PRESIDENT'S CHAT
September has been a most memorable month for Ann and I with the arrival of our grandson Finn. Thanks for all the kind wishes.
During the month I attended the launch of the MacMillan Cancer Support Hospice Appeal, which I am pleased the Club is supporting with the proceeds from the Black Dyke band Concert. I also attended my first Zone Meeting and I paid a visit to the Inner Wheel to advise them of what the Club is doing . I bring back warm greetings from President Jennifer and the offer of support and assistance in our activities.
It does not seem that long ago since the Rotary Club of Perth facilitated the creation of the "new Perth Club" Perth Kinnoull - a vibrant new Club, which has grown to firmly establish its own identity as an active and Rotary Club. It has maintained its membership numbers over the years thanks to the efforts of the members. Membership is never static and needs to be worked at to maintain a healthy Club.
The Council and I are well aware that to date this year we have no new members currently in the pipeline. The need to ensure membership is maintained within the Club and that it embraces a wide spectrum of ages and representatives of the business and service community. The Club Service Committee has membership firmly on the agenda and is actively looking at ways in which we can encourage new members and proposals will come in front of the Club. As you know all of us have a role to play in bringing along potential new members. If you have anyone in mind please invite him or her along as a guest.
As the nights are fair drawing in I am aware that there is a desire from some members to see more social events organised within the Club. At the Council meeting I was pleased to see a suggested programme of social events, which hopefully can be developed and implemented to provide an enjoyable social framework for the Club members in addition to that gained through service.
Finally I would thank Frank and all members who were able to support Stroke Awareness Day and the Salvation Army for the use of their premises.
President John
Fife Walk No.8
An early start this time. Aim is to get to the Rotary Club of St Andrew's by 12h45.... Should be OK if we staart at 08h30 from Broxden. An hour to Anstruther, two hours walking at 3 mph then a drive from Fife Ness to St Andrews. Nae bother... we should be there by mid-day in time to change clothes for the meeting at 12h45.
What was it that Burns said?..."The best laid schemes...."
Anstruther-Fife Ness
Courtesy
www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk
Rock of Ages...
At Anstruther Harbour.
What we hadn't taken into account was the roughness of the terrain. Up till now the Coastal Path had been relatively smooth with well laid surfaces. Anstruther to Fife Ness was quite different. It was flat, but it needed care all the way as the path was akin to a hill-walk over rough terrain. The planned 3 mph became more like two. Yes, you've guessed.... we were late for the meeting!!
From Anstruther the route heads to Cellardyke, of bird flu fame. The harbour here was smaller than expected with a small shelving beach and a row of communal washing lines along one side. They were a reminder of days gone by when life was hard but simple, although the fact that they were still used says something in favour of traditional drying methods.
Cellardyke Harbour looking West....
....and looking East
Ancient Cliffs en route to Crail
The path now takes on the rugged character that continues all the way from Cellardyke to Crail. A long straight road through fields of cattle and pig farms. Of note was the number of derelict steadings. Remnants of the time when a single family eeked out an existence from fishing and small-holding. Several of these dotted the route.
After about 4 miles we reached Crail. Nestled in its own bay and with its harbour from a distance it looked remarkably like Pittenweem.
Bacon anyone?
.. I guess cup DD-DD-DD-DD-DD-DD!
Crail
Looking back to Crail
Beyond Crail the route skirts an old WW2 airfield and on to the Fife Ness Golf Club where we picked up the car and made our way in a hurry to St Andrews. Arriving about 15 mins late, we were nevertheless very warmly welcomed and the customary banners were exchanged.
St Andrews
Mac's Merlot
Well the grapes have arrived. They've been processed; the 1st fermentation is complete; and the second is in progress in the carboys.
The Grapes arrive
Breaking the skin!
How many samples do you need, Doc?
It's Red !!!
If you don't believe it --- click here for more photos.
The estimated yield is 100 bottles, a bit lower than expected. Maybe if we had had better equipment the yield would have been greater... Ah well...next year! ... Does anyone have a wine press?
News Items
Sep 25th - Perth Prison
Kate Donegan, the Governor of Perth Prison gave a detailed and interesting account of her role, looking after our "local".
Oct 2nd - Branklyn
Steve McMamara, Head Gardener of Branklyn Gardens gave us a colourful talk covering the Gardens, the National Trust for Scotland and his recent trip to China in search of new plants.
Oct 6th - Stroke Awareness Day
The reception committee...
The high (blood) pressure sales team...
