2nd September saw the Club re-start regular fortnightly meetings after Summer! Recess.

The club was out and about at the weekend at Anstruther Muster and this, together with two other Summer events, raised £540. Another £200 was donated to the club choir for performing during the Pittenweem Arts Festival and these monies will go towards the club’s support for charities and good causes.

Speaker at our meeting was Waid Academy 6th year student Charlie Hamilton. Charlie came to speak of his experiences at the RYLA (Rotary Young Leadership Award) which took place at the Abernethy Outdoor Centre at Nethy Bridge. The RYLA event is about leadership skill development and does this through a range of outdoor team events, including hill walking, rock climbing, raft building, gorge jumping and mountain biking.

Charlie was enthusiastic about the opportunities for team leading and felt he benefitted significantly in developing his abilities and his personal relationships.

We heard that Charlie wants to pursue a career in the Royal Navy and has secured a place at the Navy’s Dartmouth officer training establishment. He felt that skills developed at RYLA would be of great help to him.

The club was delighted to hear such positive feedback and, following questions, a warm vote of thanks was proposed by club member George Hunter. 

Regular fortnightly meetings are paused over the summer, but social and other events still took place. A 'fish and chips' visit to Pittenweem fish market during the Arts festival was greatly enjoyed, as was a visit to Anstruther lifeboat station on the 12th August. And then at the end of August, the club was at the Anstruther Muster. The club choir has continued its rehearsals and also performed in Pittenweem church during the Arts Festival.

Our meeting of 24th June was the last of this ‘Rotary Year’ and marked the end of president Ian McBain’s two years in office. Club members welcomed incoming president Ian Brunton with best wishes for his own time in office.

Ian Brunton, who is a local farmer, hopes to expand and develop the club in his time as president. The Club will continue to work internationally as part of the world wide family of Rotary, but especially within the East Neuk community, to help in supporting local charities and assisting where there is a need.

In his valedictory comments Ian McBain spoke of the many achievements of the club over the last two years and recalled the difficult times of covid. He was particularly proud of the work the club continues to do with young people, with programmes for both primary and secondary schools. 

The picture shows Ian Brunton (on left) receiving the chain of office.

A warm vote of thanks was proposed to both Ian and Jenni McBain.