Like Father, Like Son

This issue, Tabler catches up with father/son duo Rupert and Ben Carter who embody Table’s familial torch carrying tradition

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Whilst writing Tabler magazine over the last couple of years one of my favourite sections was the Like Father Like Son piece. As a dad with an 11-year-old lad I can already see how my Tabling is a positive influence on him, and who knows, maybe one day he might join. However, in the meantime I am delighted that – when Paul Thompson came to Cirencester earlier this year – he inducted the son of a former 286 Tabler.

Rupert Carter has been an inspiration to me as a Tabler, and to me he embodies so much about our organisation (a sentiment that I am sure Matt Fallon as a fellow Ciren Tabler will back up). It was therefore our honour to stand with him as we witnessed PT induct his son.

Baggsie

FATHER:

RUPERT CARTER

When did you join, and why? I joined Table in 1999, and was introduced by Malcolm Lewis, then President, and father of a friend. I was inducted on the Acropolis in Athens on an international trip. I was interested in community organisations and really enjoyed the fellowship and banter as well as the variety of activities in the community that I had recently moved to.

What roles did you undertake?

During my time I’ve undertaken pretty much every role more than once, including Chairman twice. I worked my way up to the Chair so that by the time I got there I understood all aspects of Table – which I think is important.

What was your most memorable moment of Table?

There’s too many to mention! The thing that I’m most proud of is re-building Ciren Table when we were down to four members. We looked each other in the eye and committed to bring one friend to the next meeting and then another – it was a tough time, but we did it together: Marshy, Rob, Gideon & I.

International trips are always a fun highlight, and fireworks were always the most rewarding highlight in terms of fund raising, with old folks suppers and Santas Sleighs being rewarding in terms of community service.

What impact has Table had on your life?

I learnt so much in Table. Never did I imagine that I’d be effectively the CEO of an organisation of 20 people, turning over £30k with social & charitable responsibilities. I’m a Project Manager by trade, so organising events comes naturally. However it’s always the human element that people overlook, and managing a group of volunteers, some more willing than others was an experience. I’ve learnt some really good skills, and also developed some skills from the workplace in Table. An all-round great experience!

Why did you encourage Ben to join?

I was always really proud to be in Round Table. It taught me a lot about people. It taught me a lot about myself too, and how to relate to different types of people: a great life skill. The thing that I’m still learning is to manage my big character, let others take the lead, let everyone be heard and to try to see things from different people’s perspectives... It may take a while longer.

My kids grew up in and around Round Table. We have family friends from Table, who went on annual camping trips and they helped at fireworks and old folks’ suppers. I really wanted the same for Ben that I had from Table, the same fun and fellowship, developing different skills and learning about himself.

I also want to see Table flourish in future and be a part of his future, wherever his life takes him. One of the key attributes that I’d like him to take from me is giving… charitable benevolence. Giving to people, not only those less fortunate than ourselves, but to anyone and everyone.

What do you hope Ben will get from it?

I hope Ben will make good lifelong friends, and get the same from Table that I did and more… perhaps he’ll help to modernise and adapt Table for the future. There’s no doubt clubs are going through a tough time and need to create strong identities to attract potential members. My advice to Ben would be to grab it with both hands, enjoy it as much as you can and help to build its future.

I owe a huge debt of thanks to Table for everything that it’s given me and I hope that the things that I have done for Table go some way to repay that debt. What I can do now that I have aged out and served as President (twice!) is to promote Round Table to all of an eligible age, and encourage people to join. Thank you for an amazing 18+ years.

SON:

BEN CARTER

What did you think of Table as a child - seeing you father being part of it?

My dad has been in Round Table since I can remember, so me and my sisters have always been going to the events that Table has put on. Including the Santa’s sleigh, old folks supper, fireworks and many more. My dad is such a great role model for me and my sisters, seeing him doing such much for our local community. I could see all the guys in Table had the same mindset of helping others and they always had a laugh along the way.

Why did you join?

A short while after I turned 18, dad and I spoke about me joining Table. He told me about all the different events, the effect it has on the people we help, and all the fun and games that go on. Ultimately I wanted to have the same effect as my dad did: to help out the local community and push myself to help make a positive change for others.

What do you hope to get out of it?

I hope to continue to be a useful part of Round Table and to continue what others have done before. Hopefully I will learn a lot from my fellow members and maybe bring some ideas of my own to the table.

What are you most looking forward to in Table?

I look forward to carrying on the legacy of Round Table, making sure that we do the best we can for the community. I am looking forward to all the events, and putting smiles on peoples’ faces. I am also looking forward to a few boozy annual trips away with Table.

You will age out in 2048… what do you think Table will look like then?

When my time comes to leave Table, I am hoping we will be carrying on the great events we already do, and to have more ideas brought forward for events that will help others. Maybe at that point I may have a son to introduce to Round Table and they will be as excited to join as I was.

You have invited a friend - who has also now joined - what does Table need to do to stay relevant?

I’ve known Alex since secondary school. I know he has the same mindset as the other Tablers, in that he wants to do good for this community and put smiles on faces. I think in order to stay relevant we need to make sure we advertise and give young people, like me, the opportunity to join and show what they can bring to Round Table. We need to keep the events going and keep our name going around Cirencester.

Ben relaxing on the floor after his induction by Paul Thompson. His father Rupert wandered over, checked he was still breathing – then returned to the bottle of wine he was sharing with PT Fallon and Baggsie

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