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The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
Bulletin 2209 - 15th May 2008
Last Meeting - Thur 8th May
President Robin Wilson welcomed members and shared news of the goings on of the week when our First Minister, Alec Salmond was thrilled at the pole dancing of Wendy, and included declarations of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of Scotland and Homer, although not the 9th Century BC philosopher, but the cartoon character. His opening Grace focused on those who work to guard the rights of individuals and ended by expressing gratitude for our hour of fellowship together.
Secretary’s announcements.
Bill announced our attendances were 57 members, 3 visitors and 1 guest, a total of 61. Next week our speaker would be Darrell Williams on “Keeping Edinburgh entertained” with the Vote of Thanks by Jacqueline Easson. Malcolm Shanks has sent out an e-mail today for drivers and escorts for Tuesdays 13 and 20 May for the Senior Citizens’ Outings to Peebles. Bill reminded members of two forthcoming District 1020 Events:- District Assembly on 18 May at Craiglockhart Campus of Napier University and the District Governor’s Handover on 27 June in the Braid Hills Hotel. Contact Bill Barr for details of both. The JCF Trustees would meet later today in Alan Young’s Office. Annual Reports. Bill was holding uncollected copies of the Annual Report and he specially asked members to uplift copies from him if they had not received them on coming in, so as to save on postage.Inner Wheel Recruitment Evening.
A Social Evening for wives, sisters, and daughters of Rotarians was being held on Thursday 22 May from 6.00 to 8.00pm in ROSL. Please contact John Havard or Emma Law.
Fund-Raising Ceilidh.
Fergus Gillies made a final appeal for support of the ceilidh in Edinburgh Academy Dining Hall on Saturday 10th May at 7.15pm. He could still accommodate 20 more Rotarians or friends. Dress would be informal at the Request of our Belgian visitors - [Ladies and men may wear skirts or trousers as they wish!]David Smith is Musician of the Year Finalist.
Robin made a further intimation that David Smith had won the wind instruments finals of the Young Musician of the Year Competition. Robin had been as a guest to the final reharsal and heard David playing with a full orchestra backing. He expressed appreciation to the Arts Committee for fostering the link with St Mary’s School.Grant of US $ 300,000.
Robin announced with obvious delight a grant which had been received from Rotary Foundation for our joint ISC Clean Water Project in Cambodia. What a boost that will be!Rotarian Visitors.
Garrett Dailly was again welcomed by President Robin, who also welcomed two Past-presidents from Paisley and Erskine Rotary Clubs, Wendy Baxter and Susan Maclean. He handed over two CDs of members’ songs, but his hope to distribute our total stock in his Presidential year is wavering. He has 500 more to give away. Then Harry Bell brought greetings from the Burntisland and Kinghorn Club, where he had attended their excellent AGM. Ritchie Campbell claimed to have attended the Herning Club in Denmark, there was no one else there, but he was claiming a ‘make-up’ anyway. Fred Edwards had been at the Edinburgh Breakfast. All brought warm greetings. Sandra had visited the Anne Marie Club in Florida, on her honeymoon no less and for this she received spontaneous and loud applause.
Guest Speaker Emma Gray was then invited to address the Club after an informative life history from Robin. Emma explained the sequence of events, which had led to the establishment of the “Office of the Ombudsman” , named after the Swedish post [1809]. Started in 1967 in the UK, the establishment of the Scottish Parliament saw a number of different department posts combined in one post in 2002, with the “One stop shop approach”. The majority of cases that are handled are about Councils, the NHS and education. In all their work they are seen to be impartial, accessible, confidential and accountable to Scottish MSPs and their clients themselves. Their aims are to seek redress for individuals and learning achievements for public bodies. This is done by seeking apologies, explanations, practical action and other appropriate responses. They dealt with 4197 cases in 2007-2008 and have successfully provided justice for those who apply for support and help. They achieve publicity through their web-site and through monthly information commentaries. Professor Alice Brown recently commented that the office of the ombudsman ensures that individuals have their justice, an essential part of living in a democracy. Helpfully in our modern society they have encompassed examination of Human Rights issues, that are so vital world wide. The link to the Scottish Parliament has brought the work of the Ombudsman closer to the people. Vote of Thanks.Sandra Watson gave a brief but telling Vote of Thanks, standing in for Torvald Colliander, who had been summoned to Sweden at short notice. Not many have to rush home from their honeymoon to give a Vote of Thanks ! She praised the lucidity of Emma’s presentation and commented on the correctness of her grammar and spelling as well. That her comments met approval was emphasised by the vigorous applause for Emma Gray.
Final Toast.
President Robin in view of the closeness of the Ceilidh, used the words of “Bon Accord” in his final toast namely “Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again”. Some members had difficulty with the words but the sentiment was there in full measure.Bangladesh Flood Victim Appeal.
Wali Uddin spoke last week about the Bangladesh Community supporting the Bangladesh Flood Victim Appeal after the Cyclone Sidr in November 2007. Wali has mobilised many friends and colleagues for a fundraising dinner on Tuesday 27th May in the Macrobert Pavilion at Ingliston, and has a target of £100,000 for the villages of Kalapara and Nizampur in Patuakhali. The time is 6.30 for 7.00 and tickets cost £60 each or £500 a table of 10. Contact Bill Barr, Fred Edwards or Wali Uddin .
Piscatorians’ Outing.
The first Piscatorian trip was two Wednesdays ago to Cobbinshaw and saw six intrepid members frustrated by heavy rain and blusterous winds with little catch to boast about. See diary for next outing. It was Forbes who brought this to our notice.Charity Casino Night
Rotary Club of Peebles is holding this event on Friday 6th June from 7.30 to 10.30 pm in aid of Riding for the Disabled. £10 incl. chips, wine and nibbles in the Eastgate Theatre. Contact - <<email address removed>>Our Quiz Team is competing in the Semi-finals of the District Quiz on Sunday 25 May at 2.00pm in the Park Hotel, Falkirk. If you can support them tell Heather Shanks ! This is excellent prorgess for our team.
Our Wheelchair.
Look for the electric wheelchair operated by Shopmobility that carries the Rotary logo, which has been paid for by the JCF Trustees on your behalf.