The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
This Month's News
Bulletin 1973 - 28th August 2003
Bulletin 1972 - 21th August 2003
Bulletin 1971 - 14th August 2003
Bulletin 1970 - 7th August 2003
Bulletin 1973 - 28th August 2003
LAST WEEK
VP Bill Cantley ably presided in Pres. Neville's absence in France. Timing was to the second. Secy. John Havard looked fit after his sailing holiday, apart from minor bumps. He commended David Thomson on his little red book of members and asked us to take a copy to avoid postage. Errata: PP Liz McSwan seems to have our club organist's phone number, but hers remains as 346 8297. Musselburgh moves to twilight 6 pm. Murrayfield/Cramond at Holiday Inn, (Esso). Corstorphine at 6 pm. Bill Barr reminded all that he wanted not only your shirt, but also your partner's and children's sweaters. He will collect clothes today for District Poverty Task Force. VP Bill welcomed Robin Tatler PP Musselburgh, and visitors from California, Pennsylvania, Bangladesh also our ex member Richard Field now from Rickmansworth.
REG., THE CYCLIST and CHAS
Reg. Robinson is our contact man for the cyclist from John O'Groats to Lands End (Keith Stirling, Paddington is doing this for charity for the 11th year). Donations to Reg.
NEW MEMBER JUDITH KAY
Sandra Campbell introduced Judith Kay and VP Bill inducted her as a new member. Judy is Development Director of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, having previously been fundraiser for BLISS (Baby Life Support Systems). Her hobbies include aerobics at the Flying Club. Club photographer Tom Gray was spotted on his knees in front of her.
ATTENDANCE
Total 88
Members 79
Visiting Rotarians 6
Guests 3
SCOTTISH COUNCIL FOUNDATION
A double act. James McCormick and Jane Saren. Jim hails from Dublin, was brought up in Renfrew and gained a 1st in geography at Glasgow and a PhD from a dissertation on the poll tax. He is now the Director of the Foundation, having been an adviser to The Treasury. Jane has an MA from Edinburgh in history and an MBA from the Open University. She is the business manager.
The Foundation is an independent think tank but it is not neutral and reaches conclusions in the National interest of Scotland. Over the last 60 years we have become 4 times better off, and are living longer. But many cannot use yellow pages. Glasgow has an employment rate of 60% versus Edinburgh's 80%. The difference shows up as sickness and incapacity benefit. But is contentment and morale sliding? There is a distrust of GM foods, MMR vaccinations and the Scottish Parliament. Are we in danger of devolution creating parochialism? Jane likened business people and politicians as having a dialogue of the deaf. The Foundation must bridge the gap. It is supported by businesses such as BT, Boots, Pfizer and also by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Council (Development & Industry). Private and Public money.
David Thomson thanked the James and Jane show and stated that it was good to know that the long term future for the younger generation was being considered.
RIBI PRESIDENT IN MUSSELBURGH
Jimmy Raitt of Musselburgh presided over 27 members & 27 visitors. He welcomed Brian Stoyel of Plymouth. Our Pres. Neville was accompanied by John Havard, Tom Gray, Reg Robinson, Fred Lawson and Mike Berry. The 29 Districts Governors have a theme, Pilgrim's Progress -a journey with a goal. His main projects are Children's Hospices, Rotaract Overseas, & Eliminating Malaria in Tanzania. Tom Gray reminded me he carried a predecessor's bags to Moscow for their charter dinner, wearing the kilt.
CLUB JERSEY Mel Wilson 552 9421
Curlers, golfers, fishers; V neck or crew neck.
FESTIVE LUNCH Dec 4th John Hull
Including partners, guests and inner wheel. Welcome drink, wine on tables, £25 each. Maximum 150 capacity in St Giles room. John asks for any dietary or religious needs.
THEFT, VAGRANCY AND LITTER
Your will no doubt be aware of the disaster of the larceny of the Presidents' chain of office; valuable to us, expensive to replace and of little use to a thief. Andrew Anderson lost a briefcase and now Jack Aitken has lost a Barbour jacket. Maybe the coat rack should be in the dining room. Wake up Edinburgh Town Council. We need zero tolerance on bogus beggars, defecating dogs, urinating urchins, vile vagrants and lousy litter.
