AGM Thursday 15 April 2021 @ 19.00

AGM

‘It’s been an extraordinary period’ was how President David Chisholm introduced  his review of the year at the Club’s Annual General Meeting, following reports from the chairmen of the Club’s committees. ‘Clearly’, he said, ‘our normal format of weekly meetings at the Westland Hotel was not possible; nor were we able to mount our usual programme of fund-raising events for our chosen charities.  But, undaunted, the Council and committees developed an ambitious and varied programme to engage and entertain members and friends, and found novel ways of providing support for various charities.’  The proof of these innovative measures was, he suggested, clear to see: weekly meetings conducted by Zoom had been popular, with strong support from members, and the Club was pleased to welcome visitors to these meetings.  Despite the inability to meet in the normal social surroundings, the number of members in the Club had been maintained, an obvious tribute to the planning of a virtual programme which, in addition to talks, had included quizzes, horse racing, wine tasting, gin tasting, and a virtual Burns Supper.  David also paid tribute to Rotarian Craig Mair of the Skelpit Lug Band who, since March 2020, has entertained the community with a weekly song on Facebook. Turning to the raising of much-needed funds for Club charities, David reported that a great deal of innovative thinking had resulted in the raising of a total of some £45,000. This provided support for Strathcarron Hospice, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Start-up Stirling and Alzheimers Scotland.  In addition, individual members, using money saved from not purchasing the weekly Club dinner, had contributed to various charities.

President David also praised the efforts of Interactors in Queen Victoria School who, unable to hold the annual Winter Concert, had supported Dementia Friendly Dunblane in preparing hampers for elderly members of the community, and had also included a video entertainment of pupils’ music and dancing. 

One change in the course of the year was to establish the Club with charitable status. This will allow Gift Aid to be applied to donations made to the Club in support of charities.

‘All in all’, David concluded, ‘it has been a year filled with activity. We have continued to drive the club forward. I would particularly like to thank all members for their contributions, understanding and perseverance. Special mention and personal thanks go to Treasurer Steve Bassett, Secretary Stuart Brown, the Council, and, given the year has been dominated by Zoom, our Zoom Controller Rod Jones.’