The Rotary Club of Edinburgh

This Month's News

Bulletin 1977 - 25th September 2003
Bulletin 1976 - 18th September 2003
Bulletin 1975 - 11th September 2003
Bulletin 1974 - 4th September 2003

Bulletin 1977 - 25th September 2003

Last week, Pres. Neville prayed for those who were absent through illness. John Havard announced we would be back in St Giles this week; presumably not the High Kirk.

DRESS CODE AND COMMENTS

Our most sartorial member must be Tom Willis. What do you think? He tells me he has even given away an Armani suit, bought in Monte Carlo for £320 in 1980. George Brodlie doesn't think much of Treasurer Alan Young's signature on the latest membership cards; like a drunken spider. Fred Ainslie reminded me that he was the last President in the N.B. (now the Balmoral) where we had been for 63 years from 1924 to 1987. We then moved across the road to the R.B. where disabled members used the luggage lift. PP Philip Harris then took us to the St James Thistle. (Incidentally Philip was a Col in the Alabama Militia). PP Graeme Forbes brought us from the Playhouse to the Crowne Plaza.

DRIVERS Tim Simpson/Bill Bryden

Scottish Pensions event at Kirkgate, Leith on Friday Oct 3rd 11 - 4 pm. Also Edinburgh Headway Group to take 2 persons to and from the Astley Ainslie for rehabilitation treatment.

ATTENDANCE and VISITS 61

VERY POOR! Members 55, guests 2, visiting Rotarians 4 - from Texas, Massachusets, Illinois and Putney. Fergus Gillies, aka Tam o' Shanter, visited Bar Harbour, Maine. President Neville had been to his home grounds of Nottingham and Derby to watch Scotland lose at cricket and to attend these 2 daughter clubs. Names please, to Morag Turner, for a club visit to Corstorphine on Oct 28th, 6 pm at the Murrayfield Hotel.

WHY NO BANNERS?

Visiting Rotarians bring banners, but we give whisky, a certificate and a home sung CD. An excellent idea, but why no banners? Could someone enlighten me please. Is it cost at £5?

Rodger, Belton, Law and Murray Triumph

Edinburgh beat Esk Valley 21-19 in the Rotary Quiz. Captain Colin, Dr Neville, Dr Hamish and Professor Jim were erudite enough, but we supporters were shaking at the speed on the buzzer of the young and beautiful opposition. Did you know that the first Rotary project was a public toilet in Chicago? Out of 60 clubs in the District, Edinburgh hasn't won since the 1980's. Come on team. Late night reading.

NEW ROTARY CLUBS and membership

Past DG Bob Stewart of Dalkeith is District Extension officer and was quizmaster. Esk Valley is a new club and it is interesting to note that they do not have a meal and have no toasts, the only cost being £1.50 for coffee and biscuits. Members are much younger and meet after supper, having gone home and changed into casual gear. A large proportion are young ladies and some couples are members. New model clubs can now have their own constitution and set their own rules. The Gyle is an obvious place to consider for a new club: Lunch time during the week for the masses of new office workers and maybe Saturday morning, with a crèche, for the shoppers. All a different style from our set ways. Dressing down is the new fashion.

LOST SPEAKER AND LOST THANKS

Pres. Neville misquoted Lady Bracknell when he said "to lose a voter of thanks was unfortunate, but it was a disaster to lose our speaker." However Jack Aitken stepped into the breech and gave a brilliant talk on the Creepy old Royal Mile. As a guide on open top buses, he was a natural entertainer. We started off with the hanging of Deacon Brodie, witnessed by 40,000, including his wife and 2 mistresses; all having had his children, but ignorant of each other. Next came David Hume, Philosopher in the Age of Enlightenment and then the High Kirk of St Giles. Moving from the sublime Chapel of the Knights of the Thistle to car park space no. 44, with a yellow cross, depicting the grave of John Knox, Jack recommended a visit to Parliament Hall, last site of the old Scottish Parliament in 1707 and now the meeting place for advocates and their clients. Public proclamations are made from the Mercat Cross, 3 days after the same in London - maintaining the tradition of a 3 day ride on horse back. "Heave awa', I'm no deid yet" remembers the poor boy buried in rubble, near the dwelling of Daniel Defoe, an English spy. World's End Close is where severed heads were displayed. Our elegant assistant secretary, Robin Wilson ably gave thanks.

DR HAMISH LAW'S INVENTION

Featured in the press recently, Hamish is delighted his invention will be used to help women suffering from menorrhagia, heavy bleeding in periods. Hamish patented a device using hypothermia in the treatment of cancer, but chemotherapy took over. However, his patent has now been bought by Johnson & Johnson and balloon thermal ablation now frees many women from undergoing hysterectomies and saves the NHS money.

