Round Table (club)
Encyclopedia
Round Table is a social networking and charitable organisation for men in their 20s, 30s and early 40s, founded in Norwich, England, in 1927. It is open to all men aged between 18 and 45 (originally 40, which is still retained as the age limit in some countries outside the United Kingdom
and Ireland
). Membership of Table provides a selection of social and community service related opportunities for its members, who come from all parts of the community.
The name "Round Table" is not directly drawn from Arthurian Legend; rather both its title and its maxim comes 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 phrase "adopt, adapt, improve" is a key facet of the organisation, and is often seen on Round Table literature and regalia.
In the following 12 months, interest was so high that the club attracted 85 members, and people around the country were starting to show an interest in establishing other clubs.
From the beginning, the Round Table was a non-religious, non-political, and non-sectarian club, an ethos that still underpins the movement today.
The second Round Table club opened soon after in Portsmouth and then the idea really took off—by the time the Second World War broke out in 1939 there were 125 clubs and 4,600 members.
The first overseas group was formed in Copenhagen in 1936, and while the movement continued to grow in Denmark, the war years halted British expansion for a while. The existing clubs held strong, however, and when the war was over the momentum grew once again as clubs were chartered all over Britain. Today, in the United Kingdom, there are 600 local Round Tables, with a combined membership of close to 8,000.
The Round Table is now a truly international movement, with active members in most European countries, as well as Africa, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the USA. In fact, there are Round Table clubs on every continent
Round Table has no direct connection to Arthurian Round Table
. The design of the Round Table emblem or rondel (see above) is, however, an adaptation of the one which hangs in the Great Hall in Winchester Castle
. Although this is claimed to be the Round Table of the mythical court of King Arthur
, it is in fact a representation which was made in the 13th century, and painted in its current form on the order of Henry VIII
.
The movement's name comes from a speech that the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor
) made in 1927 to the British Industries Fair, when he said: “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”.
This speech inspired the fledgling movement’s name, and also provided its maxim: adopt, adapt, improve – principles that remain at the heart of the modern movement.
consists of four clubs.
In 1932 the wives of Tablers set up their own social networking and charitable fundraising organisation - Ladies Circle
. This was originally founded by and for wives of Tablers, however is now open to all women aged 18 to 45.
Retiring Round Tablers have their own club, 41 Club
. Similarly, retiring Circlers have Tangent (club)
.
Each local Round Table club usually organises a few events each year. They vary from club to club, and can be anything from carnivals, fireworks displays such as Sparks in the Park
, to silent auctions and charity runs. Raising money is often secondary – what matters is that Tablers are getting involved in their local communities, putting something back, and making a difference locally. There’s no obligation to commit a certain amount of time. All that clubs ask is you devote what time you have available, and often it’s a great way to develop new skills.
A highlight of Table for many members is the group activities, as it gives you the chance to try something that you wouldn’t usually try alone. If you’ve ever fancied abseiling, bungee jumping, dry slope skiing or juggling, you’re bound to find a club that has put it on this year’s programme.
With Round Table clubs worldwide, its members can - either when moving areas permanently or simply on holiday or travelling on business - easily meet other Round Tablers in their destination area. This is sometimes seen as the biggest benefit of Round Table, in that wherever you find yourself - there is always the opportunity to make instant acquaintances with a common interest.
Round Table is frequently associated with its charitable fund raising activities and community service projects. In the UK many Round Tables operate these activities through charitable trusts which are registered with, and regulated by, the Charities Commission.
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, discussions and other activities
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
). Membership of Table provides a selection of social and community service related opportunities for its members, who come from all parts of the community.
The name "Round Table" is not directly drawn from Arthurian Legend; rather both its title and its maxim comes from a speech made to the British Industries Fair
British Industries Fair
The British Industries Fair was an important exhibition centre in Birmingham, England.The large complex of buildings were built in 1920 and were situated between Castle Bromwich Aerodrome and the railway line. For two weeks every year it was the most visited attraction in the country...
in 1927 by the then Prince of Wales
Edward VIII of the United Kingdom
Edward VIII was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, and Emperor of India, from 20 January to 11 December 1936.Before his accession to the throne, Edward was Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay...
'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 phrase "adopt, adapt, improve" is a key facet of the organisation, and is often seen on Round Table literature and regalia.
History
The first Round Table was formed in Norwich, England in 1927. The founder, Louis Marchesi, was a young member of Norwich Rotary Club who felt there was a need for a club aimed more at the younger businessmen of the town. His vision was for them to exchange ideas, learn from the experiences of their colleagues, and together contribute to the civic life of the town.In the following 12 months, interest was so high that the club attracted 85 members, and people around the country were starting to show an interest in establishing other clubs.
From the beginning, the Round Table was a non-religious, non-political, and non-sectarian club, an ethos that still underpins the movement today.
