA’s
re
g
g
i
T
uld
o
c
e
h
rs!
u
o
y
be
SPRING
N AT I O N A L A S S O C I AT I O N O F
CLUBS
Page 9
Well Travelled
Tigger
Page 4
Press Release
Page 3
Page 7
Page 14
Out & About
with
Alex Voller
Lasting Powers
of Attorney
International
News
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Alex Voller
E: president@tangent-clubs.org
Page 5 - What’ on • Page 6 - Now this is a REAL 4 Club Family!!! • Page 8 - Fundraising /
Remembering Friends • Page 10 - Lets Celebrate • Page 12 - Out & About
Page 13 - Half Year Meetings in Birmingham • Page 15 - You’re never too old to summit!
VICE PRESIDENT & MEMBERSHIP
Paula Farnfield
E: vice-president@tangent-clubs.org
IMMEDIATE PAST
PRESIDENT & INTERNATIONAL
Janice O’Neill
May I wish you all a very happy New Year!
As I near the end of my tenure as your Editor, it is a time to reflect and take stock. No doubt
many will be facing challenges in the coming year but there will also be plenty to celebrate
and be thankful for.
E: ipp@tangent-clubs.org
I recently spent a weekend with good friends; we chatted, laughed, shared meals and
memories, voiced opinions and just relaxed in each other’s company. The time we shared, on
the face of it, may appear unremarkable to many; but to me it was a golden memory, because
it was the unspoken friendship within the group that was so precious. Throughout my time on
the National Exec, I have been fortunate to share many Tangent memories, not only through
my visits to clubs and events as your National Editor, but through the many articles and
touching obituaries, many of you send to me.
SECRETARY
Melodie Brookes
The golden thread that I see, working through the ‘Tangent experience’ has been the
specialness of friendships made and sustained; many of them, over decades and long may
that continue. I would like to encourage you to come to the AGM in Birmingham in April, but
if you can’t be there, get involved by discussing the agenda that you will receive, and send a
delegate to put forward your views. If you have any questions in advance… please get in touch
and let the Exec know. We are all there to help. Jill Harris would particularly like to know if
you have any financial questions so that she can make sure she has any necessary
information prepared for you.
E: secretary@tangent-clubs.org
TEASURER
Jill Harris
E: treasurer@tangent-clubs.org
SALES & REGALIA
OFFICER
Sue Hill
YOU’RE NEVER
TOO OLD TO
SUMMIT!
Most people moving into their fifties/sixties start looking at relaxation &
retirement after years of working hard. For Potters Bar Tangent chairman
Barbara Middleton and her friend Caer Rice-Smith however, with a combined
age of 113 years, it is just the opposite, as they prepare to take on the ultimate
challenge of trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro this February. They feel
the time is right for this epic adventure, which they will be doing to raise money
for The Alzheimers Society, which is Barbara’s chosen charity for her year as
Chairman.
“Whilst a little apprehensive about the challenges ahead, we’re both very
excited” said Barbara “and will be supporting each other every step of the way
to make sure we both
Summit”
The pair have been training
regularly, completing a
night hike up and down
Snowdon, attending outdoor Bootcamp classes and
of course walking 6-8 miles
most days, changing their
commutes to work in order
to do so. Most recently they
completed an 26k section
of the Thames Path in just
6 hours, testing their waterproofs and stamina in their
run up to the big climb.
(Photo taken at the half way stage after a hot chocolate pitstop!)
National Secretary Melodie is a musical lady –
not only by name, and she has given us another
spoof choral piece to be sung to the hymn tune
for Immortal, Invisible
Verse 1
Immoral, impossible, God only knows
How tenors and basses, sopranos, altos
At service on Sunday are rarely the same
As those who on Monday to choir practice came.
Verse 2
Unready, unable to sight-read the notes,
Nor counting, nor blending, they tighten their throats.
The descant so piercing is soaring above
A melody only a mother could love.
Verse 3
They have a director, but no one knows why;
No one in the choir deigns to turn him an eye.
It’s clear by his flailing, he wants them to look,
But each singer stands there with nose in the book.
Verse 4
Despite the offences, the music rings out.
The folks in the pews are enraptured, no doubt.
Their faces are blissful, their thoughts appear deep,
But this is no wonder, for they are asleep.
Please
Please remember
remember the
the following
following
Tangent
Tangent members
members
who
who have
have sadly
sadly passed
passed away.
away.
Nina
Nina Andrewartha
Andrewartha –– Shirley
Shirley 86
86
Jenny
Jenny Bickley
Bickley –– Battle
Battle 696
696
“We have both witnessed close relatives succumb to the ravaging effects of
dementia” said Caer “We hope to raise as much money as possible to aid
research and eradicate this condition.”
Lydia
Lydia Black
Black –– Tiverton
Tiverton 55
55
Both women will be funding the trip themselves and have set up Just Giving
pages so that all monies raised go direct to The Alzheimers Society. If you would
like to donate please visit their Just giving page
https://www.justgiving.com/Kilibill2/
Margaret
Margaret Janes
Janes –– Bexhill
Bexhill 356
356
Denise
Denise Gray
Gray –– Rothwell
Rothwell && District
District 513
513
E: sales@tangent-clubs.org
In this edition you will find reports of celebrations, anniversaries, fundraising and just fun
activities. I am also pleased to include a feature by a member who is a solicitor who presents
the benefits of a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’.
Do also try checking out the new sales items Tangent can get by clicking on
http://www.tangentshop.co.uk and if you are into cruising… check out the Fred Olsen offer on
the back cover.
EDITOR & WEBSITE
CO-ORDINATOR
Pauline Campbell
Freddie
Freddie Keey
Keey –– Thornbury
Thornbury 400
400
Sheila
Sheila Lewis
Lewis –– Bradford
Bradford Fairfax
Fairfax 319
319
Eve
Eve Lockyer
Lockyer –– Tiverton
Tiverton 55
55
E: editor@tangent-clubs.org
Ann
Ann Markley
Markley –– Bletchley
Bletchley 111
111
Ladies, as I sign off for the last time, thank you to the current exec for their support and
encouragement and I wish Paula and her new Exec every good wish for the future. However,
my greatest thanks goes to you, the membership who have followed me… sent in articles for
the magazine, let me know about events for the website and supported my ‘stumblings’ into
social media and Tangent Facebook challenges, that have enabled me to encourage some of
you to write for the magazine.
