THIS WEEK'S MEETING - PRESIDENTIAL HANDOVER

Members of the Loch Ness Rotary Club this week welcomed their new President for the next 12 months who will lead them through the period being referred to as the ‘change year’ for Rotary.

Jim Cockburn (61), a retired water utility director and consultant from Inverness takes over from outgoing President George McRae as the Club’s 18th President since its formation in 1990.

Since retiring, Jim has developed his community involvement including as a Board member of the Cromarty Firth Port Authority, Chairman of an environment-related Scottish Government Advisory Committee, and continues to work as a Community Business member of the Board at Inverness Leisure.

Jim has been involved in Rotary for over 20 years, having previously been a member in Aberdeen prior to moving to the Loch Ness club in the City.

Commenting on taking over at the 61-member strong club, the new President commented, “I am extremely proud to take over the mantle from our immediate Past President George McRae and I would pay tribute on behalf of our members to the work that George has undertaken on our behalf over the last 12 months.

Outlining the wind of change within Rotary throughout the United Kingdom, Jim continued, “I appreciate the foundations laid by George and his committees last year and I will continue to develop our club’s role in this national ‘change agenda’ for Rotary throughout the Country.

“Part of what we are looking to do is make Rotary more streamlined and accessible through enhanced use of the internet which has the additional benefit of fitting well with our Green agenda and to raise awareness among the public of all that Rotary has achieved improving health, hunger, literacy and sanitation throughout the World . We will also continue with our club’s ‘Invite an International Guest’ programme, where members of the community from other countries who have settled in Inverness will be invited to our club to share friendship and develop networking opportunities.

President Jim informed the membership that Rotary’s World President’s vision for the year was developed after he found out that 30,000 children under the age of five die every day from preventable illnesses.

“World President DK Lee from Korea has committed all Rotary Clubs throughout the world this year to take steps to reduce childhood mortality in any way they can. Loch Ness has a good track record of helping to improve the lives of young people at home and abroad and, in the coming year, we aim to continue to play our part in giving less fortunate children and young people better opportunities in life..

In closing the meeting, the new President thanked the club for their support and outlined his own message for the year, “I hope as members of the club that this year, we can enjoy the friendship of Rotary coupled with using our resources to make a positive difference to people’s lives within our local Community and further afield.

“I would thank the members of the club for allowing me the honour to hold this position, and I look forward to working with the various members throughout the year.

Outgoing President George McRae commented, “I have sincerely enjoyed the previous 12 months as President of the Club and I would wish Jim and his wife Avril all the very best for the year ahead of them.”

MEDIA RELEASE - TOP ROTARY AWARD FOR HIGHLAND CROSS FOUNDER

Members of the Loch Ness club were unanimous in their agreement that long-standing member of the Club, Gerry Grant should have his service to the Community formally recognised by awarding him a Paul Harris Fellowship.

The Award presented to Mr Grant is classed as “the highest honour that can be bestowed on a fellow Rotarian” and the guidelines are very clear that it should be used as such. Therefore it was not surprising that Mr Grant was completely taken aback when the surprise presentation of the award was made in front of his rotary peers.

Local man, Gerry Grant (72) has been involved in Rotary since 1990 and was a founder member of the Loch Ness Club, he has undertaken a number of roles within the club and on behalf of the club.

An extremely modest man, Mr Grant was overwhelmed as he accepted the award from his fellow club members and commenting after becoming the club’s newest Paul Harris Fellow he said, “The award was totally unexpected and I am indeed greatly honoured to have been singled out in this way.

Playing down the status of the high award and as-ever taking the spotlight from himself he continued, “I am sure this award reflects on our club's increased commitment to Rotary Foundation and new initiatives in the range of International Service projects, which I am delighted to say have been enthusiastically supported by club members in recent years.

Gerry is extremely proud in co-starting the Midsummer Madathon in 1983, which was an event from Kintail to Inverness. The following year this event was changed to an east to west, 50 mile cycle and 50 mile walk or run finishing in Beauly Square that was to become known as the Highland Cross. Now on the Charity Board for the event he cannot hide his pride when he comments, “The event is now in its 26th year and has now raised almost £2.5 million for local charities.

Finishing his career as Third Officer with Highlands & Islands Fire Brigade, he retired on Hogmanay 1989 only to take up the post of Local Coordinator for Victim Support for the next 6 years, to then retire properly to spend some quality time with his family, which now includes 2 grandsons.

After presenting Mr Grant with his Award, President George McRae commented, “This award is well and truly deserved by Gerry and I am delighted that he achieved this high award in my Presidential year.

The actual award was presented to Mr Grant by Assistant Governor for this area of Scotland, Doug Ritchie who said, “Gerry should be extremely proud that his club has recognised the exceptional work he has done for Rotary’s international causes, it is without doubt very well deserved.

CLUB ASSEMBLY - 18th JUNE 2008

Today was our Club Assembly which was attended by 39 of our own members and 4 visitors, David Martin and Roy Sinclair from Inverness, Jenni Sheerin from the Riverside Club and Mike Phimister, Secretary of Culloden Rotary Club.

The new Club banner was displayed for the first time.

The meeting started with a showing of a Power point presentation Shift Happens, which illustrates the challenge of adjusting to new technology and changes in the world; James Martin presented at the District Council Assembly. Anyone who has not seen this interesting slide show can access it at
http://blogs.msdn.com/ukschools/archive/2007/06/18/shift-happens-did-you-know.aspx

President Elect Jim and the Chairs of the Committees for 2008-9 took us through their programmes for the year.

