Lunch time meeting - Andy Strachan talking about the Glenrothes Mens Shed

On Thursday 21st November 2019 President Ewen Macdonald welcomed 19 Club Rotarians and guest speaker and former club Rotarian Andy Strachan MBE to this our lunch time meeting, which was held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes. 

On reception was Geoff Sampson and Iain Oates who said grace.

Wilna Roger was looking to organise an evening in Dunfermline with the Royal Marine Band, also at the Viennese Concert at the Carnegie hall in January. She was also looking for numbers who were likely to attend the Senior Citizens afternoon social event at Auchmuty High School on 13^th Dec 2019.

Anne Sampson mentioned about collecting again for the Foodbank and flyers would be getting sent out.

Marilyn Robertson had successfully organised another great Young Chef competition with the three High Schools pupils providing excellent meals and presentations last Thursday morning with thanks to Judges Stephen Guy from the Gilvenbank Hotel and Chris Harris and Eoin Robertson also thanks to Auchmuty High School, for hosting the event.

Iain Oates mentioned that he had been contacting the Primary Schools about participation in the Ian Chalmers Scots Poetry competition with positive feedback already received from 5 schools.

This week our guest speaker was Andy Strachan MBE talking about The Glenrothes Men’s Shed. Men’s sheds were started in Australia at the end of WW11 when many soldiers returned from active service either were too injured to return to work or had no job to return to, their place having been filled in their absence. The Glenrothes Men’s shed idea was floated in Glenrothes in Feb 2016 and a group of people with interests in woodturning, woodworking and a variety of skills and pursuits began to plan a centre where these activities could be carried out. A big lottery grant application was successful, and funding was secured to buy premises, refurbish and equip the building. The Glenrothes Men’s shed which is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation is located within the Auchmuty area of Glenrothes. The “Purpose” of the Organisation is to provide recreational facilities and advance the social needs, health and well-being of primarily men of all ages and backgrounds in the Auchmuty and other areas of Glenrothes and surrounding areas by creating, developing and maintaining the facility by offering opportunities for (primarily) men in the Glenrothes area, and beyond, to meet and undertake creative, physical, purposeful and recreational activities of their choice. And thus, reducing their isolation in the area and contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing. Primarily but not exclusively developing the capacity of men in the Auchmuty area of Glenrothes, and beyond, to share their skills and knowledge with others in the community. Women are also welcome on an equal basis ensuring that all Members are treated equally with mutual respect and support to realise his or her own abilities, to work safely and productively and, if desired, be able to contribute to his or her community.

The Rotary vote of thanks was given by President Ewen Macdonald

Forthcoming events are next Monday 25^th Nov a fundraising meal at the REYA restaurant in Leslie, our Santa Collection at ASDA will take place on Saturday 14th December 2019. The annual Swimarathon fundraiser will take place on 1st March 2020

This coming week’s meeting on Thursday 28th November 2019 will be our evening meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel lounge. With Andrew Roger organising a fun Book Quiz, please meet 6.30pm for a prompt start.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome