RTI Legacy Magazine - 1 - October / November - 2023

T HE OFF IC I A L ROUND TA B L E I N T ER N AT IO N A L M AG A Z I NE

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2023

T IME TO MO - UP Time to Check-In.

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JUST IN TIME Five Timepieces Every Tabler Must Own. T H E U N ICO R N C LU B Alcohol Awareness With Style.

LIFEST YLE E D U C AT I O N TR AV EL

IN T HI S I SSUE RTI PRESIDENT UNITED IN DIVERSITY | RTI SECRETARY TIPS ON BEING A GOOD SECRETARY | CONVERSATION YOUNGEST AND OLDEST BEING A MAN KNIGHTS OF THE MODERN ROUND TABLE | COCKTAILS CREATING THE 'FELLOWSHIP GROG' | AGORA CLUB LET'S MOVE IT CAPE TOWN 2023 REFLECTIONS FROM A CONVENOR | TASTE THE WORLD NEPAL | + MUCH MORE

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R T I L E G A C Y | CO N T E N T S

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JUST IN TIME Five Timepieces Every Tabler Should own

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R T I L E G A C Y | CO N T E N T S

In this Issue OC TOBER / NOVEMBER 2023

6 EDITOR'S NOTES

By Mr. Mikael Ejemar Vikström

FROM THE BOARD

24 ASPA REGION

By Mr. Shamaal Panagoda

26 AMI REGION

By Mr. Leejay Tavares

28 SEM REGION

50

KNIGHTS OF THE MODERN ROUND TABLE

By Mr. Oscar E Wahlström

By Mr. Christos Demetriades

STOR IES & EDITOR I AL

56 NAVIGATING THE SCENIC ROUTES

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TR AV EL & E X PLOR E

By Mr. Claud Cornelissen

TIME TO MO-UP

By Mr. Pierre Mörck

64 TASTE THE WORLD

By Ladies' Circle International

34 TEACH A MAN TO FISH

By Mr. Paul Hoeksema

F R O M T H E F A M I LY 70 LADIES' CIRCLE INTERNATIONAL

RTI PRESIDENT

By Mr. Marc Germeshausen

By Mrs. Airi Arrak

12 RTI VICE PRESIDENT

72 CLUB 41 INTERNATIONAL

By Mr. Daniele Cusi

By Mr. JBarry Durman

14 RTI SECRETARY

74 TANGENT CLUB INTERNATIONAL

By Mr. Nadeen Kumarasinghe

By Mrs. Jayashree Chaudhry

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16 RTI PAST PRESIDENT

By Mr. Jayant Agrawal

REGIONAL REPORTS

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76 AGORA CLUB INTERNATIONAL

By Mrs. Gabriella Lerch

THE UNICORN CLUB 20 CEE REGION

By Mr. Michael D'Aubrey

22 NEA REGION

By Mr. Antti Kantola

By Mr. Stephan Zipperlen

40 YOUNGEST AND OLDEST

By Mr. Nicos M. Zevlaris

42 JUST IN TIME

By Mr. Paul Hoeksema

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RT I LEGAC Y | EDI TOR ’ S NOTE

Living in the Age of Self-Improvement

By MIKAEL EJEMAR VIKSTRÖM, RTI Magazine Editor, 2023-2024

THE OFFICIAL RTI MAGAZINE

HERE WE GO AGAIN, it's time for this years first edition of legacy. Coming to you at the end of November, or should I say Movember? movember is by far the charity that gathers us tablers for one common cause.

ROUND TABLE INTERNATIONAL

round-table.org @rtinternational @rtinternational @rtinternational PUBLISHER

Jayant Agrawal president@round-table.org

It may not be the charity project that collects the most funds - but under the movember flag we all gather to contribute. no matter where in the world we are. it is also one of the few charitys that is all about us - men's health and our well-being. our C.s.o pierre mörck says it's time to step-up. not just for this month but always. We have talked a lot about men's health - and mental health in particular.

Hopefully we have made "check-in tuesdays" our weekly routine. and now it's time to take it one step further. Read all about how you can ste-up and be a better brother on page 32. there are a few articles in this issue on the subject of becoming a better man - a better tabler - and a better person overall. and if taking a step back in your alcohol

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

consumption is just that, then maybe the Unicorn Club is something for you? just

Mikael Ejemar Vikström editor@round-table.org

like the Buffalo Club is all about brotherhood through drinking - it's counterpart

CONTRIBUTORS

Marc Germeshausen Daniele Cusi Nadeen Kumarasinghe Jayant Agrawal Pierre Mörck Paul Hoeksema Stephan Zipperlen Leejay Tavares Shamaal Panagoda Michael D'Aubrey Antti Kantola Christos Demetriades Nicos M. Zevlaris Oscar E Wahlström Claud Cornelissen Airi Arrak

offers you a new perspective in enjoying events and gatherings without the pressure of overindulging in alcohol. learn more about this initiative on page 36.

Having trouble being on time? or maybe you have a newly found interest in beautiful timepieces? starting on page 42 you can dive into the world of timepieces and the five types that should be on every tablers wrist (not all at once of course). are you a Field kind of guy? or an Aviator? and for you secretaries out there (or aspiring secretaries) our Rti secretary nadeen kumarasinghe gives you useful tips on how you can become a better secretary. Depending on the size of your local club and how many active years you have left - many of us might find ourselves in the position of secretary. go ahead and excel in the art of being a secretary on page 16.

We also have some words from our Family. For the first time ever in the magazine we have all international presidents from the Round table Family contributing. it's interesting to hear from their perspective and organizations. even though our clubs are different - we stand #unitedindiversity. enjoy the magazine. and stay classy!

Barry Durman Jayashree Chaudhry Gabriella Lerch

CONTACT

pro@round-table.org editor@round-table.org

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Yours in International Tabling

Mikael Ejemar Vikström editor@round-table.org

FROM TH 8

HE BOARD 9

RTI PRESIDENT

RT I LEGAC Y | FRom tHe BoaRD

We are UNITED IN DIVERSITY C E L E B R AT I N G T H E B E A U T Y O F O U R O R G A N I Z AT I O N Mr MARC GERMESHAUSEN, Round Table International President 2023-2024

IT SIGNIFIES HOW ASSOCIATIONS have come together, in the form of Round table international, to work for community service and prosperity while at the same time being enriched by the continent's many different cultures, traditions and languages. and Round table is what unites us all. in a world that seems to be constantly changing, the theme "united in Diversity" is a powerful reminder of the richness and beauty of our differences. this year's theme encapsulates the essence of multiculturalism, a concept that emphasizes the coexistence of various cultures, traditions, and perspectives within Round table. the idea of being united in diversity is a celebration of our differences and a call for unity, respect, and understanding among people from all walks of life. a club or a member that embraces and lives according to the theme "united in Diversity" can profit in various ways, although not all profits are necessarily financial. the real value of such a club often extends beyond monetary gains, emphasizing the importance of social, cultural, and personal enrichment. this is one of the critical elements when we are doing fellowship or international community service.

Diversity is important because it promotes fairness, equity, and inclusion and helps to build stronger and more resilient communities. By embracing diversity, tablers and we as a whole organization can benefit from a wider range of ideas, knowledge, and skills and better understand and serve the needs of diverse populations. moreover, diversity can help break down stereotypes and prejudices and foster a more tolerant and accepting society. this way of life and approach is happening now in various social fields. as a young men's club, we should also jump on this train. one of the main ideas behind the Round table Family is to show the diversity within the global movement of Round table, ladies Circle, Club 41, tangent and angora.

Diversity can be a valuable asset for our club, as it can bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table. Here are some ways that diversity can work for Round table:

> Embrace inclusivity: Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that

encourages participation from people of all backgrounds. this can be achieved by promoting open communication, respecting differences, and actively seeking out diverse perspectives. invite your best friends to the table, check your environment, and invite people in your age group. if we have many people at an information event or any social or charity, we can show how open we are towards new members.

> Foster dialogue: as tablers, we should encourage ourselves to share our

experiences and perspectives and facilitate constructive dialogue around issues related to diversity and inclusion. this can help to build understanding and empathy among members and can also help to identify areas where the club can make a positive impact. Discuss with your members what would be lacking to be more diverse in membership.

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RT I LEGAC Y | FRom tHe BoaRD

> Collaborate with diverse groups: look for opportunities to collaborate with other groups or organizations representing different communities or perspectives. this can help to broaden the club's impact and foster relationships across diverse groups. For example, collaborate with other service clubs, the chamber of commerce or any other organization which could be interesting for your club and see if there are some synergies.

> Regularly evaluate and reflect: Regularly assess the club's progress in

promoting diversity and inclusion and reflect on areas for improvement. this can help to ensure that the club is staying true to its mission and making a positive impact in the community. this could happen during a club agm once a year.

