DG's 9th Blog

On the 12^th of March Winnie and I were invited, along with the other two District Governors from Scotland, to attend the 100^th Charter Celebration lunch of the Rotary Club of Glasgow. It was a memorable occasion, the first Centennial Charter Anniversary in Scotland. The Rotary International President, Kalyan Banerjee and his wife Binota were present, as were the Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland President Ray Burman, and Victoria. I was pleased to see a good number of 1010 Rotarians present to celebrate the Glasgow Club’s 100^th birthday.

Martin, Anne and Winnie with the RI President and Binota

The Three Scottish DG's with The Banerjees's

Another celebration took place on the 16^th of March, the 50^th Charter Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Abertay and Broughty Ferry. President John Mee presided over the evening which was attended by a good number of Rotary Clubs, both locally and from further afield. The Club presented a PHF to Abir McIntyre as well as two founder members of the Club. Abir represents Mary’s Meals, a charity which a number of 1010 Clubs now support as well. I took greetings from the RI President and presented the Club with it’s 50^th Charter Anniversary Certificate, as well as a letter to the Club from Kalyan Banerjee.

President John with Winnie and I

The 'Chain Gang' at the Abertay 50th.

On the morningof the the 17^th of March, I joined President John and members of the Club, to plant two trees at the Rock Garden Broughty Ferry, to celebrate 50 years of Rotary in Broughty Ferry. It was a fitting reminder of 50 years service to Rotary and a permanent reminder to all who see the trees.

                                                   The three 'Cooncil' workmen and onlookers!


On Sunday the 18^th Winnie and I were in Perth where I chaired the Regional Final of the Young Musician of the Year competition. There were 4 Districts represented, 1010, 1020, 1050 and 1230. As you would expect at this level the standard was very high and the range of musical talent widespread across the various aspect of music, both instrumental and vocal. You will be happy to learn that we in 1010 have a finalist in the National Final at the RIBI Conference in Bournemouth. Andrew Dickinson from Stonehaven  was the vocal winner and we wish him well at Bournemouth.

                                              All the Regional Finalists (Except the pianist)

                                              Our 1010 winner Andrew Dickinson

                                 

The RIBI President Ray Burman paid a short visit to District 1010 at the invitation of a consortium of Clubs from Inverness and surrounding areas. The first part of the visit was to the excellent Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre where the President was given an overview of the battle in 1746, being an East London boy Burman had to take a few jokes about Redcoats and so on..Since it was over the Easter weekend there was little opportunity to visit many of the Clubs so the organisers arranged visits to Rotary projects in the area. There was also an opportunity to do a radio interview with Moray Firth Radio, on the subject of Rotary in general and Rotary in our District. Burman and I both took part in the interview. A visit to the South Kessock Nature Reserve was made to show the superb work that has been taken by Rotary to improve the ecology of what was virtually waste ground, and also give a peaceful area for families to enjoy the marine flora and fauna. The President also visited the RNLI station below the Kessock Bridge to see the work that has been done there to enhance safety and rescue operations in the Upper Moray Firth area. A cheque was presented to RNLI on that occasion by the President on behalf of local Rotary Clubs. During the evening the Royal Burgh of Inverness gave a civic reception to mark the Presidents visit and this was attended by a large number of local Rotarians. Burman addressed the gathering and his message was well received. He returned home on the Tuesday to prepare for the RIBI Conference at the end of that week.

Could that be one of the last Redcoats!

                           President Burman, President Gavin and DG presenting a cheque to the RNLI

A large contingent of District 1010 Rotarians attended the RIBI Conference in Bournemouth from the 13th to the 15th of April this year. We had around 60 delegates attend a 1010 dinner in the Trouville Hotel Bournemouth on the evening of the Friday. It was a splendid evening of fellowship and Winnie and I were delighted to see so many attending. After the dinner we attended the musical evening provided by the Young Musicians of the Year finalists. The standard was superb as it always is. It gave the 1010 delegates double the pleasure of the evening, I'm sure, to see and hear our own contestant Andrew Dickinson sing, it was his birthday and we all sang 'happy birthday' to him. He may not have won first place on this occasion but I am certain he will never forget the evening. The various presentations at Conference were of the usual high standard and well received by the delegates. The Business meeting was not as chaotic as Dublin, thank goodness, but the General Council managed to get the approval of the voting delegates to accept our restructuring proposals - I was a happy DG as you might imagine having campaigned for this. I was also delighted to accept, on behalf of the PR team of District 1010, the District Online Presence Award for the year. This trophy recognises the work done by us in the fields of PR, Communications, Facebook, Twitter and Web presentation. There was also another District award to celebrate, and that was the RIBI Vocational Service Trophy awarded to the Rotary Club of Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay for the encouragement to local schoolchildren of the realities of working in the hospitality industry. As usual at events like this there was much to learn about and much to think about.

