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.