Monthly news from Renfrew Rotary


			Updated 01 Nov
	Renfrew Rotary news home and abroad
	Follow our progress over the months with up-to-date news on current fundraising and fellowship events.		Contact the club via e-mail
28 Oct 08	£1,220.00 for Yorkhill Children's Hospital
	President Martin Moir, presenting a cheque for ?1,220.00 to Lesley Wilson, Sister of the soon to be opened Teenage Cancer Unit at Yorkhill hospital. Funds will be used for the purchase of a new electric powered bed.


11 Oct 08	Clay Pigeon Shooting Results
	Last years defending champion rotarian Martin McLaughlan was eased into 3rd place by the Moir brothers Martin and Jim, with Martin winning by 2 shots. 10 people took part with Gary Louttit being shamed by ace shot son Adam. Results:
	38 from 50 - President Martin Moir 34 from 50 - Jim Moir 28 from 50 - Martin McLaughlan 21 from 50 - Adam Louttit 20 from 50 - Charles 20 from 50 - David Atkinson 17 from 50 - Donald McNeill 17 from 50 - Gary Louttit 16 from 50 - Peter Shea 01 from 02 - Jack Atkinson (50%)
07 Oct 08	Snooker Tournament
	Another keenly fought contest with 3 teams in it right to the end. Mario had a great scoring system that only he could workout. It started off with Mario suggesting 20 minutes per game with time constraints, but then he realised that no one had potted a ball after 20 minutes we reverted back to winner takes all. The highest scorers in the final 3 frames were to be the winners - Ron Graham and David Atkinson managed to snatch victory with the pink and black.
Snooker champions for 2008 Ron and David.
18 Aug 08	Rotact for Renfrew at Braehead

	An initial meeting of interest took place at Braehead with 11 youngsters and a promise of several more keen to initiate a new Renfrew Rotact Club. They were supported by 5 Renfrew Rotarians lead by Youth & Young People Chairman Eddie Williams.
5 Aug 08	Speaker: Doug Ross - School 4 All in Africa
	The project: Can you imagine your childhood without an education? A childhood without learning, without playing amongst friends... You see, an education is about so much more than learning to read and write - it's about socialisation; it's about getting a start in life.Yet 90% of disabled girls and boys in Africa are excluded from school. Excluded from a chance in life.... Every child should have the right to go to school. The chance to learn and play with other children, to learn basic skills and to fulfill their potential. Together we need to bring about the changes to make this happen but how do we fight the stigma surrounding disability? How do we put an end to this denial of basic rights? Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and Leonard Cheshire Disability are working together to overcome such barriers so that every child can go to school.

	Doug Ross pictured with Robert Flynn, International Chairman
22 July 08	Speaker: Sangeeta Chaal her experience in South Africa
	SANGEETA CHAAL (SINGH) is a final year medical student studding medicine in University of East Anglia Norwich, she went for elective study in Cape Town South Africa in June. She thought it was such an amazing experience she would like to go back for a another month to further help her patients, her motive is to share her experience with Rotarians and to tell us what it is like to be poor and sick. Sangeeta is studding elective in S.G.H. in neurology department until the end of July. She's come a long way from Moorpark Primary School and Renfrew High, she is believed to be the first student to be a Doctor after been to these two local Schools. I'm really proud father, Paul Singh.

	Pictured: Paul Singh, Sangeeta and President Martin
24 Jun 08	Presidential Hand Over and Ladies Night
	Another successful evening with President Stevie handing over to local businessman Martin Moir.
24 Jun 08	John Ernest McCutcheon gets a Paul Harris Award

