February 20th saw the club meeting back to its usual routine after a very enjoyable evening welcoming friends and helpers for the ‘Christmas Post’ to a thank you meal

During business discussion we heard that donations to the earthquake appeal had topped £2000 and it was unanimously decided to top this up to £3000 and that this should be donated to purchase ‘Shelterboxes’.

Speaker for the evening was new member Tom O’Connell who gave his job talk. As a Chartered Accountant and tax specialist, Tom had spent the early part of his career with a number of large firms before starting his own company.

He chose however to focus on his work over many years supporting charities. Tom explained how both his accountancy skills but also his business skills were used to support and promote the work of charities including Age Scotland, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, East Park School and Earlsferry Town hall.

Apart from the obvious roles in treasury and financial management, Tom explained that he has become increasingly involved as a trustee and with the development of the charities’ work.

It was especially interesting and moving to hear of the work of the school - a registered charity based in the Maryhill area of Glasgow, which provides Education and Supported Accommodation services to children and young people with additional support needs, including autism. It is a school that has been providing its valuable support since it founding1874. 

Tom’s was a talk that encompassed the spirit of Rotary and, following questions, a vote of thanks was proposed by Eric Govan.