However, achieving unity in diversity is not always an easy task. it requires acceptance, tolerance, and respect for each other's beliefs, customs, and traditions. We must move beyond stereotypes and prejudices, recognizing that every individual is a unique, complex blend of their cultural background, personal experiences, and individual choices.

It calls for empathy and open-mindedness in our interactions with people from different walks of life.

The theme "United in Diversity" is a beautiful reminder of the potential within the global tapestry of cultures. it is a call to bridge gaps and build connections across the lines that have divided us for too long. By celebrating our differences and working together in unity, we can create a brighter, more harmonious future in our organization.

Yours in International Tabling

Marc Germeshausen president@round-table.org

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RTI VICE PRESIDENT

RT I LEGAC Y | FRom tHe BoaRD

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Younger, It's Better Mr DANIELE CUSI, Round Table International Vice President 2023-2024

“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 time, and wherever possible, improve them.”

HRH Prince Edward, Prince of Wales)

THIS IS THE SPEECH, made in 1927, where our motto comes from. in this speech, you can find the essence of Round table and the way of tabling.

“Young Business and Professional MEN”, the key is our age; we are young, and we must stay young. that’s why our first goal should be to lower our average age.

Reducing the average age of every association would be a fantastic starting point for the future. getting younger tablers means having more time to make them grow and be an important resource at national and international levels. increasing the number of young tablers will also help keep the association healthy and make recruiting young prospects much easier. an excellent point to start could be to focus on looking for prospects younger than your youngest member. it’s essential to keep a connection with the new generations, and the only way is to make your club not too old, or it will be impossible to connect with the younger generations. make a 35-year-old guy join your club; it’s nice but not growing. growing is to make a 25-year-old guy join the club.

We are losing members little by little, but we are not dying. our motto says: adopt, adapt, improve…so let’s adopt this situation, adapt it to what we need now to get back on growing and improve what we have learnt to never get back to a period where we lose members. i see a Round table based on teams, on teams of young businessmen that work together as a single body.

“The commitment of an individual to a collective effort is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work and Round Table work.”

Vince Lombardi

this is my motto, and i was hoping you could make it yours. Believe in your team, make you and your team grow together and never give up. as i said during my speech at the World meeting in Cape town: “If you want to call us angels, remember, we are angels with just one wing…we can fly only when we stand one next to the other!...”

Yours in International Tabling

Daniele Cusi vicepresident@round-table.org

RT I LEGAC Y | FRom tHe BoaRD

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RTI SECRETARY

RT I LEGAC Y | FRom tHe BoaRD

Tips on Being a Good Secretary

W H Y A CC U R AT E M I N U T E S A R E I M P O R TA N T Mr NADEEN KUMARASINGHE, Round Table International Secretary 2023-2024

WE HAVE ALL COME ACROSS the role of a secretary at our clubs. this vital role is extended and present at area, national and international levels. the secretary oversees communication, logistics, and ensuring successful meetings. as we all know, minutes are an integral part of the role played by a secretary. allow me to list down some tips on being a good secretary.

> Prepare yourself: a secretary must always be prepared before the

meeting. this includes but is not limited to gathering attendance, having a structured agenda (i will touch on this as a separate point), being on time and communicating the purpose of the meeting with the leadership and the rest of the team members. if you walk into a meeting prepared, it's as good as half the job being done. also, do not forget to be punctual. a late secretary joining the meeting is not a good precedence we want to set.

> Comprehensive Agenda: i'm not referring to a multi-page agenda here but

an agenda that suits the meeting's purpose and what we want to accomplish. the agenda needs to be discussed with the leadership members of the board and have a general consensus on the key areas to focus on during the meeting. it is always advisable to cover the critical points of the meeting early as many tend to be more focused at the beginning of the meeting. the agenda needs to be communicated before the team so that all team members can adequately prepare for the meeting. How soon the agenda needs to be communicated depends a lot on the nature of the meeting. if it's a business meeting of a club that happens monthly, it is generally advisable to have the agenda circulated a week in advance. For a quarterly meeting such as the national executive meeting, you must provide at least 2 weeks advance notice. We have a practice in the Rti Board where we start the agenda with the action points of the previous meeting, whereby we as a team can measure our success from the previous meeting to the current one.

> Maintaining the flow of the meeting: as we know, the Chairman/ president

or his deputy usually runs the meeting. However, the secretary must maintain the meeting flow and ensure that the critical points of the agenda are covered. as tablers, we are very passionate individuals with diverse opinions about Rt and the activities we participate in. While this is a fantastic trait, it is important to ensure that no team members get carried away and spend disproportionate amounts of time on a particular topic.

> Minutes: minutes, if i may say, represent how good a secretary you are. the

meeting minutes should encompass the key points discussed at the meeting. this does not mean you have to write down every nuance in the meeting. sticking to highlights, key decisions made, comments on each agenda item, and the action points needed after the meeting, along with the deadlines, always makes the minutes comprehensive and actionable. Do not forget to circulate the minutes within a reasonable duration to the team and request feedback.

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in addition to the above, if i may say functional requirements, please do not forget that you are a board member. it is important to remember to look at the bigger picture of where your association should be directed and contribute positively to all discussions held at the board level. as a tabler, you have acquired experience before taking the secretary position. Your club or association requires you to use your expertise and knowledge to better the movement critically. this can be hard as you are still responsible for taking minutes. However, the best secretaries balance taking minutes and contributing effectively to all board discussions. a good secretary can make a significant difference to the effective functioning of any team. as the vital pivot in communication in the team, many boards have come to rely on the benefits that an effective secretary can bring to the board. though the role doesn't sound as sexy as some of the other roles on the board, you become mr. Dependable for the whole team. good luck to all of you taking up the role.

Yours in International Tabling

Nadeen Kumarasinghe secretary@round-table.org

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RTI PAST PRESIDENT

RT I LEGAC Y | FRom tHe BoaRD

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Navigating the Future THE CRUC I AL ROLE OF SUCCESSION P L A N N I N G I N R O U N D TA B L E ' S E V O L U T I O N Mr JAYANT AGRAWAL, Round Table International Past President 2023-2024

ROUND TABLE, ACCLAIMED AS one of the premier "young men's clubs," owes much of its enduring success to meticulous succession planning. in essence, this practice ensures the right individuals are adequately prepared for the right roles at the right time. our youthfulness, vibrancy, and dynamism present challenges and opportunities, prompting individuals to hone their skills and knowledge continually. embracing a bottom-up approach, every club, association, and, indeed, Round table international experiences a change in leadership annually. Realising immediate results from programmes, strategies, or action plans is a formidable task for a non-profit organisation like ours. Hence, the Rti Board emphasises careful succession planning and effective role handovers. in the context of Rti, the epitome of succession planning is evident in the Vice president seamlessly assuming the role of president. this ensures a seamless transfer of leadership, offering the fraternity a perfect blend of continuity, consistency, stability, and innovation. the existing leadership collaborates on plans, anticipating their implementation to achieve desired outcomes. this keeps the incoming leader on course and emotionally, personally, and physically readies them for the role. an additional strategic move by Rti councillors involves alternating two-year tenures for Rti secretary and Rti treasurer roles. this underscores the significance of administrative roles and members' desire for stability in these positions. Rti, alongside its members, consistently focuses on three-year plans. With annual changes in leadership, the success of such long-term plans hinges on meticulous and strategic succession planning. succession planning is paramount for organisations like ours. Reflect on our involvement in the movember campaign eight years ago, the evolution of our ".

World" platform in recent years, and the strides in our branding. achieving these milestones required careful deliberation over time. Without previous boards' prioritisation of succession planning during their one-year tenures, these goals might have faded away. some argue that succession planning can stifle creativity, but i contend that it fuels innovation and shields against potential risks, fostering better preparation. members can then relish the freshness and innovations of the new board alongside the benefits and rewards of past initiatives. proper succession planning should be a criterion and a testament to showcasing leadership qualities. in conclusion, i leave readers with a thought from ed krow: "the goal of this process is not to make current leadership replaceable, but to secure the continuity, continued growth and success of the organisation."

