A moment in time: Phil Jones, 'just one of the guys'.   Phil (bottom right) obviously enjoying a good laugh with several members of Shirley Late Knights on the recent trip to Strasbourg.

The 41 Club toast is "Continued Friendship" - in other words to carry on the friendships we first make in Round Table and to take them on through our 'more mature years' right through our lives. Those friendships touch people in so many ways, and Phil was one of those people who meant so much and in many different ways to all members of all four of the Shirley family of Clubs.

Below are tributes and anecdotes received so far - most are added in their entirety although time may age some comments (such as funeral date and reception details etc):

From Mike Cooper - Chairman SLK - Mon 23/02/2009

A photo of Phil on the top of Strasbourg Cathedral. I think we were honoured that he was happy to spend the time with us given how he was suffering. Phil will be long remembered. Paul Blewitt

At this stage I do not know whether flowers or donations will be requested, but if appropriate, I intend sending a wreath on behalf of Shirley Late Knights. Clearly, members can also make a donation of their own.

The day of the funeral coincides with the next SLK speaker meeting at the St Johns. I have discussed the possibility of postponing the speaker meeting with most of the SLK council members. We all agreed that we should do what we anticipate Phil would have wanted, and we have, therefore, decided to continue with the meeting on the 5th March.

Phil was a very loyal and enthusiastic member of Shirley Round Table and Shirley Late Knights for more than 20 years, whose integrity was second to none. He was a much valued friend and colleague to us all - he will be sorely missed.

For me, and I suspect for many of you, Shirley Late Knights will never be quite the same again.

Mike

From Tim Brown

 

This is absolutely devastating news! I find it hard to believe that only a few weeks ago a number of us were with Phil enjoying his company on the trip to Strasbourg, and although it was clear he wasn’t well, to have deteriorated as fast as he has is quite unbelievable.

From a personal point of view Phil will always be remembered for his dry humour and who will ever forget his classic comment at Edgbaston when he informed us that the next batsman for Warks, could, in Phils view, ‘bat a bit’ and he was out for a duck!!!!

I believe your view regarding the next meeting is correct, Phil loved the organization and would have wanted us to continue, with hopefully a thought for him!

From a past chairman who had the privilege of having Phil as a treasurer,

Tim.

From Ian Massey - ex Chairman of Shirley Round Table

As Tim has said this is absolutely devastating news. I spent a couple of hours with him week before last; he was clearly very ill but I did not for one moment think that he would be gone so quickly. As you know Phil was a fantastic support to me when I chaired Round Table and an unswervingly loyal friend and confidant in times of considerable personal difficulty. In typical Phil fashion he marshalled the guests at my wedding in 2002 as one of my ushers with almost military precision, it's making me smile through the tears even now! Phil always did things the proper way and you are absolutely spot on about his integrity.

When I saw him recently he spoke with great fondness about you all and your fantastic club. I absolutely concur that you have made the decision that Phil would have wanted without any question at all. Your meeting on 5th March should go ahead.

I wonder if, as a close friend of Phil's and former RT member, I might be able to join you that evening to share your company and honour Phil's memory with others who regarded him as their friend?

Ian.

From James Pick - Chairman Shirley Round Table - to all Tablers

Gents

As Coops has written below, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
 

Yours in Table,

James

From John Handley - ex just about everything in Table

I am shocked to hear of the sad news of Phil. How tragic that he should have such a terrible illness. No doubt many of his friends in Shirley and beyond will be thinking of him and Rebecca at this sad time.

John

From Martin Williams - ex Chairman of Shirley Round Table

Going back many years in Area 35 we used to have the 'Super 6' which, if my memory serves me correctly, comprised Shirley RT, K&D, Solihull, Lapworth, Kings Norton and Wythall. Carnival was organised by SRT, K&D and Solihull.

