The Rotary Club of Edinburgh
Bulletin 2226 - 11th September 2008
Last Meeting:
President Tim Simpson warmly welcomed everyone to the first of a periodic series of themed lunches, this one being an Asian Lunch. We sat down to what Tim described as a “nutritious soup” and an “interesting Salmon”; however, members must have enjoyed it as they gave a warm applause in appreciation.Secretary’s Announcements:
The attendance was 61 members, 3 visitors, 2 guests, a total of 66. Visiting Members were Kiyoshi Arai and Shouichi Onoda from Tokyo Katsushika Rotary Club and Jim Casserley with his wife Mary from Bloomington Minnesota. Banners were exchanged, CDs awarded and small bottles of consolation administered.Colin reminded members that RIBI President Ian Thomson was to be our speaker and encouraged all to attend. He mentioned that Ian will be visiting other clubs in the Zone especially Edinburgh Breakfast and for insomniacs they will meet at 7:15 am for 7:30 am on Tuesday 16th September at Dunstane Hotel West Coates.
There will be a business meeting on Thursday 18th September with important matters to be discussed.
Alex Wilkie spoke about Rotary Mission Challenge in Kenya in which he and Judy are participating. They will be travelling to Suswa Girls School in the Masai region of the Great Rift Valley. The major objective is to save young girls from Female Genital Mutilation by providing free education on condition that the girls are not submitted to the damaging ritual. Alex appealed for help from members.
The Bridge Club will meet on Tuesday 16th September; those interested should contact Andrew Aikman or Mohindra Dhall.
An urgent appeal for accommodation for five students from Columbia was made. Anyone who can help should contact the Secretary Colin Mackay.
Neville Belton was welcomed back from visiting Brisbane New City Rotary Club in Australia where they valued our CD so highly they auctioned it off to the highest bidder. Neville did not reveal the world record price.
Charity Lunch:
Members will be glad to know that the raffle at the last charity lunch raised £133. The proceeds have been passed to the Jubilee Charity Fund with a request by Council to top it up. The funds will go to the Stroke Association Scotland.The next Charity Lunch on 9th October will raise money for our annual deliveries of Christmas parcels and toys. A raffle with special prizes will be held on the day and tickets can also be bought the week before.1020 District Conference:
Duncan Collinson VP1 at RC of Braids will be the Chief Sergeant at Arms for the 1020 District Conference in Inverness from 24 to 26 October 2008. Can you help him by offering some of your time at the Conference to help marshal delegates for one or more of the Conference sessions, please? Duncan's contact tel: (H)0131 477 9788 (B) 0131 312 9915President’s remarks:
President Tim advised us that we have booked the Hotel for a Burns Supper on Monday 19th January 2009 and encouraged members to put the date in their diaries now (suggestions to the editor for where those still to obtain next year’s diary might store this vital information)Guest Speaker:
Tim introduced the Guest Speaker Jane Cheng who is the principal Consular representative in Edinburgh for the Republic of China Taiwan. She took a degree in Law at Fu-Jen Catholic University followed by an MBA at Harvard. She has experience in banking and legal departments for the Taiwan offices and was in Melbourne prior to coming to Edinburgh. Tim said “After all the publicity from the Beijing Olympics, it seems fitting that we should be reminded that there are two Chinas and that Taiwan is a friendly nation which is very firmly allied to the West.”
New Developments in the Republic of China Taiwan:
In an extensive and far-ranging talk, Jane Cheng thanked the Club for inviting her at a crucial time in terms of China and Taiwan. She explained that Taiwan is 10th in the importation of Scotch Whisky in the World – not bad for a population of 23 million – one of many links between our countries.Jane took us on a verbal and visual tour of Taiwan, talking about the mountainous nature of the island state with snow capped peaks of 4000m height and major industry in the lowlands. She said that they were experiencing shortages of labour and were transferring many manufacturing industries to mainland China. The two newer themes for the economy come in the promotion of Tourism and Medical Health. A further Scottish connection came through the establishment in the 19th Century by Scottish Missionaries of a sanitary system, hospitals and a sewage system for the capital Taipei.
The change with China resulted from a new Government elected on 22nd March 2008 which for the first time is not nationalistic. The new leaders wish to follow a policy of non-confrontation where all economic resources are used, autonomy is preserved and while not clinging to nomenclature, they wish to work towards a sustainable and fruitful outcome for all people, through a pragmatic approach to activity and relationships.
Taiwan is a transportation hub and is the sixth fishing nation in the world which is why Taiwan needs to be part of the international community. 23 countries recognise Taiwan and they hope to maintain the status quo, although Ms Cheng did not explain the dichotomy of a government elected for change was going to maintain the status quo.
A last plea was for her country to be put on the local consular list which would benefit her from ease of contact and save her from local income tax if it is introduced to Scotland.
Interesting literature was left on tables for members to read. A slide presentation followed rather quickly as we overran our time limit.