       The  New Forest Children's Choir gave a memorable performance on the last day

                             Who is as pleased as Punch with an award for his District

DG's 8th Blog

On the 8th of February Winnie and I made the DG visit to the last of the 88 Clubs in District 1010, the Rotary Club of Central Buchan. President David Matson met us and introduced us to members of his Club. The Club meets in Lonmay, near Fraserburgh, in the Ban-Car Hotel. Assistant Governor Mike Halley accompanied us on the visit, to make sure I got it right. We had a splendid meal and a great evening of fellowship. The President had just come back from a serious heart operation some five weeks before so it was great to see him looking so well.

                                       A Banner to the DG from President Dave

The 4th of February was a very special day, the first District final of the Young Chef Competition. The final was at Aberdeen and Assistant Governor Alan Pirie represented me on that occasion. The Judges at Aberdeen were David Kerr, Trevor Wylie and Derek Baird with Alan wielding a fork as well. The winner on that day was Gary Millard of Charleston Academy, Inverness, with Sophie Young of Forres Academy second and Shona Warwick of Ullapool High School third. On Sunday the 11th we had the second final, this time at Dundee College with 11 finalists. The Judges were Russell Walker and Rosie Brooks of Dundee College and Derek Baird again. The winner at Dundee was Louise Fenwick of Harris Academy with runners up Annie Davies of Waid Academy and Mathew Hollingworth of Alloa Academy The talent of the young chefs was superb and much enjoyed by all the enthusiastic supporters and friends

.   Top left, the Aberdeen Winners, top right the Dundee winners, bottom left work in progress and

     bottom right Derek tasting

On the 14th of February, Winnie and I made a very emotional trip to Rachel House, one of two Hospice belonging to CHAS. I had never visited a hospice before since I had assumed, I suppose, that it would be a sad place and difficult to come to terms with. The exact opposite was the case, the building is such a bright and cheerful place with so many things for the young people who attend for treatment and care to do. There is no doubt that sad events can happen there but my impression was of a loving and caring home from home, with everything radiating peace and gentleness. Winnie and I both felt the warmth of the caring staff and surroundings.

                               Rachel House

                                               Winnie with CHAS staff Sarah and Gemma

On the 18th of February, my own Club, the Rotary Club of Forres, celebrated it's 60th Charter Anniversary with a dinner at our 'home' the Ramnee Hotel. There were around 70 members and guests at the dinner who enjoyed a superb four course meal. The guest speaker was Past President Alistair Campbell of our Mother Club, the Rotary Club of Elgin. The treasurer Stewart Murray was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship award for services to the Club. After the Dinner there was a dance for those who could stand the pace.

           President Stewart in fine voice.

                                                                                              Some VIP guests at Forres

On the 23rd of February, the Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy celebrated their 90th Charter with an evening of reflection on past years, as well as the present day and their hope for the future. There were short presentations on the previous years, as well as the excellent work being done in Tanzania at the present day by the Club, with the participation of other neighbouring Clubs. Children from local schools entertained with some musical interludes.

               Ken telling of past times

                                                                                                           Hope for the future

The morning after the Charter Anniversary I was invited to attend a meeting of the St Andrews School Interact Club to present them with their Charter. This was a new experience for me and a most enjoyable one. The Club were very excited about their presentation and receiving their Interact badges from President Tracy McCullum of the Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy Raith and New Generations Chairman Ann Mitchell. The President of Kirkcaldy, Iain Taylor, and District Interact Officer John Brewster were also present to celebrate the occasion.