PP DOUGLAS OSLER on ATTENDANCE
"I regret the quality of the members lost. The attendance expectation
is a difficult aspect to interpret sensibly. At one time I expected regular
attendance from all. But, this doesn't come from applying rules. It comes
from the wish to belong and wanting not to miss well conducted meetings
with good speakers in a good venue with friends. Many lost will be missed
even if we didn't see much of them." (Do we ask them back? Editor)
Bulletin 1972 - 21th August 2003
LAST WEEK
President Neville Belton's grace gave thanks for food, fun and enjoyment. Robin Wilson, Asst Secy, stood in for John Havard, who was sailing the high seas of the outer isles. Robin reminded us of the Poverty Task Force, asking for clothes to be delivered to Bill Barr, 20 Kaimes Rd EH12 6JS 334 3005. Robin also noted the JCF donations, including the £100 to Disablement Income Group, subject to Tracey Waugh's employers matching it.
Pres. Neville welcomed 2 repeat visitors: David Klaus, Washington DC and Valerie Prentice, Port of Brisbane, Oz. Alberto Santandreu had visited many clubs in Madrid, his home territory. Also Neville attended our youngest daughter club, the Breakfast Club, at the start of his tour of all our daughter clubs. He stated that he was off for vacation on the new Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry and that VP Bill Cantley would preside in his absence.
ATTENDANCE
Total 65
Members 60
Visiting Rotarians 2
Guests 3
JOHN O'GROATS to LAND'S END
Keith Stirling is cycling (clothed) for Paddington Rotary and Children's Hospices. He will be in Edinburgh on 22nd August. 0800 376 9335 for info. and offers to assist.
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL ROTARIANS
Pres. Neville commended the Canterbury Tales, starring Fergus Gillies' daughter; and also a show in the Gilded Balloon, produced by visiting Rotarian PP Kathleen of Virginia.
SPEAKER: ZOE SMITH, CHILDLINE
A graduate of Glasgow Caledonian, Zoe has been a fundraiser with McMillan Cancer Relief (helped by Reg Robinson who shakes a mighty can). She is now with Childline and has talked to a few Rotary Clubs and seems to be following the marmalade jars around! Founded in 1986 by Ester Ranzen, after BBC's That's Life programme received a flood of calls regarding child abuse. Ester is still in the Chair and is a hard task master, but does a wonderful job. Freephone 0800 1111 enables children to speak in confidence to a local volunteer. It is important that the voice on the phone has a local accent and understands the local culture, geography and legislation. The Scottish base is Glasgow; Aberdeen is opening shortly. Calls are free and those out of hours are switched to London - 24/7/365. Zoe stated that Childline Scotland has a small staff and has 150 volunteers, who counsel, fund raise and administer. The counsellors never judge, don't interrogate but accept what the child says, making sure they are safe to speak their mind. Problems include pregnancy, alcohol, depression, suicide, bullying, confusion etc. After a recent child murder, the demands on resources multiply.
10% of funds come from Government and the remaining £1 million by donation through gift aid, payroll giving, wills, can collections and events such as the Marathon. Right now Zoe asked for volunteers to abseil off the Forth Bridge.
On behalf of the club, Fred Edwards declined to volunteer for the abseiling. He said he had been involved in the initial analysis of the need and concurred that Ester Ranzen was indeed a formidable organiser. He thanked Zoe, stating that Rotarians were committed to helping, as the £15,000 from Fife Rotarians showed. Fred asked us all to raise awareness about Childline in the community.
MORE ON ATTENDANCE
PP Douglas Osler "Payment of a subscription is in itself a commitment." More later.
SPORTS OFFICER, ALAN HATELY
Edinburgh B golf team came third with 101 points, 3 behind the winners Kirkcudbright, one of whose players score 41. Does the word bandito come to mind? Next outing Tuesday 26 August at North Berwick Glen.
THE PERFECT HUSBAND?
An eminent member was in the locker room after a game of golf, when, horror a mobile phone rings. He answers it and has a conversation. Honey, are you still at the club? Yes, Dear. Darling, I am in Jenners and they have a lovely mink coat, can I buy it? Sure, go ahead, how much is it? Only £1,500. Yes, that's fine. He finishes and says: "I've no idea who that was but it serves the person right for breaking club rules and leaving his phone lying around ready to take calls!"
LIZ MCSWAN SWANNING ABOUT
PP Liz tells me she has just had a wonderful time with Russell Barr! Note, there were also 23 others from Cramond Kirk and 25 with former Moderator Sandy McDonald. They visited an alpine village and then Oberammergau where they enjoyed Verdi's Nabucco. Back to auld claes an' porridge.
