Speaker Evening - Val Green - David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

On Thursday 10th December, the Rotary Club of South Queensferry welcomed guest speaker Val Green from the David Shepherd Foundation.  This small, highly effective charity funds key projects in Africa and Asia. The survival of many large mammals such as tigers, lions and elephants is crucially affected in various regions because of  changing habitat and poaching, chiefly driven by the insatiable desire for illegal animal parts such as ivory to make traditional medicines in the Far East. Recent projects supported by the David Shepherd Foundation include training and equipping every forest officer in Gir National Park, India; establishing an elephant orphanage for the victims of ivory poaching in Zambia and raising awareness of illegal wildlife crime in among the Asian population. Val's interesting talk prompted many questions from the floor.

In other business, Past President Iain Fairbairn received a letter thanking the club for its contribution to the Struan School Playground Appeal to fund improvements to the recreational area of the school for children and young people with special needs.

CAROLS AT DALMENY

On Tuesday 8th December, the annual Rotary Carol Concert took place for the first time in the historic and beautiful setting of Dalmeny Kirk.  The 12th church, which is probably the finest example of a Norman church in Scotland, formed a perfect backdrop to an inspiring programme of Christmas carols and music. President Kate Gibb thanked everyone who took part and made the evening so memorable.

SANTA ON SATURDAY

On Saturday 19th December, between 10am and 4pm, Santa and his Sleigh will be at Craigie's Farm Shop and Deli and not Scotmid as previously announced. On Sunday 20th December he will be at Tesco as advertised. To see full details of Santa's tours round Queensferry and track him on his travels visit www.rcsq.org.uk