Round Table is Founded (1927–1936)
The first Round Table was established in Norwich, England in 1927 by Louis Marchesi, a young member of the Norwich Rotary Club. Marchesi envisioned a gathering place for young businessmen where they exchange ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and contribute collectively to the civic life of Norwich. In a speech before Rotarians, Marchesi articulated the ethos of the Round Table, emphasising the importance of action and the role of young people in effecting change. He proposed a forum where members could engage in meaningful dialogue and participate actively in their community.
History of the RTI Rondel and Emblem.
Within a year of its inception, the Norwich Round Table’s membership grew to 85, sparking interest in establishing similar organisations elsewhere. Emphasizing its non-religious and non-political nature, Round Table quickly expanded, establishing a second chapter in Portsmouth. By the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939, there were 125 Tables and a membership of 4,600, demonstrating the organisation’s rapid growth and international appeal.
In 1930, some women, tired of merely assisting with events and baking cakes, founded the first Ladies Circle—an organization that would later grow internationally.
In 1936, the 41 Club (known as Old Tablers) was established.
Becoming International (1936–1961)
The internationalisation of Round Table became evident with the formation of the first overseas Table in Copenhagen in 1936. Despite the constraints of World War 2, Round Table continued to expand, particularly in Denmark, while activity in the British Isles was limited. Post-war, Round Table experienced a resurgence, with new chapters chartered across the UK and beyond. By January 1947, discussions began among existing Round Table associations about closer cooperation and international fellowship.
This culminated in establishing Round Table International (RTI) at the first general meeting held in Hastings in May 1948, alongside the RTBI National conference. This included the appointment of the first RTI board, with Reg Bates as the first RTI President. Initially, RTI was composed of 150 British, 24 Danish, 12 Dutch, 1 Norwegian and 7 Swedish Tables.
The first batch of tables overseas to be chartered in new countries were as follows:
1936 – Denmark (The Establishment of Round Table in Denmark) 1943 – Sweden 1946 – Netherlands 1947 – Norway 1948 – Finland 1949 – Belgium 1950 – France 1950 - Union of S.Africa (becoming ARTSA) 1953 - Rhodesia and Kenya (becoming ARTCA) 1951 – Switzerland 1952 – Germany (The Establishment of Round Table in Germany) as well as MalayaRTI Expansion in the 1950s
By 1961, Round Table had a presence in over 30 countries. During this period Round Table built close relations with similar clubs in the “New World” and Australia; Kinsmen (Club)(Canada), Active 20–30 (America) and APEX (Australia)