Yours in International Tabling

Jayant Agrawal ipp@round-table.org

RT I LEGAC Y | FRom tHe BoaRD

RT I LEGAC Y | Regional Reports

REGIONA RE 18

RT I LEGAC Y | Regional Reports

AL EPORTS 19

RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

CEE REGION

CENTR AL & EASTERN EUROPE REGION

Looking Forward to the Journey Ahead

By MICHAEL D'AUBREY , CEE Chairman 2023-2024

DEAR FELLOW TABLER, i am honoured to be your Cee Chairman for 2023-2024. as a single father, full-time judge at the commercial court of limburg, and a part-time college lecturer, the decision to run for an Rti board position was not easy. after five years on the Belgian national board, however, i remembered working for Round table has always given me energy instead of costing me energy. spending time with my brothers has added purpose to my life and offered me support when needed. therefore, i decided to give back to the association that has given me so much. taking up this role, with some great predecessors in the previous years, is a responsibility i do not take lightly. the Cee Region is a large region with many different countries and traditions, but as tablers, we stand #unitedinDiversity, which means we will always find common ground. as your Cee Chairman, i wish to focus on four main goals:

> Offering support to smaller associations, especially Rt albania and Rt Czech

Republic, who have just been (re)chartered. We need to carry on the excellent work done to charter their first tables and see if we can ride the wave further and expand into other major cities, keeping the existing clubs healthy and growing.

> Focus on E-club, improving its online visibility, accessibility, and ensuring all potential tablers can join our association irrespective of where they live.

> Convincing tables and associations to keep Round table inexpensive to allow

every tabler to come to events and attract younger potential members, whom the high cost of membership might put off. this will allow us to keep our association young and events eventful.

> Making sure the key players (president, vice president and iRo) in our region's national boards get better acquainted to share best practices and open up

ASSOCIATIONS

RT Austria RT Belgium RT Germany RT Great Britain and Ireland RT Hungary RT Luxembourg RT Moldova RT Romania RT The Netherlands

communication channels until we all have each other on speed dial.

With the Rti Board, we have set ambitious goals for the upcoming year, and i hope to play my part in realising those goals by adding value to our round table movement. this effort is and would, of course, be futile without the help and collaboration of the councillors of the different associations within the region.

We need each other to push and overcome those limits that we deem impossible. i look forward to the journey ahead in the upcoming months in which we will undoubtedly learn a lot from each other, forge or strengthen our friendships and create lifelong memories. the future of Round table starts today, and we are a part of that… aren't you excited? i know i am.

RTI E-Club Yours in International Tabling

Michael D'Aubrey ceechairman@round-table.org

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RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

the Cee Region is a large region with many different countries and traditions, but as Tablers, we stand #UnitedinDiversity, which means we will always find common ground.

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RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

NEA REGION

NORTHERN EUROPE & AMERICAS REGION

A Confluence of Fraternity and Vision R O U N D T A B L E I N T E R N A T I O N A L' S NEA REGION MEETING 2023

By ANTTI KANTOLA, NEA Chairman 2023-2024

ROUND TABLE INTERNATIONAL'S INAUGURAL regional meetings for the 2023-2024 term unfolded in the vibrant city of new York from october 5th to 8th, 2023. Hosted by our esteemed brothers in Rt-1 new York, the event provided an exceptional setting for approximately 150 participants from the nea Region and other Round table nations. the nea meeting and various working group sessions took place on saturday, october 7th. notably, the nea area boasts a unique tradition of conducting officers' working group meetings before the main event. this time, six working groups convened, encompassing presidents and Vice presidents, iRos, area Chairmen, treasurers and secretaries, editors and Webmasters, and shopkeepers. these sessions, focused on sharing and adopting best practices, proved fruitful, offering valuable development ideas. at the nea meeting, Rti president marc germeshausen and nea Chairman antti kantola addressed the gathering. Representatives from each member association shared insights into the current state and goals for the year. a highlight of the meeting was the election of the new nea region chairman, with Daníel sigurður eðvaldsson from iceland securing the position for the 2024-2025 year. the crowning moment of the event occurred during the gala on saturday, when awards for the nea region were presented:

> Community Service Project of the Year: tunnel for towers – Round table 1 new York, Rt usa

> Club of the Year: Round table 26 asker, Rt norway > Tabler of the Year: staffan Bagge Round table 143 stockholm-Royal, Rt sweden

ASSOCIATIONS

RT Canada RT Denmark RT Estonia RT Iceland RT Latvia RT Lithuania RT Norway RT Russia RT Suomi Finland RT Suriname RT Sweden RT Trinidad & Tobago RT USA

> Association of the Year: Round table estonia looking ahead, the focus for the year is on assisting member countries with challenges related to declining membership numbers. a concerted effort will be made to identify and share best practices to address this decline, a matter of paramount importance. an additional goal is to initiate online meetings between the presidents and vice presidents of the region, initially scheduling them two or three times during the current season. this approach will be evaluated for its viability in the future. a further initiative involves surveying the largest member associations to gauge the participation of each country's clubs in a numbers meeting. this is anticipated to enhance awareness and interest in international Round table activities. integral to the year's agenda is the completion of the update to the guidelines of the nea region in collaboration with aleksander ottokar and pierre mörck.

Concurrently, launching the activities of new member associations in tandem with the mother associations aligns with the perpetual objectives outlined in Rti's aims and objectives.

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RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

looking ahead, the focus for the year is on assisting member countries with challenges related to declining membership numbers. a concerted effort will be made to identify and share best practices to address this decline, a matter of paramount importance.

Yours in International Tabling

Antti Kantola neachairman@round-table.org

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RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

SEM REGION

SOUTHERN EUROPE & MEDITER ANEAN REGION

SEM Region Coming Closer Together

By CHRISTOS DEMETRIADES , SEM Chairman 2023-2024

HELLO, DEAR FRIENDS from sunny Cyprus! i take this opportunity to share my plans and goals for the year. the aim is to have a memorable year for all the associations in our Region through interaction and travelling between us. the main goals for the year are:

> Strengthen the bonds and fellowship between our associations and individual members. to that respect, we re-introduced the sem Region travel Bingo. this scheme works exactly the same as the Rti travel Bingo but is limited to our Region's associations. through this scheme, travelling between the associations is made more accessible and helps to promote fellowship between our members. i want to take this opportunity to thank all the associations that participated in this scheme, and hopefully, all the associations in the Region will participate next year!

Moreover, we aim to continue the SEM Social, successfully introduced by nicholas gomez in the HYm in tallinn, in an attempt to get all the tablers of our Region participating in the HYm or Wm together for a drink or two!

> Continue the regional service project. that is to raise money for charity by

selling a product (like the sem swim-shorts last year) and choose a specific cause to donate the proceeds. that new product was approved during our regional meeting in Cape town, and stay tuned for more details in the following weeks.

> Make the members of RT Senegal who recently joined our region part of the team.

i want to use this opportunity to introduce 3 associations of our Region.

RT Bulgaria: Rt Bulgaria celebrated between 6-8 october their 30th anniversary. the Rti Vp was present on my behalf at the event. Congratulations to the team for

ASSOCIATIONS

RT Bulgaria RT Cyprus RT France RT Gibraltar RT Israel RT Italy RT Malta RT Monaco RT Morocco RT Portugal RT San Marino RT Senegal RT Switzerland RT Tunisia

a fantastic event, and i wish Rt Bulgaria many more years of service.

For another year, Rt Bulgaria and the "georgi peychinov" Foundation (founded in memory of a tabler who suddenly passed away in 2018) awarded their one-time scholarships with a total value of more than Bgn 12,000 to successful young people from the stara Zagora region. 21 ranked contenders from a total of 35 applications reached the final. talented young people from 14 to 24 years of age presented their achievements in science, art and sports—huge congratulations to Rt Bulgaria for helping the talented future of Bulgaria to develop its talent.

Finally, until the end of the year, Rt Bulgaria will contribute to the Christmas Convoy, where around 12.000 presents will be given to children in need between the ages of 3 and 14. all gifts are split between the three clubs and cover the poorest areas in Bulgaria.

RT Tunisia: after successfully organising the sem meeting in Djerba, Rt tunisia managed to inaugurate 1 new member and have 2 in the pipeline. if they succeed, their membership will increase by 25%, boosting the association in manpower and fresh ideas. the association had their agm on 14/10/2023 and would like to wish the national president Hichem and national iRo Chokri the best of luck for the forthcoming year.

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RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

the next event is the famous sahara adventure tour, from 31/1 to 4/2/2024. it is a truly remarkable adventure where attendees spend a few days in the middle of nowhere in the tunisian desert. of course, the camp is fully managed with all amenities and facilities to make the experience unforgettable.

Rt tunisia runs a few service projects. "educate a Child", where tablers help collect books and give them to as many children in the country as possible. "operation Food Basket", through various donations, Rt tunisia provides food for less fortunate families during march & april. Finally, "Happy Child", where a colouring book for Round table was created, and the idea is from the sale of this book and other donations to help rebuild libraries in the schools in the poor areas of tunisia.

