Speaker Evening

President Elect Irene Brownless again took the chair at the Rotary Club of South Queensferry on Thursday 18th July. She welcomed Heather McInally, President of the Rotary Club of Kelso; Past President of Rotary GB&I, Rotary International Director and former club member Gordon McInally and their friend Paddy Ansell from the Rotary Club of Haenertsburg in South Africa. Irene also welcomed President Elect Theresa Douglas of the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno and her husband John. Richard Brown introduced speaker Iain Fairbairn, whose talk 'You Couldn't Make It Up' covered his time in Lothian and Borders Police from 1982 until his retirement when the force became part of Police Scotland. During his service, Iain worked in many departments, including beat policing, traffic, drug squad and firearms as well as armed protection and security driver for royalty. Iain's many hilarious anecdotes of his time on the beat emphasised the lighter side of police work though his dedication to the job was evident through his record which included two Chief Constable's Commendations. Iain's thoroughly entertaining talk prompted many questions from the floor. The vote of thanks was proposed by Derek Clark.

Immediate Past President Sandy Mackenzie then presented Theresa Douglas, representing Bike Tours for the Wounded, with a cheque for £750 as part of the disbursement from his presidential year. Bike Tours for the Wounded provides the opportunity for fifty servicemen, service women or veterans to be taken by motorcycle along the famous Route 66 in America or, closer to home, to tour D-Day sites in Normandy. These tours, run by volunteer bike drivers, can be both mentally and physically challenging but are extremely beneficial in the rehabilitation process.

In thanking Sandy for his splendid donation, Theresa said that Bike Tours for the Wounded was a little-known charity doing valuable work. It not only changes lives but saves lives.

Paddy Ansell then delivered greetings from President Anne Harman of the Rotary Club of Haenertsburg and presented President Elect Irene with a banner. Irene thanked her and gave her a Queensferry banner to take to South Africa with the good wishes of the club.