Index

Press Release 06/05/09

As the result of mindless vandals East Kilbride charitable groups in the town will have less cash available for their needs via the Rotary Club’s “Fairy Nuff” Wishing Well sited at the James Hamilton Heritage Park. To date thirteen groups have benefited from the generosity of the general public who use the park and contribute to the well on a regular basis.

Rotarians built the well back in 2007and give of their time to maintain and look after the well so that local groups in the town can benefit but alas all members of our society are not of that mind. The senseless damage caused by their actions is to say the least has been inexcusable, to saw through four padlocks then discard them possibly into the loch, damage the stainless steel top and go off with the takings which could be estimated as being about £60 is not something to be proud of.

To date these groups have been helped EAST KILBRIDE PIPE BAND, DEMENTIA CARE, SEA CADETS, EK 5TH BOYS BRIGADE, DEMENTIA CARE, WOMAN'S AID, EK ICE CLUB, LINZI DOHERTY DANCE SCHOOL, PARKHALL HOUSE, RYAN MCNAIR, E K NEWSTAPES, SHOPMOBILITY and CALDERGLEN SCHOOL BAND.

Press Release 20/04/09

East Kilbride Rotarians had a busy week when they held there AGM on the 15th of October. One of the most important subjects covered fell under the heading of Club Membership.

Many clubs & organizations other than Rotary are suffering a decline in their memberships especially in the voluntary section.

With the Rotary organization there seems to be a general apathy in the public opinion that Rotarians are Old, Stuffy people who gather for lunch or dinner every week and hand out money to needy causes. Now there may well be a grain of truth in what they think but that does not mean that with new members and an open out look that public conception cannot change. We have never been good at projecting our image locally this in the future may well change .

I have watched the decline of membership in the East Kilbride Rotary Club fall from a healthy high of 52 to our current membership of 34 yet we are more active than we ever have been, irrespective of our age group, yes we have elderly Rotarians who have a wealth of knowledge about Rotary but we also have a number of people under 50 who work hard in their profession and jobs but they also find time to give to others less fortunate than themselves. But sadly, we have no one under 40!! and this is an area of membership that East Kilbride Rotary Club are desperate to recruit members from.

Normal recruitment to become a member of a Rotary Club is by invitation, and our national body will be running over the next few years a publicity campaign in an attempt to increase membership.

There are major problems in trying to identify people in the community who are prepared to serve in the worlds biggest & oldest service organization, people who can put others before themselves, people who see short comings within their own communities and are prepared to roll up their sleeves and do something about it in an organized fashion.

We need people who look further afield especially internationally to see how they can help to make things better for their fellowman. Where do we find them within our community, believe me they are out there, if they would just pop there head up and identify themselves by telling us they are prepared to come along and find out more about what Rotary and Service is all about. Please consider visiting our Club Web site at www.ekrotary.com there you will see what we are involved with internationally and locally in our community. Please contact us if you wish further information.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of East Kilbride Rotary Club was held on the 15th of April with an attendance of 57% of the membership. The following members were elected as officials for the new Rotary year that commences on the first of July 2008

President: Ray Porrelli, Senior Vice President: Roddy Shanks, Junior Vice President: Leslie Irvine, Secretary: George McGraw, Treasurer: Ian Craig,

Special Projects Frank McLuskey, Club Council Members: Barclay Wales, John Morning, Andrew Ferguson, Barry Wood, David Brown and Ben Miloudi.

Club Auditors: Alan Jenkinson, Barry Wood, Membership Convener: David Brown, Publicity Convener: Edwin Robertson, Administration Convener: Roddy Shanks, Speaker Secretary: John Murphy, Service Project Conveners Frank McLuskey, Attendance Officer: Brian Wood, Youth Exchange: Archie King,

Club Protection Officers: John McCafferty and Jim Moretti, Club Historian Officer: Edwin Robertson

Cancer Research 2009 Report

This week seen the members of East Kilbride Rotary Club become completely Gobsmacked by the wonderful reception given to them by the general public when they started their 2009 collection for Cancer Research at Morrison’s Superstores in East Kilbride, 17 Rotarians gave of their time to collect donations from shoppers at both stores in East Kilbride which resulted in the magnificent figure of £2800.35 being gathered, every penny of which will be spent in Scotland Thanks from the Rotarians to everyone who placed their pennies in the buckets truly appreciated

13/04/09

East Kilbride Rotary Club Past Presidents held their 14th Past Presidents dinner which they started back in 1995.

Furthest travelled for the occasion was past president Bob Jardine who came up from Castle Douglas to attend their function that was chaired by immediate past president John Cardno and held at Peters Seafood Restaurant. The picture shows the 17 who attended.

