Speaker's Evening - Mr Stewart Liddell, the Union Canal

Thursday 6th August saw the return of an old friend to the Rotary Club of South Queensferry. Former Queensferry club president Stewart Liddle, who is now a member of the Linlithgow Union Canal Society, was the evening's speaker. A lifelong canal and narrow boat enthusiast, Stewart explained the many rules and regulations with which organisations using and developing canals had to contend. He described how canal associations liaised and often combined to present their cases to bodies ranging from local and regional authorities to Scottish Waterways and the Scottish Government. Despite encountering many hurdles, Stewart believed canals and waterways in Scotland had a positive future provided the enthusiasm of canal lovers could be maintained and the regulatory powers appreciated the benefit an efficient, attractive and well-maintained system brought to the country.

SUN SHINES ON BARBECUE AT THE FORTS

A fortunate break in the unseasonable weather on Sunday 9th August meant plenty of outdoor activity when Rotarians and partners held a barbecue at The Forts. Over fifty guests played croquet, boulles, skittles dominoes and draughts in the magnificent grounds of Rotarian Allan Smith. A remote control model car race took place courtesy of Enrico Prentice, and Eileen Brown and Margaret Brechin were joint winners of the plant and flower quiz. For the more energetic there was an egg and spoon race and a three-legged race, which gave the occasion an atmosphere somewhere between a sophisticated garden party and a Sunday school picnic. With ample food and refreshment, this was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Thanks are due to Allan for allowing the use of his garden, Liz Mackenzie and her team for organising the event and Sandy Mackenzie, Norman Watson and the many others who contributed to the success of the event.