RTI Legacy Magazine - 2 - April / May - 2023

STORIES OF CHANGE

My Battle and the Road to Alpe d’Huez

THE POWER OF FREE TECH

Become a Master of Communication .

BOLDING A BLAZER

Be the Talk of Your Table.

VICE PRESIDENT BUILDING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE CLUB | HISTORY ORIGINS OF THE LA LA LA SONG | LADIES’ CIRCLE #GETINVOLVED ROUND PLAYBLE WHAT IS MODDING? | TABLER.WORLD THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA QUALITY | HYM RECAP 2023 CONQUERING TALLIN CAPE TOWN 2023 A PREVIEW OF THE UPCOMING RTIWM

ROUND TABLE INTERNATIONAL round-table.org

@rtinternational

@rtinternational

@rtinternational

PUBLISHER

Jayant Agrawal president@round-table.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mikael Ejemar Vikström editor@round-table.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Jayant Agrawal

Marc Germeshausen

Graham Cornelissen

Nadeen Kumarasinghe

Jule Gosschalk

Pierre Mörck

Nicholas Gomez

Saurabh Kedia

Bram Rozestraten

Daniele Cusi

David Joe Williams

Romain Potterie

Sachin Shah

Vicky Parker-George

Thomas Menneckemeyer

Paul Hoeksema

Vimal Baid

Tom Albrightsen

Guus Moret

Ashish Bardia

Tõnis Kuusk

Janus van Kasteren

Pratik Agrawal

CONTACT

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

Let's Talk About Tech

By MIKAEL EJEMAR VIKSTRÖM, RTI Magazine Editor, 2022-2023

HERE WE GO AGAIN, this issue of Legacy Magazine feature heavily on how we as tablers, clubs, and associations can use tech to adopt, adapt and improve. Now more than ever we need to look at what digital resources we can use to find new potential brothers. In this issue you'll find tips on how you can harvest the free resources available, use digital platforms to promote your community service projects, and promote yourselves.

Branding is a subject close to my heart, I've dedicated a lot of my free time to adopt, adapt and improve the RTI brand. The PRO team of Round Table International are working continuously to make Round Table look and feel like the brand we all have come to love. Since the world meeting where we voted for an update on the RTI rondel and logo, a number of associations have reached out to the PRO team and asked for help to update their association rondels and logos. Our goal is a global unified brand with a strong local presence. if you need our assistance, please dont hesitate to reach out - we love to help and support!

And speaking of branding - why not flip to page 56 and get some tips on how to best sport a blazer. I for one loves to incorporate a blazer into my everyday attire - it makes you look smart, it has a lot of pockets, and no matter how tired you look after a late club meeting the night before - a blazer always makes you look good.

But this is not just an issue focusing on tech and looking good, we have some really heartwarming stories from tablers around the world. I cannot seem to stop being amazed that each issue we can fill more than a hundred pages of top quality content to share with you all. And as I've said numerous times - this is a magazine for tablers, by tablers. Me and the whole PRO team are forever grateful for your contributions. Legacy is a way for us to table across borders - to share our stories and experiences. We need each other and we need your contributions. So please keep in touch and share your stories.

Looking back at the HYM in Tallinn I'm overwhelmed with fantastic memories of an event hosted to perfectionhuge thanks to the convening team for hosting us and writing RTI history. And next up is the world meeting in Cape Town South Africa - read all about the HYM and the upcoming WM on page 86 and onward. Until next time brothers, take care and stay classy!

MikaelEjemarVikström

Yours in International Tabling editor@round-table.org

I want to apologize for the delay of this issue. I had to take a break and focus on my health and wellbeing. Now, with the support of my family and brothers I'm on my way back!

From the Board 08

RTI PRESIDENT

From the President’s Desk

Mr JAYANT AGRAWAL, Round Table International President 2022-2023

FIRSTLY, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK all the readers of the first edition of Legacy this year. ”Legacy”, a brand now for RTI, is an integral part of our promise of ”Continuity”, ”Consistency”, and ”Stability.”

We have just returned from the fantastic organised HYM in Tallinn, Estonia. It does give us the feel of how vital meeting and greeting our brothers in the flesh is. I want to congratulate and thank the HYM 2023 Convener, Tõnis Kuusk and the entire team of RT Estonia for organising a fantastic show.

During the Covid times, a core aspect of Tabling, physical fellowship and bonding, was missed. I feel it was one of the strong reasons for the decline in growth we are facing. Meeting more than 550 brothers and RT family members across 36 nationalities did give us back the feeling of the old-school days of Tabling. The meetings and the participation from the councillors showed the passion, interest, and commitment that all of us have in securing the future of Tabling.

Tabling in the 21st century did get more tech-savvy. No doubt involvement of technology did allow us to be effective and efficient in our endeavours. Still, it also many times acted as a substitute for physical meetings. Covid did not help the cause as well. With all of us stuck within the boundaries of our homes, the online mediums did help us to remain connected with brothers within the fraternity, but interactions became one direction. In the hour of need, we did become the strength for each other, but it slowly started becoming the way to Tabling. Looking at our history, Tabling and its values have always prospered on the pillars of travelling, meeting, interacting, and fellowships. Seeing people slowly and steadily trying to escape their shells and travel again is great. However, I feel the push for the same is more needed. Round Table indeed has many potentials to travel and exchange greetings physically with National AGMs, Regional AGMs, Half Yearly Meetings, and World Meetings. I urge the brothers to at least plan to visit one such event this year, if not more. Trust me, one such experience can energise you and motivate you for better professional and personal development.

One more important thing that has been highlighted recently is our brothers’ mental well-being. Mental health deterioration is a key impact covid created, and the effect on our brothers is no different. As the RTI Board, we are trying to show support and encourage national and local efforts to promote mental health wellbeing and awareness. Check-in Tuesdays on our social media platform are one of the initiatives to keep the brothers aware of our importance to the cause. We are also organising various talk shows and workshops for the same. But I feel these are just tiny drops in the big ocean. Most importantly, we need to start analysing ourselves and people dear to us and stand strong as a pillar with the person whom we think needs us. It is vital to end the stigma that ”men can’t be mentally ill”, and I believe it needs to start with us.

Finally, I congratulate the Editorial Team of Legacy for another masterpiece for the readers. I hope all of you will enjoy it.

RTI VICE PRESIDENT

Building a Diverse and Inclusive Club

Mr MARC GERMESHAUSEN, Round Table International Vice President 2022-2023

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ARE TOPICS which are omnipresent nowadays. But what would those words mean for Round Table? Are we already diverse enough? Are we considering various sights of our society? How can we be more inclusive?

These questions are getting asked by many members of our organization. Some years ago, we discussed with Ladies' Circle International if they would accept a man if he identifies as a female or the opposite way if Round Table would accept a woman if she identifies as a male. We agreed on the following: If the gender is written in an official document like a passport, proof of citizenship, etc., we will accept the person. But is this the only field of diversity which would affect us?

Diversity refers to differences among people, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, culture, education, socioeconomic background, abilities, and more. Diversity is a crucial characteristic of modern society, reflecting the complexity and richness of human experiences and perspectives. Regarding Round Table, we should also be diverse towards various professions and backgrounds. And here comes the point, do we already consider various professions, educational backgrounds and so on in our local clubs? How can we open the doors to show that we are an inclusive organization?

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. We can 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 club, we should also jump on this train. One of the main ideas behind the Round Table Family is also 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 encouraging participation from all backgrounds. This can be achieved by promoting open communication, respecting differences, and actively seeking diverse perspectives. Invite your best friends to Table, check your environment, and invite people in your age group. Suppose we have many people at an information event or any social or charity. In that case, we can show our openness 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.

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.

Let’s start being more open towards new members. Building a diverse and inclusive club requires intentional effort and ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming environment that respects and values individual differences. If we start asking ourselves those questions from above, we are already setting the first steps to make Round Table more diverse and inclusive.

Overall, by embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, Round Table can create a more dynamic and enriching experience for our members and positively impact the community.

Yours in International Tabling vicepresident@round-table.org

MarcGermeshausen

”We are Round Table, a club initiated nearly a century ago to provide young men with an opportunity to meet like-minded others and give back to the community. We have now emerged to be a force that fosters relationships, transform communities, and provides a plethora of opportunities to our members.

History has proven time and time again that we indeed are stronger together. We believe in like-minded young men coming together to make small changes for the better, leading to extraordinary results. We do not have strangers in our fraternity, but only good friends we have never met.

JAYANT AGRAWAL Round Table International President 2022-2023

RTI PAST PRESIDENT

The Future of Round Table - Adapting to Meet Changing Needs

Mr GRAHAM

CORNELISSEN, Round Table International Past President 2022-2023

ROUND TABLE MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS to different people. We see certain aspects being stressed more than others in different associations. To many, Round Table means charity. To others, it means fellowship, whilst we see an emphasis on networking, travelling, personal development or many other factors too. This also differs between members on a club level. During a Tabling career, your priorities towards Table can change too.

Our ability to continuously adopt, adapt, and improve is what separates our organisation from other similar offerings. By limiting our age to young men only, we strive for constant improvement in who we are.

We see the world is changing rapidly, and to stay relevant, Round Table needs to change as well.

THE

IMPORTANCE

OF ADAPTING

Adapting to change is vital for the long-term success of fellowship clubs. The world is continually evolving, and clubs must be open to new ideas, technologies, and approaches to remain relevant. We must be willing to re-evaluate our current practices and find ways to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances, whether utilising online communication, offering different events, or exploring new focus areas. This includes all of the factors of Round Table, from our service offering, to how we engage with our members.

MEETING THE CHANGING NEEDS OF MEMBERS

In addition to meeting the changing needs of society, we must also focus on meeting the evolving needs of our members. Many of our associations are facing declining membership numbers, and this trend is likely to continue unless clubs adapt to meet the changing needs of our members. <

We must be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs of our members. This means understanding and catering to the needs of diverse communities, including those from different backgrounds and ages. Clubs must be open to suggestions from members and be willing to implement new ideas to ensure they provide the best possible experience.

One way clubs can adapt to the changing needs of members is by offering a mix of in-person and virtual events. Many people lead busy lives, and virtual events are an excellent way to offer flexibility and accessibility for members. By providing both in-person and virtual options, clubs can offer a diverse range of experiences to meet the needs of all members.

Offering diverse interests can also attract new members who may have been hesitant to join a club because they could not find an interest that aligned with their values or interests. We must remain open to exploring new areas and be willing to change as the interests of society change.

FOCUSING ON NEW AREAS OF SERVICE

Finally, we must be willing to explore new service areas to remain effective. In the past, we have often focused on traditional service areas such as community

development, education, and healthcare. While these areas are still important, we must also be willing to explore new areas of service, such as environmental sustainability, mental health, and social justice.

These new service areas are essential because they reflect the changing needs of society. For example, environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, and we can play an important role in addressing this challenge. Similarly, mental health is a growing concern in many communities, and Round Table can help raise awareness and lead in assisting others here.

INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We must focus on inclusivity and diversity to ensure we remain relevant and appeal to a diverse range of members. Clubs must actively seek out and welcome new members from diverse backgrounds and ensure that all members feel included and valued.

This includes offering events and activities that are inclusive and promote diversity. We should also take a proactive approach to create a welcoming, respectful environment for all members, regardless of their background, beliefs, or lifestyle.

CONCLUSION

Round Table plays a crucial role in providing many individuals with a sense of community and connection. However, as society evolves, we must be willing to adapt to remain relevant and meet the changing needs of members and society. For us at Round Table, this means both the easiest and hardest thing possible – we must apply the principles of our motto and force ourselves to Adopt, Adapt, Improve.

Yours in International Tabling

GrahamCornelissen

ipp@round-table.org

RTI SECRETARY

RTI Half-Year Meeting in Tallinn

Mr NADEEN KUMARASINGHE Round Table International Secretary 2022-2023

WHILE WE HAVE HEARD SOME AMAZING THINGS about the HYM held in Tallinn, including wonderful events, parties and tours, one must not forget the impact the Councillor’s meeting and the HYM have on all our brothers around the world.

The RTI council, which includes the RTI Board and the councillors, were well prepared to discuss some key aspects that can better our beloved movement. RT Denmark did not circulate the audited accounts before the HYM as per the RTI Rulebook and the councillors had to decide on how we could move forward. Overall our brothers showed solidarity with RT Denmark and gave them additional time to present the audited accounts without impacting RT Denmark’s membership.

RTI Board has proposed four motions. The first one was formalizing the good practice the Councillors agreed on last year, which is to have a Question and Answer session with candidates applying for RTI Executive Board positions. This motion was passed and is now a part of the RTI Rulebook. Two other clerical motions were passed without any discussion as they were straightforward. RTI Board has proposed a KPI for smaller associations currently eligible for the small association travel grant. Quite a lot of discussion took place on this topic, and an amendment was proposed to the motion. However, at the end, Councillors decided to vote against the motion with the common sentiment that we should assist smaller associations in travelling and being a part of the RTI meetings, which shows a ’no one is left behind’ attitude.

There were three motions proposed by RT Denmark, and these motions were interesting. In a nutshell, suggests creating a fund where a portion of the profits made from the RTI events are to be ring-fenced, and the fund to be utilized to assist any RTI event that makes a loss. The sentiment from the floor is that this is a good suggestion, but more thought needs to go into this to move forward. As your RTI secretary, I urge you to send the motions before the deadline. As the board, we can discuss with the proposing association and work with them to present some wonderful ideas that come through the floor effectively.

Overall the meeting itself showed what we stand for. We have different opinions and maybe different routes on how we would like to accomplish certain things. However, we are all brothers and want the same thing at the end of the day: the betterment of Round Table. With that thought, I’m signing off and looking forward to seeing you at the next event.

Regional Reports 20

REGION

Working At the Heart of CEE

By JULE GOSSCHALK, CEE Chairman 2022-2023

DEAR TABLERS, We have reached the halfway point of my chairmanship. In this Legacy article, I would like to look back at some developments on efforts by CEE member associations which really stood out to me.

CHRISTMAS CONVOY

In a year of war in Europe, and economic challenges, after two years of Covid restrictions, the Christmas gift convoy by Round Table Germany could finally run the project with its own capacities again. While the number of gifts has declined due to the overall situation, the quality of individual gifts was better than ever before. With an organizing team of 30 all year and 278 drivers & helpers during the convoy, 132,606 presents were delivered by Round Table Germany & Supporters to Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Poland and Ukraine this way year, where they were distributed with support by local Round Tables and other partners.

RT THE NETHERLANDS INTER-ASSOCIATION COLLABORATIONS TO ENHANCE MUTUAL MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

Round Table, the Netherlands, have signed a collaboration agreement with the ”Royal Industrieële Groote Club” (IGC). IGC is a society and business club in the Amsterdam metropolitan region since 1788. Members from RTNL benefit from their 250+ events a year, and both parties strive to grow in members within this collaboration. RTNL is also speaking with universities and trying to set up new collaborations with them to grow brand awareness among young men, which will lead to more members in the long term.

RTBI MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

ASSOCIATIONS

RT Austria

RT Belgium

RT Germany

RT Great Britain and Ireland

RT Hungary

RT Luxembourg

RT Moldova

RT Romania

RT The Netherlands

RTI E-Club

RTBI partnered with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a UK-based charity helping to support people struggling with their well-being and mental health. As a result, RTBI is actively encouraging Tablers to check in on friends, family and other Tablers. Members of RTBI and LCGB & I took part in a recent campaign held by CALM called the lost hours walk, managing to raise over £2000 to help support the charity to provide their aid. So ask yourself how you’re doing? Ask a friend how they are doing? Ask your family members how they are doing? You may just be that saviour.

RTI HYM TALLINN ESTONIA

How else but to finish this article by giving some well-deserved compliments to our brothers from RT Estonia. The way they organized the RTI HYM first weekend of March was unbelievable. The locations for the events were well chosen. Everything was within walking distance. The convening team kept smiling and was available for questions all week. No lack of free beer and good food every day. And for once, we

didn’t get thrown out of the pool. So great preparation by the hotel staff as well. We held the CEE regional meeting on the last day of the event. This time it was particularly special because we held my successor’s election. The CEE Chairman 23-’24 will officially come into the office during the RTI WM in Cape Town next September. With great pride, I may announce that the CEE member associations chose to elect Michael D’Aubrey from RT 111 Lanaken, Belgium, to become the next CEE Chairman.

Yours in International Tabling

JuleGosschalk

ceechairman@round-table.org

NEA REGION

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

HYM, Fellowship and Charity

By PIERRE MÖRCK, NEA Chairman 2022-2023

THE SURVEY BY RTI SHOWED THAT NEA is the region that enjoys tabling the most, which is demonstrated by its willingness to host massive events and welcome the world to our region.

The first weekend in March, we had a great time in Estonia for the HYM2023. This was the biggest HYM RTI has experienced, and a big HURRAH thanks to the whole team convening this! You truly lived up to We Can, We Will! The entire Round Table Family was present, and we all enjoyed it! We also had a Regional meeting with good discussions regarding our region’s present and future. We are looking to update the guidelines and will present this during the upcoming RTIWM.

The most common reason tablers join Round Table in NEAR is fellowship. To meet old friends for the first time and at HYM, we showed what fellowship and tabling are all about.

At the same time, NEA has seen a bigger focus on charity and social projects in recent years. This is really joyful to see, and in 2023, many of our associations will focus on mental health. To raise and shed light on the tabus regarding men’s psychological well-being. It is inspiring to see how fellowship and charity go hand in hand and that we are stronger together with Tabler4Tabler high up on the agenda.

During the HYM, the award of the social project of the year was given to RT Suriname. They have, over the years, engaged in different social projects and have successfully combined charity and joyfulness with their Bubu fundraiser party.

EXPANSION

We have seen and continue to see interest in Round Table. Since last year, we have had contact with Mexico, and the discussions continue. Kimi Pietikäinen has been a huge support in this, and big thanks for that! All support in this matter is welcome, and please reach out if you are interested in helping out in any way. In Argentina, a former Norwegian tabler wants to take Round Table to the land of tango. Norway has been a mainstay in this, and thank you for the support. This is in an embryo state, and if anyone has prospects in any of these countries, don’t hesitate to shout out!

Discussions have started regarding other expansions, and keep your eyes open for updates in the NEAR future.

INTERNAL GROWTH AND FELLOWSHIP MEETING

NEA is a big region stretching from the northern lights in upper Europe to the American side. This is both inspiring and challenging. As a part of the work to highlight and build stronger associations on the American side, Trinidad & Tobago will host a new Fellowship Meeting at the end of April. The last time was in Miami pre-covid, and now we take it a bit more south. Here we will summon tablers for discussions, share best practices and enjoy fellowship to find ways to step up and grow strong associations on both continents. We have much to learn from each other, and we will adopt, adapt and improve together.

COMMUNICATION

We continue to focus on good quality communication with huge help from the fantastic PRO team in RTI. We have a Facebook group that we have now complemented with a Facebook page. We hope this can be a platform to attract interest in our organisation and region. A media to spread information about all the epic things we are doing. Please feel free to help out by spreading the word and contributing materials.

UPCOMING EVENTS

During spring 2023, many associations in NEAR are having their AGMs. Dare to travel and experience Round Table for new fellowships, friends, exchanges and learning! I humbly request you to please update your meetings on Tabler.World and give brothers a chance to plan their trips. Later, RT USA welcomes us to New York on 5-8 October for NEARTM in the Big apple!

Stay Hungry — Stay Foolish.

Yours in International Tabling

PierreMörck

neachairman@round-table.org

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 Switzerland

RT Tunisia

Practices and Looking Forward

By NICHOLAS GOMEZ, SEM Chairman 2022-2023

I WRITE THIS A WEEK FROM THE BRILLIANT HYM in Tallinn, Estonia. Well done to Tõnis, Aleksander and the guys behind the event for their great work! Truly memorable!

