The Rotary 'Year' starts each first of July and so this meeting of 29th June was the final one for the current year. Covid-19 has meant our usual weekly meetings have been paused; but at least we have been able to continue 'digitally' with the use, especially, of 'Zoom'.
We have also been able to continue supporting our communities with financial donations to our local foodbank, to ENCEPT and to a number of charities.
This evening's Zoom get-together saw the conclusion of president Findlay McLaren's term in office and was an opportunity for the club to express warm thanks to Findlay for his dedicated work on behalf of Anstruther Rotary Club. Here is his valedictory address.
As my two year term as President comes to an end, it is time to look back at what has happened in that time.
I re-read my addresses to our Club Assemblies of 2018 and 2019. Each featured the need to find new members to assure the future for our club. The sad fact is we have recruited no new members. We have, however, taken steps to produce materials to assist with recruitment but Covid-19 has stopped any prospect of their use for the moment.
The Club though has been very successful doing what we do best, raising and distributing funds.
The Charity Coastal Walk and Christmas Post are our biggest fund raisers. Hopefully the Christmas Post can go ahead this year - and next year I hope we see a return of the Coastal Path Walk. Both may have to be modified to meet the ongoing restrictions of a pandemic. I’m sure we can find a way.
Our outreach to the community through involvement with Waid Academy and the primary schools is, to my mind, one of our most rewarding activities. We see our young people gaining so much from RYLA (Rotary youth Leadership Award), The Waid Debate and The Primary School Quiz. It is tangible proof of the difference we can make. Again, how we will do this in the future is unclear, but we will do it.
The Choir had a very successful time, not only raising funds for Shelterbox but taking the joy of song out to our communities.
On the social front we have had great fun on our annual beano to David’s Marquee at ThePittenweem Festival, our Joint Meeting with Inner Wheel, Christmas Meal, Burn’s Night and Postie’s Night. And I’m sure we all miss our meetings at Rockies.
We also had fun and some success in the Gavel Competition, narrowly escaping a trip to Aberdeen for the final!!
It has been an honour to serve as your President and I would like to thank all our Members, Office Bearers and Conveners for your support and help throughout my term.
To our many volunteers and Guest Speakers thank you. And a special thank you to our 'unofficial' member Jessie Lyon, who so ably directs the Choir.
Finally can I wish President Elect Eric Govan every success for the coming year.
Findlay
