At the begining

Round Table started with just one man's idea. Louis Marchesi was a member of Rotary in Norwich but had the brainwave of starting a new organisation for young men between the ages of 18-45. Round Table was born with the motto 'Adopt, Adapt, Improve' and from small beginnings of one club in Norwich, Louis' dream has become a reality, with over 1,000 clubs and 13,000 members. Round Tables operate individually but with a common cause, and together they form The National Association of Round Tables of Great Britain and Ireland. But that's not all. Round Table exists throughout the world and has links with like-minded clubs internationally.

What does Round Table do?

The focal point of Round Table is its regular meetings. Normally twice a month, usually in the evening and sometimes with a meal they are chaired by one Tabler for the year.

The regular meeting is the forum for speakers and many other forms of activity and entertainment. This can vary from a meeting on a Russian submarine to a meeting in a hot air balloon, or it may be just a meal and include discussions on forthcoming social and service projects. Have a look at the Events Diary and the individual Table pages to see what is on around the country.

Visitors and potential members will always be made particularly welcome as Round Table provides an ideal opportunity to establish new friendships.

What kind of activities are there?

The sky is literally the limit when it comes to the numerous activities that Tablers find to take part in:

Parachuting and flying in the sky
Abseiling down tall buildings
Driving tanks and go-karts across the land
Sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving under the sea

In fact, the only limit is your enthusiasm, so if there's something that you've always wanted to do then Round Table is the ideal chance for you to have a go. That's why our unofficial motto is:
'We don't just sit there'

What about social events and the family?

Social events and outings are a frequent and popular way of bringing Table members and their families together. These are organized at both local and national level and could be anything from Go-Carting to Ten Pin Bowling, Quasar, Paint Ball, Sailing, Camping, Abseiling, Treasure Hunts, Quiz Nights... the list is endless!
Inter-Table and regional sport competitions play an important part in the Round Table calendar and culminate in the National Sports Weekend.

How does Round Table help in the community?

The main goal of Round Table is FUN and meeting people form all walks of life, however, Round Table is also well known for organizing novel fund-raising events that are an important part of its activities.

With emphasis on local and practical help, service within the community must be fun whether it is car parking at local carnivals, organizing Christmas collections or outings for disables children or the elderly.

Round Table has assisted many National Organizations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, NSPCC, RNLI and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Appeal. Over the past years Round Table has donated more than 7,000,000 to the Children in Need appeal alone and have been paramount in organizing the Nationwide 'Great Round Table Toddles' for the BBC.

Round Table 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 a need existed for a club where the young businessmen 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. 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.

A second Round Table was established in Portsmouth and subsequent growth was rapid, with 125 Tables and a membership of 4,600 by the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. Round Table proved it had international appeal with the first overseas Table 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 with Tables being 'chartered' all over the UK. Today there are about 1,000 Tables with a membership of around 13,000. Round Table now flourishes in the majority of European countries, throughout Africa, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand and America. In fact Round Table is represented in every continent of the World.

Aims & Objectives of the Association

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 phrase ADOPT, ADAPT, IMPROVE is a key facet of the organization and is often seen on Round Table literature and regalia.

The design of the Round Table emblem is, however, an adaptation of the table that 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 that was made in the 13th century.

The main aim of Round Table is FUN and meeting people from all walks of life, as well as organizing fund raising events and community activities. These principles are set out in the six 'Aims and Objectives' below. Five of them were established at Norwich in 1927 and the sixth (about international relationships) was added in the 1930's as Round Table spread abroad. Apart from minor wording amendments they 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, discussions and other activities.

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.