      A very happy President Amy with her Charter and the supporters from the School and Rotary

On the 3rd of March there was another in the superb youth competition finals. The District Final of the Young Musician competition. This was held in St Leonards-in-the Field Church in Perth. There were 11 finalist from across the District, Andrew Birse and Bethany Lauren Pace from Ellon, Valerie Anne Chapman and Iona Proud from Inverurie, George Davidson from Old Meldrum, Andrew Dickinson from Stonehaven, Rosie Herrington and Amber Massie from Banchory, Erin Spence and Amy Young from Anstruther and Yu Yao Liu from Perth. The organiser of all of this is Michael Jamieson from the Rotary Club of Perth St Johns. Michael has been doing this for some time now and he does it so well. The winners and runners-up on the day were Andrew Birse on Violin, Andrew Dickinson Male vocal, with Rosie Herrington on Saxaphone and Erin Spence Female vocal. These four will go through to the Regional final in the same venue on Sunday 18th of March, all welcome.

          Left to Right Rosie Herrington, Andrew Birse, DG, Andrew Dickinson and Erin Spence

DG's 7th Blog

On Saturday 12th of November we attended the 50th Charter of the Kirriemuir Rotary Club. We were staying with President Bill and Isobel Keillor along with Alistair Norrie and Mary of the Loch Ness Club. It was a grand affair with great fellowship and a good deal of fun. A couple of local lads sang a song, part in doric and part in english, whose words included most of the Rotarians present, as well as myself. It was brilliant and had been written by Allan Thomson of the Kirriemuir Club. Alan very kindly presented me with a book he has written called 'The Moss O' Rora'. This book contains tales and poems of the Northeast of Scotland, written by Allan. The proceeds of his book are donated to Cancer Research through the Club; if you ever get a chance to buy a copy, do so, it is a superb publication with hilarious tales and very moving poems.


Having mentioned Alistair Norrie being at the Kirriemuir Charter reminds me that I had omitted a mention of the visit on my Blog to Loch Ness on the 21st of September. Winnie and I had a superb lunch with the Club at the Waterside in Inverness. I well remember Alistair's jokes - well once heard you know what I mean! 

                                    Caroline, Alistair, Winnie and I at the Waterside Inn


On the 15th of November we had a very pleasant visit to the Rotary Club of Dyce where President Sandy Dunbar made us very welcome. Obviously the Club knew of Alexander (The Meerkat), hardly had I sat down for the meal before Sandy insisted that Alexander should be brought out to sit at the table, and there he stayed for the whole evening, a rare treat for him. The evening was one of great fellowship and humour.

The two Alexanders!

On the 17th of November began a period of Charter visits. At lunchtime I visited some old friends at the Elgin Club, the mother Club of my own Club at Forres. It is a large Club and we had a superb lunch at the Mansion House Hotel. I have come to know many of the Rotarians at Elgin over the years and it was a great privilege to be part of such a successful Rotary Club meeting as District Governor.

                                               President Graham and I at the Mansion House

That evening Winnie and I attended the 85th Charter Evening of the Rotary Club of Arbroath. It was a splendid evening, with the principal speaker being the RIBI President Ray Burman. It was nice to see the Burmans again since we have become good friends over this Governors year. There was a large turnout of Arbroath and local Clubs to hear Burman and to celebrate 85 years of Rotary in Arbroath. Burman and I were presented with a gift by Mike Sowden, Arbroath Smokies! The Club is intending selling these to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation.

                                          The RIBI President giving us his thoughts!

The following evening was a journey up country to Aberdeen and the Northern Hotel to celebrate 50 years of the St Machar Rotary Club. PDG Bill Wood was President on the evening so the banter was thick and fast as you might imagine. There was a good attendance from the surrounding Clubs and a great night of fellowship.

                                Some of the great and the good at the Northern Hotel!

To complete the week of Charter Dinners we were off the next day, Saturday the 19th of November to a good bit nearer home, to the 60th Charter of the Keith Club. Once again it was a great evening with Richard Lochhead, MSP as the main speaker. The Club wished to present a PHF to the outgoing President Peter Laing. This I had the honour and pleasure of doing in front of his many friends. The evening concluded with some songs and stories from Colin Campbell, a great entertainer.

On Tuesday the 22nd of November saw Winnie and I down at the Forth Bridge, the Queensferry Hotel, to vist the Rotary Club of West Fife who meet there. It was a pleasant experience for us to meet up again with an ex Forres RC member Stephanie Blackden. We had a very pleasant evening with the Club members who gave me a very good reception - and two very fine glass coasters from the Club.