Left to right Back Row, Andrew Ferguson, Tom Wilson, Barclay Wales, John Cardno,

Middle Row David Taylor, Bob Jardine, Jim Anderson, Douglas Kilpatrick, Liam Donnelly, Edwin Robertson,

Seated, Alan Rae, David McNidder, Frank McLuskey Ian Macpherson, Ian Wiseman, Bob Duncan and Henry Doig

Press release 27/03/09

East Kilbride Rotary Club, in conjunction with South Lanarkshire Council’s Ranger Service, are to continue their community project within Calderglen Country Park during the forthcoming summer months. Members of the Rotary Club will volunteer their time to assist the Ranger Service in carrying out routine maintenance tasks such as litter picking, clearing overgrown vegetation, improving drainage etc.

They need your help to make the project happen. If you live close to the park, or enjoy visiting the trails then it is you they’re looking for. To launch this year’s scheme, the Ranger Service, with the help of the Rotary Club, are organizing a SPRING CLEAN WEEKEND during 4th and 5th of April and will be concentrated on the North end of the glen from Inch Keith down to the Expressway. The group will meet from 10am to 2pm each day with all the tools required being provided by the Ranger Service.

The Rotary Club would like as many volunteers as possible, even if it is just for a couple of hours on one of the days. If you think you can help, telephone East Kilbride 232466, or alternatively contact Kerry Thomson at Calderglen Country Park, on 01355 236644.

Please consider giving some of your time to assist this worthwhile project.

Press release 20/03/09

Our invited speaker this week was police inspector Robert Stephenson who gave a wonderful talk on violence, to a captive but very interested audience of East Kilbride Rotarians who sat aghast after their lunch as the story of the first captured murder recorded on a CCTV camera unfolded. After many questions and comments on environmental, family, schooling as possible causes there appeared that there was no real cure for this problem. However what was significant was the rate of solving this type of crime in Strathclyde was extremely high.

Press release 09/03/09

Your town Needs Your Help

Please consider giving some of your time to assist this worthwhile project

School Burns Competition

Press release 02/03/09

We had a total of 6 schools taking part, with 35 pupils, singing, reciting and one playing the clarinet, also one choir participating. The audience was around 180. Our judges were Audrey McKirdey and John Mitchell they had a very difficult task in finding the winners

Results Recitations P4/5 1st Kyle Trainer from Auchinraith Primary School

2nd Chloe McCulloch Mossneuk Primary School

3rd Joanna McKinnon

Mount Cameron P6/7 1st Andrew Gracie South Park Primary School

2nd Catriona Campbell Mossneuk Primary School

3rd Dylan Gallagher Mount Cameron Primary School

Singing P4/5 1st Ben Robinson

2nd Callum Douglas Both Auchinraith

P6/7 1st Megan Hull

2nd Aimee Douglas Both Auchinraith PS

Instrumentalist 1st Chloe Byres on the Clarinet

Choir Mossneuk Primary School

The event could not have taken place without the following Rotarians from the Club volunteering to giving of their time

John Cardno, Roddy Shanks, Ben Miloudi, David Brown, Leslie Irvine, Ian Craig, Alan Rae, Frank McLuskey, John Murphy, George Ferguson,

Press release27/02/09

Fridays Rotarian lunch provided an interesting platform for the Rotarians invited speaker Murray Blair who is the Honorary Librarian of the Trades House who came to speak to Club members on the Molendinar Burn that flows from Provanmill to the Clyde.

An extremely interesting talk, which gave Rotarians attending some insight into the History of the Molendinar from the 1740, difficult to visualize the Molendinar burn in full spate running down what is now Wishart Street by the Royal Infirmary but that was the route that it came.

Our Luncheon meeting ran considerably overtime but never the less the content and local knowledge passed on by the speaker was well worth the over run. Vote of thanks on behalf of the Club was given capably by Past President Barclay Wales.

At recent Club Board Meeting the following groups have been helped by allocation of monies from the Clubs Benevolent Fund,

Poppy Scotland, Women's Aid, Dementia Carers Pine Crescent, Jaipur Limb Project and Riders for Health.

In addition Shopmobility in East Kilbride have been given an amount of money that our "Fairy Nuff" wishing well collected from the kind passers by at the James Hamilton Heritage Park. East Kilbride Rotarians extend to them a warm "Thank You" for their generosity

Press release 23/02/09

ROTARY BEAMS ITS MESSAGE ACROSS SCOTLAND

Rotary International's campaign to eradicate polio was highlighted as buildings throughout Scotland were lit up with the Rotary wheel and the message 'end polio now'. Rotary International have raised 800 million dollars since 1986 to eradicate the killer disease. In 1986 when Rotary International started its campaign there were more than 340,000 cases a year throughout the world. Because of Rotary's campaign with other agencies that number is now down to less than 2000. Polio can now only be found in four countries: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Rotary International have committed themselves to raising 130 million dollars which will take their contribution to over a billion dollars.