Please give your support to those members who stand for the National Executive. Everyone
has something to offer…. and so I am leaving you with the following words from Anne Frank:
Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great
you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is.’
Ladies, you never know until you try – so please, never say never, and whatever challenges
come your way, treat them as opportunities!
Yours in continued friendship
Pauline Campbell
Please submit copy for the Summer edition of Tangent News by Friday 13th May
to editor@tangent-clubs.org
2.
Irene
Irene Mennie
Mennie –– Inverurie
Inverurie && District
District 650
650
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR
Jackie Hampton
Linda
Linda Papworth
Papworth –– Weston-super-Mare
Weston-super-Mare 314
314
E: admin@tangent-clubs.org
Anne
Anne Winscom
Winscom –– Petersfield
Petersfield 66
66
REGARDING OBITUARIES…
Although National Association of Tangent
Clubs makes every effort to ensure accuracy,
we can accept no responsibility for errors or
omissions.
© All information in this publication is
copyright of National Association of Tangent
Clubs.
15.
Did you know that we record the names of members who
have recently died in the magazine, but you can also
send a longer, written obituary for posting on the Tangent
website? Your club can celebrate your member’s life,
through your words and a photo if you wish. Please send
anything you wish to be included to the Editor.
Email: editor@tangent-clubs.org for publication in
Tangent News and inclusion on the website
Enduring
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Dixon & Mule
Janice O’Neill, Past National President and International
Officer was pleased to welcome Mulenga Tembo and her
husband, Dixon to the Half Yearly Meeting (HYM) in
Birmingham in October. Following the Charter of Tangent
Zambia Copperbelt and Lusaka at the Tangent Clubs
International (TCI) HYM in October, Mulenga and Dixon
revisited their Round Table and Ladies Circle club in
Gloucester, who are now 41 Club and Tangent. Gloucester
Tangent kindly sponsored the pins for the Zambia members
and were delighted to host Mulenga and Dixon after the
HYM. Tangent UK are the godmother to Zambia who are
now an Associate Member of TCI. In the photo with
Mulenga are Jackie Lord, Sheila Paterson and Carole
Brennan who shared many funny stories of their time
together in Circle.
As IRO I was delighted to attend the reunion and to see the
friendships still continuing 23 years after Mulenga and
Dixon returned to Zambia where Mulenga is working as a
farmer. Her stories are fascinating and if any Tangent UK
member would like to hear more, please contact me for
email addresses.
Janice O'Neill
IPP and IRO
National Association of Tangent Clubs
Board Member of TCI
Congratulations,
Val Villa MBE !!
Founder member of Hutton
& Shenfield 666, Val Villa,
has been awarded an MBE
in the New Year’s Honours.
Val is a very active member
of our Tangent and is
affectionately known as
‘Mother’ as she started the
club 31 years ago.
Chairmen, Sue and Ken Copley with June Boden
Friends Forever
Val is very active in her
community in Galleywood
(near Chelmsford, Essex)
with fund raising and
organising Easter Egg hunts
for the children. She also
belongs to the local WI
where she has been chairman several times. Val and her husband worked very hard in getting the
local ‘Parish Hall’ up and running and encouraged the local community
to use the hall.
June Boden wrote to share her story of a friend’s move that has
sparked new friendships between clubs.
Some years ago, Sue and Ken Copley, members of Billericay
(Essex) clubs “defected” to Martock & District 809 in Somerset.
Sue kept in touch and from time to time would manage to visit
us. But this year, Billericay decided the time had arrived to pay a
return visit, so in September, 5 couples made the trip. It is a
special year for Sue and Ken who are chairmen of Martock Tangent
and 41 Club, respectively and June Boden, who is Chair of
Billericay Tangent.
Val’s husband Bob was Mayor of Chelmsford last year and she was very
busy attending functions with him.
Thursday evening brought club members from around Somerset
for a meeting. On Friday the group enjoyed visits to some of the
local sites…an apple brandy distillery, a smoker and a visit to
Montacute House. The evening was rounded off by a great dinner.
Val is not in the best of health, but is always ready to help anyone who
needs it and has always had time for other people. We, in Hutton and
Shenfield Tangent 666, are very proud of our ‘Mother’.
Even the weather was glorious so a great trip all round and the
friends are looking forward to the next get together.
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Firstly I ventured north of the Border for a whistle
stop tour of Bonny Scotland, where a highlight was
visiting the Kelpies and encountering many
Janisism’s with the crazy CATS. This was closely
followed closely by the ‘flyaway’ Scottish
luncheon, where we were expertly shown all the
emergency exits by Julie White and her team of air
hostesses!
On the way back I visited brilliant Brampton
Longtown & Border Tangent 555, learning all the
secrets of Gretna Green, and was finally home
after 7 nights away and 810 miles travelled.
On 24 September I was honoured to attend the
funeral of Past National President 1980-81, Anne
Winscom, who I didn’t know personally, but I
learned was an amazing lady and a great
inspiration. On to the South West regional lunch
and Pauline, Tigger and I stayed with the very
efficient Sergeant Major Tracy Francksen. The
venue was fantastic, and quite frankly my dear, the
weather dare not disobey Tracy, and was glorious!!
Jackie Hampton and I had so much fun and
friendship at the first birthday party of Telford
Tangle 937, and then, with lovely Jilly King, I
enjoyed many laughs at Oxted & District 121
playing beetle drive which was very soon followed
by the BCC Fashion Show.
Next was a quick nip up to Northwich 426, with
Super Shopper and Sales, Sue Hill, where I was
very touched to receive a handmade and
personalised cushion, by their Chairman, Claire. I
would like to take this chance to thank my own
Tangent, Wellingborough 371, for a fabulous 40th
afternoon tea, which I am overwhelmed to say
raised over £1000 for RTCW.