                  Alan and Alexander - What is it with these Presidents and a Meerkat?


Next day, on Wednesday we did not have far to go since our visit was to the Rotary Club of Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay who also meet in the Queensferry Hotel. The Club has one or two members who are good friends, Cath Chorley and Jim Aitken, so it was good to share the meeting with them and the other members. President Fred made us very welcome and after a fine lunch I did my usual DG talk.

                                  President Fred with Winnie and books and me!


On the 29th we were off along the Moray coast to Fraserburgh to visit President Gill Lamont and the Rotarians of a Club I have known well in the past. It was again great to meet up with friends I have known for many years now, especially Past President Helen Fowler who has not lost any of the fun that I remember her for. It was a good evening of fellowship and a very nice meal in Findlays Hotel.


After a break of a few days We visited the joint meeting of the Inverurie Club and the Kintore Club. There was a large gathering of Rotarians from both Clubs and it was refreshing to see how many younger Rotarians were there (mainly from the younger Kintore Club of course!). Once again there were a lot of well known faces among the attendees that I had met over the years, one of them Pat Findlater was in Round Table with me, quite a few years ago now!. President Graham and President Susan made Winnie and I very welcome and we both enjoyed the fellowship of the evening.

    President Susan, Winnie the DG & President Graham (playing Hide-and-Seek?)


On the 10th of December Winnie and had a very special day. We visited the CHAS Inverness branch Christmas Ceilidh for the families and children CHAS look after in that area. We were there to give presents of books to the younger and older children from the books donated by our 1010 Rotarians to Winnie's Book Project that she has been organising for District 1010. I can't tell you how humble we both felt at the bravery of the parents there and the children, they were all so pleased and happy to receive books, it was very much a lump in the throat occasion. Well done 1010 Rotarians is all I can say. Winnie was overwhelmed by the day.

                                                   Winnie and I with Ryan

                     Winnie with Robert and Emily


By mid December we were almost at the end of our visits but had a very pleasant return visit to make to IPDG George Berstane's Rotary Club of Turriff. Winnie and I were made very welcome and it was good to meet with our old friends at Turriiff that we had come to know so well from the previous Conference in Inverness. After a fine meal I spoke to the Club who listened with interest, at least I didn't notice anybody sleeping! (That happens in the odd Club you must understand)

                                                              TTT Turriff Table Talk!


I was asked by the Thurso Rotary Club to visit on the 15th of December for a very special reason, to present 3 PHF's to three original founder members of that Club. It turned out to be a memorable occasion with a fine meal, a glass of wine (I was staying overnight) the ceremony of the presentations and some Christmas entertainment from the Thurso Interact Club. It is always an honour to be able to present the Paul Harris Fellowship at any time but when 3 come along - well it is extra special. The Interact Club were superb with their own amusing version of a song for the Club. There were quite a large number of the Interact Club there so the average age profile fell dramatically.

                                                            The Thurso Interact 'Choir


The year 2010 ended with a most enjoyable Fellowship lunch organised by area 4 of our District at Aberdeen. The lunch was organised by the Portlethan Club for the whole of Area 4 and took place at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel on Aberdeen's Beach Boulevard. A superb meal with great fellowship amongst good friends.


The first visit of 2012 was to the Rotary Club of Portlethan. Winnie and I were welcomed by President Iain McLeod and one of the tasks of the evening was to 'apprehend' an ex member of that Club Charlie Leslie and present him with a Paul Harris Fellowship for the work he has done to support RYLA over many years. The District has wished to do this for some time now but Charlie was elusive when he thought somebody was going to do something for him. However we did it, found him, brought him into the meeting and did the presentation - and he came like a lamb! The rest of the evening was superb, good food and fellowship, as it should be..

                                                           Charlie - Got you at last !!


The next visit Winnie and I had was to the Aberlour and Speyside Club who now meet in the Craigellachie Hotel. It was a Club that I knew well, one of the members I met over thirty years ago in Orkney and many of the rest I have met on numerous visits to the Club over the past twelve years. Philip Gadsen, the Assistant District Secretary, is President this year and made us both very welcome. I had the honour to be asked by the Club to induct their newest Rotarian Nigel Engstrand. Nigel is the headmaster of Aberlour School. Following the induction I talked to the Club about the District and about Rotary worldwide, including the changes that may happen in RIBI. Overall it was a very pleasant meeting with old friends.