The second Round Table club opened soon after in Portsmouth and then the idea really took off—by the time the Second World War broke out in 1939 there were 125 clubs and 4,600 members.
The first overseas group was formed in Copenhagen in 1936, and while the movement continued to grow in Denmark, the war years halted British expansion for a while. The existing clubs held strong, however, and when the war was over the momentum grew once again as clubs were chartered all over Britain. Today, in the United Kingdom, there are 600 local Round Tables, with a combined membership of close to 8,000.
The Round Table is now a truly international movement, with active members in most European countries, as well as Africa, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the USA. In fact, there are Round Table clubs on every continent
Logo
Round Table (Camelot)
The Round Table is King Arthur's famed table in the Arthurian legend, around which he and his Knights congregate. As its name suggests, it has no head, implying that everyone who sits there has equal status. The table was first described in 1155 by Wace, who relied on previous depictions of...
. The design of the Round Table emblem or rondel (see above) is, however, an adaptation of the one which hangs in the Great Hall in Winchester Castle
Winchester Castle
Winchester Castle is a medieval building in Hampshire, England. It was founded in 1067. Only the Great Hall exists now; it houses a museum of the history of Winchester.-Great Hall:...
. Although this is claimed to be the Round Table of the mythical court of King Arthur
King Arthur
King Arthur is a legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries, who, according to Medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and...
, it is in fact a representation which was made in the 13th century, and painted in its current form on the order of Henry VIII
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
.
The movement's name comes from a speech that the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor
Duke of Windsor
The title Duke of Windsor was created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1937 for Prince Edward, the former King Edward VIII, following his abdication in December 1936. The dukedom takes its name from the town where Windsor Castle, a residence of English monarchs since the Norman Conquest, is...
) made in 1927 to the British Industries Fair, when he said: “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”.
This speech inspired the fledgling movement’s name, and also provided its maxim: adopt, adapt, improve – principles that remain at the heart of the modern movement.
The Round Table Family
The Round Table Family of clubsRound Table Family of clubs
The Round Table Family of Clubs is a group of five social networking and charitable clubs that together form a worldwide movement of tens of thousands of people...
consists of four clubs.
In 1932 the wives of Tablers set up their own social networking and charitable fundraising organisation - Ladies Circle
Ladies Circle
Ladies' Circle is a social networking organisation for young women aged between 18 and 45, founded in 1932. It aims to promote friendship through social contact at local, national and international level and to be of service to the community...
. This was originally founded by and for wives of Tablers, however is now open to all women aged 18 to 45.
Retiring Round Tablers have their own club, 41 Club
41 Club
41 Club is the more commonly used and shorter name for The Association of Ex-Round Tablers' Clubs a social networking organisation for men aged over 40 who are also former members of Round Table...
. Similarly, retiring Circlers have Tangent (club)
Tangent (club)
Tangent is a social networking organisation for ladies aged over 45, primarily intended for former members of Ladies Circle. It is part of the Round Table Family of clubs, together with Round Table , Ladies Circle and 41 Club....
.
Activities
Most local Round Table clubs hold regular meetings each fortnight, getting together for everything from Black Tie dinners to a game of football, or even something as simple a drink at the pub or a meal somewhere local. These social evenings are the lifeblood of the Round Table movement – bringing together groups of friends for a drink and a laugh.Each local Round Table club usually organises a few events each year. They vary from club to club, and can be anything from carnivals, fireworks displays such as Sparks in the Park
Sparks in the Park
Sparks in the Park is an annual fireworks display held each year on or around Guy Fawkes Night in Cardiff, Wales.The event takes place in Cooper's Field in Bute Park, behind Cardiff Castle...
, to silent auctions and charity runs. Raising money is often secondary – what matters is that Tablers are getting involved in their local communities, putting something back, and making a difference locally. There’s no obligation to commit a certain amount of time. All that clubs ask is you devote what time you have available, and often it’s a great way to develop new skills.
A highlight of Table for many members is the group activities, as it gives you the chance to try something that you wouldn’t usually try alone. If you’ve ever fancied abseiling, bungee jumping, dry slope skiing or juggling, you’re bound to find a club that has put it on this year’s programme.
With Round Table clubs worldwide, its members can - either when moving areas permanently or simply on holiday or travelling on business - easily meet other Round Tablers in their destination area. This is sometimes seen as the biggest benefit of Round Table, in that wherever you find yourself - there is always the opportunity to make instant acquaintances with a common interest.
Round Table is frequently associated with its charitable fund raising activities and community service projects. In the UK many Round Tables operate these activities through charitable trusts which are registered with, and regulated by, the Charities Commission.
Aims and Objects of Round Table
1. To Develop the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their various occupations2. 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, discussions and other activities