The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
This Week's Bulletin
Bulletin 2,007 - 6th May 2004
In the absence of the 'Chain Gang' on RIBI business in the deep South,
last week's meeting was effectively and elegantly conducted by Past president
John W. Baynham. Robin Wilson acted as Secretary. Fred Edwards took notes
for the bulletin.
Annual General Meeting
There was further formal intimation in terms of By-law IV, Section b.
The AGM of The Rotary Club of Edinburgh will be held on Thursday 27th
May 2004, immediately after lunch at the Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street
Edinburgh. Candidates for election to the Nominations Committee and the
Fund Raising Committee are still required.
Attendance 68
Members 66, Visiting Rotarian 1, Guests 1
Announcements
Fred Ainslie we learned has suffered a stroke. He is doing as well as expected and described as having reached the impatient stage. Loudon Hamilton is coping well. Our best wishes go to them both.
Bill Barr is still looking for volunteers from amongst members, their families and their friends for the Senior Citizens' outings to Peebles. He has sufficient numbers for the 18th May but needs drivers for the 25th May.
Rumour was rife that your favourite scribbler was giving the bookmakers of Madrid a bad time!
CHARITY WALKS
Breast Foot Forward, Saturday 29th May 5.30pm until Midnight is still looking for volunteers. Names to Fred Lawson please. Walkers are also invited to take part in a Sponsored Walk with the Ambassadorial Scholars District 1020 on Saturday 1st May at Ben Lomond. There is a choice of a high level walk or a low level walk along the loch shore. Details for those interested from harryhaworth@aol.com or telephone 01506 410790 (home) or 461462.
GOLF SECTION, ALAN HATELY
All golfers are asked to pay their annual sub. of £10 and to note that the Golf Club's A G M and Dinner will be on Friday 19th November at the Royal Burgess G.C. at 6.30 pm
VISITS FROM ROCKLAND AND LYON
Malcolm Wylie reminded us to wear the Tartan if possible for the visit of Rockland Rotarians next week at the various events planned from Thursday 6th May through to Sunday.9th May. There is a City bus tour (Jack Aitken) prior to lunch on Thursday; 12 places still available, cost £10. On Friday there is a bus tour taking in Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Turret Distillery and Scone Palace, led by Robin White; a few places available, cost £20. Friday evening is the Dinner at Bruntsfield Golf Club, cost £27 and 'Home Hospitality' on the Saturday. There will be a service at Cramond Kirk on Sunday 9th May at 10 am to which everyone is welcome. Non Rotarians are welcome on the coach trips.
Contact Malcolm Wylie 334 5560.
Later in May, 19th -22nd, some 25 Rotarians will be visiting Edinburgh from Lyon. Linguistically gifted VP Bill Cantley (667 8074) and ISC Chair Linda Gilmore have already visited Lyon and are arranging a splendid programme. Places still available at the dinner in Pollock Hall on Friday 21st May.
R John Elliot, Deputy Keeper of the Signet
The DKS gave an informative address on the Writers to the Signet Society. This ancient organization (1495) is one that everyone, outside of the legal profession, seems to know about, but know nothing of. John put that right. An elegant vote of thanks was delivered by that founder of a Rotary dynasty James Gay.
ROTARY IN MADRID
Your Editor attended a lunch costing 42 euros (£30) in a 5 star hotel. Alberto Santandreu looked after me. At 2 pm we started with tapas (canapés) and sherry. 3 pm we started lunch and threw our credit cards on the table. Wine flowed. The Canadian Ambassador spoke at 4 pm. From Paris, he moved to Quebec; he spoke in Spanish. A lively discussion ensued regarding troops in Iraq. Canada had not sent any, as there had not been a second UN resolution, and Spain was withdrawing theirs on their recent change of Government. The 30 Rotarians present included a German Baron, an Austrian, and many consular staff. I discovered that Rotary was banned by Franco from 1940-1977 and that it is not allowed in many Arab countries (eg Dubai). The President (born in Southampton) closed the meeting at 5 pm - as some had to return to their offices! Each day a Rotary club meets in Madrid, and always at the best hotels. Many thanks Alberto; you eat well and meet many interesting contacts.