PRACTICES

This was my second HYM as Chairman of the SEM region. I want to share some practices I have implemented, intending to make the most of our travels together.

The first is something that I started doing at the WM in Copenhagen, which is to personally meet as many new Tablers or Tablers travelling internationally for the first time. In meeting with them I have had discussions as to how they are enjoying table and how their first international tabling event is going. In Copenhagen I met Jeremy Chettiar from Reunion Island, Matteo Minardi of Ravenna, Youssef el Filali of Rabat, and Simon Moser of Winterthur. Each of them were on their first international tabling event. On meeting them I gave them a special SEM coin (beautifully made by George Marin the RTI Shopkeeper) and took a photo with them.

In Tallinn, I met with Livio Lang and Marius von Orelli both of Bugdorf, Patrick Bender of Kreuzlingen, Gael Renaut of Reims, Haythem Mahmoudi of Tunis, as well as Tim Zammit and Ryan Jellel of Malta. I exchanged pins and gave them RTI coins from the shop. Each of these Tablers were on their first international RTI event.

My aim is to encourage them to travel again in the future, and I am pleased to say that Youssef el Filali had such a good time in Copenhagen, that he travelled to Tallinn!

The second is something that I implemented at the HYM in Tallinn for the first time, and that was organising a get together with all of the Tablers from my region that had travelled to Estonia. Thanks to the SEM councillors, we were able to get more than 40 Tablers (and partners) together for a drink and chat immediately after the banner exchange! We sat down together and got to know each other and made memories. We exchanged pins and coins and spoke of our experiences. We even had some guys from other regions come along and say hi, including current RTI ToTY Tim Stratanenco!

The aim behind this is to make the most of the little time that we have face to face, to promote friendships and get to know each other better.

SEM 2023 – DJERBA TUNISIA

I would like to use this opportunity to promote this year’s SEM which takes place in Djerba, Tunisia (www.sem2023.tn).

Tunisia is one of our smaller associations, with 5 active Tablers and by visiting the website you will see what an incredible event they have organised! A pre-tour,

a post tour, a main event…there is so much going on that you really need to visit the webpage! Tunisia in June is a dream, beach, sun…

I urge as many of you to sign up and show your support to one of our smaller tables, I can assure you that you will have an amazing time!

CONGRATULATIONS, AND WELL DONE

I am especially proud of our region, not just because of the amazing work our Tablers do daily but also because of the eventful HYM in Tallinn where we saw positive steps taken by members from within our region. I am referring to Daniele Cusi, Omar Himmiche and RT Cyprus.

Daniele Cusi is the current CSO for RTI and he has formally put his name forward for election to the role of Vice President for RTI. Daniele is know to many of us having previously been IRO and President of RT Italy and his great work now as CSO. Two others Tablers have put their names down for the same role, Jule Gosschalk and Tharindu Ameresekere. My view is that this will make a great election with three very strong candidates and regardless of the outcome, Round Table will be the winner.

Omar Himmiche has put his name down for election as RTI Treasurer and I know that he will be a great addition to the RTI team.

RT Cyprus were successful in their application to host the 2025 HYM. Well done to Andreas, Pampos, Leondios and the rest of the guys! I can’t wait to see you all at the beaches in Paphos in 2025!done to Andreas, Pampos, Leondios and the rest of the guys! I can’t wait to see you all at the beaches in Paphos in 2025!

Yours in International Tabling

NicholasGomez

semchairman@round-table.org

ASSOCIATIONS

RT Australia

RT Bangladesh

RT Hong Kong

RT India

RT Nepal

RT New Zealand

RT Philippines

RT Singapore

RT Sri Lanka

ASIA SOUTH PACIFIC REGION

Reflections From the ASPA Region

By SAURABH KEDIA, ASPA Chairman 2022-2023

IT IS HARD TO MISS THE POSITIVE WORDS of appreciation for something done well. The RTI HYM in Estonia has been one such event. Though I could not be a part of it physically, I was with my RT family in spirit. I feel so proud to hear such terrific reviews about the event. Kudos to the Estonian brothers for setting the benchmark really high.

The HYM is a time to reflect on the work you set out to accomplish and how much you have achieved, realign your plans and vision and set out to finish the year with a bang. Unfortunately for me, it’s been none of it, but I have been blessed with associations in the region who have been on cruise mode and doing a plethora of activities which have been in sync with the motto of Round Table. The region has grown tremendously, especially in RT India and RT Nepal. RT Bangladesh is another growth story to focus on and be proud of as they are all set to charter the 3rd Table. They are in line to become a full-member association of RT International. RT Sri Lanka has been going through economic turmoil, which has affected their growth initiatives, but they stood side by side with LC Sri Lanka to pull off a spectacular MTM.

We have to seriously look to revive a few associations in the region, as they have been struggling with tabling for one reason. With the changes in the constitution concerning the incoming regional chairman, we have been able to get a young and dynamic incoming ASPA Chairman from RT Sri Lanka Tr. Shamaal Panagoda. I would like to wish him all the best. His experience leading RT Sri Lanka and exposure to many RT international events would help drive the region forward.

I am looking forward to working with him.

We have our ASPA AGM in April in Kolkata, India, and I am looking forward to meeting many brothers and making it a memorable event.

Yours in International Tabling aspachairman@round-table.org

The HYM is a time to reflect on the work you set out to accomplish and how much you have achieved, realign your plans and vision and set out to finish the year with a bang.

AMI REGION

ASSOCIATIONS

RT Arabian Gulf

RT Botswana

RT Cameroon

RT Eastern Africa

RT Madagascar

RT Malawi

RT Mauritius

RT Nigeria

RT Senegal

RT Seychelles

RT Southern Africa

RT Zambia

RT Zimbabwe

AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST & INDIAN OCEAN REGION

The ABCs of the AMI Region

By BRAM ROZESTRATEN, AMI Chairman 2022-2023

AMI IS A DIVERSE REGION. We cover most of Africa, the Middle East, and the Islands in the Indian Ocean. In this article, I want to update you on 3 of the Associations across our region, which are very diverse in their own way.

Arabian Gulf - did you know that this Association has 3 different countries?

United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait are one of the most visited transfer hubs in the world. Especially RT Dubai receives on weekly bases travelling Tablers attending fellowship and meetings. Tabling in Arabian Gulf is international and multi-cultural, as all Tablers come from different countries. Round Table 1 Dubai consists of 11 nationalities and is probably the world’s most international table. Feel free to reach out if you are ever travelling through the region.

Botswana - The Association with a Zebra in their Rondel, Botswana, has been quiet for a while. Currently active in Gaborone, Jwaneng and Orapa. They have been able to do 3 very successful blood drives and collect funds from corporates to assist in their school donation, which consisted of sports supplies, school shoes and clothing. Our Tablers had to drive over 2 hours to reach this remote area. What a great effort!

Cameroon - while only being inaugurated, Cameroon is pushing hard, not only through their social media but also within the country. During our Blood month for Round Table International, Tablers travelled to their respective hospital to ”Lead by example” and donated blood themselves. Their meetings are going well, updates are being shared, and they have even secured a significant donation from UNHCR. We cannot wait to officially re-charter them.

Lastly, I congratulate Leejay Tavares from Round Table Zimbabwe on being voted in as the AMI Chairman-Elect for 2023-2024. Leejay was unanimously voted in by our Associations during the RTI Half Yearly meeting in Tallinn, Estonia. During this meeting, we focused on identifying and resolving the biggest problems that each of the associations in AMI face. Solving these problems will be tough with plenty of hard work, but we are determined to push our region forward. Thank you all who were part of the meeting, and I will see you somewhere around the globe soon.

Yours in table

amichairman@round-table.org

Editorial & Stories

What is the Digital Age?

By Mr DANIELE CUSI, Round

EVEN MORE SO IN THE DIGITAL AGE, community service continues to be a crucial component of contemporary society. A selfless act of giving back to the community is community service. The community and the person who does it greatly benefit from this action. Helping others brings a special sense of joy and accomplishment. Community service is essential for getting people to interact in person instead of sitting behind a screen all day, where texting is the preferred method of communication. Giving back to the community offers a practical chance for personal development. Community service exposes you to various people, cultures, and lifestyles, bringing fresh experiences into your life. This also helps develop individual skills like teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving in a world where it’s harder every day to find a way to develop such skills.

We must not lose sight of volunteerism’s genuine benefits to your community. With the aid of community service, you may forge bonds with your neighbours, win their confidence, and assist those most in need.

The Digital Age greatly aided the emergence and growth of community service initiatives. Social media, for instance, was very helpful in establishing connections with other organizations that share your concerns, initiating online fundraising efforts, and finding volunteers worldwide. A project that was merely a minor undertaking before the Digital Age has the potential to grow significantly and significantly influence the lives of many people worldwide. You can now coordinate and operate globally with just one click, sharing your project and the causes that matter to you with everyone, not just those in your immediate locale.

Community service is crucial and may become even more important as the Digital Age progresses. With the Digital Age WE CAN and WE WILL adopt our community service projects, WE CAN and WE WILL adapt them to the new Era we are living in and WE CAN and WE WILL improve the way we do our community service projects through the Digital Age!

Tabler-4-Tabler & Circler-4-Circler

Mr DANIELE

LET’S TALK ABOUT our sisters first. The first Circle was born in Bournemouth by wives of Round Table Members in 1930. In 1947, LC Sweden was founded and was followed by LC Denmark two years later. Contact was made between members of these first three countries. On the 29th of May 1959, an important date in the History of LCI since it is on this day, at the RTI AGM in Leiden, Holland, these three countries established Ladies’ Circle International (LCI).