The following day, one of the highlights of my year,
saw Zoe Gaskill and I attending the Woman of the
Year with my ‘good friend’ Nicole Kidman on the
next table and a lady with Tourrette’s behind me!!
Our first ever half yearly meeting was a jolly and
interesting afternoon, full of discussion and banter,
making it both fun and informative.
Sunshine Coast 932 saw me discussing the
attributes of matching underwear, and my singing
challenge, for the first time, being accompanied by
an ipod!! Then on Sunday 8 November the biggy –
laying the Tangent wreath at the Cenotaph and
parading down Whitehall with Terry Copper
greeting the crowds regally and Prince William
saluting the two of us!!
On 11 November I was impressed to visit Knowle
and Dorridge 175, who are our biggest Tangent
with 74 members.
14.
On Children in Need day I was up at silly o’clock
to race over to Northampton Railway station and
help collect pennies with Northampton Round
Table, and then on to the South East lunch where
astounding Adrienne had us all dancing in the
aisles and Terry Cooper serenaded me rather
beautifully. At Salisbury Tangent’s 40th charter,
with our Super Sec Melodie, I was delighted to
induct my now great friend and director of my
chosen charity RTCW, Karen Winchcombe, into
Tangent. Thank you to the 238 who attended my
charity ball on 21 November at Gaydon Motor
Museum. I am delighted to report we raised
£14,000 for RTCW.
Another huge thank you to Viv Wyss and the ever
wonderful Lichfield Tangle for their Thanksgiving
Supper that raised £600 for RTCW, which I am
elated to say Viv went down to Bournemouth and
personally presented.
Christmas festivities saw Gwen and I dancing on
the table at Dursley and District 582 joint do
(Ed’s note: The photographic evidence
can be found elsewhere in this
magazine}. Paula, Jill and I then
attended the Lamb at Christmas
with a Loch Fyne luscious lunch,
arranged
by
the
ever
enthusiastic
David
Leon.
Finally after Bedworth 41 Club
and RT Christmas Ball I got
to hang up my Tangent hat
and relax.
So now I’m on the home
straight, and I sincerely
want to thank you all
for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
I have enjoyed
being your figure
head and meeting so many lovely
ladies, who
honestly do
achieve fantastic
fun and friendship
and CARPE the
heck out of that
DIEM!!
NATIONAL
PRESIDENT
ALEX VOLLER
3.
Melodie Brookes –
Ruth Sage –
Candidate for
National Vice-President
Candidate for National Sales & Regalia
Past National President Liz Morgan reports on the goings on of the PNO’s…..
Hi All, my name is Ruth Sage and I am from
sunny Southend-on-Sea in Essex, and I am
proud to be an Essex Girl.
Hello Ladies,
You will no doubt be wondering, why after already serving four
years on the National Executive as, firstly the last ever
Secretary Elect and then three years as your National
Secretary, I am offering to take on a further three years service!
My Circling life started in Skegness where I was inducted into
Leigh-on-Sea Ladies Circle during the National AGM! I then went
on to hold many positions in Ladies Circle including Area 30
Chairman, which is where I know some of you from. I am not
very good with names, so if you say hello to me and I have a
blank look on my face or can’t remember your name please
don’t take is personally.
As I was born and brought up in Birmingham, having the
Conference held there this year seemed a good omen. Being
involved in my own Salisbury Tangent’s splendid 40th
Anniversary Celebration Lunch, attending a delightful
Friendship Evening in my old Ladies Circle Area 36, taking part
in the wonderful camaraderie of the Iberian Cluster, representing NATC in Norway, and especially enjoying meeting some of
you at the varied, spectacular Regional Lunches, I would relish
the prospect of spending more time with the members of
Tangent. Standing for Vice-President with the backing of
Salisbury 389 and Bournemouth No 1, it seemed too good an
opportunity to miss.
I was inducted into Southend no5 Tangent by Gill Young in 2009.
I have been dinner secretary in 2012 and then in 2013 I was
secretary and Vice Chairman becoming Chairman in 2014. This
coming year in Tangent I am hoping to be the National Sales and
Regalia Officer and, yet again, dinner secretary for my local club.
I already have lots of ideas for the shop and if you have any thing
that you would like to be able to purchase from the shop then
please let me know and I will see if it’s possible or not.
I like a challenge in life as some of you know; I have been a nurse
for over 40 years which makes me feel very old and at present I
am a Senior Nurse on nights. Jon, my late husband, and I
rescued a 10 year old Staffie dog called Money last February to
be company for Jon while I was working. Well Jon
unfortunately died in April, but Money is now my best
friend and she would make a great Tangent
member as she likes a fuss made of her, to be taken
out shopping and
have things bought for
her and she loves
a good meal!
Having close contact with the members and the clubs in my
role as Secretary has given me an insight into some of your
challenges, and an admiration for your commitment to ‘
Continued Friendship’ in its many forms.
I look forward to the excitement and the responsibility of
representing you to the best of
my ability.
Ruth Sage
Melodie Brookes
My name is Morag Daley and I
am the nominee for Editor and
Website Coordinator. I am
married to Michael and we
have two children, who are
currently students. We live in
Turriff in north east Scotland.
Past National Officers
on tour in St Albans
Hi ladies, I’ve been married
to Andy after meeting at
Reading pop festival a
lifetime ago.
I joined Chesham Circle in 1990,
and really enjoyed my circling
days, becoming Circle Chairman1994-5, followed by Area
Secretary then Area 43 Chairman in 1998-9, and
Regional Sub-Editor for the East in 1999-2000.
I progressed on to Tangent with the same groups
of great friends and have been Chesham Tangent
Chairman twice. I’ve attended as many Tangent
Regional lunches and AGMs as I can, enjoying
fun and friendship around the country.
I supported Janice O’Neill during her year as
Tangent President 2014-15, organising a
successful charity lunch helping to raise funds for
Janice’s charity Breast Cancer Care.
PRESS
RELEASE
Formerly a member of Turriff &
District Circle I am now a member of Turriff &
District Tangent and also Aberdeen and
Aberdeenshire Cluster Tangent.
I am an associate solicitor in private practice.
My field is Family/Matrimonial work. To assist
with this I am also a trained family mediator.
