Gus Neilson:

Last week's speaker at Hawick Rotary Club, from Children 1^st, was unable to attend because of illness, so, after their meal, members heard from Ron Sutherland of discussions between local representatives of Cycling Without Age and the Flood Protection Scheme team regarding the suitability for the local trishaws of the pathways which are being incorporated in that scheme. It is hoped that the journeys made by these trishaws can, as much as possible, be made off-road on paths for obvious safety reasons and of course those paths and bridges have to be both wide enough, and at a suitable gradient. Constructive discussion took place, hopefully in time for tweaks to be be made where there might have been difficulty.

Members then heard of discussions which have been taking place within the Rotary District 1020 re support for those affected by the recent floods in Hawick and in Newcastleton. As a result the Community Councils in those two areas have been asked by Hawick Rotary Club to administer sums of £1000 each which might be used for the relief of those most affected.

The local Club has gained two associate members in recent weeks in George Hogg and George Thorburn. Associate membership allows anyone interested in becoming a member of Rotary to attend and take part in activities without being there each week and without paying an annual subscription. Hopefully by the end of one year they will be encouraged then to become a full member. Anyone interested in this should contact Membership Convenor Mairhi Trickett at 01450 218519.