Sensory Garden in Penicuik

The club has developed a garden with particular emphasis on plants with an evocative form, scent or touch for use by the whole community.

Sensory Garden in Penicuik - Sensory Garden

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It was over two years ago that Rotary Club of Penicuik decided to embark on a new project which was intended to be of benefit to the local community.

The idea was to form a Sensory Garden where the public, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s (Dementia) or with impaired sight could smell and touch plants and be reminded of times past.

The search for a suitable site proved difficult and time consuming but culminated in the decision to formally take over existing beds in Angle Park, Penicuik from Midlothian Council and to expand upon them. Once that decision was made, it was necessary to address all the legal aspects, the insurance requirements and the health and safety issues associated with volunteers working in a public place.

A start was finally made on the garden last year with the creation of two new beds and some work on the existing beds. We unfortunately experienced some vandalism and theft of plants early into the project but now that things have become more established that phase has thankfully gone. However, we cannot control dogs but will install suitable signage to encourage dog owners to remove unwelcome deposits.

We were eagerly looking forward to completing the garden in spring this year. In events, due to the lockdown, it was not possible to make further progress until recently and by that time the garden was looking very sad and neglected. It certainly needed a touch of TLC to bring it back to life.

At the first opportunity our members started trimming edges, weeding and generally tidying up the area. We also managed to get the final two beds cut, the soil rotavated and new top soil barrowed in and added.

Then while some of the committee concentrated on planting the beds with appropriate plants with the sensory theme in mind, others were laying ‘Matsgrids’ which will allow wheelchairs to circumnavigate the garden.

There is still some final planting to be done and the old council beds will require a bit more sorting out before the garden can be officially opened hopefully in the autumn.

We are grateful for the continued help and support we receive from Midlothian Council staff for this project. We are also grateful for the many encouraging comments we have received from the general public as they pass through Angle Park. It is good to know that our efforts are being appreciated.

Rotary Club of Penicuik is committed to improving and maintaining the garden for the benefit of everyone in Penicuik.

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Primary School Garden Challenge

Welly boots and buckets put to good use by Sacred Heart Nursery.

A Garden Challenge, offered by the Rotary Club of Penicuik, was taken up by 5 Primary Schools. Carolyn Spray of Pentland Plants very generously supplied dozens of small plug plants and seeds for each of the participating schools. Full story on Facebook.

Stewart Houston with our President, Rhona Somerville

On 27th November, Stewart Houston from Biggar Rotary Club introduced us to Call my Bluff (in Scots). A very interesting night (but some dismal scores from the teams made up from our members).

A collection of photographs provided by Jean Lennie showing the annual visit of Chernobyl Kids to Blair Drummond hosted by Rotary Club of Penicuik

Somehow, each Burns Supper seems to surpass the previous one. That is probably due to each being in some way unique. We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent within the club and willing participants not afraid to enter into the spirit of the evening.

The final event of Hunter and Lass week. Fun for the whole family. Click here for full photo gallery.

A competition for local youth groups

The District Governor John Barbour visited the Club and after an entertaining short talk presented Graham Young with the Paul Harris Fellowship.

The Chefs and some of the delivery 'boys'

For many years now volunteers from Penicuik Rotary deliver a Xmas dinner to approx thirty pensioners who are on their own on Christmas Day.

Lauren Pennycook and Kelly Simmonds, who are both students at Beeslack High School, visited the club to tell us all about their recent experiences at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award). They had been selected and sponsored by the club.

Ryla girls Lauren Pennycook and Kelly Simmonds

The team from Cornbank St James Primary School

In a tightly fought competition between four schools and following a tie break round, Cornbank Primary School were pipped at the post by Prestonpans Primary in round 2 of the quiz. Prestonpans will now take part in the District final. We wish them luck.

The club organised the Primary School Quiz held on Thursday, 20th February in Penicuik High School. Seven schools took part in this first round of the three tier competition. The runaway winners were the team from Cornbank with a score of 43.

Harry Fisher presents Jim Paterson with the Paul Harris Fellowship

On behalf of the members of the club, Past President Harry Fisher presented Past President Jim Paterson with the Paul Harris fellowship

The club has developed a garden with particular emphasis on plants with an evocative form, scent or touch for use by the whole community.

