Our History
Any formation of a new Rotary club has to be agreed by the existing club or clubs in the area. After consultation with its club members, the Rotary Club of Cupar felt that it was so large it could not take additional members. An approach was made to the Rotary District, which resulted in the then Extension Officer, Douglas Westland, setting about forming a new club. Instead of the normal lunchtime club it was agreed that an evening club would benefit the area and appeal to potential members who, because of work commitments and location, could not attend a lunchtime meeting.
Several unsuccessful attempts had been made over the years to form a new club, however with the perseverance of Cupar Rotary Club, 1990 saw the emergence of the framework for extension, and the opportunity for a new club became reality. The initial meeting that led to the formation of the Rotary Club of the Howe of Fife was held in the Lomond Hills Hotel, Freuchie, at the request of the President of the Rotary Club of Cupar, Gavin Reekie, Immediate Past President Leslie McAndrew, and the District Extension Officer.
The first potential members were Bob Simson, James Storrar, Robin Rippin and Oliver Will. They eventually formed the core of the Club and were introduced to the idea of Rotary. All four are still members and continue to play active parts in the running of the Club. Very soon more potential members were introduced and the Interim Rotary Club of The Howe of Fife was formed.
The inaugural meeting of the Club took place on the 2nd May 1990. A company of 120 Rotarians representing 22 clubs within District 101 attended the meeting with District Governor George Brown, Laurencekirk, presiding. The area boundaries are shared with the Rotary Club of Cupar, viz: New Inn to Dairsie, Newburgh to Gateside, including the town of Cupar, the Royal Burgh of Auchtermuchty and the villages of Strathmiglo, Kingskettle, Falkland, Freuchie and Ceres.
Weekly meetings were held every Tuesday, and the interim members were exposed to regular sessions of Rotary philosophy and protocol from regular and visiting Rotarians as well as the new members giving their vocational talks to introduce themselves formally to their fellow Rotarians. The first function was a cheese and wine evening with wives and friends on the 4th July 1990 followed by the Club's Charter Dinner in the Corn Exchange, Cupar, on the 21st August 1990.
The presentation of the Club's Charter was made by District Governor Colin Risk, and of the original 28 founder members, 8 are still active with the club. Presentations of Rotary regalia were made by local clubs. Cupar presented the President's Jewel, Rotary Wheel by North Fife, Brass Bell by Kirkcaldy, Gavel and Block by St Andrews, Name Plate by Leven, Lectern by Glenrothes and the Visitors Book by Anstruther. Club banners were handed over by visiting members.
The Founder President was Bob Simson (see separate article).
The club met for several years in the Lomond Hills Hotel, Freuchie, and then moved to Fernie Castle Hotel, Letham. We moved to our current venue, the Village Inn in Pitlessie, in January 2007.