But it wasn't until Phil came on the scene that we entered a new era and became the organisations we are today. It wasn't long after he joined Table that he became Area Chairman and he took us into a grade of Tabling that we never knew existed or appreciated. He opened a door and set a new standard for many others to follow. He enabled many of us to enjoy new experiences, make many new friends. In his year, I believe I am correct, he personally attended over 200 RT events [that's almost one every week day, as much as a National President!] and firmly put SRT on the National calendar.

Perhaps unwittingly he set the foundation for what SRT and Shirley Late Knights is today because without his leadership and enthusiasm I believe we would have suffered a similar demise as many of our counterparts. We owe him more than we will ever realise! I personally am indebted to him, my life is much the richer for knowing him.

Table is full of characters, Phil Jones was one. He was Shirley's Mr Table. He was our oracle. He will be sadly missed.

Martin

From Tony Gough (Goughy), via Barry Durman

I remember Phil joining Table. If any person was representative of what table is and was it was Phil. He joined as a quiet, introverted man and threw himself into Table and its demands. Table gave Phil so much but truly Phil gave Table even more in return.

I have many fond memories of his achievements. I will never forget the night when Phil became Area Chair at the Solihull B Suite. Rebecca's speech was the funniest speech I have ever heard! She tore him to pieces and he loved it! Memories that will stay with me till my passing!

Due to the distance involved I can not attend the funeral. I will however, be there in thought. Please, if you can send my regards and my deepest sympathy to Rebecca, I know how difficult the day will be for her and of course yourself but in a quiet time please have a word with her. I would really appreciate that Barry - thank you.

Also if you can say hi to everyone from 41 who attend and let them know I share their loss!

Tony x

From Mike and Brenda Holden - ex Chairman of Shirley Round Table (Mike, not Brenda!)

Hi Coops, and thanks for letting me know.

Like everyone else, I was shocked and saddened to hear that Phil has deteriorated so quickly, but I count myself lucky to have spoken to him only a couple of weeks ago. It won't surprise you to learn that we did a bit of reminiscing about our time in Shirley Table, and I pointed out to him that he's the only bloke for whom I've put on women's clothing, a long blonde wig and make-up!

I'm glad the guys have been doing "reply all" emails, because it's great to read of their fond memories and their high regard for Phil. May I add my own few words - the world is a better place for his time with us, and I am honoured to have known him as a friend. God bless you Phil.

Brenda and I are away next week, so it is with great regret that we will not be able to attend the funeral service, and I am sorry also that I can't be with you for the evening - if I'd been in the country, I would have been there with a few stories to tell, and it's great that you are going ahead with the meeting in Phil's honour.

Best wishes to all,

Mike

From Jerry Tandy

For many year's Phil had been Table's representative on the Management Committee of Shirley Citizens Advice Bureau and subsequently (when out of Table) took on the job of Treasurer, which he did with his characteristic diligence and enthusiasm for probably 5 years. This was no easy task, and Phil would never volunteer this involvement to others, but it would of been a heavy demand on his time. He also served for some years on the Committee of the Friends of CAB, helping with fundraising.

What sadness, what a loss!!

Jerry

From Ken and Annie Graham

What can I add that has not already been said. Who's going to chase me for my fee's !!!!

My thoughts are:
Nobody would wish Phil to suffer or Rebecca and families. A merciful relief in the circumstances. Let's as we are remember him as he was, of great fun and a special guy who touched us all. I know many of his colleagues from the firm he worked ; through several trade associations. They all held him in high regard as a person and as a professional.

You'll be missed.

Our prayers are with Rebecca and family

Ken & Annie
 

From Rex Smith

Having sat in the gathering gloom at Edgbaston on a number of occasions, sadly, I suspect I now will never know how to work out the intricacies of the Duckworth-Lewis required total. Despite Phil's careful explanation at the day-night matches in August whilst we sat in the Raglan stand and drank beer, I never really understood it.

Perhaps only Phil, Mr. Duckworth and Mr. Lewis really understood.

But at least I learnt something. Phil taught me to take a towel to dry the rainwater off the seat when you first arrived.

