John's Journal

Chairman Brian bid 29 members a very warm welcome. A great turn out on another warm and dry Thursday where outside pursuits may be tempting. The new Secretaries first Zoom meeting and opening (process end to end) now works – phew! Euros were mentioned, specifically the 55 years of hurt, but no mention on what could be coming home!

Brian let members know of Hugh and Ann Short recent Covid diagnosing, with Hugh taking longer to shake off and having to spend some time in hospital. He is on the mend, and grateful to be double vaccinated.

Thought from the day from John Anderson, with continued future uncertainty on “life returning to normal”, whatever that will be. Smile smile smile everyone was his advice.

David Lyth confirmed walks are back, with next one being on Monday 12th July, and will be from Kingseat to Loch Fitty and return. Please let David know if you plan to join.

For golf on 22nd (crazy golf), we have had a good response, but deadline for signing up is start next week. Emphasis is on a fun evening, with an event aimed at the non-golfer competitors.

Ian McDermid vocational presentation skilfully delivered, outlining his youth as a Paisley boy, but thankfully no mention of the buddies. His big career opportunity came along to join Axminister Carpets, despite his colour blindness! Dealing with various multinationals he met a certain Mr Morris. Illustrious career in an industry leader, despite changing market challenges, rising to become a director with Axminster. Life changed in a major way for Ian due to health, with change in priorities. Now like a good Scottish crofter, has multiple jobs to keep him busy, but not gardening. St Mirren did come up later though, letting himself down on what was a good presentation up to that point. However, as another golfer in Rotary, that will be forgiven, and he will fit in very well.

Vote of thanks from Mr Morris, that was a pleasure giving for his Best Buddie.

Break out rooms followed to allow usual analysis of current events!

Apologies to Jim Craig, we must figure out why you’re not moved to a breakout room when they are triggered. Not helped by secretary trying to fix, resulting in placed in a waiting room we could not rescue him from.

Initial teething problems with Zoom opening, however, did not cause delay opening. Let's just say it's a work in progress.



Chairman Brian bid 27 members a very warm welcome, on the warmest day of the year so far, to the first weekly meeting of our 100th year.



Thought from the day from John as always skilfully considered and delivered, with reference to all our hopes of ending Zoom and meeting face to face - here here.



Updates on coming years priorities from Chairman Brian - getting back to normal ASAP and meet face to face, getting our social aspect of membership moving again, sports / schools and international projects re-energised and of course celebrating our 100th year. Please make sure the key events are in your diary - Charter Dinner on 5th March & Summer Centenary Ball on 18th June.



A very complete and varied Programme is nearing completion, as best can be achieved while still living with restrictions. Watch out for final version. We hope to know come August when we can get back to Garvock House via upcoming meeting with Pamela at GHH. For those still not sure about face to face just yet, we are looking at meeting guidance from District and hybrid meeting approaches.



Ian Morris let everyone know about event on 22nd July where we are all going to Crazy Golf for some competitive fun. Dinner at Tony Macaroni's at 6:30pm, followed by 18 holes...... rules, “5 clubs maximum and no range finder”. It is important people respond to invite quickly to allow numbers to concluded for both venues booking - partners and friend's welcome.



David reported on foundation grant approval subject to supplying final details on work / costs / project to improve toilet facilities in Kenya, in partnership with local club who will manage on our behalf. Thank you David for your skilful coordination on another successful grant approval and international project.



Some suggested changes to format of Cherry Tree project for The Glen to what was presented to us. We are looking to try and keep scope and approach the same as agreed. It does however give some options for members to sponsor a tree, with plaque. We will also be running a competition for a name of this area of the Glen when planted, two formats, final name and funny name. I am sure our Chairman will come up with a suitable prize (a cherry pie maybe).



Capital Quach was run again and a 2 all draw was outcome, so as holders Dunfermline retained Quach. This despite one of the pairs being royally thumped, supposably by people in sombreros! A great win for our talented golfers. We think that is to date, 12 for Dunfermline to Edinburgh's 10.



Graham and his Fundraising team have a selection of interesting new ideas, some hatched via innovative and interesting brain storming sessions. The recipe book in partnership with Inner Wheel went down well, not so sure on one of the calendar formats. More to come,



Branding is coming, from updated plaque at Garvock house to new polo shirts.



Our treasurer reminded everyone annual membership fees are due as per email sent to everyone earlier this week. Thank you to the 34 who have already paid.



Break out rooms were successfully created for the first time by our new Secretary (assisted by Chairman Brian), much to his relief!