Index

Press release 24/06/17

Year on year East Kilbride Group Training Association (EKGTA) produce highly qualified apprentices with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in engineering. The winning apprentice of the year, Edward Massey, gave an extremely interesting talk on his decisions, the outcomes and his plans for the future to the members of East Kilbride Rotary Club. As a young boy he was always interested in DIY who continued during his secondary school education. He gained the necessary qualifications for acceptance to Strathclyde University however when he heard of the EKGTA Apprentice Scheme Eddie did some research, approached EKGTA and with their assistance was interviewed by Terex for the position of apprentice tool maker, successful with the interview but having no idea what are the duties of a toolmaker. This was the start of his 4 years apprenticeship engineer training at EKGTA. One of the interesting projects while at EKGTA was the renovation of a 40 year old dump truck. Meanwhile he also achieved an HNC in mechanical engineering at Langside College. His work ethic came from one of his tutors citing a very old quotation, "there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path". He believes hard work is one of the tenets of success. Eddie is now plans to continue his education at Glasgow Caledonian University. General Manager of EKGTA, Tom McBrearty, gave a brief overview on the current situation of apprentices. President Bruce Gunn presented Eddie with a cheque for £100 in recognition of his achievements

Press release17/06/17

Recently EK Hangout was presented with a cheque for £1000, the monies raised at the joint annual dance organised by East Kilbride Rotary Club and their daughter club, East Kilbride Kittoch.

Two of Maws Mafia, as the committee members of EK Hangout are affectionately known, visited the Rotary Club last at Friday's lunch. EK Hangout was opened 4 years ago by some of the committee parents who recognised there was a necessity for a club for young adults aged 18 to 30 with disabilities. This club replaced the lack of any social life for these young adults with a Monday night club at Calderglen High school, full of fun, activities, new friends, building self-esteem and confidence while improving their social skills. Elma Ross, Chairperson, Lynn Morrison, Secretary and Alan Ross expanded on the work done by the club from organising fish supper's nights, horse riding, go karting and day trips all of which are only a trickle of the events. The club has 40 young disabled adults supported by volunteers, young and old, who are always available not forgetting the raising of much needed funds as the club is self-funding. Alan had a powerful PowerPoint presentation of many of the events full of happy adults enjoying many of the activities.

The EK Hangout club are very proud at winning the Award for Real Heroes in 2014. This the only club of its kind in East Kilbride however they would like to see similar clubs started in other communities.

It was not a surprise to learn of the clubs success as the enthusiasm and devotion to the club of all 3 speakers was infectious. In the vote of thanks club President Bruce Gunn admitted he had only recently learned of the clubs existence and having visited them to watch the work done by the volunteers he was now a committed supporter.

Press release 20/05/17

East Kilbride Rotary Club was under "Starting Orders" when they held their charity race night. Members, family and friends came along to the Bruce Hotel on Friday 19th May to raise funds for Rotary International Charity, Foundation. Throughout the evening they watched eight horse race videos, all races sponsored by members and all the horses bought and named. Not surprising there were some unusual names selected and not likely to appear on your screens if watching Ascot! "Delboy" " Laragh Pie" "Do I Have To Work" to name but a few. The betting however was fast and furious followed by noisy support when the race took place. The final race was an Auction Race with all the runners auctioned with the lucky winner owner receiving half of the auction pot raised. The club would like to thank Sporty Race Nights for being involved and particularly Jim, compere for the evening. He kept the night going smoothly and ensured that everyone enjoyed the evening. The amount raised has not been finalised but it is anticipated it should exceed £1000.

Press release 22/04/17

The emotions of East Kilbride Rotary Club members were moved as they listened to Jacqui Nelson and Angela Quinn describe their pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. Both are teachers at St Andrew's and St Brides and have visited Lourdes on many occasions. Groups from all around the world organise a pilgrimage holiday to Lourdes for disadvantaged and disabled children and adults. Jacqui and Angela determined their visit this year would include taking 8 disadvantaged children from East Kilbride and surrounding area. An ambitious undertaking as they had to select 8 disadvantaged children from all faiths and none, raise £10,000 and find volunteer helpers to make the journey to Lourdes. Undaunted the two dedicated teachers raised the funds, selected the children and secured volunteer helpers which included 3 of the schools 6th year pupils. All helpers paid all of their own costs. Jacqui became quite emotional as she recounted her experience while selecting the disadvantaged children. Local children whose homes are disjointed, some with no mothers, a father out of work no furniture in the house, alcohol issues, scarcely any clothing or shoes and never sure of when they get their next meal and despite all this they are happy children. They organised the trip through Hosanna House & Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT), founded in 1956 by Dr Michael Strode. The 8 children and helpers set out during April for Lourdes where they visited Gavarnie in the mountains, took part in torchlight processions and mingled with children from other parts of the world for fun and games. The Lourdes holiday is somewhere the children are not judged on disabilities or material possessions, where everyone is equal. Closing their talk Jacqui and Angela said they were preparing for next year's pilgrimage holiday, with the target of raising more than £10,000 and increasing the number of children in the group. Rotarian David Taylor gave the vote of thanks commenting he himself had been involved in similar missions as a minister thanking the ladies for an excellent talk and the work they were doing in the community.

