Editorial
President Harry has been on holiday this month, so no president's message.
And what a month... everything seems to have happened from wet trips to fast trips to interesting trips, not to mention the Golf Day and the other charity events that make us the Club that we are.
So on Harry's behalf...we are doing well!!
Gordon W.Features
Auction Prizes
Caterham Capers or Twice in Killin
On arrival at Andrew’s, he showed Jimmy and me the controls of the car; how to put the hood up; and how to get in and out, which is no mean feat as the seat is fairly low down. Once belted in the full harness, a turn of the key and a press of the ignition button brought the Caterham to life. Without further ado we were off with Jimmy "Lewis Hamilton" McConnach at the wheel.
We headed west, taking the Madderty road to Crieff. I have to say my initial reaction was "Oh my God! " As Jimmy started to test the cars exhilarating acceleration. The car cornered as if it was on rails. By the time we got to Crieff and two pairs of trousers later we headed out by Comrie and St Fillan’s towards Killin where we were met by a Pipe Band and a heavy police presence – no not for us - it was the Killin Show.
After an enjoyable lunch it was my turn to take the wheel. We headed for Aberfeldy at a good pace enjoying the fresh air and magnificent scenery and the roar from the exhaust when you open the throttle. The car was easy to drive with a crisp gear change and was remarkably comfortable for a serious sports car.
We then saw the turning for Glen Lyon – you can do a loop off the Killin to Aberfeldy road. Now Andrew did offer us a detailed road map before we left – no thanks I said, I know where we are going. Well Glen Lyon is interesting – sheep and more sheep, hydro dams and the worst road surface in Britain at its highest point. After what seemed an age and many miles later and completely disorientated we emerged back at Killin. Oh sugar! A quick "U" turn and change of driver and back along the road towards Aberfeldy we went. Roaring up the hill out of Kenmore speeding round the bends like a bat out of ---- over Wade’s Bridge Bridge into Aberfeldy – Heads turned to see where the noise was coming from – yes it was the two old gits in the yellow peril!. Onwards over to Ballinluig where the car joined the A9 with allacrity. A quick pit stop to change drivers and I took the car back to Tesco's to fill it up before returning the car in one piece to Andrew.
We had a great day out which I can thoroughly recommend to anyone who wishes to feel what a real car is like to drive. Go on try it – you will love it!
Thanks again to Andrew for donating this exciting Auction prize.
IPP JohnCanonbie
Byreburnfoot House - Loretta sketched this when I was fishing!
Bill is busy extending the accomodation. The aim is to turn the old stable-block into a self-catering annex with rooms and access specially adapted for disabled persons. This involves some major rebuilding work which will keep Bill busy ( and warm I guess ) over the winter.
Canonbie is an attractive village with many walks and a long history associated with the Border Reivers. (Yes, I know -- 'i' before 'e' except after 'c'.... but the reivers didn't know this rule) There are many reivers trails that can be followed and the tower house refuge of the Armstrong family on the outskirts of Canonbie is worth a visit. It gives an idea of how life was like in days gone by.
The Hawker Hunter
The museum is privately run and lacks the level of funding that would make it a major tourist feature. but it is well worth a visit, some of its exhibits are unique.
For the more historically minded the Burns House in Dumfries and Caerlaverock Castle close by are also worth seeing.
All in all - a most enjoyable few days. Bill and Loraine send their best wishes to us all and if you are passing by, their address is Byreburnfoot, Canonbie. I can recommend it!
Gordon W.
Fife Coastal Walk - Part 11, Guardbridge to Kinshaldy
On the Guardbridge
A wandering "Gnome - ad " seen en route
Further on, the 15th Century bridge over the River Eden was still there. Separated from the main road, it is open for walkers and cyclists. Across the river the route follows the main road before branching off towards Leuchars. Here the Tornado fighter-bombers could be seen clearly on the taxi-ways. while every so often one took off with an impressive roar.
Past Leuchars, the road becomes more like a country track heading towards the sea but not quite getting there. Earlshall castle gave the gnome a chance to re-appear. Can't keep him away! Then on across open, largely featureless moorland skirting the airbase and on towards Tentsmuir. The guide says that there are boardwalks across the damp parts of the moor but we didn't find them. It wasn't damp either so maybe our path didn't quite follow the official route. We followed the apparent path before meeting up with the main road towards the Kinshaldy carpark.
The woods are interesting, only ninety years old but looking older - that's flattery for a tree! A mixture of Scots and Corsican Pine and some deciduous trees, it is a haven for all sorts of wild and not so wild life; we saw squirrels and jays and the odd plastic barrel! However, the site has many Bronze age connections and many artifacts from that time have been found. Today it is a recreational area.
We completed the walk in good time and eventually arrived at the North Fife Rotary Club, which meets in the Drumoig Golf Hotel. Another good walk with good company at another Rotary!
News Items
Aug 6th: A (Wet ! ) Night at the Tattoo
Squelch! Squelch! --- Squelch! Squelch! ---Squelch! Squelch! Squelch!