Bulletin 1976 - 18th September 2003

LAST WEEK

Pres. Neville prayed for peace on this the 2nd anniversary of the World Trade Centre attack.
Council members are reminded to stay after lunch today for a special meeting. On Feb 11th Portobello are holding a black tie 50th Charter dinner. Birthdays: Tom Davidson and Mel Wilson, both 21. Anniversaries: John Fergusson 56, Peter Wilson 53 and Fred Ainslie 51. 2nd grandchild: Jack Aitken was relieved of £15. Extra badges are available at £15 for members to take away. The black and white are easiest to see, but the engraved are prettier. Take your choice.

ALMONERY

Pres. Neville welcomed PP Philip Harris back to the fold and noted that Bill Gay had visited Bob Murdoch, who was rather frail.

DRIVERS PLEASE Tim Simpson/Bill Barr

We are committed to providing 6 cars to transport 12 pensioners to the Scottish Pensions event at Kirkgate, Leith on Friday Oct 3rd 11 - 4 pm to include a buffet lunch and a tea dance.
Bill Bryden also needs drivers for the Edinburgh Headway Group to take 2 persons to and from the Astley Ainslie for rehabilitation treatment.

These are worthwhile causes and deserve our support. Both qualify for attendance.

ATTENDANCE (Melinda Wallace)

Total 70
Members 65
Guests 4
Visiting Rotarians 4 - from Melbourne, Arizona, Botswana and Golspie.

Eve Crowe had been to Lowestoft and found herself surrounded by Rotarians.

DEACON CONVENOR OF TRADES

Pres. Neville introduced Gordon Wyllie, who heads Executry and Private Clients for Biggart Baillie WS. Gordon is a Special Commissioner for the Inland Revenue, Clerk to the Grand Antiquaries of Glasgow and Deacon of the Hammermen of Edinburgh.

The Guildry originates in Greek and Roman times, often embracing religious as well as secular purposes. To avoid social unrest the Romans required societies to be registered, including the Church headed by the Pope in Rome. In 1424 the merchants persuaded the Scots Parliament that only they should hold office in Royal Burghs. The manufacturers were the craftsmen and the Merchants sold their goods. King James III was released from Edinburgh Castle with the help of the Craftsmen, to whom he presented a banner - "The Blue Blanket" - now kept by the Hammermen. An infamous Deacon of Wrights was Councillor Brodie. In 1833 the Town Council became more representative and power moved from the Guilds. The Trading Act removed many privileges, but many guilds continued as social and charitable clubs. The Cordiners are shoemakers, who originally got their soft leather from Cordoba. In 1975 Burgess tickets were no longer issued. Robin Wilson, ex Chamberlain of the Merchant Company, tells me the running of the Guilds is now in their hands.

Oliver Balfour thanked Dr Wyllie for a most informative talk and stated that, as a Coach and Harness Maker in the City of London, he was allowed to graze his sheep in Piccadily.
Dr Wyllie later informally told us that Derek Ferguson had added a purple ribbon to the regalia of office to make it easier to wear.

SALVATION ARMY 25 Sept 6.30 pm.

By Invitation only at 2 East Adam St with Moderator, Lord Provost, Sarah Boyack MSP. Names to Jack Aitken soonest please.

FRED AINSLIE & CLASSIFICATIONS

Paul Harris started Rotary with a system of non competition. As a lawyer, he did not want another lawyer. The classification in which you join is yours and only yours. Only the Council can change this, after informing members and receiving no objections. If a member's job changes, officially he should resign and be reconsidered for a new classification. It is not sufficient merely to alter your directory entry. Fred knows, 'cos he makes the badges.

TOO MANY FREDS?

Fred Ainslie, Fred Lawson, Fred Edwards, Alec Frederick Wilkie. And we were all sitting together, what odds on that (actually FA was nearby at the top table, brown nosing)

QUALITY FORBES

Also at the table was Watson Forbes who tells me he has just invested heavily in fine art with Lyon & Turnbull. His brother, Ian Forbes, was President in 1971 and his nephew Graeme Forbes in 1996. Another nephew is David Kirkwood, whose father Alistair was also a member. He said he suffers from short term memory loss, or was it long term memory loss? He couldn't remember! David Brown says he spends time thinking about the hereafter - what am I in here after?

FLYING ROTARIANS

Eddie Hepburn tells me that he is unique. He has terrible eyesight, but keeps flying. Not in the driver's seat though, as the lens in his left eye has been removed. A London surgeon did it and it is a success. Keep flying Eddie.