Press release 22/04/17

Having Jenny Cook back to update the members of East Kilbride Rotary Club on her fund raising journey was one of the highlights of the speaker's calendar. Jenny, a winner of Young Scot of the Year 2016, had spoken at a club lunch in February 2016 and members were eager to learn about her progress with her fund raising and how she coped with fund raising, schooling and her own health issues, all this being planned and organised from a purpose built office in her back garden. We were not disappointed as Jenny launched confidently into her talk opening with the fact the fund for the Glasgow Children's Hospital had reached a breath-taking level of £288,000. With her infectious charm she went on to list the events she was organising, ladies tea parties, lighting up the Kelpes purple for one day, some of the many events being planned. Always at her side with unstinting support for Jenny is her mother Kirsten, and she has been volunteered for Jenny's next fund raising escapade, climbing the 3 highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales - all within 24 hours. This gives a new interpretation to "getting on your bike". The club had put Jenny forward as their representative for Rotary Young Citizen Award. The Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (Rotary) Young Citizen Awards (YCA) were created to celebrate the achievements and commitment of inspiring young people across Great Britain and Ireland which epitomises Jenny however she was not successful on this occasion. Giving the vote of thanks George McGraw commented on the dedication, enthusiasm and confidence of Jenny in coping with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), still bubbly and effervescent and determined to continue on her fund raising mission.

President Bruce Gunn had the pleasure of presenting honorary membership to Eddie Robertson. Eddie became a member of the club in October 1980 and it was with a heavy heart he resigned early this year. He maintains the club history site and has records going back 51 years, plenty of nostalgia for some of the members. This will allow Eddie to retain his link with the club and in contact will the many friends he has developed over the years.

Press release 31/03/17

Lesley Ingram, Chairperson of Ashcraig Former Pupils Club, shared her journey of 7 years with the members of East Kilbride Rotary Club recounting how they created the club and the many hurdles they had to overcome. The Former Pupils Club provides an environment for young adults with physical and or visual disabilities. They provide an avenue for the members to socialise, take part in games and learn new skills which also give respite for a number of hours to the parents and carers. Following the withdrawal of funds by the Education Department a committee made up of parents and club members formed with a view to regenerating the club, raising funds and broadening the range of experiences on offer to the young adults. For several years they were based in the former Ashcraig School. A weekly partnership with Urban Fox was established to deliver a sports programme for members while others took part in Quizzes, bingo, baking or playing snooker. With the new format in place the committee sought other ways of developing as a club. Young inspirational speakers were asked along to the club such as Shona who had volunteered in Africa despite being wheel chair bound. These success stories of the achievements of other young disabled encouraged the members to believe anything is possible. Fostering relationships with Glasgow Disability Alliance who organised First Aid courses, Alcohol Awareness and chair and Massage therapy, Creative Electric for drama sessions and Project Ability delivering art-based projects expanded the member's experiences. The latest project is the very successful summer camps initially ran for 6 days and now extended to 2 weeks. Lesley finished saying that the hard work by the committee, staff and members over the last 7 years has enriched the lives of the young disabled adults. Her colleague Ian Johnstone detailed the financial difficulties with running the club, how they have to raise £50,000 each year to keep the club running with transport being the most significant cost. Rotarian Ian Craig gave a sincere vote of thanks.

Press release 23/03/17

Kittoch Rotary Club member, Ron James spoke on the 17th of March 2017 about the "The Northern Lights and the Arctic Circle" at the East Kilbride Rotary Club lunch last Friday. Ron took a flight in 2009 over the Orkney Isles to view the Northern Lights. A chance remark that he might like to see the lights from the ground saw the seed sown and he set about arranging a trip to see the Aurora blazing across the Arctic. The journey started from Heathrow flying to Tromso in Northern Norway and then on to Karesuando in Northern Sweden. The temperature was -22°C so wrapping up in warm clothing was paramount. It took Ron 20 minutes to put on 3 pairs of socks, 4 layers of clothing, 2 pairs of gloves with mitts on top and finally an outer suit followed with a mask and goggles. The most important task was to remember a toilet break before donning all the clothes! Ron's expedition included cross country skiing, trips on snowmobiles and travelling on dog sleighs. While there he visited the indigenous people known as Sami, they don't like to be called Laplanders. They live in tepees and herd reindeer selling the meat to the Russians. Also in the itinerary was a visit to an ice hotel. All this took place in January when there was only 4 hours of daylight each day. Concluding his talk Ron admitted that after all his planning, organising and trudging through snow in freezing temperatures he never got to see the Northern Lights.

Press release 25/02/17

It was big welcome back to Donny Graham as he returned to the East Kilbride Rotary Club last Friday to regale the members with his poetry in the auld Scots tongue. Donny, from Milngavie and a member of the Glasgow Haggis Club, sets many of his poems on the local inns and particularly about the resident bar maids. However his first ditty was about the Carbeth Inn, recently closed and immortalised in Sir Walter Scott's novel Rob Roy. Many of his poems are on his poetic Milngavie pub crawl starting at the Cross keys, on to the Black Bull Hotel, then the Talbot Arms and finishing back at the Cross Keys. Almost all the poems include the bar maids, Rashnin at the Cross Keys and Nadia in the Talbot Arms. It was a wonderful 15 minutes of colourful and humorous entertainment, mentioned in the vote of thanks by member Ian Macpherson, who went to thank Donny commenting that as long as Donny was penning his poems Burns memory would live on.