Very rhythmic, but it wasn't the marching of the massed bands. This was Perth Kinnoull Rotary making its way up the Royal Mile to their seats in the tattoo. No problem! We were all suitably kitted out in waterproofs, weren't we? -- and some of us had had an excellent high tea in the George before leaving - so were well fortified. But Scottish rain and wind defeats the best laid plans! It bucketed down. The Mile was a river and water poured from the gargoyles on the church roof like a divine waterfall. However our seats were good - better protected from the driving rain than those on the South stand but soaked through we were!
The performers, soaked too, were magnificant, not seeming to notice the rain, the spectacle was not spoiled. It was even enhanced by the reflections. The massed pipes and drums stirred the blood and kept us warm. So too did the sight and precision of the various drill squads and the dancers. The New Zealand Drill Girls in particular caught the eye of the men and for the ladies it was the Norwegian army conscripts.! They were both outstanding!
Back to the bus and a quick change for the cognoscenti, who wisely had brought a change of clothing. For the rest a damp sit, but not unpleasant run home, having enjoyed an evening of shared experience and fellowship. A memorable evening and well worth the minor discomfort!
Many thanks to Douglas S. for organising everything !
Dunkeld Golf Day
SPORTS EXTRA. ( Read all About it ) September 2008 Edition.FROM CHARITY GOLF CO-ORDINATOR. GEORGE DELGATY.
CHARITY TEAM GOLF TOURNAMENT 2008.
Guess who needed a haircut!!
A Brown’s Pharmacy Healthcare Team member admires the view from the “Hardies” Sponsored Hole.
Runners Up in the Team Competition, Anderson Beaton Lamond
Winners of the Team Competition and the Strathallan Trophy. Team Elder & Paton and from L to R. Ross Paton. Duncan Watkins. Team Captain Mike Paton. Senior Vice President. Janet. Margaret Watkins.
The Event raised around £2000 for Local and National Charities and the various Winners are as follows.
CHALLENGE HOLE PRIZES.
- Hole No 3 which was “On the Green”. This proved to be successful for a number of players, with 7 dozen packs of 3 balls being distributed. Perhaps it was the Lady Rotarian presence of Senior Vice President Janet and Helen that inspired the Golfers.
- Hole No 6 “Driving the Green”. This Hole was playing easier than in previous years. The distance is 243 yards over a Gully to the Green and 4 players succeeded:- Bill Scorgie of the Anderson Beaton Lamond Team. Peter Inglis of the Christie & Partners Team. Gordon Butt of Hardies and young Ross Paton of the Elder & Paton Team who reached the Green with a great 3 iron shot.
- Hole No 9 “Nearest the White Line” The Golfing Jersey which was the prize was won by David Adam of Christie & Partners with Colin Moreland who was measuring stating "David’s shot was very close”.
- Hole No 11 “Osprey Birdie- Magic 2” No 2’s were recorded on the Hole which was surprising, maybe it was the tricky pin position.
- Hole No 16 “Danny’s Drouth” Only one Birdie 3 recorded by Mike Graham at this hole, which was achieved by Alan Michie of the RobertsonCapital Projects Team and no doubt his team-mates sank the beer quickly.
- Hole No 18 “Nearest the Pin” A lovely bottle of Glenlivet Malt was won by Mike Paton of the Elder & Paton Team.
LADIES PRIZE.
This was won by Irene Smith of the Barnyards Beauties Team and she carried off a lovely bottle of Champagne for her prize at the 6th Hole.
“HARDIES” TEAM BALL PRIZE.
This was won by the Team from Anchor Counselling Services which was entered by President Harry prior to him going on his holidays and was ably captained by that old sea dog, Mike Massey and the Team won 4 Bottles of Whisky as their prize.
TEAM PRIZES.
The Runners Up in the Main Team Stableford Points Competition were last year’s winners, Anderson Beaton Lamond well captained again by Peter Stewart who were just pipped by newcomers Team Elder & Paton with Mike Paton the Team Captain joined by his son Ross and backed up superbly by Duncan and Margaret Watkins.
In President Harry’s absence, Vice president Janet thanked everyone who contributed to a successful day and it is worth noting that 20 Perth Kinnoull Rotarians were involved up at Dunkeld whether they were assisting with the smooth running of the event or playing in it, nearly half of the Club were involved and my thanks to everyone for an enjoyable day and for raising funds for worthwhile Charity projects our Club wishes to support.
JVP - George
President's Putter
Well we won it ....What else is there to say..?
Tools for Self Reliance
For more information talk to Peter McD.
Convenors Reports
International and Foundation
Helen has received some cards and messages for our adopted children in India. The childen copy text that is written by volunteers, hence the repetition - but the sentiment is there!
If you would like to see the originals contact Helen.
Muthupandi on the right.
Pamila on the left
Youth & Vocation
- Perth Young Artist Competition Meeting has been discussed
with
the Secretary and
Treasurer of Perthshire Art Association. Opening night of the
Exhibition at Perth Art Gallery and
Museum is Friday 21st November. Handing in of framed work is Friday 7th
November. Pick up date of work from schools is Friday 24th October.
- We have received an appeal from Tayside Fire & Rescue/ Perth YMCA - who are about to embark on a renovation of a nursery school in Bulgaria and are looking for financial assistance to cover a shortfall of £1500.
Sports
On 9 September 2008 the Kinnoull Club team members took part in our first Gavel outing of the new Rotary year.
Frank Muirden - Sports Convenor