DG's Travels Week 42

The end of this week should have seen a straightforward journey to Bournemouth for the RIBI Conference. Unfortunately, I had not reckoned with volcanic ash, or indeed the hot air being spouted by a lot of so called experts who clearly had little idea what they were talking about. In the end, Daphne and I did manage to get there but by an infinitely longer and much more round about route than originally planned. The journey back to Scotland was similarly afflicted. Of major disappointment through all these problems, which have afflicted so many, has been the unwillingness of some organisations to help, and the sheer exploitation by other companies and individuals, of people who already had more than enough problems to deal with. Soaring hotel room prices, train fares and car hire costs, are just a few of things which have been a million miles away from the prized principles of Rotary
However, I was delighted that we did get to Bournemouth for what was an excellent conference and one where the District 1010 star was definitely high in the sky. First of all we had the fantastic news of the appointment of John Minhinick to be RIBI President in 2012-2013. John has always put heart and soul into Rotary, and I am delighted that his dedication and hard work have been recognised and rewarded. He will do a wonderful job and we should support him in every way possible. David Fowler, in his address to Conference, had various complimentary things to say about District 1010 and how much he had enjoyed his visit north. At the prize giving ceremony, I was delighted that District 1010 had been awarded the prestigious Connecticut Trophy for International Service. A combination of many District activities, including the Nyumbani Project, Leonard Cheshire School4All, Shelter and other boxes, brought us to the forefront of the panel's considerations. In awarding the Interact Trophy(to another District), which is retrospective, President David referred to the very hot pace being set by District 1010 in the current Rotary year, with 7 new Interact Clubs formed already and some still to come. It is an achievement very unlikely to be matched and I will be very surprised if District 1010 will not be collecting this trophy at the Conference in Ireland next year. My congratulations and thanks go to everyone involved in both areas of activity.
The stage presentations were a good blend of the serious, the informative and the humorous. None was more outstanding, and indeed humbling, than the performance by Denise Leigh and her husband Stefan, neither of whom is sighted. Denise has a superb voice and Stefan is a vituoso on the button accordion, from which he can extract music with a skill that the majority of sighted players would find almost impossible. They are both irrepressible characters and it was a great pleasure and fun to host them. The fun was only added to by Denise's wonderful black Labrador guide dog, Crystal, who must be one of the friendliest animals I have ever come across, as well as being exceedingly clever in knowing dozens of different ways to get your undivided attention.
Both the annual levy of £44-75 and the membership levy of £2-75 were approved. We now need to exercise our minds to submit applications for the latter fund so that we can bring as much benefit on membership to this District as possible.

DG's Travels Week 42

Today should have seen me getting last minute preparations completed to travel to the RIBI Conference in Bournemouth. However, I may be delayed or even totally thwarted by the incoming cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland, with all flights out of Scotland currently grounded. Those attending, who opted to travel by car or rail, will almost certainly have made a wise choice. However, I hope that the volcanic ash will move elsewhere and that I will have the opportunity to join up with the 1010 Rotarians to enjoy the 'Magical Mystery Tour', this year's theme.

DG's Travels Week 42

Last night took me the relatively short distance from Dundee over to the Rotary Club of Cupar in Fife. The purpose was twofold. First of all to collect a very large cheque from the Club President, Bill Nicoll, for PolioPlus. This now brings the Club's total to £6000 - an astonishing effort by all of their members, covering everything from collections at the Tesco supermarket to the proceeds from a coffee morning. My initial hope was that the District as a whole would raise around £20,000. When one Club raises a third of this amount, it shows that my expectations were more than a little on the low side. It now seems possible that the District total will be of the order of four or even five times my estimate.
My other pleasant duty was the induction of a new Rotarian, something I always enjoy. It was a great pleasure to welcome Johanna Melville to the family of Rotary and I wish her every success and enjoyment from her membership. I am sure that she will be a valuable addition to the ranks of the Cupar Club where she will have the opportunity to see life at the sharp end in Rotary as a member of their Foundation Committee.

DG's Travels Week 41

The latter part of the week saw the culmination of a huge amount of work by District Extension Officer Bill, President Alistair Risk of the East Sutherland Club and President Elect Mike Phimister of the Inverness Culloden Club, ably aided and abetted by AG John Sutherland, to bring the new Rotary Club of Tain into existence. In this, there was also a huge input from all the prospective members of the Club. The inaugural dinner was held in the superb surroundings of the Morangie House Hotel. The new Club members cover a wide range of vocations and, as was evident from President Ken's address, there is no lack of good ideas for the Club to take forward both in terms of fund raising and in developing the fellowship which is an essential part of Rotary. I wish them all every success, and look forward to joining them for their Charter dinner, hopefully some time in June.

DG's Travels Week 41

Last week saw Daphne and I out and about on our travels round the District again. First stop was to see my good friends at Keith. We now have a small core of Rotarians who, with the aid of Extension Officer, Bill Leslie, are very keen to revitalise the Club and see it in good shape for their 60th Charter event next year. However, all help and visits from surrounding Clubs will be very welcome. I view the situation from the point of view of 'there but for the grace of God go I' and one never knows when help will be needed. Nothing is being ruled out, including a review of the time and day of the week when the Club might meet, to encourage those who live in but work outside Keith, to join the Club. Any contacts or recommendations for prospective members will be very welcome.
One of the great delights of this District and travelling round it, is the magnificent scenery on offer in every part. I had to stop off briefly in Aviemore on the way north to fill up with diesel and could not resist some of the views on offer. When the sun shines, who would wish to be in any other part of the world.

DG's Travels Week 40

Last night saw a return to the Rotary World Curling Championships in Perth, when Daphne and I joined a combined meeting of the Perth Rotary Clubs, and all the visiting curlers and their partners, for an excellent evening at the Dewars Ice Rink. We were treated to both an excellent meal, and two very interesting and enjoyable speakers in Gordon Bannerman of the Perthshire Advertiser and David Hay, Coach to the Great Britain Men's Curling Team. Both, in their different ways, providing a fascinating insight to the world of sport. It was an evening of real fun and fellowship, further enlightened by the endeavours of Joe McCulloch and Bob Reid, respectively of the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough, Canada and Perth Kinnnoull. This doughty pairing, in their role as joint Sergeant at Arms, not only added greatly to the entertainment but raised a substantial sum of money for PolioPlus. I congratulate President Bill and all of the organising team on running a superb event. It was impeccably planned and executed, and provided not only a superb week of sporting activity but a great opportunity to make new friendships and renew old ones, as well as raising further funds for a cause dear to us all. In my book, it had everything that is good about Rotary.

DG's Travels Week 40

A District Governor's life is nothing if not varied, and today I had the pleasure of visiting Abertay RC's Charity shop in Broughty Ferry. This is a joint venture with Barnardos, with Abertay's share going to even further swell their charity funds for PolioPlus, etc. As well as enormous interest in the very wide range of items for sale, the opportunity is being taken to promote Rotary with lots of excellent explanatory posters, etc. I wish them a very successful few days. If you are in the area, please do go along not just to add to their funds but to enjoy the chat with Abertay's very committed Rotarians.

DG's Travels Week 40

Yesterday evening, it was a great pleasure to accept the invitation to attend the High School of Dundee Spring Concert in the Caird Hall. Many will remember the superb music provided by a delightful group of their young people on the Saturday afternoon of the District Conference last September. The music was no less good last night and the audience was treated to a wide ranging programme, covering everything from the pipes and drums to a full symphony orchestra. It gave added pleasure that a number of the participants are also in one of our local Interact Clubs. With the first Young Musician Competition of this District only just past, there can be no doubt that musical activities are on the rise. I hope for even greater activity in the years to come. However, going back to last night, my congratulations go to all of the young people and the School's Music Department staff. It was a very enjoyable occasion.