Inner Wheel District 1 Meeting Perth

Wednesday 27th of August saw me attend the Inner Wheel District 1 Meeting in The Dewars Conference Centre Perth. I was welcomed by Chairman Mary Leslie and many of the ladies of Inner Wheel. After a nice meal in the company of the St Andrews ladies I was asked to address over 180 members from all over our District 1. I have to say it was the first time and probably the last that I can claim to have silenced over 180 woman!! The ladies were very interested in what we were doing in District 1010 with my short talk being well received. May I take this opportunity of thanking Mary, her team and the ladies of District 1 for their hospitality, I am looking forward to working with them all in joint service in 2008-09.

(The picture shows Chairman Mary & yours truly)

Rotary Club of The Howe of Fife (Visit No 47)

It's Tuesday evening and Rita and I are visiting my own club for the first time since taking office. We were of course very warmly welcomed by my fellow members. After our usual nice meal it was once again down to business and delivery of my address. President Elect Dennis Beattie introduced me and I was off and running, this time it was more daunting for me as I was addressing my own members, I need not have worried all was well. I am pleased to say all of the members are fully behind the emphasis and projects for this Rotary year. Many in the club have worked so hard over the last year preparing for our District Conference in September. Everyone has my deepest gratitude for the time and effort that has been put in to making this Conference a great success.

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

Rotary Club of Peterhead (Visit No 46)

Another Monday comes around and I'm on my way to Peterhead accompanied by one of my club members Oliver Will. After a pleasant drive North on a rather nice summer afternoon we arrived at the Palace Hotel, home of the club for 44 years. We were greeted by President Ian Robertson and a few of the members. After a nice dinner I gave my address which was well received. The members although only 21 in number are very enthusiastic and are involved in a good few projects. The club are also the sponsors of the new proposed Mintlaw Club which is now almost up and running with over 20 members. Even though their numbers are small the club members enjoy their Rotary service and are trying to increase their membership. It is probable that the may have one new member soon.

(The picture shows President Ian and yours truly)

Rotary Club of Orkney (Visit No 45)

Thursday morning at 6am I was once again on my way to Edinburgh airport, this time to catch my flight to Kirkwall. The weather was it's usual unpredictable self, however after a pleasant flight I once again arrived to a nice sunny morning in Orkney. The club meet in the rather nice surroundings of the Lynnfield Hotel which overlooks Kirkwall and has incredible views. I was greeted by President Bill Barbour and the members of the club. The meeting had a few visitors including PDG Ian Knight and his wife from District 9800 South Melbourne Australia. The club members enjoyed what I had to say and intimated their intentions to support the projects for this Rotary year. A great club with a diverse membership which is showing great signs of further growth for the future. I did not have time to see much of this wonderful place, but will remedy that soon when Rita and I will have a longer trip to enjoy these beautiful islands.

(The picture shows President Bill Barbour & yours truly)

Rotary Club of Monifieth & Dist (Visit No 44)

It's Wednesday evening I am now beginning to check my feet to see if they are becoming webbed, it's still raining. I have arrived in Monifieth at the Grange Golf Club for my next visit to the Rotary Club of Monifieth & District. On arrival I was met by President Angus Johnston and several of the members. Before the meeting began I was presented with a cheque for £1000 for PolioPlus which was later added to by a further £48 from a personal donation. The club have agreed to donate further funds to the project as and when they can. They have many new projects on the go including a possible Beach Clean Up. It was great to see so many friends that I have made over the years and to see them all in such good heart. I am sure this year will be another great year for the club. I look forward to working with them in Making Dreams Real.

(The picture shows President Angus and yours truly with President Elect David Barrie at the rear)

Rotary Club of Stornoway (Visit No 43)

It's Tuesday and the start of another round of club visits, I have set of at 5:30 am in very rainy conditions to catch my flight to Stornoway. All was well at Edinburgh I departed on time and arrived in a sun drenched Stornoway to be greeted by the club's answer to Ant & Dec, Norman Macleod & Murdoch Macleod two of the nicest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure to meet. They kept me entertained with their general good humour and banter whilst giving me a tour of part of the wonderful Isle of Lewis before taking me to the County Hotel where I was greeted by President Jane Campbell and several of the members. A super buffet lunch was followed by my address to the club which was well received. What a great club which is now beginning to grow with a possible intake of 4 or 5 new members shortly. After the meeting I was taken round the rest of the island by President Jane and Iain Macaulay before being taken back to the airport for my flight back to Edinburgh. A truly memorable experience I am looking forward to returning in April for the club's 50th Charter Celebrations.

