1> What’s the difference between Round Table and Rotary Club?
Essentially Round Table
started in 1927 as a rebellion against Rotary Club - mainly because Rotary had no
age limit and ran few activities specifically for younger members. Round Table is
men-only with an active programme geared to our 18-45 age group. Our motto is ‘Adopt,
Adapt, Improve’. We’re still friends with Rotary, which is now mixed but still
has no age limit.
2> Is it just for men?
You can only be a member if you’re a man, aged 18 to 45. All
Round Tables run social events for partners and families, but most of the regular
meetings are just for the guys. We have a sister organisation called Ladies Circle,
which is an excellent club for Tabler’s partners. Our activities are male-oriented,
so no pampering evenings!
3> Isn’t it a networking club?
There are certainly opportunities to network for business purposes - and many Tablers are local professionals, but that isn’t the main reason that Tables exist. Nowadays, on-line networks and dedicated breakfast/business clubs perform this role, whereas Round Table is primarily a social club.
4> Secret society?
Do we look like we’re trying to keep a secret? Er...nope. There is a political lobbying group called Round Table (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round_Table_movement) which is known as the ‘moot’ and is nothing to do with us. We don’t keep our membership secret or have archaic rituals - all members are proud to be known as Round Tablers. We are non-political and non-sectarian and couldn’t give a toss about the New World Order!
5> Is it stuffy and formal?
All local Tables have differences in how they’re run, but most of them have a few formal meetings a year (in suits) to keep everyone organised. These are usually lively, with participation from all Tablers, so by no means stuffy. The age limit and the rotation of key posts keeps Table fresh and interesting. In most Tables, many of the twice-monthly Table meeting take place informally - eg. In a pub and in casual clothes. If you fancy yourself as a James Bond-a-like there are also a few annual black tie do’s for Tablers and their partners.
6> So you’re all gay then?
No, we’re not that kind of friends, thankyou! Seriously though, Tables are normally representative of their local community so we welcome all guys of good character regardless of occupation, politics, race, religion, marital status or sexuality. We don’t even mind what football team you support.
7> How much does it cost?
It very much depends on the Table. There is a national subscription fee, but on top of this there may be Table subs to pay for activities, meals out etc. Some Tables just ask for about £60 a year in subs and from then on it’s pay as you go, whereas some Tables ask for a monthly subscription which covers everything except drinks. There is no harm in asking the Table about the money side - they won’t be offended.
8> Do you spend all your time fundraising?
Nope. Some Tables don’t do much fundraising, whereas others do. Either way, it’s really a sideshow of Round Tabling, not the main feature. Nevertheless, Tables are justifiably proud of their (often crazy) fundraising efforts which range from fireworks displays to Santa’s sleigh runs, from mountain challenges to sponsored cycles, from raffles to extreme ironing. Tables use the money they raise to support local good causes such as youth and disabled groups and small charities as well as national charities such as the Air Ambulances, the Anthony Nolan Trust and Round Table Children’s Wish.
9> What sort of guys join Round Table?
All sorts. A unique strength of Table is that there is something for everyone and the programme is whatever the local Table wants to organise. If you’ve got a particular skill or interest, then that’s a great way to get involved in the big group of friends that is Round Table. Apart from being young (18-45) you just need to be of good character. Quite a few Tablers had once been in the Scouts, Young Farmers, Rotoract, University societies or similar organisations.
10> Isn’t the fundraising all a bit girly?
Nope. Most charity events need Tablers to do heavy lifting and shifting, marshalling, setting up marquees, looking after generators, running the beer tent or the barbeque, selling tickets and putting up signboards. So if you look the part in high-vis and can learn to use a walkie-talkie, we’re keen to hear from you!
11> Do I have to wait to get invited?
In the old days, you used to have to wait until you were approached personally by a Tabler to join. But it’s different in today’s world because few people work where they live - so unless we know who you are we can’t invite you! Get yourself invited to a local Table meeting by either contacting their Chairman, Secretary or Membership officer, or you can contact the Area Membership officer who will point you to a suitable local Table. The details are on the Say Hi page. As there is an upper age limit we always need new members - so your local Table will be really pleased to hear from you.
12> Something for the ladies?
As mentioned above, there is Ladies Circle - an excellent social club for Tabler’s partners and other like-minded women. Tables usually have number of joint activities with Ladies Circle and/or Tablers families, plus there is often a Ladies Night every year and a Summer Ball - so there is plenty to do as a couple/family as well as with your new best friends. Just ask your local Table for details of their programme.
13> Are you really Knights of the Round Table?
Er....no. 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 adaptation 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.
14> If I join, is there some kind of secret initiation ceremony?
Honestly.....no. There is usually a simple induction procedure where the prospective Tabler is invited to affirm the aims and objectives of Round Table. Anything else you hear from your fellow Tablers is simply a wind-up !
15> What are these mysterious aims and objectives ?
Here they are. They need a bit of an update, but they’re not at all mysterious.
To develop the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their various occupations.
To emphasize the fact that one's calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community.
To cultivate the highest ideals in business, professional and civic traditions.
To recognize the worthiness of all legitimate occupations and to dignify each his own by precept and example.
To further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships.
To further these objectives by meetings, lectures, discussions and other activities.
Round Table National site http://www.roundtable.org.uk
Essex Ladies Circle site
http://www.essexladiescircle.co.uk
Round Table Children’s Wish
http://www.rtcw.org
Ladies Circle National site
http://www.ladies-circle.org.uk
Proud to be a Tabler blog
http://www.proud-to-be-a-tabler.co.uk
What’s the Big Secret ?