DG's Travels Week 48

Any past District Governor who claims that the last few weeks in office are quiet, must have been abroad! The activities are many but the fun times are great. Yesterday, Daphne and I attended the Inner Wheel Rally at Huntingtower Hotel near Perth. It was an occasion to meet again many of the ladies who I had met at various functions with their Rotarian partners.Despite the prophecies of doom from the weather experts, the weather gods were kind and the sun shone, at least for the reception, drinks and photographs. As it was shining when we departed, what happened to the weather in between was irrelevant. It was a superb occasion when District 1 Chairman Kay, and her District and Club colleagues, had the pleasure of welcoming Association President Pam Byford and the chairmen of many other Districts in the UK. They even managed to attract one delegate from America, from the sunshine state of Florida. After an excellent meal, we enjoyed many humourous messages of greetings from other parts of the UK. Pam's message was more serious, about the need to promote Inner Wheel and bring in younger members. To the often raised question that women in Rotary had harmed the numbers in Inner Wheel, most were of the view that this was not the case, as the two organisations attract people of different interests. However, both Pam and I are very much of the view that Rotary could do more to encourage membership of Inner Wheel among partners and female family members. This is very much in accord with the recent pronouncement from the Council on Legislation which encourages Rotarians to do just this. It was really enjoyable day, when Daphne and I were made most welcome, the company was really first class, and the ladies all looked at their glamorous best in their many wonderful outfits. There is no doubt that their presence always adds to any occasion. As one of only two men at the Rally, the other being President Andrew Grant of Auchterarder Rotary Club, I was always going to have a fantastic day.