President Aileen's Valedictory address

On reflecting back over the last year I realised in hindsight that the Pres-Elect zoom preparation barely scraped the surface of the complexity of being a President of a Rotary Club.

However, with your support we, as a Club, have achieved so much in all of the committees. My special thanks to Stuart who agreed to become the temporary Secretary until end of my tenure.

The Conveners gave their annual reports at the AGM, and I have chosen key achievements from each committee.

Community continued to seek opportunities to lend assistance throughout the whole catchment. New 4 U, Donations to the Salvation Army, their Christmas Toy Appeal, Toy Box, Poppy wreaths, Festival of Music. Alan represents our interests with Fife Young Carers and Kids Out.

All these impact positively on such a range of activities.

Youth competitions may not have involved as many schools as desired in another disruptive year in the schools. However, Robert organised a very successful Exhibition of Writing, Art and Photography. Entries from outwith Fife accepted showed impact of the website. A successful new venue for the PSQ was Inzievar PS, having the largest school hall.

Fundraising proved quite challenging with the cancelling of the Ultimate Quiz our biggest fundraiser. There were successful online competitions, Race night, plus a concert so £1629 was raised.

International/Foundation continues in the support of Kampong Tralach school. A few members participated in the Kiltwalk raising £8500 in order to update IT resources. Donation of £1000 supported the Earthquake in Turkey & Syria disaster.

Alex has submitted a project to District Grants for a Malawi project. Need to plan & detail project costs.

Membership we have currently 30 members and 4 honorary members. Of the 30, 7 do not attend and 2 more are very infrequent attenders. Holidays, other commitments, illness we have been lucky if to exceed 60%. Therefore, the efforts of some have ensured that we have been involved in many good projects. However, we need new members. We welcomed the return of Roger Templeton.

The Public Image of the club has been enhanced with the Youth competitions. Our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have all increased.

The website is updated regularly providing news and information for both members and interested parties.

The weekly meetings have been enhanced by a range of diverse, excellent, interesting Speakers organised by Mark. He has, also, organised Fellowship evenings, meal in Carnock Inn, Glen Tavern, Ten pin Bowling evening. Give us a Clue Who are you? Fun evenings.

Treasurer – no! I haven’t forgotten Janice as our Treasurer who reviews the two Bank Accounts, giving us clear balance sheets, each month answering any questions. From 1st July 2022 until 02 May 2023, we have donated to range good works, £4250.

The 44th Charter Dinner was held in the Pitbauchlie, a relaxed evening, good food, good company. Sandy McIntosh gave us an inspirational talk from his BBQ in parents’ in laws garden to the phone call informing school on fire. Thereafter the Action planning by Sandy and his Management Team went into overdrive…. might be the Starbucks coffee at 6am each morning. Within the week 1400 pupils had been allocated to different local schools, college and Centre.

Three events have been attended in the last week – Prize giving at Woodmill, Carnock PS Book Festival and as I write Technology Challenge. Lovely end to the year involved with children of various ages. My comfort zone.

Now my Handover to President-Elect Brian Mitchell who having been a president before knows what he is doing. Dare I say thanks to Douglas who gently persuaded me in becoming President.