LCI day was set on 11st of February in 1995, when the LCI President Brigitta Opsahl wrote this article in the LCI Newsletter of November 1994:

”My goal is to promote International circling by having an LCI Day. On this day we should all think Internationally - for instance have meeting about cultural understanding and International communication orn host a public day for the LCI Charity project, write about International Circling in your local newspaper or arrange a number club meeting or just have a great LCI Day on the 11th of February 1995”.

As the current President, Martina Santoro focused on sisterhood, helping the project Circler4Circler, designing a limited edition PIN to be sold for raising funds for the project above. This amazing project goes together with our Tabler4Tabler project because both, Tablers and Circlers need help when in trouble.

By

CUSI, Round Table International C.S.O 2022-2023

As Round Table, we decided to celebrate our day (14th of March) by focusing on the blood drive campaign. Many associations have already started donating their Tablers’ blood; I know that many others will do that before the end of the month.

Donating blood is a way to help male and female people without discrimination. You will probably never know who your blood has helped. That’s why giving a ”piece” of yourself through blood donation is like giving unconditional love to everyone worldwide. The blood drive campaign is still open, and we still don’t know the amount of blood donated. Remember: donating is not a sometime thing; it’s an all-the-time thing! This makes me think about one of the most famous

quotes from my favourite American Football coach: ”Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all of the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” (cit. Coach Vincent T. Lombardi)

Being a Tabler or a Circler is not a sometime thing; it’s an all-the-time thing! As a Tabler, you have to support and help our sisters from LC, and Circlers will help and support us as well. When Tabler4Tabler and Circler4Circler are not enough, We Can and We Will work together as Tabler4Circler and Circler4Tabler!

Using Technology to Streamline Round Table Operations

By Mr NADEEN KUMARASINGHE Round Table International Secretary 2022-2023

Out of the material I have written for Round Table International and Round Table in general, I consider this particular write-up to be the most challenging piece of information I have been entrusted to write to date. The reason is very simple, I’m far from being technologically savvy.

Now you could ask me what I thought when I agreed to write an article on technology usage in Round Table. My answer is simple, today’s technology is advanced to a level where even someone like me can research and learn the basics of technology and put it to correct use.

THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS IN WHICH TECHNOLOGY CAN BE USED TO STREAMLINE AN ORGANISATION, SUCH AS ROUND TABLE. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES.

1 Digital communication: Round Table has members located all around the world. With digital communication tools like email, instant messaging, and video conferencing, it is easier to communicate with members in different locations, reducing the need for physical meetings and travel in day to day operations of the organisation. I’m not discounting the need to meet physically as we are a fellowship organisation, but the point I’m trying to make here is how digital communication could be used for operations.

can also help with communication, as members can be targeted with relevant information based on their interests and activities. All the developments our fantastic Tabler.World team talks of is directly connected to membership management.

4

Online collaboration: Technology can also facilitate collaboration between members working on projects. Cloud-based tools such as Google Drive and Dropbox can store and share files, while project management tools like Trello and Asana can help track progress and delegate tasks. Many member associations have healthy experience and knowledge in carrying out projects. We still lack information sharing within and across associations. Online collaboration could be a possible solution to improve sharing of best practices and knowledge.

2

Fundraising: Our member associations are involved in fundraising for various causes. Technology can help simplify fundraising by allowing donations to be made online through platforms like PayPal or GoFundMe. Online fundraising campaigns can also be promoted through social media, email, and other digital channels.

5 Event management: Member associations of RTI host many events throughout the year ranging from Club AGMs to numbers meetings to RTI events. Technology can streamline event management, from registration to attendee tracking. Event planning software like Eventbrite or Cvent can help manage event logistics. In contrast, virtual event platforms like Zoom can host online events.

3 Membership management: Technology can also help streamline membership management. Membership databases can be created and stored online, making it easier to keep track of member information and renewals and recruitment through referrals. This

Overall, technology can significantly stream an organisation like ours, making communication, collaboration, membership management, fundraising, and event management more efficient and effective. Let’s think along these lines and see how best we can use technology to streamline our operations, and I will be delighted to hear any suggestions you may have.

La La La

By Mr ROMAIN POTTERIE Round Table France

If you travelled the Round Table World, you must have heard that song…

In some countries you can’t even start a meeting or try to say a word without hearing that song every 2-3 minutes, you probably already know the ”dancing” of that song Sorry for all my Dutchies but we will not speak about the ”Snollebollekes”. Even if I admit that it could become the International song soon due to it’s great potential…

WE WILL TALK ABOUT the Lala Song, and specifically about the Story behind the Lala Song. Did you know that it was first launched in France in the early 1900 in Dijon, Burgundy, that’s why the original name is Ban Bourguignon. No real secret about this story, but really few reliable sources, due the local Bon Vivant Club who created this song.

They used to meet after work to share some drinks (of French wine for sure) and progressively people around Dijon started to hear the song in different places like restaurants or in pubs and it became a celebration song which it’s still used today during for example wedding, birthday party or simply for congratulating a cooking chef or during a family meeting in that specific part of France…

Concerning the gesture you have to imagine that you hold glasses of wine in each hands and that you want them to turn the wine inside

But some stories tells that the Lala song is the perfect time you need to turn the bottle of wine bottom up and to make the deposit inside to slip

So just think about this story during your next Lala Song

Due to Round Table that song is now International and so every time you start it you bring a small piece of France with you.

HOW ROUND TABLE CAN BENEFIT STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS

By Mr SACHIN SHAH, Round Table International University Manager 2022-2023

The Best way to f ind yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI

ROUND TABLE as an organisation gives us immense opportunities to learn, connect and grow. All of us have benefitted personally, professionally and socially. It is an inherent character of a Tabler to give back to society in some way or another. We do a lot of service projects and community service activities that have made a sizable impact on the community. Projects like the Christmas Convoy involving multiple European countries or the Freedom Through Education in India are living examples.

We are a dynamic organisation, and Tablers retire at 40 (45 in some countries). Hence, new members must be constantly recruited to ensure growth and survival. Service learning can be one of the most vital tools to spread the word and instil our values at younger ages. It is also our moral duty to motivate young minds to inculcate the habit of community service. This can start

from our own children to children in schools.

I remember in my childhood days when RT37 in my city would organise inter-school drawing competitions where 4000 – 6000 students would participate. It was fascinating to see that people with Jewels on their necks would be doing all work and distributing prizes. This always had a place in my mind that one day I should be wearing such a jewel that commanded a lot of respect.

INVOLVING OUR OWN CHILDREN

As the saying goes,” Community service starts from home.” We should try to celebrate our children’s birthdays in an orphanage or where underprivileged children study. This will teach the value of community service in our own children; they will shape up to be good individuals and future Tablers. Take your children to Socials and fellowships where they learn to connect with different people and make friends.

ENGAGING WITH SCHOOL CHILDREN.

We should take time and involve ourselves with school children by organising competitions. This will create mindshare since childhood and inspire them to join this Organisation in the future. Events like ”Flight of Fantasy”, where underprivileged children are taken by air to another city and Tablers in that city take them out for a day, then they are sent back. This creates a lot of inspiration for the child to aim at the sky! When they see this engagement, they also will aspire to be a Tabler. We can also give our time once a week to take classes for children on some subjects that can inspire them.

ENGAGING WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Students at university are generally above 18 and eligible to Join Round Table. Engaging with them on various levels is vital to the longevity of Round Table

and in their careers. One example of this was the Nyenrode Business School from The Netherlands which brought students every year to India and took them on a tour to visit needy projects. The students were cared for by tablers in all the cities they visited. They then returned home, raised funds through various activities, and sent them to tables in India that constructed schools, benefiting thousands of children. Such activities instilled a true spirit of Round Table in them.

I am sure that if all Tablers worldwide practice service learning, we can make a difference in the community, inspire young minds and ensure that our organisations grow together.

Each of us, whatever our talents, has service to give. And to do it well always involves learning, not once or for a limited time, but continually

HENRY B.EYRING.

WHAT IS MODDING ?

By Mr DAVID JOE WILLIAMS, Round Table Great Britain & Ireland

IN 1927 EDWARD PRINCE OF WALES said, ”The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the times and wherever possible, improve them.”

What if I told you in 2023 the motto of adopt, adapt, improve is a massive part of the gaming community? It’s actually been a big part of gaming for many years and is only growing.

Developers work hard to make the best games they can. Still, sometimes they don’t get everything right, so it’s down to dedicated gaming community members to fix things by modding. Modding, or mods for short, are alterations by players or fans of one or more aspects of a video game. This can be how the game looks or behaves and is a subdiscipline of general modding. Mods may range from small changes and tweaks to complete overhauls and can extend the replay value and interest of the game. Some mods have been so popular they have become their own game.

What

A very popular game called DayZ started its life as a mod for a game called Arma 3. The DayZ mod took the massive map of Arma and made a playable zombie apocalypse everyone dreamed about. You, the player, had to try and survive by collecting food and weapons to survive and defend yourself. You could choose to team up with other players for safety in numbers or be a bandit and try to survive by taking from others. The choice is yours. The mod was so popular it made people buy the game to play it. There are a lot of other mods for all the Arma games, and the developers actively ask the community to make content for the game. The new Game Arma Reforger, under Active development, has a modding section built into the game so creators can share their mods. This is also available on Xbox.

Skyrim, a game released in 2011 by Bethesda, has nearly 70,000 mod submissions on Nexus Mods and 28,000 in the Steam Workshop, and this has added to the game’s success. The amazing thing about the mods for Skyrim is there are no limits to what the community can do. Some of the mods add new gameplay features, missions, and adventures for you. Some mods are rated 18+, and you can have some bizarre ones. There is a mod where Thomas the Tank Engine will appear in your game.

Modding has always been a big part of PC gaming as it’s easier to access and change games. Some websites are dedicated to the mods, and all you have to do is install the mods and follow the instructions to make it work, but recently you can now play mods on a console. Fallout 4 on Xbox is one of the first times mods have become accessible on a console. Some developers don’t like people taking their games and changing them. Still, many of the community agree it greatly benefits people who love games. I believe these modding games helps build a stronger gaming community that brings people together. Games made by gamers for gamers. However, please be careful not to download any viruses or software that could damage your computer when downloading mods.

if I told you in 2023 the motto of adopt, adapt, improve is a massive part of the gaming community?

Now Is the Time #GetInvolved

By VICKY PARKER-GEORGE , Secretary Ladies’ Circle International 2022-2024

WE ALL KNOW THESE FAMILIAR SAYINGS; “You get back what you put in”. “You only live once”, “Life has no limitations”, and “Life is too short”. But how many of us really make the most of the opportunities that are afforded to us?

I was invited to join Ladies' Circle in 2008 after working alongside many of the Circle’s members as part of a 24hour fundraising event (an event I am still involved with every year). At first, I was reluctant, I was worried a group of women might be unkind, but my fears were very quickly put aside.

As the Circle was small when I joined, everyone had to play their part, and it was not long before I was assigned a role – that of Area Delegate. This role meant attending area meetings to represent my clubs’ views. This was the first game changer. I discovered there was much more to circling than just my club. I met new people, visited new places and gained self-confidence during this journey.

A few years later, having been Secretary and Chairman of my club, I became the Area Chairman – a time when so many new doors opened. Regional events to attend, national meetings, new faces, and more great memories being created.

When my club sister and fab friend Claire became National President, I started to travel with her to more National events (one of which is where I met my husband). This was also when I experienced my first International meeting. I still find it hard to find the right words to describe how I felt after that mid-term meeting, but it was reinforced when I attended my first LCI AGM, especially the home party, and again more recently as we managed to have our international mid-term meetings in person once again.

You may say I have been fortunate to be National Secretary within Ladies' Circle GB& I, and to now hold the role of International Secretary, and yes, I am lucky, very lucky, but I have consciously made the decisions to embark on these roles.

So, what is my point, I hear you ask? When I stood in front of the LCI council in Lahti, I was asked what my dream for Ladies' Circle International is. My answer is also my dream for RTI – for every member to experience the opportunities that are available to them outside of their own club.

Ladies' Circle GB&I ran a campaign to encourage members to #GetInvolved, so I ask you to do the same - don’t shy away from opportunity, put yourself forward for something new, travel further within your area or region or attend an international event, trust me you will not regret it! I believe that the more you experience, the more passion you find for our fantastic family of clubs. This makes it really easy to promote the club to new members.

Yes, I have given up my time, using all my annual work leave. I spend most of my ‘free’ time in front of a computer. Yes, I am still shy and hate public speaking. Still, I have gained so much more – more friends all around the world, more confidence in my own personal abilities and enough memories to keep me company for years in the old people’s home (if my liver doesn’t fail before then from all the partying)!

I look forward to meeting you somewhere around the world where we can try something new together because We Can, We Will (and we should)!

GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT

The Importance of Data Quality

By Mr THOMAS MENNECKEMEYER, Tabler.World Manager 2022-2023

Tabler.World is our membership system, and such a system will only work if the data is accurate, complete, and consistent. And that’s the task for all of us.

DID YOU KNOW?

83% of all members have not switched on the cross-family sharing.

84% of all national AGMs are not entered in Tabler.World

15% of all members in Tabler.World never logged in and has not done the onboarding.

WHY IS DATA QUALITY SO IMPORTANT?

Some reasons are obvious. If a member is not entered, he cannot be found, he is not getting any communication, he will not be invited to events, and he cannot use all the features in Tabler.World. Suppose a member has not switched on the cross-family sharing - In that case, he cannot be found by a Round Table Family member, nor can he see their data.

But there are other reasons which are not directly obvious. If a Tabler never updated his profile, he has not set up which data of him should be seen up to which level. The plans of many associations are based on the statistics of the membership system and will lead to the wrong actions and goals.

WHAT CAN I DO NOW?

That depends on the level you are at. As a tabler, login, check your data in your profile and settings, add missing data and check the data privacy settings. If you enable the crossfamily sharing button, you can see the data of all RT Family members who share your data. In the privacy settings, you can limit it to the name and the .world mail address if you want to.

As a table board member: Check if all tablers are in and check if the board is entered. Take a look at the statistic and be aware of the age structure. Motivate your tablers to check their data, add an agenda point to your meetings, and talk about Tabler.World. Add all your events (statutory meetings and special events), upload reports and become familiar with Tabler’s features .World offers you

As an association: Check if your board is entered correctly and ensure that the statutory years at least for 1 year in advance are entered. Appoint at least one DataManager, who supports you with checking several statistics, driving evaluations and becoming familiar with the system. Do workshops and talks about Tabler.World and offer a helping hand. Enter your events (HYM, AGM, etc) and use Tabler.World for all communications. Take care of data cleansing and support your Table(r)s with understanding the system. Remember: Every ex-Tabler who is still entered as a Tabler costs you money, and every Tabler who is not, much more.

You see that the data quality and the completeness of the data are essential for all. The Tabler, the Table and Round Table as a whole have to take it seriously. Do the needful and ensure that your data is not garbage.

A Tabler’s Guide to Bolding a Blazer

By Mr PAUL HOEKSEMA, Round Table Southern Africa

We might be in the modern era where wearing a shining armour breastplate might be frowned upon, but with the right blazer, you might be able to conquer the world, or in a Tabler’s case, hearts.

From donning your favourite ”sport jacket” at a Teacher’s Parent Meeting, Club Social, or as a distinguished gentleman in the peanut gallery, wearing the right blazer paired with the right accessories will have you commanding gasps of admiration.

There’s no denying that blazers are cool. Besides being an affordable alternative to a tailored 2 or 3-piece suit, its versatility adds to this must-have fashion item. Whether you’re a die-hard fashionista or just looking to polish your overall look, certain basics will help you sport your blazer perfectly.

1CHECK YOUR BLAZER FIT

The fit is key to ensuring you look great wearing your go-to blazer. Having a blazer shorter than your average coat or jacket is essential. The perfect length should be slightly longer than your shirt, as this always displays well with casual pants, chinos & jeans. The length of a stylish blazer distinguishes it from your formal wear. That being said, your blazer should move comfortably with you & should have a bit of space for layering your clothing underneath.

KEEP YOUR SUITS & BLAZERS SEPARATE

Your suits conform to a specific cut, colour, pattern & materials. You might be tempted to incorporate your favourite blazer into your suit wardrobe. Doing this will have you run the risk of looking tacky & create an overall look of incompatibility. While your blazer pulls off casual & smart-casual perfectly, your suit is tailored to fit a more formal presentation.

LAYERS EQUAL STYLE

As mentioned in one of the previous points, besides being effortlessly cool, your blazer should be comfortable, have enough space to fit at least 3 layers underneath, & of course, a bit of cargo space for pins & coins. This means your blazer can be a go-to in almost any weather. In the colder months, a textured jersey with a solid colour shirt or even a fashionable polo neck will look great as layers. In the warmer months, your look can be as simple as a contrasting coloured t-shirt. Depending on the weather, additional layers like sweaters, cardigans, full sleeve tee shirts or even hoodies can be a great choice to complete your look.

4

VARIETY ADDS OPTIONS

Just like your beloved sneakers or brogues having one option is never enough. With so many options to choose from, why have only one lonely blazer doing the rounds? Different textures & colours will bolster an already versatile wardrobe option. If you’re wearing suits quite often, different (& even bold) blazer options will be a welcome reprieve from your daily dress routine when the office door closes.

5

APPLY DIFFERENT FABRICS, COLOURS & PATTERNS

Gone are the days when only a couple of variations governed your style. Different materials such as leather, suede, cotton, linen, & wool are now at your beck & call. From a classic grey option to a heavier dark wool blazer, defining your effortlessly cool style has never been easier. Make use of your freedom of choice, dress in your (wellfitted) & coordinated bottoms & footwear, & you will never go wrong.

6CONTRAST IS KING

To create stand-out blazer outfits, bow to the king of contrast. If you have the fit down & your choice of a blazer is made, adding contrast to your outfit won’t let you down. As an example, the easiest option would be a dark jacket with a white shirt or dress shirt. With technology at your fingertips, a simple Google search can bring up a dress colour palate that can add colour or a classic shade to your style. Be sure to check your colour shades to see if they match or complement one another.

PS. Remember that your blazer presents unique space for a pin exchange. Pin gently as not to ruin your blazer!

Now that you’ve adopted these ”tips”, adapt them & improve to be the Talk of your Table!

Unleashing of Free Tech

the Power

AND HARNESSING IT TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE.

By Mr VIMAL BAID Round Table International Content Creator 2022-2023

Having held many roles in my Tabling career, I have always found it helpful to have efficient tools that are inexpensive or free to use. Generally, non-profit organisations often operate on tight budgets, making it difficult to invest in expensive technology. Nevertheless, many free tech resources can help non-profits achieve their goals and positively impact their communities.

Mastering Communication

MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 AND GOOGLE WORKSPACE

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you thought, wouldn’t it be great if I could use a Gmail or Outlook account on my association domain and provide multiple users with access?

It has various benefits; firstly, having an email address with your organisation’s domain looks more professional, which is very important as a first impression when talking to a corporate client sponsoring your next project. Secondly, when you have a role-specific email, then every year, when the board changes, they will still have access to the old emails/data. With the handover, the digital assets will also be available to the new post holder.

Many companies, such as Google and Microsoft, offer free or low-cost versions of their productivity software, such as Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365, which can help non-profits to collaborate on projects, share documents, and keep track of important information.

Additionally, cloud-based software can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for Tablers to stay connected and work together, even when they’re not in the same location.

Take Care of the Visuals

CANVA PRO

One of the most useful free tech resources for organisations like ours is social media. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are excellent ways to connect with potential donors and supporters and raise awareness about our organisation’s mission and activities. By creating a solid social media presence, non-profits can build a community of supporters and keep them informed about their work. To achieve this, it is essential to have good quality creatives, which traditionally has required using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or hiring a designer who can create this for us. Nowadays, Canva Pro has become the go-to tool for content designers because of its ease of use, unlimited templates and elements, and the ability to manage digital marketing for our Associations and Clubs.

