PRESIDENT'S CHAT
The first few weeks in any new position – I will re-phrase that - Any new job is always a little nerve wracking. However I have been put at my ease by the great spirit of fellowship and reassured by the work of Convenors and their Committees as they set their direction for the year, which will involve us the members in service, fellowship and fun.
He looks professional to me....Ed!
Several Rotarians enjoyed an outing to the Open at Carnoustie where a well known Rotarian gained concessionary entry by being honest about his age much to the others concern, which resulted in him being marched to the bar to buy the first round. Great fellowship was enjoyed by all albeit the hospitality of a certain bank evaded us. At the time of writing preparations are well in hand for our own “Open” our charity golf day at Dunkeld Golf Club on the 5th of September. It promises to be a very successful event. Come along and help if you can.
It is important that I, as President, listen to the membership and should you have any points or suggestions (polite) or matters you wish the Club Council to consider please speak to me.
Finally after last night I know I am not a cricketer. However good fellowship was enjoyed with the Perth Club.
Kind Regards,
President John
Editorial
Once more many thanks to all contributors, you make my life easier.
Concerning the content of Chatters, it would be nice to have an article each month on what members did outside of Rotary, apart from playing golf and fishing. Is there anything else out there? Did you do something different this month? If so, how about writing a short article for "Chatters". All that's needed is a paragraph or two and a few pictures if available. Record your experience for future generations and share it with the Club.
For starters this month, Dry-Stone Walling; I spent two days learning how to build a wall. Just like Rotary, fun, fellowship and good team-work went hand in hand.
It's finished!
Almost there..!
There were twenty of us in the class, working in pairs under the guidance of the instructors. Each pair had the task of building a 2m by 1.4m high section of a 20m wall in two days. The day started at 9am and went on until 4-30pm with breaks for lunch and coffee/tea.
Therapeutic and not in the least bit boring, the time flew as the wall took shape from what looked at first like a pile of random rocks. The secret's in the bits that you don't see, the "heartings" - small pieces of rock that support the big bits and keep them level. After a time the eye begins to recognise which stone will fit and which won't. A bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle but in three dimensions and like puzzles, very satisfying when finished. In all, some 24 man-hours were spent to build a 2m length. I'm told that the professionals can take down a wall and rebuild it at the rate of 3.5m per 8-hour day, so there is still some learning to be done. Maybe next year!
Now for the garden....!
If you are interested, the details of courses etc, can be viewed by clicking here...
Gordon W
On similar lines an article from President John....
Visit to Canonbie
A few weeks ago Ann and I spent a very enjoyable couple of days with Bill and Lorraine Frew at Byreburnfoot, Canonbie.
Bill & Lorraine's...
Some may recall that Bill (a past President of Perth Kinnoull) had kindly donated two nights bed and breakfast for two at their B & B in Canonbie. I made the successful bid.
On arrival Bill came out to greet us with apron on having just completed cooking chicken pies which apparently contained Colin the cockerel who had been just a bit too amorous with the hens. Bill decided he had to go to an alternative use. Lorraine joined us and we had afternoon tea followed by drinks and an excellent dinner cooked by Bill, which included potatoes and vegetables from his large vegetable garden.
Next morning, following a hearty breakfast, we visited roman ruins at Vindolanda and then went on to Hexham Abbey. I enjoyed the drive with the hood down there and back. On our return Bill showed us the work he was undertaking in the house – additional ensuites and the plans for three self-catering units in the stables. We again enjoyed dinner cooked by Bill and another great breakfast the next morning before setting off.
Bill and Lorraine have plans also to keep sheep and pigs in a field nearby to add to the produce. They have both done an enormous amount of work to the house and garden in the past year, which is a credit to them. It is a beautiful corner of Scotland, well worth a visit and Bill and Lorraine are very happy there living “the good life.”
John
The Fife Coastal Walk, part 6.
July 18th, it's pouring with rain in Perth, George wonders what to do.
A quick call to Kircaldy Tourist Office confirms that the weather in Fife is better, after consultation with the participants, the walk is on!
The route this time, Lower Largo to Elie, six miles according to the map.
The Tourist Office was right. The weather changed dramatically as we approached the Fife coast; no rain and the promise of sun!
But first some lunch at the Ship Inn, overlooking Elie harbour. A nice tuna baguette, washed down with a pint, fortified us for the walk ahead.
The route from Lower Largo is quite different from that of the previous walks. Starting along the old coastal railway track; lined with a dazzling display of wild flowers, after about a mile it descends through the dunes onto a clean, sandy beach. The beach stretches far into the distance. It must be one of Scotland's longest, with very little by way of buildings apart from an isolated Victorian villa and a ruined steading. It is as nature intended and no surprise to find that the route passes through the Dumbarnie reserve owned by the Scottish Wlldlife Trust. Here the bird life, was prolific. Large groups of Curlews and many Reed Buntings were seen.
First a pint!
Hang on guys! It was just a joke! You don't really look like illegals...
If you look closely...a Reed Bunting
"Show me the way to go... gnome!"
