The Rotary Club of Edinburgh

Bulletin 26th September 2002

Change Of Venue

Members are asked to note the following changes of meeting place.
October 3rd Thistle Hotel, King James Centre
October 10th Thistle Hotel, King James Centre
October 24th Carrubbers Restaurant (within the Crowne Plaza)

90th ANNIVERSARY DINNER

On Friday evening 184 members and guests met in the beautiful setting of the Playfair Library of the University of Edinburgh to commemorate the founding of The Rotary Club of Edinburgh.
The meeting was presided over by President Peter resplendent in his new Chain of Office.
After Grace, said by the Rev Dr Russell Barr, the company enjoyed an excellent meal.
Following the meal President Peter read a letter of greetings from our Honorary Member, Prince Phillip followed by the Toast to the City of Edinburgh. This was followed by Ian Geddes, Assistant Governor, District 1020 who gave the Toast to 'The Rotary Club of Edinburgh'. Ian said we were here to celebrate the good people of the past and present and described the contribution the Club had made to the District.
In his reply President Peter said that the Edinburgh Club had been most promiscuous with 26 daughter clubs, 25 granddaughter clubs in Scotland and 108 in England.
Dr Neville Belton proposed the Toast to 'Our Guests'. Neville said that our oldest daughter clubs were Newcastle and Manchester and our youngest Edinburgh Breakfast. He was delighted to see so many members of daughter and granddaughter clubs enjoying the evening with us and also that the President of the London Club; the oldest in the UK was present.
Margaret Semple, President of the Inner Wheel Club of Edinburgh replied on behalf of the guests. In her reply Margaret quoted an article from the Inner Wheel Magazine ' A woman may be small with tiny feet but when she puts her foot down the size does not matter'.
Greetings from our sister club the Rotary Club of Glasgow were conveyed by their President Ian Watt a RHSFP now exiled in the West.
During the evening the company was entertained by Dr Ian Laing and Prof. Walter Nimmo. Ian Laing with a selection of Scottish tunes on the violin and Prof. Nimmo with a selection of Scottish songs including his classic 'A Rainy Sunday in Airdrie'.
The evening concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Past President Liz McSwan and a Toast to Rotary International by President Peter.
( Liz. thanked the three organisers, Bill Cantley, John Havard and Iain McLaren. (Iain also piped in members and guests), Derek Pape for the Arran Whisky miniatures; Russell Barr who said grace; entertainers Ian Laing and Walter Nimmo: Neville Belton, Margaret Semple and the Members of the Inner Wheel who were responsible for the beautiful floral decoration on each table; the University of Edinburgh for the use of the Playfair Library and their staff, to everyone for coming and finally to President Peter.
On Sunday morning a large no. of members of the Club and of Inner Wheel joined the Congregation of Cramond Kirk for morning worship which was conducted by the Rev Dr Russell Barr. Presidents Peter and Margaret read lessons and at the conclusion members joined the congregation for tea and biscuits.

THANKS

Officials and Members of the Club are most grateful to David Kirkwood for making the new Club Regalia for both President and Vice President available to be worn at the Dinner.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Fred and Marjory Ainslie on the occasion of their Golden Wedding.
(Fred and Marjory postponed their family celebrations so that they could attend the Dinner)

ATTENDANCE on 19/9/2002

Members 78
Visitors 3
Guests 2
Total 83

LAST WEEK

Our speaker last week was Mr. Donald McLeod, Vice President, Royal College of Surgeons. In an informative, amusing and nostalgic presentation he described some of the key events in his time as Hon. Surgeon to the SRU in the days before Professional rugby.
He indicated how the game had changed since the advent of professionalism and that not all the changes had been beneficial to players.
He also described the challenges made by doctors when the Sports Council introduced their 'Sport for All' Campaign in 1970.
At that time there was a spate of common injuries including; torn muscles, shin splint tendonitis and many still suffer from the effects of knee injuries sustained 20-30 years ago. He said exercise should be risk free and many of the injuries resulted from people doing too much without adequate preparation.
The 1980s had seen a change in emphasis to the needs of elite athletes and the establishment of a National Sports Institute in London.
The 3 Royal Colleges had introduced a single Regulatory Board for Sports Medicine. Sports Medicine has a future in ensuring that participants return to full fitness.

HELP NEEDED

Help is needed by John Gibb and Reg. Robinson to sort and pack books for Book Aid International. John and Reg meet at Duncan Place, Leith on Tuesday mornings when there is work to be done. If you can help please contact John Gibb, 667 5688.

PRESENTATION ENVELOPS

500 envelops showing views of Edinburgh Castle and a full set of the Queen's Jubilee stamps and franked 23rd September are now available. Price £8 UK and £10 overseas, both include p&p
A small number signed by our Honorary Member Prince Phillip are also available, cost £25 incl. p&p. All enquiries to Derek Pape,
15 Kirk Park, Edinburgh EH16 6HZ.
Cheques to The Rotary Club of Edinburgh.

