IPDG's Travels Week 10

One of the few but big disappointments of my year as Governor, was the last minute cancellation of Elgin RC's Concert in aid of Help for Heroes, due to the sudden and catastrophic floods in that part of the world. Not only had President Graeme Archibald and their Rotarians worked their socks off to make it a sell out, but they had also managed to secure the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines to perform. As this was one of my special causes for fund raising, I was no less disappointed than the Club members, particularly as it seemed at first that the event could not be re-scheduled,or if it was, then the Royal Marines Band was unlikely to be available. However, Elgin Rotarians do not know the meaning of 'not possible', and with even more hard work and the generous assistance of the Royal Marines, Friday night's Concert came to pass, again to an absolute capacity audience. How nice to enjoy the luxury of a waiting list for such an event! This year's President and his colleagues were wonderful hosts and we enjoyed the opportunity to talk to members of the Band and learn more about the interesting lives they lead. Under the inspired leadership of Captain Ian Davis, we enjoyed a varied and wonderfully vibrant evening of music. The Band contains a wide range of very talented musicians who would not be out of place in any of the top orchestras in the world. From excerpts from West Side Story, through Orpheus in the Underworld, to their Regimental Marches Medley and the Sunset Ceremony, there was something for every taste. If you get the chance to hear them in action, do not miss the opportunity. A large sum of money was raised for this excellent cause, greatly aided by many who either sponsored the occasion or gave their services for nothing. Not content with this, the next Elgin Club fund raiser for Help for Heroes takes place this coming week-end, where they will seek to create a continuous human chain from Elgin to the main gates of Lossiemouth RAF air base. If you can help them to achieve this, please do go along. This event also has the potential to raise many thousands of pounds for a really wonderful cause. Our young men and women willingly put their lives on the line round the world for our benefit. I hope that everyone will help those who have suffered in this cause, as much as they possibly can.