Press release 25/02/17

I lost physical movement and speech, my memory and personality were affected, lost my job and my partner, friends deserted me. What had life to offer me asked were Maryjane Khalid's opening words in her talk to East Kilbride Rotarians at last Friday's lunch. A number of years ago Maryjane suffered an aneurysm followed a few days later with a stroke.

After leaving hospital she felt isolated, severely depressed and confused. Someone suggested Headway Glasgow, one of a number of Headway charities throughout the UK. Headway offers long term peer support, activities such as writing, art, walking groups and the opportunity to meet and mix with other people. The effect of some brain injuries are not apparent and are considered hidden disabilities. It is now 3 years since her stroke and she still has not fully recovered, suffering with occasional memory loss. Maryjane is a very determined and courageous lady having learned how to walk and how to talk and is now chairs the Board who have overall responsibility for Headway Glasgow. Headway has recently started a young group for 18 to 30 year olds with brain injuries. One of Maryjane's objectives is to increase the profile of Headway Glasgow, a self-funding organisation who meet in The Renfield Centre in Bath Street, contact number 0141 332 8878. The vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Kath Shanks

Primary Schools Burns Competition, 20th February 2017

Now's the day and now's the hour. That was last Friday for the East Kilbride primary school pupils taking part in the annual Rotary club Robert Burns's competition. Rotarian Archie King took charge of organising one of the clubs favourite events, now in its 25th year. Mums, Dads, Grans, Grandads and friends listened and applauded the wonderful renditions of songs and poems and instrument recitals by P4/P5 AND P6/P7 pupils. The evening was chaired by Past President of the Bridgeton Burns Club and Past President of East Kilbride Rotary Club Ian Macpherson calling each competitor onto stage, relating the odd story about the bard and trying to settle the pupil's nerves. Harry Wallace from Auldhouse Primary was first up with Auld Lang Syne and set the standard for the rest of the competitors. The event finished with "Now nature hangs her mantle Green" sung by Heathery Knowe pupil, Charlotte McDougall. The audience sat in awe and admiration enjoying Extracts from Tam O'Shanter, Charlie is my Darling, Address to a Toothache, To a Louse, not forgetting the two excellent cello instrumentals. Adjudicating were Audrey McKirdy for song and instrumentals and the recitation by Peter Hughes. Another of the bards quotations "Critics!Those cut-throat bandits in the path of fame" was far from the truth for the two adjudicators. Audrey gave an over view commenting on the high standard in all of the disciplines, the enjoyment in listening to all the contestants and finished with a big thank you to the teachers. The winners in P4/P5 were recitation 1st Darcy Russell, 2nd Tanith Bavaird. Singing: 1st Lucy Green, 2nd Lily-Mae Kelly. Winners for P6/P7 were recitation 1St Matilda Frew, 2nd Jemma McMillan. Singing 1st Charlotte McDougall, 2nd Millie Foster. Instrumental 1st Ryan Dornan, 2nd Aaron Hodge.

All contestants were presented with certificates and the 1st and 2nd places now go forward to compete in the

prestigious final of the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs competition.

Press release 18/02/17

In a joint venture East Kilbride Rotary Club and her daughter Club Kittoch Rotary held their annual dance at the Crutherland Hotel last Friday where 94 Rotarians and guests gathered for a fun evening. There is a lot graft and hard work with organising the dance but undaunted President Elect of East Kilbride Rotary Club Leslie Irvine began with arrangements in the latter part of 2016, booking the hotel, visiting local Rotary Clubs to drum up numbers and forward planning for an enjoyable night. After piping in the top table East Kilbride President Bruce Gunn welcomed the guests with Kittoch President Ray Lyon saying grace. Strathaven Rotary Club was represented by their President, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Margaret Morton. Following a delicious meal the talented Duncanrig High School Pupils ceilidh band provided superb entertainment with a number of foot tapping reels encouraging guests onto the floor for a bit of jigging. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow to East Kilbride Rotarian Tom Wilson for his services to Rotary. The DJ kept the music going for the remainder of the evening with guests taking to the floor until it was time for the carriages bringing a wonderful evening to a close. The £785.00 raised from the table raffle will be donated to EK Hangout, a local club for young adults aged 18 to 25 with disabilities.

Press release 30/01/17

It was a very smooth move to the new venue in the Bruce Hotel for East Kilbride Rotary Club. A good attendance, guests, enjoyable food and pleasant company was the ideal setting for our Friday Burns Lunch. Rotarian Roddy Shanks piped in the haggis carried on a silver salver by the chef. The Rotarians are fortunate to have Burns aficionado Ian Macpherson as a member of their club to perform the Address to the Haggis. As soon as Ian utters the words "Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face" the members know they are spectators to a superb delivery of the Address to the Haggis, full of theatrics, licking his fingers with the dews of the haggis and hacking it open with a ceremonial knife while the chef dodges Ian's flourishes of the knife. After a tasty feed of Cock-a-leekie Soup followed with haggis neeps and tatties we settled down to a memorable recital of Tam o'Shanter. Donning his Tam-O-Shanter hat Ian launched into this extremely long Robert Burns epic poem of bousin at the nappy, swapping tales with his friend Souter Johnnie and culminating with Tam and his horse being chased by witches. This was brought to life with slides of wonderful caricatures of Tam, his friends, Maggie the mare and his sulky, sullen wife Kate. A very successful start to future lunches at our new venue.

