DG's Travels Week 25

Despite the very seasonal but not very pleasant weather of the moment, Daphne and I had the pleasure of joining the majority of the 2009-2010 DG's, together with other senior Rotarians from earlier years, at a special lunch yesterday in Edinburgh to mark the first Scottish President of RI. John and June Kenny were in fine form and delighted to be spending some time in Scotland and to have the opportunity to catch up with family, friends and local Rotarians. True to his philosophy, John reminded us that the current year is not yet half way through and that there is much still to be achieved, not least on increasing member numbers and making the final push on PolioPlus. He particularly congratulated DG's on the Thanks for Life initiative and wished it every success. The meeting was also addresssed by RIBI President David Fowler, who in his words, encapsulated the pride which all of us feel that we should have an RI President from these islands. John Kenny is only the fifth RI President to have come from RIBI, and follows in a proud tradition of Rotarians who have made a major impact on Rotary throughout the world. It is indicative of the very high regard in which John Kenny is held, that Rotarians had travelled from every part of RIBI to join him and June on this special occasion.

DG's Week 23

Today saw Daphne and I taking the long overdue opportunity to meet up with my brother and his wife and one of their friends. As all of us have some sort of Rotary involvement, I almost considered designating the meeting as worthy of an 'official' attendance! The day did turn very rapidly into a Rotary occasion, as the same venue had been chosen by the Rotary Club of Dundee to hold a party for their Rotary members with over 40 years of service, and their partners. Hosted by President Graham and his wife Joan, and aided by several other members of the Club who were providing chaffeur services, I thought that this was a really nice occasion. It acknowledged the role of a Past District Governor, Past Presidents and other Rotarians who have all contributed enormously to Rotary over the years. It is all too easy to push our elders into the background and I was delighted to see their contribution recognised in this way. The day was dry but cold, the venue was wonderful with great views, it was warm, and the food and company were both excellent. What better way is there to pass an afternoon. My thanks go to the Dundee Rotarians for this really nice gesture.

DG's Visits Week 23

This stage of a DG's year is one of change. Many activities which have become almost a way of life, draw to a close, other new activities begin, and there is always an awareness that time is passing rapidly by, with many objectives still to be achieved. Tuesday saw Daphne and I heading first of all southwards for a short meeting with the two other Scottish District Governors in the cold wilderness of upland Lanarkshire. The wind chill factor must have been considerable with temperature, elevation and wind speed combined. We then reversed our tracks to get to the Queensferry Hotel for the meeting of the West Fife Club. This is a very recent change of venue for their members, and is obviously different from their previous venue of many years standing. However, it is a super environment, with many plus factors and I am sure that it will soon feel like 'home'. The Club is in great heart, with many boxes ticked on the 'things to do' list. I would admit to a mixture of feelings on the evening as this was the last of my 87 Clubs to visit. On the one hand, it is good to complete the list before winter really sets in. I had not fancied driving back from Thurso on a cold winter's night with heavy snow. However, just to underline that nothing can be assumed, we were faced with heavy rain mixed with snow on the way home! On the other side of the coin, I will really miss my regular meetings with Clubs and their Rotarians. This is where the real business of Rotary goes on and I have the feeling that I will be more at arms length in the future, despite my best endeavours to do otherwise. However, I will watch with interest, the endeavours of the Clubs, no less so in the case of West Fife, where raising yet more money and increasing their member numbers figure highly in their plans. I wish President George and his members well on both counts.
I take this opportunity to thank all of the District 1010 Clubs for their warmth of welcome, hospitality and unfailing courtesy to Daphne and I on all of our visits. This has been a period of my life which I will always treasure, with all sorts of different memories from the many different parts which constitute this wonderful District. Daphne and I have been fortunate beyond measure and we do look forward to visiting the Clubs again in the future, on a less formal basis, and perhaps at a slower pace which will allow us to enjoy to the maximum, the Rotarians and their surroundings.