Bulletin 19th September 2002

NEW MEMBER

Ross Thomas Neil Findlay, MBA FSI

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK (12/9/02)

Members 78
Visitors 2
Guests 3
Total 83

LAST WEEK (12/9/02)

Our speaker last week was Mr. Peter Freshwater - Former Librarian and Chairman of the Business Committee, the University of Edinburgh.

In a most informative address he reminded listeners that Edinburgh was the oldest Civic University in the U.K. and of the strong links that had existed for centuries between the City and the University.
He explained how the University had attracted students from all over Britain at a time when Oxford and Cambridge only admitted members of the C of E.
He explained the links with the great Continental Universities before the foundation of the Edinburgh Medical School in the 1720's and the role of the University as the Centre of the Scottish Enlightenment.
The many facets of the international links of the University were described
Two graduates Benjamin Rush and John Witherspoon were signatories to the US Declaration of Independence
Julius Nyere and Hastings Banda were students
The University had established many centres dealing with overseas countries and cultures
e.g. the Centre for East Asian Studies.
He expressed some disappointment at the emphasis being forced on the University to concentrate on Research Ratings to the exclusion of developing links with the rest of the world.
He expressed the hope that ways would be found to continue to attract students from overseas.

MEMBER IN THE NEWS

John Donne was created a "Grande Ufficiale nell Ordine al Merito di Savoia" by His Highness Prince Vittorio Emanuele, Duke of Savoia.
John also received an Honorary Doctorate, Economy and Commerce from the University of Miami, linked with Bologna.

PRESENTATION ENVELOPES

500 envelopes showing views of Edinburgh Castle and a full set of the Queen's Jubilee stamps and franked 23rd September are now available. Price £8 UK and £10 overseas, both include p&p
A small number signed by our Honorary Member Prince Phillip are also available, cost £25 incl. p&p. All enquiries to Derek Pape,
15 Kirk Park, Edinburgh EH16 6HZ.
Cheques to The Rotary Club of Edinburgh.

JEAN THOMSON HARRIS

(Part Two) (Part one)
By 1905 the Thomson family had departed from Comely Bank Avenue-various members heading for Canada and eventually settling in the USA. Jean's brother John, trained in the ministry and on returning to Scotland, was minister at churches in Leith and in Ayrshire-he was Chaplain to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1931.
One Saturday afternoon on a ramble in the Beverly Hills, Paul Harris was out with the Chicago Prairie Club and on Climbing through a fence tore the sleeve of his fine tweed jacket. Jean Thomson who was also on the ramble with her sister Mary noticed Paul's dismay and offered to repair the rip for him. Just three months after that meeting, on 2nd July 1910 Jean and Paul Harris were married a union which lasted 37 years until Paul's death.
In 1912 Jean and Paul named their house in Chicago-'Comely Bank'

Bulletin 12th September 2002

ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Members with special dietary requirements attending the Dinner should contact Hon Secy John Havard by Sept 12th

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK (5/9/02)

Members 76
Visitors 1
Guests 2
Total 79

LAST WEEK

Our speaker last week was Mr. JCR Foster, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.

Mr. Foster was paying a return visit to the Club; on his previous visit he was Captain of HM Submarine Resolution.

In a very informative address stated that his was a new post and that the Royal College in Edinburgh was about to embark on a huge development programme in the five years leading up to the celebration of the Quinquennial of the founding of the College which would be held in June 2005. (The Royal College in Edinburgh is the oldest College of Surgeons in the World).

The College was about to build a new Surgeons Hall with an adjoining hotel as well as upgrading its administrative facilities and expanding its lecture facilities. The existing Surgeons Hall would be retained as a museum and also as a venue to illustrate to the public the latest developments in medicine and surgery.
The new Surgeons Hall would provide the facilities needed in North Britain for teaching skills in a simulated clinical environment and also the necessary communication skills associated with teams of up to 35 in major operations
Mr. Foster outlined the great changes that were taking place in the profession which is now divided into 9 specialisms.

There were also the problems being created by the increasing number of women entering the profession and their need for help in regaining craft skills on return from career breaks. In addition there were the problems being posed by the European Working Time Directive.

The Government was about to introduce new legislation under which control of the profession would pass to the Post Graduate Medical Education Board.
Mr. Foster concluded by stating that despite the ambitious nature of the programme he was confident that everything would be in place for June 2005.

GOLF NEWS

The team representing Edinburgh were successful in the match against Glasgow in the competition for the Dobbie Cup. They won by the convincing margin of 5 to1.

The result of the outing to Ratho Park, postponed from earlier in the year because of adverse weather conditions and played in brilliant sunshine was as follows;
Winner Derek Ferguson 37pts
2nd Alan Hateley 35pts
3rd David Hay 35pts
(Alan gained 3rd place by having the best score over the last 6 holes).

ISLAMABAD TO KATMANDU

A film of a seven-week, high mountain safari, undertaken and filmed by Colin Hughes, son-in-law of the late Ernie Herrald, Past President of the Rotary Club of Edinburgh will be shown on Tuesday 17th September at 5.30pm for 6 at the house of Watson Forbes, 76 South Trinity Road. (Last red sand-stoned house, rt. Hand side travelling north)
It would assist Watson if those wishing to attend (wives/husbands welcome) would phone to confirm, 0131 552 3594 (this includes those who indicated by the show of hands last week) since attendance is limited to 26.
Coffee, stoup of wine, nibbles prior to viewing.

