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Fellows Tabler,
The Round Table movement has come a long way in the 81 years since it was started by Louis Marchesi in Norwich. At that time he felt it important that the "Young Man" of the day had a voice, was able to feel a contribution to society and was able to make a difference in the world.
The basic reasons for the existence have not fundamentally changed over the years and our 6 basic Aims and Objects still capture the essence of what Round Table is all about, albeit in slightly less modern terminology.
It is still important for Round Tablers to feel foremost a sense of belonging within their community and to make their Round Table and integral part of it. It is only by working hand-in-hand in this way can we expect to gain their respect and support for the activities and good work we do.
Over the years the world and society have changed much, we talk now about how the Association needs modernising to make it relevant to today's society like it is something new. Are we naive enough to think that the Tablers in the 50's and 60's were akin to the Tablers of the 20's and 30's - no of course not. Round Table has not stood still all of this time and in fact has been on a constant journey of change since its inception.
What we are faced with now is that the pace and focus of change has not sustained the membership - for whatever reason our numbers are in decline and are approaching a point where we need to make radical changes to turn the Movement around. We are realistic in our ambitions; the first task is stability - to create a Round Table movement in Great Britain and Ireland that is sustainable and consistent in its membership. That task in its own rights is a monumental goal, but one that we must first tackle before we can think about any growth.
Our biggest threat is "retention" of members and clubs - we consistently loose 11% of our membership to resignations. Whether this is due to Business, Family or other reasons the fact remains that we must tackle this problem with up most priority.
Members also need to feel part of a World Wide Movement - gain value for money and value for the time investment from the Round Tabling experience. All too often the "Round Table Product" is broken or lacking at the club level - if you are not protecting the Round Table experience in your community then there is little that Area or National can do.
So Tabling begins at the club - it is important in all of our deliberations that the Round Table product is the club and the movement is judged by those who come in contact with its members.
I have been asked by many what If would like to see out of my year as President and what conclusions and results would I be happy with. That is an easy question to answer - my prime objective is that the Movement takes a step forward, we must fundamentally change our attitudes, be open to change no matter how radical or unpalatable it might seem in the short term. We need to refocus the whole movement on looking at 30 to 35 years olds for they hold our future. Each of us has a different perspective on the Association and what it needs; however from my perspective as National President we need to establish better lines of communication, better continuity and more consistency of our Brand and Product Delivery - that's the Round Table Club!
Everything we do or are focused on must come back to the basic tests - "how does this benefit the Tabler or Table", "how does this take the movements forward and create stability", "are we putting down sound long term foundations".
I look forward to meeting with you all over the remainder of the year - I am sure that my travels will take me far and wide, but always amongst great friends called Round Tablers.
Please have fun, do something positive and make a difference in your Tabling!
Yours in Table
Peter Manley
National President 2008-2009
Round Table Great Britain and Ireland
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