12 July 2012 Rotary Friendship Exchange Visitors from Oregon

Last week, the Rotary Clubs of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane and Callander hosted 12 visitors from Oregon USA. They were on an exchange visit to Scotland and had been to Alloa, Kirriemuir and Aberdeen before visiting this area on the last leg of their trip. The 6 host families met up with their guests at Perth last Wednesday. Thursday's was a busy schedule, starting at Ochlochy Park in Dunblane where former Provost Colin O'Brien assisted in a tree planting ceremony to replace a tree, planted in 2005 to commemorate Rotary's Centenary, which had been damaged by last winter's gales. Then it was on to the Smith Art Gallery and Museum for a Civic Reception with Provost Mike Roberts, followed by a tour of the Smith before heading west for lunch and an afternoon trip on the SS Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine (fortunately the rains, which had been a feature of most of their trip, held off and our visitors enjoyed the wonderful scenery). A quick trip back to their hosts for a change of clothing, in one case into full highland dress, before the visitors arrived at the evening meeting at the Westlands Hotel in Dunblane.

Over 85 members and partners from the two host Clubs were joined by members from Alloa and Stirling Clubs and other guests for the evening. After being greeted by Piper Paul Phillips, we were served an excellent meal by the Westlands staff.

Our visitors gave a short presentation on themselves and their Rotary Clubs and activities before settling back to enjoy the entertainment. This took the form of Archie Meikle, who gave a spirited rendition of Holy Willie's Prayer followed later by Tam o' Shanter, complete with toy horse with sound effects, both of which had our guests totally mesmerised but highly amused.

Scottish music by local ceilidh band brac-linn, a song from one of our visitors, one in Welsh from Callander member, Ken Roberts, and Auld Lang Syne, rounded off the evening. Organiser of the exchange, Martin Hepworth, thanked all the people involved for making the visit so enjoyable.

Many of the visitors paid a visit to Stirling castle on Friday before their departure to Edinburgh on Saturday for their return home.

Many friendships were formed and some of the participants will be involved in a reciprocal visit to Oregon in September this year.