Wiki Category : Points de repère

Associations with many landmarks should get their own subcategory, whereas the rest can be linked individually.

RT Gibraltar Clubhouse, Lathbury Barracks

Point de repère Nom : RT Gibraltar Clubhouse
Type : Clubhouse
Association : Round Table Malte
Localisation : Unit 1.14 Retrenchment Building, Lathbury Barracks, Gibraltar, GX111A (Google Maps🔗)

Round Table Gibraltar’s clubhouse is located at Unit 1.14, Retrenchment Building (also referred to as the Retrenchment Block), within the former Lathbury Barracks complex in Gibraltar. The clubhouse serves as a functional base for the association, providing a regular venue for Table meetings, social gatheringset official functions. It has also been used as a check-in point for visiting Tablers and forms part of the itinerary during association events and AGM-related tours, reflecting its role as a focal point for both local activity and visiting members.

Situated within a repurposed military site now administered by the Government of Gibraltar, the clubhouse is part of a wider redevelopment of the Lathbury Barracks area, where historic military buildings have been adapted for civilian, community, and association use. This setting places the Round Table Gibraltar clubhouse within a location that combines practical modern use with the historic fabric of Gibraltar’s southern defensive district, particularly the Windmill Hill and Europa Point area.

Barracks, and its modern purpose

Lathbury Barracks forms part of Gibraltar’s South District / Windmill Hill area. As Gibraltar transitioned former military sites to civilian use, government planning policy identified the Retrenchment Block at Lathbury Barracks as suitable accommodation for sports and leisure clubs and associations, stating that the building had been “sensitively refurbished” to provide space for a variety of such organisations. Round Table Gibraltar’s Unit 1.14 sits within this wider “club and association” reuse context.

By 2009, Gibraltar’s Development Plan already describes the Retrenchment Block’s intended (and refurbished) use for clubs/associations. By 2020 (at latest), Round Table Gibraltar was publicly using Unit 1.14 as an event venue address.

Historical context: Lathbury Barracks and Windmill Hill fortifications

Lathbury Barracks (military site → civilian reuse)

Lathbury Barracks was a British military barracks on the southern part of the Rock, on/near Windmill Hill, later transitioning to civilian uses. Public references note the last UK regiment based there was the 3rd Battalion, Royal Green Jackets, after which it was handed over to the local Royal Gibraltar Regiment, and the site is now owned by the Government of Gibraltar.

Government planning documents describe a mixed modern use at Lathbury, including telecommunications/industrial activity and an industrial estate (with “Phase 1” providing 28 units, with further phases planned).

The “Retrenchment” name: Retrenchments and the Retrenched Barracks

The word “Retrenchment” in local place/building names reflects Gibraltar’s long history of defensive engineering—especially in the south where Europa Point and Windmill Hill were considered vulnerable approaches.

A closely related historic installation is the Retrenched Barracks (on Windmill Hill), a fortified barracks built in 1841 as part of Gibraltar’s fortifications. It was created following recommendations by Major General Sir John Thomas Jones, who proposed a defensive line of retrenchments to block an advancing force moving north from the Europa Point area. The Retrenched Barracks is recorded as being converted into facilities for clubs and associations and is not open to the public.

(Note: “Retrenchment Building/Block” at Lathbury is often discussed as a specific refurbished building within the Lathbury Barracks area; “Retrenched Barracks” is the named historic fortified barracks site on Windmill Hill. They are clearly connected by theme and location, but they are not always described as the same structure in public sources.)

Second World War remains in the area

During development works at Lathbury Barracks (for a new sports complex), archaeological work recorded multiple World War II military structures beneath the site, including heavy anti-aircraft gun positions, a command post, access tunnels and shelters. This underlines how the broader Windmill Hill/Lathbury area has repeatedly been adapted to Gibraltar’s defensive needs across different eras.

Round Table Villages (RTHK)

Point de repère Nom : Round Table Villages
Type : Refugee Villages
Association : Round Table Hong Kong
Locations: Several in Hong Kong

Le Round Table Villages in Hong Kong were charitable housing projects initiated and funded by Round Table Hong Kong, founded in 1954, and developed between the 1960s and 1970s. Their purpose was to provide safe, permanent housing for people displaced by natural disasters or living in unsafe and inadequate conditions, particularly fishing communities, wooden-hut residents, and refugees. These projects remain among the most tangible and enduring examples of Round Table’s commitment to long-term, infrastructure-based community service.

Round Table First Village

  • Year completed: 1961
  • Localisation : Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong (Google Maps🔗)
  • Approx. coordinates: 22.2095° N, 114.0295° E

Le Round Table First Village was constructed in 1961 following Typhoon Mary (1959) to rehouse families who had lost their homes, many of whom had previously lived on boats or in temporary shelters.

The village initially consisted of 42 single-storey houses and a cooperative building, accommodating 41 households. At completion, the village lacked electricity and running water; these utilities were added in 1963. In 1985, many buildings were upgraded with a second storey, reinforcing the village’s long-term residential role.

Residents were selected jointly by Round Table Hong Kong et le Cheung Chau Rural Committee, ensuring that housing was allocated to those most affected by displacement. One of the original units was reserved for use as a cooperative facility serving the village community.

Round Table Second Village

  • Year opened: 20 September 1964
  • Localisation : Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong (Google Maps🔗)
  • Approx. coordinates: 22.2088° N, 114.0308° E

Le Round Table Second Village opened in 1964 and consisted of 11 double-storey houses. It was built to house fisherfolk and residents living in substandard wooden huts.

Funding was raised through international Round Table networks, including donations collected by members in the United Kingdom and other countries, demonstrating the strength of global Round Table fellowship and cross-border solidarity in supporting local community projects.

Round Table Third Village

  • Year established: 1967
  • Date completed: 13 January 1968
  • Localisation : Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong (Google Maps🔗)
  • Approx. coordinates: 22.2079° N, 114.0319° E

Le Round Table Third Village (commonly known as Round Table III Village) was formally initiated in 1967 and completed on 13 January 1968. The project comprised 48 single-storey housing units and was constructed at a total cost of approximately HKD 210,000.

Of the total cost, HKD 60,000 was contributed by Round Table Hong Kong, with further funding provided by overseas Round Table associations in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. Round Table Hong Kong took responsibility for site selection, architectural design, and tendering.

Residents contributed a modest monthly payment of HKD 11, allocated toward maintenance, repairs, and a communal savings scheme. The village remains officially recognised today, with its name preserved in local infrastructure such as the Round Table III Village Public Toilet.

Round Table Fourth Village

  • Year completed: 1975
  • Official name: Fourth Round Table Kin Refugee Rehousing Village
  • Localisation : Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong (Google Maps🔗)
  • Approx. coordinates: 22.2649° N, 113.9978° E


Photograph of the Fourth Round Table Kin Refugee Rehousing Village (also known as the Fourth Round Table Village).

Le Round Table Fourth Village was completed in 1975 near Mui Wo Pier sur Lantau Island. It comprised approximately 30 housing units and was built to rehouse squatters and boat dwellers from the Mui Wo area.

Each unit was equipped with its own private kitchen and toilet, representing a notable improvement over earlier resettlement standards. Residents contributed a monthly maintenance fee of approximately HKD 40. The land was provided by the Hong Kong government, while funding, organisation, and delivery were led by Round Table Hong Kong.

Other Related Information

The Round Table Villages were developed during a period of severe housing pressure in post-war Hong Kong, driven by natural disasters, migration, and rapid population growth. Unlike government resettlement estates, these villages were entirely funded and delivered by a voluntary civic organisation, with Round Table Hong Kong overseeing financing, planning, design, and long-term sustainability.

Collectively, these projects demonstrate Round Table’s commitment to long-term, infrastructure-focused community service, supported by strong international cooperation within the movement and guided by a practical, non-political approach to social need. More than half a century later, the Round Table Villages remain a lasting testament to how Round Table fellowship can translate into enduring community benefit.

Sparrenburg, Bielefeld

Point de repère Nom : Benefactor Stone, Windmühlenrondell, Sparrenburg
Type : Castle Monument
Association : Round Table Allemagne
Tableau: RT Allemagne 42 Bielefeld-Sennestadt
Localisation : Sparrenburg Castle, Bielefeld, Germany (Google Maps🔗)

Sparrenburg Castle

Sparrenburg Castle stands as Bielefeld’s most iconic landmark, a medieval fortress overlooking the city since the 13th century. Its walls, towers, and panoramic ramparts draw thousands of visitors each year and remain a symbol of the region’s heritage.

Round Table 42 Benefactor Stone

To preserve these historic grounds, major restoration and paving works were undertaken in the mid-2000s. Funding for this project was supported through the campaign „Ein Stein für die Burg“, which invited benefactors to sponsor engraved cobblestones used in the castle’s walkways. This initiative lasted between 2005 and 2006.