District Assistant Governor Doug Ritchie then spoke to the Club. He brought greetings from David Rankin, District Governor Elect and President Elect RIBI Ian Thomas .

He reminded us that President Elect Ian’s preferred project for 2008-9 is Schools for Africa. A donation of £300 from each Club will enable RIBI, working with Leonard Cheshire International, to provide 29 schools for disabled children in Kenya and Uganda. He commended our Club’s plans for the year including our commitment to Polio Plus and Foundation as well as the plans for joint working with the other Inverness Clubs on various projects.

The Assistant Governor explained that Challenge Enterprise is not going to be held this year but it is hoped that it will be returning next year. There are also plans for new District Trophy for Young Musician of the Year, provided by Ex District Governor Bill Leslie. He also informed us that it is hoped to resume the Curling league.

The members were thanked for their attendance at reminded that next weeks meeting would be the handover meeting where our President Elect, Jim Cockburn would be passed the Chain of Officer by George McRae.

SPEAKER MEETING - 11th JUNE 2008

Today we had 31 of our own members present.

The members were given an enlightening talk from Graeme Blair, our Euroscola sponsored candidate.

Graeme gave a very interesting resume of his European trip, the various nationalities he met, the varied discussions he had with fellow students and the interesting places visited. He also commented on the social activities he took part in, which included demonstrating the Gay Gordons to French and German colleagues!!

He also spoke of his communication skills improved as he attempted the varius foreign languages, especially French and German.

Graeme was most appreciative of the chance to take part in the Euroscola project and was certain the experience would stand him in good stead in his future career. He was continuing his studies, reading Chemistry at Strathclyde University.

Graeme was thanked for coming along and was wished well in his studies for the future.

28th MAY - REGULAR MEETING

Our attendance of 40 members included a welcome return of Alistair Scott-Brown, Hugh Grant and Mike Young, all of whom have been unable to attend the club for a while.

Also at the meeting was Assistant Governor, Doug Ritchie who had come along to present our own member Gerry Grant with the high honour of a Paul Harris Fellowship on behalf of the club. The award was presented to Gerry in recognition of the work he has undertaken on behalf of the club for Foundation and International causes.

Gerry accepted the award with his usual modest way.

21st May 2008 - SPEAKER MEETING

Today our meeting was attended by 42 of our own members. We were joined by 2 Rotarian visitors Jim Robb and Bill Jack, both of the Inverness Club and two non-Rotarian guests, Monica Lee-Macpherson and our speaker, Marie Mackintosh of InvernessCity Partnership a guest of Stuart Black.

Marie updated us on the Streetscape Project.The main aims of the project were to improve traffic management and to create amore inviting and welcoming space within the Old Townarea. There has already been a 48% reduction in unnecessary traffic using thecity centre and a corresponding increase in the use of public transport and thePark and Stride scheme. Several before and after photographs illustrated the changes that make the streets moreattractive; the attention to detail needed to achieve this was illustrated bythe repositioning of traffic lights in order to give an uninterrupted view ofthe iconic Greig Street Bridge. New lighting features in the design plans andthis includes uplights on the older buildings and variable coloured lighting onthe Ness Bridge. The latter will be discussedwith fishermen as there may be a potential for the effects to upset the salmon.There will also be specially designed street furniture and a Public ArtIntegration programme will see innovations at various locations, including theVictorian Market. The logo for the Old Town Art project includes a camel on topof an elephant ( symbols from the previous shield) and the slogan Right Enough( in latin) - words which sum up the eventual aim for the look of Inverness as a City. Marie was able to give reassurance that Highland Council will ensure that the improvements are maintained in good order.

Ian Gordon has been in contact with a Rotarian in Shanghai, whom he met on his recent trip to China, to offersympathy on the earthquake disaster . He had also told them of the Rotary aid being sent . He has received a very moving reply, which he read to the meeting,the text is included below. Ian has also contacted another Chinese acquaintancewho lives in the quake zone but has not yet received any response.

President George informed the meeting that the council have agreed to finance a further Shelterbox which will be sent to China through the District1010 and Shelterbox scheme.

7th MAY 2008 - SPEAKER MEETING PROVOST BOB WYND

Today's meeting was a speaker meeting where City of Inverness Provost Bob Wynd would make a presentation on his vision for the city to our 34 members and 1 guest present.

Provost Bob Wynd, a guest of Ken Mackie, told the club that he believes it is vital to increase the world profile and status of our City. The city status helps in this by enabling us to take part in events such as the recent economic development conference in Cannes, where our representatives were part of the Six Scottish Cities Group.

The fame of the Loch Ness Monster is an advantage in selling the city at such events develop links with other countries and Provost Wynd recently had the privilege of entertaining at a lunch both the Russian and American Consuls who were attending a conference in the City. Contact with Consulates helps development cultural links.

The Provost commented that although the use of the Common Good Fund for fireworks at the Old New Year was controversial, the resulting publicity has been immense and has helped raise our international profile.

In order to grow Inverness needs improved transport links, particularly on the East West routes and Provost Wynd outlined the current position on the A96 improvements and his hopes concerning A9 improvements.

Within Inverness it is important that new building creates communities not just houses; encouraging building firms to erect permanent structures for their contract base and sell these on as shops and community centres at the end of the project may facilitate this. The changes to the town centre (the Streetscape project) were essential to future development; transport links are already showing evidence of recovering from the period of disruption and ways of helping businesses to recover from its effects are being implemented.

It was also noted that 19 members had a very interesting vocational visit to the new Culloden Vistor Centre which had opened its doors to the public recently.

Our next meeting (14/05) will be a business meeting, where next year's new Committees have been asked to sit together to discuss the developments for the forthcoming year.