The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
November's News
Bulletin 1926 - 28th November 2002:
Bulletin 1925 - 21st November 2002:
Bulletin 1924 - 14th November 2002:
Bulletin 1923 - 7th November 2002:
Bulletin 1926 - 28th November 2002:
LAST WEEK
It was announced that as a result of the 'mugging' carried out the previous week the sum of £602 had been raised for Christmas charities and that Jinty Kerr would again be at the door at the end of today's meeting.
The Silent Auction run by The Inner Wheel Club of Edinburgh last Friday had raised the sum of over £700 for charity. The President of The Inner Wheel Club sends her thanks to all those Rotarians who helped to make the evening both successful and enjoyable.
Our speaker last week, Ms Glenda Watt, SRN, Strategy Manager, Corporate Services, City of Edinburgh Council described the efforts and initiatives of the Council in making Edinburgh 'A City for All Ages'
The proportion of older people in the community is rising and two years ago a plan was developed to assist older people (50+)! To participate in the life of the City. The plan had not been developed in isolation, members of the age group had been involved in its formulation with particular emphasis being paid to the needs of people with disability, those from ethnic minorities and the poor.
Ms. Watt stated that she had not been given a budget but had to work with convenors and the NHS to obtain the necessary funding and that they had been able to identify £8.5 million.
One result was the change in the system of concessionary fares which allowed free travel after 9.30am and at the reduced rate of 40p before 9.30.
Partnerships had been established between her department and the NHS and Edinburgh Leisure.
She described the efforts being made to move away from moving older people to old folks homes and allowing them instead to move to sheltered housing and also in assisting in the removal of bed blocking. One result of these policies was a reduction in the number of care homes required and a move away from institutional care.
Other initiatives were co-operation with voluntary bodies to allow older people to be mobile e.g. by the provision of transport and escorts.
Ms. Watt invited any interested members to attend a meeting in the Council Chamber on 4th December when new developments were being discussed.
Ms.Watt in addition to her talk brought along a number of leaflets describing the leisure and recreation opportunities available to the older age group.
Attendance last week
members 84
visitors 0
guests 2
total 86
ROTARY QUIZ
The team representing the Rotary Club of Edinburgh, captained by Colin Rodger assisted by Neville Belton, Hamish Law and Jim Murray were in action against old rivals Leith.
Edinburgh won by 29 to 24 their superior performance in the round testing the teams knowledge of Rotary was the principal difference between the teams.
JEAN THOMSON HARRIS - concluding chapter
Following the death of her husband Paul in 1947 Jean experienced a breakdown. On her recovery she continued to give much voluntary service in the City of Chicago but always felt a strong desire to return to her native Edinburgh. This she did in 1955.
On her return to Edinburgh Jean Harris made it very clear that she wished to be left alone and did not care to be invited to any function. Although she did not attend any meetings of the Inner Wheel, of which she was their first Honorary Member she generously contributed to their Edinburgh's Charity Fund.
However Jean Harris agreed to be a guest at the Special Dinner of The Rotary Club of Edinburgh during the Jubilee Year celebrations in 1962 at which the President of Rotary International was also a guest.
She reported to one of the older members of the Club that "she had had enough of Rotary to last two lifetimes." On 23rd February each year (the founding day of Rotary) she was visited by Past President Bob Murray and Secretary Kenneth Dow from the Rotary Club of Edinburgh who took her flowers.
On 9th November 1963, the day after her 82nd birthday Jean Thomson Harris died in a nursing home in Newington, Edinburgh. The Scotsman Newspaper carried the following death notice on 11th November.
Harris- at a nursing home in Edinburgh on 9th November 1963-Jean Thomson-Mayfield Gardens beloved wife of the late Paul P Harris-funeral private-no flowers.
Jean Thomson Harris is buried in Newington Cemetery in a grave with her younger brother James. Other members of the Thomson family are buried nearby.
(Thanks are due to Ed Lucas for his research into the life of Jean Thomson Harris and for the articles on her life).
From Bulletin 1925 - 21st November 2002:
LAST WEEK
Attendance
Members 85,
Visitors 1,
Guests 5;
Total 91
Our speaker last week was Professor James Garden who provided members with an invaluable insight into developments in transplant surgery in Edinburgh.
Professor Garden began by apologising for the lack of visual aids to
supplement his talk as they might have proved off-putting immediately
after lunch! He also commented on the lack of wine on the tables.
He explained the development of liver transplantation and how this differed
from kidney transplantation which had less risk.
He stated that in the pioneering work in Denver the first six patients
had died in the operating theatre and the seventh only survived for a
few days.
The Scottish Liver Transplant Centre was now ten years old and people
receiving a transplant could now expect a good quality of life for at
least 5 years.
Despite the publicity given in the media to prominent sportsmen the majority
of patients do not have alcohol related liver disease.
There is a shortage of livers for transplants and those obtained are usually
from people who are brain dead. A number of patients unfortunately die
while on the waiting list.
