Round Table Number Meetings

In a brilliant example of the international spirit of Round Table, Andy Van de Gevel, Chairman of Elland Round Table, recently stepped outside his local Table to attend his first international numbers meeting in Nivelles, Belgium. In this blog post, Andy shares his unforgettable experience, from cultural exchanges to pub pianos and plenty of beer-fuelled banter, as Elland proudly joined the growing tradition of Round Table numbers meetings.

Elland Round Table Chairman Embarks On First Numbers Meeting

"During the grim lockdowns of Covid, an idea was born in Elland Round Table about making contact with other Tables across Europe holding the same number as us, 658. Just like so many Tables across RTBI, there aren't many other Tables across Europe with that number, so we opted to reach out to 58 numbered Tables. As a result, we made links with Aachen Round Table in Germany, and even added one of their members, Michael, as our honorary International Relations Officer. Fast forward five years, and the opportunity came up to join the first 58 Tables Numbers Meeting since 2019.

"I've always been more of a local Tabler, attending some Area 9 events but never really considering venturing further, mainly due to commitments around my children, shift work and the costs. A few aspects aligned recently to change all that with my kids now being grown up, work patterns being amenable to adventures, and slightly more disposable income available, plus I'm in the final straight of my tabling life and to miss out on an international trip would be a regret I didn't want to have. With the rest of my Table being unavailable to join me on this trip, and with a slice of help from the John Watts International Tabling Fund, I ventured off solo to Nivelles in Belgium to make Elland Round Table's debut at the 58 numbers meeting in Europe.

"There I was warmly greeted at the airport by my host for the weekend, Ben, who immediately drove me to the Nivelles Round Table's favourite pub for beers and to try their local delicacy, the tart al d'jote. Whilst there I met Tablers from Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, Norway and the Belgian lads, who were all delighted a Brit had finally made it to a meeting. From here the weekend consistent of food, beer, more food, more beer, a train station rendition of Oasis' Wonderwall on a public piano, openly asking the Belgian waitresses about the naturalness of their assets (!), crashing a local birthday party and getting warned by the local police about the noise levels, heckling the French Tabler whilst we took in the Battle of Waterloo museum (which went down well), several increasingly hilarious impressions of said French Tabler, even more food and beer, long chats about Table with the lads, and finally a gala dinner at the local castle. Here we joined forces with another 'numbers meeting' taking place in the town next door, and I met some of the lads from Leamington Spa Round Table who were attending their own '64 numbers meeting'.

"I will be reporting back to my Table in our next meeting and recommending that we join in

wherever the next numbers meeting is. Whilst I left West Yorkshire with slight trepidations about the trip solo, I never felt worried as I knew I'd be in good hands meeting fellow Tablers, and so I was. Pins were swapped, coins exchanged, bonds were formed, and I've come home with no regrets but many great memories. If you haven't ventured out internationally as yet, I can highly recommend it!"

Andy Van de Gevel

Chairman 2025/6

Elland Round Table 658

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We have also received this update from Chelmsford Chairman, James Scrivener, who reflects on the highs, challenges, and magic of hosting their RT32 Euro Meeting, proving that sometimes the best adventures start with a leap into the unknown.

Chelmsford’s Euro Meeting: From "Stitch-Up" to Smashed It!

"When Chelmsford Tabler Rob Menown nominated Chelmsford RT 132 to host the 2025 Euro Meeting back in 2023, Most of the Chelmsford Tablers thought it was a stitch-up! But as the dust settled, they realised it was an incredible opportunity to experience Round Table in a truly unique way. As a first-time attendee (and host!) James Scrivener, Chairman of Chelmsford RT, writes this short insight into a truly memorable weekend.

“Inspired by the 2024 Euro Meeting hosted in Vasteras, Sweden, a dedicated committee formed, juggling work, family, and Table responsibilities to pull off the best weekend possible. Our biggest challenge was finding venues that fit our needs without breaking the bank on food and drinks.

“We managed to sign-up over 50 Tablers from Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. My wife and I welcomed Finnish and Swedish couples to our home on Friday for a BBQ and classic Sherry Trifle before heading out for dancing and cabaret. I even had the "honour" of planning our act, a mash-up of Queen and System of a Down, with us all dressed as Freddie "Rob Menown" Mercury – a nod to Chelmsford, the birthplace of radio! Every country brought their A-game, from singing to “Bara Bada Bastu” in sauna robes, a conga line down the High St, to Germans singing "It's Coming Home." Pure chaos, pure joy - “Baila Baila Baila” anyone?

“Saturday kicked off with breakfast before we all headed to Stow Maries WW1 Aerodrome. It was my first time experiencing this historic site, and with great company and a beer truck, it was absolutely brilliant! A personal highlight was the car journey there and back, with Tommy (Swedish), Joonas (Finnish), and I curating a hilarious and eclectic DJ set. The day culminated in a fantastic Gala Dinner at the Chelmsford Rugby Club, with Euro-dance music playing until 2 AM. By then, we were all one big family, soaking up the good music and even better company.

"Sunday brought a farewell breakfast and the “Men's Meeting”, where we reflected on the weekend, everyone got their opportunity to ‘critique’ the hosts before we voted on the hosts for 2027, (Kokkola won the vote by the way). After the meeting, we said our goodbyes with the "32 farewell tradition" – ask a member of our Table to check out the photos!

“After being initially nervous about hosting, our guests were incredibly polite, considerate and extremely complimentary of the weekend we pulled together. Any worries quickly vanished after the first greetings, thanks to the common qualities and interests that unite Tablers. It was tiring, but immensely rewarding. I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize the chance to attend a Euro Meeting – you might just come away with incredible memories and "old new friends" for life!"

YiT, 

James “Scriv” 

Chairman 2025/26

Chelmsford Round Table 132

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Inspired to get find out more about Round Table International?

Want to find out where your Numbers Meeting is being held next?

Looking for ways to make International Travel Cheaper?

Then make sure to contact International Relations Officer James on international@roundtable.org.uk

He'll be happy to help you find your BFAM in Tables across the World!

Round Table "Where you meet old friends for the first time"