I acted as Editor and website Coordinator for
Ladies Circle during my time a Vice President
and am pleased to say that one of my innovations
remains to this day. Hopefully I will bring some
experience to the role.
My day job is Accounts Manager, having moved
to this role only in the last few months, and I’ve
managed to get down to 3 days a week which I’m
thrilled about. I finally now have a bit of time to
take on a role on the Tangent national exec. My
background is secretarial, project management,
databases, and co-ordinating events, and I
believe all these experiences will be beneficial to
the position of National Secretary.
My wish is to maintain the high standards set by former
holders of the post as well as add my own ideas and
enthusiasm.
Morag Daley
Glynis Sutton
Morag Daley –
Glynis Sutton –
Candidate for National Editor
& Website Coordinator
Candidate for
National Secretary
A new age ….
Half Year Meetings
in Birmingham!!
In October 2015, history was made for our organisation in
Birmingham; we hosted Tangent Clubs International Half Year
Meeting and also, following agreement at our National Conference
in Harrogate, we held the first Half Year Meeting for our own
National Association. However, this was not enough for our home
clubs and we were also pleased to host the 41 Club International
Half Year Meeting and 41 Club GB&I who held their mid-year Council
meeting all on the same weekend. Being married to the Convenor
meant that by the time the weekend dawned, I could almost recite
the names of every one attending, their clubs and even their dietary
needs! The spreadsheet was awesome… and I did develop a
love/hate relationship with it at times!
Birmingham welcomed more than 200 Tangent and 41 Club
members from more than 20 countries across the world and we
were proud and delighted to welcome our very own membership
too. The organisation was complex and could not have happened
without the wonderful support from local 41 and Tangent Club
members and Dave and I were very grateful. The weekend’s super
heroes were Tom Atkins, BJ Brown, Hilary Mears and Andy
Watkinson and their teams of support who ran the registration and
transport from the hotel.
TCI President Susanne Nørager welcomed everyone and each
country gave their reports and invited members to attend future
events. We were also pleased to welcome RTBI President, Marcus
Jones who brought greetings and RTI Past President Jason
Thompson who gave up to date information about All4Nepal, the
charity that he has and continues to so successfully support.
Every year the Past National Officers of
Tangent with their husbands/partners
get together for a re–union weekend.
This year our weekend was organised by
Past National President Beth Allen and
in September, 34 of us gathered together
in the bar at the Hotel St. Albans; a very
impressive listed building just metres
from the centre of the city.
The noise level in the bar soon soared as greetings were exchanged
and thirsty travellers downed gin and tonics, but Beth soon called us
to order, and welcomed us to St Albans. She introduced us to Terry
Turner who took us on a short, but informative and interesting guide
of the ancient city of St Albans. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed good
food, plenty of wine and talked and laughed ‘til we staggered off to
our beds! (Editor’s note: I daren’t ask what time and who was last!!)
After a leisurely breakfast the next morning, we met in St Albans Abbey
for a guided tour of this amazing Cathedral, so rich in history. With free
time to follow, we were able to explore the lovely city centre, with its
ancient buildings, beautiful gardens and parklands, but of course many
of us headed for the famous outdoor market and interesting high street
shops. Some things never change!
Our annual PNO’s meeting was held back at the hotel in the beautiful
Sam Ryder Study. Sam Ryder was a keen golfer and instigated the
Ryder Cup golf completion, but a less well known fact is that he had
made his fortune in seeds and plants. Sixteen of us attended the
meeting which Beth chaired and once again, B J agreed, to take the
minutes. Apologies and greeting were received from those unable to
join us and we were sad to hear that Past National President Ann
Winscom had passed away just the week before. We have very little
business but we agreed that the National Conference in Harrogate had
been enjoyed by all those who attended and that changes to the
format of the National AGM were necessary and it was a brave
National Executive who had instigated it. Life moves on!
Beth was thanked for a wonderful weekend and Terrie Hewitt then
invited all Past National Officers to join her and David in September
2016 year in Ironbridge, and it sounds as if it’s going to be a fantastic
weekend. After a great dinner and another lively session in the bar for
a few night caps, we retired for the evening. Next morning we all
departed having laughed a lot, learnt a lot and renewed those special
friendships with each other. We now look forward to Ironbridge next
year.
Getting down to partying
The afternoon was given over to the very first Half Year Meeting for
NATC. The meeting was well supported by Tangent members from
GB as well as our international guests and some Ladies Circlers.
Everyone was welcome to contribute and for me, this was a strength
of the event. Unfettered by the formality and business of AGMs,
members could debate issues including membership and
subscriptions for those who are members of more than one club.
There were no propositions and the meeting was relaxed and
friendly. It was noted that the event had undoubtedly attracted a
number of attendees because of the other events taking place during
the weekend and that the Half Year Meeting to take place in 2016
would more likely reflect the real interest in the event when it ‘stood
alone’. I hope that members will continue to support a half yearly
meeting. It was lively but good natured and afforded the opportunity
for the membership to bring issues to discuss with fellow members
and the national executive.
Pauline Campbell
41 Club IRO liaising
with TCI ladies
The HYM Team
4.
13.
President Does
Dinner with Dursley
Dursley and District Tangent, together with their 41 Club, welcomed
President Alex and husband Mark to their Christmas Dinner, held at
the lovely Nibley House in Gloucestershire. A great evening was had
by all and a cheque for £100 was presented to Alex for her
Presidential Charity Round Table Children’s Wish! The money had
been raised following a progressive dinner earlier in the year.
Bromsgrove 91 –
the Butcher’s
Prime cut!!!
Lynne Bedford, Dursley & District Secretary, reports that the evening
went with a swing and a lot of fun. and included some high jinx.!
In November a group of Bromsgrove 91 members and guests had
the pleasure of visiting our local Butchers. We learnt about the art
of sausage making, how to butcher a pig and about the cuts you
can get from it.
