Speaker Crawford Gordon

Stirling Rotary meeting July 3rd, 2015

President Peter Mehta welcomed members, as well as Jim and Sheila Rae from the Rotary Club of Linlithgow.  Peter presented the couple with first prize from our “pick a nail” competition at the recent Gardening Scotland exhibition, the prize being lunch for two at Gleneagles Hotel.  Members embarking on the sailing trip round Bass Rock should assemble at North Berwick harbour at midday on Saturday 11th.  The Am-Am golf competition takes place on August 28th. and prize donations would be appreciated.

Crawford Gordon then delivered an interesting illustrated talk about the recent visit by a number of members, with partners to the Rotary Club of Chiemsee, in Bavaria.  Weekly meetings take place at Chiemsee Yacht Club, a luxurious and well situated venue.  Lake Chiemsee itself features a number of islands, one of which is home to  Herrenchiemsee palace, built in the 1870s by “mad” King Ludwig II, to resemble the Palace of Versailles, near Paris. No-one ever stayed there, including the king himself, who didn’t even visit, but viewed it through a telescope from afar.

Members were royally treated by all, including by the local baron and baroness.  One highlight was a visit to a well-stocked nearby motor museum.  An official visit to the Rotary Club itself involved Stirling members sporting the kilt, whilst locals were in lederhosen and other traditional clothing. A presentation by president Peter went particularly well, including as it did a football score card from 1994, when Raith Rovers briefly led Bayern Munich by one goal to nil.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Alan Rankin and well supported.  This week’s Speakers Host is Martin Ross, with Visitors Host John Rankin. Stirling Rotary welcomes new members, male or female and can be contacted via our website www.stirling.rotary1010.org.

Ranald Ross-Watt
Communications Convener