Rotary Club of Auchterarder (Visit No 26)

After leaving Elgin we were now heading South to Perthshire before returning to home. The Rotary Club of Auchterarder were our next port of call. A warm welcome awaited us on our arrival in the rather nice surroundings of the Cairn Lodge Hotel. President Brian Cashin and the members greeted us with a display of the many projects the club are involved with from Vision Aid to their NASWA International project, then after another nice dinner it was down to business, after my address there was a lively question and answer session. Once again a super club with a very full agenda for this Rotary year. I look forward to working with them in support of their efforts.

(Picture shows President Brian yours truly, Rita and PE Andrew Grant)

Rotary Club of Elgin (Visit No 25)

Thursday 31st July and we are on our way to visit one of our larger clubs, the Rotary Club of Elgin. On arrival at the Mansion House Hotel we were greeted by President David Sutherland and a few of the members. After a very nice lunch I gave my address which once again was well received by all. The club are well and truly dedicated to all of the challenges and goals for this Rotary year and have already committed funds to some projects. They have a very ambitious programme of International and locally based projects. Of course they still continue to furnish us with a drop of the "Amber Nectar" in the form of our Fellowship Malt. Once again this club continues to be one of the corner stones of our District. A great club with huge commitment, I know they will have a bumper 2008-9.

(The picture shows President David, yours truly and Rita against the Mansion House backdrop)

The Rotary Club of Spey Valley (Visit No 24)

On a lovely summers evening we made our way down to Aviemore to the home of the Rotary Club of Spey Valley. Aviemore was at it's best with throngs of holidaymakers everywhere. On arrival at the club we were met by non other than Secretary Bill McConachie who introduced us to a few of the members, one of whom I had not seen for many years my former bank manager Bill Templeton, Bill had moved up to Nethy Bridge when he retired from Leven. After a very nice meal and some great banter President Peter Davidson asked me to give my address, the members were suitably pleased with what they heard and promised to try and achieve some of the goals. The club though small is in great heart and are very active within their local community. They are about to induct a new member in the next week or so. A great wee club with a big heart.

(The picture shows Rita,yours truly and President Peter Davidson surrounded by the members)

Rotary Club of Loch Ness (Visit No 23)

After a relaxing stroll along the banks of the river Ness it was time to visit our next club. The Rotary Cub of Loch Ness who meet in the Waterside Hotel on the banks of the river Ness. On arrival we were greeted by President Jim Cockburn and a few of the members. This club is once again a great asset to our District with their whole programme of projects fully in tune with my goals and challenges. The club are enthusiastic well informed and will I am sure rise to all of the challenges ahead of them. I look forward to working with them during this Rotary year.

(The picture shows Rotarian Lynn Cordiner, Rita, yours truly, President Jim Cockburn and Secretary Caroline Dobson)

Rotary Club of Inverness Riverside (Visit No 22)

Wednesday morning has dawned it is 7:30, another superb morning and Rita and I are off to the Rotary Club of Inverness Riverside. Their venue brought back fond memories as it was here that I was let loose as a young trainer to deliver my first training course in 1973. The hotel still has that splendid charm and more, a wonderful setting indeed. The club are most certainly in good heart with President Ramsay McGhee proving to be a very inspirational President. After a nice breakfast I delivered my address which the club found inspiring and have agreed to try to achieve all of the goals I have set out in my challenge to them. A great vibrant club which I am sure will continue to go from strength to strength. I wait with interest to find out about their secret weapon for one of the up and coming events!!

(The picture shows President Ramsay,yours truly and Rita with some of the members)

Mike's Big Surprise

The Rotary Club of Inverness Culloden pulled off a very special surprise for Mike Phimister as I presented him with a Paul Harris Fellowship on behalf of the club. I have to say it is the first time I have ever seen him lost for words. Everyone knew about it except Mike even down to his family and children, a wonderful occasion for a well deserved recipient. Rita and I will remember the evening with great affection.

(The picture shows Mike and I with President Rodger on his big night)

Rotary Club of Inverness Culloden (Visit No 21)

Our second visit of the day was to Inverness Culoden on a very warm and nice evening. A great welcome awaited Rita and I by firstly one of our District team Mike Phimister and Kathleen. President Rodger Hoskins and Linda then introduced us to all of the members and their partners as the evening was their monthly partners event. After a very enjoyable meal and some superb fun and banter I delivered my address which was again well received by all present. Once more this club are very committed to their goals and aspirations for this new Rotary year. I am sure they will have another bumper year.

