Past

Newsletters

December 2003

Report from Club Council Meeting, 10^th. November 2003

Present: President Len, Pam Hamilton, Ken Finlayson, Ian Davidson, Andy Lees, Bill Hanbury, Jim Kirk (Sec)

Apologies: Roddy MacLeod, Alistair Gow.

Treasurer’s Report: Genl. A/c £1338.98, Club a/c £1205.70, Inter-club a/c £1012.50. Three fees were still outstanding.

Correspondence: From Mid Argyll Community Care Association regarding the future of the Lantern Festival, Secretary to reply.

A letter of thanks from Anne Watson.

Club Service.Len reported that Roddy had informed him that the Burns Supper arrangements were progressing, and also that the Partners Christmas Dinner was to be held on FRIDAY 5^th December.

Vocational. A candidate’s name for the GSE visit had been accepted by District. Alistair to monitor progress.

Community. Pamela reported that she has the raffle tickets and also that the clip-board had been doing the rounds of members regarding donations for the raffle & hamper. There will be a Wheel of Fortune this year.

International/ Foundation. Ian reported that the emergency box is awaited.

The Carol Concert is being organised for SATURDAY 13^th. Please come along to swell the numbers & the singing!!!! Harold is organising an International Theme Night (Possibly French) for the end of February.

A musical evening is being planned for April.

Sports Officer. No report.

Publicity. The Local paper was at the presentation to CHAS.

Speakers. No report.

Attendance. Bill reported : Sept. 60%, Oct. 62%

Membership. No report.

AOCB. The EGM will be held on 18^th.December.

Kenny Milton

It was with shock & deepest regret that we heard of the sudden death of Kenny, a past president & founder member of our Club. Our thoughts are with Amy and his immediate family during this sad time.

Dec. 5^th (FRIDAY) Evening Meeting. Partners Christmas Dinner

Dec. 8^th. Council Meeting

Dec.11^th Lunchtime Meeting

Dec.13^th (Saturday) Rotary Carol Service

Dec.18^th.Lunchtime Meeting. EGM.

Jan. 8^th. Lunchtime Meeting

November Meeting with Inner Wheel

27 of us sat down to dinner including Asst.District Governor John MacLaren and Sheila Cooper from CHAS. It was to Sheila, of course, that the cheque for £3388.05 was presented by our Immediate Past President Norman Rea, being the result of his £10 challenge. Sheila gave us an up to date report on Robin House & said that it was looking good with the roof now on. It will cost £10m to get it up & running and approximately £1.7m per year to run & maintain. The statutory bodies who provide grants etc. have to be approached each year to see if funding is available, and, like the MacDonald House project at York Hill, require a yearly effort to get charitable donations to remain viable.

PP Norman Rea presenting £3388.05 to Sheila Cooper (CHAS)

Profit from 200 Club

Just been announced as £683

November 2003

Report on Club Council Meeting 20^th October

Present:President Len, Pamela Hamilton, Alex Samborek, Ian Davidson, Alistair Gow, Bill Hanbury, Roddy Macleod, Ken Finlayson, Jim Kirk(Sec).

Apologies received from Andy Lees.

Treasurer’s Report: Ken reported that the Genl.a/c was £1335.65, Club a/c £1122.70 and Inter Club a/c £978.45. There are still a number of fees outstanding!!!

Correspondence: None

Club Service: Roddy reported that the partners Christmas Dinner would be on FRIDAY 5^th December. Burns Supper will be Friday 23^rd January where the Immortal Memory will be proposed by Professor Gillies ( brother of Anne Lorne I believe!).

Charter Dinner 7^th May, dress formal, venue to be finalised.

Vocational : Alistair reported that the candidate for the Euroscholar visit had withdrawn his application. Also spoke on the visit to Landcatch (see elsewhere in bulletin)

Community : Pamela reported that the preparations for the Christmas Fayre were progressing well and that the lists for donations would be available this week. There are still some 200 Club tickets to come in!!!

International/Foundation : Ian reported that the main fund raising effort would be aimed towards REMIT (Rotarians eliminating Malaria in Tanzanania…R I President’s preferred charity). There would also be an Emergency Box appeal. The Carol Concert to be repeated, a musical event held in April and a major fund raising event in the summer.

