How many people do you know that would dress as Lobster and perform onstage in from of hundreds of people to raise money for local good causes? I’d wager it’s not that many. It takes guts to get up on a stage, let alone perform dance routines in hot pants (I’d say that was a spoiler but there have been sneak peeks on socials already). As we go to print, a team of Jerseymen are readying themselves for their performances at the annual Round Table Ball, an event that raises funds for good causes in Jersey each year. Themes in the past have been Top Gun, Shrek, The Wizard of Oz, and even a Jersey version of the Eurovision competition. With Bergerac set to return shortly, it’s fitting that it should get the Round Table treatment first. We’re going to try and include some shots of the event in the next edition. This month will also see these gents and their fellow Tablers out helping Santa with his sleigh and raising money for the Jersey Charities Appeal, supporting good causes across the island. Look out for them this month and the work of the Round Table throughout the year. Living by the mantra to ‘do more’ to help is advice we should all follow!
Charlie Hungerford, criminal mastermind
Christian Spurr, 41
In the real world …
Chief Information Security Officer
What got you involved in Round Table?
Round Table has always been a part of my life—my uncle and stepdad were both involved, which sparked my own interest in joining. I’ve been a member for over a decade now, and some of my most cherished memories include racing a hire car in reverse on a snow-covered runway in Belgium during a Dutch Round Table Rally, participating in National Sporting Weekends, and getting on stage at our annual Charity Ball to raise money for local charities. The tagline “Do More” really does resonate with me, as we’re constantly doing things I wouldn’t do if I weren’t in Jersey Round Table.
Detective Bergerac
Alex Farrow, 44
In the real world ..
Civil & Structural Engineer
What got you involved in Round Table?
A friend of mine started bringing me along just over 20 years ago – with the great mix of charitable work and social engagements (not to mention the friendships that developed), how could I say no!? Being the “old man” of the club I’ve seen and done a lot in my time in Table, but I think that helping out Father Christmas on the sleigh as he whizzes around the island and seeing the wonder of magic in children’s eyes as they speak to the big man in red will always be an enduring memory for me.
Chief of Police
(and States Member, and Crab)
Tom Harris, 33
In the real world ..
A Solicitor
What got you involved in Round Table?
I was introduced to the Round Table a couple of years ago. Chris met my dad through the Jersey Christmas Appeal, where he represents the Round Table and my dad the Lions Club. Chris was keen to nab me before the Lions got their paws on me, so he started inviting me along to the Table’s social events and Charity Ball. I enjoy the whole spectrum of events but nothing will ever match the frenzied, hilarious and exhausting chaos that leads up to the fantastic evening of the Charity Ball. That, and hanging on the Sleigh for dear life as it hurtles down St Aubin’s hill.
Sebastian the Lobster
Mark Watson, 50
In the real world ..
IT Managing Director
What got you involved in Round Table?
I was once invited to go to Charity Ball as the main sponsor’s fiancée couldn’t make it, so I stepped in to be ‘Elizabeth’ for the night. The night was a fantastic introduction to the brilliance of what Table can achieve when we make the effort. The following week I was helping on Santa’s Sleigh, which is a truly magnificent thing to do, that has brought joy to countless children in our island for decades. I love the opportunity to get away on short trips with your mates from Table, the sights and sounds of Oktoberfest, wow, a must do event. I also enjoyed the national “Sporting” Weekend in Ilfracombe – Meeting up with other Tablers from all round the UK and showing off how we roll in Jersey. “Acquiring” a piano and a cheese trolley and bringing them back for a party in our rooms, there are always plenty of laughs!
Chef
(and Police Officer)
Chris Bester, 38
In the real world …
Sustainability Consultant – Associate Director
What got you involved in Round Table?
Christian got me involved after an invitation to the Charity Ball. I ended up helping and being ‘cheap labour’ for the preparation though wasn’t in the show that year. I like the idea of Table with a group of people raising money for good causes and having fun at the same time – the Father Christmas Sleigh is definite a highlight of the year. I have many good memories of my time so far, visiting UK Tables and participating in their events has been good fun, with more to come hopefully. I have helped out with RTBI (Round Table Britian and Ireland) the ‘parent’ organisation, which Jersey 192 belongs to. It was good to see how we function on a National level, all aiming to do the same thing just in different locations.
Politician
(and Police Officer)
Adam Stevenson, 33
In the real world …
Construction Estimator
What got you involved in Round Table?
I started to get involved with the Round Table after attending the 2022 Charity Ball through a work event. I’d only moved to Jersey a couple of months earlier and I was welcomed into an instant group of like-minded friends that provided me a great structure throughout the year of social events and giving back to the local community. Certainly done far more than I’ve ever expected to but some of my favourite experiences so far have been heading to the Alps for a group ski trip, as well as being dressed as an elf on the Sleigh during the Christmas light switch-on.
Get involved!
Jersey Round Table is more than just a charitable organisation; it is a social network of men who share a common goal: to make a meaningful difference in the community (having a bit of fun along the way). Open to men aged 18 to 45 (with a few honourary exceptions for the older one or two) – the grOup provides a platform for individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to work together to DO MORE. If you think you’ve got what it takes to help, check out @JERSEYROUNDTABLE