Check Your Grammar

Another essential resource is Grammarly Pro, a grammar-checking and proofreading tool that can help you communicate more effectively and ensure your writing is error-free. It is handy for non-profits that rely on writing to communicate with donors, supporters, and the public.

In addition to the resources already mentioned, such as Grammarly Pro, Canva Pro, Microsoft, and Google Suites of Apps, we should also explore other free resources that can help us to improve our operations and reach our goals. By staying informed about the latest free tech resources, Tablers can take advantage of new opportunities to make an enormous impact and achieve our mission. Ultimately, it’s always about Adopting, Adapting, and Improving every day of our lives.

Plan Your Future Now

By Mr TOM ALBRIGHTSEN , President 41 International 2022-2023

YOUR TICKET TO ETERNAL TABLING is Club 41. 41 International is working hard to give Tablers a home when they leave Round Table, wherever they are in the world.

We are already present in more than 30 countries. You are welcome to join an existing club or start a new one. Suppose you happen to live in a country with RT but no 41-association member of 41 International. In that case, we want you to be our ambassador and work to build a network of past Tablers. In countries not connected to 41 International, we offer e-club membership, including 41world access (like Table World).

41 International pushes all member countries to agree with and support Round Table. Agreements are there to bring boards together to create synergy and communication. RT nations must pursue this and ensure 41 grows as a past Tablers’ natural home. All five Board members of 41 International will be in Estonia for RTI HYM, and we want to talk to you!

41 International is working hard to give Tablers a home when they leave Round Table, wherever they are in the world.

MY BATTLE AND THE ROAD TO ALPE D’HUEZ

By Mr GUUS MORET , Round Table the Netherlands

S T O R I E S O F C H A N G E

MY NAME IS GUUS MORET, 39 years old and a TR195 Taxandria, Netherlands member.

I am married to Lauren, and we have a son, Lewis, and a daughter, Blanche.

After a tough year in 2019, my wife and I decided, together with our son, to take a road trip through Western Canada. Although we enjoyed it very much, something wasn’t quite right. I was verbally aggressive and very absent at times. We blamed our busy year.

After a month, I suddenly lost my sense of smell. Most likely, it was gradual, but this became very clear during Christmas dinner. I no longer smelled the delicious food and the excellent wine.

Over the next few months, my wife noticed my behaviour was beginning to take serious forms. I became verbally very aggressive and had reduced emotions at times when I should have had them. Also, my memory regularly failed me. After strong urging from Lauren, I went to the doctor. Initially for my loss of smell but also partly for my behaviour. A months-long search began, but due to an alert assistant ENT doctor, who did not trust it, I had an MRI scan of my brain.

On October 9, 2020, I was physically expected in the hospital. Something that was so enormously avoided because of the COVID-19 peak that we were in the middle of. Insanely, my wife had to wait in the car while I received a diagnosis that would completely turn my life upside down.

That diagnosis was a brain tumour, a huge meningioma of 2,5 inches in diameter, frontal. I walked to the car without any emotions and told my wife what the doctor had just told me. I handed her a yellow post-it with the tumour type’s name. We were overwhelmed with emotions. In 20 minutes, our whole world collapsed. Now what…

The neurosurgeon indicated that I had to be operated on within 2 weeks. Due to the size of the tumour, it is amazing that more problems have not arisen. Seizures, cerebral haemorrhage, blindness, paralysis. It was a matter of days, maybe weeks before this would happen. Unfortunately, it took more than 7 weeks before I was operated on. Due to the COVID-19 peak, it was a crisis in the hospitals. Doctors, surgical assistants, anaesthesiologists, and nurses were badly needed elsewhere. Because the sight of my right eye disappeared for a while, my medication quadrupled, and I had surgery within a few days.

After a successful surgery that lasted more than 9 hours, my wife got the redeeming word. As complications lurked, my family could breathe a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, they have not been able to remove the entire tumour. But with the correct checks and possibly radiation treatment, there is a good chance that it will remain stable. A challenging recovery period began. The surgery was over 2 years ago, but I struggle with my recovery every day, and I still experience many symptoms due to the ABI (Acquired Brain Injury). Recently I started an intensive rehabilitation process for the second time and hoped to take another step forward. But either way, the brain injury always remains.

Participating in activities for the Table is also challenging. A simple meeting is often tough, and difficult to follow, and I need time to recover from such an evening. My greatest strength is that I am physically strong. That is why I want to end my last year as a Tabler with a bang - I’m going to cycle the Alpe d’Huez!

Alpe d’Huez is a unique sporting event where as much money as possible is raised for cancer research and improving the quality of life of people with cancer. On a single day, 5000 participants will bike, hike or run the Alpe d’Huez. Attempting a maximum of six climbs, under the motto ’giving up is not an option’. The race day is always on the first Thursday in June and is part of a complete week, which is being prepared for a full year. A special week full of solidarity, in which cancer is openly discussed for everyone.

After everything my family and I have been through, I want to challenge myself. I will raise money for all my fellow sufferers in the middle of the fight I was in a few years ago. The young fathers and mothers whose world is collapsing. They seek help, hope, strength and, above all, health.

So, for all the Tables who want to support me, go up the mountain... Your financial support is more than welcome!

My greatest strength is that I am physically strong. That is why I want to end my last year as a Tabler with a bang

SUPPORT ME

Help me raise money for all my fellow sufferers in the middle of the fight I was in a few years ago.

Support me

THE POWER OF ROUND TABLE FAMILY

By Mr JAYANT AGRAWAL, Round Table International President 2022-2023

ROUND TABLE FAMILY, a cluster of 5 associations, Round Table International (RTI), Ladies' Circle International (LCI), 41 International, Agora Club International (ACI), and Tangent Club International(TCI), renewed the agreement for cooperation and collaboration during the Round Table International World Meeting in Copenhagen on 23rd September 2022.

The members of the RT Family have a long history of close, cooperative, and mutual relationships with each other. It was given a formal structure with the signing of the first agreement between all 5 associations by the presidents of respective associations for 3 years in 2019 during the Ladies' Circle International AGM in Rotterdam. Last year understanding the importance of it and analyzing the benefits, the presidents took this as one of the important agendas of their presidential year. After a careful review and analysis, it was completed and signed off.

It has been termed the "Best Practices" Agreement which aims to respect the individual identity of each member association, with equal rights to each under one umbrella under the name Round Table Family. The whole objective is to synergize the results by pooling each individual association's resources.

Given that there are gender and age-based criterion for membership in our individual associations, the existence and promotion of RT Family help us overcome this obstacle and do our bit to serve our members and our communities. The agreement explicitly highlights the necessity of clauses in each association's constitutions, reflecting the importance of recognizing the need for proactive and close cooperation between RTI, LCI, 41 International, TCI and ACI.

The signing of agreements by the International Presidents also passes down a strong message across the fraternity of the importance and objectives. It has been noticed that the deal has helped build stronger relationships beyond the international boards. Joint events and social media campaigns help foster and nurture solid and more robust bonding.

The agreement also explicitly mentions the functionality and operating procedures of the RT Family, with regular meetings and promotion of material in each other newsletters as well as online platforms, including the websites. The commitment towards the agreement by the leaders also is visible with increased physical participation in side-by-side events. As your RTI President, I am committed to a closer and stronger working relationship with RT Family members. I truly appreciate all the hard work put in by the leadership of LCI, TCI and ACI.

Tabling Through Collecting

By Mr ASHISH BARDIA, Round Table Nepal

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN? I returned to my hometown after graduation to discover that I no longer had a single friend who lived in the town where I used to belong before I left for college. I was lonely and had only two options: go home or work. My father’s friend introduced me to Tabling in 2008, and I must say that was the best thing that had happened to me by far. At the age of 22, I became a Tabler. The day of my induction was when I received my first international pin, which was given to me by the person who inducted me, Sq. Leg Abiruben. I very well remember the pin. It was from Colombo South R.T. 2 from Round Table Sri Lanka.

Later on, during one of our Table socials, one of the Tablers showed me his collection of Round Table pins. I was fascinated by the designs, ideas, and stories behind the pins, and that’s the day I thought I should also have a collection of pins. Later in the same week, I went to our Sq. Leg Abiruben’s home just before he returned from his office and requested that Mrs. Lata Abiruben show me his pins collection. She gladly took a few boxes out and said, ”Have a look.” And I jumped onto the bed and started to go through the pins. Little did she know that I was segregating the double pins

and keeping them aside. A few minutes later, Sq. Leg Abi came, and to his surprise, when he came into his room, he saw me with his pins. He came and said, ”What are you doing?” By then, I had managed to segregate the doubles from his singles. I told him this bunch of pins are your singles; you can keep them, and these are your doubles, and I am taking all of them. He was shocked and couldn’t say anything, as he also saw the excitement in my eyes and said you may take them. So that’s where my first set of Round Table pins came from, and since then, I haven’t looked back.

How did I start collecting Pins? So, after my first successful raid at my Square Legs home, I asked him how he collected so many different pins. He told me about his travels, how he met new people, and how to get the most out of Tabling. After that conversation with him and his wife and all those fun stories, I started my travels with Round Table. I started travelling to national and international AGMs, and that’s when I started making new friends and learning the true essence of Tabling. In Tabling, you don’t make acquaintances; you make friends for life. Pin exchanges

happen after we have a good conversation with the other Tabler. Then we offer him the pin as a gesture for our friendship and as a token to remember our conversation. Slowly but steadily, the collection grew. In 2010, I completed my first pin jacket, which I proudly wore at the area AGM and later at the national AGM.

What is a pin? Pins are made to depict a Table or a nation’s landmark event, the investiture of a chairman or president, commemorating an event, and personal pins to remember oneself. Previously, pins were only made as rondels to represent national associations. In recent years, every event, chairman, and president has their own theme pin for the year. Pins are memories of events, friendships, conversations, and stories. I have been archiving these stories for years, and when asked, I have been able to give them the correct event, the place, and the story behind the pin.

