Rotary Club of Inverurie (Visit No 65)

Visit number two of the week is a stones throw away from Oldmedrum it is to the Rotary Club of Inverurie. Once again it was very pleasing to meet so many old friends, some of whom I had not seen for some time. Going back to my first RIBI Assembly as a District officer I had the great privilege of meeting a fellow Fifer who was then an AG, Ian Ewan who kept me on the straight and narrow, it was great to see you again Ian. President Cath Nash along with the very enthusiastic membership were extremely welcoming and made me feel really at home. The club are involved in many superb projects both at home and Internationally, the most recent was the complete replacement of the local scout hall roof ably managed by SVP Alan. A super club, thank you all for your warm welcome and friendship.

(The picture shows yours truly and President Cath)

Rotary Club of Oldmeldrum (Visit No 64)

The first visit of the week is back up to Aberdeenshire and the Rotary Club of Oldmeldrum. The club meet in the very cosy surroundings of the Redgarth Hotel. What a great welcome I received from President Anne Forster and the members, along with most of their partners. The club is one of the most active clubs in District 1010, and have won a few awards for their efforts both at District and National level. They have a hugely busy calendar with many projects and events planned this year. The recent work they had undertaken in developing a garden area in Oldmeldrum was featured on television on Saturday evening news. The event was a huge success and was opened by Jim McColl of Beechgrove Garden fame. After a great meal, some amusing banter and my address we finished the evening off with a game of Call My Bluff ably hosted by none other than Hilary Gordon. I felt really at home and was very privileged to share such great fun and friendship shown by all. I look forward to seeing them all again soon, who knows I may even get a game of cricket.

(The picture shows yours truly, President Anne, Hilary's granddaughter and SVP Hilary)

Rotary Club of Alloa (Visit No 63)

Bringing my travels to a close for this week was my visit to the Rotary Club of Alloa on Wednesday 24th September. I was greeted warmly by President Jim Keenan and the members, many of them I have known for quite some time so it was good to catch up with their news. Once again my address was well received and seemed to get the minds working. The club are very attuned to the need of the local community and are planning many high profile activities this year. President Jim presented a cheque to a community group for £500. Their commitment to International projects is also very evident. A good club, who are very much up for a challenge. I am looking forward to working with them this year.

(The picture shows President Jim and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Alford & District (Visit No 62)

After a pleasant visit to AG John Brewsters wonderful new home a converted church at Kirkton of Kinnettles just outside Glamis. I once again headed North for my second visit of the day. The Rotary Club of Alford and District meet in the Forbes Arms Hotel Bridge of Alford. I was greeted by a few of the Rotarian's on arrival and made to feel very welcome. President Paul Lawson introduced me to all of the members, after a nice meal I was back on my feet giving my address. The club though small are very active and involved in many projects they have certainly pledged their support for the projects this year. After a good question and answer session, the club thanked me for taking the time to visit them and welcomed me back at any time in the future. Another example of a small club very active both locally and Internationally.

(The picture shows yours truly and President Paul)

Rotary Club of Kirriemuir (Visit No 61)

My first visit of this week was to the Rotary Club Kirriemuir in the Thrums Hotel. I met a few old friends who I had not seen for quite sometime, it was nice to catch up with them. AG John Brewster turned up just to ensure that I was indeed visiting the club that day, as he joked that no one had actually seen me at any of these clubs I had already visited. The club are in great spirits with President John Ray at the helm I am sure they will achieve their goals for this year. Another nice surprise was the appearance of Dr Jacqui Wood to pick up a cheque for the Cancer Research Centre at Ninewells. Once more a very welcoming club with lots going on.

(The picture shows yours truly and President John)

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Balgownie (Visit No 60)

The last visit of the week saw me head back up to Aberdeen this time accompanied by Oliver Will from my own club as driver and me as navigator, boy did we need a navigator. The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Balgownie meet in the very nice venue of Mains of Scotstown Inn in Bridge of Don. There is however a problem if you are an outsider, its finding the place. After frequent stops and asking passers by we eventually arrived. We were certainly made to feel very welcome by all of the members, many of whom had been at conference at the weekend. President Jack Archibald introduced me, and I was back on my feet again. After my address there was an update on the conference which was enjoyed by all attending. Once again a very involved club with some great projects and initiatives going on. I look forward to working with them this year.

(The picture shows President Jack and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Perth St Johns (Visit No 59)

Wednesday has arrived, after a late night of driving, some well earned rest, and some work it was time to visit one of my favourite places Perth. Once again it was the Royal George Hotel for the meeting of the Rotary Club of Perth St Johns. With a good turn out of members (even though I was speaking) I was formally introduced by President Neil Townend who welcomed me to the meeting. Food was beginning to look less inviting now, so I did not partake of much. The club welcomed my address and by all accounts found it interesting. Once again the club like most others are well and truly involved both locally and Internationally in many projects large and small. They have agreed to rise to all of the challenges in this Rotary year. Another good club with a busy agenda, with membership as a priority. The club members are looking forward to helping host the joint club meeting in October when RIBI President Ian visits Perth.

(The picture shows President Neil, yours truly and PE Ian Marr)

Rotary Club of Aberlour & Speyside (Visit No 58)

After a relaxing day visiting a few of the Distillery's on the Whisky Trail we arrived in Aberlour for our visit to the Rotary Club of Aberlour & Speyside. The members welcomed us to their very cosy venue of the Aberlour Hotel. After introductions to most of the members by President John Dunbar it was time to eat again!! Again the club is small but very active with plans to recruit new members this year. They continue to work closely with their mother club Elgin on some International projects. They are also pretty busy locally as well and have great links in the community including a certain distillery that has been know to provide the occasional wee dram in support of their activities. A very nice little club with great warmth shown to Rita and I (not of the liquid kind of course we had to drive home)

(The picture shows Rita, President John and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Huntly (Visit No 57)

Monday evening saw us visit the Rotary Club of Huntly in the marvelous surroundings of the Castle Hotel set in the grounds of Huntly Castle. We were welcomed on arrival by President Raye Marcus and the members. The club though small are certainly involved at local and International level. They have embarked on a project to provide babies hats for UNICEF and had a target of 500 but are now closer to providing 5000. The hats are being knitted by volunteers within the local area. The members were pleased to have an update of what was expected this Rotary year and hoped they could rise to the many challenges. It was my pleasure to confer a much deserved honour on Rotarian Dr Roland Harvais who had previously been Treasurer for 11 years and still continues to work tirelessly for the club.

(The picture shows Rita, yours truly, Roland and President Raye)

58th District Conference Aviemore 12th-14th Sept

The 58th District conference was the most rewarding experience for Rita and I. The members of my club The Howe of Fife and their partners have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to make this event the success that it was. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. The District Team contributed in the hosting of many of our guests and my trusted production team Robert Ritchie and Michael Jamieson made the presentations flow like clockwork, I thank you all. Of course Stewart Wilson our conference chairman was there to guide us all with his great knowledge and expertise, I owe him a great debt of gratitude. The speakers and the performers were outstanding and made the whole event a huge success. Of course none of this would have happened were it not for all of the Rotarian's and partners that turned out to support this great weekend. There will be a detailed coverage and report on our main website along with many great pictorial memories. Once again my heartfelt thanks to you all, I am extremely proud to be leading this District in Making Dreams Real.

Rotary Club of Forres (Visit No 56)

Our final visit of this week took us to the Rotary Club of Forres where we were warmly welcomed by none other than the larger than life Donnie Williamson resplendent in kilt as usual. The club meet in the very nice surroundings of Ramnee House Hotel. After the warm greetings from Donnie we were then met by another larger than life character in the form of club president Rene Looper with his usual friendly smile. The club members made us feel very welcome indeed with their fantastic hospitality. I had the great pleasure of welcoming a new member to the club, Wing Commander Anthony McCord who is serving with the Royal Air Force at Kinloss. The club are certainly well involved with many local and International projects. The sales continue to soar of the clubs Foundation Highland Shortbread (now available for delivery straight to your home from the factory). How's that for a plug guys, keep up the good work. Rita and I enjoyed the day with you, thank you all for your hospitality.

(The picture shows Stewart McCracken, Anthony, Rita, yours truly and President Rene)

Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan (Visit No 55)

Wednesday evening has come around Rita and I have arrived in the lovely town of Banchory on Royal Deeside. The club meet in the Burnett Arms Hotel where we were welcomed by President David Marquardt and a very friendly group of Rotarian's. The club are well known for their hospitality, tonight was no exception. During dinner I was pleased to hear of many of the projects that the club has undertaken including the erection of a rather superb ornamental stone on the entry in to the town, welcoming all to Banchory and displaying the Rotary Wheel. The club most certainly are in tune with this years challenges and are involved in many new and existing projects at home and internationally. It was a pleasure to address such a first class team, I certainly look forward to seeing the progress of many of their efforts during this year. The club have committed to Schools 4 All and Polio Plus which are the main emphasis for 2008-9.

(The picture shows President David, yours truly and Rita)

Rotary Club of Stonehaven (Visit No 54)

( Jim and I with the cheque for Polio Plus)

Wednesday has dawned and Rita and I are heading South for our visit to the Rotary Club of Stonehaven. On a lovely afternoon we arrived at the St Leonards Hotel and were greeted by President Jim Henderson and Vice President Wilma Bruce. After introductions to many of the members I was honoured to receive a cheque for £1500 for the Polio Plus initiative which was raised by the club from a single event, well done to all, a great gesture. I then had the honour of presenting IPP Mike with the Club's Presidential Citation for 2007-8 another great achievemet. Once more I delivered my address which was warmly received by all, after which I was told the club had also donated a sum of money to Schools 4 All project. They are indeed in great spirit and are continuing to develop with two new members due to be inducted. My congratulations to a great club in total tune with this years programme.