One modern structure did show up on route, a sculpture. At least that's what the lady sitting by it said it was. It's apparently dedicated to Alexander Selkirk, of Robinson Crusoe fame and walkers are encouraged to use flotsam from the beach to add to it... So that's why the beach was so clean! Not so sure about the character next to it though ... !
Setting the pace!
At the end of the beach the route crosses a river and turns inland through what must be one of the biggest caravan parks in Fife. Semi-permanent caravans literally, littered the landscape, although to be fair they were all well appointed and they did look better by being more randomly placed rather than being on straight lines.
Caravan park
Chain Walk
The choice now was "Do we do the Chain Walk?" From above it looked fairly easy, but maybe a tad strenuous. Also the tide was coming in, which we thought might cause some problems. Discretion took over from valour and we decided to stay with the official path. Well, we did have Greg's dog to think about didn't we?
Beyond the park and up on the hill, the views were magnificent. The complete approach to the Forth could be seen, which is probably why it was a strongly fortified stretch of coast during WW2. The evidence was everywhere; derelict pillboxes, fortified bunkers and abandoned gun emplacements, all yearning for days gone by.
A fortified relic high on the hill
Mildly Vertiginous
The route over the cliff top wasn't too difficult, but it might have been different if the path had been wet: very narrow, with steep inclines and in some places, a steep drop to the sea below. It was comforting to reach level ground again at Earlsferry.
The Earlsferry/Elie Golf Course was the next feature en route. It was packed with golfers, all practising for the Open no doubt! Some had caddies, so maybe they really were practising! This part of the route was the only bit on normal roads - quite a change from the previous walk. In Elie a number of commemorative plaques caught the eye. Elie has its famous sons, even if they are all called James!
Just another golfer?
Finally the end of the walk, but it was now 17h30; we should be in Cupar by 17h45! A quick change of clothes in the carpark, much to the amusement of the locals and off we headed, arriving as the Cupar Club were finishing their meal at the local Bangladeshi restaurant. After much apology all round, we sat in the corner to listen to the speaker while at the same time being served with... wait for it...... a heaped dish of very good steak pie, potatoes and vegetables!! After the pie came an excellent strawberry cheescake and coffee. ... so much for the curry that we had been dreaming about all afternoon!
Still, all's well that ends well and it did.
George and President Vince Fusaro exchanged the customary banners and after some chat with some of the Cupar members, we made our way home, stopping on the way at the Crees Inn in Abernethy for some refreshment. ...... But that's another story...
Annual 3 Rotary Clubs Cricket Match -Report from George Delgaty
This year's “ Fun & Fellowship Matches”.
The Teams
The Annual Rotary Cricket Match was played on 25th July at Doocot Park between the Perth Club and ourselves as Perth St Johns could not raise a Team.
It was decided to play 8 a side, 14 overs each with each Bowler having 2 overs. There were also other " Quaint rules and match terms" such as "Not-out First Ball", this benefited their ex-president Bill Miller who fell victim to a beautiful delivery from Ian Stevenson, only to continue to score some good runs for Perth. Also two wides per over ( a clever tactic used by Perth- as we certainly bowled more on line than they did). However you have to lay the blame for our defeat somewhere so why not the Captain Bob Reid who for a second successive season dropped a "Dolly Catch" from one of their opening batsmen off the bowling of George.
We lost by 16 runs- Perth 82. Perth Kinnoull 66. A good night of Fun and Fellowship with the Perth guys despite a heavy shower early in our Innings, which left the Perth Bowlers being Members of the Red Hand Gang.
Our Team was Iain "Slow Arm" Brown, George " All Rounder" Delgaty, Donald "Keen Eye for a Run" McDonald, Captain Bob " Dolly the Catch" Reid, Greg " Behind the Stumps having a Ciggy" Ross, President John " Golf Swing- Fore!" Shedden, Iain " Debutant Cricketer" Smith and Ian " Line Bowler" Stevenson. Many thanks to Chatters Ed, Gordon Whitcomb who came along to take pictures for Chatters and ended up "Volunteering" to be Scorer.
Bob in fine form
Nice footwork, Iain !
Greg - eyes the ball!
News Items
July 4th
The speaker this evening was Liz Yule who talked about the local Mediation Group that helps families, neighbours and other adversaries to get together and discuss their differences.
July 11th
Business meeting: See Convenors reportsJuly 17th
Paper-point presentation
HAKAW!
I've thought a lot about this dieting thing over the last few years and think that it MUST be simpler than all the dieting programmes suggest. I have developed a plan that doesn't do all of the usual things, works, keeps the weight off long-term; and is applicable to every age group and state of health.
On the 1st of July, I weighed 98 Kgs. I intend to lose on average one Half A Kilogram A Week. HAKAW!
the "before" photo....
Could this be the "after"?
If I am not, you can all laugh at me.
I think that I can do the same with osteoathritis, which started with me about 18 months ago.
Peter, July 2007
Ed: Watch this space!!
