A VOLUNTARY society which has raised countless amounts of cash for charity is 75 years old.

And to celebrate three-quarters of a century The Huddersfield Round Table is hoping to find its main symbol – a giant roundel which disappeared 20 years ago.

The society hopes the large circular emblem will be returned in time for their charter dinner at Huddersfield Golf Club, Fixby Hall, on Saturday May 16.

Freeserve founder Ajaz Ahmed will be guest speaker at the evening which includes a brass band and inter-table putting competition.

Guests include national Round Table president Dave Barker and Kirklees Mayor Karam Hussain.

Huddersfield Round Table (HRT) formed at the George Hotel in 1934 as the 68th Round Table (hence the ‘68’ in the society’s name) in Britain.

Since then it has had nearly 400 members and has raised many thousands of pounds for charities around Huddersfield.

And HRT has raised further cash for good causes through establishing spin-off tables at Huddersfield Pendragon, Holmfirth, Colne Valley, Holme Valley and Elland.

The society’s key events included a children’s party for war orphans in the post-war years and a sponsored slim weight loss campaign in the 1970s.

It has held events ranging from finding tricycles for needy children to donating audio equipment and a canoe marathon.

And every Christmas since 1952 HRT has collected food parcels from doorsteps across Huddersfield and donated them as parcels to elderly people.

HRT chairman Richard Barker said: “It’s fantastic we’ve reached this important milestone.

“HRT is an integral part of the social and community fabric of Huddersfield representing our town both at home and abroad. We hope that this may continue for many years to come.

“HRT’s social program is truly varied offering Huddersfield members and their families the opportunity to go paint-balling, sailing, to formal dinners, parties, barbecues, camping, a day at the races, hot air ballooning and even international visits.

“It would be great to have our roundel back at out 75th charter dinner. So if anyone knows where it is please let us know.”

For more information on HRT visit: www.huddersfield68roundtable.org.uk or email chairman@huddersfield68roundtable.org.uk

The first Round Table was founded in 1927 in Norwich by Louis Marchesi.

The name ‘Round Table’ is adopted from the legend of King Arthur to symbolise that all young men (aged 18 to 45) could meet on equal standing to help good causes.

The 1,000th UK Round Table was founded in 1969.