Two weeks ago Bill Gates donated 250 million dollars to Rotary's campaign. The British government donated 150 million dollars and the German government 130 million dollars. The District Governor of Rotary in the west of Scotland , Catherine Stewart, said last night : ' Last year we lit up the Houses of Parliament. This year we'll be lighting up Sydney Opera House, the Coliseum in Rome and other important buildings throughout the world. We decided in Scotland that we would send out the message in our own country which is why we are lighting up the City Chambers in Glasgow, Culzean Castle in Ayrshire and the Municipal Buildings in Greenock.

As Rotarians we are committed to ending polio now.'

Press release 23/02/09

East Kilbride Rotary Club members were out in strength at their last meeting when they had an 83 % attendance so with a good turn out, a good lunch and a lively speaker who went by the name of Bill Parker, who has been a resident of over 54 years in East Kilbride, all was in place for a good meeting. Member's were not disappointed in their speaker of the day who spoke on the first Scottish produced motor car and highlighted how the owners of the company who produced this car lived in East Kilbride all those years ago.

On behalf of the Club, Past President Alan Rae gave a competent vote of thanks

Four Members of the Club supported the Rotary Club of Govan's Foundation Quiz and the members of the East Kilbride Club reported back that they once again were narrowly defeated in the second round of the quiz thus keeping up the standards of previous years !!! This was followed by further information that they had received a bye in the first round. Readers can draw their own conclusions from this result.

Press release14/02/09

John Kyle Kilpatrick Past President PHF Honorary Member

Born in 1927 in Govanhill, Glasgow, John was one of four 3 brothers and 1 sister.

John made his first trip out of the city as an evacuee during the years of the war with his brother Joe where they were housed in one of the local farms in Arran. The friendships made in those days lasted more than 50 years with the farmer’s family.

John started his working life as a apprentice joiner, then at the age of 18 he did 3 years service with the Palestine police where he seen the early days of the formation of the State of Israel.

When he returned home he took up a position in sales with wood companies and latterly progressed into starting his own business as successful plywood importer, with his main business operating out of East Kilbride.

He was a knowledgeable man on the subject of our national Bard Robert Burns and he became President of the Bridgeton Burns Club Robert Burns 1967.

In the early days of the new town of East Kilbride John became involved in the formation of the first group for the disabled and became their first President.

He also committed himself to act as Clerk of Works in the construction of the Free Church of Scotland in East Kilbride, he was an active Sunday School teacher in the years when Sunday schools were booming in the new Town

John was successful in not seeking publicity for himself and quietly gave of himself to others. One avenue for this was through his local East Kilbride Rotary Club where he became President in 1980-81.

For his services to Rotary and his service to “Others before Self” East Kilbride Rotary Club made him a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997 followed later by Honorary membership of his local Club.

The local taxi association ran an annual outing for the people with learning difficulties John sponsored the prize for the best decorated taxi of the day over a period of many years.

He was well read and would on many instances quote from his readings with a great deal of accuracy. Burn’s being one of his favorites’.

John and Cherry were married for 58 years. They were blessed with two children Douglas and their adored daughter Fiona.

John was a dear “Gramps” to Lyn, Karen, Julie he was Mr. Special in their eyes.

Daughter in Law Rosalind held a special place in the heart of John, who always had that special twinkle in his eye when he referred Rosalind. His special charisma always came to the fore when he was with people. He will be sadly missed by those many people who’s life was touched by his friendship & companionship.

East Kilbride Rotary Club had their club day lunch on Friday this is the occasion when they do not have a speaker, however the were entertained by a Powerpoint presentation of the Clubs achievements over the past 6 months this had been prepared by Past President Edwin Robertson and was well received.

A visitation took place by some of the Club members to Hamilton Rotary Club who hold their meeting in Hamilton Golf Course the President of Hamilton Mark Williams and members warmly welcomed the East Kilbride contingent and made them feel at home. East Kilbride visitors were Secretary George McGraw, Past Presidents, Andrew Ferguson, Iain Wiseman Edwin Robertson and Rotarian George Ferguson

Other members of the Club were engaged in a Curling match against Paisley where East Kilbride had a tremendous 21-0 victory East Kilbride team members were George McGraw, Ray Porrelli and Jim Moretti

Press release 7/02/09

East Kilbride Rotarians at their Friday meeting had an interesting speaker from the Science Center by the name of Mark Hughes, who with the use of a slide show gave an interesting talk on the objective and aspirations of the Science Centre that has been built on the old Garden festival sight in Glasgow. He was extremely proud to say that it was the third most visited sight in Scotland only being surpassed by Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo.

Sadly the Rotarians of the East Kilbride Club lost one of their long serving members John Kyle Kilpatrick who was a Past President, Paul Harris Fellow and Honorary Member of the Club and who served the Club loyally from November 1967. Six Past Presidents of the Club were appointed to act as

Pall- Bearers at John’s funeral that took place on Monday the 9th of February.

Press release 26th /01/09

East Kilbride Rotarians celebrated the 250th anniversary of the birth Robert Burns at their Friday lunch.