RT Cyprus: Rt Cyprus had their agm on 30/9/2023, where pambos took over the association's presidency and stelios the national iRo's role. the new statutory year is full of activities similar to past years. a side-by-side Blood Donation took place in nicosia on 26/10/2023, organised by Rt5 & lC1 and on 29/10/2023, Rt7 & lC5 organised in paphos "pink ladies", a side-by-side event for raising breast cancer awareness. on 4/11/2023 Rt6 and the german oncology Center organised the "Celebrate you scars" event in limassol to raise breast cancer awareness and offer free medical tattoo nipple reconstructions. of course, Rt Cyprus will run the movember Cyprus campaign for another year. in may 2024, the month will be dedicated to the service project access City, and events will take place all over the island, raising awareness that cities should be accessible to all. i look forward to seeing you soon, and enjoy tabling together!

Yours in International Tabling

Christos Demetriades neachairman@round-table.org

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RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

ASPA REGION

A S I A S OU T H PAC I F IC R EG ION

The Future of ASPA Starts Now

By SHAMAAL PANAGODA , ASPA Chairman 2023-2024

DEAR FELLOW TABLERS, i trust this message finds you well. With great pleasure and a deep sense of commitment, i, shamaal panagoda, address you as the aspa Chairman for 2023/2024. as a father and an entrepreneur working in the dynamic fields of cybersecurity, media, and technology, i have always found a sense of peace in tabling—an outlet for fellowship, brotherhood, and, most importantly, a place to be yourself. the journey ahead is filled with exciting possibilities, and i am eager to lead our aspa community towards new heights. my primary goal is to strengthen the connectivity between Round Table International and our associations within the aspa region. Recognizing the diverse needs and potential for growth within our community, i am committed to fostering unity and collaboration. a particular emphasis will be placed on supporting our brothers in smaller associations, such as those in the philippines, Hong kong, australia, and new Zealand. these associations are integral to our Round table family, and by extending our support, we can contribute to their growth and success. additionally, i am enthusiastic about increasing regional fellowship through travel. By bringing tablers from our region closer together, we can strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and create a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, making our Round table community more vibrant and connected.

Visibility is paramount, and i am dedicated to creating opportunities for regional tablers to showcase their activities. encouraging collaboration and support among our members will be pivotal in driving the success of Round table in the aspa region. let us celebrate and learn from each other's achievements, creating a spirit of cooperation that defines our community. as we navigate the year ahead, i am confident that with your support and engagement, we can achieve great things together. the aspa region is rich with potential, and by working hand in hand, we can realize that potential and strengthen the foundation of Round table. i am eager to serve you in this capacity and look forward to the collective successes and memories we will create. the future of Round table in the aspa region starts now, and i am honoured to be part of this journey with each and

ASSOCIATIONS

every one of you.

RT Australia RT Bangladesh RT Hong Kong RT India RT Nepal RT New Zealand RT Philippines RT Singapore RT Sri Lanka

26

Yours in International Tabling

Shamaal Panagoda aspachairman@round-table.org

RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

as we navigate the year ahead, I am confident that with your support and engagement, we can achieve great things together. the aspa region is rich with potential, and by working hand in hand, we can realize that potential and strengthen the foundation of Round table.

27

RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

AMI REGION

AFRICA , MIDDLEEAST & INDI AN OCEAN REGION

Empowering Round Tables Across Three Continents

By LEEJAY TAVARES , Ami Chairman 2023-2024

AS THE NEWLY ELECTED Chairman of the ami Region, i am honoured to outline my goals for this tenure. With a clear vision and deep commitment, i aim to sow seeds of growth, cohesion, and empowerment across the member associations.

E X PA N D I N G O U R R E A C H

> Growth in Numbers: our strength lies in our members. one of our primary

goals this year is to expand the total number of tables and members. it's not just about numbers but about creating a broader platform for service and fraternity.

> Supporting and Assisting Small and New Associations: Every association, regardless of size or age, plays a vital role in our mission. We're dedicated to

providing smaller and newer associations with the tools, support, and guidance they need to grow and thrive.

> Continuity and Improvement: it's vital to ensure that current affairs within the associations are maintained and continuously improved. this will ensure that the quality of our activities and the impact we make remain top-notch.

> Boosting Public Relations: increasing our public relations efforts will enhance our visibility and create more community engagement and partnership opportunities.

> Building Stronger AMI Tabler Relationships: the heart of our organization

lies in the relationships between our members. enhancing these bonds will be pivotal.

arresting membership Decline: By closely monitoring and sharing data with associations about their numbers, we can collaboratively work on strategies to arrest any decline.

ASSOCIATIONS

RT Arabian Gulf RT Botswana RT Cameroon RT Eastern Africa RT Madagascar RT Malawi RT Mauritius RT Nigeria RT Seychelles RT Southern Africa RT Zambia RT Zimbabwe

S P O T L I G H T O N A S S O C I AT I O N S two associations that particularly stand out in their efforts this month: Round Table Southern Africa (RTSA): Rtsa recently hosted the laudable 'oFm Bowling for Boobies' event across four towns. this initiative, aimed at creating awareness for breast cancer, hopes to raise an impressive R300,000 for cancer initiatives. such efforts showcase the spirit of the Round table and its ability to make significant social impacts.

Round Table Mauritius: Several Tables within this association have showcased commendable initiatives:

> table 5: they constructed a flower box for a school catering to underprivileged children. not stopping there, they're also organizing a kart competition to fundraise for the school's fire and safety certification process.

28

RT I LEGAC Y | Regional RepoRts

> table 7: a school painting project echoing the Round table's commitment to education and community support.

> table 9: their 'Homeless solidarity initiative' deserves special mention.

providing hot meals, medical checkups, and even haircuts to the homeless in the capital is a testament to the kind of change we aim to foster in our

communities. in conclusion, the Round table has always been about 'adopt, adapt, and improve.' as the ami Chairman, i am committed to this ethos and working tirelessly to amplify our members' voices, enhance our outreach, and foster a fraternity that stands for service and friendship. together, we will achieve more.

Yours in International Tabling

Leejay Tavares amichairman@round-table.org

29

EDITORIA &S 30

AL STORIES 31

RT I LEGAC Y | t ime to mo - up

TIME TO MO-UP I T H A S NE V ER BEEN MORE IMPORTA NT TO S TEP UP, TO SHOW UP, TO MO UP.

By Mr PIERRE MÖRCK , RTI Community Service Officer 2023-2024

32

RT I LEGAC Y | T ime to mo - up

M

en's health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons. A growing number of men – around 10.8 million globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day,

with males accounting for 69% of all suicides, and suicide is a leading cause of death for men under 50.

It's time for something else. Something that emphasises the state of mind and

that highlights the problems. But not only acknowledge the questions, but also actually doing and make a difference! The facts give a picture of a troubled state, but there are things we can do. Small things will have a massive impact in the long run, and you and I are responsible for getting it done!

We can see every challenge as an inspiration to be a part of the change we need to see. And that is exactly what we need right now. We need to be there for our fellow brothers. Dare to ask, and ask again: How are you? How are you, REALLY? Dare to be vulnerable and dare to show weakness. Let go of the stigma surrounding mental health and men, which says that we need to be strong and that boys don't cry.

We need organisations like Round Table as never before — a place to surround ourselves with people who care. To discuss topics that we usually don't. A forum that can be a positive and constructive force with the aim of a better and healthier world where men are living longer and happier lives. Dare to have meetings where you give time for each other to open up. To really listen. You don't have to sit with all the answers; just be there and show you care. Be that fellow man who says it's ok not to be ok. After darkness comes light, we sometimes need others to ignite the spark that makes the candle burn. Be the pillar and trigger that switch on the light.

In four steps, ALEC helps you navigate a conversation with someone who might be struggling. Ask, Listen, Encourage action and Check in — it's that simple. If you need any inspiration on how to give or get help, take a look at: uk.movember.com.

United in diversity, we show up and MO up!

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RT I LEGAC Y | Rt i BR anDing

TEACH A MAN TO FISH

By Mr PAUL HOEKSEMA , RTI Public Relations Officer 2023-2024

GET IN TOUCH

34

RT I LEGAC Y | Rt i BR anDing

an old saying goes: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." this rings true in all aspects of life, and you guessed it, in table too.

