Speaker - Ms Anne Hoggan - Dr Grahams Homes

Thu, Oct 8th 2015 at 6:45 pm - 8:45 pm

Raffle - Neil McKinlay.

Reception - Craig Mackenzie /Alan McCloskey


On Thursday 8th October the Rotary Club of South Queensferry welcomed speaker Ann Hoggan, secretary of the UK Committee of Dr Graham's Homes. Formerly called the St Andrew's Colonial Homes, Dr Graham's Homes were founded in 1900 by Rev John Anderson Graham, a missionary of the Church of Scotland in the mountainous tea-growing district of Kalimpong, India. Originally built to look after abandoned Anglo-Indian children, the homes have become a significant element in Indian social education, the influence of which has not lessened since independence. There are family homes and a nursery, kindergarten, junior and senior schools. If necessary, the Homes can also assist with employment. The aim is to produce successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and ultimately responsible citizens. The campus is self-sufficient, producing its own food, clothing and lodgings. Ann's talk gave a fascinating insight into how a Scottish institution whose origins are rooted in the days of the Raj, is still thriving and very much appreciated by the community it serves. The talk prompted many questions from the floor.

Ann Hoggan was introduced by club member Drew Graham who has a particularly close connection to the homes as Dr Graham was his grandfather! Rev Jim Campbell, of Cupar Parish Church and Arfin Graham, President of Dr Graham's Homes Canada Committee, were also guests of the club. To find out more, visit www.drgrahamshomes.co.uk 

 

 

 

BRAVE HEART AWARD

FOR ROTARIAN ALAN ARMES

 

Coastguard and former policeman Alan Armes received a Brave Heart Award from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday 6th October. Alan rescued a motorist who had collapsed at the wheel and crashed in Queensferry Road, Edinburgh. He performed CPR until further assistance and an ambulance with a defibrillator arrived. In the words of the citation: 'There is no doubt Mr Armes's prompt actions helped to sustain life and contributed to the man's successful recovery.'

Alan has already received a citation from the President of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry.