The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
Bulletin 2134 - 9th November 2006
REVIEW
Last Week's Meeting - Thurs 2 November 2006
The President opened the meeting by inviting Russell Barr to say Grace. Russell provided a crisply delivered grace and felt that, as out guest was a military man, he should have continued with at least one verse of "Onward Christian Soldiers!" but this omission did not cause any obvious disappointment.An attendance of 67 included one guest and one visiting Rotarian, Steve Forget from Washington, Missouri, U.S.A., who, having been welcomed by President Fred, was presented with the Club's C.D. of Scottish Songs and a miniature of Drambuie.
The President congratulated Feroz Wadia on his recent election to the presidency of the International Flying Rotarians and welcomed him to the top table along with three other former aviators.
Squadron-Leader John Gilbert.
Our guest speaker was Squadron-Leader John Gilbert who, during a distinguished
30-year career in the R.A.F., had flown Vulcan bombers and later became
an electronic warfare specialist. Since retiring from the service in 2001
he has acted as R.A.F. Community Relations Officer for S.E. Scotland in
which capacity he has to deal with complaints from the public about the
perturbation caused by low-flying aircraft.
He explains to organisations and individuals who make such complaints
that in war it is absolutely necessary for military aircraft of all types
to fly at low altitude (i.e. less that 2,000 feet above ground level).
This is an essential skill which requires intensive training, which degrades
rapidly with disuse and which must be constantly practised. Flight simulators
are helpful in training for low-altitude flying but there is absolutely
no substitute for reality. Squadron-Leader Gilbert conceded that the noise
of low-flying high-speed military aircraft could be alarming and distressing
and have adverse effects on farm live-stock but emphasised that without
pilots skilled and rigorously practised in low-flying the defence of our
country would be seriously jeopardised.
This exciting address was a masterly performance by an undoubted P.R.
expert whose audience responded warmly to George Sutherland's enthusiastic
proposal of a vote of thanks to the speaker and departed convinced that
any loss of amenity or of equanimity caused by low-flying R.A.F. planes
was a small price to pay for national security.
Antiques Road Show and Club Charity Auction
Members are reminded that this event is to be held on Saturday 18 November
2006 between 3 and 6 p.m. at Ramsay Cornish Auctioneers, 15-17 Jane Street,
Leith. Tickets at £10 per person are available from Tim Simpson,
Martin Cornish, Bill Barr and Bob Hislop, or at the auction rooms on the
day.
A glass of wine and small nibbles are included in the price of the ticket
as is the valuation of any item of virtue brought to the auction rooms
regardless of whether it is to be put up for sale.
Items for auction should be delivered to Ramsay Cornish between 9.30 a.m.
and 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday or brought along on the day. For home uplift
of larger articles phone [Number Removed].
Members wishing to put up items for auction are urged to do so as soon
as possible so that they can be included in the sale catalogue. They can
receive up to 2/3 of the sum realised on each item and Rotary will receive
the rest. Martin Cornish has kindly agreed to waive the auctioneers' fees
in favour of Rotary.
This is an opportunity for members to recover cash for items of virtue
which they no longer require and at the same time support Rotary charities.
The aim is to have 80-100 lots in the sale catalogue and it is hoped that
intensive "rummaging" by members in their attics, basements
and cupboards will produce what is necessary for this objective to be
achieved.
Wanted - a Computer !
Dick Allan has been asked if, through Rotary, he could obtain the loan of a computer - desk-top or lap-top - for a Rwandan student attending a University course in Edinburgh. This student Gaspard is in difficulties with his studies because of the inordinate time that it takes him to obtain access to a University computer and he would be extremely grateful for any help that members might be able to give. Ideally he would like the loan of a computer from now until the end of June 2007 - further details from Bill Barr.
District 1020 Conference, Aviemore, 27-29 October
President Fred and VP Robin led a Club delegation of 16 to the recent District Conference at Aviemore. Over 800 delegates enjoyed a vibrant and informative week-end in the much improved conference facilities which are now of a very high standard.
The following is a report from Robin Wilson:-
The R.I. President's personal representative, Clifford I Dochtermann,
a chararismatic, enthusiastic and dedicated Rotarian gave a key address.
Only such people become World President - he held this office in 1992.
He drew a distinction between being a member of a Rotary Club and being
a Rotarian, and challenged us all "To Lead the Way" - this year's
motto.
Talented speakers gave key addresses on the theme of "Commitment"
but the contributions from Professor Charles Munn and by Professor Sheila
McLean on ethics in business and in medicine were particularly challenging.
I should say that attending a Rotary conference is not all hard work.
It is an enjoyable experience too with good fellowship, good food, entertainment
and exercise. Physical activity extends from golf to dancing the night
away! It is hoped that you will make the effort to be at Carlisle next
year.
Dr John B. Barclay, M.A., Ph.D.
Dr John Barclay who was our Club President in 1967-68 lives in Strachan House, Murrayfield and will celebrate his 97th birthday on St Andrew's day. President Fred and P.P. Neville Belton visited him recently and were delighted to find him remarkably active physically and with an amazing memory. He was a highly successful President at a time when our Club had more than 200 members but resigned because Rotary meetings clashed with unavoidable commitments as a University lecturer. It is hoped that he will be able to come to our lunch meeting on Thursday 9 November as the guest of the President.