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District 1230 Annual Conference

Crieff Hydro 1 -3 October 2010

The annual District Conference was hosted admirably by DG Ian Mills, and was attended by President Roddy Shanks; PP's Ray Porrelli, Frank McLuskey and Ian Wiseman; George McGraw and their wives. We got straight into the spirit of the weekend with a "light" lunch on the Friday. After this there was just sufficient time to explore the hotel, have a swim, or watch the Ryder Cup before dinner, which was followed by liqueurs and dancing for a few of the fitter members of the party.

Following the Saturday morning melee for breakfast the first plenary session got under way with addresses by several visiting Rotarians, and a presentation by the Japanese GSE Team. Refreshed by coffee and still running at an attendance level of 80% (apart from the ladies guess who was missing) we heard an inspirational presentation by Magnus McFarlane- Barrow, the founder of Mary's Meals; advice on the importance of determination when taking on government organisations from Tina McGeever; and from Dr Carol Craig a resume of the deficiencies of life in the West of Scotland together with some general corrective solutions - not a cheery end to a session which had started so promisingly.

In view of the rigours ahead that evening a "lighter " lunch was partaken followed by a free Saturday afternoon, apart from the ladies who did some preparatory work with spa treatments prior to the dinner dance. Ryder Cup progress was also reviewed before the team assembled in Roddy and Kath's penthouse suite for several pre-prandial aperitifs! Following an excellent meal with wine and some good old Aussie service, ceilidh dancing commenced with varying levels of participation. Then the main part of the evening commenced with post prandial refreshments in the Presidential suite, combined with communal singing and a song and dance act from PP Frank - Isobel particularly enjoyed it.

All this jollity took place without the knowledge that two hours after it finished we were jolted back to life by the fire alarm - well 80% of the team were! Most of us then "enjoyed" a half hour break in the hotel lobby before returning to our bedrooms where

The team was slightly jaded the next morning and the attendance level at the third plenary session dropped to 40%, matching the interest generated by some of the presentations. Following a brief break for coffee, we were into the home straight and managed to maintain our attendance level to listen to Jack McConnell. Perhaps our disturbed night might have coloured our judgement, but after his address we were left with a distinctly flat feeling - a disappointing end after such a promising start on Saturday.

We all thought Crieff Hydro was an excellent venue, with good facilities and helpful staff - well done Allander. Pity about the weather! Next year it's Pitlochry.

PS I have read the District Conference report and in case no one has explained about 80% attendance at the fire drill during the night, well Iain and I slept through it! well if it had been a real fire we would have been blissfully unaware of the fact that the place was burning!

Norma Wiseman

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