(The picture shows President Jim, yours truly and Rita)

Rotary Club of Turriff & Dist (Visit No 53)

After a pleasant day of exploring the coastlines of McDuff and Banff we set out for our visit to Turriff. We arrived at the Deveron County House to be greeted by President Linda Muller and the members of the club. The club venue is rather nice with great food (yes I had to eat some more) although the waist line is still holding up. The club is in good spirit with much talk about the running of the conference in 2010-11. After the superb meal my address was once again well received by all. A short question session followed mainly on membership and attracting new young members. The club agreed to discuss the projects outlined in my address and to try and achieve the required goals. Both Rita and I enjoyed the hospitality and look forward to working with the club during the rest of this year.

(The picture shows President Linda, yours truly and Rita)

Rotary Club of Keith (Visit No 52)

Monday once more, Rita and I are again heading North this time to visit the Rotary Club of Keith. We arrived together with AG Doug Ritchie who had traveled over from Inverness to the meeting. The club meet in Ugie House Hotel where we were warmly welcomed by President John Muir and the members of the club. We also had the pleasure of welcoming a few of the members from Buckie who were on a scatter night. After a nice meal and some friendly discussions it was time to speak once more. My address was once again well received with a vote of thanks given by President John. The club though very small are determined to increase their membership and are at present working on a recruitment strategy. They have a possible new member on the sidelines at present with I hope more to follow. Rita and I enjoyed the hospitality and wish the club the very best in their endeavours.

(The picture shows President John, yours truly and Rita)

Rotary Club of Kintore (Visit No 51)

After some great hospitality in the business premises of PDG Bill Wood for most of the afternoon, I made my way up to Kintore for my next visit. On arrival at the Torryburn Hotel I was greeted by President Alistair MacKay an several of the members. Following a good old natter in the lounge bar it was time for the meeting. I was introduced to all of the members who made me feel really welcome. I bet you can guess what was next (more food) however I only ate a half portion this time. The club outlined their plans for this Rotary year which were many and varied. Being one of our newest clubs they are indeed a great example of our changing face of Rotary. The enthusiasm is abounding which was really great to be part of. Have a great year guys it will be my pleasure to work with you all.

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

Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Machar (Visit No 50)

Thursday lunch time and I am back at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen for the meeting of The Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Machar. On arrival I was greeted by the smiling face of Jenny Shirreffs. After many introductions to many old and some new friends it was time to eat once more!! (I still can't believe the waistline is holding up) Those of you who have sampled the food in the hotel will know it is rather good. I had the company of President Alan Pirie and getting a second helping of my address PDG Bill Wood. The club are indeed in "fine fettle" as they say with lots of projects and initiatives on the go. Thank you all for your hospitality, I look forward to the evening of Thursday 23rd October when the club will host the joint clubs meeting for RIBI President Ian's vist. Please make the effort to attend this auspicious event, it will be a superb night of fun and fellowship.

(The picture shows President Alan and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Ellon (Visit No 49)

After a very pleasant drive up to Ellon I arrived at the Station Hotel to be greeted in the car park by Alasdair Campbell with his usual friendly smile. I was made very welcome by President Elleanor Macalister and the members. It was great to see PDG Doug Westland back on his feet again, although still in some discomfort. Doug I hope all goes well for you on the 12th September and the operation is a success. I look forward to seeing you when you have fully recovered. A very nice meal followed by my address was the order of the evening. The club are indeed a jewel in the crow of District 1010 with an immense portfolio of projects in place. The club will host two evenings in their hotel in Birmingham during the RI Convention in June of next year. They have an attendance in Birmingham of over seventy, a remarkable effort. Once again I look forward to working with them in 2008-9

(The picture shows yours truly and President Elleanor)

Rotary Club of Leven (Visit No 48)

The start of my Rotary Club visits this week began with The Rotary Club of Leven in the great surroundings of the Old Manor Hotel in Lundin Links. I was made to feel very welcome by President Al Fleming and all of the members, many of whom I have known for more years than I care to mention both in Rotary and Round Table. After a very nice meal I was just about to get to my feet to speak when President Al asked if there was any early leavers, most of the members got up to leave!!. Of course it was an organised prank by my old friend Rai Valente. After the fun finished I was asked to deliver my address, the club, I have to say have risen to the occasion and have agreed to pander to my wishes and say YES to me. A great evening with many old and some new friends, I am looking forward to working with the members throughout this Rotary year.

(The picture shows yours truly & President Al)