Jon and Denise Banner from Banners Foods in Bromsgrove treated
us to a behind the scenes insight and history of the shop. Banners
Foods was established over 100 years ago by Samuel Banner and
his wife Kate in September 1906 and remains essentially a family
run business as the current business is run by 3 Directors, 2 of
whom are great grandsons of the original owner. Today, a retail fresh
food shop still thrives on the original site in Bromsgrove and Banners
is much more than a purely butchery business.
GET GOING - LOOK WHAT’S ON
WELSH REGIONAL
LUNCH 2016
SOUTH WEST
REGIONAL LUNCH 2016
Hosted by Sirhowy Tangent 885, the Welsh
Regional Lunch will take place on Saturday
21st May 2016 at: Brynmeadows Hotel,
Maesycwmmer, Nr. Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly,
South Wales, CF82 7SN.
Wessex Link Tangent 881, South West Regional
Lunch on Saturday 24th September 2016
Speaker: Suzanne Charlton, BBC Weather
forecaster, keen sports fan and daughter of
Sir Bobby Charlton.
Entertainment will be from Rebecca Millet ~
‘Songs from the Musicals’
At: Sequoia Suite, Holiday Inn Bristol
Filton, Filton Road, Bristol BS16 1QX
For more details and booking form please go to
http://tangent-clubs.org/workshop/welsh-regional-lunch-2016/
Jon, one of Sam Banner’s great grandsons, happily showed us how
to butcher a side of pig and explained that nothing on a pig is
wasted and everything can be eaten, bar the “Oink”!!! After the
informative talk we got down to making our own sausages and cure
bacon. This was a highly amusing session and we got to take our
efforts home afterwards.
For booking details go to
http://tangent-clubs.org/workshop/south-west-regional-lunch-2016/
NORTHERN REGIONAL
LUNCH 2016
The bacon had to cure for 5 days after we took it home and it was
well worth the wait as it was the best bacon we have ever had at
home and we soon went back for more.
Golfers Galore
After removing our plastic pinny’s we enjoyed an excellent meal in
the restaurant next door. The cost of the evening was worth every
penny!
Sue Jennings, Chairman of Louth Tangent, her members and their
husbands/partners braved the cold and donned their sporty gear to
try their hand at golf in September. Golfers were paired with a
non-golfer… the golfer drove and played the fairway shots and the
non-golfer did the putting until the last hole when the roles were
reversed!
Bromsgrove had a great time with their local butcher – so give your
local butcher a call and see if they run sessions like we enjoyed.
Bromsgrove had a great evening…. We learnt a lot, laughed a lot
and managed to take the fruits of our labour home to share and
enjoy AND support a local independent business.
Everyone had a lot of fun but Sue reflected on the attraction to
hardened golfer addicts when it was so cold! The wind doth blow
across those Lincolnshire Wolds! Everyone ate heartily at the '19th'
and prizes were handed out to the best pair and to the best
individual golfer and non-golfer.
Hosted by Cheadle & Gatley Tangent 448 on Sunday
3rd July 2016 at: The Deanwater Hotel,
Wilmslow Road, Woodford, Cheshire SK7 1RJ.
Coffee from 11.30am followed by lunch at 12.30pm,
Speaker: Louise Croomba, Presenter on Tameside
Radio.
“Something for nothing. 52 weeks, 50 challenges
and 1 volunteer.”
BIRMINGHAM CONFERENCE 2016
Conference is rapidly approaching and plans are coming together well!!!
It is now less than 100 days until the event kicks off on 14 April and we would love to
welcome you joining us for a 'wild' weekend. There are still some rooms left in the
conference hotel but these will have to be released so do book in soon.
We would also like to remind you to book into the Tangent lunch (£18), this is a buffet being served in the conference
hotel restaurant. There are no other food outlets within the hotel so you will need to go out onto Broad Street to purchase
a sandwich. We are taking over the whole restaurant, which seats 180 people. You can book into this directly on the
conference website (www.41clubconference.co.uk) or amend your booking by contacting Hospitality Guaranteed
(tel:03448223227) and they will send you an amended confirmation. Look forward to seeing you in BIRMINGHAM.
12.
NOW THIS
IS A REAL
4 CLUB
FAMILY!!!
ARE THEY UNIQUE?
GOING POTTY??
TEACHER TURNS
STUDENT!
We believe we may be a first in the Round Table family!
Jean Pinkey writes…
Our daughter Julia McClean is Chairman of Chelmsford Ladies Circle this
year 2015 and her husband Stuart is Chairman of Chelmsford Round
Table. Both of them asked me (Jean Pinkney) a member of Tangent and
Doug Pinkney a member of 41 Club, to be their respective Presidents
for their year. Our picture therefore shows us all in our year of office.
Bridging the generation gap….
Julia says:
“Born in Chelmsford to parents who were in both Ladies Circle & Round
Table, I grew up with a whirlwind of social madness around me as well
as approximately 30 ‘surrogate like’ parents. Seeing my parent’s
friendships with all these people and the events and charity work they
did was a valuable lesson as a child. In my adult years I spent many
years working abroad, but in recent years returned to Chelmsford with
a husband who knew no one in the area apart from my Dad. Curiously,
my husband joined Round Table via my Dad to create his own network
of friends - I then naturally ended up joining the Ladies Circle.”
Happy 40th Farnborough
(Hants)
Farnborough (Hampshire) Tangent
Chairman, Audrey Walker welcomed
46 members, past and present,
including 41 Club, to a celebratory
dinner for our 40 years in September
2015. The Club was originally set up
by Dorothy Thompson, who unfortunately wasn’t able to be present, but Audrey was our second Chairman
in 1976.
Walkie, Talkie with
Amersham 68
Bridget Makinson, shared a visit Amersham 68 made to the Skygarden
at the top of the Walkie Talkie building. You have to book in advance
but Bridget reports it was a great day out; good views of London, lunch
in the café… a bit of Walkie and a lot of Talkie with good friends……
a recipe for a great day out!!!
The after dinner speaker was Trevor Sapey from the Mary Rose Trust.
Trevor gave a light hearted talk about a Sailor’s Life and Death on the
Mary Rose. He brought along many artefacts from the ship which he
passed around for us all to handle and there was a lot of laughter with
his explanations of the various uses of the items.