How did I connect with so many Tablers around the World? In 2010, I discovered a Facebook group Tr Casien Brey of France, created to connect with tablers and exchange Round Table pins. The name of the group was

”Round Table Pin Change.” I also became one of the group’s founder members, and I started connecting with Tablers worldwide who were also interested in exchanging pins. We would share the pictures of the pins in the group and then exchange our addresses on the PM. We would post each other the pins along with a written letter and some goodies as a gift for the person. This led to me having conversations with Tablers worldwide and making new friends in places I had never been before. After 15 years, I still maintain a steady pace of making new friends, exchanging many more pins every year. I also keep track of all my old friends by at least dropping a message now and then to see their well-being.

How do you Manage your Collection? I have managed my collection by displaying the pins on jackets, pinboards, and hats. I have taken photos of all the Indian pins I have, and I have kept a record of all the details of the pins in an Excel sheet, which allows me to search and find any pin in a jiffy. Anyone who visits my home has seen Round Table memorabilia all around my house, especially inside my room, where all the

rarest and most valuable pins are kept. I have two hats that only have Rondels from countries where Round Table still exists and a few rare associations that have de-chartered. Managing this collection involves a lot of time and money, but i wanted to pursue this passion and dedicate time to something that is very close to my heart.

Where do I stand today? During the COVID lockdown time, I got to go through my complete collection of pins, coins, flags, and other Round Table memorabilia. I was shocked to see that the collection was significantly larger than I had presumed. At that time, I had eleven jackets, six hats, three pinboards, eight boxes filled with pins, and many other memories that went along with the stuff. According to my knowledge, I had around 25,000 pins, 400 coins, and 100 flags in my collection. Every pin I had in my collection had a story or a conversation behind it. Whenever I saw that pin, it reminded me of the time I had a conversation with the person and what we said, which led to the exchange. More than the pins, it was the friends that I made around the globe, exchanging pins and stories,

whether personal exchanges or having a conversation over a chat and then exchanging pins. Pin Guru that’s the name that everyone calls me now.

What is your Travel Scene? In the last 15 years (minus 2 years of Covid), I have attended 6 international meets, The Nevil Bullock Tour of New Zealand, the Numbers Meeting, and 10 national AGMs. I have made so many friends and been hosted by so many Tablers worldwide that this article wouldn’t be enough to share all the experiences I have had while Tabling. Round Table is one of the best platforms for exploring one’s social life without boundaries. The name ”Tabler” welcomes you with open arms anywhere around the Tabling community, and you are not a stranger to anyone. This place gives you free personal grooming, which you cannot get from any course or book.

How do u want to close it? What I learned from Tabling is that Tabling is a movement where ”you meet your old friend for the first time,” and these friends are people whom you will meet at every Round Table event. The unconditional love and friendship they shower upon

you are incomparable to any other organisation in this world. The tag that says you are a Tabler gives you so many opportunities, both on the social and business front, and the trust that comes with that tag is phenomenal. Pins and coins have become a hobby for me, and my collection will be preserved for future generations of collectors to cherish and pass down the values, ethics, and friendship that this movement has taught me.

P.S. The proper way to exchange a pin is to first strike up a conversation with another Tabler, listen to what he has to say, and then share your experiences. Once you are done, offer him a pin as a gesture of friendship and remembrance. Do not expect him to pin you back because he might not have one in exchange, but gladly accept his gesture if he offers to give you one. A pin without a conversation is not considered a gentleman’s exchange.

Cheers to Tabling & I hope my story inspires fellow Tablers to take this up as a hobby, and I hope we meet someday somewhere and start a new story together.

We Came, We Tabled, and We Conquered

By Mr TÕNIS KUUSK , HYM 2023 Convenor

More than 570 Tablers and family members. From snowstorms to Northern lights. Warm spas to the Ice cold Baltic sea. From the Middle ages of the Old Town to the futuristic 3D world of prototypes.

That is how history was made in Tallinn

HALF-YEAR MEETING 2023

MEDIEVAL PARTY

THE MAGICAL AND HISTORIC venue of Olde Hansa restaurant hosted our tablers in a truly fashionable middle ages way. Starting from the march to the venue with the musicians to all the traditional dishes and drinks. We ate traditionally from the 15th century. It was a way for all to know how it felt to be part of the merchants of the middle ages.

NATIONS NIGHT

THE INDUSTRIAL TIMES of Tallinn were for all to see at the Cultural Cauldron. The building opened in 1913 as the first power plant in Tallinn. Under the huge cauldrons, all nations had the chance to come together and offer each other the best of their cuisine... and drinks ;). DJ Romily ensured that everyone had a great blast.

FAREWELL PARTY

TO SAY GOODBYE, you don’t need a black tie. Just have brothers, sisters and a steampunk 3D playground. Proto invention centre hosted us and allowed everyone to say a final goodbye.

DAILY TOURS

IF YOU DIDN’T GO TO MEETINGS, you had the chance to see the catacombs of Tallinn and see what is beneath. Or you could go for a swim... in the slightly chilly Baltic Sea. But don’t worry, the saunas heated everyone up quite quickly. And to get ready, then on Saturday, it was beers all around. Tasting good old Saku beers at Põhjala Factory.

THE MEETINGS

AS IT WAS AT THE World Meeting in Tallinn, we again visited the historic House of The Blackheads. A fitting place for a Historic meeting. We all thank you for coming and making this event as amazing as it was.

MY TEAM

MY ETERNAL THANKS go to my team, who has done an amazing job organizing everything for the past year. Thank you to Taavi Õun, Jaanus Kõiv, Aleksander Ottokar, Artur Parm, Einar Tiimla, Gregor Raudvere, Kevin Tülp, Krister Vellet, Kristjan Adamson, Kristjan Pettai, Mihkel Väli, Märt Meiel, Oliver Matkur, Oliver Pets, Rene Sildvee, Risto Kriik, Rudolf Purge, Siim Soopalu, Silver Sarapuu, Taavi Sadam, Tõnis Vahesaar, Uku Järg, Vardo Loks, Priit Vao, Viljar Vaht, William Vesilind, Martin Johansson, Klen Laus, Heimar Kuuskler, Harri Lelumees, Kaarel Karu, Kristjan Adamson, Kristjan Võrno, Priit Joosepson, Toomas Jürisoo, Ulvar Malk, Tarvo Tromp.

You were the most incredible team!!! I have eternal gratitude for you and all that you have done

A Preview of the Upcoming World Meeting

Welcome to Cape Town, one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, situated at the southernmost tip of Africa.

CAPE TOWN 2023

CAPE TOWN 2023

A Must-Visit Destination

THIS MULTICULTURAL AND VIBRANT CITY boasts diverse natural beauty, historical landmarks, and modern city attractions that cater to every traveller’s interests. From the iconic Table Mountain, pristine beaches, and stunning wineries to the bustling V&A Waterfront, the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, and the historic Robben Island, Cape Town offers an endless array of experiences that will leave you enchanted. With warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and rich culture, Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the must-visit destinations on your travel list.

This makes Cape Town the ideal setting for the RTI World Meeting. The World Meeting is a great opportunity to meet old friends again and the chance of a lifetime to explore the best South Africa has to offer.

CAPE TOWN 2023

The Pre-Tours

We have created seven pre-tours to satisfy every need of anyone visiting South Africa. Four have already been sold out, with three tours remaining. These fantastic tours are:

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAPE TOUR

This six-day itinerary for visiting Cape Town offers a wide range of experiences. Visitors can enjoy a local clubhouse braai and explore Cape Town’s natural beauty by visiting a penguin colony, Cape Point, and Chapman’s peak. There’s also the opportunity to take a tour of Khayelitsha and Robben Island, and to plan a day’s itinerary independently, perhaps taking the red bus tour and ending the day with sundowners on Table Mountain. Wine lovers can visit a local wine farm and picnic under the trees, while those interested in wildlife can take a boat to see Cape Fur Seals in Hout Bay.

BEST OF THE CAPE GOLF TOUR

Five days of golfing heaven! The first day begins with a unique golfing opportunity and an opening night dinner at the V&A Waterfront. On day two, visitors play at Milnerton, ranked number 80 in South Africa, with lunch and drinks at the clubhouse. On day three, visitors play at Arabella, ranked number eight, followed by lunch and drinks at the clubhouse and a trip to Pearl Valley for a spit braai dinner. On day four, visitors play at Pearl Valley, ranked number three, with lunch and drinks at the clubhouse and dinner at the Durbanville 165 clubhouse. The tour ends on day five with nine holes at Metropolitan and an overall prize-giving and fines session before being transferred to the World Meeting.

The Day-Tours

Getting the most out of your time in Cape Town is vital. Joining one of these great day tours lets you live the good life.

CAPE TOWN 2023

CONSTANTIA VALLEY WINE VISIT

EXPERIENCE SOME of the best wines and scenery South Africa offers on this visit to the Constantia wine valley. Visit Klein Constantia, where several wines will be tested. The highlight of the tasting here is the Vin de Constance and the Grande Constance, famous for being Napoleon’s favourite wine. A visit to a second wine farm before lunch is a great way to start any day. Lunch is served on one of the wine farms before leaving for the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to explore local fauna and walk on the Tree Canopy Walkway.

GOLFING IN THE CITY

WITH SO MANY GOLF COURSES in Cape Town to be played, there will be a different course every day on offer with no repeats from the golfing pre-tour. Depending on the course, the bus will depart between 08h00 and 09h00 for a tee-off at around 10h00. Before we finish the back nine, drinks and lunch are served at the clubhouse. A fines session will close out the day at the 19th hole before everyone returns to the hotel. Bring your own clubs, as rental options are available but limited.

HIKING TABLE MOUNTAIN

The bus departs the hotel and drives to one of three different walking routes. The hike up Table Mountain takes 90 minutes to 2,5 hours and ends at the top of the mountain. At the start of the hike, water and energy drinks will see you through to lunchtime on top of Table Mountain. After taking the cable car down, explore the Bo-Kaap. This is perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and loves excellent photography. Stop for a cocktail-making experience before returning to the hotels ready for the evening programme.