DICK ALLAN & the FIESOLE FLAGON
Note 18th August 2004 in your diary, because that is Dick's birthday
and the next day he will fill the flagon for all at his table. So, follow
him in! Meanwhile he is off to Japan. Have a good fright, as they say
in Japan for flight.
Bulletin 1971 - 14th August 2003
LAST WEEK
Standards have gone to the dogs! We were allowed shirt sleeve order and some members even removed their ties. A new first for Edinburgh Rotary.
President Neville announced that Mohindra Dhall would be willing to run a barbeque on Sunday 21st Sept. for fellowship.
HOTEL MATTERS
John Hull, our indefatigable house convenor, reported that a new vegetarian option will be offered at the ticket purchase point; also that specific requirements for medical or religious beliefs will be catered for. Parking is provided free for 2 hours, subject to space. (3 hours for Council and JCF, if a meeting follows lunch).
ATTENDANCE
Total 70
Members 66
Visitors 3
Guests 1
The visitors were from California, New Jersey and included David Kraus from Washington DC, who is the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee and a friend of Eve Crowe.
SPEAKER - MARTIN HULSE
Martin hails from Chorley in Lancashire, but was educated in Edinburgh. On appointment as the Director of the Cockburn Association, a press comment said: "Too young, too much and English!"
The Cockburn Association was founded 127 years ago as a lobby group and now has a broader remit. Martin decided to concentrate his talk on Princes Street, referring firstly to a proposed underground shopping centre "The Galleries" which is suspended meantime. A proposal to knock everything down in Princes Street, except for Jenners and the St James Centre, had been considered, but a huge outcry put that into file 13.
It is the long term intention of the Edinburgh Council to expand and enhance the retail side of Princes Street and the area around St Andrew Square, and indeed to consider housing on upper floors, where appropriate.
Martin assured us that the town planners are very helpful and all proposals are carefully considered after full consultation with architects. One aspect was to attempt to enliven Princes St in the evenings, as it was perceived to be too quiet.
The vote of thanks was given appositely by VP Bill Cantley. Bill is also the Vice Chairman of the Cockburn Association. He stated that the rapt attention given, showed how much we had enjoyed Martin's talk.
PAUL HARRIS FELLOW
Our member Colin Mackay was awarded a PHF before he became a Rotarian, for services to Scouting.
BULLETIN NUMBERING
The eagle eyed will have noticed that the numbers have jumped by 10 to make up for a numbering error. We are now on Vol. 91 (as from the new Rotary year starting 1st July 2003), tying in with our 91st year.
POVERTY TASK FORCE
As announced by District Governor Ian Geddes, a collection will be made of unwanted shirts and sweaters for the needy. Members are asked to get their partners to rummage through their wardrobes and bring items (male, female and for children) on 28th August or deliver to Bill Barr, 20 Kaimes Rd EH12 6JS 334 3005.
JUBILEE CHARITY FUND £1,150
Ian Gourlay reports that the JCF have made the following donations: Aquaboxes £250; Jim Goldie for the Venture Scouts' Sri Lanka Project £100; Disablement Income Group Scotland £100; Pilton Elderly Project £500; Edinburgh & SE Tinnitus Group £200. The Trustees have sold gilts over par and reinvested in gilts at prices closer to 100, using Stocktrade (Brewin Dolphin, Bell Lawrie).
MEETING OF NEW CITY ZONE
Assistant Governor John Lafferty of Kelso, called a meeting of the new City Zone, after the Portobello meeting at the Kings Manor Hotel. This is postponed till 3rd September.
CRAIGIEHALL DINNER
We are most grateful to our member, Lt Col Paul Watton, C.O. of the Royal Military Police for Scotland and the North of England, for a fine dinner at HQ Scotland Army. Attended by 60 Rotarians and friends, it was much enjoyed.
After recent publicity, Paul declined to speak; although fortunately, he was able to attend. At short notice, Bill Barr and his wife, Mae gave a most interesting talk for 30 minutes entitled "Serious and not so serious side of an expatriate life." They had spent 32 years overseas and had many tales to relate.
GOLF DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Our B team of Captain Keith Frost, Robin White, Peter Wheeldon and Alec Wilkie came 3rd, 8 stableford points behind the winners.
