David Oliver: Craig Oliver - Camp America

Guest speaker at Hawick Rotary's meeting was Craig Oliver, grandson of Rotarian David Oliver. Craig was already well-known to members, having visited the Club on several occasions last year as part of the High School Head Pupils team. He had then spent three months with Camp America near Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, where he led the team working with the young attendees on horse riding, as well as being a camp counsellor. Craig entertained his audience by recounting tales of the Camp America selection process, of his travelling to USA (without the appropriate paperwork!), and of incidents both in and out of camp. The success of the venture can be judged by his keenness to do it all again next summer!

The family-friendly spirit of the evening then continued with the award of Honorary Member status to grandfather David. David Oliver (Snr.) joined Hawick Rotary in July 1984, was President in 1991-92, Secretary in 2006-08, and House Convenor from 2015 onwards. Current President Ron Smith paid tribute to the huge involvement David had had in Hawick Rotary over the years. In recognition of that service, David had been awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International in March 2008. Ron commented on the happy coincidence of Craig being guest speaker on the evening of his grandfather being recognised as an Honorary Member, and he then presented David with his certificate.