(The picture shows yours truly and President Rodger)

Rotary Club of Nairn (Visit No 20)

Tuesday morning and Rita (on her first visit) and I set of for our trip to the North once again. This time we were heading for Nairn, mixed weather prevailed for most of the morning, however we did arrive on a lovely sunny morning. We were welcomed by President Dan Farrell an a few of the members to the lovely surroundings of the Golf View Hotel. The club are certainly dynamic in their Rotary work having just finished a weekend event held in the town that made a sizable sum of money, although nothing like their main event which is the Nairnshire Challenge and made the amazing sum of £45,000 last year the club are aiming a £50,000 this year. At the meeting were four prospective new members all of whom I am sure will be inducted into the club shortly. This club is certainly a jewel in the crown of our District, I look forward to working with them in this Rotary year.

(The picture shows Rita, yours truly and President Dan with many of the members)

Rotary Club of Anstruther (Visit No 19)

Once again it is the start of another new week in the busy schedule, I have arrived in Anstruther on a very warm misty evening. I was met in the car park by President William Duncan and ushered into the Craws Nest to be met by with the usual warm welcome by the members of the club. After a nice meal and some reminiscences by William and myself of our Round Table days I delivered my address. The members were suitably complimentary and felt it was very thought provoking, the club have risen to many of the challenges this year including Polio Plus and Schools 4 All. Again a friendly warm club with "many a kent face" I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and look forward to seeing all again soon.

(The picture shows JVP John Wood, yours truly, President William Duncan and Secretary Eric Dewhirst)

Rotary Club of Bridge of Allan & Dunblane (Visit No 18)

Bringing my travels to a close for this week was a visit to Bridge of Allan & Dunblane on Wednesday evening 24th July. I was greeted warmly by President Allan MacPherson and the members. Once again my address was well received and seemed to get the minds working. The club are outstanding at fund raising and have raised huge amounts of money from their annual AM-AM Golf Competition a whopping £14,000 from their last one. The club are very attuned to the need of the local community and are planning many high profile activities this year. Their commitment to International projects is also very evident. A fun club, who are very much up for a challenge. I am looking forward to working with them this year.

(The picture shows President Elect Robert Steele, President Allan and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Dundee (Visit No 17)

After a very pleasant flight back from Shetland into Aberdeen I made my way down to Dundee on Thursday morning of 24th July. My next visit was to our largest club, the Rotary Club of Dundee. The welcome was as usual very warm and friendly with this great aura of grandeur that the members on welcome duty create. However this one was different, greeting me as I walked towards the door was a large coloured picture of Rita and I heralding my visit. On entering I was met with the beaming smile of PDG Gordon McFatridge who announced that the sales of the Courier today were higher than ever, there in front of me was the picture and report from the paper on the handover, what a welcome. Speaking at this club is some what daunting at the best of times, today was no exception with four PDGs and two of my District team in attendance I had to deliver. However I needn't have worried everything went to plan, my address was well received by all present. President Bill was sure that the club would rise to the challenges of this new Rotary year.

(The picture shows President Bill Spence and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Shetland (Visit No 16)

Its Wednesday afternoon and I have landed at Sumburgh Airport on Shetland I am met by Rotarian Donald MacKinnon who became my tour guide for the rest of the afternoon, once again my sincere thanks to Donald for his attentiveness and hospitality. It was wonderful to be back on the island and to get a chance this time to see a great deal. My last visit was 1969 as a young trainee salesman, the visit was then, and is still a blur from sampling the bountiful hospitality of many, I will leave the rest to your imagination. The welcome this time was even better and made me feel proud to be a Rotarian. After a great afternoons tour I was welcomed by President Elect Silvija Crook in the absence of President Harry who was in hospital in Aberdeen (I wish him well). After a very nice meal I delivered my address to a very attentive audience. Although they are some what distanced from us in many ways the Rotarian's of Shetland have indeed got much to offer, I look forward to working with them over the next year.

(The picture shows yours truly, President Elect Silvija and Donald MacKinnon)

Rotary Club of Dyce (Visit No 15)

Tuesday 22nd July on a lovely summers afternoon I set out on my journey to Dyce in Aberdeenshire. The club meet in the Menzies Hotel at Aberdeen Airport where I was warmly welcomed by President Willie Cruden and the members. It was rather a special night as the club were inducting a new member, in fact it was their first lady member. I was asked if I would perform the induction ceremony. Needless to say I was delighted to have the honour of inducting Rotarian Barbara Cruden who's classification is book keeping into the club. The Rotary club of Dyce are a super fun club with a challenging agenda set out for the ensuing Rotary year. I wish them well in their efforts and feel sure that Barbara will be a great asset to them.