There is pressure on units to consider partial liver donation which is
not undertaken in the UK at present (200% chance of fatality)
Professor Garden described the difficulties faced in retrieving organs
which often involves surgical teams travelling across Scotland to bring
the liver back to Edinburgh. This is usually unplanned and at night.
Professor Garden said that the Scottish Units were at the top of the UK
league and that the strength of the Edinburgh Units was its team working
and many good young trainees were attracted. He concluded by describing
some recent developments including the use of stem cells and stating that
the University of Edinburgh was at the forefront of both the development
of the technology and the related science.
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARS
Last week we were pleased to welcome two Ambassadorial Scholars to our meeting, Tina Baiter from Sealy, Texas and Kunie Ando from Saitama, Japan. Both are studying at Edinburgh University. We hope they both enjoy their stay in Scotland.
ANNUAL MUGGING
Before carrying out her annual mugging Jinty Kerr stated that last year members had donated £800 and that John Macaulay had convinced a firm to donate the toys valued at £400 making this effectively £1200.
BOOK AID INTERNATIONAL
From John Gibb.
Our Club has had an interest in BAI for over 20 years and several of our
members have been volunteer helpers in the sorting and packing of used
books for the third world. I have been involved for over 15 years and
I am sad to have to report the closure of the Edinburgh Branch.
For years BAI have enjoyed free transport of books to the main depot in London but Freightliners have reported that the service is being discontinued since it costs £700 to send a container to London. The last consignment left Edinburgh recently.
ROTARY CLUB OF EDINBURGH GOLF CLUB ANNUAL DINNER
Forty six members and guests enjoyed an excellent meal, speeches and fellowship at Murrayfield Golf Club on Friday evening.
Captain Bill Cantley presided over the proceedings and the Toast to the Club was proposed by Ian Simpson, Sheriff of South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway and Captain Bill Cantley replied. Other speakers were President Peter Wilson and David Kirkwood.
Following the excellent speeches the trophies won over the season were presented to the winners by President Peter. At the end of the evening Past President Liz was presented with a bouquet of flowers for her support to the Club and Alan Hately received a bandit's mask.(Despite winning two cups Alan's handicap remains unchanged).
Keith Frost was installed as the Captain for next season.
CANADIAN CURLERS
The group of Canadian Curlers have now been in the country for over a week and we hope that they are enjoying their visit to Scotland the fellowship of their fellow curlers and the hospitality of their Rotary hosts.
SILENT AUCTION
Members are reminded that The Inner Wheel Club of Edinburgh hold their
SILENT AUCTION in Friday night .
From Bulletin 1924 - 14th November 2002:
LAST WEEK
Attendance
Members 68,
Visitors 0,
Guests 5;
Total 73
Our Speaker last week Macneil of Barra, was born in New York City and had a distinguished career in law not only in the US but also as a Visiting Professor at the Universities of Oxford Edinburgh, and Harvard before succeeding to the title of Chieftain of the Clan Macneil in 1970.
He chose the Intriguing title of "Bad,Bad,Bad,
Why the Access Bill is a Bad Act."
In an amusing address he proceeded to highlight the many faults in the Bill and emphasise that it would not only affect wealthy landowners but almost everyone living in Scotland including urban dwellers in private developments and large houses.. He gave as examples; the denial of the ability to eject wrongdoers; accessors cannot be told to leave and the fact that local authorities can ban activities and that it ignores the effect on the environment.
It is bad because it is badly drafted, the section on access rights covers every square foot of Scotland. Ministers have been granted unlimited powers to rewrite the Bill and wide powers are granted to Local Authorities. The Bill ignores the complexity of land use, the exercise of access must take account of the use by others e.g. golf courses.
The speaker considered that there were dangers from small groups who will only consider their own interests.
The Bill is guilty of massive overkill. Legislation should be able to identify needs for reform and modify the law to suit. Statutes should hit their targets, the present Bill will hit hill farmers and local people but not the very rich. It will be a paradise for lawyers.
He concluded with the following story:-
"preacher at Barlinnie told a group of inmates everyone can contribute
something-even the worst can serve as a bad example".
THE INNER WHEEL CLUB OF EDINBURGH
The Inner Wheel Club of Edinburgh invite their Rotary friends and partners to their SILENT AUCTION on Friday 22nd November 7-10pm at Stewart/Melville Pavilion, Ferry Road.
Enjoy a finger buffet, wine and good company while you bid for the treasures on offer.
Proceeds go to DEBRA and also other Charities. Tickets (£10) from Margaret Cavaye, Tel 0131 667 3176.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
5 December 2002 1230 for 1.00pm, The Holyrood Hotel.
Members are reminded to book for the Annual Christmas Lunch no later
than 21st November. Should applications exceed 140, then reservations
will be made on a first come first served basis. Forms with cheques should
be sent to
John Hull, Laverockdale Park, Edinburgh,
EH13 0QE or hand to the Hon Secretary today.
