Ryan Forbes - Ear Care and Hearing Issues

President Katrina opened to tonight’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw, welcoming all members, our guests, Michael Arthur (Rotary Club of Carluke) and Ryan Forbes (this evening’s speaker).

As announced, last week, Katrina opened our E.G.M.

·         The members agreed that Tom McPherson be confirmed as Club Treasurer

·         The members agreed that Jean Murray be confirmed as Community & Vocational Convenor.

Business being completed, Katrina closed the E.G.M.

As usual, Katrina highlighted some interesting Rotary information.

I don’t know how many of you follow Rotary International of Facebook but yesterday a post came up that I thought you would be interested in – The Rochester Deaf Rotary Club.

Apparently it is the first of its kind, run by deaf for the deaf. They promote the life, welfare and education of deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages through direct service while also advancing deaf awareness in their community and around the world. The post had 60,000 views.

Moving forward, Katrina introduced tonight’s speaker, Ryan Forbes, Director of Hearing Services with Specs Savers.

Ryan gave the background of Specs Savers. Starting as a family business in 1983, it initially dealt with Optometry, aiming to provide affordable eye care for all. In 2002 the business expanded into the field of Audiology.

Ryan gave an account of the vast range of audiology services provided by Specs Savers – hearing tests (in store and at home), hearing protection, wax removal by micro-suction.  He talked about the latest technology of being able to adjust customers’ hearing instruments remotely and how hearing instruments can now be used to listen to music, phones, etc.

Ryan answered a large number of interesting questions put to him by the members.

In proposing the vote of thanks, Jim Robertson thanked Ryan for a very informative and interesting talk. Jim said that we were all grateful for those who looked after our sight and hearing.

James Gibbons reported on a successful ‘Remote RYLA’ that had taken place on Zoom on Saturday 22^nd August and Sunday 23^rd August. Eight young people, sponsored by Rotary Clubs in the District and six young people from Malawi took part. Saturday’s topic was ‘Peace & Resolution’ and Sunday’s was ‘Leadership’. The event was greatly enjoyed by the young people and the mentors.

Rotary District Covid Response Project – President Katrina sought the agreement of members to apply for a dementia friendly tablet for the following organisations, each of which had been contacted for information:

Avondale Nursing Home Dementia Unit (serving Motherwell)

Dementia Resource Centre (serving Lanarkshire)

Stonehouse Jubilee Club (serving Larkhall & Stonehouse)

Huttonlee Nursing Home (serving Bellshill)

The club members agreed to the application being submitted for these four organisations.

Willie Talbot reported that the Bonus Ball was yet another ‘roll-over’.

Information on what members owed re. Bonus Ball from July to September would be sent out to them. Members who were in credit would also be informed.

With the assistance of his wife, Agnes, Willie announced the winners in September’s Numbers Club draw:

1st – Charles Keeper; 2^nd – David McLeod; 3^rd – John Chapman