Witham Round Table

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 that 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 the 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 1000 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 in the world.

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 organisation and is often seen on Round Table literature and regalia.

The design of the Round Table emblem 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.

The main aim of Round Table is FUN and meeting people from all walks of life, as well as organising 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 :

Round Table is known for it's efforts in its own community and to help that community's less fortunate members; for its concern for the quality of life and 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; for its assistance at Lockerbie and Dunblane and for its own charity Children's Wish; 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 own 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.

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