EVESHAM Round Table was formed in 1950 by a group of local men who lived and worked within the Vale.

Henry King, the original founder, was a member of a dedicated team that helped to introduce many of the activities and events that over the years have become part of the town's tradition.

Since the mid-50s, the Round Table's carnival, which usually takes place in July, has become a regular event with its parade and colourful floats involving many local schools and organisations.

Celebrities who have taken part in the bi-annual event include Hunter and Panther from the TV series Gladiators, as well as an appearance of the famous vintage Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.

Another popular annual Table event is the Christmas sleigh and colouring competition.

The sleigh, originally built by members of Evesham Round Table, is a regular sight in the town during the weeks leading up to Christmas and is one of the club's main fund-raising activities, which together with the carnival raised more than £3,000 for local causes.

Evesham Table is also involved in the Civic Awards Project - an annual event which rewards individuals who have played an active part in helping local initiatives or organisations.

One of the highlights of the 1970's saw Evesham Table members setting up a new branch in Pershore. The club has also made many friends all over the UK and abroad being twinned with Tour Round Table in France.

Last year Evesham Table celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand dinner at the Dormy Hotel in Broadway. More than 100 Tablers, including former Tablers and a couple of founder members, were at the event with guests coming from as far a field as Tours Round Table in France

Incoming chairman Andrew Laver said: "It was a great evening and a chance to reminisce on many past activities and raise money for Children In Need."

He added: "As we move into the new millennium many facets of our lives are changing and Round Table is no exception.

"Our major new initiative for 2001 is the launch of Evesham Round Table Fix-it. This is a great opportunity to help the local community with donations to local causes. In association with The Journal we hope to raise the awareness of Round Table and be able to help individuals and organisations at the same time."

Mr Laver, who becomes the 2001-2002 chairman on May 1, is managing director of 80-20 Creative Marketing Services - an Evesham-based design and marketing company.