F

OR THE LAST COUPLE of terms, the Round

fully adapted to reflect the unique associations' look

table international public Relations team

and feel without compromising the Round table ethos.

has been working on ways to equip other

topics covered so far range from motivational

public Relations and Brand portfolios by

quotes and prospect recruitment to movember. With

providing them with the necessary tools

the user-friendly software CanVa, which requires

and assets to run successful social media

no previous graphic design experience, our team

(and possibly internal) campaigns. From editable

will be working on various other assets to help any

graphics to suggested copywriting, these "turnkey"

table-level run social media pages and accounts more

campaigns can add value to any tabling level if

successfully. any post, any campaign can be adapted

implemented per the guidelines. of course, as our

with your local logo and stories – with just a few clicks.

term motto goes, we are united in Diversity, and we

a Whatsapp group has since been created and is

embrace our differences - the assets provided can be

open to all pRos, Brand managers and webmasters - all levels are welcome. in this group, we share ideas and best practices, drive inspiration, & equip our members with table-tailored & editable campaigns & assets to help spread the powerful word that is Round table. if your association, area, or table has passionate individuals who want to enhance their portfolios, please get in touch with the Round table international public Relations team. the goal is to hand everyone the tools and finished campaigns – enriched with local content. this allows them to build a reach and presence in their relevant social media without creating a unique post every week.

We look forward to growing our brand with you all – while spreading the word about tabling.

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R T I L E G A C Y | t H e u n i Co R n C l u B

A TOAST T UNICOR

ALCOHOL AWARENES 36

R T I L E G A C Y | t H e u n i Co R n C l u B

TO THE RN CLUB

SS WITH STYLE

By Mr STEPHAN ZIPPERLEN , RTI Content Manager 2023-2024

37

R T I L E G A C Y | t H e u n i Co R n C l u B

Freedom, Choice, and Celebrations Unhindered by Excessive Use of Alcohol

38

R T I L E G A C Y | t H e u n i Co R n C l u B

I

N TIMES WHERE CELEBRATIONS often go hand-in-hand with alcohol, the unicorn Club offers a refreshing perspective that champions the joy of social gatherings without the pressure to indulge in alcoholic beverages. the essence of the unicorn Club lies not in education or berating but in spreading awareness and embracing the fun that comes with an alcoholfree lifestyle. anyone can drink what they like or enjoy – but nobody should

have to justify their choice or pressure anyone. at its core, the unicorn Club is a community that upholds the principle of

personal choice and the right to enjoy any event without the societal expectation to consume alcohol. Whether you prefer water, a Coke, or choose not to drink for reasons ranging from pregnancy to recovery, the unicorn Club stands as a beacon of support, understanding, and, most importantly, fun.

THE RULES OF THE UNICOR N CLUB unicorn Club has some simple rules:

> talk about the unicorn Club! use your 30 seconds of fame to spread the word if someone asks.

> Once you join, you're a member for life! > Use the Unicorn Greeting when greeting fellow unicorns. > seeing someone with a shiny golden unicorn pin means they've chosen an alcohol-free lifestyle.

THE UNICOR N PINS: S YMBOLS OF COMMI TMENT to further spread the message, the unicorn Club offers two distinct pins - the ancient unicorn and the shiny golden unicorn. the ancient unicorn is a call to action against excessive alcohol consumption. it can be worn by anyone who wants to spread awareness about the dangers of excessive drinking and that nobody should have to justify the choice of what they're drinking. the shiny golden unicorn is a gleaming symbol for those who have chosen an alcohol-free lifestyle. these pins, soon to be restocked in the Rti shop, are more than just accessories; they are a statement of the club's ethos of fun and positive awareness. the unicorn Club was brought to life by a group, the "unicorn Conspiracy" gunnar Örn Benediktsson, matthias kuchem, max schenk, kristof Remes, Daniel steffen, and stephan Zipperlen. together, they turned stephan's original idea and design for the april Fool's joke into reality, finetuning unicorn Club's layout so it's not an anti-buffalo or an alcohol-free buffalo but a positive alcohol awareness project. they financed the first production run of pins for the Rti World meeting in Cape town and are now working on the second edition to be sold through the Rti shop.

The mission to spread awareness of issues related to excessive use of alcohol is a common goal shared with Rti e-Club. if you want to support this further, please check out e-Club, their alcohol awareness coin, and the project they support: movendi international.

The Unicorn Club is a lively celebration of freedom, choice, and the positivity of embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.

39

R T I L E G A C Y | Yo u n g e s t a n D o l D e s t

YOUNGES AND T 40

ABLING HAS NO AGE LIMIT. One can

the netherlands, who was just 22 years old and the

see tablers and 41ers partying and

Youngest participant at the meeting. We discussed

enjoying side by side at Round table

Round table, friendship and the future and liked his

and 41Club events, irrespective of age.

attitude and spirit.

this year, i attended both Rt and 41Club agms and HYm, where i met a lot of

a few days ago, i attended the 41 HYm in paphos. an event not much different to the Round table events,

friends, some of them for the first time, although

with the only difference being that the average age

the percentage of those i met for the first time at the

of the participants was much higher. in paphos, i was

41Club was significantly less as most of them have been

honoured to meet jorma ahvenainen from 41 Club

attending Rt and 41Club events for some time now.

suomi Finland, the olDest participant in this event. He

Back in march 2023 this year, i attended the Rt

was 94 years old, just 2 years younger than our great

HYm in estonia. it was a great event, full of Round

organisation, and i had a chance to exchange some

table spirit. at this meeting, i met Robin Cox from Rt

valuable Round table information with him. Believe it

R T I L E G A C Y | Yo u n g e s t a n D o l D e s t

ST D OLDEST

By Mr NICOS M. ZEVLARIS

or not, I saw in him the same Round Table spirit that I saw in Robin. my friends, two persons born 72 years apart, are both participating at an Rt family event and sharing the same passion for Rt and 41 Club. i had the honour to give both of them a copy of my book, the “History of Round table”. i am sure two copies went to two very passionate Tablers, who I am sure will appreciate and treasure it for as long as they live. tabling has no age limit. once a tabler, always a tabler

H I S T O R Y O F R O U N D TA B L E The “History of Round Table” book was written

by Nicos Zevlaris. It covers the history of all the RT Associations (active and non-active), the RT International events they organised, and their charity work. It also covers the history of RT International and all WOCO and RT World Meetings.

You can get your copy of the “History of Round Table” book from either the RT International shop or Nicos himself.

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RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

42

RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

JUST IN TIME

F I V E T IMEPIECES E V ERY TA B LER MUS T OWN .

By Mr PAUL HOEKSEMA , Round Table Southern Africa

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RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

Whether it's family, work, or table time, a watch, nay timepiece, is so much more than just a watch. it's a statement of impeccable taste and a companion that experiences highs and lows with you - from "she said yes" to the birth of your first child to counting down the minutes to the interview that lands you your dream job. it's an object you take great care in hunting down and choosing and, of course, have great pride in wearing. it should reflect you and your personality, and the decision to select one (or, in this case, 5) shouldn't be taken lightly.

W

hether it's family, work, or table time, a watch, nay timepiece, is so much more than just a watch. it's a statement of impeccable taste and a companion ⁠that experiences highs and lows with you - from "she said yes" to the birth of your first child to counting down the minutes to the interview that lands you your dream job. it's an object you take great care in

hunting down and choosing and, of course, have great pride in wearing. it should reflect you and your personality, and the decision to select one (or, in this case, 5) shouldn't be taken lightly. luxury watches, for one, are an excellent investment across the board and a portable asset that can be worn or stored in a safe place. more on that another time (although you should always aim for quality), we will highlight 5 must-have watch styles for this article.

For interest, we'll touch on a brief history of the first wristwatch, a.k.a timepiece. abraham-louis Breguet designed the first wristwatch for Queen Caroline murat of naples in 1810. at this time, while men kept their watches on a chain attached to their pockets, women were still wearing them on chains around their necks.

Fast forward to the 1900s - a pilot named alberto santos Dumont needed to check the time while keeping both hands on the controls while flying. in response, the famous louis Cartier designed the Cartier santos-Dumont watch for him in 1904 the first men's wristwatch and the first pilot's watch were born simultaneously. let's dive into the 5 timepieces that'll up your head-turning accessory game without further ado.

44

RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

1

T H E P I LO T WAT C H (a.k.a. aviator) Watch

Pilot watches have large, easy-to-read dials and luminous hands, making them practical for everyday use whether you're an aviator or not. They often include chronograph complications for measuring elapsed time with precision, which is useful for aviationrelated tasks and other activities. Some pilot watches include additional features like slide rule bezels or GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) functions, aiding pilots in navigation and time zone tracking. Pilot watches blend functionality and style and are suitable for casual and formal wear.

45

RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

2

T H E P I LO T WAT C H What makes a field watch a field watch? It's a simple, rugged watch with military roots.

These timepieces were first created for use by soldiers in World War II, hence the term "trench watches," as they were worn in the trenches during combat. Field watches were, therefore, designed to be robust and accurate timepieces. In a smallish round stainless case, the archetypical field watch has a black dial with Arabic numerals and highly visible hands (ideally luminous). This straightforward style goes with almost anything.

