Speaker's Evening - Mr Eric Proven

Thu, Jul 30th 2015 at 6:45 am - 8:45 am

Our very popular member, Mr Eric Proven giving us his second job talk.
Raffle - Ed Kelly.

Reception - David Buchanan / Allan Smith


The speaker at the Rotary Club of South Quensferry on Thursday 30th July was former club treasurer Eric Proven. In what he titled his second job talk, Eric entertained members with witty and well illustrated account of his life-long love of cars and motoring. His interest was sparked as a boy watching Jim Clark competing at Charterhall. Eric became an advanced driver and driving instructor and completed the RoSPA diploma course which is the nearest civilian equivalent of a police advanced driving course. All of this was while pursuing a successful career in banking. Since his first Mini, Eric has owned around 28 cars including an MG Midget, several Jaguars and a Range Rover. He confessed a particular liking for Jaguars, which he went on to drive frequently when he donned a chauffeur's cap on retiring from the bank. Working on call for a well-known Chauffeur Drive Company took him to many top class hotels (chauffeurs stayed in bed and breakfast) and prestigious sporting occasions throughout Scotland and even the Edinburgh Tattoo, often driving famous figures in show business, politics and the sporting world. Asked why such people preferred chauffeur-driven cars, Eric believed it was for the convenience of having transport available at any time, regardless of the expense. Eric was introduced by David Buchanan, the vote of thanks was proposed by Allan Smith.