Club Assembly

June signals the beginning of a process of change in the Rotary movement.  At this point in the year, the incoming President, in this instance George Morrison, and those appointed as chairs of the various committees for the following year, set out their plans for the new Rotary year.  The actual handover of roles and responsibilities takes place at the beginning of July.  On this occasion, President Nick Rawlings was pleased to welcome the Assistant District Governor, Alistair Spowage, who was visiting the Club as part of his role of giving encouragement and support, together with feedback from Rotary International and from Rotary in District 1010.

June also marks the start of a busy period with the Dunblane Fling, the Doune and Dunblane Show, the Judy Murray Junior Tennis and the Bridge of Allan Highland Games all requiring significant support from Rotary members.  In the case of the Fling, Stuart Brown, Chair of the Community Committee, reported on record returns from the Duck Race, the catering tent and the Bouncy Castle.  Just over 5,200 ducks had been sold and were then launched into the Allan Water, with  more than 20 happy duck investors receiving prizes.  Some of the lucky winners were present at the meeting to receive their prizes (see photo).  Overall, some £6,000 had been raised for CHAS and Childline, a record for the Club.

Addressing the Club, Alistair reported that the incoming President of Rotary International has indicated his top priorities for 2017/8 as environmental issues, with a focus on tree-planting; increasing the proportion of women in Rotary; and recruiting a greater number of younger members.  He congratulated the Club on the wide range of activities being proposed for the incoming year, and on its achievements in the current year.