Lunch time meeting - Our Speaker this week is Agnes Whyte from Breathe Easy

On Thursday 3rd October 2019 President Ewen Macdonald welcomed 19 Club Rotarians and guest speaker Agnes Whyte to our lunch time meeting, which was held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes. 

6 apologies for absence were received.

Iain Oates completed Great Glasgow Run at weekend.  Raising over £500 for Alzheimer’s Scotland.

This Wednesday evening 9th October 2019 will see the return of the annual Gavel challenge, meeting at the Gilvenbank Hotel at 7pm in a 4-team challenge when we are hosts against the Rotary Clubs of Cowdenbeath, Leven and Perth.

The Vintage afternoon tea being held at the CISWO on Sunday afternoon 27th October 2-5pm is now sold out with a waiting list in the event of call offs, with the proceeds from the event going to  The Fife Breathe Easy Charity and other Rotary charities.  The tea is being provided by Kirkcaldy Rotarian Sharon Munro who owns the New York Sandwich place at the harbour Kirkcaldy, entertainment by OneHeart who are all members of GAMA  they will perform songs form the musicals

Our Speaker this week was Agnes Whyte founder of Breathe Easy Fife.  Now a registered charity in its own right but affiliated to the British Lung Foundation. Their aim is to support people suffering from any kind of lung disease, from Asthma to COPD, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. TB and many less well-known conditions.  Since Vaccinations against T. B stopped in schools, now much more prevalent, may need to vaccinate again. Effects of lung disease, breathlessness, debilitation, inability to do every day normal things and it is often progressive. In the UK 1 in 7 people. In Scotland 1 in 5. 3rd worst in world. Often work related - mining, factories, naval dockyard - where conditions previously were not good. Also, social deprivation, damp housing, poor diet and of course smoking. But many who do not smoke develop lung disease. Also, passive smoking. The Fife groups meet once a month in St. Andrews, Kirkcaldy and. Dunfermline. Activities are designed to educate and assist people to learn to live meaningful lives despite the disease. Each meeting includes, singing benefits breathing and also releases chemicals in the brain to enhance mood. Now has own songbook consisting of members’ chosen songs. Exercise sessions specially designed by a sports coach. It is a vicious circle— if person is breathless, he/she stops doing things - making bed, walking, hoovering, leaving house and so on.  Muscles weaken and use more oxygen than strong muscles, so person becomes more breathless. This leads to social isolation and depression. Speakers e.g. nurses teach correct use of inhalers.  An inhaler may cost £60 a month and a large percentage are not used effectively. Day trips are organised and designed to visit places which are easily accessible to members as are group holidays. Everything is aimed at enriching lives.

The Rotary vote of thanks was given by Wilna Roger.

This coming week’s meeting on Thursday 10th October 2019 will be our monthly casual evening meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel. please meet 5.15pm for a prompt 5.30pm start. With a Council meeting following on directly after.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome