Lunch time ZOOM meeting - 1pm our speakers will be Rose Duncan and Gary Waddell

On Thursday 9th September 2021 President Brian Johnson. took the chair as he welcomed 19 Club Rotarians and two guest speakers Rose Duncan and Gary Waddell to this our lunch time meeting held on ZOOM

There were 4 apologies for nonattendance.

This week our speakers were Rose Duncan Manager at the Gilvenbank community hub and Gary Waddell Group Delivery and Practice Coordinator from the Sporting memories foundation whose role is to support existing clubs and their volunteers in the East of Scotland and identify opportunities for the creation of new Clubs. He is also responsible for trying to attract new volunteers and to engage with partner organisations to identify potential club members and in particular speaking about their initiative for the Gilvenbank community hub which they are looking to introduce there. There are over 120 Sporting Memories Clubs across Scotland, Wales, and England. The group commenced in the Fife area in May 2019 at Kirkcaldy Rugby Club and then at St Columba’s Church very briefly in Feb 2020 before the COVID pandemic. At the start of the pandemic, they set up online alternatives to meeting face-to-face and have since supported hundreds of online sessions. This has proved so successful that some of their online Clubs will continue – in addition to their ‘in-person’ Clubs that have once again opened their doors.

This means they are looking for additional online volunteers, who can spare time once a week for a couple of hours. It doesn't matter where they live, and they have some evening Clubs. They are Sporting Memories. For 10 years they have been using the power of remembering and talking about sport – along with physical exercise – to tackle dementia, depression, and loneliness or other long-term conditions. They are dedicated to bringing together older adults. They are fans, former players, family members. Everyone has one thing in common: a love of sport. They provide social and physical activities, too. At Sporting Memories Clubs, everyone finds fun, friendship and increased well-being.

They also run campaigns and projects – and work in partnership with organisations. From sporting bodies such as the PFA and professional clubs to local community organisations and care providers. And of course, without their dedicated volunteer teams, they could not do the work they do.

Carers of those who come along to Sporting Memories Clubs are just as important to the group as our Club participants. While carers are welcome to stay at the sessions, they often tell that when able to, they enjoy the opportunity to go out for a coffee, shop, socialise with friends or share stories with each other.

Geoff Sampson gave the Rotary vote of thanks.

Anne Sampson spoke further as she discussed the forthcoming fundraiser on Sunday the 3rd of October from 2-5pm which will be our vintage afternoon tea to be held at Studio8 in Glenrothes with singing and dance routines. Tickets are selling well therefore If anybody reading this would be interested in supporting this event which will in turn support the community, please contact us on our Facebook page or phone Anne Sampson on 01592 749071

This coming week at 1pm on Thursday 16th September will be lunch time meeting at the Gilvenbank Hotel where members will be given a first vocational by new member Chantal Mrimi.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome.