A new normal for Rotarians
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President Kay Diack welcomed 24 members to the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Inverurie, once again, on ZOOM.
As a courtesy in this new normal after a few words of welcome, instead of going straight in to the business part of the evening, Kay invited the guest speaker to take the floor.
As rotarian Jim McColl explained: "For the second time in as many weeks, we were to hear about the setting up of a new Rotary Club this time in our own area.
"A couple of weeks ago, we listened to a very animated tale of how the new Forth Bridges Club had started up and this week it was the turn of an Ythan Valley Club founding member to give us an update.
"Eleanor McAllister had had experience of Rotary membership but with one or two like-minded friends, decided to make a fresh start in a local area perhaps not best served by existing clubs – Methlick/YthanValley/Newburgh.
"Having approached the Rotary national hierarchy for advice and receiving an indication that their idea was acceptable, they were basically invited to go ahead.
"Starting with a clean sheet, Eleanor and one or two colleagues canvassed the area, concentrating on civic-minded people by arranging seven meetings in the area, on one or two occasions only one person turned up!
"Finally, on a Sunday afternoon they held a gathering in a local hostelry, with free pizzas on offer, 35 people attended!
"They celebrate their first official birthday in October this year!"
He continued: "With reference to that clean sheet, the aim of this new club was to be project-lead.
"No traditional weekly meeting with a formal meal, no annual sub of £100 or thereby etc. etc.
"The Rotary ethos is not changing, there is no doubt about that but, the way in which it achieves it's objectives is gradually being updated.
"These elements were evident when we heard the story of the Forth Bridges club and reinforced by Eleanor.
"At one time, new clubs were sponsored by existing clubs, if memory serves me correctly, the Inverurie Rotary Club is the Mother club of Ellon and Ellon subsequently is the Mother club of Oldmeldrum.
"There is no need for such an arrangement nowadays.
"To be recognised officially, there has to be a minimum of 20 members and interestingly enough it would seem that Rotary UK is happy with the notion that there should be more clubs in rural areas. (In that context, it surprises me that there isn't a club in Insch, considering the size of the community)
"The new Ythan Valley club members come from a wide range of experience and employment.
"They have a management team like others president and deputy, secretary and treasurer but no committees!
"A Whatspp arrangement like ourselves is in operation, the members meeting twice per month.
"One meeting for business and the other for pleasure and enjoyment!
"Asked about projects , Eleanor expanded on one of their main topics – identifying families in the area in need of clothing in these troubled times.
"A team of five set about finding storage facilities and with a financial grant from one of the superstores and supplies of packaging boxes suddenly located they were in business!
He added: ""The vote of thanks fell to David Taylor and immediately there was an air of expectancy!
"So, the Inverurie club was formed in the Fifties when one of the most popular musical groups wasThe Clyde Valley Stompers.
"He reckoned that this new Rotary Club should be re-named the Ythan Valley Stompers!
"Congratulations to them and best wishes for a successful future.
"It was busy night with reports of progress on various projects and more congratulations – to rotarian Joe McDowall.
"Although the great Inverurie Bike Ride had to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Joe decided to complete the course because he had invited friends to sponsor him!
"So far, he has raised in excess of £800 for the Prostate Cancer Appeal.
"Well done lad, our warmest congratulations to you."
