Club Meeting

On Thursday 17th June, the Rotary Club of South Queensferry held its Annual Assembly through the medium of Zoom. After welcoming District Governor Nominee Duncan Collinson from Edinburgh Braids Club, who joined the meeting to represent District 1020, President Irene Brownless introduced President Elect Derek Clark who will lead the club for Rotary Year 2021-22. Derek gave a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the programmes proposed by the various club teams. He then outlined his ambitions for a presidential year which will present, many challenges as we emerge from the restrictions of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic and its probable aftermath. Derek's emphasis this year will again be on the community. It was fortunate that the club's Projects Team Leader, Junior Vice President Nominee Neil McKinlay, had agreed to cover environmental issues which are increasingly important in Rotary programmes as Rotary in Scotland now has a close relationship with Keep Scotland Beautiful. His position as a Community Councillor makes him ideally placed for this role. President Elect Derek also noted the importance of maintaining close links with other local organisations such as The Ferry Fair and QCCC. Rotarians involved with such groups can identify possible areas of mutual co-operation and also promote the benefits of Rotary membership. He thanked Sandy and Liz Mackenzie for their help in preparing the presentation.

In summing up, DG Nominee Duncan Collinson said that the Rotary Club of South Queensferry was renowned as a vibrant and active club which had a  country-wide reputation for raising funds through the Forth Bridge Abseil.  He hoped that this event would be able to resume if not next year, the year after that. He was impressed by the spread of planned activities for 2021-22.  District 1020 would offer advice and assistance to clubs re-establishing themselves after such a long period of members being apart.

Duncan congratulated President Irene and the members for running a successful programme of community activities in very difficult circumstances. The dynamic series of meetings through Zoom, attracted many excellent speakers. He was sure this enthusiasm would be sustained during Derek's period in office.