Sports Officer : Alex reported that he is in the process of drawing up a programme of events including a Clay Pigeon Shoot, Curling, and both Carpet and Ten Pin bowling.

Attendance : Bill reported 59% in September.

No reports were received from Publicity, Speakers, and Membership departments.

Congratulations

….to Roddy & Jean on their marriage. All the Club gives you their sincere best wishes for your future happiness.

Editorial

( A long time since you saw one of these!!)

I am cheerful on two counts :

1. I have received a written request to attend a Committee Meeting… the first since I was President in 1995!!!

2. I have received two written contributions for the bulletin, the first since I took it on board !

Please keep it up, it makes my day.

Visit to Landcatch

On 24^th September, 7 members visited the Landcatch facility at Ormsary. While the pace of the tour was, of necessity, quick rather than leisurely to combat the failing evening light, the visit proved particularly interesting, not least in terms of the scale of the operation and the strict measures enforced to prevent contamination of the site, with the group having to wear protective footwear and pass through disinfectant footbaths before visiting sensitive locations.

As Landcatch are not directly involved in the operation of fish farms, their prime function is to rear stock which is sold on to other companies, while developing a quality pedigree breeding stock for the future.

Although initially the aim had been to produce large, fast maturing fish, this had resulted in stock from a narrow genetic base which were more susceptible to disease and parasites. Appreciating that this was not sustainable, a more sophisticated & scientific approach has been adopted with the emphasis being on a wider range of characteristics such as resistance to disease, taste, texture, adaptability to different sea conditions etc. In order to achieve this, the fish selected for breeding are closely monitored under controlled conditions with the results held on computerised databases for future reference and stock selection. In consequence it was suggested that simply by taking fish scale samples in a supermarket, it was likely that Landcatch could identify the pedigree of a particular fish!

Having learned from their early experience and having made the appropriate level of investment, Landcatch has developed a world class sustainable business in Mid Argyll with a strong commitment to quality and satisfying the requirements of their customers and ultimately the consumers.

Do I detect a slight increase in attendance along with a degree of bonhomie. Let’s keep our fingers crossed … we need as much support as possible at our regular meetings!!…. Ed.

Dates for your Diary

Nov. 6^th Evening Meeting

Dinner with Inner Wheel.

Nov.10^th Council Meeting

Nov.13^th Lunchtime Meeting

Nov.20^th Lunchtime Meeting

Nov.27^th Lunchtime Meeting

Nov.29^th. Christmas Fayre

Dec5th. Evening Meeting:Partners Christmas

Dinner. FRIDAY

200 CLUB

Prize allocation slightly changed at President Len’s request and is now as follows:

Nov. Evening Meeting………………….£25

Dec. Partner’s Dinner………………….£75

Jan. Burns Supper……………………..£50

Feb. Evening Meeting…………………£25

Mar. Evening Meeting…………………£25

Apr. Evening Meeting……………… £25

May Charter Dinner…………………..£100

If you have not returned your counterfoils & payment please do so ASP.

October 2003

Council Meeting Sept. 8^th.

Present: President Len, Bill Hanbury, Ian Davidson, Ken Finlayson, Alistair Gow, and

Jim Kirk (Secretary)

Apologies: Andy Lees.

Treasurer’s Report:Genl.Fund £702.42. Club a/c £952.70. Inter Club a/c £639.45.

Correspondence: Letters of thanks were received from Sight Savers and Water Aid.

A notice from District regarding Group Study Exchange… no action.

A copy of a letter sent to Harold from Past President Norman regarding the distribution of the monies raised by the President’s Challenge. This to be clarified at the next Club meeting

Club Service: No report.

Community: No report

International/Foundation: No report.

Vocational: Alistair reported that he had written to the two head teachers regarding Euro Scholar 2004 requesting that they respond by the 26^th September.

A visit to Landcatch at Ormsary has been arranged for the evening of 24^th Sept. at 6.30pm.

Sports Officer: No report

Publicity: No report.