They were entertained in fine style with the haggis being piped in by Rotarian Roddy Shanks and carried by the Stewartfield Farm Chef and placed before Bill Rodger who proceeded to give an excellent rendering off The Address to the Haggis.

The immortal memory was given by Past President Ian Macpherson who was in fine form when he gave one of the finest immortal memories that have been heard at the club for a number of years. Ian asked himself the question What kind of man was Robert Burns? and proceeded with his talk on how Robert Burns was the master of words which he used with devastating effect to immortalize a humble mouse and to define a Daisy. The thing that set Burns apart was his tremendous emotional intensity and his sensitivity to the world about him.

There was no doubt that Burns was a patriot he went on to speak about the inhumanity to man. In our current world to that in days of Burns the comparison is we can send men to the moon while others on this earth have there begging bowls out trying to feed themselves so the inhumanity to each other is still there.

The Clubs Immortal memory by Past president Ian was one well worth paying heed to and hopefully those who were present will gain from it and it will make them good Rotarians.

Removed from News & Events page 25/01/09

Rotarian Santa's from East Kilbride Rotary Club were out collecting from a very generous public on Saturday and Sunday at B & Q Superstore at Kingsgate, East Kilbride and via this press release the Club would like to express their sincere thanks at the way members of the public have responded each time the Club have been given the right from B&Q management to stand outside the store.

The weather conditions were not in anyway ideal as many of the Clubs Santa's were in need of a little warmth but the real warmth came from the customers who donated the largest sum collected by the Rotarians over the two days and that was £1438.86.

Over the few years of the Rotarians collecting at B & Q East Kilbride the sum close to £ 10,000 as been donated by a very generous public and everyone associated with the collection wish to say "Thank You" coupled with our wishes for everyone to have a great festive season.

At this time of year the Club has been busy raising and collecting funds for "Toys for Kids" and to that end they held a special Quiz night.

Twenty one teams took part on the night and over £ 2000 were raised. The success of the Quiz night was due to the excellent quiz master Ronnie Watson with his helpers Richard & Irene.

President Frank McLuskey held a special fireworks night at his home that raised another £450. This coupled with Donations from Turnkey Computers who cancelled there Silent Santa event and has a result supported the Rotary appeal by gifting £450 Chesapeake also made a substansial donation.

Calderglen - Rosalind Gallagher, Jacqui McKendrick, Robert Callard and Martin Grant. Strathaven - Jimmy Ritchie, Beth Duff, Rachel Hunter and Douglas Scott*. St Andrews/St Brides - John Russell, Rhiannon Garrity*, Monica Reilly and Michael Wilkie. Duncanrig - George Randall , Iain Alexander, Sarah McLean and Ruaridh Darroch.* Douglas won two swimming gold medals and a bronze at U18 games in India - received a round of applause for his efforts * Rhiannon won our Burns Competition three times.

Report from Projects Convener September 2008

I am glad to report that the Club has an exciting range of activities and events coming up over the next year. We have a number of members taking on new challenges in organising events , not least Archie King taking on the massive job of organising our GSE Hosting. This in its self requires a great commitment from the club and please give him your full support. Also congratulations Brian on selling out your Dusty concert and I am sure all those attending are looking forward to an excellent night. Remember gents it is up to us all to support our clubs activities and events. As mentioned above these members have taken on the challenge of working on these events and I know other members are working on a variety of further events as this is the aim of the new project committee to gather all these together and get the support of the whole Club and their involvement in these events.

Moving on it is great for me to report that we look well on our way collecting in all our finances from Relay 2008 , with already just over £55,000 collected and over 400 bags handed in we look to make our event once again one of the most successful for cancer research in the UK. We already have 6 teams entered for next year and members from these teams coming onto the organising committee next year so our event can only grow. Hopefully also with my involvement as a relay for life trainer throughout the uk as I am discussing the setting up with relay committees elsewhere we are hoping to enrol the help and support of the local Rotary clubs in these areas in what I believe is a major community event.

Press Release 10th/11/08

On Saturday 8th November at the home of Rotarian President Frank & Isobel McLuskey East Kilbride Rotarians gathered for a fireworks display. The spirits of the Rotarians and their wives was not dampened by the weather conditions that were totally appalling for such an event. However, the display went exceptionally well, something well worth seeing. After being entertained by the fireworks display, guests were well and truly hosted by Frank & Isobel with food & refreshments. President of Strathaven Rotary Club Maher Dididi and his wife Dorothy joined in the party in what was an excellent evening. The latter part of the evening was taken up by a challenging game of miniature curling which by the end of the evening had helped to raise £430 that will be used for the Rotarians "Toys for Kids" appeal

The group photo is taken with their President Bill McIntosh, Another shows Bill presenting President Frank with the "BolloxTrophy" which was made by a Rutherglen member, David Paul.

East Kilbride, represented by Team F (plus subs, Frank and myself) clearly won the event which was contested over eight events ranging from human snakes and ladders, dominos to computer driving challenges and the Wii - nobody got that to work, far too modern. Ian Craig is missing from the team photo as he had to leave before the prizegiving. He will of course be given his winner's bottle of wine at the Club today - very nice looking Rioja. Very enjoyable evening, which lasted until about 9.00, with lots of fellowship during the games.

Press Release24/10/08

With the absence of our President Frank McLuskey Friday's meeting was taken by our Senior Vice President Ray Porrelli. After our Lunch the business of the day was the Clubs election of Board members for Rotary Year 2009-10. Members present agreed with the nominations that had been presented, this resulted in the following. Club President will be Ray Pirrelli, Senior Vice President and Club Administrator Roddy Shanks, Junior Vice President Leslie Irvine, Secretary George McGraw. The Office of Treasurer for the Club remains unfilled but I suggest you watch this space!!!!

Press release 16/10/08

Another busy Friday in fact weekend would be appropriate for East Kilbride Rotarians. Firstly at their weekly lunch a new member was inducted into the Club. John Morning was proposed for membership by Past President Andrew Ferguson who introduced him to the members attending, after which President Frank McLuskey proceeded with the induction ceremony.

Our Friday speaker was Louise Bustard who spoke on Plants that Kill & Cure due to the limited amount of time available, unfortunately Louise had to curtail her presentation to those that cure. However the part of her talk she did manage to give to the Rotarians was so well received by those present that an invitation will be going out for Louise to make a return "Killer " visit.

Later that evening a party of thirty two Rotarians and wives attended a night of food, fellowship and fun at Peter's Seafood Restaurant where £420 was raised for Foundation

Saturday night saw a party of ten from the Club attend the Bruce Hotel for the 30th Anniversary Dinner of our daughter club, the Rotary Club of East Kilbride Kittoch. The event was preceded delightfully by aperitifs in PP Eddie and Rina's home which was conveniently located near the hotel. After the formal speeches, including a toast to East Kilbride Kittoch by PP Ian Macpherson who was accompanied by Rebecca, there was a great deal of reminiscing over the thirty years and a few also tripped the light fantastic to the music of ???.

On Saturday and Sunday East Kilbride Members were once again on duty at the B&Q Super Store in East Kilbride collecting for Cancer Research (UK). The following Rotarians gave of their time. John Cardno, Andrew Feguson, George Ferguson, Ben Miloudi, Alan Jenkinson Ian Macpherson, David Brown, Edwin Robertson, George Gunn, Barclay Wales, Alan Ray, Ray Porrelli, Brian Wood and Roddy Shanks.

East Kilbride Rotarians have been doing this for the past four years and have gathered worthwhile sums of money from the customers going into and out of the store these Rotarians are extremely grateful to the wonderful response that customers give to their appeal and are appreciative of B&Q allowing Cancer Research the facility of collecting at the store over the weekend. A sum of £1208 was placed into the collection boxes.

press release 1/10/08 and what was on our PR Page

By courtesy of the EK News we see that young Ryan McNair has been helped by Sainsbury's Distribution staff at East Kilbride when they learned of his needs after East Kilbride Rotary Club had given help to the young man earlier in the year.

East Kilbride Rotary Club extend their appreciation to the employees of Sainsbury Distribution centre for their involvement with young Ryan after they learned via the the local press of the Rotary Clubs involvement with Ryan. The Clubs President Frank Mcluskey can be seen in the picture. The help displayed by the staff of Sainsburys displays what Rotary's basic principle is and that is "Service Before Self" Well done Sainsburys our community need people like you.

Press release 26/9/08

Our Canadian Group Study Exchange Group prepared to leave for Stranraer Rotary Club, but before their departure they attended a very robust meeting at the Stewartfield Farm of East Kilbride Rotarians and visitors Dougie Steedman, Harry Marsh from Bothwell & Uddingston, Past District Governor Bert Cunningham, Jimmy Johnstone from Glasgow North & Bishopbriggs Rotary Club where they intregated with the membership and enjoyed a very friendly lunch meeting before saying their goodbyes. This exchange is a way that Rotary International who have promoted this type of exchange since the1960 see as a way forward in developing International understanding coupled with Vocational exchanges between countries and as away of promotung peace between nations.

A very busy day after being whisked through to Edinburgh for a visit to the Scottish parliament where they met Linda Fabiani and Andy Kerr and listened to The First Ministers question time. the team had some shopping time in the Royal mile and a conducted tour of the Edinburgh region

Today seen the Canadian party visit Glasgow University where they toured the main building including the cloisters, east and west quadrangles, university square and south frontage; the Hunterian Museum (named after William Turner from Long Calderwood Farm, EK); Glasgow University Art Gallery including McIntosh House, Glasgow Concert Hall, Buchanan Galleries, George Square, Royal Exchange Square and Princes Square, Piping Centre with lunch at Oran Mor. In the evening they gave their personal presentations to the East Kilbride Rotary Club members at a Buffet supper that was held at the Golf Club.

