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Origins
The first Round Table was formed in Norwich in 1927. The founder, Louis Marchesi, was a young Rotarian who felt a need existed for a club where the young business men of the town could gather on a regular basis to exchange ideas, learn from the experiences of their colleagues and play a collective part in the civic life of Norwich. Within a year membership of this Round Table had grown to 85 and interest had been shown in establishing Round Tables elsewhere. Round Table owes nothing to Arthurian Legend, deriving both its title and its maxim from a speech made to the British Industries Fair in 1927 by the then Prince of Wales - "The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, ADOPT methods that have proved so sound in the past, ADAPT them to the changing needs of the times and wherever possible, IMPROVE them". The design of the Round Table emblem is, however, an adaption of the table which hangs in the great hall, Winchester and which is claimed to be the Round Table of the court of King Arthur. |
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Development
Shortly after the foundation of Round Table in Norwich a second Round Table was established in Portsmouth and subsequent growth was rapid, there being 125 Tables with a membership of 4,600 at the outbreak of war in 1939. Round Table also proved itself to be a universal ideal, the first overseas Table being formed in Copenhagen in 1936. During the war years Round Table in Denmark continued to expand although in the British Isles activity was restricted and was in the nature of a holding operation. After 1945 the pattern of growth was rapidly re-established. Round Table now flourishes in the majority of European countries, throughout Africa and in the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. Round Table Objectives The objectives of Round Table are set out in six Aims which were established at Norwich in 1927 and which, with only minor wording amendments, have remained the same since. They are: 1.To develop the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their various occupations. 2.To emphasise the fact that one's calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community. 3.To cultivate the highest ideals in business, professional and civic traditions. 4.To recognise the worthiness of all legitimate occupations and to dignify each his own, by precept and example. 5.To further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships. 6.To further these objects by meetings, lectures, dicussions and other activities. Round Table Achievements Round Table is known for it's efforts to assist in its own community and to help that community's less fortunate members; for its concern for the quality of life and for the help it gives to various charitable causes; for its purchase of a life-boat and other equipment for the R.N.L.I; for its support of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and for its assistance at Lockerbie and Dunblane; these activities and many similar ones involve Round Tablers not only in the raising of money but in a personal commitment and physical effort. Another facet of Round Table, rarely acknowledged even by its members but of great importance to the individual, is the opportunity it provides for members to broaden their experience, to express themselves with clarity, to learn the art of leadership and to enhance their role as responsible citizens and to form lasting friendships. Round Table International Round Table exists in many countries and has as one of its aims "to further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships". As a result many Tables in this country have links or are "twinned" with overseas Tables with which exchange visits are arranged and whose community service projects, particularly those in Africa and Asia, are supported by Tables in this country. Round Table has been instrumental in establishing clinics in Africa, refugee villages in Hong Kong and libraries and treatment centres in India. Every two years the National Association of Round Tables of Great Britain and Ireland arranges tours of the British Isles for members of Round Tables abroad and overseas Round Table Associations arrange similar tours within their own countries. Tablers on these tours are usually home hosted and have an opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of other countries than is available to the normal tourist. Similar tours are arranged by overseas clubs in their respective countries which allows you the opportunity to travel globally in this unique manner with opportunities for life enhancing experiences. Round Table International links to Associations around the world, in addition Round Table was a founder member of the World Council of Service Clubs, comprising over 60,000 members in over 60 countries with organisations such as Apex (Australasia), and Active 20/30 (America) which have similar aims to Round Table. Members of Round Table attend the World Council of Service Clubs Annual Conference and can have an affect on the world stage. The Individual Round Table Most Round Tables meet in the evening on a twice monthly or fortnightly basis, most having a meal at each meeting with some having a break during the summer months. The programme is varied and apart from meetings reserved specifically for the business of the Table will include speakers on topical matters or matters of local concern. Within the broad framework of the rules of the National Association all Tables organise their own programme and make their own decisions on the community service activities which best suit their own localities. Each Table also organises a variety of social activities for members and their wives. Membership Membership is open to men between the ages of 18 and 45 years irrespective of their religious beliefs or political opinions and, the only other restriction placed on the potential member is that he should either work or reside in the catchment area of the Table. Round Table is a participating organisation and although by rule, members are required to attend at least 60% of 'Table' meetings in any year, anyone who contemplates membership in the spirit of minimum commitment is unlikely to gain fully from what Round Table offers. The old saying applies strongly here " You get out what you put in" and you can develop yourself whilst having fun along the way. Although membership is by invitation, if you believe Round Table offers you the opportunities and challenges you would enjoy please contact us via Jon on Tel: 079 66 38 16 77, our E mail address wallaseyroundtable@kobb.co.uk or via our national office at Marchesi House, 4 Embassy Drive Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1TP Telephone: +44 (0)121 456 4402 or +44 (0)800 745 746(membership hotline) Facsimile: +44 (0)121 456 4185 E-mail to hq@roundtable.org.uk Visit the Round Table Web Site http://www.roundtable.org.uk/ |
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