Race Night

In an attempt to reach out to the older generation, a scheme of power-assisted pedal tricycles capable of carrying two passengers, pioneered in Denmark, is being rolled out across the country with the support of the Social Innovation Fund and the Scottish Government. The scheme provides bikes under license to communities who have raised funding. The tricycles are operated by volunteers who have many heart-warming anecdotes of how trips in the open air to well-remembered places have benefited older people previously housebound or resident in care homes.

Carol Findlay of Queensferry Churches Care in the Community, is introducing the scheme to Queensferry. And fundraising got a splendid boost when 45 Rotarians and guests raised £1,245 towards the project at a race night in Dalmeny Church Hall.

The trishaw will now be ordered with delivery in March. The fund will also cover insurance, maintenance and 'pilot' instruction for the next few years.

The organiser, Rotarian Matt Purdie, said: 'We had a good turn out and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Thanks are due to those local businesses and individuals who sponsored races. They include East Coast Tyres, Platters and Puddins, Ferguson Carpets and Flooring , Ferry Brewery, Allan Smith, Gordon Wood, Dr Douglas Stuart and Robbie Brechin. We must also thank the master of ceremonies Richard Brown who also looked after the technical side, and the tellers who took care of the finances. Special thanks must go to Linda of The Ferry Tap who provided a splendid buffet and generously contributed wine and donation of £50.