Business Meeting

District Governor Ken McLennan brought the greetings of his own club, Forres, District and Rotary International President Jennifer Jones. He referred to the lyrics penned 52 years ago in a bedroom in Ascot -

“You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

Rotary turned 118 years old last month and President Jennifer’s theme for the year is “Imagine Rotary”. This begs us to consider what can be achieved over the next 118 years. Ken praised the projects that the West Fife club have delivered and avoided telling us what we already knew.

Ken asked what do we imagine the West Fife club should look like in ten or maybe even five years time? What are we going to do first? He suggested that Rotary was the vehicle for all members to fulfil dreams that they have imagined. There is a huge array of opportunities and we have to channel our energies and make sure decisions are meaningful and impactful. 

The DG said we need not necessarily young people but young thinkers, participants to look through fresh eyes. He suggested that sometimes bureaucracy can be bring us to a slow stop and be frustrating. 

Make membership memorable, make sure every rotarian has a memorable and welcoming experience. That is new and current members.  We should look forward to doing things a little bit differently. Ken asked what would make the Rotary Club of West Fife I-cubed? That is inviting, inspirational and irresistible to new and to current members.

Referring to the End Polio Now programme, Ken revealed that 19 million people walk this planet today who otherwise would have been paralysed. Cases last year were down to 22 - 2 in Afghanistan and 20 in Pakistan.  He said “to end the disease forever we need to vaccinate for at least the next three years, 300 million a year. Support is vital and thank you for your support for the End Polio Now campaign.”

Rotary supports causes in all corners of the world and following Alex Evan Wong’s presentation on the club’s work in Cambodia Ken felt that was remarkable. 

Rotary Foundation has been recognised by Charity Navigator in the top 1% of charities worldwide for the 14th year in a row. Ken told the club that West Fife had over the years donated over $100,000 to Foundation. This money comes back to District through District Grants and encouraged the club to apply for one for the Cambodia school project.

The DG invited each member to take five minutes to imagine what Rotary could do and develop in West Fife. “Every action starts with a dream and a bit of imagination so what is going to be your next big project?

“How will you do Rotary? How are you going to celebrate your 50th birthday in six years time? Imagine what is possible and then make it happen for then and all the years beyond and if you think that it is difficult, I just reflect back on our late Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas message from 2008.”

When life seems hard the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat. Instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.

“West Fife Rotary go and be courageous, go and build that great future for your coming years. District’s sole aim is to help you reach your dreams and our planned focus is on the three strands- membership, public image and Foundation. No membership no public image, no public image no membership. Neither of those and this fantastic Foundation will flounder.”

Ken thanked the club members for all they do on behalf of the millions of people in the world who benefit every day from what Rotary does. He asked the club to continue all its efforts, continue being courageous and above all have fun doing it.