46

RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

3

T H E D I V E WAT C H Dive Watches are defined as "designed to withstand diving in water at depths of at least 100m and possessing a system to control the time" by the ISO 6425 standard, which was published in 1996. Water-resistant watches first appeared in the late 1920s. However, dive watches were around before this standard was established. Dive watches are increasingly valued for their aesthetics and functionality because of their durability and distinctive design. A well-fitting dive watch with a tough ensemble, such as jeans and a leather jacket, looks fantastic. These watches also feature bezels that can act as a timer, reinforced sapphire glass, a crown to adjust the time, and a strap made of metal or rubber

47

RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

4

T H E D I G I TA L WAT C H First off, digital timepieces have a reputation for being extremely accurate. This makes them reliable for activities that require precise timing, such as sports or professional settings.

Most recently, though, digital watches have returned to the hearts of nostalgic collectors who appreciate them for all the right reasons, with them being cool and ranking high. They are often water-resistant or even waterproof, making them suitable for outdoor activities, sports, and Tabling adventures. style goes with almost anything.

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RT I LEGAC Y | jus t in t ime

5

T H E D R E S S WAT C H Traditionally, a dress watch is worn with a suit or tuxedo. These watches are slimmer than a sports watch and fit more easily under the cuff of a shirt or jacket. These watches do not usually have complications as they are typically quite simplistic and geared more towards style. Dress watches typically sport alligator or cow leather, although there are some exceptions with other materials used.

These straps are often available in black, brown, and navy blue. Still, newer styles have also seen some alternatives in vibrant colours for those whose outfits really stand out with colourful embellishments. Whether leading your Club, celebrating at an AGM, or stepping out with missus at a black tie gala, a dress watch should be a part of your wristwatch staple.

Now that you've adopted your quintessential watch collection, it's time to Table on! ps - When selecting your timepieces, always consider supporting your Round Table Family first - of course, as an extensive network, we'll have scores of watch merchants & even Round Table-specific manufacturers.

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RT I LEGAC Y | moDeRn knigHt s

KNIGHTS OF THE MODERN ROUND TABLE

By Mr OSCAR E WAHLSTRÖM , Round Table Sweden

50

RT I LEGAC Y | moDeRn knigHt s

They say that King Arthur gathered the best knights in Camelot. they say he sat them at the round table because they were all equal. they say that these knights fought to change the world for the better. these young fighters came to king arthur's court in search of adventure. they grew to manhood here, performing heroic deeds. their king led them, inspired them and showed them the Way. Returning from their campaigns, the knights gathered around a round table and told each other about their exploits.

Why did they act like this? they discussed what they must do, what they can do, and what they should do. they exchanged information that would enable them to aDopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, aDapt them to the changing needs of the times and, wherever possible, impRoVe them.

For the sake of changing the world for the better.

For the sake of creating a better future.

For isn't this the mission of real knights, real men? a better future does not happen without change.

Change does not happen without leaving your comfort zone. leaving your comfort zone does not happen without conflict.

Conflict is always war—a war of beliefs, characters, points of view, cultures and civilizations. to win, you need to fight, alas. if you allow yourself to be convinced that you can win through negotiations through compromise, you have already lost.

Re-read Xenophon, von Clausewitz and Churchill, damn it. these three guys understood well the price of victory. getting out of your comfort zone is a matter for young people. Because the "comfort zone" is their fathers' territory, the young must go to conquer their own territory. a real adventurer, a real discoverer, is always young (even if this youth is the youth of the soul, not the body).

The banner of the young is Freedom.

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RT I LEGAC Y | modern knight s

To change the country, the new elite must defeat the old one.

To change the society, the new generation must defeat the previous one.

To change the world, sons must defeat fathers.

The future is the Promised Land, where old people have no place because the Promised Land of old people is in the past.

Re-read the Torah, the Bible and the Quran, damn it. The price of finding the Promised Land is clearly described there.

The conquest of this Promised Land is the work of grown-ups, the work of heroes.

Because it is impossible to get it without overcoming the Path of trials and gaining life experience. A true Hero is always virile and experienced in mind and spirit, even if he is very young.

The gonfalon of grown-ups is Courage.

Building a new world is an extraordinary act of vision.

Building a new life is an amazing proof of fortitude.

Building a new society is an incomparable manifestation of leadership.

Re-read Plato, James Madison and Lee Kuan Yew, damn it. Who, if not these outstanding thinkers, best understood how difficult it is to create a new viable reality?

Creating the future is the work of mature men, true leaders. Because they are the ones who have enough wisdom to see this future, have enough courage to build it despite the obstacles, and have enough responsibility to be ready to accept the consequences of their decisions.

A true Leader is always mature and wise, deeply understanding people and the world around him. Even if he looks to other people like a madman cut off from real life or a callous and soulless misanthrope.

The oriflamme of the matures is Creativity.

52

RT I LEGAC Y | modern knight s

S

O, IT'S SIMPLE. A REAL MAN comes into

simply not for you.

this world to change it for the better. This

This means your name will never appear on the back

is his Path. Don't argue with me or try to

of one of the chairs at the Round Table. This means you

convince me. A real man comes into this

will never defeat the dragon, save the princess or find

world to change it for the better. Either

the Grail. Well, everyone has their own destiny. It's OK.

this is your Path, or it is not. That's all.

A real man goes through three stages on his Path.

Adventurer, Hero, Leader. Again, there is no point in arguing with me. Either you accept it, or you don't.

A round table is an equal meeting of real men deciding how to follow their own Path. Either you are

However, if you feel an inner response, then you are one of us.

I can't put into words how cool this is.

Because you and we have to build a new, better world.

This task is more difficult today than ever.

sitting at this table, or you are not. This format was created by King Arthur and his knights one and a half

Modern society - flabby, old, effeminate - is afraid of

thousand years ago.

real men and does everything possible to ensure that we no longer exist.

A new Round Table (the first since) was formed in

The society in which it is so safe and comfortable to

Norwich, England, in 1927. Louis Marchesi, the founder

live. The society in which minorities feel so well and in

of this Round Table, wished to change the world for the

which it is so easy to express their views.

better. He believed that development required changes

The society was created by real men at the cost of

that could only be brought about by young people, only

thousands of years of cruel trials and awful sacrifices.

by real men. He said that there are things that real men

The crux of the problem is that we can get offended

must do, there are things that they can do, and there

and leave the game. And then this wonderful society

are things that they should do.

will soon come to an end.

Louis Marchesi believed that the Round Table was

Or we can continue to do what our predecessors

an ideal format where real men could exchange ideas,

have done for thousands of years of human history.

learn from their peers, and play a collective role in

However, modern society will hate us and attack us.

public life, like the knights of King Arthur one and a half thousand years ago.

The choice is only ours. However, if we are real men, the flesh and blood of many generations of real men, then

Today's young businessmen and professionals, just like Gawain, Lancelot, Percival and Galahad in their day, must come together around 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.

To realize their mission and change the world for the better.

To do what real men should do.

the choice is obvious.

We'll just do our thing. Without expecting a reward.

And not paying attention to the attacks.

We, men, gathered at the Round Table International.

Adventurers of today. Heroes of tomorrow. Leaders of the future.

"That's the Way." And now there is only one question.

Are you with us or not?

This is precisely the essence of Round Table International's activities.

If you have a Y chromosome, but your soul is not touched by what is written here, that's OK. So, all this is

53

TRAVEL & EX 54

& XPLORE 55

RT I LEGAC Y | c ape town 2023

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RT I LEGAC Y | c ape town 2023

CAPE TOWN 2023

Navigating the Scenic Routes R E F L E C T I O N S O N DAY T O U R CO O R DI N AT I O N AT R T I W M 2 0 2 3

By Mr CLAUD CORNELISSEN , RTIWM’23 Day Tour Convenor

Having participated in RTIWM 2022 in Copenhagen and gaining insight into the intricate workings behind organising such an event, one might think twice before volunteering. However, I seized the opportunities without hesitation in the spirit of Round Table camaraderie.

57

RT I LEGAC Y | c ape town 2023

F

OR RTIWM 2023 IN CAPE TOWN, I had the privilege of joining an exceptional team as the Day Tour Convenor.

Orchestrating the logistics, communication, sales, and more was no small feat, but with a dedicated team, we functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Initially slated for September 7th to 9th, due to

overwhelming demand, we extended the day tours to September 5th and 6th. This expansion required additional tour hosts, adding to the complexity of the overall event. Our array of tours encompassed free walking tours, Table Mountain hikes, fishing expeditions, wine tastings, and even snorkelling.

Unforeseen challenges arose throughout the event, particularly with weather-dependent events in Cape Town. A last-minute change led us to offer an alternative - an introduction to Scuba class at the Two Oceans Aquarium- a highlight for many attendees.

Key learnings from the various Day Tours: Host preparation:

> Ensure hosts are experienced and comfortable with their

assigned tours. The team hosting the tours must know exactly what needs to be done and what experience needs to be given to participants.

> Have a backup plan or additional hosts for larger groups to ensure a smooth experience.

Communication is Key:

> Maintain clear and consistent communication channels through broadcast groups and landing pages.

> Consider creating individual WhatsApp groups for smaller tours to enhance personalisation.

Time Management:

> Factor in extra time for unforeseen events, especially with evening events on the agenda.

> Not everyone will be on time for the start. > Conduct roll calls to keep track of participants throughout the tour to avoid leaving anyone behind.

> The restaurant might take longer than expected to prepare the food

Vendor Follow-up:

> Regularly check in with vendors leading up to the event to confirm arrangements.

> Conduct a final follow-up the week before the tours, preferably with face-to-face visits when possible.

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RT I LEGAC Y | c ape town 2023

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RT I LEGAC Y | c ape town 2023

Unforeseen challenges arose throughout the event, particularly with weather-dependent events in Cape Town. A last-minute change led us to offer an alternative - an introduction to Scuba class at the Two Oceans Aquarium- a highlight for many attendees.

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RT I LEGAC Y | c ape town 2023

Backup Plans:

> Always have alternative plans ready, especially for weatherdependent activities.

> Identify backup hosts in case of emergencies or last-minute changes.

Capture Memories:

> Encourage hosts and participants to take plenty of pictures during the tours.

> Share these pictures with the groups to build excitement and foster post-event conversations.

Continuous Improvement:

> Gather feedback from attendees through surveys or informal conversations to identify areas for improvement.

> Consider implementing constructive feedback for future events to enhance the overall experience.

Express Gratitude:

> Thank your team members for their hard work and dedication in making the day tours successful.

> Express gratitude to vendors and participants for their cooperation and feedback.

Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, expressing satisfaction with the format and variety of day tours offered.

I extend my gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the success of RTIWM 2023 as the Day Tour Convenor.

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R T I L E G A C Y | ta s t e t h e w o r l d

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Order the LCI Recipe book from LCI Treasurer treasurer@ladiescircleinternational.org

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R T I L E G A C Y | ta s t e t h e w o r l d

G E T A TA S T E O F N E PA L

Nepali Momo

By LADIES’ CIRCLE NEPAL, from the LCI Recipe Book

This stuffed dumpling preparation is one of the most popular dishes in Nepal. This dish is an example of Tibetan influence in Nepali cuisine.

Preparation 20 min Cooking 45 h

DIRECTIONS Mix together the flour and 1 1/2 cups room temperature water in a bowl. Knead the dough well until it is medium-firm and flexible. Cover

INGREDIENTS

and let rest for 1 hour.

4 cups (512 grams) all-purpose flour

Meanwhile, mix together the chicken, cilantro, onions, garlic, ginger,

2 1/2 pounds (1113 grams - 4 cups)

cumin, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a

ground chicken thighs

bowl.

1 cup (201 grams) chopped fresh

To make the wrappers: Break off 1/2 ounce of dough and forming it into

cilantro

a ball. Place the ball on a flat surface and roll it into a 4-inch round with

1 cup (201 grams) chopped onions

a rolling pin. Repeat with the remaining dough.

4 tablespoons (48 grams) minced

Spray a steamer pan with cooking spray.

garlic 4 tablespoons (48 grams) minced peeled ginger 2 tablespoons (12 grams) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground cinnamon Salt and black pepper Nonstick cooking spray

Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the middle of a wrapper.

Holding the wrapper in your left hand. Use your right thumb and index finger to start pinching the edges of the wrapper together.

Pinch and fold until the edges of the circle close up like a little satchel.

Place the momo in the prepared steamer pan. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Fill the steamer pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Set the steamer pan with the momos on top of the pot and cover with a tight lid. Steam the momos until cooked, 8 to 9 minutes.

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FROM TH F 68

HE FAMILY 69

R T I L E G A C Y | R t i F a m i lY

L A D I E S ' C I R C L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Sisters With Soul

R

By AIRI ARRAK , Ladies’ Circle International President 2023-2024

OUND TABLE HAS ALWAYS been a great

But that can't be said only about lC. We are also

help and example to us, and it is an

strongly connected to Round table, and side by side

undeniably good feeling when you have

is evidence of this, not to mention partnerships at all

so many brothers from many different

levels from which traditional events also grow.

fields and all over the world who you can rely on in a time of need.

The two club movements are connected by Side by

other and contribute and celebrate all together, and

side, which has grown stronger in recent years, and

such gatherings always connect and bring us closer

joint ventures and mutual support have gone hand in

together - that's soul sisters!

hand with friendship and helpfulness.

We have recently enjoyed a very productive meeting

also, in my year, i want to celebrate our soul sisters who laid the foundations and created the future of lCi

with the Rti board where we shared the lCi vision, not

that we are now enjoying. therefore, i would like to

just for this year but for the future of our association,

dedicate lCi's Birthday on the 29th of may 2024 to past

and it is a great honour and privilege to be asked to

lCi members and board members whose work and

write to you and share my values and ideas of the lCi

dedication have ensured a future for us all.

year. my goal during the upcoming year is not to come up with something enormously new and exciting but to

S I D E - B Y- S I D E – T H E R T F A M I LY L O C A L LY, N AT I O N A L LY, A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY

work on the good we already have, make it even better

although marc and i have moved away from the shared

and more widely known, and secure the foundation of

motto of the past two years, we still have a lot of plans

our association to keep it safe for future generations.

and objectives in common. the lCi and Rti executive

LOGO in the centre is the lCi logo, the compass that shows

Board met in the Netherlands with our counterparts to plan strategies for the year and learn best practices from each other.

us the way. there are 16 arrows: 4 large points and

as part of this, i want to work on stronger links

the remaining 12 points. the golden spots represent

between lCi and Rti Regional Chairs. We know of

12 months of the year, 12 hours of the day and 12 of

many areas where one association is stronger than the

the night; this number is sacred in many cultures; we

other, and we need to use the existing clubs, links, and

have 12 zodiac signs, and the lCi full board consists of

support networks to create or build new clubs in those

12 members. the 4 more prominent points represent

areas. We feel we can achieve a lot with regional chairs

the elements water, air, fire, and earth. We need fire

working side-by-side.

to warm us; we need air to breathe. earth is our food

There are certainly reference points that we will

source and helps manifest all ideas and desires through

look at in the year ahead: growth within regions,

material energy. the wavy golden line symbolises

mental health, emotional support & inspiration, our lCi

the light of the friendship candle and gives the

international charity project kvinna till kvinna (Woman

understanding that life always has ups and downs. in

to Woman), lCi day, e-club, and other ideas, which i'll

lCi, we connect and come together through the Candle

share when things are fully developed.

of Friendship. and finally, the colour purple represents royalty, power, and ambition.

FR IENDSHIP - C O M M U N I C AT I O N A N D C O N N E C T I O N

Mainly, my desires for the year and what I hope to achieve above all are that it will be a year that gives us creativity, gratitude, and joy. so that we have continued support for charity projects, we take care of our health, participate in events, and develop a future for lCi.

Friendship is one of the core elements of ladies Circle

on behalf of ladies Circle, i wish you continued

international. my motto this year is soul sisters. soul

enthusiasm and passion for the RT, lots of success in

Sisters are those who understand your hopes, dreams,

everything you do, a sense of togetherness and the

and fears. You can lean on these people when you need

continuation of a high internal club culture!

a shoulder to cry on or a friend to celebrate with. You can rely on a soul sister who will be there for you.

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our agm brings everyone together; it's a time to be together with sisters, where we share and support each

Here's to an exciting new side-by-side year.

R T I L E G A C Y | R t i F a m i lY

I want to celebrate our Soul Sisters who laid the foundations and created the future of LCI that we are now enjoying.

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R T I L E G A C Y | R t i F a m i lY

C L U B 4 1 I N T E R N AT I O N A L

The Life of a 41 International President

I

By BARRY DURMAN , Club 41 International President 2023-2024

AM NOW JUST OVER HALFWAY through my year as 41 inteRnational president. time flies by when you are enjoying yourself! it has been a whirlwind visiting 10 counties in 3 continents and staying away from home for over 60 days. there is a lot of time spent enjoying ourselves and experiencing everything from the animals on safari in Botswana to the mountains of switzerland and the monasteries of Romania. still, there are

a lot of duties to be performed as well. on some weekends, i have been asked to make four speeches, which all need good preparation. my message to all our 41 Club associations worldwide is relatively

straightforward: that we should be active in our pursuit of our 4 objectives. these are similar to those of the other international associations, namely Membership, the Round table Family, Fellowship and Community service. i hope clubs will be going Full steam ahead in all these areas. if all we do is have one meeting per month in the same venue, this will not attract Tablers to join us, let alone satisfy our members. on membership, we are determined to set up 41 Clubs in all countries with a Round table. there is a long way to go because Round table is in 70 countries, and 41 Club is in 33 countries. let's go Full steam ahead.

