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
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