Norwich's 41 Club has officially twinned with an Italian counterpart in a first for the UK.

The move, announced by Town Crier Bob Lloyd, marks a unique chapter in the history of the 41 Club, which began in the city.

The twinning ceremony, presided over by Norwich's Lord Mayor Vivien Thomas, was held on the steps of City Hall last month.

The Norwich 41 Club, which is open to former members of the Round Table, has been a part of the city's social fabric for nearly 80 years.

The Round Table was first established in 1927 by Louis Marchesi, a young Norwich Rotary Club member who saw the need for a club where young businessmen could regularly gather, exchange ideas, and contribute to the civic life of the city.

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This club, which has grown internationally, has a rule that members are 'kicked out' at age 40 to keep the organisation dynamic.

However, the 41 Club allows former Round Table members to continue their participation  in activities without age restrictions.

The Italian Club 41 Marcuzzo is now officially twinned with the Norwich 41 Club following an event marked by the signing of a charter by the national presidents of both clubs.

Wynn Parry, national president of 41 Club Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Roberto Forlan, national president of Club 41 Italia, joined the ceremony along with Norwich 41 Club chairman David Hill and Club 41 Marcuzzo president Fabio Petroni.

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The Lord Mayor expressed her delight at the twinning, emphasising Norwich's long-standing tradition of being welcoming and accommodating towards visitors.

She also highlighted the historical significance of the Round Table in Norwich and its evolution into the 41 Club, which remains committed to the objectives of the Round Table Family.

The twinning ceremony, she said, would strengthen the cultural ties between the two clubs.