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 twenty 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 100 people.

Do come and join us at one of our events, full details of which are shown below. If you would like to book a place, please click on the contact name for the required event and ask to be added to the list.

Peter Austin
Chairman
The Newark Group

Newark Group Calendar of Events 2010/2011

2011
Thursday 13th October	My Role in Maritime Safety Dinner with Guest Speaker - Doctor Tom Allen Our first guest of the season was a former director of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the International Maritime Organisation, which deal with safety regulations applicable to ships of all types, from Titanic to the latest cruise ships. Learn something of the work of these organisations and their efforts to ensure the safety of travellers at sea. Committee Contact: Brian Dodd
Thursday 10th November	SERV Blood Couriers Dinner with Guest Speaker - Tim Goodman Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers is an organisation transporting urgently needed medical items, free of charge, to hospitals by motor bike. Started in 1981, and now operating in over 15 counties, this registered charity is run by volunteer biking enthusiasts, so take this opportunity to learn a little more about their work and perhaps 'talk bike'. Committee Contact: Vincent Withers
Thursday 15th December	Carol Singing What else evokes the mood of Christmas like the sound of carols from a street choir? Well, probably lots, but our annual tour around Pyrford's streets is an event that many look forward to each year. It's open to everyone, so family, friends and neighbours are welcome to join us. We meet at Pyrford Social Club at 7pm, returning at about 9pm. Committee Contact: Peter Austin
2012
Friday 27th January	Parish Social Event Burns Night Our Ladies Night this year returns to the ever-popular Burns Night theme so dust off that sporran, wear something tartan and start practising your reels in preparation for another grand evening. Committee Contact: Gary Stamp
Thursday 9th February	The Streets of Lusaka, Kigali ... and Woking Dinner with Guest Speaker - Rev. Ian Wallace Our Curate shares with us his experiences during missionary work in Africa and provides a comparison with life in a Surrey parish and his work with the Street Angels in Woking. Committee Contact: Eldon Sandys
Thursday 8th March	The Samaritans Dinner with Guest Speaker - Lisette Haxby, Chairman of Weybridge Samaritans An organisation we probably all know about and hope never to feel the need to call upon. But what is it like to be a part of a charity of this sort? What are the highs and, regrettably, the lows of working with people who have reached a desperate stage in their lives. Our guest will be able to give us an insight into this and much more. Committee Contact: Tony Williams
Thursday 12th April	Will the lights go out? Dinner with Guest Speaker - Peter Haslam, Public Policy Advisor at the Nuclear Industry Association Nuclear energy currently supplies around 18% of the UK's electricity. With energy demand growing, a need to reduce carbon emissions and a desire to reduce dependency on foreign oil and gas, is it inevitable that nuclear energy becomes more significant in the supply of electricity? Committee Contact: Peter Ankers
Thursday 10th May	More tea anyone? Dinner with Guest Speaker - Bill Gorman, Executive Chairman of the UK Tea Council Tea is considered by some as our national drink but how much do we know about it? Our guest will tell us a little of its history, ethical issues surrounding its production, including some views on Fairtrade, and what the future holds. Committee Contact: Neil Newton
Thursday 14th June	Newark Group Golf Day Once again the coveted Newark Group Cup is up for grabs. Even if you don't win, enjoy an afternoon's golf and an evening meal with friends. If you can't make the golf, come along in the evening and join us for the dinner. Committee Contact: Peter Austin
Friday 6th July	Jazz al Fresco (our 18th year) The razzamatazz of a jazz band, food, wine and friends. What better way to spend a balmy (we hope) summer's evening. Bring your picnic, friends, family and enjoy this ever-popular al fresco night. Committee Contact: Cliff Butler