Rex

From Bryan Chapman

From Greg Fanning - ex Chairman of Hall Green Round Table

I was very privileged to be asked to MC Phil's Ladies night. I was dressed as the French Gendarme from Allo Allo after Phil had seen me at the skit. It was a real treat to see Rebecca's now famous speech and see their relationship blossom. It was great to renew that friendship afresh when I joined Shirley and subsequently 41 Club. Forget Duckworth Lewis, what about the 7/12ths subs rule! Who will now set the quiz , with the compulsory cricket tie break?

I vote for a quiz night every year in memory of Phil. with always a section on Cricket!

Our thoughts go out to Rebecca. I am unable to come on Thursday as I am away on business, but if Coops can keep us informed on how to formally express our condolences it will be appreciated.

With a sorry heart but a smile in memory

Greg

From Colin Bowater

As many of you are aware I don't often join in the various debates and discussions via email - not having Fully embraced Technology, but as with the rest of you I have been devastated by Phil's death, particularly the shortness of his illness and therefore the limited opportunity to say goodbye to a valued friend.

It was this guy who in 1990 first approached me to join Round Table, phoning to invite me to various fellowship events. I tried hard to put him off, but to no avail. Eventually I succumbed, and one summer Thursday evening he and Barry collected me for a walk at Clent and game of skittles. In true Table style he introduced me to everybody and he had me hooked.

It was this guy with whom I sat at various Test Match venues for 8 hours and talked about everything and nothing and learned so much, including that we went to junior school together, until his family got posh and moved to Hall Green!

It was this Guy I used to phone to share a piece of cricketing trivia I had just heard on the radio - of course Phil already new it, and could embellish on it.

It was this guy who regretted to inform us that "The wedding will be just family so Tablers sadly aren't invited". But we were Tablers and many of us went anyway and greeted him, even though we were confined to the churchyard.

It was this guy who like me thought that a lunch to celebrate Bruce and Pam's Ruby wedding would most certainly be "casual dress" and advised our wives accordingly, we both exchanged glances whilst being bollocked throughout the event by our better halves.

A great friend who will be sorely missed. What a great Guy.

Colin

From Dave Johnson

Just returned from a couple of days away to hear the terrible news of Phil’s passing. Like Colin I rarely join e-mail debates but feel compelled to on this occasion.

It is very rare in 21st Century Britain to encounter a man of such high personal and professional integrity, meticulous attention to detail, honest, trustworthy and reliable and really the list could go on forever. I feel very privileged to have known Phil. A tear comes to my eye whilst adding these words such is the impact of this man. Nothing was too much trouble for Phil and in 11 years of knowing him I did not hear him grumble once about anything.

I will not forget my first table office where I inherited the treasurers position with about 7 different bank accounts scattered across many branches of Barclays and during the year I got a right mauling from table and the honouraries, but I knew come the AGM a very different challenge would be presented to me in the form of Phil’s cross examination of the accounts. This was a steep learning curve at the time for the new boy in table and one which I will remember for the rest of my days.

Phil was not only my accountant but also my mother’s as well and she will also be devastated by the sad news.

There is no justice.

David

From Dave Billingham

From Ray Walker, to/via Barry Durman

I'm very sorry that I can't get down to Phil's funeral (and obviously the SLK dinner meeting) as I'm working, and I shall send a note to Coops but please let Rebecca know that Lana and I are thinking of her at this sad time.

I'm sure that you and the rest of SLK/RT, friends and family will give Phil an appropriate send off in celebration of a great bloke. I know that you and Phil were very close friends and will be taking his passing very much to heart, so our thoughts are with you and Rachel also.

Ray

From Roland and Shelagh Robson

Shelagh and I would like to join with you all in expressing our deepest sorrow at this sad moment.
Phil's untimely death is a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be. We will remember him as a dear friend and colleague who made an enormous contribution to our community, and we will be grateful to have been able to share part of our lives with him.

Shelagh and Roland

From Peter Davies

Terrible news, I regret only phoning to try and speak to Phil, a fellow Welshman that will be sadly missed.

