Newsletter - 269 - Oct 2015

Rotary Club of Stranraer

Monthly Newsletter No 269

October 2015

Service above self

Imminent Activities

Mon 5^th Oct – Jock Smith will giving us his ‘impressions of Eastern Europe. This should be an interesting talk given Jock’s military experience.

Mon 12^th Oct – evening – Fellowship including a report on the District Conference

Mon 19^th Oct – Tom Stevenson will be speaking

Mon 26^th Oct – speaker details not yet available

Fri 30^th Oct – 7pm – Race night – at the Rugby Club

Dates for your Diary

Sat 19^th Dec – Christmas Street Collection

Sun 20^th Dec – Christmas Collection at Morrison

Fri 24^th June 2016 – 10^th Annual Golf AmAm – change from date advised last month!

Recent Events

 Mon 14th Sept – evening – Rotarians were totally engrossed listening to Stranraer Academy 's  Science Teacher Mr Mark Cameron's insight into use of practical examples of how he gains the interest of school pupils, in the incredible world of Science and some Physics. Helped by novice ‘Science Technician’ Peter Baird, wearing protective clothing etc. (see picture) we were treated to bangs, magic pens/pencils, turning milk into beer along with many other experiments finishing with a final loud bang.  Mark had the Hotel cap the smoke alarms in the meeting room - just as well! 

Thurs 17^th Sept – bowls at Sandhead – see report below.

Mon 21^st Sept – Fellowship including some Doric humour from President Ronnie which was met with a good mixture of laughs and groans!

Mon 28th Sept – Speaker was Kenny Grieve, Procurator Fiscal in Paisley formally PF in Stranraer.  Kenny in his younger days served with the Royal Navy travelling all over the world and continues to take a dedicated interest in the Armed Forces. He is involved with the Government’s initiative regarding Future Reserve 2020 policy and provided information on the prospective availability of part-time reservists.

Archie Bell

It is great to have Archie back with us after his spell of illness!

Prospective New Member

Good news!  Donald McColm recently retired farmer, yachtsman and curler, has confirmed
he would like to join Rotary. Donald is already well known to many members.

Rotary District Golf Competition     

Our team of John Munro, Neil Fraser and Neville Wright acquitted themselves well at the national finals in Leicester narrowly missing out on 3^rd place. Well done!

Bowls Evening

Our annual evening at Sandhead with the 41 Club was attended by 9 of our members and 6 from the 41 Clun. It was followed by the usual meal at Tigh na Mara.

Old Folks Outing

This annual event was once again a great success with 6 volunteer drivers taking 18 old folk to Logan Gardens for a meal and entertainment. A letter of thanks from the Coronation Day Centre mentioned the entertainment provided by ‘Ervie’s answer to Jim Reeves.’ I wonder who that could be!

Community Service Award

Please contact Mike Sheppard with nominations.

Race Night

This event on the 30^th October at the Rugby Club should prove good fun as well as raise funds for the Club. Bring as many guests as possible! Tickets are only £4 each inclusive of a light buffet.

Rugby

After Glasgow Warrior’s fantastic performance last season 6 of our members and one member from Kirkcudbright bought season tickets for this season as have 2 of our regular guests. Other members are welcome to join in for individual matches if tickets can be obtained - just contact Tom Mitchell.

We recently attended matches against Scarlets and Connacht and will be attending the Dragons game on 16^th October. There are 2 spare tickets available for this match due to holidays! The game is not being televised, presumably because of the World Cup coverage.

Press Officer

Members should get in touch with Tom Mitchell, in his role as Press Officer, if they have anything they wish included in the Newsletter or reported in the press.

He particularly wishes photographs for publication and/or Club archives.

Our peculiar language –

• Police were called to a day care Centre where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

• Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

• A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.