Aboutus

ROUNDTABLE HISTORY

In 1926, at the age of 28, Louis Marchesi (19 January 1898 – 10 December 1968), a young Rotarian of Norwich, felt that a need existed for a young men’s organisation on lines similar to Rotary. He was frustrated at not being given responsibility or the opportunity to earn recognition. He believed that there was much to be said for an organisation that would take into its ranks only young men. Others in Norwich were of the same mind and on 14th March 1927, a small group of young men met under the leadership of Marchesi and formed the first Round Table, an international fellowship and community charitable organisation for young men.

The motto Adopt, Adapt, Improve and indeed the title ‘Round Table’ were taken from a speech by the late Duke of Windsor when, as Prince of Wales, he opened the British Industries Fair in 1927 by saying:

He conceived a club which could support younger businessmen; an idea he suggested to the membership in 1926.

The first Round Table – “Norwich Round Table No. 1” was formed at Suckling House, Norwich on 14 March 1927, with Marchesi as Secretary and other young Rotarians among its officers. To prevent ‘Round Table’ becoming an old persons club the founders initiated a retirement age of 31st March following the 40th birthday.

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. 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.