Round Table (club)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It has been suggested that Round Table India be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

This page refers to Round Table, a friendship organisation. For other meanings see Round Table (disambiguation).

This article does not cite any references or sources. (January 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

The Round Table is a friendship organisation, founded in Norwich, England, in 1927 . The Round Table is a club for young men aged between 18 and 45 (originally 40, which is still retained as the age limit outside the United Kingdom and Ireland) that provides a selection of social and community service related opportunities for its members. Members come from all parts of the community.

The name "Round Table" is not 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.

1 Logo
2 History
3 Activities
4 Aims and Objects
5 External links
6 See also

[edit] Logo

The design of the Round Table emblem or rondel is, however, an adaptation of the table which hangs in the Great Hall in Winchester. 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.

[edit] History

The founder, Louis Marchesi, was a young member of Norwich Rotary Club who felt a need existed for a club where the young business men of the town could gather on a regular basis. At their meetings they could exchange ideas, learn from the experiences of their colleagues and play a collective part in the civic life of Norwich. Within a year of inception the membership of this Round Table had grown to 85 and interest was being shown in establishing Round Tables elsewhere.

A second Round Table was established in Portsmouth in 1928 and subsequent growth was rapid, with 125 Tables and a membership of 4,600 by 1939 . Round Table proved it had international appeal with the first overseas Table formed in Copenhagen in 1936. During the war years Round Table continued to expand in Denmark 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 with Tables being 'chartered' all over the UK. Today there are about 900 Tables with a membership of around 10,000. Round Table now flourishes in the majority of European countries, throughout Africa, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand and America. From a very early stage it was agreed that Round Table would be a non-religious, non-political club and this has continued to this day.

[edit] Activities

The focal point of Round Table is its regular meetings. Normally, most Tables meet twice a month, usually in the evening and often with a meal. The regular meeting is the forum for speakers and many other forms of activity and entertainment. Visitors and potential members are always made particularly welcome as Round Table provides an ideal opportunity to establish new friendships. Another opportunity of the Round Table, is that it allows its members to socialize and form lasting friendships.

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.

[edit] Aims and Objects

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, discussions and other activities.