Evening meeting - 6.30pm - Amy Thomson update onMarkinch Youth Project Balbirnie Park DYW&Youth Awards Community Activities

On Thursday 27th October 2022 President Brian Johnson, welcomed 17 club Rotarians and zone governor Rotarian Libby Seath to this our monthly evening meeting held at the Gilvenbank Hotel.

President Brian mentioned that the books abroad and old tools projects were still ongoing.

Anne Sampson mentioned the Buckhaven and Methil Rotary club’s fundraising Quiz last Friday 21^st October 2022 was a fun night.

Iain Oates mentioned our Just Giving page which Anne Sampson had set up and he advised that he was competing in the Edinburgh 10k run on 4^th December which people could use to make any donations.

Chantal Mrimi spoke about the possibility of foundation grants for the proposed projects of creating a path from Glenrothes into the Lomond Hills akin to the Fife coastal path and the Pilgrims walk and also the possibility of working in the grounds of John Fergus school. It was agreed that the proceeds of the Scottish night would go towards supporting the John Fergus school and Anne Sampson advised that a Just giving page would be set up for the Christmas appeal also going to help the John Fergus School and local satellite groups of Foodbanks.

Geoff Sampson spoke about the Shoebox appeal for Christmas in Eastern Europe where local schools have previously been involved, with the return date to Perth being confirmed by Libby Seath as the 15^th November. Will Wishart agreed to transport these up to Perth.

Our speaker this week was our own Rotarian Amy Thomson who spoke about the Markinch Youth Project Balbirnie Park DYW&Youth Awards Community Activities which we helped get off the ground with some funding back in August 2021. Amy spoke about feeling grateful for all the funding they had received to date as a community group receiving monies from Fife Charities Trust which they have used to buy new hoodies, youth awards and equipment for our community litter picking and planting/growing project in collaboration with Markinch Litter Picker Warriors. The group love their new uniforms which had been suggested by Liam Thompson for the idea of hi viz hoodies and we hope makes the group feel part of Team Markinch alongside Safer Communities Fife / Fife Council and our local groups and organisations.  The group have had confirmation from North Glenrothes Community Council that they are awarding the group monies for the community litter picking and planting/growing project too from their TREE fund and they are delighted to get more resources, equipment and involve more children, youth and adults. Amy although slightly nervous said it was really enjoyable sharing all the group has done, achieved and succeeded in over the past year and a half advising that The Rotary Club Of Glenrothes were the first organisation to donate funds to them to get Markinch Youth Project set up and out and about doing detached youth work in Balbirnie Park and Markinch. Amy said being a member of the Rotary club and being part of this organisation is a great support .. they are always there, willing and able to help and offer a listening ear and that there are so many individuals from different backgrounds and experiences for advice and support,  good fun and interesting conversations and speakers each week - and no pressure to attend every week, you do what works for you… Amy highly recommended others joining the Rotary in our area as they are always welcoming of new members.

Libby Seath spoke about the importance of increased membership.

The Rotary Vote of thanks was given by Geoff Sampson.

Next week 3^rd November 2022 will be a lunch time meeting at Gilvenbank Hotel meeting at 12.45pm and commencing at 12.55pm with our speaker appearing on ZOOM link, Shwetal Shah speaking about Seeds of Social Action

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.