Each year we hold a local Youth speaks competition for teams of three from local youth organisations.

President Gordon Sanders presents Margaret Young with the Paul Harris Fellowship which was awarded to the late David Young shortly before he passed away.

A part of the large crowd in the hall who helped to raise funds for our charitable work both at home and abroad.

The Wine and Cheese Evening was a very popular event with over 120 people attending. There were various side shows, a wheel of fortune, tombola, a quiz based on Scottish places and of course, the wine and cheese. £1167.89 profit was made.

The concert featured songs from the Choir ranging from an Abba medley to Harry Lauder via South Pacific and Les Miserables. The Jolly Beggars entertained with David on fiddle accompanied by Colin on the bohdran and a selection of Scottish songs.

A concert for the residents of Aaron House was attended by around 35 residents. Penicuik Community Choir, their leader Liz McKeon & Rotary club members Colin Hunter and David Gillespie (as The Jolly Beggars) provided the entertainment.

Laura Campbell from CHAS with her display in the Clubhouse.

The Charity Golf Day was very successful with 29 teams taking part on a glorious day. The sum of £1282 was raised from the golf and raffle enabling a cheque for £1500 from Penicuik Rotary to be presented to Children's Hospice Assocation Scotland (CHAS)

Putting the 'fun' into fundraising.

A very successful Charity Golf Day was held on 12 June. The event was a joint venture with Glencorse Golf Club and funds of £1,222 were raised on the day. As a result a cheque for £1,500 has now been sent to Children’s Hospice Association Scotland(CHAS)

Around 40 members and their guests enjoyed a Christmas Dinner. Guests included members of the local Probus Club and entertainment was provided by Jean Lennie and David Gillespie who encouraged everyone to get involved in singing Christmas carols.

Wine, a finger buffet and many prizes to be won. This was much more than just a Wine and Cheese evening. All the fun of the fair!

The winning team receiving their prize from President Reg Dunbar

Annual Quiz Night

The management of Tesco in Penicuik agreed to let the Rotary seek donations from the staff and public of the small items required for the Mary's Meals Back Pack scheme.

Dave Anderson and David McDonald uplift the trolley donations from Tesco Penicuik. A trolley with suitable posters attached was left in the store for over two weeks to seek donations of the small items required for the Mary's Meals Back Pack scheme.

Lauren McLay was the winner and Vaila Robertson runner-up in the East Area round of the Young Chef competition which was held in Preston Lodge High School. The two Beeslack pupils go on to the District final to be held on 23 February. Good luck to both

Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12

The annual report and accounts of the Rotary Club of Penicuik Trust Fund for the year to 30 June 2012 as submitted to OSCR.

Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13

The Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 for the Rotary Club of Penicuik Trust Fund were approved by the Club on 11th February 2014

The members welcome Brian Welsh to the fellowship of the club.

Melissa Lievesley, from Beeslack High School visited the club on 7 October to tell us all about her week at RYLA in July. We were all very impressed with the manner of her presentation and the depth of information she gave about her RYLA experience.

A letter from Hannah McVicar in Malawi

We welcome Catherine Pow to the fellowship of the club.

Catherine Pow joined the club on 17 February. Catherine visited the club several times before taking the final step. We welcome her to the fellowship of the club and trust that she enjoys her time within Rotary.

Dave Anderson, Gordon Sanders, David McDonald and Reg Dunbar went to Strathesk Primary to collect back packs for Mary's Meals and were met by enthusiastic pupils.

David Shand gave us an excellent talk on the Scottish Courts system. It was surprisingly fascinating stuff. More pics are available on the members only pages.

Roisin Timoney and Ikrah Nadeem who are S5 students at Beeslack High School both wish to have careers in International Business. They attended the Challenge Enterprise weekend during October and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and challenges.

About to leave Valleyfield, Penicuik at 10:00.

Many members and some partners undertook the 12/13 mile walk from Penicuik to Musselburgh. Setting out in glorious weather they were glad of the lunch break in Dalkeith School Campus before completing the final 4 miles to refreshments in Musselburgh

We are always delighted to receive guests at our meetings. Here are a selection of our more recent visitors and speakers.