(The picture shows President Willie, Barbara and yours truly)

Rotary Club of North Fife (Visit No 14)

Leaving a very sunny Inverness behind me I headed back South to my home territory of Fife. On a pleasant evening I arrived at the superb surroundings of Drumoig Golf Hotel in Drumoig Village by Leuchars. A warm welcome awaited me from the members of the club, it was nice to meet up with some old friends who I had not seen for some time. After a rather reduced meal for me this time (have to watch the weight) I gave my address which was warmly received by all present. The club are in excellent spirit and are certainly very committed to achieving the goals and targets for this Rotary year.

(The picture shows President Richard Hynd, yours truly and President Elect Dakers Fleming)

Rotary Club of Inverness (Visit No 13)

After two days of scenic travelling it was time to visit a city once more. I arrived in Inverness on Thursday 17th July for my visit to the Rotary Club of Inverness. The club is one of the larger clubs in our District with over 70 members. A good representation of the club were present to hear my address including some visitors from other clubs. I was made very welcome and enjoyed the excellent fellowship. President John is firmly of the opinion that the club will rise to the challenges of this new Rotary year.

(The picture shows Past District Governor Bill Pirrie, President John Machin and yours truly)

Rotary Club of East Sutherland (Visit No 12)

I left Ullapool headed North and cut across country towards East Sutherland. Once again the scenery was breathtaking, with most of the trip being on single track road I was travelling slow enough to take it all in. A spectacular sight I could never have imagined appeared directly in front of me, a Golden Eagle complete with quarry in it's talons, a fairly sizable rabbit. I arrived in Brora to be greeted by President Elect Alistair Risk in the absence of President Pat who's mother had been rushed into hospital. The club's new venue The Sutherland Inn is small but wow is the food good. After an incredible meal I delivered my address to a greatly receptive audience who are among some of the most enthusiastic Rotarian's I have come across. This club are without doubt in total tune with modern Rotary ideals.

(The picture shows President Elect Alistair Risk and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Ullapool (Visit No 11)

The 16th July and I was once again on the road this time heading for Ullapool. After another amazing drive back over the Skye Bridge to the mainland and on via Gairloch Wester Ross I arrived at Ullapool on a rather mixed day of sun and showers. The club venue The Morefield Motel is owned and managed by Tony Oulton who is this years President. After a great meal, venison would you believe! I gave my address which once again was warmly received, the club though small it's members are very enthusiastic. I was informed that they are confident of inducting two new members this year, music to my ears. A warm friendly little club with a team of committed Rotarian's.

(The picture shows President Tony Oulton and yours truly with some of the members)

Rotary Club of Portree & Dist (Visit No 10)

Tuesday the 15th July has dawned and I have set off on the beautiful drive to Skye, after a very picturesque journey I arrived in Portree around mid afternoon. I arrived at the Cuillin Hills Hotel to witness the most spectacular views of the bay with the Cuillin Hills providing the backdrop, absolutely beautiful. I was once again made to feel very welcome by the members of Portree & District. After a very nice meal accompanied by some great fellowship I gave my address which was warmly received by the members. A small but friendly club of very pleasant hard working Rotarian's.

(The picture shows President Denis Woodtli, yours truly and Rotarian Jim Rennie)

RYLA Mens Event

Monday the 14th July saw me once again rise at the crack of dawn to head up to Nethy Bridge for my visit to RYLA Men's Event. On arrival I was greeted by Arthur Taylor and his team of super fit helpers. After breakfast I gave my address to the young men who seemed to enjoy the experience. I could not believe the response from the teams when I asked if there would be any interest in Rotaract or Interact, it was amazing. I even had a young man from the new Dunfermline Interact Club come up on stage and enthusiastically tell the others about his experience in the new club. Rotarian's take note there are plenty young men and woman who want to take up the challenge of forming a club, please help them.

(Picture to follow)

Rotary Club of Arbroath (Visit No 9)

Thursday evening and another club welcomes me to their weekly meeting, this time it was the Rotary Club of Arbroath. As has been the case on all club visits the welcome I received was amazing. Another great club with huge enthusiasm, the members are very committed and have many great ideas and plans for the ensuing Rotary year. I am looking forward to working closely with them on one or two key ideas the have produced.