This was the Vocational day or working day for the GSE Group where they each spent a day in the work place with Scottish business people who were in the same type of business as they themselves, each learning from each other and having an exchange of ideas. In the evening they were entertained by Barry & Denise Wood at their home in Bothwell. All in all a very busy day for them.

Archie King, George McGraw and Tom Wilson travelled to Ayr to uplift GSE party at 11 am and deliver them to their East Kilbride Rotarian Hosts to off load their luggage and then to be uplifted at 1pm for an afternoon tour of East Kilbride and lunch at the Museum of Country life then tour of the village, Art Display at Bosfield house then the Heritage Park and the "Fairy Nuff" Wishing Well then home to their Hosts for a quiet evening!!

Press Release 19/9/08

seen a lively meeting of the Club with 6 non Rotarian visitors at our lunch which included Fiona Marra and Grace Dzandza from "Let us Shine" they were guests of Secretary George McGraw. In addition we had 3 representatives from the Senior Secondary Schools Tony McDaid, Douglas Cosgrove and George Wynne, all of them being head teachers. Plus Stewart McKillop from South Lanarkshire College being the 4th representative. A report from Roddy Shanks on the environmental clean up that the Club are involved with, where they are assisting the park rangers at Calderglen Park was appreciated by the members in attendance. With 4 representatives from East Kilbride Schools also in attendance, Roddy took the opportunity to plant a seed or two with them to see if the schools could become involved in this voluntary work that is done on a Saturday morning once a month over the summer months.

Archie King gave a report on the progress of the Group Study Exchange Programme run by Rotary International that the Club would be putting into place next week when we host a group from Canada for five days.

Earlier in the week seen East Kilbride playing Golf at Bothwell in miserable weather conditions for the Willie Stott Trophy and the Coronation Cup, although not winning either of the competitions, they did manage to procure a bottle of whisky via the good play of Jim Moretti at the 8th hole. Fellowship on the day was good with the Willie Stott trophy being won by Paisley Rotary Club and the Coronation Cup by Oban Rotary Club. East Kilbride Rotary Club team members were Archie King, George McGraw, Jim Moretti and Liam Donnelly.

Press release 12//08 Friday the was registered as a Club day but Rotarian Archie King gave his report on th GSE visit being made by the Canadians plus at last he gave his "My Job" talk that members have been waiting for for some time. David Brown won the right to draw for the King of Clubs but everyone as usual gave a sigh of relieve when he failed to draw the King of Clubs.

There were two non Rotarians visiting the Club namely Jim Montgomery guest of John Cardno and Jim Fegan guest of John McCafferty.

Press Release 5/9/08

Leslie McIntyre was our speaker on the 5th of September, Leslie spoke on behalf of the Charity "Shopmobility" her talk was extremely informative so much so that many of the Rotarians attending were horrified at the information passed to them from Leslie that Shopmobility in East Kilbride may be non existant this time next year!! You then ask the question Why? Only to find out that the funding from South Lanarkshire will terminate. Then from her talk we find out that Hamilton Shopmobility are totally funded from South Lanarkshire. This prompts the question Why? There may just appear to be an injustice somewhere down the line, which at this stage is not apparent. But all parties who financially provide the cash for the running of East Kilbride Shopmobility which serves not only the shopping precinct but the surrounding district, should seriously consider the ramifications on the withdrawal of funding to a vulnerable section of our local Surrounding community.

Press Release 28/08/08

Last weekend seen Rotarians John Cardno, Tom Wilson, Roddy Shanks and George McGraw return to Calderglen Park where they are involving the Club in voluntary work in assisting the rangers in tasks to keep the park spick and span, it was their intention to do three hours of work but unfortunately the area that they were working in and you will see from the picture was densely overgrown and the weather conditions such that they attacked by our dreaded Midge, Rotarians or not they had to retreat from our fierce little friend and had an early stop to the day

Press Release 21/8/08

At their Friday lunch that was well attended, East Kilbride Rotarians hosted there new District Governor Catherine Stewart from the Rotary Club of Eastwood who took office on the 1st of July 2008. The District Governor was the principle speaker at the lunch, in other words she had to work for her lunch as there are no "Freebies in Rotary". With 55 Clubs in her District Catherine has to visit each Club at least once in her year of office, so she is a very busy lady. Her speech to the East Kilbride Rotarians highlighted the need for close ties within the community and Rotary. She took time to compliment the Club in their stalwart efforts with the charity "Let us Shine" in Ghana which is a high profile project within the Club and hopefully other Clubs in our Rotary District will come on board in assisting the good work being done by the East Kilbride Club

Press Release 14/8/08

The Good "Fairy Nuff" from the Wishing well once again helped President Frank McLuskey of East Kilbride Rotary Club to present Young Ryan McNair who attends Greenhills school with a cheque to assist him with the purchase of some specialised equipment to improve his mobility.