INSHORE CHARTER FISHING

DEPARTING FROM ALL MAJOR launching sites in and around Cape Town at sunrise, the trips usually last around 5 – 6 hours. We will venture within 5 miles offshore, where fishing is much quicker and more action is guaranteed. Seasonal catches can include the prized Yellow Tail, Atlantic Bonito and Snoek. We plan to target various reef fish, including the sought-after Red Roman, Bronze Beam, and Panga.

SEAL SNORKELLING

BUS DEPARTS THE HOTEL after breakfast and drives to Hout Bay for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once you grabbed your gear in the package and went through a short training session, we head out to snorkel with the Cape Fur seals. They are very friendly and curious in the water and enjoy human interaction. Lunch will be at Mariners Wharf, with drinks included. On the way back to Cape Town, we will stop in Camps Bay for a last dip in a local tidal pool, followed by a cocktail, before returning to the hotel.

KAYAKING CAPE TOWN AND V&A VISIT

AFTER A SHORT TRANSFER to either the V&A Waterfront or Hout Bay, a 2-hour guided tour will have you explore Cape Town from a different angle. You will explore one of Cape Town’s most iconic shorelines on tour. You can look forward to seeing the incredible marine life, ranging from seals, penguins, dolphins and whales. Once completed, lunch will be had at the V&A Waterfront, where some free time will be available for shopping. A visit to The Gin Emporium to experience follows before the busses return to the hotels.

VISIT ROBBEN ISLAND

DEPART THE HOTEL AFTER breakfast to catch the ferry to Robben Island. The tour takes 3.5 hours, including the ferry trip to and from the Island. You will disembark at Murray’s Bay Harbour, situated on the Island’s east coast and take a short walk to buses that will transport you to all the historical sites around the Island. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. Once back, lunch will be had at the V&A Waterfront, where some free time will be available for shopping. A visit to The Gin Emporium to experience follows before the busses depart back to the hotels at 15h30.

THE JOLLY ROGER TOUR

THE JOLLY ROGER, the only pirate boat in South Africa, offers the young at heart an authentic adventure-filled experience for the whole family. This is your chance to be part of an amazing experience you will never forget. Dress up, join in, sail away and be entertained with this exciting Pirate Day Tour. Join us for lunch at a family-friendly restaurant where the fun will not stop before visiting the 2 Oceans Aquarium. This world-class aquarium is home to more than 8 000 sea creatures of all shapes, sizes and colours – including Nemo (clownfish)!

IT WILL BE FUN

Why not visit Cape Town during the upcoming RTI World Meeting in September 2023? All of the items above will be a part of your amazing South African Experience.

Working Stronger Together

By Mr JANUS VAN KASTEREN, Round Table The Netherlands

What moves Tablers besides their Table life? And what do they do for a living? 35-year-old Tabler Janus van Kasteren, entrepreneur and Dakar Rally Driver from The Netherlands, shares his story.

The Dakar Rally has been held since 1979. The rally is named after the African city of Senegal, the rally’s original finish point. However, due to terrorist threats in Africa, this tradition was broken in 2009; the Dakar rally moved to South America. Since 2020, the Middle East has been the rally’s battleground. In early January, the 2022 edition was held in Saudi Arabia.

TEAM DE ROOIJ

The Dakar Rally is a so-called rally raid or desert rally. It is an adventurous form of rallying. Participants must travel through inhospitable terrain on or in motorbikes, quads, cars and trucks. Besides driving hard, navigation and tactics play an important role during a desert rally.

Jan de Rooij was one of the first Dutchmen to be successful in the Dakar Rally. He owned a transport company from Son en Breugel. He competed in 1982 with a specially prepared DAF truck, with which he immediately took victory in class. Since then, De Rooij’s name has been linked to the Dakar Rally since then. In 2002, his son (and former Tabler) Gerard joined the Dakar Rally, which also brought success.

In 2022, Team de Rooij competed in the Dakar Rally with four trucks. Janus appeared at the start of this edition as a driver under the Petronas Team de Rooij Iveco flag, together with navigator Marcel Snijders and mechanic Darek Rodewald. A great adventure which would prove very successful.

A MASTER IN YOUR AREA

The division of roles within the team is clear. As the driver, Janus is responsible for driving the truck as quickly and responsibly as possible. Navigator Marcel outlines the route. Every morning, they start from the bivouac, where the team stayed the night before, and set course for the finish, hundreds of kilometres away. Technical problems are fixed as much as possible by mechanic Darek on the spot. Another important task of the mechanic is to ensure the correct tyre pressure. Depending on the surface, tyre pressure can be changed during the rally to optimise grip and allow Janus to do its job even better.

TASTING SOME SUCCESS

Team cooperation paid off. The 2022 Dakar Rally was successful for Janus’ team. He eventually managed to secure fifth place in his class. According to Janus, the highest achievable this year is the competition from the Russian team Kamaz is murderous. The teams of Kamaz, one of Russia’s biggest truck manufacturers, dominated the top four. At this factory team, some 125 employees work continuously to develop and improve their trucks. Janus explains that as a Dutch team, it is difficult to make a fist against that. Especially when you consider that the Russians can test in their own (vast) country, while Team de Rooij has to divert to countries like Morocco for better test work.

Perhaps it isn’t easy to compete against such a big

rival, but Team de Rooij they are certainly not sitting still. The team is looking at Dakar participation in 2023, but spectacular, big developments like an electric truck are also in the pipeline. Janus doubts, however, that there will be an immediate end to big diesel engines in desert rallies. Still, the fact is that the motorsport world is at least exploring what their future in a green and sustainable world could look like.

VICTORY

In 2023 Janus was the favourite to win the Dakar rally because the mighty powerful competitors from the Russia Kamaz team did not compete this year due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

After two weeks of ploughing through sand, mud and rocks, Janus wins the 2023 Dakar in the truck class. With over an hour ahead in the standings, the title seemed almost certain with one day to go, but Janus still had to get through the final stage unscathed. With a technical failure, this lead could evaporate in no time. Fortunately, that did not happen. Thus, Janus, Marcel, and Darek secured victory in this edition of the desert rally.

Although the comfortable lead suggests otherwise, the title did not seem to be heading towards the team for long. Czech trucker Ales Loprais led for a long time but was forced to abandon the race after a drama in the ninth stage. In it, he drove into a 69-year-old visitor he could not see as he came over a dune top. The visitor

died on the way to the hospital. Loprais left the race after this tragic accident, forcing Janus to lead the standings.

Janus may now call himself Dakar winner, which is also unique in the trucks class. The trucks in Dakar are the fastest class competing in Dakar. The rally is considered the most difficult and hardest rally in the world. Most will not finish the race because of mechanical failure, and there have been cases of competitors dying.

BUSY LIFE

The Dakar Rally is not the only place Janus must deal with heavy equipment. As the owner of his Veldhovenbased company Boss Machinery, he trades daily in heavy construction machinery, such as shovels and cranes, which often find their way to faraway countries. His father, who also has a supporting role in the Dakar Rally, works in the company.

In addition, Janus drives several rallies at home and abroad every year. He forms a young family together with his wife Marianne and daughter Kiki. In 2022, the family will expand with a second child. He leads a busy life, but Janus tries to keep his table life at Round Table 166 Veldhoven as easy as possible. So, if it is up to Janus, there will be enough Table evenings left over where he can share his Dakar and rally adventures with the rest of the group. At Round Table 166 Veldhoven, they can sit up and take notice!

ZEST SPORTS WEEKEND 2023

”A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.”

By Mr PRATIK AGRAWAL, Round Table Nepal

These words resonated with the vision of Round Table Nepal when it organised its first-ever sports weekend, ZEST, a 3-day event of sports, camaraderie, fellowship & bonding.

WITH A VISION to bring something new to the tabling fraternity and bring back memories of our school or college days, our president Rahul Agrawal shared his vision for ZEST to the floor of Round Table Nepal during our 1st NEX.

Zest had a total of 80 participants from around Nepal and had 5 different sports wherein each player was allowed to participate in 2 different sports. The 5 different sports were Cricket, Futsal, Table Tennis, Badminton & Snooker.

Sometimes we connect more while competing because we see people’s character when they compete. There were individual winners, team winners and area winners. The actual winner was the Round Table

fraternity. Such events will encourage more people to leave their comfort zone and experience the forgotten past. Such events also allow the families of Tablers to come out and see Tabling in all its glory.

With the changing times, all organisations should bring something new and find more ways to keep the enthusiasm of those involved high, and Zest is one such event.

This was the first time such an event was organised with its own flaws, but with more such events in coming years, we can involve the family members with sports for the ladies and kids as well.

Zest is an event that will ultimately find its own course and just like a NAGM tablers will wait for Zest and help Round Table grow in one way or more.

GET A TASTE OF INDIA

Aloo Paratha

By LADIES’ CIRCLE INDIA, from the LCI Recipe Book

My childhood it was and still is my most favourite. Its a basic simple recipe close to heart for many Indians. Its wholesome and a full meal in itself.

DIRECTIONS

Preparation 30 min

Cooking 15 h

INGREDIENTS

3 boiled potatoes

Coriander leaves chopped

2 Cups Wheat flour

Salt to taste

1 tsp Red chilli powder

1 tsp Garam masala

1/2 tsp Carrom seeds

Knead the wheat flour neither too tight, nor too loose. Keep it aside. Mash the boiled potatoes mix all the other ingredients in it and make tennis ball sized balls. Also make balls of the kneaded flour now a little bigger than the potatoes balls. Fill the potato balls in the flour ball, sprinkle some dry flour on the table and rolled the filled ball gently to make a tortilla. Roast on the girdle applying oil on both sides to make it nice and crispy. Serve with yogurt.

ROUND TABLE ALBANIA | ROUND TABLE AUSTRALIA | 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 MONACO 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