JUBILEE CHARITY FUND

At their meeting on 29th August the Trustees of the JCF approved the following distribution of funds to charities.

Aquaboxes £120
Sandra Laidly (Marie Curie) £250
Barnardo's Scotland
(Arnhem Parajump) £250
Erskine Hospital (Edinburgh) £500

JEAN THOMSON HARRIS

(Part one)(Part Two)
By 1905 the Thomson family had departed from Comely Bank Avenue-various members heading for Canada and eventually settling in the USA. Jean's brother John, trained in the ministry and on returning to Scotland, was minister at churches in Leith and in Ayrshire-he was Chaplain to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1931.
One Saturday afternoon on a ramble in the Beverly Hills, Paul Harris was out with the Chicago Prairie Club and on Climbing through a fence tore the sleeve of his fine tweed jacket. Jean Thomson who was also on the ramble with her sister Mary noticed Paul's dismay and offered to repair the rip for him. Just three months after that meeting, on 2nd July 1910 Jean and Paul Harris were married a union which lasted 37 years until Paul's death.
In 1912 Jean and Paul named their house in Chicago-'Comely Bank'
About this research

Bulletin 5th September 2002

MEMBER IN THE NEWS

Fred Edwards, Chairman of Senior Scottish Alliance Volunteering for the Environment, SSAVE has decided to attend the Johannesburg Summit at his own expense so that he can meet with Friends of the Earth International. Fred says he will be a presence and a voice for Scotland in Johannesburg.

Anniversary Dinner

Members with special dietary requirements attending the Dinner should contact Hon Secy John Havard by Sept 12th

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK (29/8/02)

Members 74
Visitors 7
Guests 4
Total 85

LAST WEEK

Our speaker last week was Professor Geoffrey Woodroffe, Funeral Ombudsman.
In a fascinating and informative address he described the origins of the term ombudsman and the role of that office in dealing with the complaints of consumers and in some cases offering redress where appropriate.
The ombudsman service offers an informal alternative to the courts and also to arbitration. The decisions of the ombudsman can however be appealed against in court.
In the U.K. the scheme was first introduced in the Public Sector but was later extended to Banking and Building Societies and later to a wider range of activities including Funerals.
The Funeral Ombudsman (part time) has a staff of three and an annual budget of £200,000 and deals annually with around 200 complaints and is funded by Funeral Directors.
The Scheme was founded in 1994 by 23 of the 26 Co-ops offering funeral services. In 1997 the Scheme was enlarged when Private Directors joined and the following year a major American Company joined.
The Scheme then covered two thirds of the firms in the U.K.
Despite the success of the Scheme and the small charges imposed on participating firms the Scheme was due to close in September.
Professor Woodroffe gave some insights into the reasons for closure and details of some recent cases in which he had delivered judgements.
In addition to proposing the Vote of Thanks Neville Belton thanked all those who had spoken, suggested speakers and given Votes of Thanks throughout the past year.

GOLF NEWS

Two outings are arranged for September,
2nd September to Ratho Park
23 September to Broomieknowe, the last outing of the Season.
Members wishing to take part please contact Alan Hateley.

JEAN THOMSON HARRIS

Ed Lucas has been carrying out research on Jean Thomson Harris, the Scottish born wife of Paul Harris.
Ed has produced an excellent piece of work and come up with many interesting facts on the life of Jean Thomson before she married Paul and after she returned to Edinburgh.
Jean Thomson was born on the 8th November 1881 at 9 Cumberland Street in Edinburgh.
Her parents were: -
John Thomson, from Logiepert, Forfarshire
Anne Thomson, nee Youngson from Peterhead.
In 1891 the family moved to 33 Cumberland Street, a house located behind a local shop.
The Census of 1891 lists John Thomson as a Furniture Packer, Jean aged 9, a scholar her elder sister Anne aged 16, a Dressmaker, brothers John aged 13, an Apprentice Clothier and Alexander aged 11, a scholar. There were also two younger children; James aged 6 and Mary aged 5.
In 1892 the Thomson family moved to rented flat, no.81 in the newly built tenements in Comely Bank Avenue.
Jean probably attended St Bernard’s School in Dean Park Street. On leaving school Jean served for a time as a lady’s maid with several well-known families in Edinburgh.
(To be continued)

REQUEST FOR ACCOMODATION

Jodi Greenwood from Toronto who attended our meeting last week will be in Edinburgh until June next year attending the University of Edinburgh. Jodi is offering a music lessons or tutoring in exchange for a room for part or all of the period. She can be contacted at 0131 229 6975

NUMBERS

The need for all Rotary Clubs to maintain their membership numbers is given added impetus by the article in the latest Edition of the Rotary Magazine, which lists the rapid decline in the membership of Rotaract from 14,000 to 2000 in only seven years. There are now no Rotaract Clubs in District 1020.