Lunch Time meeting speaker Mike Ward on his life in France

On Thursday 20th July 2017, newly installed President Lindsay Roy welcomed 18 Club Rotarians and speaker Mike Ward to this lunch time meeting which was held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes. 

Six apologies for absence were received.

On reception, this week were Gerald Cameron who said grace and Peter May.

Jim Boyd brought back greetings from The Rotary Club of South Queensferry as did Wilna Roger from FARC (Fife Association of Rotary Clubs) who had held a meeting last week.

Our speaker this week was Mike Ward the well-known local photographer who had worked as an industrial photographer up until 1986 with John Haig Whisky Distillers in Markinch. Mike and his wife Marilyn decided to leave these shores to retire to France in January 2004 thinking if they remained in this country the request to take wedding pictures would be too much of a lure and not allow them to completely retire. Mike gave us an insight why he chose their home at Laree. It was after looking at 56 homes with many visits to France they settled in an area which was close to the Airbus route and new roads and infrastructure close by, it also had to be close to a local flying school as this was Mikes other love that of flying as he was a trained pilot. A lot of work was carried out to their home arranging connection of electricity telephone, internet water and the installation of a new kitchen and bathroom. A pool was soon to be installed. They were quick to make friends with the local Mayor and the Gendarme. The way of life was so different in France going to the doctor the doctor organised hospital appointments immediately, he worked without receptionist or nurse and you kept your own medical records, as did the local dentist. The shops were closed on Sundays and public holidays were on the actual day regardless of the day of the week. The social scene was good and they were at a dinner with neighbours where Diana Rigg ex Avengers and James  Bond actress lived close by and Nigel Lawson and John Major were also living in that area. Unfortunately, after six years they decided to come home to Scotland as the Euro rate to the pound made things quite difficult.

The Rotary Vote of thanks was given by Geoff Sampson

 This week’s meeting on Thursday 27^th July 2017 will be a lunch time meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel. please meet 12.45pm for starting at 12.55pm on reception, will be Chris Grist and Peter May, when the speaker Pippa Johnstone from the Aberlour Trust giving us an insight into her organisation.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes facebook page. You will be made most welcome