Oh, 41 International, wherefor art thou 41 International ?

As President of the 41er Association of Southern Africa, my wife and I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the 48th Annual General Meeting of 41 International hosted by Club 41 of Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) in Stratford-UponAvon from 11 – 14 May. Around 350 delegates from 41 Clubs, Tangent and Agora from all over the world attended the conference.

The Thursday in Stratford-UponAvon stared with registration during the day and in the evening it was time for The Great British BBQ (which is nothing like a proper South African Braai – insert smiley face here). Old friendships were rekindled, and new friendships forged, like only exTablers (and Tablers) can. Friday morning started with a hearty breakfast and then training that of 41 International being the biggest. The meeting was run well by outgoing President Tom Albrightson and all the motions were passed. and discussion forums for those so inclined. Those not so inclined traced Shakespeare’s footsteps through the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon or just chilled around the bar area.

Barry Durman from GB&I is the new president for 41 International with Aziz Cherkaoui from Morocco as the Vice President and Dr Sid from India as the VP Elect.

This was my second 41 International conference, with the first being in Sun City when my great friend Bruce McKay was inducted as President of 41 International.

When I was a Tabler, we had the opportunity to travel to many Euro 25 Numbers meetings, ARTCAs and I also attended RTI 2010 in Dubai and my message to Tablers is this: if you ever get the opportunity to travel abroad on a Table trip, you must do it. That is why credit cards were invented! Travelling abroad will enhance your Round Table experience tenfold.

On Friday evening the Nations Night was hosted at the British Motor Museum and this was a real treat for petrol heads – and even for those of us who just appreciate cars from all over the world and of all ages. The organisers of the Nations Night left no stone unturned to make it an unforgettable evening.

As is tradition, on Saturday morning, the three different AGMs were hosted by the respective organisations,

The next international gathering is the 41 International HYM in Cyprus with the next AGM next year in Morocco and the HYM 2024 in Bern, Switzerland.

On Saturday evening everyone dressed in their “Sunday Best” for the gala dinner, which was hosted at the conference hotel. It was a grand affair and enjoyed by all.

On Sunday it was time to depart with the hinges of friendship properly oiled and wonderful memories made to last a lifetime.

By Ben Burger, 41er President