President's February Message

Dear Rotarians, I suspect many of us are in reflective mood at this time we were after all, last year, making sure our suits and frocks were dry-cleaned ready for the President's dinner and madly collecting raffle prizes and twisting arms for the auction.

Since then we have lived in Rotary by our motto of Service Above Self and built on Danny's and the Club's, as a whole, positivity to again be working towards a President's dinner and one of the major fundraisers of the year.

As a result I call on you all as lateral thinkers to collect unusual but desired items for the auction and the raffle. David Leggat will join us again to conduct the auction so there are no limits as to what can be auctioned. There are, after all, not many challenges that David hasn't risen to as an auctioneer.

Have fun

Amanda

The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men
Gang aft agley

Camera at the ready for the first shot of the Haggis being piped in and ...*@?*@$,..... no memory card in the camera. I know that losing your memory is a sign of age but this was a bit premature! So that was it. No photos of what was a magnificent event, the annual Burns Supper.

Still, all was not lost. A quick fix, using all available resources and ..... a partial redemption at least!...

The Rotary Ranters

After the piping in, by our own Ian Stevenson, the haggis was eloquently addressed by Ian Smith ; and the Selkirk Grace was given by John Cormack. The meal was the traditional Soup, Haggis Neeps and Tatties, followed by Clootie Dumpling. Nicely prepared and presented by the Royal George. The Immortal Memory, given by John Shedden portrayed the life of Burns. Even President Amanda, not a Burns afficionado by her own account, agreed that she had learnt a thing or two! Harry's stimulating "Toast to the Lassies" and Janet's excellent poetic reply completed the traditional speeches. Entertainment was provided by Donald MacDonald, George Delgaty and by the Rotary Ranters.

The Ranters; Bob Brown - Keyboard, Ian Stevenson - Border Pipes and John Shedden - Bodhran, played a number of tunes which were more or less accompanied by the audience singing, much to everyone's enjoyment and amusement. Where does all the talent come from?

Later than usual, the evening ended and those of us who had to, retreated to play Claverhouse in the Gavel. Unfortunately we lost!

Gordon W.