thoughts from the chair

Last night I went to the first dinner of our barbershop club - actually it was their 30th dinner, but I'd not been before. The reason I went this time is that I've just taken over as chairman. I used to think that people only became chairmen of clubs after years of service or because they were bringing some special skills to the party. I now realise it can be because everyone else who is qualified has already had their turn and the committee wants new people around. Or it can be because no-one else wants to do it.

Yes, I've chaired meetings before; I've been a club chairman before - the first time I was 17 and it was our church youth club. I remember that my best friend was also standing for election as chairman, and he somehow got the idea that candidates were not supposed to vote for themselves. I don't remember the voting, but I think I'd still have won even if he'd voted for himself.

I noticed just how long some of our members have been part of the barbershop movement; and how much it means to them. I suppose that any hobby can be like that. These blokes really enjoy getting together and singing. But it's the easy laughter that I noticed most last night.

Some of our members have been with other choruses and have won medals at national level; at least one has been a quartet medallist. Some have been national chairman. Some have participated in the national organisation in other ways. So this small club has an impact greater than its size would suggest. And today we have a concert to give - at a village harvest festival. Let's hope we remember our parts well enough and don't over-sing.

But the question that's really hanging in my mind is this - what does the club really want from its chairman? Is it a steady hand at the wheel? Is it a source of inspiration - or is it the impression of approval for a course of action? Maybe I'll find out. Maybe I'll ask. Or maybe I'll just be me and see what comes up.

Simon