Press Release 17/8/08

East Kilbride Rotarians participated in one of their two annual golf tournaments this one was for their Rhu trophy that has been played for since 1968 when it was presented to the club by John Sergeant, solicitor, who was a member of Club.

The first winner of this trophy was James Taylor who although not a current Rotarian is still going strong and living in East Kilbride. The weather conditions were not favourable for a golf outing and it was agreed that only thirteen holes would be played. The winner of the Club Stableford competition was George McGraw who was closely followed by several other Rotarians all within one or two points of his 26 winning score Friday lunch was a little special in that Past President Barry Wood was able to present East Kilbride's own 27 year old Pharmacist Fiona Marra of "Let us Shine" charity with a cheque for £1400 which is an interim payment of monies being raised by Barry, who has vowed not to have his haircut for 12 months!!! This additional money has come along at a time when the charity are contemplating erecting another classroom in preparation for an new intake of primary pupils. Fiona has done exceptionally well with this charity and she works extremely hard to make it a success.

Fiona was more than delighted after her talk to receive this cheque. Her talk highlighted how through the East Kilbride Rotary Club she has managed to build her first class room and place in position a plaque commemorating the Clubs contribution Along side the plaque is mounted the Scottish Saltire. In addition to this she expressed the wonderful gift given by Blacklaw Primary school who have helped to build her library at the Kpandai, Northern Ghana.

The school, is nearly at this stage self sufficient in that 53 of the 62 pupils (all Girls) have been sponsored. Sponsorship of a child is an integral part of the success and anyone who has an interest in her work and would like to sponsor a child please contact her at the their Charity web site based in Glasgow which is www.let us shine.com

Press Release 4/8/08

East Kilbride Rotarians and Cancer Research(UK) say Thank You

The participating Relay for Life relay teams frog marched their way to the East Kilbride Sports Club last Friday for an after event team get together and to receive a big thank you from Cancer Research and East Kilbride Rotary Club for their efforts and support for the EK Relay for Life held on 13th / 14th June this year. Many of the teams, Rotarians and friends came along for a night of fun and karaoke.

Past President John Cardno welcomed the guests and handed over to Rowan Main the Cancer Research UK organizer for an update report.

Rowan thanked the teams for their extraordinary effort and support this year with raising at this stage in excess of £60,000 for this year's relay with more to come, a substantial increase on last year's amount of £40,000. She also went on to thank the Rotary Club for organizing the event and that Nationally the East Kilbride event was held up by everyone as "The Event in the UK" to follow and was now being used as a model for all their training schedules as to how the event should be run.

There was plenty of entries for the frog race organized on the night by East Kilbride Rugby Club. Most of the entries had never heard of a frog race but were very enthusiastic and soon learned the techniques. After the 4th race there was a much needed break for a superb buffet prepared by one of the Relay teams, "The Barmy Army".

After the buffet the frog race continued with a final race where there was an auction for owners and much shouting and encouragement for jockeys as they tugged and pulled at the frogs.

The night ended with "Song Star" a competitive Karaoke duet with each singer trying to outpoint their opponent.

It was then carriages and thoughts on the way home for next year's relay on 12Th / 13th June 2009

Press release 28/7/08

lEast Kilbride Rotary Club members were delighted to see their Honorary Member Lord Bonomy QC at their Friday Lunch where it was a club day without a speaker so the time was well utilized between a report given by Past President Barclay Wales on a visitation to Barrhead Rotary Club that had taken place earlier in the week, where we were able to highlight the progress that Fiona Marra has been making in Ghana. So Much so that that Barrhead were interested in doing some sponsorship with Fiona 's Charity "Let It Shine" that is registered out of Glasgow.

Press Release 13/7/08

Fairy Nuff waves her magic wand for the young East Kilbride dancers from Calderwood to assist their Musical Theatre Group with their expenses in participating in the UK Finals of the Festival for Stars in Scarborough in September, after having won their West of Scotland heat in last February.

Pictured L-R: Kate Doherty (Principal), Sophie Doherty (6), Shannon Menzies (10) and President Frank McLuskey

Friday seen a very interesting speaker at the Rotary Lunch by the name of Sven Rasmussen who was speaking on the Cathkin Marsh Wild life Reserve project something that is on our own backyard and easily visited by everyone of us. The information that was forthcoming from Sven Rasmussen certainly held the Rotarians attention when he mentioned the work that has been going on to develop the site. Rotarian and Past President Tom Wilson gave the Vote of thanks on behalf of his fellow Rotarians.

Picture shows President Frank McLuskey And Sven Rasmussen

Press release3/7/08

Just over one year ago permission was given to the Rotary Club that they could construct a wishing well at the James Hamilton Heritage Park. With much haste the Rotarians set about the task, with help coming from firstly "Fairy Nuff" who was looking for a home and place to work from, plus various business sources within the town, with much of their contribution free of charge when local businesses found for what purpose Rotary were hoping to use the proceeds of the well for. (I really think "Fairy Nuff" influenced them)

During the past year the support given by those using the Hamilton Heritage Park has been excellent. So much so, that "Fairy Nuff" the resident fairy would like to say a Big Thank You to each and everyone who contributed over the past year and she hopes that their wish has come true after leaving their pennies, as she did try to grant all their requests!!

