The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
Bulletin 2,018 - 22nd July 2004
REVIEW
ATTENDANCE
There were 60 members last week, one guest and visits from Jim Herzfeld from the other Tucson club, Vice President Derek Service from South Queensferry and Jenny Ingvarsson who works in Edinburgh from time to time and visits us from Sweden.
NEW MEMBER
Diane RÖhrig who is the German Consul with previous appointments around the globe from Rome to Toronto or Sydney, was introduced by Linda Gilmore. Apart from the Consular Service she has been involved with voluntary work for kids' hospitals.
SPEAKERS
We have a tradition of high quality lunch time talks on some wide ranging subjects. Our new speaker secretary is Rajiv Naik who would appreciate suggestions and nominations to help to swell his list of talks.
DINNER IN AUGUST
Mrs Dorothy Baxter is to give her talk on her life at Bletchley Park where a team of jolly young girls, including Dorothy, cracked the Enigma codes. Apart from a highly entertaining speaker you can look forward to a crayfish starter, cream cheese and asparagus stuffing with the main course, a lime truffle pudding washed down with wine and a glass of sherry to start, all for the modest sum of £25.
LOUDON HAMILTON
The reports are that Loudon is cheerful and his health is beginning to improve.
FOCUS
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARS
Youth Exchange is a two way street. We have been able to send some terrific young people abroad over the years. There is a careful selection and preparation process before they go, organised through district Rotary.
In reverse we receive well balanced young people who anticipate a very important maturing and character building experience. As far as most of us are concerned we are only aware of a talk from a pair of confident people about their home town. However that is just a part of the programme, often tailored to an individual's interests. A student from my office went to Virginia USA, she as an architect, was given a day with a leading American architect and a tour of modern buildings. For our part we reciprocate by providing accommodation and hospitality here. Judith Sischy can recommend her experience of looking after a scholar which was rewarding and not too demanding.
This year Jacquelyn Easson has agreed that our Club should look after a Japanese girl and there is a second student for whom we would like willing help in the coming year. Although one individual is designated as host, it is anticipated that the Club as a whole will do everything possible to make the young person feel welcome. The Ambassadorial scholars arrive in mid-September when they have to be met from the airport and then given some home hospitality whilst they are with us. It is hoped that they can be involved in Club activities, including fund raising and events. They will also be invited to Rotary meetings throughout District and this is organised through Harry Haworth.
Jacqueline Easson is the organiser in our Club and looks forward to a good response in the form of offers of hospitality and support from the membership. She also has an immediate problem for the early September period.
PRATTLE
TENUOUS CONNECTIONS
In a week when the report on the Intelligence Service was published by Lord Butler, we learn that Iain MacLaren is loosely related to Lord Butler himself with his daughter married to Lord Butler's son. Last Week's speaker can point to the tenuous connections but hardly any tenuous credit or controversy.
SILVER SPOONS
Our congratulations last week went to Fred Lawson who has a granddaughter, Julia Carolina, and boasts that there is another grandchild on the way. However, President Bill offered no reductions for a bulk order of silver spoons.
CAPITAL QUAICH
Alan Hately was delighted that the Edinburgh team won the Capital Quaich at Pitfern Golf Course the other week. The Club's teams won all four matches with the star performance coming from Jinty Kerr and Ritchie Campbell. Jinty not only had a very convincing win but was also the first lady to be included in this particular tournament. The golf team seems particularly strong at present and is one of our most sociable activities with a very high proportion of Club members enjoying a full programme of matches and tournaments throughout the season.
THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER
Thursday 22 July 2004: Douglas Ostler on The Lighter Side of Inspecting
Schools.
Vote of Thanks: Ritchie Campbell
NEXT WEEK'S SPEAKER
Thursday 29July 2004: Eric Milligan - Thoughts of a former Lord Provost
Vote of Thanks: David Thomson
PREVIEW
Eric Milligan has always been a self styled publicist who managed to give Edinburgh's Council the credit for every occasion. We are most fortunate to have him as a speaker and can look forward to a lively and enjoyable meeting next week.