Speakers Evening

On Thursday 27th August members of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry enjoyed an extremely interesting and amusing glimpse into the world of radio comedy at their virtual meeting. Immediate Past President Jim McCulloch introduced the night's speaker, producer of comedy for BBC Radio Scotland and director of Dabster Productions Richard Melvin. Richard produced Fred Macaulay's long-running radio programme and is also involved with the Stand Comedy Club. In a talk rich with anecdotes, Richard explained how he got into radio and worked with many well-known figures in the comedy world. As well as producing shows, Richard is creative in his own right.  He co-wrote the song Scotland, Scotland, Jason Scotland for the 2006 World Cup. The Scotland team didn't qualify but Jason Scotland, a St Johnston player, was in the Trinidad and Tobago team that played England. He also wrote Santa Is A Scotsman, which was played so often by Ken Bruce on Radio 2 that it became a number one hit. Richard also made a programme on a barge travelling from London to Edinburgh. No sailing was involved as the barge made the journey on a lorry.

In proposing the vote of thanks, Alistair Rarity thanked Richard Melvin for a thoroughly unusual and entertaining talk.