Stirling Rotary Meeting 22.5.15
President David Paterson welcomed members, together with visitors Alex Atkinson, James Macpherson and, from Alloa Club, Assistant District Governor Alistair Spowage. There is a council meeting on Monday, June 1st. The all-conquering Gavel team, under captain Colin Bayes, excelled themselves when they played Nairn at Pitlochry and won by 12 games to 4, netting them the championship. Gardening Scotland takes place over the forthcoming weekend and Stewart Wilson thanked those who had signed up for the duty of manning our stand.
ADG Alastair chose as his theme “Why am I here?” In attempting to answer this question, he explained the organisation of Rotary, with particular emphasis on the statistical element. There are 34 zones in Rotary International, comprising 530 districts and 34000 clubs. Total membership is 1.2 million, making average membership 35 per club, unchanged for the last 20 years. World HQ is in Evanston,Illinois and Rotary International’s president is Ravi Ravindran, from Sri Lanka. Rotary GB&I (Rotary Britain and Ireland) has 29 districts with 1800 clubs and 50000 members, an average of 28 per club. For comparison, the Stirling club’s member ship hovers around the 40-45 level. Our district, 1010, has 8 areas with 88 clubs and 3000 members.
Alistair pointed out that he had undergone considerable training for his ADG role and that there was a direct line from his boss, the District Governor, to President Ravi in Evanston, so suggestions and concerns could easily reach the top.
The Vote of Thanks was offered by President David and well supported. This week’s Speakers Host is Philip Allison, with Visitors Host Gordon McCulloch. For more information on Stirling Rotary, please visit our site www.stirling.rotary1010.org.
Ranald Ross-Watt
Communications Convener