Regular fortnightly meetings are paused over the summer, but social events have still taken place. A 'fish and chips' visit to Pittenweem fish market during the Arts festival and on the 12th August, a visit to Anstruther lifeboat station. 

Our meeting of 24th June was the last of this ‘Rotary Year’ and marked the end of president Ian McBain’s two years in office. Club members welcomed incoming president Ian Brunton with best wishes for his own time in office.

Ian Brunton, who is a local farmer, hopes to expand and develop the club in his time as president. The Club will continue to work internationally as part of the world wide family of Rotary, but especially within the East Neuk community, to help in supporting local charities and assisting where there is a need.

In his valedictory comments Ian McBain spoke of the many achievements of the club over the last two years and recalled the difficult times of covid. He was particularly proud of the work the club continues to do with young people, with programmes for both primary and secondary schools. 

The picture shows Ian Brunton (on left) receiving the chain of office.

A warm vote of thanks was proposed to both Ian and Jenni McBain.

The main business topic discussed at our meeting of 10th June was August being the likely time for the golf competition! With this important matter agreed, our speaker Fiona, East of Scotland community fundraising coordinator for CHAS, took the floor.

Our club regularly donates to the work of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and Fiona gave an excellent talk to bring everyone up to date on changes and developments. We had perhaps forgotten that Covid resulted in Rachel and Robin houses having to be closed because of the dangers of infection to seriously ill and vulnerable children. We did not know that this resulted in the start of ‘care at home’ - something that has not only continued, but has been grown into a popular and much in demand service. Last year 1856 home visits were made with the team growing from 14 to 38 people. 

We heard too of close contacts with NHS hospitals, work with specialist consultants, links with Diana nurses and the development of bereavement support teams - support that continues as long as it is needed.

On the business side Fiona explained that running costs were around £22M pa, with governmental support of £7M pa and the rest from charitable giving. CHAS has around 800 volunteers, 4 retail shops and income of £100,000 from eBay sales.

A very interesting and moving talk and following questions Ian McBain proposed an appreciative vote of thanks.

Much more at the CHAS website https://www.chas.org.uk/