Speaker Megan Firth, RYLA

Rotary club of Stirling  meeting of 28th October 2016.

President Alan Rankin welcomed two visitors, last year's RYLA candidate Megan Firth, and Caitlyn Cairns.  Alan reminded members about President's evening on 17th November in the Albert hall, at which the Provost will be a guest. Last Tuesday members attended at the station in good numbers for the Autumn replanting of the boxes. Colin Bayes reported a convincing win in the Gavel competition over Br of Allan, our next challenge being the Carse of Stirling club.  Philip Allison is exploring the possibility of a Winter golf outing perhaps at Gullane, and members expressed support for this.

Our speaker was Megan Firth, ex Wallace High, last years RYLA candidate (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) Megan was full of enthusiasm about the camp, "an amazing experience".
One of 95 campers, all new to her, she rapidly made contacts, especially within her own group. Each of these groups worked as a team in a wide variety of activities from climbing Cairngorm, canoeing,abseiling, all encouraging an "I can do it attitude". Within the group she learned to use other members expertise while contributing her own, cycling and knowledge of bikes.  As always at RYLA, there were excellent speakers encouraging a positive I can do it frame of mind, and of course lots of fun amongst her own group.  She returned with her personalized hoodie, and a strong group of ongoing friendships. President Alan presented her with her RYLA certificate of achievement.  The vote of thanks was given by Martin Ross who reminded us that we are looking for a candidate to attend the RYLA camp in 2017.  For more info www.stirling.rotary1010.org

At our next meeting on 4/11/16 Speaker's host Jim Kerr, Visitor's host Tom Wilson.

Ian Richardson