Speakers: Ian has arranged for Matt Lewis from GRAB to speak on 2^nd October.

Attendance: Bill reported August 51% and July amended to 47%.

AOCB: The question of not apologising for absence from luncheon meetings was raised with the possibility of sanctions to be put to the members.

As a follow-on from his talk, Duncan Graham to be guided to the speakers secretaries of other Argyll Clubs.

The question of having sweatshirts bearing the Club’s name was raised.

Clarification

Past President Norman has written to me to ask that I make a correction in this bulletin about the amount collected by his presidential challenge. He states that the sum he handed over to the club treasurer was in excess of £3600, not £3368 as in the bulletin report from Council. As explained during the following club meeting, £260 had already been sent to Sightsavers taking the total over £3600 but was not made clear in the bulletin.

A more important point is made in Norman’s last sentence which I quote "As you say, fund raising may not be everything,but there are times when such a magnificent effort as this needs recognition"

How true this is! …Norman, I thought the result was "mind boggling" and although I believe the effort was duly recognised at the Presidents Night, it should also have been given some prominence in the club bulletin and for this I apologise. I never really got to know exactly how various members dealt with the £10 and I would not like to single anyone out. I would make two points however, firstly, that this was a superb response to a scheme for which Norman must take full credit and all contributors must feel proud and pleased at raising so much for charity which was a credit to the club. Secondly, I was not decrying fundraising in the August bulletin but rather drawing the attention of perhaps some of our newer members to the importance of other aspects of Rotary. We have had members in the past who have joined just for the charity aspect ,were not prepared to shoulder any of the club offices, and were not in evidence at any of the club social functions. What we need to be is good all-round

Rotarians……..Ed.

Discrepancy

Between July & August, the Inter Club a/c diminished by£273.This was queried at the last lunchtime meeting so no doubt we will have an explanation in the next bulletin.

Job Talks

At one time it was expected that new members would give a "My Job" talk some weeks after joining the club. We do not seem to have continued with this practice which is a shame since even if it only lasts 5minutes, it gives us an insight into the new member and his occupation.

O.K…. we will defer to anyone who finds speaking in public a traumatic experience, but surely, as members of Rotary & being regarded as the cream of our professions or trades, I would have expected quite a few job talks recently.

37 years ago, I viewed the prospect with trepidation but gave mine to Chadderton & Failsworth Club. On joining Lochgilphead ten years later I had to give it again and nearly sent everyone to sleep!…Pharmacy is a pretty dry subject. Such a talk can be of a general nature or about some recent development in our area…we would all be interested. So what about giving 5 minutes of your time one lunch hour……..go

on – take the bull by the horns!!!!

Attendance

Still not good. I know it is certainly not the fault of the hotel.. Tom couldn’t look after us better.

But do you think our move to Ardrishaig has some bearing. We don’t even get the visitors that we used to do! Just a thought.

May 2003

Minutes of Council Meeting

10^th March 2003

Present: President Norman, Bill Hanbury, Len Simpson, Ken Finlayson, Ian Davidson, Jim Kirk, & Asst.Gov.Jim Copland.

Apologies: Jim Macmillan

Matters arising from minutes of last meeting:The question of assistance to "Brambles" regarding the provision of a computer is ongoing. £150 has been allocated for this project.

In response to a request from the Mid Argyll Music Festival for a new trophy to replace the present Junior Duet one which is full. A new one has been provided at a cost of £70. President Norman will present it, where we will get publicity.

Treasurer’s Report: Genl.a/c £2079.42, Club a/c£633.54, Inter Club a/c £722.45.

Correspondence:Request from Morven Finlay of Ardrishaig to enable her to go to Costa Rica on a conservation project.£200 approved.

Letter from Carol Lekalake regretting that she cannot follow up on the prospective new members evening due to business commitments

Letter of thanks & certificate from Sightsavers.Pres.Norman thanked Ian for his efforts.

Club Service:National Stroke Awareness Campaign to take place on 5^th April.We will be in the Parish Church Hall.

This year’s Charter Night will take the form of a "Birthday Party" in the Argyll Arms on either the 9^th or 16^th May.