Press release 23/01/17

It was a lunch meeting with mixed feelings in the Stewartfield Farm last Friday. Sadness due to the end of 8 happy years of lunch meetings at the Farm where during that time we went from customers to friends of landlord Stephen Marmion, his wife Mhairi and all the staff. Many of our past Rotarian members, East Kilbride Speakers Club members and friends came along to this last lunch meeting. Invited to the lunch meeting were the two winning high school teams from our recent local Rotary youth speaks competition. All three high schools took part in the local intermediate and senior events both being won by St Andrew's and St Bride's. The intermediate team of Katie Hunter, Erin Seils and Sandra Santosh talked about their addiction to electronic devices, apps, Instagram etc. and Granny Annie's advice that these thinks would fry your brains with the senior team's topic of Kids should Rule the World delivered by Emma Graham, Issabella Drennan and Cara McManus, leaving no doubt they could rule the world concluding with the remark Nicola and Donald beware and the world should stop bombing bridges and start building bridges. The intermediate team have won through from Rotary District to the Regional Finals but the seniors will not know their outcome until the District Senior competition in February. Both teams were coached and prepared by teachers Jackie Nelson, Michael Wilkie and Louise Dickson. Before closing our last meeting at the Stewartfield Farm Rotarian Liam Donnelly presented Stephen with an engraved glass plaque, thanking him and his staff for being superb hosts during the last 8 years, looking after the members and their guests and taking part in many of the fund raising events organised by the Rotarians ending by giving Stephen and the staff the clubs best wishes for the future. So all in all it was a sad day to leave the Stewartfield Farm but enjoyable to meet old friends and welcome the school to our club. From next Friday onwards the Rotary club will hold their Friday lunches at the Bruce Hotel, 12.30 for 12.45pm.

Press release 14/01/17

Rebuilding Hospice Care or more precisely the refurbishment of St Andrew's Hospice was the topic of Karen McFadyen's talk to the members East Kilbride Rotary Club last Friday. Karen, who is the Capital Appeals Director for the hospice, has a mammoth task of raising £9million for a substantial upgrade to the 30 year old building which is addition to the £4.6million required annually for the running of the hospice. The hospice was opened 30 years ago in Airdrie and is celebrating its pearl anniversary. It currently has a 30 bed inpatient unit with the dream home having 21 single rooms with en-suite bathrooms, 3 bedded rooms for those who prefer a communal room all with patio doors and access to the gardens and larger windows increasing the amount light. A great amount of time, effort and ingenuity is spent raising funds through finding patrons and sponsors, running events, auctions, raffles and the 17 shops in Lanarkshire. They provide specialist palliative care, psychological, social and spiritual support to patients, their families and carers. This support is also provided via the hospice Outpatient Services across Lanarkshire. In his vote of thanks Rotarian Barry Wood commented on the huge task the hospice has in raising the £9million and the care they give to patients with this life limiting disease. If you want to know more or help with fund raising you contact the hospice on 01236766951 or visit their web site www.st-andrews-hospice.scot.com

Press release 09/12/16

East Kilbride Rotarians curiosity was satisfied when speaker Dr Barry Adams-Strump, a member of MPTS medical practitioner's tribunal service, opened his talk on Medical Murders stating Britain has the highest number of murders committed by medical doctors. Doctors were able to successfully avoid being charged with murder on the basis they can attend family and furnish a death certificate. All that was required was an ingratiating manner and a bag full of poisons. Dr Robert Clements was thought to have murdered his 4 wives and signed the death certificates. A botched post-mortem was carried out by Clements and a Dr James Houston diagnosing myeloid leukaemia. A second post-mortem was carried out on his 4th wife where it was discovered she had died of morphine poisoning. When police came to arrest Clements they found he had committed suicide and later Dr Houston also committed suicide when he found he had missed the presence of morphine.

Barry continued with descriptions on further murders carried out by Doctors Thomas Neill Cream, William Pritchard, Pierre Bougrat, Harvey Crippin and John Bodkin Adams and he could have kept going but time had run out. Rotarian Jack Blackwood thanked Barry for an extremely interesting talk and he would have liked to hear more had the time not passed so quickly.

Press release 26/11/16

It was an afternoon of nostalgia at last Friday's East Kilbride Rotary Club meeting. Alex Rintoul, a member of East Kilbride Speakers Club, could not shake of the speaker's club regime of rules as he delivered a talk on childhood memories without hesitation, no notes, plenty of gestures with humour and all within seconds of the allotted 9 minutes, recalling his young days being raised in Maryhill, being chased by giants who could step over railings, leaping from dyke to dyke, chased in the dunnies and using the "aerial mail" for his piece and jam. Going to the cinema and charging out at the end either fencing or playing cowies and Indians. Many of the members were nodding their heads remembering the phrases Alex used and the high jinks they got up to in their young days. Giving the vote of thanks George McGraw drew a distinction between the youths of those days in the South of the City and North of the city having marginally different vocabulary and one lot having the bomb shelters and concluded thanking Alex for a thoroughly enjoyable talk.