At short notice the talk this evening was given by Peter MacDougall. The subject, "Home Made Wine", was not about ordinary home made elderberry or oak leaf plonk, but about gallons of fine wine, made from the finest Italian grapes. It seems that IF you get the timing right, IF the sterilisation is correct AND buy the grapes in Glasgow (!), a fantastic result is guaranteed. Peter threw out the challenge. Could we make a Hogshead (circa 240 litres or 1.33 Firkins if you prefer!)? All that's needed are the ingredients, the carboys (large glass containers) and the volunteers to help tread the grapes, sterilize the equipment and help with the bottling!
In parallel with the wine making activity, Peter has decided to slim for charity! In his own words......
July 18th
It's nice to be copied?? It seems that we were ahead of the game with the Bogey Race! Glasgow Council has taken up the idea albeit with more resources.... Next year Perth?
Daily Mail - 18h July: spotted by Frank Muirden
Convenors Reports
Community Service - Report from Frank Muirden
President John, George and myself assisted in the removal of Sue from Balbeggie to her new abode in the village of Errol. We were blessed with good weather, good packing techniques and initiative with the aid of webbing and a "volve phillips screwdriver". John's trailer was additionally packed with items for a car boot as well as rubbish for the tip.
The Removal Men
Unfortunately, Sue's bed settee did not fit the doorway in Errol despite numerous attempts and lots of sweat! This in return resulted in an executive decision taken by Sue whereby the settee was destined for the Civil Amenity in Perth. Given the good condition of the settee we drove to the Salvation Army Furniture Project premises off Arran Road to be told that it did not conform to Fire Safety Conditions. We tried to be Community Service orientated. It has now found a new home in the skip!
After a full days work we emptied the Balbeggie premises much to the delight of Sue and her family. We extended best wishes to her for her new life in Errol. It will take her months to empty all the neatly packed boxes especially the heaviest one of all marked "Liverpool".
President John is sending a card to her on behalf of us all.
Ways and Means - Report from Eva Smart
We have got quite a few suggestions from the ways and means committee. These will be discussed at the next Council meeting. A more detailed report will be available in the next "Chatters".
SPORTS EXTRA - from Sports Convenor George Delgaty
CHARITY TEAM GOLF TOURNAMENT
WEDNESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER
AT DUNKELD & BIRNAM GOLF CLUB
PLEASE REPORT TO CLUBHOUSE BETWEEN 12.30 PM AND 12.45 PM
PLAYERS WILL ARRIVE FOR 1.00PM - SHOTGUN START AT 2.00PM.
On behalf of the Golf Committee I wish to bring to the ATTENTION of all members of the Club that our SECOND BIGGEST FUND RAISING EVENT of the Rotary Year takes place at Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club on Wednesday 5th September.
Last year we had a thoroughly enjoyable day up at Dunkeld, which was largely due to the support of the Club Members, and I quote from a thank you letter received “ hard effort and organisational skills that are required for such an event and this certainly seemed to run exceptionally smoothly.”
The Golf Committee would be grateful if you could assist us in RUNNING this year’s Golf Tournament. We require ON THE DAY:
- 2 to 3 for the Registration and Scoring Desk.
-
Challenge Hole Volunteers -
- 2 for Hole No. 3. “ On the Green”
- 2 for Hole No.6. “ Driving the Green”
- 1 for Hole No.9. “ Nearest the White Line”
- 1 for Hole No.11. “Osprey Birdie- Magic 2”
- 1 for Hole No.16. “ Danny’s Drouth”
- 1 for Hole No.18. “ Nearest the Pin”.
In TOTAL at least 10 to 12 to assist on the day, as there are many jobs to be done in running a Successful Golf Tournament. A BOARD WILL BE GOING ROUND.
Also if you cannot make the Golf, PLEASE support the EVENT by becoming either
- a:-Hole Sponsor for £30.
- Or how about an Advert in our Golf Programme for £50.
- Or Donating a Raffle Prize or an Auction Prize.
All contributions go to-wards our Charity fundraising to help people locally and internationally.
AND NOW THE SPORTS…………..
CLUB GOLF - Summer? 2007.
Remember the Golf Ladder – have you Climbed the Ladder yet? Knock the Guys off the TOP TWO Spots in order to contest the Semi Finals. Remember if you Challenge and your opponent cannot accept reasonable dates to your Challenge for various reasons - you take his place on the ladder. Competition runs until 18th September.
Michael Thomson and I were defeated 2 & 1 in the Semi Final by Pitlochry Club members, Dugal Spaven and his partner and so our participation in the 21st RIBI Rotary Club Championship comes to an end for this year. I caught up again with our previous opponents Bill Low and Sandy Mitchell when we visited the Cupar Club recently. It was good to see some “ kent faces” when you visit another Club.
Ah the Jackson Christie – Alas the Putts did not Drop and my dreams of going to U.S.A are on hold now until 2008. However the Club will have the honour of hosting the qualifying Round of the Jackson Christie next year. Likely date is either Tuesday 13th or Wednesday 14th May 2008 at Murrayshall.
And lastly……. What about the Club’s Annual Golf Outing, either late August or early September, on a Sunday afternoon would be a good time, say over either Glenisla or Strathmore to include High tea after the round. Let me know your thoughts and I can then put a Board round. The Holder is Ian “ Sporty” Brown.