SPORTING YOUR BLING

sporting the "bling"

AS PROSPECTIVE AND NEW TABLERS, WE'VE ALL SEEN THEM. THE VETERAN CURRENT AND PAST TABLERS DONNING THEIR MEDALS, CHEST OUT, RESEMBLING A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR PREPARING FOR A CONFIDENCE-DRIVEN CAVALRY CHARGE.

By Mr PAUL HOEKSEMA RT 32, Southern Africa

From the local Table to the International level, these medals commemorate and celebrate individuals that go above and beyond the Table calling long after the dust of their deeds has settled. Sporting these medals and treasuring the stories and memories behind them, is but one of the scores of cherished Round Table traditions - and how we love our traditions. Medals handed to Tablers differ significantly between associations, with some associations not conferring any of these honours. Did you know that there is an order of precedence when wearing your medals? When stepping out to celebrate Tabling, the following order guideline applies:

HOW TO WEAR THEM

Medals handed to Tablers differ significantly between associations, with some associations not conferring any of these honours. Did you know that there is an order of precedence when wearing your medals? When stepping out to celebrate Tabling, the following order guideline applies:

Medals earned by a Tabler are to be worn on the left side of the chest in the order as listed below: > Medals may be worn in different rows from top to bottom. The top is internationally earned awards, followed by Association, Area, and Table levels. >Medals take precedence from the centre of the chest, going outward. >Within a row, past board member medals are worn first before medals of achievement. >Many members and past members have earned multiple medals of the same type - these should be worn in the year order received, the newest first. >No more than 5 medals per row should be worn >Medals may be worn on one row with the order of precedence and then applied to the row

Medals handed down by past family members are worn on the right side of the chest. This pays homage to the members who came before us and clarifies that these medals have not been conferred to the Tabler present. This is an excellent way for one's father, uncle, or grandfather to be remembered while in Table.

Medals worn should always be worn on formal occasions only and always with a suit and a tie

Medals worn should always be clean and in a good state

an eXample:

A Tabler has been awarded the following medals - club chairman twice, area board role, national board role and an international appreciation award. How will this be worn?

As this is 5 medals, a single row here is preferred

All medals to be worn on the left side of the chest

International appreciation award first, followed by national, then area board roles.

The last 2 medals will then be the Club chairman medals, with the newest medal being worn first.

Remember to wear your medals with pride, polish them until you can see your handsome face in them, and, most importantly, inspire our younger members to excel. Receiving your first (and hopefully not last) medal is always a revered memory.

This article is based on the Round Table Southern Africa "How To Guides" 2016/2017 by RTSA Past President Alan Malan.