History
The first Round Table was formed in Norwich, England in 1927. The founder, Louis Marchesi, was a young member of Norwich Rotary Club who felt a need existed for a club where the young business men of the town could gather on a regular basis. At their meetings they could exchange ideas, learn from the experiences of their colleagues and play a collective part in the civic life of Norwich. 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. Today there are about 1125 Tables with a membership of around 16,000. 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.

for more info on -Who was Louis Marchesi_


Name and Badge

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 phrase ADOPT, ADAPT, IMPROVE is a key facet of the organisation and is often seen on Round Table literature and regalia.

The design of the Round Table emblem is, however, an adaptation of the table which hangs in the Great Hall in Winchester. Although this is claimed to be the Round Table of the mythical court of King Arthur, it is in fact a representation which was made in the 13th century.

Aims & Objectives of the Association

The main aim of Round Table is FUN and meeting people from all walks of life, as well as organising fund raising events and communiity activities. These principles are set out in the six 'Aims and Objectives' below. Five of them were established at Norwich in 1927 and the sixth (about international relationships) was added in the 1930's as Round Table spread abroad. Apart from minor wording amendments they have remained the same since. They are:

1. To develop the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their various occupations.

2. To emphasise the fact that one's calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community.

3. To cultivate the highest ideals in business, professional and civic traditions.

4. To recognise the worthiness of all legitimate occupations and to dignify each his own by precept and example.

5. To further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships.

6. To further these objects by meetings, lectures, discussions and other activities.

Achievements

Round Table is known for it's efforts to assist in its own community and to help that community's less fortunate members; for its concern for the quality of life and for the help it gives to various charitable causes; for its purchase of a life-boat and other equipment for the R.N.L.I; for its support of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and for its assistance at Lockerbie and Dunblane; these activities and many similar ones involve Round Tablers not only in the raising of money but in a personal commitment and physical effort. Another facet of Round Table, rarely acknowledged even by its members but of great importance to the individual, is the opportunity it provides for members to broaden their experience, to express themselves with clarity, to learn the art of leadership and to enhance their role as responsible citizens and to form lasting friendships.

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ROUND TABLE OF BRAZIL

The Round Table do Brasil No1. - Sao Paulo ("Round Table of Sao Paulo") was formed in the 1950's and in fact seven Tables existed at one stage or another during this period. Until 1997 there were two Tables still fully active then the Round Table No 9, Alphaville was inaugurated but is now defunct.
So too is Rt no2, leaving only No1. As an affiliate of a worldwide organisation the RT Brazil maintains the basic rules and regulations of Round Table International and the World Council.

Click here for some pop up history about the formation of RTno1 Brazil

The activities of the RT Sao Paulo are principally focused on the following of the aims and objects of the Round Table International: A) Developing the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their professional and business occupations and B) To emphasise the fact that one's calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The RT Brazil dedicates itself to community service through aid and assistance to charitable projects. The focus is on relatively small organisations with no other major sources of support so as to make a little go a long way. Money as matter of policy is not given but assistance is given in the form of donating goods, objects and services. In many cases it is possible to use business contacts to get things either for free or at cost. All the charitable projects supported are regularly visited and vetted.

In order to raise funds for the charitable projects, events are normally organised each year, the major one being the Brains of Sao Paulo Competition (a general knowledge quiz competition). Social events including family and friends are also held at regular intervals. Membership is open to all young professional men of any nationality. The RT Brazil is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining click here or giving support of any kind please click here

Round Table Brazil No 1, Sao Paulo.


meeting circa 1954

are a group of professional men up to 45 years old living and working in and around Sao Paulo. We come together to carry out charitable work, to share views and experiences and to have a good time.
Every three weeks we have dinner meetings with guest speakers, whilst throughout the year we have various fundraising and social events. The language of our RT is English but we have members of various different nationalities. New members are always welcome - if you think you could be interested, please get in touch with us.

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