Press release 26/11/16

Robert MacRae, Poppy Appeal Organiser for the West of Scotland, was warmly welcomed the East Kilbride Rotary Club members last Friday. His visit was very relevant as Rotarian Roddy Shank had recently organised an intense two week collection for the Poppy Appeal at local stores Morrison's and Sainsbury. The sea cadets, Rotarians and local residents all helped in filling the collection slots for each day of the two weeks. Robert set out the history of the charity from its first appeal in 1921 up until today when there were over 10,000 volunteers helping in Scotland. The Lady Haig factory in Edinburgh was started in 1926 and to this day is staffed by ex-service personnel who make all the poppies , wreaths and other items either sold in the shop or by volunteers leading up to Poppy day. In the last year the organisation has awarded 1,429 grants to charities in Scotland. They also work alongside Citizens Advice Bureau to support individuals and families of service personnel and last year who assisted over 2,500 people. Special guests at the lunch meeting were Robert Fraser and Mum Anne. Robert was badly injured while serving in Afghanistan in 2010 and has a long and challenging recovery after being blown up by a roadside bomb. Poppy Scotland is one of the charities that were able to help Robert with funding towards specialist equipment to aid his recovery.

Press release 18/11/16

Last Tuesday was a night when nothing was sacred and every one was fair game when 9 teams from our local high schools competed in the East Kilbride Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition. The fearless 13 year old pupils, coached and drilled by their teachers, chose topics ranging from "Immigration - why should we care", Bah Humbug, "Odd Socks" to "Over protective pushy parents. Confidence was abundant as each team of three pupils took to the stage to speak about their topic with very little use of notes, ignoring the lectern and taking centre stage. It was not possible to anticipate what the content of the topic as they had very interesting slants on different subjects. The team of three consisted of a chair, speaker and vote of thanks. The chairperson and proposer of vote of thanks were allowed 2 minutes each and 6 minutes for the speaker. Following their talk each speaker was asked a question by one of the Rotarians which they answered with assurance and composure. East Kilbride Speaker Club members Paul Munday, Isobel Dunlop and Peter Kerr came along to adjudicate with Ken Murray as timekeeper. Two teams from Calderglen High, three from Duncanrig Secondary and four from St Andrews and St Brides contested for the Intermediate Youth Speaks Trophy. Rotarian Charlie Devennie compered the event keeping a tight rein on the proceedings. In his summation Paul Munday gave a general evaluation with some hints and tips, commenting on the high standard and excellence of all the teams before announcing the winners, St Andrews and St Brides Intermediate Team Three consisting of Emma Graham, Issabella Drennan and Cara McManus. The topic of "Kids should Rule the World" was delivered statesmanlike exhibiting the wisdom and the ability that kids could rule the world. The trophy and certificate was presented by Lord Ian Bonomy who said he had great admiration of the skilful speaking of all the teams. Closing the competition Charlie Devennie thanked East Kilbride Group Training Association for their support and use of their premises, the East Kilbride Speakers Club, the teachers for spending endless hours coaching and the pupils themselves for a superb accomplishment. St Andrews and St Brides now go forward to represent East Kilbride in the Rotary District Youth Speaks Intermediate competition in February 2017, joining their fellow pupils who won the Senior event two weeks ago.

Press release 30/10/16

Five Secondary school teams eagerly arrived at the East Kilbride Group Training Association in Nerston last Thursday to compete in the East Kilbride Rotary Club annual Senior Youth Speaks competition. Teachers, parents, friends and Rotarians were treated to an evening of high quality public speaking. Two teams from Duncanrig Secondary, two from Calderglen High and one from St Andrews & St Brides vied with each other to represent East Kilbride in the District final being held on 26th January 2017 in Pollokshaws Burgh Hall. The bar was set high with last year's senior and intermediate teams reaching the UK national finals. Our local East Kilbride Speakers Club have supported this event for many years and sent along chief adjudicator Paul Munday assisted by Isobel Dunlop and Peter Kerr who had the task of marking and selecting the winning team. The competition is run under strict public speaking rules with the chair person and vote of thanks allocated 2 minutes and 6 minutes for the speaker and time penalties applied. Ken Murray operated the timing lights and monitored actual time taken. Team topics were Starry Starry Night, Culling Creativity, hastag addicted, Freedom of Expression and When in Rome. Rotarian Liam Donnelly stood in at the last minute as compere as the organiser Leslie Irvine could not manage due to illness. There were no sign of nerves as each team stepped onto the stage for their 11 minutes on their chosen topic with the speaker from each team giving excellent answers to question from one of the audience. In his summation, Paul Munday gave constructive advice to the teams before announcing the winning team, St Andrews and St Brides commenting on the small difference in points between them and team Duncanrig Senior 1 whose topic was Starry Starry Night, a talk where speaker Sian Oo opened with mention of van Gogh's painting The Starry Night and where is our place in the world. St Andrews & St Brides speaker Erin Seils launched her talk with a confession; she is addicted to electronic devices, apps, Instagram and so on but somehow managed bringing her Granny Annie into the topic. MSP Graham Simpson presented St Andrews and St Brides with the winner certificate and trophy commenting on the work done by the teachers, the high standard and a wish that the Scottish Parliament apply time penalties to their MSP's. Winding up Liam Donnelly thanked Tom Mc Brearty, general manager of EKGTA and his assistant Lesley Keenan for the use of the venue, setting out the room and for their continued support of the even. The right to represent East Kilbride in the intermediate finals will be contested by 10 intermediate teams at the EKGTA on 15th November.

Press release 08/10/16

It was pencils sharpened and thinking caps on for the annual East Kilbride Rotary Club quiz to raise money for Kids

Christmas Toys. Last Friday in the East Kilbride Golf Club 18 teams were vying for the title of Eggheads of East Kilbride! Quiz master Ali Jones presided over a very lively and enjoyable night opening the quiz with the picture round. This generated much head scratching which continued throughout the next 8 rounds with a combination of difficult and not so difficult questions. The aroma of delicious pakoras, arranged by Stevie Sherriff, eddied around the room as a welcome break approached. It was a very closely contested competition and as the last round loomed team William Shatner Face comprising Tom Leith, Stevie Morrison, Alec Henderson and Al Renny edged in front to claim the Egghead title. After the raffle Rotarian Archie King closed the evening thanking Ali Jones for compiling and hosting the quiz in such an entertaining way, his wife Audrey and friend Graham Scott for marking the answers and to all who donated prizes for the raffle. Laura Carruth and her bar staff not only tended the bar and food but also entered into the spirit of the night by joining in with the quiz. The £300 raised will go towards the Toys for Kids at Christmas fund. Roddy Shanks raised £60 on the night for Rotary International End Polio Fund by auctioning a 4 ball golf day at Strathaven Golf Club. EK Rotary President Bruce Gunn thanked Archie and Enid King for organising a successful quiz night.

Press release24/09/16

It was a nail biting week for David Brown of East Kilbride Rotary Club and his wife Gail as they continually viewed the internet for last Fridays weather. After months of planning the annual East Kilbride golf AMAM would get underway at 10.36 on the Friday morning with the Chippy Chaps team being the first to tee-off. Three of the East Kilbride golf club ladies welcomed each time to the club, signed them in, gave each team member a pack with water and a mars bar and then charmed them into buying raffle tickets. The weather was dry and pleasant for the golfers although the wind did pick up in the afternoon. Each of the twenty teams entered for the AMAM had their group photograph taken at the first tee by our official voluntary snapper Brian Doig. Brian is co-ordinator for East Kilbride & District Dementia Carers Group who is one of two charities benefitting from the monies raised at the AMAM the other recipient being Toys for Kids at Christmas. All the teams had a welcome short break at the 8th hole for a feast of hamburger with onions served with light refreshment. Chefs in the morning were Kath and Rod Shanks and Archie King with Rod and Kath being relieved later on in the day by Jim Moretti. The entry fee included a delicious 2 course meal for the weary golfers served in the clubhouse restaurant courtesy of their chef Brian Graham. Many of the teams stayed on after the meal for the prize giving, raffle and auction and over a beer recounting the shots missed with a litany of excuses. Gail Brown announced took charge of announcing the prize winners staring with nearest the pin won by Glenda Dewar, longest drive at the 14th was Gwen Robsen and nearest the pin at the 17th was again Gwen Robson. Longest drive at the 9th hole was won by John Anderson. The winning team with 87 points was Dunskey Delights comprising Marianne Hall, Glenda Dewar, Gwen Robsen and Anne Wilson. Runner up was Sercon Ltd with 86 points and hard on their heels in third place was Diversey with 85 points. One of regular sponsors The Phoenix Car Company donated a special raffle prize of an MG GS for a weekend with an overnight stay in the Cardona Hotel in Peebles won by Rotarian Frank McLuskey. Rotarian David Brown rounded of the fund raising by auctioning a number of golf outings, some with overnight accommodation. The event was brought to a close with East Kilbride Golf Club captain Ross Yuill and East Kilbride Rotary Club President Bruce Gunn thanking the teams, all the helpers, golf club staff and in particular Gail and David Brown for organising the event and raising a superb £5800. This year a new sponsor Santander supported the event with not only a donation of £1400 but sent along two of their managers David Ferguson and Gavin Dobson to help on the day. East Kilbride & District Dementia Carers Group and the Christmas Toys for Kids will share in the £5800 raised by the AMAM. East Kilbride Rotary Club in partnership with Chesapeake East Kilbride purchase toys each year for those children who due to whatever circumstances will not receive a gift at Christmas and the toys being distributed by the local social services.

Press release17 /09/16

Last Saturday 34 pupils Calderglen High School 1st and 2nd year pupils with two of the School Captains , Scott Magee and Katrina Livingston spent a very active 2 hours collecting refuse from between the path beside the back road to Hamilton and the School and also from the School to Calderglen at Glen Almond. Supervising and assisting with collection were four members of staff, Assistant Head June Watters, Pupil support staff Caroline mason, Colin Stewart and Mhari Healy joined by East Kilbride Club Rotarians Tom Wilson, Lord Iain Bonomy and Archie King with his grandson Kyle from Hunter Primary School. Once again the pupils received a great response from local householders working in their gardens or those who were out and about at the time. At least 60 bags were full with discarded bottles, cans, paper and cartons as well as unusual items such as sheeps boney skull and car tyres. Hopefully there will be not too much litter disposed of in the glen making next year's Spring clean a little easier

Press release12/09/16

It was a busy afternoon at East Kilbride Rotary club lunch last Friday. After being watered and fed the members were treated to two speakers, a challenge to both speakers for brevity as the meeting finishes at 2.00pm prompt.