I hope we will actively promote Membership of all the other Round Table Family associations, especially Round table. We should be vocal in our enthusiasm for all our organisations and promotion of all Round table Family events. let's go Full steam ahead.

Fellowship is pretty obvious. We all see this as the key objective, for it is through our fellowship that we can carry out all the others. We all love visiting other clubs and associations in other countries. it helps us understand the lives of people in cultures far from our own homes. Zoom has made the world so much smaller, and every Friday at 18.30 Central european time, between 10 and 20 of us get together for a chat and a drink. it's magic, so let's go Full steam ahead.

Finally, Community service. i do not want to hear anyone in 41 Club say that we don't do Community service. of course we do; of course we should do. Wherever you look, we are supporting our Round tables on charity projects. everything from rattling cans for donations, helping at beer festivals and carnivals, visiting old people, building schools in india and taking aid to moldova and Romania. We also work on projects on our own initiative. so, let's go Full steam ahead. it will be the same again in the next six months after the Christmas break. lots more visits, lots more speeches and lots more fellowship. spreading my message you know what it is by now!

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R T I L E G A C Y | R t i F a m i lY

TA N G E N T C L U B I N T E R N AT I O N A L

The Unstoppable Journey of Tangent!

By JAYASHREE CHAUDHRY , Tangent Club International President 2023-2024

A

LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOOD at what they do. some are elite, and a select few are completely unstoppable, pushing their personal limits and giving it their all! it's been 32 years that i have been part of the Round table Family as a ladies Circler and now tangent, and it has been 32 years that i have witnessed members, who walk amongst us, be

unstoppable! attending the Rti World meet in Cape town early this september was like a series of non-stop encounters with the unstoppable. swallowed in the bonds of friendship by friends old and new, I remembered Michelle Obama's words when she became the First lady … "i cannot even imagine where i would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun". that weekend was a lot of fun, memorable and an eye-opener in many ways, observing our pedigree's amazing work led to our unstoppable yearning to do more! in its 10th year, the tangent Club international theme for the tangent year 2023-24, is just this … unstoppable! Characterized by the logo carrying colours of orange and purple, the butterfly wings depict the tangent transformation journey as she takes flight! the oRange breathing freshness stimulation, the puRple adds a bold contrast with virtues of freedom, desire, and strength. this unique blend of simplicity, modernity and elegance creates the unstoppaBle personality our members carry! through this year, making it a memorable and unstoppable 10-year celebration, we will build the Brand of tangent Club international, extend our association and strengthen our workings. introducing Bingo, the tangent Countries now work hard while playing to serve the community while having fun. Five programs with five activities each, we planted trees on World environment Day on june 5, held drawing competitions to create awareness, practised yoga together across the world on june 21, international Yoga Day, twinned with Clubs across oceans on july 30, World Friendship Day, donated books and conducted coaching sessions jointly across borders – pRojeCt aCHieVe (india-srilanka & india-israel) on september 8, World literacy Day to name few. and then worked together with the Rt Family on Waste management in september, Breast Cancer awareness – pink october, which we concluded with a very successful global Webinar on october 27 attended by over 200 Rt Family members. tangent is unstoppable as, with Helping HanDs, we support each other in projects, fundraising and even fellowship. We are also growing as new member countries are waiting to join! such is the unstoppable journey of tangent!

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it's been 32 years that i have been part of the Round Table Family as a ladies Circler and now tangent, and it has been 32 years that i have witnessed members, who walk amongst us, be unstoppable.

R T I L E G A C Y | R t i F a m i lY

A G O R A C L U B I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Let's Move It

By GABRIELLA LERCH , Agora Club International President 2023-2024

O

UR 27TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (agm) of agora Club international in Brasov (Romania) was nothing short of spectacular, filled with heartfelt moments, cultural richness and friendship. We also would like to thank our #5clubs1vision Round table Family members who attended this weekend. i want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and my

team. i am gabriella lerch, married to Robert (member of old tablers germany), mother of 2 grown-up children, working as a certified management accountant and a member of aCt 100 mainmetropolen. You might wonder about aCt, which stands for agora Club tangent, because in germany, we are officially members of agora Club international, but the tangent is, of course, the connection to our ladies' Circle. each club in germany can decide if only past circlers can join or if they are open for all women. We know that this openness or, let's say, inclusiveness sometimes leads to discussions. still, we decided as agora members that we would like to appreciate different life plans of women. some of us supported our husbands, were busy with our families and careers, or lived in places without a ladies' Circle before turning 42. if you know of women interested in taking part and joining us – please do not hesitate to get in touch. my motto, "move it", encapsulates our spirit of progress and action. it's represented by the red chilli, reflecting my Hungarian roots, and the ginkgo leaf, symbolizing our agora club's unity and growth. our #move_it team consists of my wonderful boardies and five board assistants. our key objectives for my presidential year include a focus on growth. We are committed to popularizing and promoting agora, ensuring that people, especially women, understand what agora represents. We are also dedicated to strengthening the bonds to the Round table Family members, emphasizing our shared vision of #5clubs1vision and #sidebyside." We aim to deepen the friendships within these five clubs and bring agora Club international and tangent Club international closer together. We should concentrate on what unites us rather than our one difference.

We all want to do good – our new isp is laptops4Hope - and we should discuss it to encourage others to join in. most agora clubs strongly commit to service activities, not only by raising money or as in our new isp collecting laptops for children, but also on a national and local level. For more, please see/ follow us on our official agora Club international pages on Facebook and instagram. promoting our CluB.WoRlD is another vital aspect of this year's plan. it will serve as a joint communication tool for the larger Round table Family, fostering unity and collaboration. We encourage using the cross-family button to bring us closer, share events, and motivate members to participate in Round Table Family events. let me invite you to join our next aCi Conference in Hanover/ germany, in october 2024. additionally, we intend to start harmonizing and adjusting the meeting calendars of the five clubs, at least at the board level, ensuring smoother collaboration and coordination.

In conclusion, I am excited about the journey ahead, and we invite you to join us in embracing change, growth and unity. let's #move_it!

Yours in friendship,

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ROUND TABLE ALBANIA | ROUND TABLE AUSTRALIA | ROUND TABLE ARABIAN GULF | ROUND TABLE AUSTRIA ROUND TABLE BANGLADESH | ROUND TABLE BELGIUM | ROUND TABLE BOTSWANA | ROUND TABLE BULGARIA | ROUND TABLE CAMEROON ROUND TABLE CANADA | ROUND TABLE CYPRUS | ROUND TABLE CZECH REPUBLIC | ROUND TABLE DENMARK | ROUND TABLE EASTERN AFRICA ROUND TABLE ESTONIA | ROUND TABLE INTERNATIONAL E-CLUB | ROUND TABLE FRANCE | ROUND TABLE GERMANY | ROUND TABLE GIBRALTAR ROUND TABLE GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND | ROUND TABLE HONG KONG | ROUND TABLE HUNGARY | ROUND TABLE ICELAND | ROUND TABLE INDIA ROUND TABLE ISRAËL | ROUND TABLE ITALY | ROUND TABLE LATVIA | ROUND TABLE LITHUANIA ROUND TABLE LUXEMBOURG | ROUND TABLE MADAGASCAR ROUND TABLE MALAWI | ROUND TABLE MALTA | ROUND TABLE MAURITIUS | ROUND TABLE MOLDOVA | ROUND TABLE MOROCCO | ROUND TABLE NEPAL ROUND TABLE NEW ZEALAND | ROUND TABLE NIGERIA | ROUND TABLE NORWAY | ROUND TABLE PHILIPPINES | ROUND TABLE PORTUGAL ROUND TABLE ROMANIA | ROUND TABLE RUSSIA | ROUND TABLE SAN MARINO | ROUND TABLE SENEGAL | ROUND TABLE SEYCHELLES ROUND TABLE SINGAPORE | ROUND TABLE SOUTHERN AFRICA | ROUND TABLE SRI LANKA | ROUND TABLE SUOMI FINLAND ROUND TABLE SURINAME | ROUND TABLE SWEDEN | ROUND TABLE SWITZERLAND | ROUND TABLE THE NETHERLANDS ROUND TABLE TRINIDAD & TOBAGO | ROUND TABLE TUNISIA | ROUND TABLE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | ROUND TABLE ZAMBIA | ROUND TABLE ZIMBABWE