Our Club joined forces with the Perth Club in organising a stroke awareness day for the good people of the Fair City as part of a National campaign. The Salvation Army Community Hall was secured for the day, courtesy of our SVP Harry Cooper. Lead organiser Julia Robertson arranged pre-event for public notices to be displayed in retail windows in and around the City Centre. Bob Brown before jetting off on holiday kindly provided hand out leaflets for distribution advertising "Free Blood Pressure Monitoring". As publicity back up Iain Smith arranged with the Perthshire Advertiser for a article to be inserted in the Friday editition of the paper i.e. the day before the event. He also arranged for a photographer covering both P.A. and The Courier to be present at the Community Hall.
Blessed with good dry weather the scene was set for a hard day's graft. Ten Kinnoull rotarians turned out, assisted by seven from the Perth Club. After the initial setting up of the tables/chairs and screening for Dr Tom Little and nurses in the Community Hall the Blood Pressure Monitors were tested. Reception table at the main entrance was manned by 2 Rotarians who were responsible for administration/registration with appropriate chairs placed outside the Hall for members of the public to sit before being called for testing. Teams of 2 distributed leaflets outside Boots, Marks & Spencer, Post Office and at traffic lights nearest to the Salvation Army premises.
A total of 130 people were seen by the professionals and this figure was returned to the National Campaign HQ in Edinburgh. The event started at 10.00 am and finished at 2.45 pm with the premises cleared by 3.00 pm.
President John had his blood pressure taken at least 3 times (1 officially, the rest for photographic purposes.
Multi-tasked Harry ensured that we were refreshed and fed with bacon rolls during the course of the event - grateful thanks extended to his staff for looking after us so well.
Grateful thanks are also extended to President John's wife Ann, who worked tirelessly administering the blood pressure monitors along with Julia Robertson and Dr Tom Little. The latter was enjoying his chat with the ladies of all ages the writer observed! Our appreciation also goes to nurse Margaret Lane from the Bridge of Earn practice who assisted over the lunch time period. Thanks also to Iain Brown for providing one of the monitors - it was useful having a Chemist assisting the medical team during his stint!
We were grateful to the Perth Club for their continued support of this worthwhile event. The general public were indeed most grateful for the service provided and in terms of Rotary identity and publicity it was good to give something to the local community without shaking a can. Fellowship also scored a hit as we worked well with our colleagues from the Perth Club.
Observations/pointers for next year should the Club wish to continue this event:-
- More volunteers on the day preferred as we were unable to distribute leaflets during the lunch time period between 12 - 2 pm. Numbers light during this time and beyond.
- Holidays and Rugby World Cup major factor in 1. above.
- Given busy Farmers Market plus Saturday main shopping date we should ensure we have sufficient hand bills for distribution.
Once again the Committee would like to thank all those who took part on the day with special thanks to Julia as lead organiser.
Frank Muirden
Community Services Convenor
Wishing Well
The Wishing Well --- photo John Steven
Also on the Community Service front the Wishing Well is now at Douglas's farm and will be refurbished in the coming month(s) prior to installation in the entrance foyer of the PRI.
Convenors Reports
Club Service -from VP Harry
Actual and Proposed Fellowship ideas/events for the coming year.
- Dinner Dance at Christmas with the two other clubs on 7th Dec at Dewars Ice Rink
- In conjunction with the Sports Convenor a social evening's curling.
- 10 Pin Bowling possibly at Dundee
- An evening meal for all past Presidents of Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club.
- Visit to the Falkirk Wheel
- Car Treasure Hunt
- Trout fishing for beginners
- BBQ
- Black Dyke Band
International & Foundation - from Helen
- Saving old spectacles – these wil be collected during our regular meetings.
- Aqua boxes – A speaker is being sought to air this subject in December
- Shoe Boxes are now available
Ways and Means - from Eva
- The "coppers" collection boxes are now available and will go out with an instruction sheet for all the members and the timings.
- A stall at the Kinnoull Parish Council summer fete on 8th June 2008 is planned.
Youth and Vocational - from John D.
- Perth Young Artist Awards - work will be collected by him on Wednesday 17th October and judging will take place at Strathallan on Thursday 18th October.
- Leadership/Personal Development Programmes Challenge Enterprise or Euroscola
- Primary School Quiz - Our interest in running the Zone Final has been confirmed.
- Young Musician Award - following the successful response to the Art Competition a follow-up in music is being considered.
- Strathallan Mock Interview will take place February /early March.