Summer Club Speaker Online – Hugh Graham

After President Charles welcomed everyone to the meeting, in his Interesting Rotary Information, he highlighted the tradition of exchanging Rotary banners:

One of the colourful traditions of many Rotary Clubs is the exchange of small banners. Rotarians travelling to distant locations often take banners to exchange as a token of friendship. Many Clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at Club meetings and District events.

The Rotary International board recognized the growing popularity of the banner exchange back in 1959 and suggested that participating Clubs give careful thought to the design of their banners in order that they be distinctive and expressive of the Club’s community and country.

Clubs, especially those in popular areas for Rotarian visitors, are cautioned to exercise discretion and moderation in the exchange of banners in order that the financial obligations do not interfere with the basic service activities of the Club.

Exchanging Club banners is a very pleasant custom, especially when a creative and artistic banner tells an interesting story of community pride. The exchange of banners is a significant tradition of Rotary and serves as tangible symbol of our international fellowship.

Our Speaker for the Evening was Hugh Graham who spoke about one of his favourite trips – ‘To Islay and back’

Hugh’s trip to Islay was not by road, rail or sea.  It was by air, flying a private plane from Cumbernauld airport, with a couple of friends.  He showed a series of pictures of the route, displaying the spectacular Scottish scenery from the air.  Among the scenes captured were the Lake of Menteith, Loch Lomond, Alexandria, the Gairloch, Faslane, River Clyde, Holy Loch, Gourock, Dunoon, Isle of Bute, Rothesay Bay, Kyles of Bute, Mull of Kintyre and Isle of Gigha.

After landing the plane at Islay airport, Hugh and his flying companions had lunch before taking off on the return trip to Cumbernauld, displaying, from an altitude of 3000 feet, more views of lochs, rivers, islands, towns and the Scottish countryside – bathed in sunshine.  Hugh said this was the happy and enjoyable side of flying.

However, there were some downsides to flying and Hugh recounted a dangerous and frightening incident that happened to him a few years ago.  He was flying a plane out of Cumbernauld that he had not used before.  The weather was ‘a bit sporty’ and the breaking system in the plane was by applying a hand-break, instead of the usual toe-brakes. In addition, after take-off, the plane’s radio jammed on the Cumbernauld frequency and he could not contact either Cumbernauld or other frequencies.  The altimeter was not working and there were other aircraft in the area.  Hugh decided to return to Cumbernauld.  However his approach was too fast and high.  He managed to land about one third along the runway and tried, unsuccessfully, to apply the brakes. His flying partner reminded him that it was the hand-brake he had to use.  Hugh managed to stop the plane a short distance from the end of the runway.

Not long after this incident, Hugh decided that his flying days were over.

After questions, President Charles thanked Hugh for a very interesting presentation.

‘Wrap Up Lanarkshire’ – Callan Dick reported that arrangements were moving forward.  He confirmed that nine Clubs in North/South Lanarkshire will be involved. The next meeting of the Clubs will be Sunday 22^nd August.  Premises where collection points could be set up were being sourced.  Callan, Jean, and Katrina will meet to discuss how we will approach the project in our own Club.  Some of the nine Clubs were likely to be involved in the annual poppy collection during the first two weeks in November and this could stretch their resources.  It was agreed that these Clubs would be identified and hopefully some arrangement could be put in place for other Clubs to collect their coats during those two weeks.

Pigeon Derby – Paul Begley reported that the 3^rd race had taken place on Saturday 14^th August from Wooler.  It was a good race, but strong headwinds had resulted in slower times than normal.

The results were 1st – John McDonald (12pts); 2^nd – David McLeod (10pts); 3^rd – John McDonald (8pts); 4^th – Peter McCrossan (6pts); 5^th – Katrina Gibbons (4pts); 6^th –Ian St John (2pts); Booby – Tom McPherson (-2pts)

Bonus Ball – Willie Talbot reported that last week had been another roll-over.