We were delighted to welcome David Fox-Pitt, MBE as speaker to our meeting of 17th February. David told us of the charity ‘HopeFull’ (formerly Siobhan's Trust) and its work in Ukraine.

Forty seven club members, family and friends came together at the meeting for a meal followed by David’s excellent presentation about the charity, which has worked in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, providing hope, aid - and pizzas.

We heard of the work of more than 500 volunteers who made this remarkable enterprise possible. Especially of the positive contribution made in support of the Ukrainian people—travelling over 600,000 km and serving over 2.5 million pizzas in more than 1,800 locations across the country. As David said ‘this represents over 2.5 million smiles!’ He said it has been the privilege of his life. 

We heard too of the sponsors, donors, and supporters who helped make it all possible. In particular, ‘Dr. Oetker’ and ‘ITALPIZZA’, who donated over 2 million pizzas over the three years. There have also been some 12 truckloads of aid across Ukraine (through TASH4Ukraine), multiple press trips, and cross-party MP visits.

Altogether this was a story that demonstrated the good that is possible in the most dreadful of circumstances inflicted upon Ukraine. Following questions vice president Derek proposed a vote of thanks. A retiral collection was also made and raised £550 for the charity. The charity website is at (https://www.hopefull.org.uk)

We were delighted to welcome family and friends to our meeting of the 3rd February, as a small thank you for their help with the 'Christmas postal delivery service'.

Following a meal expertly provided by The Rockies restaurant, we were treated to an excellent slide show by Mr Andy johnson. Brilliant photographs more than did justice to the outstanding scenery around many parts of Scotland and documenting many of Andy's travels.

following questions a warm vote of thanks was prpoposed by club president Ian Brunton - both to Mr Johnson and to the 'posties'

Following business and a meal our guest speaker was local farmer Ian Brown, who gave a most interesting talk about his family business and the way it has changed - and continues to change. 

He divided up his talk to firstly discuss his current crops of strawberries and flax and then to discuss the effects of climate change and to consider a possible future.

It was very interesting to learn just how different strawberry farming now is. Not so Long ago the crop was grown in soil with a variety of fertilisers. Today planting is entirely in raised containers, using coir as growing medium and with water and feed constantly and carefully metered and provided. Only biological fungicides and pest controls are used and, together with improved varieties, the growing season has been extended from 6 to 16 weeks. What was also clear is that the fruits must be of perfect appearance in order to sell to supermarkets and then the public.

Flax production is being driven by environmental pressures, requiring far less water than cotton and being a crop that absorbs a lot of carbon. There is also a move away from traditional ploughing as this actually releases significant amounts of carbon to the atmosphere. Climate change means that we also now see extended periods of dry - or wet weather in the East Neuk.

Speculating about the future in farming Ian said that we already see autonomous tractors - no driver needed. Drones are in use for agronomy and for spraying. Ultraviolet light is replacing chemicals in the control of mildew and the changes based on the power of AI is not far away.

In closing Ian commented on the way that distributor and supermarket pricing practices are impacting on farming. The danger he sees is that this could lead to the loss of farming for our own food security and supply.

This was a talk that led to many questions and following this an enthusiastic vote of thabks was proposed by Tony Lodge.