Jean Lennie, Alister McDonald, Club President Bill Munro and Bill Stewart

End Polio Now Crocus

Tasting

Some members of the club braved the elements at Penicuik Street Fair where they sold books, toys and costume jewellery. They also took the opportunity to advertise Rotary and the Antiques and Collectables valuation night on 2 November.

District Officer Nancy Rule with club Vice President, Iain Steven

On 18th October we heard all about Rotakids from District Officer, Nancy Rule.

Our Burns Supper was held in Glencorse Golf Club where members and their guests were treated to a lively evening. The event was ably organised by Ian Sommerville (again).

Jean Lennie and Presidents wife Carol Sanders hosted a tea party for Rotary ladies who came in Easter bonnets made for the event. Over £150 was raised which will be donated to a Charity chosen at a future event. The event included a best hat competition.

Bill McRobb who piped in the haggis and entertained us later in the evening.

A well attended Burns Night hosted by the club was held at Glencorse Golf Club. It is remarkable that such a small group of people can put on such a diverse take on the Burns story and raise some much needed funds for our charity work in the process.

A group of members and friends took part in a guided walk led by a Park Ranger. The walk took around two hours and involved some strenuous climbing over tricky ground. The walkers were rewarded with spectacular views to the South and West of Edinburgh.

Responding to an urgent request from the local Tesco store to help out once again with the FareShare initiative to collect items for a Foodbank. several members were able to play their part in collecting food items valued at over £1,100.

International evening and PHF award

Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14

Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14 as approved by the Club and submitted to OSCR.

Highlights from our Burns Supper on 23 January 2018

Young Chef Competition held in Beeslack School where Lauren Mclay won 1st place.

President Gordon Sanders and Iain Steven

President Gordon Sanders and all the members are delighted to welcome new member Iain Steven to the fellowship and charitable activities of the club.

Richard Price

Rotarian Dr David Gillespie checking blood pressures in the local Tesco. All part of the Know Your Blood Pressure campaign - Rotary supporting the Stroke Association to encourage people to know what their blood pressure is - and hopefully prevent stroke.

The evening was a tremendous success with around 120 guests attending. Funds were raised from tickets, Wheel of Fortune, Tombola stall and various sideshows. Proceeds are estimated to be in the region of £1,400 providing a welcome boost to our funds.

Gordon Sanders hands over the Presidency to Bill Munro

Hand over and some new Council members

Our members efforts to mark World Polio Day

Visit to Babcock's at Rosyth to see the new aircraft carrier in progress. Not allowed to take photos of the ship, of course.

Visit with members of Roslin & Loanhead club to Babcock and Wilcox shipyard at Rosyth

Shannon Graham

Members of the club help out at the local Tesco store to encourage shoppers to donate non perishable food items to the Food bank.

The winning team - Cornbank St James Primary.

The Primary School Quiz was held in the High School for teams from local Primary schools. Congratulations to the winners Cornbank St James Primary

All the competitors, the judges and Rotary club President Bill Munro.

The club round of this competition was held at Beeslack High School on Friday 15th November. 15 entrants from Beeslack were joined by one girl from Penicuik High School for a keenly fought competition. The round was supported by Tesco and Giovanni's.

Strathesk Primary School wins the Club round of the Primary School Quiz.

Neil Austin with club member Gordon Mann on the left and President Rhona Somerville.

The recruitment of students from abroad

President Rhona Somerville with some of the filled back packs.

Members of the club and in some cases their families have provided 31 filled back packs for Mary's Meals.

The club held its Burns Supper at Glencorse Golf Club on Tuesday 22nd January. This was a slightly different event from recent years as, with a lady President currently in place, it seemed appropriate to make it a Jean Armour night. Read full story here

In the company of members of the Rotary Club of Loanhead and Roslin, members enjoyed the Annual Dinner Dance at the Original Roslin Hotel on 22 November.

President of Rotary Club of Penicuik, Dave Anderson receiving a pennant from the District Governor Alistair Marquis.

District Governor Alistair Marquis gave a very entertaining, thought provoking and informative presentation on the subject of the Rotary theme for the year ‘Light up Rotary’. Alistair certainly lit up Penicuik Rotary with his visit.

Members of the club having a good time at the Street Fair.

On 23 August we again attended the annual Street Fair held in Penicuik. This gives us an opportunity to present the face of Rotary to the community and raise awareness of the club and the work that we do both for the local community and internationally.