A wide range of groups within our town have benefited from the kindness of the passerby and to that end via the media, Rotarians of East Kilbride Rotary Club join "Fairy Nuff" in saying thank you.

Monies gathered have to be counted; this is the responsibility of the Rotarians who in the past year have collected and hand counted - 26,878 coins plus of course buttons and foreign coins. The buttons are kept by "Fairy Nuff" and the foreign coins converted where possible and put into the Wishing Well fund.

Of the Coins counted 40% were 1p, 26% were 2p, 14% were 5p, 11% were 10p, 7% were 20p, 1% were 50p and 1% were £1. A lot of counting and bagging to get the money to the bank, but it all has been worth while exercise in that the following groups within the town have benefited from the £1517.78 collected.

Sea Cadet Corps - EK Ice Figure Ice Skating Club, Women's Aid, Dementia Carers, 5th Boys Brigade (West Parish) and East Kilbride Pipe Band

There has over the period of the year been petty vandalism but this was quickly dealt with and it is hoped that rather than vandalism occurring pennies will be donated to enable more groups within the town to benefit over the next year from the generosity of our passing public.

Picture shows President Frank McLuskey handing over a cheque to Lieutenant Ken Taggart of the 5th Boys Brigade

Below is Fairy Nuff could you put her on top of the wishing well picture if you use the article

Doc 2 on the attachment is my attempt to get "Fairy Nuff" into the picture

Press Release 30/6/08

Another Rotary year has come to an end when on Friday night Rotarians from the East Kilbride Club and their guests attended the Presidential change over.Outgoing President John Cardno firstly welcomed the new President from Strathaven Maher Hadidi and his wife Dorothy who were accompanied by their Clubs International Convener, Paula Welch. Representatives from East Kilbride Kittoch Rotary Club were also present, accompanying their President Raymond Lyon and his wife Sandra at the gathering held in the Bruce Hotel. Special guest Russell Smith from Phoenix Honda had a special mission at the Presidential changeover when he presented President John Cardno with a cheque for £2000 to be used to boost the clubs Relay for Life campaign which at this point looks like hitting the £75,000 mark. Final figures will be released within the next few weeks.

President John, prior to handing the chain of office over to the new President of the Club had the pleasant duty of installing the Rt. Hon. Adam Ingram MP as a new honorary member of the Club. This was gracefully received by our local MP after Past President Iain Macpherson highlighted Adams Ingram's career to those attending the dinner.

Incoming President Frank McLuskey, having received the Chain of Office from outgoing President John, reciprocated by presenting, now Immediate Past President John Cardno with his Past Presidents Badge, plus he had the pleasure of presenting a bouquet of flowers to John's wife Susan for giving support to John during his year in office.

Rotary Club Board Members for the Rotary Year 2008-09

President Frank McLuskey

Senior V.P. Ray Porrelli

Junior V.P. Roddy Shanks

Honorary Secretary George McGraw

Honorary Treasurer Leslie Irvine

IPP John Cardno

John Murphy, Roddy Shanks, Jack Blackwood, Brian Wood, Andrew Ferguson

Publicity Officer Edwin Robertson

Sports Officer Jim Anderson

Speaker Secretary John Murphy

Rotary Foundation Andrew Ferguson

Attendance Officer Brian Wood

Protection Officers Archie King and John McCafferty

Club Historian Edwin Robertson

Health & Safety Roddy Shanks

Youth Exchange Archie King

Service Projects Committee

John Cardno (Convener), Roddy Shanks( Co-Convenor), Jack Blackwood, Henry Doig, Bob Duncan

George Ferguson, George Gunn, David Taylor, Tom Wilson, Barclay Wales, Jim Moretti, Alan Rae,

Ben Miloudi, Archie King, John Murphy, Douglas McArthur

Publicity & Marketing

Edwin Robertson (Convener) Willie Mack

Rotary Foundation Group

Andrew Ferguson (Rotary Foundation Officer)David Brown, Brian Wood, Edwin Robertson

Membership Committee

Barry Wood (Convener), Ian Craig, Liam Donnelly, Douglas Kilpatrick, Ian Macpherson, Ian Wiseman

Auditors

Alan Jenkinson A.N. Other

Saturday and Sunday, seen 16 East Kilbride Rotarians doing 2 hour shifts at B&Q Superstore; East Kilbride, where they started their collection for Cancer Research (UK) Scotland in their New Rotary Year.

Weather conditions were not as kind as a very the very generous public going in and out of the B&Q Superstore enabling the Rotarians to gather the sum of £1233.56,over the period they were at the store. East Kilbride Rotarians are deeply appreciative of the support given by shoppers at the store and wish to thank them via the East Kilbride Mail for their support to Cancer research