Bulletin 1975 - 11th September 2003

LAST WEEK

Pres. Neville's grace blessed the food and those who prepared it. Was this to do with John Hull's successful efforts? Secy. John stated that next week would be a charity lunch for Challenge Enterprise. VP Bill Cantley announced that Doors Open Day, staged by the Cockburn Association, would be on Saturday 27 Sept. Neville welcomed 2 visitors from Belfast, over on a Highways convention. He also invited members to join Colin Rodger at the Rotary Quiz at the new Esk Valley Club in the Justinlees Inn Dalkeith at 7pm on Sept 16.

ATTENDANCE (Melinda Wallace)

Total 69
Members 65
Visiting Rotarians 2
Guests 2

GOLF IN NORTH CAROLINA

Pres. Neville introduced Alan Chainey, Director of PE at Edinburgh University from 1983 to his retiral last year. From Kent and a graduate of Loughborough, Alan now chases a stationary ball and is Captain of North Berwick Golf Club. He is on the R&A golf bursary panel and recently led a team to the USA. Alan stated that there were opportunities in Scotland as well as the US. The R&A now gives £200,000 p.a. to British University golfers. The EU golf club was founded in 1897, the ladies club in 1912 and they were merged in 1993. The EU team won the Scottish Universities and British Universities trophies in 2002 and went on to tour the Pinehurst area of N. Carolina. With 40 excellent courses in an area smaller than East Lothian, the students had minimal travel, top courses and excellent hospitality at a cost of £700. To keep to this cost, a grant of £2,000 came from the Alumni office and £3,000 from donations. 10 matches were played, with a win v. Methodist University and a draw with Duke. The final dinner was at Mid Pines, piped in by one of the Scottish team. PP Liz McSwan thanked Alan, saying she could have done with his coaching when her student teams needed such help.

POVERTY TASK FORCE Bill Barr

An array of members' clothes, filling 12 bags, was handed over at Cardrona to Asst Governor Bob Christie, who extends his thanks to all members for their support.
Drivers Needed. Tim Simpson/Bill Barr

Transport is requested for the Scottish Pensions event at Kirkgate, Leith on Friday Oct 3rd 11 - 4 pm to include a tea dance. Bill Bryden also needs drivers to take 2 persons to and from the Astley Ainslie for rehabilitation treatment. Edinburgh Headway Group provides support for those with traumatic head injuries, their carers and families.

JOHN HULL WANTS YOU on 23 Sept.

This murder and mystery tour could give you a boost. A good night followed by a meal nearby. Meet at the Witchery 7.30 pm.

WINE TASTING ROYAL SCOTS CLUB

Ed Lucas invites members and friends to a tutored tasting on Mon Oct 13. This will not be expensive, unless you get carried away (and carried out). Capacity 100, raffle prizes to Wendy Goldstraw please. Proceeds for Xinavane Hospital, Mozambique.

DOBBIE GOLF CUP WON 33RD TIME

Captain Keith Frost congratulated the 14 participants in winning all matches this season, beating Newcastle, Dunfermline and now Glasgow. This latter win at Pollock was the 75th match against Glasgow for the cup presented in 1913 by Sir Joseph Dobbie, our 2nd Rotary Club President. Glasgow have won it 35 times. Jinty "Polis" Kerr was not a token lady, she was a stalwart competitor, seeing off the opposition handsomely. Well played Jinty. Captain Keith thanked Field Marshal Alan Hately for his wonderful enthusiasm as manager/coach, especially for his letter stating that "failure cannot be contemplated."

IGFR SUN CITY, SOUTH AFRICA

Ronnie Sinclair, Alex Wilkie and wives are attending the annual International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians, followed by a safari and a visit to Knysna Rotary on the garden route. More when they return, if not eaten.

BIG IN JAPAN by PP DICK ALLAN

Rotary is a status symbol in Japan. The chief priest of the Jishu Shrine in Kyoto is a member. Our Dick "Trees" Allan, on a tour, visited the shrine in search of splendid love. He walked safely from one love stone to another with closed eyes and he is all set for his love to be realised. Jim Murray has also succeeded and I noticed them chatting.

FRED ARCHIVES AINSLIE & BADGES

Alan Hately, you may be a Field Marshal on the golf course, but in Fred's eyes you are in trouble. Fred was seen clutching your badge, after the case had been shut. These badges are old, valuable and need TLC, just like you.

www.edinburghrotary.org

Paul Watton tells me that our website is easy to find. Search for Watton and you get Edinburgh Rotary before the Times, Daily Mail, BBC, et al. the other purveyors of terminological inexactidudes.

