12 January 2012 Visit by outgoing Group Study Exchange Team

Meeting at the Westlands Hotel last week, the Rotary Club of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan enjoyed a feast fit for the forth fire officers, which was convenient as three of them had joined the top table.  34 members gathered to hear about the forthcoming Rotary Group Study Exchange visit to New South Wales in Australia. Club member Peter Farr is at the helm of a team of 5.  The aforementioned senior fire officers from Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service were Kenny Taylor, Chief Fire Officer, and Davie McGown, Director of Service Delivery who were there in support of Mark Bryce, Station Officer from Stirling Fire Station who has been selected to join the group. Also present was Jim Slater who is District GSE Officer. 

Peter and Mark shared the introductory presentation that they plan to use during the month long trip which is designed to develop leadership skills among young professionals.  They are looking forward to vocational visits, cultural experiences, fellowship opportunities and involvement with Rotary District 9700 based from Wagga Wagga.  Mark in particular is hoping that he can learn how New South Wales manages a single fire service authority across an area around 10 times the size of Scotland, to see if there are ideas that can be used as the Scottish Fire Services are also coordinated into one national organisation.  Rotarian Glen Montgomery gave a vote of thanks.

Club members were reminded of the forthcoming Burns Supper to be held on 26th January and heard a report of those who enjoyed attending the recent Panto trip (to inevitably appropriate heckling!)