                                    Nigel's induction.   Notice - a younger Rotarian!!


Sunday 22nd January was an exciting day for the District. In the Royal George Hotel, Perth, our 1010 District Group Study Exchange Team who will visit New South Wales in March, gave their initial presentation to family and friends and to myself and Winnie. Peter Farr, the Team leader from the Rotary Club of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, introduced the presentation and gave an explanation of the format the team visit would take. The part of District 9700 that they will visit will be the Riverina area of NSW, with their central point being the town of Wagga Wagga. Peter then introduced his team of Anne Sutherland, Amanda Ingram, Jamie Harrison and Mark Bryce who all gave their presentations as they would to the Australian District 9700 Rotarians. It was a very polished presentation and much enjoyed by all present. On behalf of the audience, and indeed the rest of the District, I thanked them for their hard work in putting it all together. I also thanked Jim Slater the GSE Co-ordinator for all his work in pulling the whole project together. They will be going to a lovely warm part of Australia - I wish, I wish - me too!

                Mark, Anne, DG, Amanda, Peter, and Jamie, all set for Australia - except me!

DG's 6th Blog

  





On Monday the 18th of October Winnie and I set off West to visit the Rotary Club of Portree and District. The day started badly by a very silly mistake of mine in driving too close to a petrol pump at Inverness and bursting a tyre on the pump base. Winnie was not amused! However after a wheel change we set off along the Great Glen with the weather becoming more wintry by the minute. Nearing Kyle the mountains were clothed in snow down to a few hundred metres from the bases. After the Skye Bridge things were a little better but still blowy and rather wet. During the evening we were very warmly welcomed by President Graham and the Skye Rotarians, many of whom I had met before on previous meetings. The Club meets alternately in Portree and Broadford and is now known as the Rotary Club of Skye. Winnie was presented with books from the Club and we enjoyed the warm fellowship during the splendid meal. The journey back was much drier and brighter allowing us to see the glorious scenery of Skye and the West.

The Cuillin Hills at their best!

After a visit to the District 1020 Conference in Southport over the weekend of the 21st to the 23rd of October it was back home to continue our Club visits in 1010. On Wednesday the 25th we visited the Rotary Club of Dundee Camperdown at a well known site for us, The Invercarse Hotel. President Peter MacKay made us welcome as did the Rotarians present on the night. Unfortunately my visit coincided with a curling match between some of the area Clubs so one or two members had to leave during the evening. During the evening President Peter presented Winnie with some books for her book project to which she replied and thanked the members for their generosity.





The next day we were in the same area and visited the Rotary Club of Monifeith. Although I had not visited  the Club before I knew several of the Rotarians from the time of PDG Eric Simpsons year and his Conference. The meeting was held in the Monifeith Golf Club and the staff had dressed up in Halloween costumes to serve us at table. We had a very warm welcome from President Mike Leonard and the Club members, the evening was one of fun and good natured chat and 'banter' across the tables. Winnie was presented with a large number of beatiful books for her CHAS project and thanked the Club for their generosity 

My pirate, My Batman, Me,  My Theatre Sister, My Witch








Top Table Fellowship

Next day, the 27th of October I had a chance to visit another Club that I had not had the pleasure of visiting before, the Rotary Club of Cowdenbeath. Winnie and I met with President Dennis Brooks and the Club members at the Halway House Hotel in Kingseat for lunch on that day. There was a good attendance of members and after a good lunch Winnie was presented with more books for her book appeal for CHAS. The Club has been able to recruit one or two younger Rotarians which was good to see, however there were two very active members there who are in their nineties, a salutary message to some of us elderly gentlemen that you can still serve, no matter what age you are.



More books for Winnie from Dennis and the Cowdenbeath Club

Later on the 27th, Winnie and I made our way to St Michaels to visit the Rotary Club of North Fife. Some old friends, John Naismith and John Brewster were there on the evening and it was good to see them again.  President Gavin  Robertson welcomed us to the Club. After a fine meal I talked to the Club, with John Naismith assisting me with some of the points on TRF Future Vision. Winnie was presented with some books from the Club for her CHAS project, and was extremely grateful for their generosity.



