Wiki Category: Landmarks

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

RT Gibraltar Clubhouse, Lathbury Barracks

Landmark Name: RT Gibraltar Clubhouse
Type: Clubhouse
Association: Round Table Malta
Location: 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 gatherings, and 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)

Landmark Name: Round Table Villages
Type: Refugee Villages
Association: Round Table Hong Kong
Locations: Several in Hong Kong

The 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
  • Location: Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong (Google Maps🔗)
  • Approx. coordinates: 22.2095° N, 114.0295° E

The 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 and the 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
  • Location: Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong (Google Maps🔗)
  • Approx. coordinates: 22.2088° N, 114.0308° E

The 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
  • Location: Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong (Google Maps🔗)
  • Approx. coordinates: 22.2079° N, 114.0319° E

The 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
  • Location: 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).

The Round Table Fourth Village was completed in 1975 near Mui Wo Pier on 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

Landmark Name: Benefactor Stone, Windmühlenrondell, Sparrenburg
Type: Castle Monument
Association: Round Table Germany
Table: RT Germany 42 Bielefeld-Sennestadt
Location: 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 and 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)

The 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

Landmark Name: Hekla
Type: Indirectly Related Landmarks, Natural feature
Association: Round Table Iceland
Location: 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 Iceland. 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.

The 1970 eruption, which began on 5 May 1970 and lasted for two months, coincided with the formation of Round Table Iceland, 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)

Landmark Name: Round Table House
Type: Clubhouse and Headquarters
Association: Round Table India
Location: 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

History

    • 26th January 1983: Foundation Stone laid by Mr. S. L. Chitale (Round Table India)
    • 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

Landmark Name: RT Golden East Clubhouse (or Phoenix Community Boxing Club)
Type: Clubhouse and Community Centre
Association: Round Table Southern Africa
Table: RTSA 181 Golden East
Location: 2 Klein St, Lakefield, Benoni, 1500, South Africa (Google Maps🔗)

The RT Golden East Clubhouse, also known as the Phoenix Community Boxing Club, serves as both a clubhouse for RTSA 181 Golden East and a community centre in Benoni, South Africa. It provides a dedicated space for youth development, community activities, and professional boxing training.

Uplifting the Community

The clubhouse functions as the meeting place of The Phoenix Community Boxing Club. Established to provide a safe and supportive environment for underprivileged youth, it offers structured training and mentorship under professional boxing coaches. Boxercise classes are held four days a week, with affordable community membership options set at R181 per month, allowing participants to attend two sessions weekly. Private lessons with professional boxers are also available, supporting both skill development and income generation for the trainers.

The initiative is particularly significant given the lack of accessible community gyms in the area. By providing a non-profit alternative, the Phoenix Community Boxing Club aims to serve people of all races, ages, and genders, offering opportunities for personal growth, discipline, and a healthier lifestyle.

Renovating the Property

Prior to the 2025 renovation, the property was considered an undesirable area to be in. Significant personal investment and sponsorship transformed the site into a modern, functional facility. Contributions included plumbing, signage, bookkeeping support, and direct financial assistance from RTSA 181 Golden East, alongside substantial personal funding exceeding R60,000 from the lead project coordinator, a former boxing champion.

Upgrades covered gym equipment, boxing rings, mats, gloves, and extensive refurbishment of the building. The clubhouse is also equipped with advanced smart technology—such as a smart alarm system, automated lighting and switches, and a smart geyser—making it one of the most technologically advanced community clubhouses in the region.

Future Plans

The Phoenix Community Boxing Club is in the process of being formally registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO). The registration will list the professional trainer Thabo Ntabanyana, David Bell (member of RTSA 181 Golden East), and the project founder as directors.

The long-term vision is to establish the clubhouse as a sustainable community hub similar to a YMCA model, providing accessible recreational and developmental opportunities for all members of the community. Plans include expanding outreach to more youth, securing ongoing sponsorships to support trainers and operational costs, and developing inclusive programs that promote unity across races, ages, and genders.

History

Originally established for English settlers, the venue was managed by the “Settlers’ Club” until around 2015, when declining membership and aging members led to its closure. During this period, GE181 shared the facilities with them. Today, GE181 operates the club under the name Settlers Club.

Round Table Elementary School, Amaro, Italy

Landmark Name: Scuola elementare Round Table di Amaro
Type: Community Service Project; School
Association: Round Table Italy
Location: S.E. “Round Table”, Via Centro Studi, 2, 33020 Amaro (UD) Italy

On May 6, 1976, a powerful earthquake struck the Friuli region of northeastern Italy, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. Thousands were left homeless, and entire communities faced the daunting task of rebuilding from the ruins.

One of the many buildings damaged in the disaster was the elementary school in Amaro, which was declared unsafe and unusable. As a result, classes had to be held in temporary facilities throughout the following school year.

In the summer of 1976, members of the newly established Round Table 24 in Udine contacted the local administration of Amaro to discuss rebuilding the school.

The Round Table club generously funded the entire construction of a new school building, which was completed in record time and officially inaugurated on September 18, 1977.

Their support didn’t stop with the building. In the years that followed, the school was equipped with state-of-the-art teaching tools and materials, including well-stocked laboratories for audiovisual learning, photography, music, and computing, significantly enhancing the school’s educational offerings.

The Round Table’s commitment has remained strong. Even decades after the earthquake, they continue to support the school by providing educational materials and equipment, and by organizing the annual school trip to Italian cities that host Round Table clubs.

Every year around Christmas, a group of members from Round Table Udine visits the students and teachers. This now-traditional visit reflects a deep and lasting friendship, making it a truly unique and meaningful partnership.

 

Manneken Pis (RTBE)

Landmark Name: Manneken Pis — Little Pissing Man (middle of the photo)
Type: Indirectly related monument
Association: Round Table Belgium
Location: Brussels, Belgium (Google Maps🔗)

During Annual General Meetings held in Brussels, the organisers might get permission to dress the 55.5 cm (21.9 in) bronze fountain sculpture in central Brussels in Round Table regalia, including his own embroidered jacket and jewels. The outfit is approved, and scheduled by The Order of the Friends of Manneken Pis, and keep the outfit in a specially designed museum, called GardeRobe MannekenPis until needed again.

The statue is further temporarily modified to urinate beer. Tablers will be able to consume the boy’s gift at a street party at this crossroads, in the middle of Brussels.

This is one of the most fleeting and temporary Round Table Landmarks, and can be enjoyed for about two afternoons every decade, typically in May. The most recent dressing up took place during the RT Belgium AGM of 2025.

Recorded Round Table Dressings:

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

Endless Column (RTRO)

Landmark Name: Coloana Infinitului
Type: Indirectly Related Monument
Association: Round Table Romania
Location: Târgu Jiu, Oltenia, Romania (Google Maps🔗)

Brâncuși’s Endless Column (or Infinite Column) is part of the Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncuși in the city of Târgu Jiu, located in the Oltenia province. It was built in 1938 and symbolizes the concept of infinity and the endless sacrifice of Romanian soldiers.

The sculpture consists of 15 rhomboidal modules, with a half-unit at both the top and bottom, totaling 16 elements. The incomplete top unit is believed to represent the idea of infinity—a symbolic link between Earth and Sky. The column stands 29.35 meters tall and is made of cast iron.

Since 2013, it has served as the symbol of Round Table Romania. This makes the monument an attractive landmark to any visiting Tablers.

In its presence, visitors would say “Noi medităm la infinit…”, which would translate to “Here, we stand in meditation before the infinite.” 

Representatives of 41Club, Round Table International, Round Table Romania, Tangent, and Tangent International visiting the monument in 2025.