Polio: Like Father Like Son - 15/11/21

At the Irvine Seagate Rotary meeting on Monday, the speaker was James Carmichael, an author and member of Kirkintilloch Rotary.  James contracted Polio as a two year old in the 1950s and spent many months in hospital.  The virus destroyed the muscle controlling nerves in his leg which left him with a limp and permanent weakness.  Despite this, he has led a full and active life and recently retired as a college lecturer.  His father before him was similarly affected by Polio.  It was instructive to hear at first hand the impact of this disease, which can now be prevented by vaccination, and also the lesser known long term effects which can manifest themselves later in life.  After questions and discussion, a Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ian Dickson.

In the business part of the meeting, it was noted that the Poppy Collections at Tesco and Sainsbury had raised over £3,000 and thanks are due to all the volunteers who helped man the stalls.  The Christmas Trees at the Portal will go ahead this year, with main sponsor Ardagh Glass in their 100th year.  However, numbers will be limited to allow for increased circulation space and social distancing.