Welcome to Cheadle & Gatley 41 Club, a member of the National Association of Ex-Round Tablers Clubs.
Round Table was founded in March 1927 by Louis Marchesi who was a young Rotarian in Norwich who became aware of the lack of opportunities for the young businessmen of the day to meet and prepare themselves for their responsibilities as senior businessmen in later years. He found himself surrounded by older men, so he started a club for younger men with a maximum age of 40 to give them the right environment to develop their professional and civic skills while assisting the local community, the nation and later the world as a whole.
Round Table was formed after being inspired by a speech by the then Prince of Wales who said “The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the times and, wherever possible, improve them." Since that time Round Table has used the motto
"Adopt - Adapt - Improve".
Originally once a Round Tabler reached 40 years of age he would retire from Round Table and would then become eligible to join 41Club. In 1998 Round Table changed their retirement age to 45.
41 Club specialises in continuing the friendships made in Round Table.
The philosophy of the club is very similar to that of Round Table, but it is often less ‘active’ and in many cases clubs meet less often. The Club's main purpose is to support Round Table and, if possible, participate in local community service initiatives or charity work. However the ‘continued friendship’ and ‘fellowship’ aspect is of great importance. Most clubs meet monthly, usually for a meal and a couple of beers. Meetings are usually informal with either an activity or a speaker to entertain. Lifelong friendships are often made in 41 Club.
Cheadle & Gatley 41 Club has around 30 members and have a varied programme of monthly events including invited speakers, golf, bowls, car rally's and visits to local places of interest. There is also an international trip each year.
Chairman 2025-26 Damien McElvenney and Past Chairman Kevin Lovett
Chairman 2025-26
Damien McElvenney
It is an honour and a privilege to serve as chairman for the second time. I'm looking forward to a year of fun and fellowship and for us to do our best to increaseour membership numbers this year.It was great to see the induction of a new member at this year's AGM.
80 Years of The Association of
Ex-Round Tablers' Clubs
As
we move through this landmark year, I’m honoured to write to you during
a hugely significant occasion in our history – the 80th Anniversary of
41 Club.
It was on
13th May 1945, just days after Victory in Europe (VE) Day, that four
Clubs - Liverpool (founded in 1936), London Old Tablers Society (1939),
Lytham St Annes (1941) and Wakefield (1943) - gathered in Wakefield with
a shared vision. As peace returned to Europe and the nation began to
rebuild, these men, shaped by both service and fellowship, knew that the
bonds forged in Round Table were too important to lose and needed to be
preserved.
Out of
the trials of wartime emerged a desire to hold onto the camaraderie, the
support and the sense of purpose that helped them through those
difficult years. They weren’t just starting a new organisation - they
were building a legacy of connection, belonging and community. That
moment marked the birth of the National Association of Ex-Round Tablers’
Clubs, the beginning of what we now know as 41 Club.
Eighty
years on, that founding spirit still lives strong in every club event,
every friendship maintained and every community touched by our work.
Whether you‘re a recent member or a longstanding one, each of you, in
your own way, has helped carry forward the flame of fellowship,
strengthening the bonds that unite us and shaping 41Club into a
significant and lasting part of our lives.
While
13th May remains our official founding date, we will come together to
mark this remarkable milestone on 13th September, in Birmingham, a time
to reflect on our past achievements, remember the dedication of those
who came before us and celebrate our history. And it’s also a moment to
express our thanks to members for being part of 41 Club — for upholding
a vision born in the aftermath of war and spirit of peace, and for
ensuring that the values that inspired our founders continue to guide us
today.
As we honour
our past, we must also look ahead - with gratitude, purpose and hope.
The world around us is changing, but the need for connection,
camaraderie, and community has never been greater. Our 80th year is not
just a celebration of what we’ve achieved; it’s a call to consider what
41 can be for future generations. Let’s use this opportunity to
reignite our commitment, welcome fresh perspectives and keep building
something that endures.
Here’s to 80 years of fellowship, and to the future we’ll build – stronger together.
Yours in fellowship - Stronger together in 41 Club
Jason Thomson (JT)
National President
Jason Thomson (JT)
National President
Young Ambassadors
Young Ambassador Programme
On 29th July 2025 - Cheadle & Gatley 41 Club will be welcoming a number of young visitors from around the world at the commencement of their visit to the UK. We will be hosting them for the first 3 nights of their trip at the Lovetts, the Seths and the Barrows.
Below are the details of their itinerary and all C&G 41 Club Members are welcome to come and join us.
Sunday 29th
Visitors arrive at Manchester Airport from many different countries throughout the afternoon and evening. Kevin and Doreen are providing their world-famous BBQ throughout the afternoon and evening. This is to allow the YAPs to get to meet one another which will be for their first time. It also allows Andy & Gail Ventris to introduce themselves to them as their Tour Guides for the next fortnight. Just as importantly it will allow the C&G hosts to get to know their guests and their fellow travellers. This event is not open to all.
Monday 30th
This day is available to all either the full day or any part of it.
We are congregating at the East Didsbury Tram Station, Parrs Wood at 11.00am. We will all travel into Manchester on the Tram to visit some of the sights in the city. We will spend some time at the Museum of Science and Industry and around Castlefield. We will wander through Manchester returning to Parrs Wood for our evening meal.
Following the meal we shall be going 10 Pin Bowling. The timings are vague so if you wish to join us at anytime during the day please phone either Kevin or myself for an update on where we are and where we are going to be so that you can catch up.
Tuesday 1st
We are all meeting at 08.50 at Bollington Canal Boat Hire. We have hired two day-boats and we will be travelling to Marple so that the students can experience how the canal system works particularly with changing level through the locks.
After our return to Bollington, we will go to Wetherspoons in Poynton (the Kingfisher) to have an evening meal. We should arrive there at about 5.30pm. After eating we shall be going to play the Australian Golf at Adlington which was the amusement for our last meeting.
If you wish to join us on the Canal Boat there are only 2 places available, so first come first served.
All are welcome to join us in Spoons and to play the golf but please let me know if you wish to play the golf as soon as you can.
Wednesday 2nd
We breakfast and say our goodbyes wishing them well for the rest of their tour.
Andy Hunter
It is with great sadness to report the passing of Andy Hunter on the 19th September 2025.
Andy transferred to Cheadle & Gatley a few years ago but was a popular member within the club and made extremely welcome.
He attended the August 2025 meeting, knowing it would be his last, but it was a privilege to be in his company one last time.
Further details including funeral arrangements will follow.
Andy Hunter
