PRESIDENT'S CHAT

At the time of writing I am looking forward to the President’s Dinner mostly with enthusiasm and partly in slight trepidation. It is a major event in our Club’s Rotary Year and I am most grateful the Ways and Means Committee and all other members who are involved in organising the evening and to all members for their efforts in relation to the raffle and the auction.

I was pleased that the evening for Sightsavers was a success and that the Aqua Box was filled almost instantly and again thanks go to all concerned in the International and Foundation Committee and all the musicians who took part and the Royal George for the use of the function room.

The Youth and Vocation team have an exciting project in the planning stage with the Music Department of Perth College to add to their success with the Young Artist Competition. The Mock Interviews are again being held to assist Senior Pupils with the development of their interview skills.

Laura

Laura & Harry with PNG flag and traditional bag around John's neck

In Community Service practical assistance is being given in terms of tidying a garden and interior decoration with links being maintained with PKAVS in respect of other projects. I believe the wishing well is moving slowly towards completion!

I enjoyed the Open Evening and I do hope that those who brought guests will encourage them to return where they have shown interest in Rotary. Thanks go to SVP Harry and JVP Janet and to Laura Carse , the speaker on the evening, whose enthusiasm is infectious.

Best wishes,

President John

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Editorial

shoes

A nice pair of shoes....

notsonice

..until they are worn!

It's not often that one loses one's sole but it can happen!
Tuesday night, ready for the walk down town to Rotary there am I, striding out, confident that the rain would hold off long enough to get to the "George". The metal railway bridge seems a bit squishy underfoot ..  but maybe it's just the dampness. Down the steps and onto Tay street, ...sudden collapse of a heel. Now I know how it feels ladies! This is a bit unexpected. By the traffic lights on Queen's Bridge, the other heel collapses. What is happening? Soon both soles went and I was literally "down on my uppers". Just as well the socks were thick! 

Gordon W

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Feb 15th - Sightsavers Social evening

Elaine C Smith
Before the event there was much concern that the numbers would be too low. The problem was that nobody seemed able to describe the musical entertainment. Was it folk or was it rock or what. The event surprised us all. With an excellent mix of soul and mid-atlantic country music The Rancho Bebop & The Full Moon Howlers, together with the Dave Amos Trio,  had us all tapping our feet and for some, dancing with memories of times gone by. The band, who had volunteered their time at no cost, were first class. Some of the hotel guests joined in for a suitable contribution. Actress Elaine C Smith was there and Mike Graham, never one to miss an opportunity, persuaded her to pose for a photo. In all a profitable and fun evening which raised some £600 for Sightsavers International.
James

James Smart aiming for the Whisky

....
john

John making the judgements..!

band

The Ranco Bebops etc.."

Fife Coastal Walk

snowdrops

Snowdrops at Cambo House

The weather hasn't been kind and other events have got in the way so the coastal walk has been put in the background for the time being. However, for those of you who appreciate wild flowers, the snowdrops at Cambo House on the Coastal Walk are magnificent. They can be seen until early March.

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News Items

Jan 29th Guest Evening

Prospective Rotary members were introduced to a normal club meeting and addressed with much enthusiasm by Laura Carse, fresh from her year in Papua New Guinea. Interestingly, Laura has joined Rotary after first hand experience of the good works financed with Rotary funds in PNG.

Feb 5th - Un-Forgetful evening

Emma Law and colleague Leslie entertained us, if that's the right word with a discourse on dementia and related conditions. It was thought provoking but it has to be said entertaining in that the talk was interactive, challenging our knowledge while highlighting the symptoms, the prognosis and the treatment for those of us who might unfortunately be afflicted one day. Healthy living was the message, if you want to delay dementia.

Feb 19th - Bio-fuels

Biofuels for better or for worse were the subject of discussion during this interesting talk by Alistair Reekie. All is not what it seems when all the factors are taken into account. Biofuel while being carbon efficient has its downside. This and other plus and minus points were presented and discussed, leaving us all with something to think about. The future might not be so green after all!

Feb 26th The Horsecross

Louisa Jacobs gave an informative talk about the Horsecross develeopment and the plans for the future. Interestingly some 33% of the Horsecross ticket sales are from outwith Perthshire.
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Convenors Reports

Youth and Vocation

1) Strathallan Mock Interviews - We have had a very good response from Rotarians. Eight volunteers were there on Wednesday 27th February and a further eight will assist on Wednesday 5th March.

2) RYLA - We are committed to sponsoring two delegates, one male and one female, if possible. 

3) Music Competition  Five finalists will be selected and invited to perform at a concert in June. The overall winner will receive a prize of £250

4) Sports Aid; Iain E Brown passed on a Scottish Sports Aid Application.The favoured candidate this year for the £250 sponsorship is Marissa Henderson, aged 13, ranked British No.1 under 15 in Ice Skating ( Figure). She is regarded very highly and competed in an international tournament in Zagreb last year where she took Bronze medal. The committee fully support this application.
 
5) Primary School Quiz   We have had no further information on our commitment to host the Zone final as per last year.
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