Phil was in the Chair when Jon Meadows and I had to arrange the new members night and we did synchronised swimming, selling it to Phil as the chance to swim with nubile young women ... sadly highly fit 14 year olds!!

I will never forget Phil's look of disappointment at the Chinese after!

Very sad to hear of an all to quick a passing for us, perhaps merciful for him.

Best Regards

Peter

From Chris Head

It was Phil’s year as Table Chairman (1991-92), and at the beginning of the year Phil had said to me “you know that Table Ski weekend in Blairgowrie you’ve been going to, I want to come with you this year.” Well, we left booking it very late, and in the end it was only Phil and myself that went that year. He only decided to go ‘because it is a Table event’, the fact that there was no snow in Glenshee seemed irrelevant to Phil!

We arrived on the Thursday, spent a relaxing evening … in the bar with Blairgowrie Tablers, and although Phil was fairly quiet to begin with, he had made himself known to them all by the time we retired!

There being no snow in Glenshee we drove up to Aviemore (they actually had some snow) for Friday, a trip of ‘it’s only 90 miles’ each way. I tried to teach Phil the rudiments of skiing, but after about an hour of this he insisted I went off ‘to have a proper ski’. I kept dropping by where he was persevering, and actually getting somewhere, probably due to his sporting (and maybe slightly competitive!) nature. But he kept sending me off ‘to enjoy myself’. That is the nature of Phil, he was always considerate of others.

The Friday Night was a ‘meet and greet’ session where everyone who had travelled up for the weekend arrived for a buffet and chat. Again, although Phil started the evening in his quiet way, by the end he seemed to know most of the people in the room!

The Saturday was spent over at Glencoe – ‘only 90 miles each way’ – where there was inclusive tuition for Phil, and I went off ‘to have a proper ski’, in Phil’s words! We left early to get back in time for the excellent evening bash – a dinner/dance, again at which Phil seemed to get to know many people before the evening was finished.

The next morning, unbeknown to me Phil had arranged an invite for the two of us to the Blairgowrie Table Chairman’s house for a sobering up coffee before we hit the road home. All in all a weekend I still remember with fondness and of course Phil’s ability, in his quiet way, to get to know many people. Maybe it was because he was Table Chairman at the time, or it was just his way.

Phil, you touched so many people’s lives in so many ways, and we will all miss you.

Chris
 

From Jonathan Whittaker

By natural disposition Phil was a ‘constant’ sort of chap. He would show natural excitement about things that interested him but he would never become excitable, rude or overbearing. He thought through the effect of his actions on others.

In the early days, before he knew Rebecca his Saturday mornings were often spent in our kitchen for a breakfast treat of bacon toasties or croissants or both. His flat in Alderwood Place (Railway Cuttings, as many of us used to rename it) was a typical bachelor pad but always clean and tidy.

Even though he moved away, he always kept in touch with the Friday Nighters at the St John’s / George by paying us a visit in the weeks before Christmas. Such was his loyalty to his longstanding mates.

Then there was Strasbourg. In hindsight, what a brave decision he made to join us all. In helping me to protect the EU subsidy he also gave twenty of us the last opportunity to be with him and share mutual fellowship. Long after we have forgotten the subsidy, we will remember the jewel of Phil’s personality and presence. What a memory he and the Table movement have given us all.

Whit

From Terry Flower

To me, Phil was the rarest combination of a brilliantly wide knowledge, a logical mind, quiet wit, patience and an understanding that others, especially his clients, knew far less about a subject than he did but he was always prepared to spend time without ever becoming even mildly condescending. He was, in short, a gentleman. He gave so much time to Table and Shirley Late Knights and I don't think he was ever caught out in a debate on subs or the budget. His passing will leave so many gaps in our lives.

Maybe not too many folk have seen Phil display obvious excitement, but many years ago I took Phil into St John Headquarters Birmingham in what was then the 'Table Ambulance'. We were only supposed to visit the control room but we were asked to respond to a 999 call to Frankley Beeches. Phil formed the '3rd man' of our crew and did visibly enjoy the dash down a busy Pershore Road. I will always remember the smile on his face.

