Speaker - Ms Alison Frazer, CE Music in Hospitals Scotland

On Thursday 2nd of July president Kate Gibb welcomed speaker Alison Frazer, Chief Executive of  Music in Hospitals Scotland to the Rotary Club of South Queensferry. A registered charity supported by charitable trusts, business, the Scottish Government and  private donations and fundraising initiatives, Music in Hospitals enables people of all ages in hospitals, hospices, care homes, day care centres and special schools to enjoy the therapeutic benefit of live music. From her Edinburgh base, Alison and her team organises performances by professional musicians, ranging from individual players to entire ensembles, across Scotland's twelve Health Board Areas. Last year a total of 1,793 concerts took place from Shetland to Galloway. In an interesting video film, presenter Jackie Bird introduced players performing in children's hospitals, care homes, hospices and other establishments where live music is not generally available. Patron Sally Magnusson and  percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie voiced their support for Music in Hospitals, which draws its performed from professional groups and orchestras and teaching staff and students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A clinician specialising in  treating the elderly confirmed the beneficial effects of live music in cases of dementia and stroke patients. In proposing the vote of thanks, Rotarian David Buchanan said it was evident from the film that Music in Hospitals brought joy to everyone from young children to people nearing the end of their lives. To find out more about Music In Hospitals Scotland visit www. musicinhospitalsscotland.org.uk

In other business, Rotarian Lee McCombie thanked the members who had volunteered for stewarding parking and driving duties at the recent Horse Trials at Hopetoun House. The organisers had greatly appreciated the Rotary Club's assistance.

In closing the meeting, President Kate said she was delighted to see guests Connie Watson, Heather McInally and Honorary Member Ronald Ainsworth in the audience for such an interesting presentation.