Presidentian Citation and Strathcarron Golf Fundraiser

Presidentian Citation and Strathcarron Golf Fundraiser

PRESIDENTIAL CITATION

At the Business meeting on Thursday, members were delighted to hear that the Club had been awarded a Presidential Citation with Gold Distinction for its achievements in the 2019/20 Rotary year ending in July.  Immediate Past President Andrew Hilley had been notified of the award by District Governor Alistair McNair, who had sent his congratulations.  The Presidential Citation is gained by clubs that have successfully fulfilled specific Citation objectives.  In the case of the Club, these included increasing club membership, developing leadership capability, undertaking projects to raise money for various causes, connecting with and giving support to the community, funding the End Polio Now campaign, and engaging with the Queen Victoria School Interact Club.  The Gold distinction was gained by demonstrating that the Club had, in addition, successfully participated in projects involving youth and Club family members, and, through the press and social media, had informed the public of the Club’s activities. 

Members also heard from Rotarian Kenneth Murray of the success of an invitation golf competition organised by the Club and held at the Dunblane New Golf Club by kind permission of the Golf Club’s Council.  Every year for the past 34 years the Rotary Club of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane has raised many thousands of pounds for Strathcarron Hospice by holding a golf event. But this year looked like these valuable funds would not be raised due to the covid-19 virus. However, working with the Golf Club, plans were drawn up for what would have to be a restricted format, with fewer than 40 teams able to compete. To comply with social distancing, there could be no raffle; and it would have to be a team event, to avoid the checking and handling of multiple score cards from each team. Fortunately, the weather on the day was perfect. While five teams eventually received prizes, to much amusement, and no little embarrassment, the overall winners were the team made up from the Directors of the Golf Club, Douglas Wright, Wallace Clarke, John Curry and Ian Kenny. 

In making his report, Kenneth complimented the caterers who had been praised by all concerned. He spoke particularly of the Club’s gratitude to Farmfoods; its sponsorship, together with the generous donations of those involved – and from some who were unable to attend - helped the event in raising over £8,000.