And that’s where the Round Table 42 landmark enters the story. Among the many engraved Benefactor Stones set into the newly restored pathways, RTDE42’s benefactor stone stands as a subtle but meaningful tribute to the club’s support for the castle’s preservation. There is, of course, no dedicated Round Table rondel at Sparrenburg, yet the pavers are installed in the roundels of the castle. Still, the RTDE42 stone has found its place within the fabric of the fortress itself, embedded in the paved surfaces of the Windmühlenrondell et Kiekstattrondell. Here, alongside hundreds of other engraved cobblestones, it forms part of a collective memorial to benefactors whose contributions helped safeguard and rejuvenate this historic landmark.

Windmühlenrondell (the West-Most Bastion)

Le Windmühlenrondell is the large round bastion located on the north-western / western edge of Sparrenburg Castle. It originated in the early 16th century when the fortress was modernised to withstand artillery warfare. What began as a free-standing artillery tower around 1530–1540 was later integrated into the main fortifications, forming the broad defensive platform still visible today.

Because of its position on the west side, the bastion had a crucial strategic role: it covered the castle’s most exposed flank and provided a wide firing arc over the slopes leading up toward the ridge. Its elevated platform was ideal for cannons, while the thick masonry protected the garrison from incoming fire.

During the 2005–2006 restoration works, parts of the Windmühlenrondell were repaved as part of the “Ein Stein für die Burg” campaign. Many of the engraved benefactor stones, including the Round Table 42 stone, were set into the surfaces of this rondel and its adjoining pathways, becoming a permanent part of the castle’s outer defenses and modern visitor route.

Hekla, Iceland

Point de repère Nom : Hekla
Type : Indirectly Related Landmarks, Natural feature
Association : Round Table Islande
Localisation : South of Iceland (Google Maps🔗)

Hekla is an active stratovolcano located in the south of Iceland, within the country’s main volcanic belt. Rising to approximately 1,491 metres (4,892 ft) above sea level, it is one of Iceland’s most prominent and active volcanoes. Known in earlier centuries as the “Gateway to Hell,” Hekla has a long and dramatic eruptive history that has shaped both the Icelandic landscape and local mythology.

Mount Hekla holds a place of honour in the heraldic identity of Round Table Islande. Its prominent depiction in the association’s rondel commemorates the eruption that occurred during the organization’s founding period in 1970. The volcano is known as the “Queen of Icelandic Volcanoes”, thus, the rondel omits the traditional “King” figure found in most Round Table rondels. Instead, the volcano is crowned by four stylized ocean waves, symbolizing Iceland’s seafaring heritage.

Geological Profile

Hekla is part of a volcanic system around 40 kilometres (25 mi) long, with the main volcanic ridge extending northeast–southwest. Unlike many stratovolcanoes that erupt from a single summit crater, Hekla often erupts along fissures that open along its ridge. Its eruptions are known for producing large volumes of tephra, lava flows, and ash deposits that can reach far beyond Iceland.

Eruptive History

Documented eruptions of Hekla date back to 1104 CE, when a powerful explosive event devastated surrounding settlements. Over 20 eruptions have been recorded since, with varying levels of intensity. Major eruptions occurred in 1300, 1389, 1510, 1597, 1845, 1947–1948, 1970, 1980–1981, 1991, and 2000. The volcano remains closely monitored due to its potential for sudden and powerful activity.

Le 1970 eruption, which began on 5 May 1970 and lasted for two months, coincided with the formation of Round Table Islande, later influencing the design of the association’s rondel. The footage below shows the imagery that would have inspired the rondel.

Cultural and Historic Significance

Throughout history, Hekla has been a source of both fear and fascination. Medieval Europeans believed it to be an entrance to the underworld, while Icelandic folklore often depicts the volcano as a mystical and ominous symbol. Today, Hekla is a celebrated natural landmark, drawing interest from volcanologists, adventurers, and tourists alike.

 

Round Table House (RTIN)

Point de repère Nom : Round Table House
Type : Clubhouse and Headquarters
Association : Round Table Inde
Localisation : Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu, India (Google Maps🔗)

Round Table House serves as the head office of Round Table India and other related organisations.

Round Table India is unique in that it is the only service organization in India to have a permanent home of its own. This has been made possible through the Round Table Foundation and the building is located at Chennai, formally called Madras. The monies earned as rent from the Round Table House along with other funds generated by the Foundation are utilized as grants given to various Tables for their community service projects. The Round Table House also houses the National Secretariat, which is called the Bob Chandran Center.

Full Address: RTI National Secretariat
Bob Chandran Center, 3rd Floor, Round Table House,
80, Nungambakkam High Road, Madras – 600 034

Occupants

Third Floor

Second Floor

First Floor, Ground Floor, Basement

Rented to third parties

L’histoire

    • 26th January 1983: Foundation Stone laid by Mr. S. L. Chitale (Round Table Inde)
    • 28th December 1984: Round Table House opened by Mr T V Antony (IAS)
    • 09th August 2008: Renovated House Inaugurated by Sq. Leg. R. Jagadish Chandran

RT Golden East 181 Clubhouse

Point de repère Nom : RT Golden East Clubhouse (ou Phoenix Community Boxing Club)
Type : Clubhouse et centre communautaire
Association : Round Table Afrique du Sud
Tableau : RTSA 181 Golden East
Localisation : 2 Klein St, Lakefield, Benoni, 1500, Afrique du Sud (Google Maps🔗)

Le RT Golden East Clubhouse, également connu sous le nom de Phoenix Community Boxing Club, sert à la fois de clubhouse pour les membres de l’Union européenne et de club de boxe pour les membres de l’Union européenne. RTSA 181 Golden East et un centre communautaire à Benoni, en Afrique du Sud. Il offre un espace dédié au développement de la jeunesse, aux activités communautaires et à l’entraînement de boxe professionnelle.

Renforcer la communauté

Le clubhouse est le lieu de réunion du Phoenix Community Boxing Club. Créé pour offrir un environnement sûr et favorable aux jeunes défavorisés, ce club propose un entraînement structuré et un mentorat sous la houlette d’entraîneurs de boxe professionnels. Les cours de boxe ont lieu quatre jours par semaine, avec des options d’adhésion communautaire abordables, fixées à 181 rands par mois, permettant aux participants d’assister à deux séances hebdomadaires. Des leçons privées avec des boxeurs professionnels sont également proposées, ce qui permet aux entraîneurs de développer leurs compétences et de générer des revenus.

Cette initiative est d’autant plus importante qu’il n’existe pas de gymnases communautaires accessibles dans la région. En proposant une alternative à but non lucratif, le Phoenix Community Boxing Club vise à servir des personnes de toutes races, de tous âges et de tous sexes, en leur offrant des opportunités de développement personnel, de discipline et de mode de vie plus sain.

Rénovation de la propriété

Avant la rénovation de 2025, la propriété était considérée comme une zone indésirable. Un investissement personnel important et un parrainage ont permis de transformer le site en une installation moderne et fonctionnelle. Les contributions ont porté sur la plomberie, la signalisation, la comptabilité et l’aide financière directe de RTSA 181 Golden East, ainsi que sur un financement personnel substantiel de plus de 60 000 rands de la part du coordinateur principal du projet, un ancien champion de boxe.

Les améliorations ont porté sur les équipements de gymnastique, les rings de boxe, les tapis et les gants, ainsi que sur la rénovation complète du bâtiment. Le clubhouse est également équipé d’une technologie intelligente avancée, comme un système d’alarme intelligent, un éclairage et des interrupteurs automatisés, et un geyser intelligent, ce qui en fait l’un des clubshouse communautaires les plus avancés sur le plan technologique de la région.

Projets futurs

Le Phoenix Community Boxing Club est sur le point d’être officiellement enregistré en tant qu’organisation à but non lucratif (NPO). L’enregistrement mentionnera l’entraîneur professionnel Thabo Ntabanyana, David Bell (membre de RTSA 181 Golden East) et le fondateur du projet en tant que directeurs.

La vision à long terme est de faire du clubhouse un centre communautaire durable, semblable au modèle du YMCA, offrant des possibilités de loisirs et de développement accessibles à tous les membres de la communauté. Il est prévu d’élargir l’accès à un plus grand nombre de jeunes, d’obtenir des parrainages permanents pour soutenir les formateurs et les coûts opérationnels, et d’élaborer des programmes inclusifs qui favorisent l’unité entre les races, les âges et les sexes.

L’histoire

Créé à l’origine pour les colons anglais, le lieu a été géré par le “Settlers’ Club” jusqu’en 2015 environ, date à laquelle la baisse du nombre de membres et le vieillissement de ces derniers ont entraîné sa fermeture. Pendant cette période, GE181 a partagé les installations avec eux. Aujourd’hui, la GE181 exploite le club sous le nom de Club des colons.

Round Table École primaire, Amaro, Italie

Point de repère Nom : École élémentaire Round Table d’Amaro
Type : Projet de service communautaire ; école
Association : Round Table Italie
Localisation : S.E. “Round Table”, Via Centro Studi, 2, 33020 Amaro (UD) Italie

Le 6 mai 1976, un puissant tremblement de terre a frappé la région du Frioul, dans le nord-est de l’Italie, provoquant une dévastation généralisée et des pertes humaines. Des milliers de personnes se sont retrouvées sans abri et des communautés entières ont dû faire face à la tâche ardue de reconstruire à partir des ruines.

Parmi les nombreux bâtiments endommagés par la catastrophe, l’école élémentaire d’Amaro a été déclarée dangereuse et inutilisable. En conséquence, les cours ont dû être dispensés dans des installations temporaires tout au long de l’année scolaire suivante.

Au cours de l’été 1976, des membres de l’association nouvellement créée, la Round Table 24 en Udine a contacté l’administration locale d’Amaro pour discuter de la reconstruction de l’école.

Le club Round Table a généreusement financé l’intégralité de la construction d’un nouveau bâtiment scolaire, qui a été achevé en un temps record et inauguré officiellement le 18 septembre 1977.

Leur soutien ne s’est pas arrêté à la construction du bâtiment. Dans les années qui ont suivi, l’école a été équipée d’outils et de matériels pédagogiques de pointe, notamment de laboratoires bien équipés pour l’apprentissage de l’audiovisuel, de la photographie, de la musique et de l’informatique, ce qui a permis d’améliorer considérablement l’offre éducative de l’école.

L’engagement du Round Table est resté fort. Même des décennies après le tremblement de terre, ils continuent à soutenir l’école en lui fournissant du matériel et des équipements pédagogiques et en organisant le voyage scolaire annuel dans les villes italiennes qui accueillent des clubs Round Table.

Chaque année, à Noël, un groupe de membres de Round Table Udine rend visite aux étudiants et aux enseignants. Cette visite, désormais traditionnelle, est le reflet d’une amitié profonde et durable, ce qui en fait un partenariat unique et significatif.

 

Manneken Pis (RTBE)

Point de repère Nom : Manneken Pis — Le petit homme qui pisse (au milieu de la photo)
Type : Monument indirectement lié
Association : Round Table Belgique
Localisation : Bruxelles, Belgique (Google Maps🔗)

Lors des assemblées générales annuelles qui se tiennent à Bruxelles, les organisateurs peuvent obtenir l’autorisation d’habiller la sculpture en bronze de 55,5 cm (21,9 in) de la fontaine du centre de Bruxelles en tenue Round Table, y compris sa propre veste brodée et ses bijoux. La tenue est approuvée et programmée par L’Ordre des amis du Manneken Pis, et conserver la tenue dans un musée spécialement conçu à cet effet, appelé GardeRobe MannekenPis jusqu’à ce qu’il soit à nouveau nécessaire.

La statue est en outre temporairement modifiée pour uriner de la bière. Les tablées pourront consommer le cadeau du garçon lors d’une fête de rue à ce carrefour, en plein cœur de Bruxelles.

Il s’agit de l’un des points de repère les plus éphémères et les plus temporaires du Round Table, dont on peut profiter environ deux après-midi par décennie, généralement au mois de mai. L’habillage le plus récent a eu lieu lors de l’assemblée générale de RT Belgium en 2025.

Recorded Round Table Dressings:

    • 6th May 1989
    • 25th June 2015
    • 16th June 2018
    • 2nd May 2025

Colonne sans fin (RTRO)

Point de repère Nom : Coloana Infinitului
Type : Monument indirectement lié
Association : Round Table Roumanie
Localisation : Târgu Jiu, Oltenia, Roumanie (Google Maps🔗)

Brâncuși’s Colonne sans fin (ou colonne infinie) fait partie de la Ensemble sculptural de Constantin Brâncuși dans la ville de Târgu Jiu, située dans la province d’Oltenia. Il a été construit en 1938 et symbolise le concept de l’infini et le sacrifice sans fin des soldats roumains.

La sculpture se compose de 15 modules rhomboïdaux, avec une demi-unité en haut et en bas, soit un total de 16 éléments. L’unité supérieure incomplète est censée représenter l’idée de l’infini, un lien symbolique entre la Terre et le Ciel. La colonne mesure 29,35 mètres de haut et est faite de fonte.

Depuis 2013, il est le symbole de Round Table Roumanie. Cela fait du monument un point de repère attrayant pour tous les visiteurs de Tablers.

En sa présence, les visiteurs diront “Noi medităm la infinit…“ce qui se traduit par “Ici, nous nous tenons en méditation devant l’infini. 

Des représentants de 41Club, Round Table International, Round Table Roumanie, Tangent et Tangent International visitant le monument en 2025.