ASSISTANT BULLETIN EDITOR
Many thanks to David Thomson for most of the above, gleaned during my
absence in the Channel Islands last week.
Bulletin 1970 - 7th August 2003
LAST WEEK
President Neville's Medical grace asked for long life and peace. Secretary John asked us to note we are to be in the Canongate room on Aug. 7, 21 and Sept 11 and the Dunedin Suite on Sept 18.
ATTENDANCE
Total 67
Members 60
Visitors 5
Guests 2
Visitors included PP Kathleen of Saltoun VA where the average age of the club is 68. Any guesses for ours? We also had 2 other visitors from the States and 2 from Queensland. The top table was adorned with Valerie from New Mexico, a previous Rotary Scholar, and also with Douglas Osler, her counsellor. Pres. Neville announced that he would welcome support when he visited Musselburgh Rotary on Monday Aug 25, when RIBI President Brian Stoyel would address their club.
MR GEORGE "PANTONE 300" REID
Headlines in the Scotsman, our phantom George is at it again. Not content with achieving a standard Azure Blue for the Scottish Saltyre, he is asking for a new National Anthem to replace the current dirge. Each American State has their own, so why not. We're behind you Mr Redoubtable.
OUR MEMBER SANDRA CAMPBELL
We are fortunate to have such a talented bunch of members in our midst. Sandra is a Glasgow trained Doctor, has an M Phil and an LLB. She has been an A & E consultant and is now Senior Medical Officer to the Scottish Executive. She was also the first woman fellow as secretary of the Royal College of Surgeons in its 500 year history.
She offers her "blue light specialities" to Ministers - that is ambulance, A & E, surgical etc. - as one of the "folks on the hill" at St Andrews House in Regent Road.
With ancestry from sunny and windy Tiree, she was brung(?) up in Dumfries. A wee class room included herself, her brother and her mother, as the teacher, in the local school.
Ethics and the law can be strange bedfellows. Termination of pregnancy can be lawful, but to some is unethical. To resuscitate or not, can be a tortuous decision. The good Samaritan duty is not a legal requirement but is part of the GMC ethical code.
Sandra has also acted as a medico legal adviser for doctors and dentists accused of malpractice. Medics can be much more taxing to deal with than patients. She has also been medical officer for the Marines in Govan and a consultant in Plymouth with the Fleet Air Arm, when she was a Surgeon Lt Cdr RNR.
In her job advising the Scottish Executive, she is involved with current legislation on health, most of which is devolved. For instance, such matters as consent to treatment in the case of the 100,000 adults with impaired decision powers.
PP Dick Allan thanked Sandra for her illuminating talk and said he was amazed at the skills many members had. He understood why he wasn't able to take a second pudding, because he was under the eye of a doctor/lawyer/philosopher who was an expert in ethics. Sandra got a very warm round of approbation.
TIT BITS and NEWS PLEASE
Today, my able assistant David Thomson will take notes, as I am away for a few days. Note that my e-mail is no longer hotmail as in the directory. Inundated with spam junk mail, I have switched to waitrose supplied by John Lewis, where I bought my lap top. lawsonfred@waitrose.com. if you have news.
GOLF - THE HUNTER TROPHY
Played at Ratho in poor weather, Mike Ramsay showed that office work took a back seat sometimes; he played to his handicap and won with 36 points; 2nd Jinty Kerr, now retired and almost a golf pro. with 35; 3rd Bandit Alec Wilkie saw off David Thomson with a BIH. (Bird in hand?). Alan Hately, our Sporty Sports Officer asks all members to get on with the match play knock outs. He has already threatened to scratch the Captain, so look out!
Next outing, North Berwick Glen, Tue Aug 26th 2 pm. Meet for a pie and a pint before hand. All Rotarians and friends welcome.
PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS
What do you think? Should they be bought as RI and RIBI are saying? Any Rotarian can donate $1,000 and become a PHF.
Our club says NO! They should be earned on merit and not for generous monetary contributions alone. We use donations, made by the Jubilee Charity Fund to Foundation, to obtain fellowships, which our President of the day bestows on unsuspecting individuals. These need not be Rotarians and have included former Lord Provost Norman Irons. 25 years ago our first was given to Robert Murray, father of current member PP Bill Murray.
EVENING MEETING CLUB IN CENTRE
It has been suggested that we should mother a new club in the centre of town that meets at twilight - around 6 pm. Any views?
Past Months :
- 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