To find out more go to: http://skygarden.london/sky-garden
Although we only have 21 members we do a variety of things such as
visits to museums and exhibitions in London, pub meals, film evenings
and many more which keeps our friendship going.
The New Milton Marathon Team 2015
Jean adds:
“I have been associated with Ladies Circle and Tangent for some 32
years. I was Chairman of Circle in 1988/9 and Chairman of Chelmsford
County Tangent in 1994/95. As Julia has said, the long and valuable
friendships with so many people, the involvement with all different
types of events and the fundraising element, are key to having an
exciting and fulfilling life. This of course means a very busy life, but one
that is never dull.
33 years of Fun,
Friendship and Service
……..and learning from each other
The quote ‘You only get out what you put in’ is so true and Circle life is
one not to be missed and there is even more fun later in life in Tangent!!”
Doug remembers
“I joined Chelmsford Round Table in the autumn of 1974. I was chatting
to a neighbour of mine who was a member, and he suggested I came
along to a meeting.
I was in the process of moving to a house that was semi derelict and I
knew this project would absorb all my spare time. I needed an escape,
maybe RT could be the answer. This was a time when membership was
thriving and at my first meeting I found the members very welcoming,
and used to new faces turning up. Soon I felt very much part of an
organisation that was able to offer a great social life, fellowship, travel,
the opportunity to work and help others in the community. Most
importantly it has enabled me to make good friends. The process
continues in 41 Club.
I was a Milkman’s
Daughter
It was lovely to receive the following report from New
Milton 120! It reminds us that doing a bit of community
service can give back as much as you give…
Sally Reed, Chairman of Lymington Tangent 336 writes
about recording her life and memories for her family in a
special book.
A team of 15 people turned up at a popular beauty spot known as
Wootton Stream in the New Forest first thing on a Sunday morning in
September 2015 to continue a tradition which New Milton Tangent has
maintained since 1982. We were due to man a drinks station
supporting the re-invigorated New Forest Marathon.
Fellow Tangent Members, how many of you, have at the request of your
children been asked to write about your life?
Can you find the time to put pen to paper and create a Legacy for your
Family?
As always, the event was a mini street party with the best of
atmospheres, congratulating the leaders, exhorting the masses to
achieve, and encouraging and reassuring the trailing tail-enders. We
had extra responsibility this year, as we were the station designated to
hand out jelly babies!
Looking back it’s amazing how a chance meeting 40 years ago changed
my life for ever.”
Stuart sums up the situation
I was always intrigued by the great and varied group of friends that
seemed to surround Doug and Jean whenever we visited them in
Chelmsford. There was no end of social events and community based
projects going on which on occasion would always call for careful diary
management when we were in town.
Coulsdon & Purley 36, have written to Tangent News, to share a
visit they made with friends and family to a local pottery. The party
ranged in age from 4 to 74 years young!
It was therefore a natural progression when we moved into the area over
4 years ago to get involved. I now have a great group of guys that I
spend far too much time with and to top it all a new business partner
who joined on the very same day as me. It is an honour to be Chairman
of Chelmsford 132 alongside Julia in Circle and to have the support of
Doug and Jean is amazing in this busy year.
The group were guided by a young lady called Helen, who
Coulsdon & Purley Chairman Kate Nash had taught in primary
school, eleven years previously; so a complete turn round for Kate!!
The afternoon was spent, creating masterpieces which everyone
took home…. a lovely memory of the day, and of the fun and
friendship they had enjoyed.
6.
Well I did, and I have entitled my story 'I was a Milkman’s Daughter'.
I lived in a village in Wiltshire and married a Hampshire man in 1960.
We and our 4 children enjoyed a busy life which included Round Table
and Ladies Circle, followed later by Tangent.
We have experienced a wide range of weather conditions over the years,
and had some interesting encounters, such as passing burglars,
challenging and imperious horse riders, angry car drivers, and the odd
celebrity. We have also received number of sweaty hugs!
Following the death of our daughter Victoria I undertook a Bike Ride
across the Sinai Desert in aid of Mencap. Five years later, at 65yrs and
still in good health I trekked across the Great Wall of China.
Michael and I have just celebrated our Emerald Wedding Anniversary
with many longstanding friends from our Round Table and Ladies Circle
days attending our party.
We have had our children accompany us in pushchairs, on roller skates,
scooters and bicycles as they grew up, including one year when a
member’s newly married daughter handed out water in her bridal gown!
We now welcome grandchildren. There is nothing like a community
event to bring out the best in people, and Tangent members do it in
style!
SO DO think about writing YOUR STORY, while you can still remember
interesting details of your LIFE because your grandchildren will love
reading YOUR BOOK.
11.
Its a bir
Special Feature
a
z
n
a
n
o
thday b
A member who is a solicitor has written the following thought provoking
article about Lasting Powers of Attorney. If you would like to contact her,
please email editor@tangent-clubs.org for her contact details.
Happy
30th Shepton
Mallett
Happy 1st Birthday Telford Tangle
September saw Shepton Mallet Tangent celebrate their 30th Birthday.
Celebrations began at their July meeting when the National President,
Alex Voller, paid a surprise visit and joined us for our meeting at The
Manor, Ditcheat, famous as the local for Paul Nicholls the race horse
trainer whose stables are just down the road.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Members were delighted to welcome Alex as some had been present at
the A.G.M. in Bournemouth when she had been elected. Her enthusiasm
was as infectious ‘in the flesh’ as it had been making her election speech
from the stage! She had researched the beginnings of the club and also
explained why Round Table's Children's Wish is so important and is her
choice of charity for the year.
What Are They?
Why Do I Need One?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a document by
which you give certain powers to someone of your
choice. Giving you the ability to give power to
someone else to sign things on your behalf either
because it is convenient, or because you are no longer
able to sign things yourself. There are two distinct
types of Power of Attorney:
If you become ill and do not have a LPA it is very difficult
for anyone else to manage your affairs. It may then be
necessary to make an application to the Court of Protection,
which can be costly and take months to obtain. If you have
a Power of Attorney in place, your family can help
immediately and respond to any difficulty you may have.
