Dan Morris: Quality time with friends when something so special happens

Though just because something is a ritual of sorts doesn’t mean that by default it’s as unenjoyable or tedious as the tasks mentioned above.

Tuesday night five-a-side could be described as a ritual, so could a Friday evening takeaway, and these things are more than likely done for fun and as a well-earned treat.

In this busy, modern world in which we live, we can all naturally find ourselves governed to a degree by a mixture of ritual activities – that’s life.

But among those we may not be so keen on, it’s important to factor in a few weekly rituals that are just there for enjoyment, and are good for the soul.

Of the many rituals my week involves, few are as sacred to me as my Sunday Club.

Many years ago, my dad, my uncle and I got into the habit of a regular lunchtime pint every Sunday before our lunch. It was never anything heavy, just a couple of quiet beers and a chat about the week that had been, trading ‘war stories’, jokes, anecdotes and any useless trivia we might have picked up over the last seven days.

Mainly it was a chance to relax, have a bit of a laugh, and just enjoy each other’s company.

Over time the faces that frequented the bar of a Sunday lunchtime became familiar, and it wasn’t long until our gathering began to grow.

One of my now greatest friends and his wife were the first to join our merry band, and chew the fat over a few well-earned beverages. Another of my now closest pals was the next to follow, joining us on a few occasions and then becoming a regular attendee to our golden couple of hours of guaranteed weekly camaraderie.

I don’t remember which of us was the first to coin the term ‘Sunday Club’, but a club it has become, and one we all now look forward to as a highlight of the week.

You may ask what I’m making such a big deal about, and I suppose it’d be fair enough if you did. A few mates meeting down the pub once a week… Sounds ok, sure, but particularly special? To the casual observer, maybe not. But to get to the heart of the best things in life, you sometimes have to go a bit deeper.

Weekly at the appointed hour, our Sunday Club is the coming together of at least six or seven people all of whom occupy very different lives from Monday to Friday.

One of our number is a probation officer, another an HGV driver. One is a retired commercial director, another is a café assistant. And one of our tribe is in fact a labrador… Though sometimes I’m not quite sure which.

Each of our lives keeps us busy, and often in separate worlds. Yet when we get together once a week, something magical happens.

For a couple of hours each Sunday, we make sure we do nothing other than concentrate on the good things in life. This may involve telling funny stories about mutual friends, laughing about something a co-worker might have told us that week, or just having a chat about what our children, partners or other family members have been up to.

We may share our favourite jokes, talk about exciting plans on the horizon, and even on occasion indulge in a bit of a sing-song. But whatever is brought to the table, it’s always fun, upbeat and nothing ever too serious.

By having that precious weekly time focussing on nothing but the positive, letting fresh ears listen to all of our tales, and – most importantly – making each other laugh, we never fail to remind each other of just how great things actually are.

A lot of people may often get together under the mantle of trying to forget about daily life, but I like to think we get together to remind each other how fantastic it can be.

It can be easy to get caught up in the slog of the daily grind and start seeing the glass as half empty. However, all it often takes is a great group of mates to make it overflow.

Life can hold its problems, and not all can be solved simply. But having guaranteed quality time with the friends that matter to you – even if it’s only once a week – is a great place to start.

Without realising it, a lot of people will have their own version of Sunday Club. This may be getting together for a kick-about, having your nails done as a group, or just enjoying a cup of coffee.

You may enjoy a ritual game of cards with your pals on a Saturday night, or all like to get together and do something fun with your children at the weekend.

The day itself doesn’t matter, and nor does the activity. All that matters is who you’re doing it with, and that you enjoy that ritual quality time that you deserve.

For those who may find themselves at a loose end on the day of rest, we’re always looking to recruit new members, and you can feel free to come and join us for a round anytime. Just don’t forget your joke book, and make sure to bring plenty of laughter with you.