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The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
Bulletin 2207 - 1st May 2008
Last Meeting Thur 24 April
President Robin Wilson welcomed the Barber Shop Choir Members who had come to entertain us. Sadly Robin then had to announce the death on Monday night of our Member Bill Stevenson. Bill had been experiencing health difficulties for quite some time, but the diagnosis had been confusing. He shrugged off his illness as an inconvenient interruption to purposeful living. He rejoined the Club at the invitation of Vernon Williamson in 2002 and enjoyed his Rotarian activities, especially Fresh Start. He had a quite spectacular business career and was a captain of industry. He was elected Master of the Merchant Company in 1976, had been awarded a CBE and was a Deputy Lieutenant of the City, such honours being an indication of his considerable contribution to society and the business world. We remember his determined no nonsense style, that of a remarkable man. Members then stood in his memory. In his grace Robin quoted Wordsworth as follows:-
“Dust as we are , the immortal spirit grows Like harmony in music; there is a dark Inscrutable workmanship that reconciles Discordant elements, makes them cling together In one society.” Robin went on “We give thanks for the enrichment which Bill brought to all. We give thanks for this hour of fellowship and for the joy of hearing music’s measure.”
Secretary’s announcements.
Bill’s Deputy, John Havard announced we had 56 Members 2 Rotarian Visitors and 11 Non-Rotarian Guests , a total of 69. Next week our speaker would be Ed. McCosh on “Confidence Coaching” with the Vote of Thanks by David Simpson. The Arts Committee Kelvingrove Gallery Visit would be on Monday 28 April, meeting at 11.30am at the Gallery. Contact Keith Frost for details. Malcolm Shanks is still looking for escorts for Tuesdays 13 and 20 May for the Senior Citizens Outings to Peebles - Contact Malcolm Shanks directly to ensure we have enough support. John mentioned the need for hosts for the Colombian Visit of Rotarian Ladies. Leaflets were on the tables about this.Fund-Raising Ceilidh.
President Robin made a further appeal for support of this fund-raising event being run by Fergus Gillies was selling Tickets today at £32.50 on 10th May at 7.15pm. in Edinburgh Academy Dining Hall.Visiting Rotarians.
Banners were exchanged with Gianfranco Mancici, President Elect of the Rotary Club of Savona who brought greetings from his Club and received the usual CD and Health Water. Garrett Dailey from the Rotary Club of Oakland, California, was again present and Robin welcomed Mrs Dailly and Dr Suchitva Senthill, a guest of Eddie Hepburn.Rotarians visiting other Clubs.
Fred Lawson had visited the Biggar Club, where there had been a large attendance and the Club has sent its good wishes to our members. Tim Simpson had visited the Corstorphine Rotary Club with Heather and Malcolm Shanks, Bob McIntyre and Colin Mackay and sought their support for next year’s Edinburgh RIBI Conference. President Ian Low sent his greetings. Robin himself proudly listed his make ups with attendances at RC Ancona-Conero and RC Crotone Dinners this week.Bangladesh Flood Victim Appeal.
Wali Uddin spoke of his initiative with the Bangladesh Community to raise funds for the Bangladesh Flood Victim Appeal after the Cyclone Sidr in November 2007, when winds of 135mph virtually blew away homes, farms and rice crops. After the great success of the International Committee Britannia Spice Meal two years ago, Wali has mobilised many friends and colleagues this time for a dinner on Friday 27th May in the Macrobert Pavilion at Ingliston and has a target of £100,000 for the villages of Kalapara and Nizampur in Patuakhali. Tickets cost £60 each or £500 a table of 10. The Britannia Chefs are helping to prepare another great menu and there is a fine programme of entertainment. Wali explained he had visited the villages in question and had been greatly moved by what he had seen. Contact Bill Barr or Fred Edwards.
Bridge Club.
Andrew Aikman then made a presentation to President Robin, of a gift from the Bridge Club members of £139 to Rotary Charities and commended the work of Mohindra Dhall in restarting the club. President Robin gratefully acknowledged their generosity to Andrew.Musical Moments.
Linda Gilmore then spoke about this event being run in the Talbot Rice Georgian Gallery in partnership with the Italian Consulate, where music by Rossini, Puccini and Verdi is to be played by the Reid Quartet. This is another link with Italy and Music and would take place on Thursday 1st May at 7.00pm. All are welcome see Linda or Bill Barr for tickets.Dynamix Four Part Harmony Group.
Robin then introduced and welcomed our visitors, ten ladies who were to entertain us in Barbershop style. After an explanation of their activities by their leader, Margaret Murdoch, the group launched into their attractive and ear catching songs. They started with “Consider yourself” from Oliver and “Come along now”, made famous by Glen Miller. Unusually their bases took the lead in Frank Sinatra’s song “Can’t help falling in love.” After “Moon River”, they finished with “Sisters can’t do it for themselves” which had been such a hit at the Birmingham Competition for Dutch and British Choruses. With their shining and glitzy green costumes tops they had a great impact on our club and gave a most polished performance, which Robin said was the creme de la creme of shaving foam.Vote of Thanks.
Forbes Ridland caught the style of their performance with his humorous thank you remarks. Himself a gospel singer at Murrayfield Church, he could not help admire how the sisters were doing it for themselves, so much that he could not help falling in love. Before he burst into song himself he offered his good wishes for the national competitions this year where they hoped to continue their medal placements. Our members responded in their customary fashion and many shared their enjoyment afterwards with the singers. Robin then closed the meeting with a Toast to Rotary the World over.Curling Club.
Captain Alistair Beattie reports his delight that they had awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Curling Club to Hamish Law for his efforts in ensuring its continuation over the years.Kirkcudbright Rotary Club Charter Dinner.
60th Anniversary Charter Dinner at 7.00 on 30 May 2008 at Threave Gardens . Cost £30. Contact - President Ian McGibbon on 01557 332469 [see notice board].