We were delighted to welcome District Governor Graeme Archibald and his wife Carol to our club meeting of 18th September.

Following a meal and club business Graeme spoke interestingly and enthusiastically about Rotary matters, internationally as well as closer to home. 

Graeme started by mentioning our current emphasis on ‘Rotary - Making a Difference’, which sits very comfortably with Rotary’s motto of ‘Service above Self’

Rotary is of course an organisation that works in just about every country in the world and brings to bear an enormous range of talent, with members representing most branches of human endeavour. Nonetheless many of the statistics that we heard were impressive. As an example and in response to recent severe flooding in the UK, seventy two thousand man-hours of support were delivered, with a value of around £75M.

As always the continuing work of Rotary to support the eradication of Polio in the world was discussed. Now, with only a tiny number of new cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the disease is almost under control - but will undoubtedly recur if the programme of vaccination does not continue. Once again the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged more support - another $300M over five years - if it can be matched by $50M from Rotary. The challenge is clear and Graeme simply reiterated the commitment to make that happen. It will need 36 consecutive months of no new cases for the world to be declared Polio free!

Graeme went on to talk broadly about many aspects of Rotary. About membership recruitment; about the many new challenges for Rotary in a rapidly changing world and about the opportunities that exist to create linkages with new partners.

Finally concluding his address Graeme thanked the club for its active and effective contribution to many areas of Rotary life. 

Following questions, Club President Derek Mathie proposed a wam vote of thanks.