A lively meeting was brought to a close when Chairman Francis
presented Alex with a miniature ‘rock flock’ sheep, best used as a door
stop as it’s too heavy for anything else. Anyone who passes down the
A37 past Shepton Mallet will see a flock of these stone sheep on a
roundabout outside the town and recognised by many as a sign they
have nearly reached the site of the Glastonbury Festival!!
President Alex Voller and Chairman Cheryl Weymouth leading the way
at the Mad Hatters Tea Party.
On Sunday the 4th October Telford Ladies Tangle celebrated their first
Birthday in style ... well if style is a word to describe ladies wearing
Mad Hatters Hats that’s us... !!
We decided to celebrate our actual 30th anniversary by holding our
September meeting at Ston Easton Park Hotel and having a ‘posh’ afternoon tea. Ladies Circle sadly closed years ago, but we have the jewel
and scrapbooks and with those from the 30 years of Tangent there were
many memories awakened. It is very sad to think that our Tangent has
been in existence longer than our Circle.
The team had been organising this day for a long time .... each of us
making cloth triangles so we could have our very own bunting ...
collecting tea cups and saucers and Tea pots from Charity shops.. and
thinking of mad games to play..
Members of 41 Club, gave each member a gift of an engraved wine
glass, the purpose of which became apparent when proceedings were
interrupted by ten of their members who, led by president Neville Dyke,
serenaded us with 'Congratulations' and filled the glasses with
champagne for a toast. Chairman Francis Moreland had researched The
Journal for events we had all been involved in 1985 and a very
enjoyable meeting was brought to a close with the cutting of a cake
provided by member Sue Voisey and remembering Jane Sharples, Di
Cannings and Jenny Slade who are sadly no longer with us to celebrate
our motto of 'continued friendship'.
Invites went out saying please come along to our ' Mad Hatters Tea
Party' to celebrate our 1st Birthday but we also wanted to make it a
Charity day and we had decided on our local children's hospice in
Shropshire called Hope House.
Alex Voller the National President attended together with Jackie Hampton
from the National Exec, (how honoured we felt to have them both) and
we were also supported by Lichfield Ladies Tangle, Lichfield Circle,
Stourbridge Circle and our very own Telford Circle and Tangent.
The Health and Welfare LPA is particularly important if you
have a stroke and need help immediately. It is no use if your
family goes to a solicitor once you lose capacity as you are
no longer able to give instructions to put the LPA in place.
The only option then, is for your family to make the
application to the Court of Protection which takes a
minimum of 6 months and in the meantime, they
havelimited power to influence any decision made, and no
power to manage your finances.
1) Property & Financial Affairs LPA which gives
full power to your attorney to sign anything on your
behalf. This means they can completely manage
your affairs, paying bills and even selling your
house or they can assist you in particular parts of
your affairs and;
2) Health & Welfare LPA gives your attorney the
power to make medical decisions on your behalf.
What that means is your attorney can ‘give or re
fuse consent to life sustaining treatment’ on your
behalf. It also allows your attorney to influence to
your benefit, care provided by the hospital or
agencies whilst you are at home.
By making Lasting Powers of Attorney you take control and
are able to decide who you wish to make important
decisions for you and not who the Court of Protection
decides. They are enormously important and should be
made by everyone over 55 or for whom old age and illness
may be on the horizon.
As a solicitor I often hear clients say, I don’t need a Power
of Attorney, I have a Will and my husband/wife knows what
I want. Unfortunately, whilst that may be the case, without
a formal LPA being in place they have no legal right to any
information about you, your health or your finances. So
even if you would want them to be given information or
access your bank account to pay for your own care, the
banks hands are tied and they will not release your money
EVEN if it is in your best interests for them to do so. Leaving
your loved ones with no option but to apply to the Court of
Protection, which is a very lengthy and costly process.
Everyone made a real effort and were wearing their Mad Hats, the venue
had also got into the mad theme and guests were welcomed with a
glass of Mad Prosecco (had melon liqueur in, which made it green)
a wonderful collection of sandwiches, 'Eat Me' biscuits, scones with
coloured cream and amazing mad cakes.
Lasting Powers of Attorney and Wills are mutually
exclusive;
We played games including a bizarre raffle where you paid for a prize
and chose how many you paid for... they were all wrapped up so
nobody knew what they were , then when they had all gone, tables were
given large Dice and if you rolled a 6 you could go and steal someone
else's prize .... this lasted for an hour and at the end you could open
what you had on your table ... some really good prizes some not so
much ... a very funny game and ladies ended up with maybe a potato.
fish food... packets of salt and pepper... or some lovely prizes of gift
vouchers, alcohol etc .. as you can see still sticking with Mad theme.
LPA’s are operative whilst you are alive and may have lost
mental capacity, and cease on your death.
Wills kick in from the moment you die but have no legal
bearing whilst you are alive.
Happy 40th Seisdon & District
So please, don’t wait to deal with this. Treat LPA’s like you
treat an insurance policy; put them in place and forget about
them. Hopefully they are never needed but if they are, then
you can be assured YOU made your choices and YOU have
chosen the people YOU want to be your attorneys. Tell
your attorneys what you want to happen to you in the
future then they will know what to do if the unthinkable
happens. Don’t leave your important decisions to fate or
worse, someone else.
Seisdon & District Tangent 387 celebrated their 40th Anniversary on
Sunday, 11th October with lunch at the Himley Country Hotel in
Staffordshire. Tangent members were joined by their husbands and
members of 41 club, and their wives. It was a most enjoyable
occasion with good food, wine and lovely weather spent with new
and old friends. Sheila Dady who was our founder member, lit the
friendship candle to start the proceedings.
We raised £350 to go to our chosen charity so thank you to all the
wonderful ladies who attended.
To end a lovely afternoon of Fun and Friendship we were delighted that
Alex could induct 5 new members to our Tangle... onwards and
upwards.
10.
7.
Fundraising in
the sunshine
Leamington Spa
& District 243
support
Children in Need
It’s hard to remember those lovely balmy days of last summer now,
but Bournemouth North 632 have written to share a lovely, sunny,
Sunday afternoon leisurely lunch in the garden of their Chairman.