Members will remember that it was proposed that all members should visit another Club. It is proposed that this should take place during the week 2^nd-6^th June.

A family barbecue organised by Carl & Jilly will be held towards the end of June in Tayvallich(In the village hall if it rains)

Presidents Night will be either 4^th or 11^th July.

Vocational: A visit has been arranged to Fyne Ales on either 28^th or 29^th April followed by a meal in the George Hotel.

Community: The Service Auction & Supper organised by Sandy will take place at the end of May, proceeds going to CLICK.

President’s Challenge will end in June with results announced at the Presidents Night

International/Foundation:Race Night 5^th April.

Club Concert 19^th April

Attendance:Bill reported 59% for February.

Sports. No report

Speakers:Jim has arranged a talk & Whiskey tasting on 3^rd.April

Membership: No objections to application of Elizabeth Frazer.

A ten day letter will be circulated on behalf of a potential new member.

AOB. The secretary informed the council of the death of Hugh MacTavish.

"A" Visit of Assistant Governor

Assistant Governor Jim Copeland carried out an "A" Visit to the council. He gave his views on attendance, the fellowship & encouragement he received in belonging to this movement. He pointed out the advantages of RIBI especially in the area of administration

This association of a large number of like minded clubs is unique in the world of Rotary.

He complimented the club and promised to be back.

Dates for your Diary

April 3^rd. Evening Meeting. Speyside Whiskies – Talk & tasting by Derek Hall.

April 5^th. Stroke Awareness Day.Lochgilphead

Parish Hall 10.00am-2.00pm.

April 5^th. Race Night.Argyll Arms Hotel. Funds to

Polio Plus

April 10^th. Lunchtime Meeting

April 14^th. Council Meeting. Argyll Hotel.

April 17^th. Lunchtime Meeting

April 19^th. Club Concert.Ardrishaig Hall

April 24^th. Lunchtime Meeting

April 28^th. Visit to Loch Fyne Ales. Talk, tour, and

Tasting followed by a meal in the

George, Inveraray.

February 2003

Council Meeting 13/1/03

1.Present: President Norman, Len Simpson,Alistair Gow, Ian Davidson, Ken Finlayson, Bill Hanbury, and Jim Kirk.

2.Treasurer’s Report. Genl.a/c £2263.40, Club a/c. £1501.04, Inter Club a/c. £576.

3.Correspondence.Letter from District-contents noted.

Ashfield Primary School re. An educational trip in May.A donation of £170 was approved.

Brambles Playgroup Ltd re a grant towards the purchase of a computer. As this is a business the secretary to reply in the negative but advising that the District Council may have computers available in March/April.

4. Club Service. The Burns Supper is a sell-out, no more space is available.Arrangements for Sat.night entertainment well in hand. Transport arrangements to be given later. The question of transport costs will be discussed at a future meeting of Council. The Feb. evening meeting to be usual format with invited guests………… ? potential members.

5.Publicity. John is maintaining his good coverage in the Squeak.

6.Speakers. Jim has three in the pipeline.

7 Attendance.Bill reported that Dec. was 70% and for the 2^nd quarter was 64%.

8.Membership. Nine guests being invited to the Feb. evening meeting who are potential new members.

9.AOCB. President Norman gave his assessment of the half year. This will be printed and given to all members.

A Tribute

The resignation of one of the Club’s "elders" is always a matter of regret, none more so than Fred Reid, a Rotarian who did much for the Club over the many years of his membership.

As Club Secretary he was impeccable and served us most conscientiously, keeping us on the "straight & narrow" as it had to be in those days, and being a font of wisdom & knowledge.

His presidency was undertaken with the quiet dignity which became his hallmark, and his good humour which raised many a laugh.

Whilst President, he donated a new inscribed gavel to the Club and also arranged for a new Charter to be drawn up to replace the damaged original. Neither must we forget that it was during Fred’s term of office that the Club gained the first of the prestigious Presidential Citations offered by RI. His photowork for the Club was quite prolific and much valued.

We all do our little bit for the Club, some more than others, and it was this latter group to which Fred Reid belonged and he will be missed

The Burns Supper

March 2003

April 2003

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