(The picture shows yours truly with President Jane Campbell)

Rotary Club of Brechin (Visit No 42)

Well it's visit number 42, just one short of the halfway mark and I am back en route to the North but only as far as Brechin. The club meet in the Springfield House where I was greeted by President Stanley Callaghan and the members. A great turnout of member was the order of the evening even though a few of them had already heard my sermon! and came back for a second dose. After a nice dinner (still eating) President Stanley inducted a new member, their first of this year, also I am assured that this is the first of many. If the fun and fellowship of tonight's meeting was anything to go by I am positive this will be the case. My address was once again well received with a few questions being asked. The club are in great heart and are seeing a revitalisation, I am looking forward to seeing them progress their ambitious plans for this year. The evening was rounded off by my presenting a Presidential Citation to PP John Glaister who accepted on behalf of IPP Liz Howson.

(The picture shows yours truly and President Stanley)

Rotary Club of Glenrothes (Visit No 41)

Lunch time looms, after fitting in some hours at work I have arrived at The Gilvenbank Hotel which is host to the Rotary Club of Glenrothes. This is really a home from home for me as I have known almost all of the members for many years now. After signing the visitors book I heard the booming voice of President Lars Christiansen greet me from the other end of the room. The club are as usual in great spirit with a packed programme of projects and plans for the ensuing Rotary year. President Lars thanked me for my address and assured me that the club would be fully committed to achieving the goals and challenges ahead of them. After a great meal some super fellowship it was back to work for the rest of the afternoon.

(The picture shows yours truly and President Lars)

Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy Raith (Visit No 40)

Its Thursday morning I have been on the scales, all is well, to my instant relief. Having left Aberdeen behind I am up once more up at the crack of dawn, Rita is back to work and I am visiting our newest club, the Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy Raith. President Stephen Rogers met me on arrival and it was not long before once again a few "weel kent" faces appeared. IPP Jacki Carnegie arrived with none other than Cadence who I had not seen since 2004-5, wow is she a little darling. After delivering my address I presented Jacki with a Presidential Citation for the clubs achievements last year. I am certain that this year will be a truly bumper year as the club begins to grow and mature. A great club with a great future ahead of them.

(The picture shows Sec Dawn Robertson, yours truly, President Stephen, Cadence and Jaki)

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside (Visit No 39)

(Still checking the waistline) we are back at the Cults Hotel, this time for the meeting of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside. On arrival there waiting with his usual smile was AG Ewan Hatchwell and President Ellen Smith. After many introductions and meeting of old friends it was down to eating again!!! I gave my address to a very attentive audience who one again are committed to all of the challenges facing us. I am sure they will make a massive contribution to all things Rotary in the ensuing year and look forward to working with them.

(The picture shows AG Ewan, Rita, President Ellen, yours truly and SVP Mike Craig)

Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Fittick (Visit No 38)

Tuesday lunchtime (I am now checking the waistline periodically) it is the second visit of the day, this time it is in the great surroundings of the Aberdeen Curling Club. On arrival the smiling face of President David Alton met us. It was not to long before a few other "weel kent" faces appeared, and made us feel really at home. After many welcomes we sat down to a very nice lunch, my address was duly delivered and well received by an almost full club attendance, again this is one of our larger clubs. President David gave me the most humorous vote of thanks in the way only he can. This is a great friendly club fully committed to Rotary ideals, it will be my pleasure to work with them throughout the coming year.

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

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Bon Accord (Visit No 37)

Wednesday morning and we are in Cults for our first meeting of the day. The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Bon Accord meet in the Cults Hotel. Waiting to greet us was the club president David Rodger and most of the members. The club although small are a group of very committed Rotarian's, with great plans to enhance their membership by targeting all of the businesses in the area. They made Rita and I very welcome and have shown a great deal of commitment to the projects for this Rotary year. I look forward to working with them and to seeing their numbers swell.

(The picture show Rita & I with President David Rodger)

Rotary Club of Portlethen & District (Visit No 36)

Still Tuesday we have arrived on a rather misty evening at the Newton Arms in Newtonhill the home of the Rotary Club of Portlethen. Tonight was a change to the clubs normal meeting as they made the evening a partners night which was very nice indeed. After many introductions I was introduced to a fellow Fifer the clubs President Donald Robertson who is originally from Cupar in the heart of my own clubs area. The Newton Arms is deceiving to say the least the venue is cosy with great food and lovely modern decor. The evening was also enhanced by a visitation of a few Rotarian's from Brechin who were gluttons for punishment as I am visiting them on Thursday. The club members and their partners are very warm and welcoming, Rita and I were made to feel really at home. They are a small club but extremely commited and once again have a great array of projects on the go. I am sure they will have a bumper 2008-9.

(The picture shows Elinor Robertson, yours truly, President Donald Robertson & Rita)

Rotary Club of Aberdeen (Visit No 35)

Tuesday has brought as yet another nice day, after a relaxing morning we arrived at the Copthorne Hotel home of one of our Districts long established and larger clubs, the Rotary Club of Aberdeen. We were met by President Alastair Stenhouse and some of his team. Following a rather nice lunch I delivered my address which was well received by all present. The club as usual were in great spirit and have many projects ongoing at present and continue to make huge contributions to many Rotary causes. Their commitment to this years projects was intimated by the President in his thanks. Once again a very welcoming club with a nice friendly atmosphere. I look forward to working with them throughout this Rotary year.

(The picture shows Rita & I with President Alastair Stenhouse)

Rotary Club of Aboyne & Upper Deeside (Visit No 34)

It's still Monday, however it is now early evening we have set out along the banks of the river Dee on our way through Royal Deeside. The club meet in the rather lovely surroundings of The Boat Inn in Aboyne. We arrived to be greeted by President Mike Powell and the members who made us immediately feel at home. The club, though still all male (watch this space) are having great fun doing what they do best, helping others. They have a huge raft of projects both Internationally and locally in progress and are continuing to achieve results already. They have committed themselves to reaching many new goals in 2008-9. I look forward to working with them and wish them great success.

(The picture shows Rita & I with President Mile Powell)

Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Nicholas (Visit No 33)

Monday morning has dawned it is 7:30, another superb morning and Rita and I are off to Aberdeen for our first meeting of the week. We arrived at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen to be greeted by President Ernie Forbes and many of the members of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Nicholas for their lunchtime meeting. Many of the members partners turned out to greet us and made us very welcome, especially Rita who had some great chat with many of the ladies. The club are certainly in good heart and found my address both interesting and inspiring. I was asked to erect the club's new plaque which is positioned in pride of place at the front door of the hotel. The club are finding it challenging to attract new members but are continuing to come up with some new untried ideas for recruitment. A very friendly and warm club who are definitely still enjoying Rotary.

(The picture shows Rita & I with President Ernie Forbes)

Wishaw Disabled Games

All three DGs with Commonwealth Athlete Yvonne Murray-Mooney MBE

Rita & I with Paul Harris Fellow Morag Mitchell from Aberdeen

District 1230 Governor Catherine Stewart & I with one of the competitors

All three DGs Catherine Stewart 1230, Alasdair Seale 1020 and yours truly

Having just presented a Gold Medal to one of the competitors

Saturday saw Rita and I head for Wishaw in a dreadful rain soaked morning, however the weather broke and the day was excellent. We met up with my other Scottish DG colleagues, as all of the Scottish Districts sponsor the games. A huge amount of competitors from all over Scotland were there to take part in a rather moving day of fun and serious competition. We were privileged to meet some of the Rotarian's from Aberdeen accompanied by a recently honoured PHF in Morag Mitchell. After a great day of competition my colleagues and I were asked to present all of the medals to the winning participants. The day was rounded off when we were introduced to non other than Scotland's very own Yvonne Murray-Mooney MBE who was there to encourage and talk to those taking part. A tremendous day was enjoyed by all, what a really worthwhile event this is.

Rotary Club of Thurso (Visit No 32)

After a great relaxing day in Wick I was picked up from the hotel by President James Simpson and driven to The Pentland Hotel in Thurso where the club meet. After some great friendly chat and a superb meal I delivered my address to a very receptive group of Rotarian's. The club are extremely active in the community having just finished a beach clean up last weekend. Immediate Past President John Hook thanked me for my address and assured me the members were indeed positive about their intentions and goals for this Rotary year and hoped they would link in with my own goals. Again an extremely friendly club of good Rotarian's who I am sure will achieve much the year.

(The picture shows yours truly and President James Simpson)

Rotary Club of Wick (Visit No 31)

Wednesday has come around and I have set of to catch a flight to Wick in terrible wind and rain. On arriving at Wick the sun was shining and the forecast said more of the same due, great! I was met at the airport by President Jan Banks who after a nice relaxing lunch delivered me to McKays Hotel where I would be staying and which also hosted the club. The evening meeting of the club was a very enjoyable experience with a good response to my address. Although small they have big plans for this Rotary year which I am sure will come to fruition. A nice friendly little club of dedicated Rotarian's.

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

Rotary Club of St Andrews Kilrymont (Visit No 30)

Would you believe it is still Tuesday, its now evening and Rita and I have arrived at the Scores Hotel in St Andrews the new home of the Rotary Club of St Andrews Kilrymont. Once again a great welcome awaited us from President Bruce Clark and the members. Tonight was another special night for me as the club were hosting the Fellowship Exchange Group from New Zealand who were now on their last visit before heading home. After yet again a nice dinner (the waistline is still bearing up) President Bruce inducted a new lady member to the club with some others on the sidelines. A brief presentation was given by our New Zealand visitors coupled with their thanks to all concerned for the wonderful hospitality throughout their stay. I thanked the team for choosing to come to our District and wished them well on their journey home on Friday. After delivering my address I was presented with two cheques from President Bruce one for PolioPlus and the other for Schools 4 All. This demonstrates the commitment of the club to achieving the goals for this Rotary year.

(The picture shows PE Grace Murray, President Bruce Clark, yours truly and Rita)

Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy (Visit No 29)

It's still Tuesday I have now arrived at the Dean Park Hotel in Kirkcaldy the home of one of our longest established clubs the Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy who have a traditional lunch time meeting. A warm very welcome awaited me from many of the "weel kent faces" being on my own home turf. After a nice lunch (with the waist line remaining reasonably static) I delivered my address, the club responded well to the challenges ahead and I am sure will rise to the occasion. President Elect Anne Mitchell was tasked with the vote of thanks and also felt sure that the club would do the best they can as always.

(The picture shows yours truly with President Allan Bertram)

Rotary Club of Dunfermline Carnegie (Visit No 28)

After delivering my address to the club which was once again well received I was presented with a special edition bag produced by the clubs new baby, the newly formed Interact Club. The bags will be produced by the youngsters and will be sold to raise funds for the Schools 4 All in Uganda RIBI President Ian Thomson's chosen project for this Rotary year. As usual for the club they are vibrant, committed and friendly, I am sure that this Rotary year will see once again their commitment to all things Rotary.

(The picture shows President Janet Lowe and yours truly showing off the first bag to be produced by the youngsters)

Rotary Club of Dunfermline Carnegie (Visit No 28)

Tuesday morning has arrived and I am in Dunfermline at 7:30 am to visit the Rotary Club of Dunfermline Carnegie in their super new venue of the restaurant within the headquarters of Dunfermline Building Society. A great welcome as usual from the club with President Janet Lowe and Past President Cath Chorley at the door to greet me. I have to say that the hospitality in this venue is wonderful. A special day for the club as they were about to induct a new honorary member none other than the Chief Executive of Dunfermline Building Society Graeme Dalziel, who was very pleased to accept this honour and commented on how much he and the Society welcomed Rotary into their headquarters each week. Graeme said he would try to attend as many meetings as his busy schedule allowed.

(The picture shows President Janet Lowe, yours truly and Graeme Dalziel,)

Rotary Club of Kinross & Dist (Visit No 27)

Well it is the start of a new week once again and I have arrived in Kinross at the Windlestrae Hotel home of the Rotary Club of Kinross and District for my first visit of this week. I received a very warm welcome from President Malcolm Mapp and the members. The club are indeed a very friendly group with great enthusiasm. They have a full programme of events and projects for the ensuing year which will ensure that they have a superb year of achievement. My address was well received with the President promising that the club will rise to the challenges asked of them.