Ron Smith: Callum Whillans - Training Racehorses

At their meeting at Mansfield House Hotel on Thursday 10^th November, Hawick's Rotarians were given a most interesting talk by Callum Whillans, assistant trainer at Dodlands Racing Stables. Callum spoke first on his earlier years in racing, at the stables of Donald McCain, Gordon Elliot and Venetia Williams, and his return as a jockey and work rider at his father Donald's yard. He described the daily routines at a racing yard, the alternative options of buying young stock at sales or of home-breds, of the various issues which could affect the well-being of the horses, and of race-day itself.

Members were struck by Callum's enthusiasm for the racing life and this was mentioned several times in the many questions which followed. Vice President Ron Smith led a well-deserved vote of thanks at the close.

Hawick Rotary has recently been leading a Shoebox Appeal for Ukraine. Toys for children, items for teenagers, and household goods have been gathered together by Teviot Church, Hawick Stroke Group, and Hawick Scouts, as well as by the Rotarians, before being handed in to Tommy Mulvee's North Port shop on High Street. Around 100 shoeboxes have been collected and will be on their way to Ukraine this week, in time for Christmas.