President Gavin with us after the meeting.

During the evening of the 31st of October we had a short drive down the A96 to visit the Rotary Club of Huntly where we enjoyed a fine meal in the beautiful Huntly Castle Hotel with President Leslie Murray and the Rotarians present.

On the 1st of November it was back down the A9, firstly to book into the Travelodge at Broxden, before visiting the Rotary Club of Crieff. We were warmly welcomed by President George Penny and many of his Rotarians. The attendance that evening was 91% so I joked with George that he had not told his members that the DG was coming that evening. It was a great evening of fellowship with a superb meal. Winnie was presented with some books by the Club and spoke to them about her project, thanking them for their generosity



Smiles of a happy evening! President George and I.

The following day, the 2nd of November, was a visit for lunch to the Rotary Club of Perth St John's. we were welcomed by President Heather Stewart and SVP Louis Flood. Despite a few members having to be absent, representing the Club at an important Curling meeting that day in Perth, we had a very good meeting with fine food and fellowship.


Heather saying goodbye before sorting out Perth & Kinross Council that afternoon.

 From Perth we made our way on the short journey to Forfar for their evening meeting. During the journey we stopped for a cup of welcome tea and a chat to John Brewster who has the most marvellous house in Kinnetles. It is a converted Church of Scotland Kirk and John has made it into the most beautiful home. After spending some time with John we made our way to 'The Stag' in Forfar to visit the Rotary Club of Forfar. President Mike Cumming made us very welcome and introduced us to many of the members before going through to the dining room for a meal. It was a large turnout of members and guests. There were around 8 of the Laurencekirk members present as visitors. They were playing a gavel match with the Forfar Club later in the evening. We had a fine evening of fun and fellowship, just what Rotary should be! Winnie was presented with more books for her CHAS project and spoke to the Club of her appreciation for their generosity. The poor Laurencekirk Rotarians will have to hear me again next Monday when I visit their Club.

Really President Mike there is no need to bow - I am just a Rotarian like you.

On Saturday evening of that week, the 4th of November Winnie and I attended the Annual Charity Ball of the Rotary Club of Alloa. It was a great evening of fun, fellowship and dancing! President Graham Kerr and Judith were wonderful hosts. The meal was excellent and the Rotarians present were very generous towards the raffle and the table envelope grand draw. I think the Club should be congratulated in still being able to produce such a fine evening considering the present economic climate. The festivities went on well past the witching hour with both of us being still at Grahams house at 2am - well it was his 60th birthday!!


The DG's wife in full flow!

 On the morning of the 5th of November a rather bleary eyed pair set off from Menstrie, where we had been overnight (well most of it anyway) and made our way to the Trossachs and the beautiful town of Callander. That evening was the 40th Charter Dinner of the Callander and West Perthshire Rotary Club to which Winnie and I had been invited as guests. We were met by Jen Shearer and Peter Mehta for lunch, they were to be our hosts that night, The evening was a spendid affair with Gordon Brewer of BBC Newsnight fame as the principal speaker. President Ken Stewart had arranged for a founder member of the Club, David Brown, to cut a cake in celebration of their Charter. Winnie was also presented with books from the Club towards her CHAS project



David cutting the 40th Charter cake.




Winnie, Samantha & Nicola at Callander

 

During the evening of Monday the 7th of November we visited the Rotary Club of Laurencekirk to visit President Maitland Wilson and the Rotarians there, including President of Inner Wheel District 1, Sandra Bartram. We were later than we had hoped to be because of heavy traffic on the A96 and the A90, we were still on time for the meeting but mildly 'ticked off' at not being as early as we should have been, so apologies to the Club for that. We enjoyed the fellowship of the Club and a very nice meal at the Crown.



President Maitland et moi.

The following evening, Tuesday the 8th, Winnie and I made our way along the coast to the East on our way to visit the Rotary Club of Peterhead. It was a drizzly night and the journey was dreich to say the least. I had never been in Peterhead before so was looking forward to seeing some of it, however the town was shrouded in autumnal misty conditions and sightseeing was not really an option. The weather might have been dour but the welcome of President Lynn Smith and her Rotarians was certainly not. We were made to feel very much at home and enjoyed a fine meal of local fish, well you don't go to one of the leading fishing ports without enjoying the local produce.



It was a fine night at Peterhead!