Terry

From Paul Warton

Long time, no see, but Catherine passed on the really sad news about Phil’s rapid departure from this world. Like all who met him, I really appreciated his friendship & always had some fun at the annual Table Accounts jousting sessions – for sure he is a sad loss to all.

Catherine mentioned the funeral on 5/3. Of course, I am unable to attend as usual, but I will spare a thought for him & his family on the day.

Hope you are keeping well under the circumstances.

Best Regards,

Paul

From Rod Markley

One of life’s gentlemen: when he first joined Table he struck me as a quiet, shy, thoughtful fellow, prepared to help anyone. Our friendship developed on his first New Year’s Day walk and I learnt something of his love for cricket.

Over the years, my respect for him grew into admiration as I saw him develop into one of our most committed members.

Phil, we shall miss your dedication.

     “ For when the One Great Scorer comes

       To write against your name,

       He marks-not that you won or lost-

       But how you played the Game.”


Good Game, Phil.

Rod.

TRIBUTE TO PHIL JONES  (Written by and read at the funeral by Barry Durman)

Shirley Round Table Chairman James

Area 4 Ladies Circle Chairman Helen

Shirley 41 Club Chairman Mike

Shirley Tangent Chairman Trish

41 Club National President Drew

Round Tablers, Circlers, 41Clubbers, Tangent

Phil’s Family, Friends and Colleagues

Phil always started his speeches like that - with his strong, almost gravelly voice, and he always delivered them without any notes whatsoever – how did he do that? I won’t be on this occasion!!

----------

Today is indeed a very sad day, when we all say goodbye to Phil. This is the third time within 2 years that someone close to me has died, way before their time.  My Rachel’s Dad Graham died at 65, my old school friend Andrew died at 54 and now Phil at 53.

All three were essentially quiet men, decent men who drank little and ate sensibly yet they all fell prey to a devastating, vicious illness and were gone within months. They all deserved many more years.

---------

But let’s remember the good times and put a smile on our faces. I asked Rebecca to name my tribute “Area Chairman Phil” after her famous speech at his Area Ladies Night and I will cover his Round Table and 41 Club years 1986 to 2009.

Coincidentally Phil was born in October 1955, the very same month that Shirley Round Table began, so perhaps right from the start he was destined to join the movement and how appropriate it is, that today he is wearing his Round Table Cufflinks and Pin Badge from the 50^th Charter Dinner.

For those of you who do not know much about Round Table, suffice it to say that it is a brilliant social and fundraising club with aims and objects that go way back to 1927. Phil was our “Mr Table” and he could always recite them off by heart. I’d like to explain how he was true to these aims.

The first

1       To develop the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their various occupations. Well Phil joined the organisation in 1986 and looking around today he certainly seems to have achieved that – both in our local Shirley clubs and in the Heart of England area. I got to know him immediately he joined, as he lived 100 yards down the road, and we always shared lifts to the meetings. Later of course he moved to Railway Cuttings, as we all called it, and we all got used to hearing “0121 705 3214, I’m sorry I’m not here at the moment and as usual you are talking to the answering machine”. He followed me into the Chair of Shirley Round Table in 1991 and also onto Area where he went one better and became Area Chairman Phil.  He also regularly attended the long running Friday Night Club in the St Johns hotel for a drink with the lads. He even went occasionally after moving to Wilmcote with Rebecca.

The second

2        To emphasise that one’s calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community.  Phil was always keen to get involved with community service aspects of Round Table, he turned out at Solihull Carnival and was a keen volunteer to help on our Christmas Sleigh collections right up to this year – I remember one year when Phil was going to be Santa on a route that included our house. He knew my young children and I got paranoid that they would realise that it was Phil. I need not have worried though - he carried it off splendidly. He also became very much involved with the Shirley Citizens Advice Bureau over a number of years, inevitably becoming its treasurer.