EDINBURGH BREAKFAST CLUB
Fund-raising Evening for WaterAid
(providing water for villagers in Tanzania)
Short Organ Recital by Organist Mike Hay
Talk on the Charity WaterAid
followed by tutored Wine Tasting
Friday 29 November 2002 Tickets £10.00
Held in Chapel of St. John, 23 St John Street Edinburgh, Vehicular access
from Holyrood Rd., pedestrian access from the Royal Mile.
CANADIAN CURLERS
President Peter announced that the touring party of Canadian Curlers had arrived in Scotland and that they would be with us early next week. David Henderson was already on duty with the visitors.
LONG RANGE PLANNING GROUP
At the meeting of Council on Monday the Report of the Long Range Planning
Group received further discussion following the meeting of Club Members
on 24th October.
Many members were unfortunately unable to be present on that occasion
and their views would be most welcome. (Pass to Judith Sischy or the Hon.
Secretary)
Particularly welcome would be views on :-
How do we ensure that members stay with the Club after joining?
Should we have a Fund Raising Committee and should we have high profile
fund raising events such as a Charity Dinner, Race Night or the Great
Scottish Walk?
Should we have evening meetings?
How do we ensure that new members are integrated into the Club?
How could we make more use of IT for example should the Bulletin be put
on-line?
From Bulletin 1923 - 7th November 2002:
NEW MEMBER
James Ian Mason; C.Text ATI, ACFI. MBIM.
Director of Company Growth Ltd.
Chairman, Peter Scott Ltd.
Director, Martin Alan Construction Ltd.
Hobbies etc. Golf, Squash, Generalist Business Advisor.
Classification; Management Consultancy
Inducted, 31st October 2002
Club Number 164.
MEMBER IN THE NEWS
President Peter was presented on Monday' 28th October by the Royal Society of Edinburgh with their Bicentenary Medal-an honour bestowed on him for Outstanding Service to the Society during the five years up to last year when he was General Secretary.
LAST WEEK
Attendance
Members 66,
Visitors 1,
Guests 1;
Total 72
It was announced that at the District Conference at Dundee President Peter,
had been presented with a Banner in recognition of the Rotary Club of
Edinburgh being the largest contributor to Foundation.
Last week the Club heard a most impressive and thought provoking address
on the future of education in Scottish Schools from Michael Spens the
Headmaster of Fettes College.
(Members heard with interest of his background as a geologist in Namibia
and later in charge of the KP Nuts Division of United Biscuits before
becoming a school teacher leading to his appointment as Headmaster of
Fettes College in 1998)
He provided an analysis of the awards systems on both sides of the Border
indicating the major flaws in A levels and their failure to encourage
breadth and the problems caused by the recent addition of an additional
level of assessment.
He stated that the International Baccalaureate provided an alternative
in that it promoted breadth and was both transparent and rigorous but
that it was appropriate only for the most able pupils. However an English
Bac would take a decade to implement.
He claimed that there was no need to reinvent the wheel as the Scottish
System already embodies most of the required attributes. It has a desirable
reputation, it encourages breadth with many pupils studying 6 highers.
However the higher is really a two term dash and is the criterion for
university entrance leaving little incentive to stay on for a 6th year.
19 is a better age to go up to university and the package Higher-Advanced
Higher with external assessment at the end of the 6th year would be beneficial.
The Scottish system with its seamless transfer to vocational subjects
offers many opportunities for all students.
Michael Spens said there was need for a change in educational thinking
in Scotland both in schools and universities which would bring benefits
to schools and also give easier access to pupils from England to universities
in Scotland.
He concluded by saying there was the opportunity for S.Q.A. becoming the
examining body for the UK
JUBILEE CHARITY FUND
At last week's meeting of the JCF the Trustees agreed to donate £250 to the charity 'Children First'. (Members will remember the talk given on that charity by Linda Peacock on 17th Oct.)
THE INNER WHEEL CLUB OF EDINBURGH
The Inner Wheel Club of Edinburgh invite their Rotary friends and partners
to their SILENT AUCTION on Friday 22nd November 7-10pm at Stewart/Melville
Pavilion, Ferry Road.
Enjoy a finger buffet, wine and good company while you bid for the treasures
on offer.
Proceeds go to DEBRA and also other Charities. Tickets (£10) from
Margaret Cavaye
Tel 0131 667 3176.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
5 December 2002 1230 for 1.00pm
The Holyrood Hotel
Members are reminded to book for the Annual Christmas Lunch no later than
21st November.
Forms with cheques should be sent to
John Hull, Laverockdale Park, Edinburgh,
EH13 0QE
EDINBURGH BREAKFAST CLUB
Fund-raising Evening for WaterAid
(providing water for villagers in Tanzania)
Short Organ Recital by Organist Mike Hay
Talk on the Charity WaterAid
followed by tutored Wine Tasting
Friday 29 November 2002 Tickets £10.00
Held in Chapel of St. John, 23 St John Street Edinburgh, Vehicular access
from Holyrood Rd., pedestrian access from the Royal Mile
Other News:
- October '03
- October '03
- September '03
- August '03
- July '03
- June '03
- May '03
- April '03
- March '03
- February '03
- January '03
- December '02
- November '02
- October '02
- September '02