Marcia Caton reports it was all in a good cause as the group raised
£405 for the Dorset Blind Association, the club’s chosen charity for
the year.
Leamington Tangent Club helped to raise £448 this year in the
Royal Priors Shopping Centre in Leamington Spa for Children in
Need. A large sheet with Pudsey Bear's picture drawn on by
Leamington Ladies Circle members over a decade ago was put on
the ground in the shopping area. Children and adults were
encouraged to cover Pudsey with coins all day long. Tangent
members volunteered to spend an hour or so during the day to
look after Pudsey at all times. Kathy Oldershaw took over the
Pudsey collections from Ladies Circle three years ago when they
disbanded. Kathy hopes to continue to raise money for Children in
Need with the help of the Tangent ladies for as long as possible. It
is a fun day and Kathy would like to thank all the Tangent members
for their help.
Editor’s note: This is a lucky group! The last time I received
a photo from them they were selling their sandcastles on
the beach!! Well done Ladies!!
Tigger
- the stripey guy reveals
what really happened!!!!
Breaking News:
Well Travelled Tigger,
in need of New Home
Most of you will have already met Tigger and his best
friend, Alex.
Dear National President Alex (aka mummy) and all Tangent members,
I would like to clear up any
confusion about my trip to South
Wales with the lovely ladies, Lyn,
Trudy, Julie H, Debbie R and Gill
from Penarth & District Tangent.
Firstly I was not, as suggested
"Tiggernapped" by the ladies; I was
rescued. At the SE Regional Lunch I
was ABANDONED and left alone on
the top table. I could hear wonderful
singing and shenanigans and I
wanted a piece of the action for
myself. Thankfully I was able to
catch the attention of a lady who
furtively crawled along the platform
and took me dancing. I got carried
away with the emotion of the
occasion and asked to leave with
them as all the travelling and
functions Alex and I have attended
have taken their toll and I thought I
needed a rest!!!!
Remembering Friends
It is always sad to lose a good friend, but Weston-super-Mare decided
to make a donation to the charity ‘PROMISE’ in memory of one of their
members who had eloquently spoken to her club and encouraged them
to support, prior to her sad death in September 2015.
WESTON-SUPER-MARE
TANGENT CLUB 314 Chairman
Carole Lohmann wished a
Happy New Year and
welcomed everyone to the first
dinner meeting of 2016 at
Weston Golf Club. Our two
guests for the evening were
George Papworth whose wife
Linda had been a longstanding member of Ladies
Circle and Tangent until she sadly passed away in
September last year, and friend of Linda’s Donna
Pyett. Donna is a volunteer Mentor for the Charity
PROMISE who offer a mentoring programme for
young people. Along with her work as a Mentor for
Promise, Donna has been very busy fund raising,
organizing a very successful Barn Dance, coach trips
and a 9 hour static bike ride. Donna is now in
training to take on the London to Paris cycle ride in June
of this year and Carole was delighted to present her with
a cheque for £118 which was the proceeds from the raffle
at the Christmas Dinner with 41 Club in December.
At the September meeting last year Linda Papworth had
talked about the charity Promise and asked if Tangent would support Donna, so this donation
was done in Linda’s memory.
Homesickness set in and so with
some encouragement Gill, Jackie,
Julie and Tim changed their
arrangements and agreed to bring
me to the Presidential Ball in
Worcester so, as well as managing to
complete my bucket list in South
Wales, I was able to enjoy all the fun
of the fair. The ladies of Penarth &
District 902 looked after me and I
had so much fun, as many of you
would have seen on Facebook.
However, just to prove it I have
attached some pictures of my
adventures.
YIF
Tigger
8.
So far, Alex and Tigger have travelled an incredible 24139
miles. And they expect to travel around another 3500 miles
before the NAGM.
Making a staggering total of 27,639 miles - far enough to
make any Tigger’s paws ache.
Bouncing around with all you gorgeous Tangent ladies has
been great fun, but all this gadding about is proving a bit much.
Enough’s enough – even for a Tigger, and he’s beginning to
think about retirement. In April, Tigger will need a new friend
to live with and he knows that many of you would jump at the
chance of taking him home.
So, after lots and lots of Tiggerthinking, he’s decided the best
way is… to RAFFLE himself.
He’s hoping that all his Tangent friends everywhere will want
to offer him a new home.
However this was my error as life
just got busier…. We left the lunch,
paused for a bit of retail therapy in
Swindon and then we crossed the
border into S. Wales.
Editor’s note: Perhaps your great example will encourage
younger women to re-start a Ladies Circle!
Since April 2015 they’ve have had great fun visiting lovely
ladies at Tangents all over the country: they’ve also been very
busy raising funds for a very special charity - Round Table
Children’s Wish.
So, send Tigger your club cheque (£1 per ticket) and he will
personally pop your raffle tickets into an envelope and bounce
them straight back to you.
Come on down to the Wild West Weekend and join Tigger at
the NAGM in Birmingham on April 21 where the raffle will be
drawn. He’d really like to go home with his new family.
I remembered visiting Wales earlier
in the year but I really didn't get
much chance to do any sight-seeing
so I’m sure you will understand that
this was a welcome break. I visited
Penarth Pier, St Fagans Welsh
Museum, Barry Island (home of
Gavin and Stacey), the old market
town of Cowbridge, Cardiff Castle
and the Millennium Stadium. I enjoyed a walk around the Cardiff Bay
area, with a visit to Tiger Bay (naturally) and the Dr Who exhibition (as
you know I’m a fan). So, as you can
see, it was not entirely a rest. Whilst
my friend Monty tried hard to keep
me company, the nights were the
hardest and I missed Alex terribly.
“ Aww, I just love happy endings.” said Tigger, “Come on
Tangent, let’s you and me bounce.”
Raffle tickets, £1 each.
Cheques payable to: Round Table Children’s Wish
Cheques by March 28th please, with SAE to:
Judi Steen, 19 Polwarth Drive, Brunton Park,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5NH
NB. The raffle is open to anyone who would like to offer
Tigger a home – Tangent (of course)
family and friends, Circle, and even 41Club and RT.
Tickets will also be on sale at Conference in Birmingham.
9.