The third

3        To cultivate the highest ideals in business, professional and civic traditions.  He certainly did that. You only have to look at the tributes page on our website to see the words loyal, honest, reliable, enthusiastic, valued and trustworthy time and time again. In these days of corporate greed Phil always did the right thing and did things right. He was not a joker – he left that to others but his was a dry humour

The fourth

4        To recognise the worthiness of all legitimate occupations and to dignify each his own by precept and example. Phil’s profession was, of course, accountancy. Some of us became his clients as we ventured into our own businesses. He was Treasurer of Table, then Treasurer of Area, then Treasurer of 41 Club and Auditor for Circle and Tangent.   Some of you will have heard the joke about the young student who asked a group of professionals what was 2 and 2 – the Philosopher said well it depends how you look at it, the Mathematician said it depended if it was 2 squared, 2 minus 2 or 22 but the Accountant said “well it depends what you want it to be”. With Phil you always knew that 2+2 was 4. The theme of 4 continues because as a National Councillor he did a large amount of work behind the scenes to prise a VAT refund of £444,000 out of the Customs and Excise – no mean feat!

The fifth

5        To further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships. Phil often told us of his overseas trip to Alaska, when on the way home he had a stop over in New York and proceeded to arrange to attend a Round Table meeting in the evening. Almost every year for the last 10 he went on the Shirley 41 Club overseas trip which took him to places such as Spain, Germany, France, Majorca and Latvia. Even as recently as January this year, knowing that he was very ill, he came on the 4 day Strasbourg trip to see the workings of the European Parliament. Despite not being able to eat much, he participated in all the activities and even climbed up 300 steps to see the view from the top of Strasbourg Cathedral. It was the best trip ever and we all enjoyed his company on what turned out to be his very last holiday.

The sixth

6        To further these objects by meetings, lectures, discussions and other activities. He supported absolutely everything going, including nearly 200 events in his year as Area Chairman. In recent years he has had the lovely Rebecca to distract him, but he still attended all the 41 Club Meetings. He was also renowned because:

a.   He organised the 41 Club annual Floodlit Cricket evening at Edgbaston, where between showers some cricket was played. He famously said to us that the incoming player could bat a bit – that was true he only did bat a bit and was bowled first ball. We never let him forget that and he took it in good spirit. I remember him, sitting in the Raglan stand, in his white hat on test match days.

b.    He was brilliant at Quizzes especially on pop music and sport and often organised them. He usually managed to slip in a cricketing tie break. Once he organised a Valentines His and Hers quiz. I remember because I won it!

When he became Area Chairman he did not have a partner and so the Ladies formed the Ladies Circle Escort Agency and accompanied him to all the Ladies Nights – a number of them are here today. Rebecca was introduced to him towards the end of that year and went with him on a couple of dates. At one, a well meaning Tabler asked Rebecca whose wife are you then?  She made a fantastic speech at Phil’s Area Ladies Night where she remorselessly took the mickey out him. Those who were there have never heard a better, funnier speech.

-------------------

To conclude: I was privileged to accept Phil’s offer to do this tribute and to share a few of my personal memories of Phil. We shared countless nights out over the years and had meals at each others houses with “our girls”. Once they had had painters in so when we got there they took us out for a slap up meal in Stratford.

Each of you will have your own memories of him and I hope I have rekindled some more – treasure them. We had a nice afternoon just 2 weeks ago watching the 6 Nations Rugby. At that stage the Welsh were still undefeated!

Phil was a great guy, a good sport and a true friend to us all. I shall always remember him as Area Chairman Phil

God Bless you Phil

The text written on the card reads:

To Phil

It has been an honour and a privilege to put this page together from all the thoughts, tributes, anecdotes, stories and other comments received. More than a few tears have been shed whilst compiling this, and I know I am not alone in that. I just hope I have captured the spirit in which it was all intended.

I know you will always be a part of the history of Shirley Round Table and Shirley Late Knights, and you also made your mark nationally as well.

Farewell old friend - there is real sadness at your passing, but many happy memories to keep for life.

Chris