Lunch time meeting - 1pm - Lynn Smart from the Glenrothes Foodbank

On Thursday 17^th November 2022 in the absence of President Brian Johnson, Ewen Macdonald took the meeting and welcomed 14 club Rotarians and speaker Lynn Smart to this a lunch time meeting held at the Gilvenbank Hotel.

Jim Boyd mentioned that he had picked up Hamyra the Iranian Rotary Peace Scholar at President Brian’s house  on Monday morning and took her to Leith to enable her to get her Visa for her visit to the Hague where she was giving a speech.

Wilna Roger spoke about the Scots night on the 24^{th of} November, also about meeting the Interact members from Glenrothes High School and the projects they were involved with. She also spoke about the Royal Marines Band who are playing at the Dunfermline Abbey on 14^th and 15^th December 2022.

Anne Sampson spoke about the Clubs Christmas appeal for the Foodbanks, and the appeal on Facebook which sadly to date has not raised much money.

Derek Stahly spoke about Fraser Morrisons Singers who are appearing at the Od Kirk in Kirkcaldy on the 18^th December 2022.

Doreen Gray our Gavel Coordinator advised that although having won two of our three matches in the Gavel competition Buckhaven and Methil had been successful in going through to the next round having won all of their three matches. We wish them well.

Geoff Sampson thanked Rotarian Will Wishart for taking the shoeboxes up to Perth on Wednesday 16^th November 2022 for onward transmission to Easter Europe for Christmas.

Our speaker this week was Lynn Smart manager at the Glenrothes Foodbank who brought us UpToDate in what is happening with the Foodbank. Lynn who was previously assistant manager and acting manager after Jilly Guild who left in November 2020, officially took over as manager on Monday 8th March 2022 has done an amazing job since then. The Foodbank who have been supporting the community since 2013 don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why they provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. This year to date they have supplied 74k meals. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. Due to donations not being what they used to be as a result of the food crisis, donations from previous donators have seized, they have been forced to go out and buy food twice a week by virtue of monetary donations. The Foodbank also work in partnership with the Fuel bank and provide fuel vouchers to those in need. A Cost of Living Crisis Group has been established by the Foodbank where all the satellite foodbank groups will eventually meet up to ensure of a coordinated approach to supporting the community.  

Ewen Macdonald gave the Rotary vote of thanks.

Next week 24th November 2022 will be an evening meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel meeting from 6.00pm and commencing at 6.30pm prompt. This will be the clubs annual Scots night with entertainment from the Shands, singers from Auchmuty High School, Conner Pratt and his Black Watch Band and also singer Lily Mentiplay, it should certainly be a great night.

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.