Speaker Rev Malcolm Stonestreet

A Founder member of the Club, the Rev. Malcolm Stonestreet, was the guest Speaker at the Monday meeting.  He told of his time when he arrived as Vicar at Askrigg in 1964.  His concerns were the low level of employment in the Parish.  With Michael Wetherald he explored the possibility of establishing a Rotary Club in the Dale, finding premises for out-workers for the garment industry and later the painting of Wombles! Tourism and the need to allow disadvantaged children access to the beauty of the countryside led to the establishment of Low Mill, well supported then and now by Rotary. Bishop Wilson, retired to the Dale, was a great source of inspiration to him and many others. His ministry at Askrigg and subsequently, has involved “inter-faith” dialogue and practical means to encourage the monotheistic religions to see it is possible to live and work in harmony.  The vote of thanks was proposed by Michael Wetherald.