(Picture shows President Tony Treger and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Cowdenbeath (Visit No 8)

The afternoon of Thursday 10th July saw me visit the Rotary Club of Cowdenbeath where I was warmly welcomed by the club members. The club achieved a Presidential Citation for their efforts in the last Rotary year which I was delighted to present to President Dennis. They have set out their goals for this coming year which are in line with my goals and aspirations and feel sure they will be online for another bumper year.

(The picture shows yours truly with President Dennis Brooks)

Rotary Club of Aberfeldy & Dist (Visit No 7)

This evening Wednesday 9th July I visited the Rotary Club of Aberfeldy & District where I was made very welcome indeed. Being in the part of Scotland I adore made it even better. The club is small but active and recently welcomed a new member into their fold. Apart from my Governors address to the club which was well received. There was also a presentation by the club of a Citizen of the year award to Bill Leszke who's name has become synonymous with Aberfeldy for his sterling work in the community.

(The picture shows IPP David Lee, yours truly, President Alistair Johnston and President Elect Andrew Caldwell)

Rotary Club of Dingwall (Visit No 6)

Tuesday evening saw me visit the Rotary Club of Dingwall in their superb venue of Tulloch Castle. Although President Harold had been called away due to a family emergency I was welcomed by President Elect Frank who did a superb job, having been thrown in at the deep end for the first time. I was totally amazed at the work these dedicated Rotarians are involved in, having been give a detailed resume by Secretary Brian. I was made to feel very much at home throughout my visit to this very enthusiastic and busy club.

(The picture shows Secretary Brian Parry, President Elect Frank Hallett, yours truly and IPP Charlie McKay)

RYLA Ladies Event

Today Tuesday saw me rising at the crack of dawn, 5:00 am to be precise to make my way to Nethy Bridge. On arrival I was greeted by Hilary Gordon with that usual infectious smile. After breakfast I gave my address to the assembled group of very enthusiastic young ladies, of whom I can honestly say are a credit to their sponsoring clubs. After a morning of watching them throw themselves enthusiastically into the assault course and various other activities (I was exhausted just watching them) some of them took time out to pose with the old man for a picture. This event is one of the best projects that we as Rotarians sponsor I am looking forward to next Monday when I visit the Gentlemen who I am sure will be equally enthusiastic

(The picture shows Hilary and Maureen with some of the ladies and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Westhill (Visit No 5)

My second visit of the day on Thursday 3rd of July took me to Aberdeenshire to visit the Rotary Club of Westhill. After a huge meal some great banter and friendly chat it was time for me to deliver my address. The club have set out their programme for 2008-9 which aligns perfectly with my expectations. A great club who are in total tune with all things Rotary.

(The picture shows President Alan Archibald and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Perth (Visit No 4)

Thursday 3rd of July saw me visit the Rotary Club of Perth, imagine my surprise when on arrival I found the club had another speaker, oops. The next part you could not have scripted, the speaker turned out to be non other than my boss!. Dr Craig Thomson is the Principal of Adam Smith College. After both of us did our respective presentation it was discovered that the college has international projects in place which have a natural synergy with Rotary, something I intend to follow up with Craig at the earliest opportunity.

(The picture shows President Bill Montgomery, Dr Craig Thomson, yours truly and President Elect Bill Duncan)

Rotary Club of Cupar (Visit No 3)

Wednesday 2nd of July saw me visit The Rotary Club of Cupar. The club was well attended with the meeting being chaired by IPP Vince Fusaro in the Presidents absence. I was presented with two cheques by the club, one for Micro Trust Bank for £500 and a further £500 for Polio Plus Challenge.

(The picture shows IPP Vince and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull (Visit No 2)

My second club visit was to The Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull, where as well as giving my address I was asked to induct their newest member George Evans formally of the Rotary Club of Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland and now living in Scone.

(The picture shows George, yours truly and President Harry Cooper)

Rotary Club of Dundee Discovery (Visit No 1)

My first club visit of the new Rotary year, was our Tayside breakfast club Dundee Discovery. Although a small club the arevery enthusiastic, new President Margaret has some new ideas to attract new members. The club has also arranged a varied programme for this Rotary year.

(The picture shows President Margaret Vernon, Yours Truly and JVP Craig Suttie)