	Outgoing President Stevie (Left) presenting John Ernest McCutcheon with a distingished Paul Harris Award for services to Rotary.
May/June 08	Congratulations, Iain, Liz and family
	Lewis was born on Friday 30th May at 5.21pm (to be exact!) He weighed 10lb 9oz so he was a very heavy baby but Liz managed without too much pain and effort or so I thought but Liz soon told me otherwise! Both mother and baby are now doing very well and Lewis feeds and sleeps on a regular basis. All his other brothers and sisters are thrilled to have a new addition to the family but we still need to teach them how to change nappies!! by Iain Balfour, a proud father.
May/June 08	Renfrew Rotarian's sadly missed
	James Armour. He joined the club in 1966/67 and was President in 1982/83. He was there faithfully week by week at the regular meetings on a Tuesday evening - often you would arrive at the Glynhill about half-an-hour before the meeting and find Jimmy sitting in his car, having a quiet fag as he waited for everyone else to arrive. For the forty years of his membership he had a 100% attendance record - quite unique! He was awarded the Paul Harris award - the highest Rotary service award. Just over a year ago, he was awarded Honorary Membership of the Rotary Club of Renfrew in recognition of his long and faithful service to the Rotary Club of Renfrew and to the ideals of Rotary International. Father John Fitzsimmons passed away on Saturday 17th May - John's life was dynamic: talking, interacting, communicating, reading, writing and travelling. He served as a priest of the Diocese of Paisley for the last 45 years. We are also sad to lose past Renfrew Rotarian Gerry Long. Gerry was a member for a few years and was an active member of the Rotary Concert Party that used to entertain the "girls and boys" at the Glasgow Polio Club. His community work with scouting lasted all of his life, from cub through to scoutmaster and finally to committee member at Lapwing Lodge Outdoor Centre. CL.
May/June 08	Partner's conquer the West Highland Way
	FROM THE GIRLS - First of all Thank You for sponsoring Arthritis care, we raised ?450.00. Four ladies and their carer started our walk of the West Highland Way all excited and slightly apprehensive. We had good times and not so good, where we laughed and cried. One thing that kept us going was where possible June our carer was there with a flask of coffee - Heaven! It was a challenge and an experience for Isabelle, Janette, Christine, June and Isobel.
May/June 08	MacMillan Cancer Research Challenge
	On Sunday 4 May, a group comprising of 4 members of Renfrew Rotary (M. Moir, J. Stuart, G. Loutitt and J. Naismith), along with L. Naismith, A. Wilson and 3 members of Bishopton Bowling Club, took on part of the MacMillan Cancer Research challenge to climb every Corbett in Scotland during May 2008. Beinn Luibhean, 4 miles, 2,220 feet.The weather however could have been kinder, the precipitation on this particular day being spelt with multiple P's, even the peacocks were talked of fondly. However and most importantly, there was not a single drowning accident, and a sum in excess of ?400 was raised. Thanks to all those who took part and contributed to this sum. Jim Naismith
25 Feb 08	PoppyScotland raised £8,645.00
	The Club has supported the Appeal for 38 years and, headed up for the third year by local stalwart Mac de Sousa, the team worked hard to distribute poppies and collecting cans to ensure a successful campaign in Renfrew this year. On the final count we raised ?8,645.00 another record amount for Renfrew.
25 Feb 08	Arkleston Seat in place
	The seat for the Arkleston Cemetery was originally a project to supply water to the Drinking Fountain in the centre of the Cemetery. After investigation it was decided that the cost and upheaval to the Cemetery was impractical to route the water to the Fountain as it was disconnected years ago due to frost and leaking pipe work. It was decided to focus on a seat placed in the Cemetery where it would allow a good view of the Town and surrounding hills. The money (?500.00) was raised by the patrons of the Wallace Bar, Renfrew.
18 Feb 08	Princess Anne meets President Stevie
	President Stevie was asked to represent the Rotary Club of Renfrew on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Victim Support Renfrewshire. It was a Civic Reception in The Watermill Hotel on Monday 18 February 2008. The Princess spoke to every person individually and talked highly of the work done by Victim Support. The Princess Royal also said that she looked forward to coming to the 40th Anniversary!
19 Feb 08	Renfrew Rotary, a shining example
	Jack and Gary handed over some of the energy saving bulbs to a couple of ladies at Renfrew North Church, along with the Rev. Lorna Hood. We are currently distributing the bulbs to all of the Churches in the town and one or two other organisations. Huge thank you to Braehead for providing the bulbs.
Jan 08	Mac De'Souza - A gift to GOA - Have a drink on us
	THE VISIT: My wife Marion and I visited the Safe Drinking Water site this year in January 2008. We were absolutely amazed by the efficiency of the safe water fountain's operation. There are two fragile, blind ex-nurses who take pride in dispensing safe water in plastic containers on demand to everyone, free of charge. There is a donation box on the counter where anyone can leave a gratuity, although this is not compulsory. However, there is a charge for water during the months of May and June when water is in very short supply. At this time the cost is 10 pence for 5 litres and 25 pence for 25 litres - for water which is completely purified, chilled and safe to drink. Since completion of the Harry Lee water fountain in June 2006 it has dispensed water to just under two million visitors including, according to the visiting guest book, fifty three visitors from Scotland.
22 Jan 08	Thank you - Parcels - Christmas and Afganistan
	We received many letters and cards of thanks for our effort and donations to the Christmas Parcels. Thanks to all Renfrew Rotarians. Quote: "Many thanks for the wonderful donation of chocolates and hampers. It is largely through the generosity and support of our local community and support from organisations like you that we are able to provide the highest standard of care for our patients and their families". Lorraine Valentine, Fundraiser St. Vincent's Hospice, Howwood		We raised more than £500.00 to help the needy
22 Jan 08	Thank you - The Wallace Bar
	We would once again like to thank the staff and customers of the Wallace Bar, Renfrew for their generosity for donating the sum of ?450 to Yorkhill Sick Children's Hospital. Since joining Rotary 13 years ago Mario, staff and customers have contributed immensely to help less fortunate people in Renfrew, Glasgow and around the world. View photos...		£450.00 raised
15 Jan 08	Update - Arkleston Seat
	The hardwood seat for the Arkleston Cemetery is on order and a plaque will be inserted in the back rail. This was monies raised by the patrons of The Wallace Bar to supply water to the drinking fountain in the centre of the Cemetery. This was not possible and the seat was a good alternative, which will be placed at the back of the Cemetery with a good view of the surrounding hills.
25 Nov 07	Parcels - Christmas and Afganistan
	We packaged 20 Christmas parcels to the needy in District 1230 with a special thanks to Bob Meikle, Eddie Williams, Campbell and family and the Renfrew Rotarians. While 40 parcels were packed for our troops in Afganistan with money raised through our nominated charities.


11 Nov 07	Remembering Renfrew's war heroes past and present
	There were Eleven Rotarians and four wives at the Service on Sunday 11th November. The service was conducted by Lorna Hood from the North Church. A big thank you to all the Rotarians and friends that helped with this years Poppy collections, we're expecting a record breaking total with more than 200 cans returned. The final amount will be confirmed within the next few weeks.		Final amount to be announced...

14-16 Sept 07	Renfrew Rotarians visit Islay
	Nine rotarians and partners went on the WEEKEND to ISLAY on the 14th - 16th September 2007. The ferry crossing was just perfect and all made good use of the restaurant and BAR on board. Everyone that was at the weekend was eager to say well done to Donald and Isabel McNeill who arranged and planed everything WELL DONE.
			More Islay photographs of the weekend...
17 July 07	District Governor Drew Huges visits Renfrew

5 July 07	A Garden Party at Holyrood
		One of President Eddies final duties was to go to tea with the Queen at Holyrood - doesn't he brush up well! June looks terrific.
26 June 07	Club Hand Over Evening
	Eddie Williams (pictured right below) hands over to incoming president Stevie Callaghan. An evening full of entertainment and surprises - click the link to the right to see photographs...		Photographs of the night...

Jun 06-07	Membership at Renfrew goes from strength to strength
Ex-President Eddie welcomes new members l to r: Peter Shea, Eddie Williams, Robert Flynn

Jun 06-07	Wheelchair Foundation - Renfrew leading the way
	District Governor Neil Fraser has asked us to collate fundraising and collection with participating Clubs in District 1230, and to liaise on behalf of District 1230 with District 1060 in respect to the Districts involvement in the UK wide Rotary support for the Wheelchair Foundation. The wheelchair foundation is now at a close raising a total of £23,300.00 which with match funding should enable Rotary to purchase 466 wheelchairs.		Raising £23,300 466 Wheelchairs


2006-7	Letters from Afghanistan
	We were very touched to receive not one, but fifteen letters from front line Royal Marines serving in Afghanistan, thanking us for the Christmas parcels that we sent out. All the letters express thanks to us for the parcels and express their comfort in knowing that people back at home were thinking about them over the Christmas and New Year period.
31 Jan 07	A letter for Jim
		Jim Armour was presented with a letter from RIBI President Bill Boyd congratulating him on his 40 years of 100% attendance at Rotary. The presentation of the letter was made by District Governor Neil Fraser at the Club on Tuesday 30th January 2007.	100% attendance over 40 years
2006-7	West Lane Garden / Capability Scotland
	Work on the sensory garden is well under way, with help from Scotwest Builders. Concrete foundations and walls have been constructed. Follow-ups to the paths around the beds has yet to be completed and it is hoped to raise funds to allow completion by the end of the current Rotary year.
18 Jan 07	Mail Sport - McDonald's Grassroots Award
	Past member Alistair MacPherson was the weekly winner of the Mail Sport MacDonald's Grassroots Award for his services to schools football over a period of 37 years. At a dinner held on Thursday 18th January the overall winner was selected from all the weekly winners. The award went to the gentlemen who had worked with schools football for over 50 years. Alistair reminds us that our own Peter O'Keefe received an award some years ago for the McDonalds outlet that had done most for sport that year.

	January 2006 Newsletter
	THE GREAT ESCAPE Alex Lees, at 94 years of age, gave a short talk on his experience as part of the Great Escape in World War Two...more>

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