The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
Bulletin 2183 - 1st November 2007
Last Week’s Meeting
Thur 25th October 2007
President Robin Wilson chaired the meeting and asked all to stand in respect for Marjorie, wife of our own Fred Ainslie who had died after a long illness. Robin then read some lines by poet Gerard Manley Hopkins: “Glory be to God for dappled things— For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow; For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim..” At that juncture drama struck and our audio expert Gerry Hesketh stepped in to catch a coatstand about to crown Eve Crowe, innocently sitting in her place. We then sat down to lunch ending with more green foil chocolates.
Secretary’s Announcements.
Bill announced that there were 65 members and 2 visiting Rotarians, a total of 67 present. Next week we will be in the Nairn Suite and our speaker will be Graeme Forbes on “The Silver Darlings” with a Piscatorian vote of thanks by George Holmes. Bill again reminded the Club of The Vine Trust Event by Inner-Wheel on 2nd November with tickets at £8. and the opportunity to order Christmas Puddings in aid of land-mine removal in Bosnia from the Rotary Club of Cwmbran Vale. Orders to Bill by 29th October. Bill was still trying to locate Rotarians who could offer hospitality to Dr Moe Moe from Burma. [10-15 November], although he had some expressions of interest. Members’ attention was drawn to the outing to North Berwick Rotary Club on 30th October at 7.00pm in the Marine Hotel. Contact Tim Simpson.
Members’ Business.
Heather Shanks did not wish to speak, but was looking for Rotarians for Christmas Parcels Distribution. Forms were on the tables and Parcels can be collected from 10th to 14th December. Stewart Kinsman then gave details of the Festive Lunch on 6th December. Cheques for £24 should be given to him and will cover pre-drinks and a glass of wine to avoid the congestion at the bar experienced in 2006.
Visiting Rotarians.
President Robin welcomed Marguerite Trussler from the Alberta Club in Canada and Fiona Martin from Esk Valley Club. Both were presented with the usual gifts, including a health warning about the CDs of Scottish Songs.
Members visiting other Clubs.
Phillip Yelland had visited the small Club in Arran with 20 members, Russell Barr had been in Leith, where he was the speaker and Neville Belton had been to London and brought greetings from President Hugh Kirk and a somewhat depleted club, following their high old annual party, this year on the Britannia in Leith.
Installation of new member.
Hugh Young. As he had been nominated by Alex Wilkie, his introduction was given by him. Alex spoke of his friendship with Hugh, a fellow Academician, who had been commissioned in he Royal Scots and later became a Major in the TA. Having worked with the ICFC he joined the Bank of Scotland as Head of Corporate Finance and became a Director of the British Linen Bank and the Bank of Wales. He went on to become General Manager of the Bank of Scotland. He is married with two sons and a daughter and is a enthusiast for several sports. Robin gave him the customary Rotary Welcome and read the encouragement to service as a member of the world wide Rotary Movement. The members endorsed his membership with applause.
Speaker Barry Hutton was then introduced to the members to challenge our thinking on traffic and car parking. Robin listed his achievements from L. Corp in the Royal Engineers through lectureships in London and Bristol and consultancies in Egypt and Bosnia. He claimed he was slightly apprehensive, if not terrified about talking to Rotarians. By the time he had finished his talk it was his audience that were in fear and counting every mouthful they had eaten and exactly how much area and linear measurement their cars took up. H calculated we each took up half a square metre eating our lunch. However a parked car took up 12 sq.m with 2sq m for manoevring, and this meant 6 linear metres of kerbside parking. To make this hotel pay or the other shops, offices, cinemas and businesses in Edinburgh, people have to get there, but it is impossible for everyone to bring a car to do so. Edinburgh has to bring in people everyday in comfort and with the minimum of delay. Car parks are not the solution, because their discharge rate is so slow. Cars constantly seeking somewhere to park cause even more congestion. A viable city centre needs good public transport with a least 90% travelling by that method. Urban Traffic is about getting to your destination. Only cars need parking spaces and they are just not there. Barry told the story of the Tadcaster Rotarian who thanked the speaker but said it was all bloody rubbish wasn’t it ?
Vote of Thanks.
Robin then called on David Simpson, who remained as always calm and cool as he thanked the speaker for his most useful talk and agreed he had challenged our thinking. By this time the President was still reeling from the onslaught and wasn’t sure whether we had reached the Loyal Toast or the Rotary one ! After lunch some Rotarians, appeared to have been given food for thought and were spied seeking round about ways to cars or talking proudly of their bicycles.
Britannia Spice Evening.
It is good to know that last year’s fund-raising evening’s takings are about to be spent The new building looks great , though flooding has twice delayed the start of work. This week Wali Uddin’s restaurant has again won the Best in Britain accolade [the third time].
Dentists required.
We have been asked if we can find dentists among our friends, who might examine 4 Chernobyl children visiting the city in February as dental treatment is very scarce there. Please see Bill Barr if your know of anyone.
Don’t forget the Almoner!
Its his job to try discretely to keep up-to-date with personal problems of individual members, such as illness, surgery, bereavement, etc., etc.. Given such information he can then brief the President, make contact with the Member and anyone else appropriate. Hopefully, this process will help maintain awareness and the “personal touch” within the Club. Contact George Holmes on [Removed] or e-mail [Removed]