Newark Group - for the men of the parish

"The aim of the Newark Group is to promote fellowship among all the men of the parish."

Oh dear! If you have never heard of the Newark Group, or never been to one of our events, you might think that this statement of our raison d'être suggests a rather formal and 'dry' organisation, which would be a pity since the Newark Group is neither formal, nor particularly dry.

The Newark Group was formed over fifteen years ago. It was recognised that in a 'dormitory town' environment such as ours there was perhaps little opportunity for men to feel part of our community. Sometimes it's possible to live in an area and yet not feel one really belongs. The idea behind the Newark Group was to provide a forum - a dinner with speaker, a social event, an 'awayday' - in which the men of the parish, not just those who come regularly to church, could get to know each other and feel part of something.

From modest beginnings Newark Group events now regularly attract 70 or more 'members'. (I put 'members' in quotation marks because there are no members. You just book in and come along.)

Why 'The Newark Group'? We take our name from Newark Priory. Although technically just outside the parish, Newark Priory was at least a place exclusively for men, and overlooked by one of our churches, so it seemed appropriate.

Over the years we have had many excellent speakers from the world of sport, business, politics, medicine, the arts, media and the armed forces. We have visited the Houses of Parliament, organised trips to the BBC, the London Eye and McLaren Racing. We've played golf, skittles and darts and visited a brewery. Thanks to the Newark Group friendships have been formed and relationships strengthened. Or if you prefer, a lot of good blokes have got to know each other.

We try to look beyond our own 'men only' activities. You may have heard us carol singing round the village on behalf of charity. Our annual Parish Social Event in the winter months is a lot of fun. Golfers enjoy a day out and dinner in June and the Jazz Al Fresco Night in July is a Newark Group organised event for the whole parish which regularly attracts over 200 people.

Do come and join us.  Full details of the programme and how to book in are shown below:

Peter Austin
Chairman
The Newark Group

Newark Group Calendar of Events 2007/2008

2009
Thursday 8 October	ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA - AN OFFICER’S VIEW Dinner with guest speaker - Commodore Peter Swan Cmdre Peter Swan served in all classes of ships from Aircraft Carriers to Fast Patrol Boats. After service in the Commando Carrier HMS Bulwark he was selected for duty in HMY Britannia as the Royal Cypher Officer to HM the Queen. His talk will centre on his time serving on the Royal Yacht, and its history from launch to present day. Committee Contact: Peter Austin
Thursday 12 November	MISTAKEN GALLANTRY Dinner with guest speaker- Captain P H Starling During the First World War there were eleven Victoria Crosses awarded to medical personnel. One was a bar to a previous award and another was a bar to an award a year before. As early as October 1914 there was concern about medical officers going ‘over the top’ to rescue wounded and that these acts of ‘mistaken gallantry’ should stop. This presentation will discuss the awards of the Victoria Cross to medical personnel during WW1 and ask the question, was it mistaken gallantry? Committee Contact: Brian Dodd
Thursday 17 December	CAROL SINGING The annual treat for the residents of Pyrford - carols delivered by a mixed choir of 'angels' with brass accompaniment - to really set the festive mood at Christmas and to raise funds for charity. We would be delighted to welcome any of the ladies who would like to come along and swell the throng. We meet at Pyrford Social Club at 7pm, returning at about 9pm. Committee Contact: Peter Austin
2010
Friday 29 January	PARISH SOCIAL EVENT Putting on the Cruise Ritz Just imagine - a warm Caribbean night at sea, a glittering chandelier above a ballroom floor, music, glamour, the ship’s officers in full dress uniform - just the way to spend a cold January night. But wait, is that a pirate lurking in the shadows? This year’s main social event is a high class cruise, so dust of the Tux, break out the skull and crossbones or 'go native' - the choice is yours. Committee Contact: Gary Stamp
Thursday 11 February	ON TOP OF THE WORLD Dinner with guest speaker - Roland Hunter A 27-year-old Roland Hunter summited Mount Everest in 2001. More importantly, he made it back down again, and joins us this evening to share a fascinating insight of life on the roof of the planet as well as the story of his 2009 conquest of the neighbouring (and 'much more challenging') Mount Makalu - a mere 27,800 feet! Committee Contact: Richard Whitehill
Thursday 11 March	SERVING IN IRAQ Dinner with guest speaker - Major General Tim Cross Major General Tim Cross, now retired, has served in Bosnia, Germany and Iraq, as well as deployments in Kuwait and Washington, and talks to us about his experiences over a long and varied career. Committee Contact: Neil Newton
Thursday 8 April	YEOMAN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD Dinner with guest speaker - Chris Sayer MBE Resplendent in his scarlet and gold uniform, complete with medals and ceremonial sword, Chris recounts tales of his fascinating job as one of the officers who are responsible for the Queen’s safety. Committee Contact: Eldon Sandys
Thursday 13 May	THE DOGGETS COAT AND BADGE RACE Dinner with guest speaker - Gary Anness The Watermen of London have competed for a prestigious crimson coat and silver badge since 1715, in a rowing race, the oldest, annually-contested event in the British sporting calendar. Our speaker, won the race in 1982 and will tell us about its history and how life on the River Thames has changed over the centuries. Committee Contact: Vincent Withers
Thursday 10 June	WATCHING FOR THE BIRDIES The Newark Group Cup is once again, up for grabs - from 1.30pm. but only for he who can find the fairways and sink the putts with consistency, if not flair. Our annual round of golf followed by dinner and convivial chat. Non-golfers are welcome to join us for the dinner. Committee Contact: Ian Wishart
Friday 2 July	JAZZ AL FRESCO (our 16th year!) An evening of music and good company under the stars. Bring your gazebos, food, drinks and friends to the leafy shade of Pyrford School’s picnic area which proved so popular last year, and dance late into the night. All being well, the stars will already be there! Committee Contact: Cliff Butler