Alistair Morrison from Alloway Rotary Club came along to remind members of the Rotary District 1230 annual conference being held in the Golden Jubilee Hotel on 1st and 2nd October and encourage early registration. While on his feet Chaplain Alistair decided to present a short "sermon" on his background. In his capacity as a chaplain he had been involved in mental health talking to and caring for people with mental health issues. While causes can be biological, psychological and environmental some of his experience is with the addiction to alcohol and drugs.

Our second speaker was Maryjane Kahlid talking on the effects of brain injury. A number of years ago Maryjane suffered an aneurysm followed a few days later with a stroke. This affected her memory, personality, physical movement and her speech, having to learn how to speak. She went on to describe its effects where this type of injury is not always apparent to other people and is considered as a hidden disability. Maryjane lost friends, her partner, felt isolated and lost her job. Through Headway Glasgow, one of a number of Headway charities throughout the UK, she gradually rehabilitated back into society. Headway offer long term peer support, very importantly the opportunity to meet and mix with other people, Booklets, fact sheets and activities such as art groups, writing groups and self-management. The rotarians were very impressed with the courage of Maryjane to address the members whilst still in the process of recovering from the acquired brain injury which manifest on occasions with memory loss and not able to instantly recognise some words. Such is her determination to get on with her life she is now the Chairs the Board who have overall responsibility Headway Glasgow.

Press release 09/08/16

Steve Bearne, chairman of Glasgow n South Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists, spoke to the members of East Kilbride Rotary Club on the 19th of september 2016 ohow his organisation wants drivers to develop their skills and get more from driving.

Their logo is IAM RoadSmart and to be road smart sign up for an Advanced Driver course, costing £149, for which you will be taken out by a qualified expert who will observe the way you drive. This will be followed by courses over a period of 3 to 6 months before you progress to your test. To pass the test you will need to demonstrate your new skills, ability to deal with unpredictable roads, other road users and a variety of hazards. Some of Steve's statistics were quite alarming and certainly prompted some of the Rotarians to consider registering for the course

Press release 28/08/16

Without the use of any notes or aids Anna Clements presented to the members of East Kilbride Rotary Club at last Friday's lunch a clear, spellbinding and thought provoking talk on the issues encountered by Alzheimer and Dementia sufferers and their carers. Accompanied with her colleague Audrey Bremner, Anna's opening stark comment is the fact there are 90,000 people diagnosed with Dementia in Scotland, approximately 30,000 males and 60,000 females. The number in South Lanarkshire is 6,000 and worryingly these are only the people who have been diagnosed. Anna and Audrey are the South Lanarkshire representatives for Alzheimer Scotland's Dementia Advisors who support people with dementia, their partners, families and carers. Despite working long hours and making themselves available at any time with support, help and advice the advisors still find the time to develop and research for other ways of integrating dementia suffers back into community life. Project Dementia Friends launched recently is where anyone of any age learns about what is like to live with dementia, become a dementia friend and become involved in talking and discussion sessions. There are now over 26,000 dementia friends. Other initiatives are a Dementia Friendly Community piloted in Motherwell in 2012, Football reminiscence groups, Carers reference groups, 6 memory cafes in South Lanarkshire one of which is in the Bruce Hotel. A very interesting observation is the increase in Hotel friends. Some hotels understand the issues and have made significant changes to assist people with dementia such as clearer signs, additional signs , black table cloths as white table cloths with white crockery can confuse someone affected by dementia and if informed will cut their meat in the kitchen prior to serving. Giving the vote of thanks, Rotarian Liam Donnelly remarked on the level, quality and quantity of work the advisors do in making sure nobody faces dementia alone, thanking Anna and Audrey for taking time out of their extremely busy diary to enlighten the members on the invaluable and much needed work being carried out in the community by dementia advisors.

Press release 16/07/16

The Lion and Albert, a poem by Marriott Edgar, gripped the attention of the East Kilbride Rotarians as fellow member Alan Jenkinson started with the opening lines "There's a famous seaside place called Blackpool". Making full use of his broad Yorkshire accent Allan recited the story of Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom and their son called Albert. Mum and Dad had taken Albert to Blackpool and while there decided to visit the zoo. Now Albert being bored decided to poke Wallace the lion in the ear with a stick. Thoroughly irritated Wallace swallows Albert whole. The manager offers Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom compensation but they decide to summon the police. The magistrate decides no one is to blame and hope the Ramsbottom's have another son. Although Alan has recited this poem on many occasions the members always look forward to hearing it once more. Marriott Edgar was born in Kirkcubright and many of his monologues were performed by Stanley Holloway. Strangely although written by a Scotsman "The Lion and Albert" sounds as if it was composed to be recited in the Yorkshire accent.