Bulletin 1974 - 5th September 2003

LAST WEEK

In view of the medical heavies at the top table, Pres. Neville's grace thanked those who care for the sick. Secy. John reminded us of the District meeting on 7th September at 2 pm at the Cardrona Hotel. Neville welcomed visitors from the Northern Territory, Australia and Firenze, Italy; also a guest of Liz McSwan. Eddie Hepburn brought greetings from the Flying Rotarians in Sweden. David Brown was fined for becoming a grandfather for the 3rd time. Mike Berry invited members and friends to the King's Manor Hotel on 6th September 1.30 to 4.30 pm to be inspired for personal development. Apologies from Col Watton; sadly on duty at Catterick re the loss of Maj Matt Titchener and WO2 Wall in Iraq. Matt was at the Castle and attended as a guest.

ATTENDANCE (Melinda Wallace)

Total 75
Members 69
Visiting Rotarians 3
Guests 3

REG., THE CYCLIST and ACH (CHAS)

Reg. Robinson took Keith Stirling, the John O'Groats cyclist, to the Cramond Inn for haggis and a pint of heavy. Members contributed £85 to Children's Hospices.

JUDITH KAY Stunt Flying

New member Judy does aerobatics and stunt flying, not aerobics. Any volunteers?

POVERTY TASK FORCE Bill Barr

Bill thanked those who had given their wive's clothes to him and stated we had another week to look out other unwanted items; these can be delivered to 20 Kaimes Rd EH12. 0131 334 3005.

HANDS OF A LADY by Caroline Doig

Pres. Neville introduced Caroline Doig. Educated at Forfar Academy, she graduated at St Andrews in medicine, took a Masters in infection and is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of England and of Edinburgh. After the Sick Kids in Glasgow, London and Edinburgh, she became a senior lecturer and Consultant at Manchester for 25 years.
A surgeon needs the heart of a lion, the eye of a hawk and the hands of a lady. Women have doctored since Greek and Roman times, but it was only in 1877 that the Royal Free Hospital trained women in medicine. In 1948 the Labour Government required 20% of trainees to be women. Elsie Inglis was a forerunner. Today the majority of students are female, as are 74% of house doctors. 35% are Registrars and 18% Consultants. Caroline was the first woman to sit on the high dais of the GMC and the BMA. Iain MacLaren thanked Caroline and stated that today was the 590th anniversary of a Papal Bull founding St Andrews University, but that women were first trained in Montpelier, France, including one Dr MacLaren. Pres. Neville thanked Iain for a wonderful array of speakers over the last year.

BBQ VOGRIE COUNTRY PARK

Mohindra Dhall 339 7967 is organising a barbeque from noon to 4 pm on Sunday 21st Sept. Bring your own wine and food, he will provide charcoal and corn. Vogrie is 3 miles after Dalkeith off A68, travelling south.

INNER WHEEL TWILIGHT SAIL

PP Hamish Law kindly entertained the ladies on board his yacht. It was unequal opportunities, as he was the only male.

BBC2 TV PROPERTY PROGRAMME

Louisa Rowland 0208 222 4757 is looking for outgoing people who love their homes and are willing to talk about taste, style and interiors.

HARRY BELL AND THE BOMB

Did you know that Harry, aged 23, was a guinea pig on Christmas Island when the Atomic Energy Authority tested 4 bombs after the war? The Royal Navy sailed back into the harbour, as did the Australian Navy - the latter have since been compensated by their Government, but not the R.N. It is amazing what a varied and interesting bunch we are.

THEFT, VAGRANCY AND LITTER

Good news: Andrew Anderson, Minister of Religion, got his brief case back. It was found in St Giles Cathedral. Blessed are the righteous. And the hotel has agreed to replace Jack Aitken's jacket. Thank you.

PENTLAND GOLF CUP. "JIT" AIKMAN

In perfect weather, 18 members played over North Berwick Glen. The winner was Andrew "Just in time" Aikman 38 pts. James Mason, attending his first outing, was 2nd with 37, edging out Jinty Kerr with a BIH. Our first President R W Pentland presented this cup in 1913. Ed & Kathleen Lucas and Jim Murray joined in for supper. Captain Keith Frost urges all serious golfers to attend the last outing on Monday 29 Sept at Broomieknowe at 1.45 pm. Entries to Alan Hately 336 4242.

NEVILLE VISITS DAUGHTER CLUBS

Leeds, Aberdeen, Leicester, Portsmouth, Bristol, Perth, Cardiff, Nottingham, Derby, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Hawick, Peebles, Leith, Falkirk, Musselburgh, Portobello, Corstorphine, Galashiels, Haddington, Braids, Murrayfield/Cramond, Kiev and Edinburgh Breakfast. Neville, get your kilt out for Kiev!

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