Anstruther Rotary Club was delighted to welcome district governor Keith Hopkins who with his wife joined our meeting of 15th September. Keith, who hails from Kent, came to Scotland in 1978 and has been a Rotarian since 1981 - his home club being Kirriemuir.

Keith spoke enthusiastically of his plans and hopes for his year in office. His key point being to enjoy the work we do and to share our service with others. Keith passed on greetings and best wishes from Gary Huang, who is this years president of Rotary International; the world-wide fellowship of some 1.2 million men and women sharing the same ethos.

Gary’s choice of slogan for his year in office is ‘Light up Rotary’ – or in Keith’s words ‘lighten up’ – back to the idea that our work should be fun as well as worthwhile and worthy!

We heard of new initiatives being developed, as well as being reminded of the many openings for fellowship and personal interests that Rotary offers – and all aimed at making service to others a rewarding and enjoyable way of life.

We enjoyed! interactive challenges including a thing Keith referred to as his ‘happy clap’ – a complex form of applause, somewhat akin to patting the head and rubbing the tummy at the same time. It certainly brought smiles to the faces of the assembled company.

One item that definitely caught the imagination is a plan for a JOGLE bike ride – John O’ Groats to Lands End (or maybe it’s the other way round) on June 21st 2015. Every club in the land to cycle to neighbouring ones and thus accomplish the entire route in one day. The aim is to raise funds for prostate cancer research. Must get the bike out!

An appreciative vote of thanks was proposed by club member Eric Govan who called for a ‘happy clap’ in appreciation.