The Rotary Club of Westhill 25th Charter Dinner

(PDG Bill Leslie and Me)

( Me in full flow)

Saturday evening and we have once again arrived in Aberdeen, this time for the 25th Charter Celebrations of Westhill & District in the Holiday Inn Westhill. We were greeted at the door by the ever smiling PDG Bill Leslie and Mary along with President Alan Archibald and Moira. The room was magnificent with a wonderful atmosphere and ambiance which welcomed the 200 or so guests from many clubs throughout the Aberdeen area and further afield. The clubs twin club from Jutland in Denmark the Rotary Club of Ikast was well represented by a large contingent of Rotarian's and partners. Once again were subjected to the sheer torture!! of yet another magnificent meal with endless supply of good wine. With President Alan doing a great job in the chair for the evening, we were in for a memorable night. My role this time was the reply to Ikast President Karsten Rasmussen's toast to Rotary International. The keynote speaker was non other than Steve Robertson MBE who was part of the incomparable Scotland The What Team with Buff Hardy and George Donald. He entertained all with his wonderful stories and sketches from his long career in stage and television. To all of you in the Rotary Club of Westhill please accept a sincere thank you from Rita and myself for a very memorable evening.

The Rotary Club of Leven 70th Charter Dinner

Friday 17th April sees us in Lundin Links Old Manor Hotel to help Celebrate the 70th birthday of the Rotary Club of Leven. We were given our usual friendly welcome from the team as we arrived. President Al Fleming and Val welcomed us to the club for what was to be a superb evening. After another magnificent meal (I have managed to keep my weight under control much to the amazement of she that must be obeyed) the festivities began. Lord Lieutenant Margaret Dean proposed the Toast to Leven with the reply being given by PDG John Clark. My toast to Rotary International was followed by John Anderson's reply. The keynote speaker for the evening was non other than Jim McColl of Beechgrove Garden fame who entertained us as only he can do. I had the great privilege to present three Paul Harris Fellowships to three stunned gentlemen who have a total of over sixty years service to Rotary between them. My dear friend PP Rai Valente was the first recipient along with PP Rev Jaimie Templeton and IPP John Anderson. After all three had been given time to catch their breath the vote of thanks was given by PE Harry Keddie. A great evening, Rita and I thank all of you once again for having us there to help celebrate this milestone.

The Rotary Club of Stornoway 50th Charter Dinner

Saturday 11th of April and we are in the lovely Isle of Lewis for the 50th Charter Celebrations of The Rotary Club of Stornoway. After a nice short flight from Edinburgh we arrived on Lewis to be met at the airport by club secretary Kenneth, who took us to our hotel. As the rest of the day was ours Kenneth kindly gave us the use of his car, which allowed Rita and I to tour around part of the island. The evenings proceedings were superb with a drinks reception followed by a magnificent dinner. President Jane and Allan kept us well entertained for the whole of the evening. I was very privileged to present three worthy recipients with Paul Harris Fellowships, all three were non Rotarian's and were members of RNLI in Stornoway. They have played a very important part in making the seas around the Western Isles a safer place. Sunday saw us attend a very uplifting church service in St Columbus Church with Sunday lunch provided by Jane's mother and father at their home, a very pleasant afternoon. A further trip around another part of the island followed courtesy of Jane and Allan culminating with us arriving back at the airport for our return flight to Edinburgh. A huge thank you to all of the members and friends for making this weekend a very special one for Rita and me.