The Shop Window of "Choices" on Hamilton Street, Carluke, showing the Recruitment Display put on by The Rotary Club of Carluke revealing some of the facets of Rotary membership and some of the successes of the Club over the past 30 years.

When staff at Duncan’s Caravans learned of the Samoan Tsunami they were quick to contact their tent supplier Vango, to see what could be done to help families made homeless by the disaster.

Nine huge ex display tents – each capable of housing several families – were sourced and sent to Wishaw.

Members of the Rotary Club of Carluke checked the tents over and contacted all the major aid agencies – The Red Cross, Oxfam & Plan International, to arrange rapid transport to the affected areas.

Amazingly, the offer of nearly £5,000 of top quality Vango camping equipment was rejected by all the charities. They only wanted cash donations – one charity even suggesting we raffle off the tents and send them the money!

Fortunately the solution was found closer to home.  Mary’s Meals, a Scottish Charity, came to the rescue. They were delighted to collect the tents for international aid use and just before Christmas, staff at Duncan’s Caravans saw the tents off on the first part of their long journey to provide some home comforts for devastated families.

Danny Duncan of Duncan Caravans said, “The unique approach of Mary’s Meals not only addresses the immediate needs of hungry children by giving them a daily meal, it also allows those children to receive an education that can provide an escape from poverty for themselves and their communities. We are happy to be involved in this project and our thanks go to the Rotary Club of Carluke for making this happen”.

(Picture l. to r. Rotarians Stephen Bell, Jim Speirs and Martin Speck are pictured in front of one of the erected tents.)

1. Barbecue on Saturday at 5th September 2009.

2. District Quiz Carluke vs. Lanark, Monday 14th September 2009

3. Ten Pin Bowling Wednesday 7th October 2009, Cosmic Bowl, Strathclyde Park, thereafter meal at Alona Hotel

4. International Cabaret and Dinner Dance, Saturday 7th November 2009, Masonic Hall

5. William Topaz McGonagall Night, Monday 23rd November 2009, Headspoint Nursery

6. Christmas Night. Monday 7th December 2009, Carluke golf club.

7. Pantomime, January 2010.  Details to be advised.

8. Burns’ Supper, Wed 27th January 2010 at the Crown, Lanark

9. Spring Break, Thurs 18th to Sunday to 21st March 2010, Chester

10. President’s Night, April 2009.  Date and Venue to be confirmed

11. OTHER PROPOSED OUTINGS:  Neighbouring Clubs, Scottish Parliament and Tunnocks Bakery