On 1st July 2008, Ian Macpherson took over from John Watson as president of the Club. This is what they wrote:

Presidents Go ...

Well, that's a year come and gone already, and I can hardly believe it has it has gone so fast. I have really enjoyed my year in office; but all good things come to an end at some time, and so I hand over the baton knowing full well it is in the good hands of Ian Macpherson.

During the year we have had many ups and, sad to say, a few downs. The loss of our oldest member, Donald Cameron, immediately springs to mind. His contribution to Rotary was excellent, and I am sure we will all miss his naming of the Rangers teams of the early 1900s.

The only other down I can think of was due the cancellation of the Race Night due lack of support from our members. I am sure this will be rectified in the coming year. This was an opportunity lost in adding a potential £500-£1000 to our fund raising efforts.

On the good side we had many interesting and excellent speakers at our meetings, and we were fortunate to have them.

I think we can say the Antiques Evaluation Fair went very well along with the other projects we ran.

Although not fund raising, our Jubilee Dinner went very well with excellent after dinner speakers, great food and good company. Thanks must go to Ian Birss and his organising committee and, of course, also to the Willowbank Hotel.

In closing, I would like to formally thank all the convenors and their committees for their support and hard work behind the scene; and, of course, to all members of the Club for their support.

Finally I would like to offer Ian Macpherson and his team best wishes for the coming year and I will always be there to assist in any way I can. I know I leave the presidency and the running of the Club in excellent and capable hands with Ian and his team. Good luck. Thank you.

... by John Watson, President 2007/08

And Presidents Come ...

When I was approached to be President of Largs Rotary I felt a certain amount of pride and pleasure. It will only be when the chain of office is placed on my shoulders I will realize that my life at that moment will certainly change - in more ways than one.

I have already attended a number of meetings and conferences, including a recent one in Blackpool. Each highlighted the standard of service required by all clubs and emphasised that the position of club president carries great responsibility, in which I fully expect and hope that I can count on your support over the coming year.

The Committee structure is established and I am confident we all have the knowledge and enthusiasm to make next year a success for our club. One objective is to improve our image as regards PR. We know there are no magic formulas for recruitment to Rotary but each of us should take up the challenge to introduce one new member over the coming months.

We must try not to become too complacent. We must ensure we are effective and work together to make the Club stronger than ever. Let's have a good year!

... by Ian Macpherson, President 2008/09

Well Done, Joe!

The award of a Paul Harris Fellowship to our peripatetic Assistant Governor, Joe Hannah, was well merited - another highlight of our Jubilee Dinner.

BFB Weight Reduction

Within the space of 5 months Roy Ellison managed to shed 18 lbs and relieve our members of £330, or about £18 per lb - the price of a decent steak. The money will go to the Institute of Cancer Research. Roy has been relieved of a burden and the rest of us have been relieved of cash. What more could a body ask? Well done, Roy!

The allied "Guess the Weight Loss" competition prize was shared between President John and John Cook. A further prize is on offer for anyone who can guess what BFB stands for.

Disbursement Of Funds

Erskine Hospital (Ferry Collection +) £700

Shelter Box £500

Rotary Foundation £600

Polio Eradication £200

Stones Corner Project £1,000

Largs Health Centre £3,000

British Lung Foundation (from Fun Run) £1,800

Ayrshire Hospice £200

Ardgowan Hospice £200

Other smaller donation went to speakers from various charities. In total, almost £10,000 was distributed in 2007-08.

King Camelot

Our recently appointed Syndicate Spiv has enjoyed a modicum of beginner's luck. His erudite explanation - full details are on the Camelot website - that three numbers produces £10, and this had been achieved on four lines; and, for whatever accountable reason, four numbers produced £40. Amazing!

The good news is that Jim's accumulator grossed £774, which included a posthumous donation from Donald, and a cheque for that amount was duly presented to the Club.

Jim would welcome other participants in the syndicate. His whimsical comments are worth more than the £4 monthly contribution. By the law of averages, a jackpot win should be just round the corner.

Sports Report

Bowls: There are three games coming up: the first is the Scottish Rotary Bowling Championships at Alloa on Thursday 3rd July, the second is The Friendship Cup at Kirkmichael on Wednesday 9th July and, lastly, our annual match with Probus at Fairlie on Wednesday 30th July.

Curling: A rink has been again entered for the Ayrshire League this winter.