Charter Dinner 2026

There was a good attendance at the club's Charter Dinner held at Keavil House Hotel on Friday 5th June 2026. 

Our guest speaker was retired Church of Scotland minister Arthur Christie.  Arthur, a man with roots in Methil, gave a really interesting talk on his journey to becoming a Church of Scotland minister. Describing his palace in Prestwick and surviving malaria in Malawi. 

Arthur praised the club for its work saying:-

“You've decided to have a very active involvement in supporting local communities, ranging right along the shore of the Forth, from Limekilns to Kincardine and inland to Saline- you're almost international!

“You've helped many local community groups from Community Gardens, Salvation Army Appeals, Fife Gingerbread, you've assisted High Valleyfield Community Council, Karate Dojo, the Patons of Dunfermline, you've had living links with Limekilns Community Council and lots of initiatives that we all know about.

“The reason I'm recounting these for you is I've been recounting my story, and what's important I think is not the things that we haven't done in our life, but to be grateful for the things that we've managed to do in our life. And these are wonderful achievements. So draw in there's more.

“Continuing help for SpecSort, that recycling project you've supported. And New4U children’s clothing initiatives. An outward looking organisation, you've still got youth engagement, and that's why I mentioned the young folks that have served us because you need to encourage them. So you've had successful primary school quizzes, some great entries in youth competitions, where you've had several entrants being recognised on your district level,and one even going forward to a national final now.

“That's got to be a feather in your cap, hasn't it? Internationally, you've closed your successful project in Malawi. You've made substantial donations to Medicine Sans Frontieres, and also sponsored a student in Malawi. Well, I know what it's like to live, and I know what it's like to be there, and to help.

“The world's in turmoil right now, isn't it? We switch on and we hear a news release. We're living in a world of turmoil. But you do your part in Rotary's worldwide campaign to end polio. And it's great that you keep engagement with the primary schools as well. 

“You should be proud of your public image, because it's up there amongst the best of Rotary clubs.You've had numerous articles published in the local press, there's been lots of photos taken this evening, and I dare say we'll see one or two of those pictures in the local press at some point. And your web presence attracts enquiries and interest just out of the blue, and that's wonderful. You're still working with youth, with competitions, and so it goes on. All I've done is give you a wee refresher of how well, and what's at the heart of your organisation.

“It's about love, it's about care, and it's about helping. And so, it's maybe because I'm the visitor, a bit cheeky, but I'm going to ask you to stand, and we'll make a toast. Here is to West Fife Rotary.”

The club's vote of thanks was given by President Elect Margaret Nethery who said:-

"It's lovely that you've had such a long, happy life. You followed your dream, you did what you wanted to do, you always knew you wanted to be a minister. You tried other things, you had your chef, you went to an HR, but you got there in the end and you've enjoyed it, you've been successful at it.

"God works in mysterious ways. It's brought you here tonight. I don't know if you are a Rotarian or if you're thinking of becoming a Rotarian, but you can certainly follow the ethos of it.

"I'd just like to thank you on behalf of my fellow Rotarians for a very interesting talk. Thank you very much."