Press release12/07/16

Ian Wiseman volunteered as speaker at East Kilbride Rotary Club's first Monday evening dinner meeting with the sequel of his talk on his summer in Springburn in 1956 and his progressing from imp and rascal to scallywag and rogue. In the autumn of 1957 his Ma and Da were given keys to a newly built flat at 229 Castlemilk Drive in what was known at the time as the Township of East Kilbride although eventually it was dubbed as Castle Au lait. At the age of ten his first memories were of the new plasterwork and the smell of fresh paint and new pine floor boards. This was total luxury after coming from a wee single end in Springburn this flat with 2 bedrooms, lounge/dining room, pantry, inside toilet with hand basin and bath and a door which led onto a large veranda, known in East Kilbride as a balcony! Iain stayed with his gran in Springburn to complete his 11+ at Hydepark School travelling at the weekend by tram from Springburn Road to Shawlands and then a no 4A corporation bus to Castlemilk. In 1957 Castlemilk was only partly developed and was a veritable playground for Iain and his pals with fields, wooded areas, Cathkin Braes and huge rhododendron bushes to make dens in which you could hide for weeks. On a clear day you could climb to the top of one of the trees and see Greater Glasgow and beyond, from the Kilpatrick hills to the Campsies and a really clear day the Oak Hills behind Stirling. When tramping back from the fields, and if the farmer wasn't about, they would sometimes collect some tumshies, for those who do not know it is a turnip, and give them to his mother who would put them in the soup but his memory is his dad making a Saturday Brunch Turnip cake which was small patties of mashed turnip with bits of bacon, sausage and egg to bind with flower and fried in lard. He still salivates at the memory. In the early days of the scheme there were very few shops, no picture halls, police station, doctors' surgeries or local amenities. However the shops came to them in the form of grocery vans, fish and chip vans, ice cream vans with milk and papers being delivered. Through time, as Castlemilk developed, local shops, community halls and other local amenities sprang up around the scheme but it still remained an alcohol free area. To go out for beer with your friends you would travel to Rutherglen or Battlefield and the dancing at weekends entailed traipsing to Glasgow City Centre and with an almost certainty miss the last bus home. However Iain, now a semi-retired successful business man, still living in luxury in East Kilbride, has extremely fond memories of his youth in Castlemilk where despite the lack of amenities all that was required to have lots of fun was a vivid imagination, a couple of pals and lots of open area to explore.

Press release 03/07/16

It was June of 1985 when Ian Macpherson completed his year as President of East Kilbride Rotary and now 31 years on Ian completes a very successful year as President during the clubs 50th Charter Year. Last Friday Ian handed over the guardianship of the club to incoming President, Bruce Gunn. Opening the meeting Ian welcomed guests Jim Martin from our daughter club Kittoch Rotary and Margaret Morton incoming President of our mother club Strathaven Rotary Club and Depute Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire. It was an extremely busy year for the club trying to fit in 50th year events with the usual packed diary. Of course the highlight was the 50th Charter Dinner held in the Holiday Inn, East Kilbride, when many Rotarians from other clubs, guests, members and their wives gathered to celebrate the occasion. However throughout the year the club kept in mind the objects of Rotary by working tirelessly on international and community projects. The club has always fostered close links with the local schools organising Burns competitions for the primary schools where there has been success with some of the pupils going forward to the Burns World Federation Final, Youth Speaks competition saw two teams, a St Brides and St Andrews intermediate team and a Duncanrig senior team, win District and Regional finals to reach the British National Finals, a Duncanrig pupil winning the District young photographer, all a reflection on the quality, work and dedication of teachers, staff, pupils and parents of East Kilbride. Other school projects included the planting of many hundreds of trees and plants in the school grounds and organising litter picking and clean ups of Calderglen and last but not least our partnership with Kittoch Rotary Club with selecting and sending a 6th year pupil, one of the criteria being proficient in the French language, as our representative to Strasbourg to meet with other international pupils for groups and debate in the Strasbourg Parliament. The club financially support many charities within and out with East Kilbride and each year run an AMAM golf tournament to raise funds for the East Kilbride & District Dementia Carers Group and to buy toys at Christmas for less fortunate children in the area. The club assist EK Newstape with a team of readers who, every 5th week read and record the East Kilbride News which is distributed to the visually impaired.

Ian's last and very pleasant duty was to present Rotarian Liam Donnelly with one of the highest awards in Rotary, the Paul Harris award. Liam has supported the East Kilbride Cancer Research Relay for Life for more than 12 years, erecting and manning a tent in support of survivors, supplying free food and refreshments during the 24 hours of the relay.

Upon finishing his speech on the clubs activities throughout his year, thanking all for their support, and before handing the chain of office to Bruce, Ian proudly brandished high a trophy presented to him at the District handover lunch nominating East Kilbride Rotary Club as Club of the year in recognition of their contribution to the community.

This is the second time the club have received this accolade, the last time during President Frank McCuskey's year 2008-2009.

Incoming President Bruce thanked Ian for successfully steering the club through its 50th year, continuing the meeting with summarising his plans for the coming year by concentrating on projects for the disabled, increasing membership and organising more fun events and as the lunch time meeting closed he commented on looking forward to a very active year with the support of all the members.