In 2007 Round Table celebrated 80 Years. Round Table Great Britain and Ireland, the founding association celebrated the 80th Anniversary with over 700 Tablers, past Tablers and guests attended a luncheon at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on Saturday 24th March 2007. The occasion was marked by the attendance of the Round Table Great Britain and Ireland patron Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, as the guest of honour. This was to be Prince Philip’s second anniversary celebration as patron, having previously attended the 40th Anniversary, and the gathering made its appreciation known. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has been Patron of Round Table since 1958
Past National Presidents and International Tablers were out in force and the event also hosted Peter Marchesi, son of our founder Louis Marchesi
Round Table Great Britain and Ireland President Richard du Bois said: “We are deeply honoured that our patron, the HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, is helping us to celebrate our 80th birthday. Round Table has achieved a great deal since our inception. We are a modern, forward-thinking group for the modern man, and we aim to continue our activities for the next 80 years.”
During its time, Round Table has lent its fundraising skills to a variety of causes and annually raises around £4 million (only in Great Britain and Ireland). In recent times the organisation, which is geared towards men between the ages of 18 and 45, has raised over £400,000 to help rebuild schools in India and Sri Lanka after the tsunami; £300,000 of that in just four weeks.
Richard du Bois continued: “Round Table has always been there for people both as a social, family, fun organisation and for those who are in need of help. During our 80 years we have been quick to respond to many disaster appeals such as the Italian earthquake disaster in 1980 and the Aberfan avalanche disaster in Wales. We are also a forward looking group who are busy recruiting the next generation of Round Tablers. We don’t just raise money we also have a great deal of fun and our clubs meet regularly to take part in activities to suit everyone including sports, rock climbing, quiz nights even sky diving!”