Lunch time meeting - Speaker Karen Russell from Seescape Opticians Kirkcaldy

On Thursday 10^th January 2019 President Anne Sampson welcomed 19 Club Rotarians, Rotarians Bob Finlay, Brian Timms from the Rotary Club of Kinross and guest speaker Karen Russell to this lunch time meeting which was held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes. 

On reception, this week were Brian Johnson who said grace and Geoff Sampson.

Geoff Sampson mentioned that we had participated against the Rotary Clubs of Anstruther and Dunfermline Carnegie at the Gilvenbank Hotel on Thursday 3^rd January 2019 in the Gavel competition.  What a fantastic night and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves, Well done to Anstruther who were the eventual winners

Iain Haywood mentioned we would have a new members meeting on Monday 14^th January 2019 at the Gilvenbank Hotel as a first step to increasing our membership,

Our speaker this week was Karen Russell from seescape Kirkcaldy which is the new operational name of Fife Society for the Blind.  After 150 years of serving those with a sight impairment in Fife, they decided it was time to refresh their name to take them into the 21st century. They see their mission as expanding horizons for people with sight impairment in Fife. Their aim is to help make sight impaired people’s lives more fulfilled by empowering them to live and interact with their families, their communities and surroundings in a positive way. seescape provides people with sight impairment with access to support services, new technology and a community of friends. Their commitment to their clients is that they will listen and act according to their needs, campaign for better services for people with a sight impairment be a catalyst for change, and work in partnership to deliver sustainable projects. seescape‘s strategy to carry them through to 2020 will ensure that they continue to deliver services that are relevant and needed for people with a sight impairment. They will continue to consult with clients, their staff and volunteers to keep learning and developing their services.

The Optician at seescape is an essential part of their range of high-quality services. The team specialises in low vision conditions and uses scanning and 3D imaging equipment to assess individuals’ sight for everyday activities, driving and sports’ requirements. They will assess the health of individuals eyes through a free NHS eye test, help individuals choose their specs from exclusive ranges and advise individuals about the help that is available. All profits from The Optician go back to help the charity deliver other sight services within the community.

Karen brought along many samples of glasses showing what people would see if they had certain eye problems such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Peripheral vision, Macular degeneration, Retina pigmentation etc The idea to make things bigger, bolder and brighter for all the individuals.

The Rotary Vote of thanks was given by Geoff Sampson

This coming week on Thursday 17^th January 2019 there 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 Will Wishart, Jack Dempsey and Geoff Sampson. Their will be no speaker this week as this meeting will be for Council reports where members will receive updates from Council chairs about their ongoing projects.

The club have arranged to attend the Rotary Club Last Friday evening 11th January 2019 11 Rotarians and friends attended the RSNO (fresh from their visit to China) at the Carnegie Hall for an evening of classical music. We attended Incontri in Dunfermline for a lovely Italian meal. Great night of fun and fellowship.

On Sunday we made a Presentation of a cheque for £1000 presented by President Anne Sampson to Ross Fisher Coach of ITS (Independent Taekwondo Schools) Scotland at the Judo Centre in Alburne Park Glenrothes today. Also present from the club Lindsay Roy MBE, Tracy Thomson and Geoff Sampson.

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.