At a well-attended meeting, Club President Jim Speirs welcomed fellow Rotarian and member of the Lanark Club, David Fanshawe, as guest speaker for the evening.  David, a former Clydesdale District Councillor and currently an Honorary Sheriff for South Lanarkshire, Dumfries and Galloway, at Lanark, was until his retiral, 2 ½ years ago, well known in local farming circles as a supplier of quality seeds.  

David Fanshawe and President Jim 

After giving a donation of blood at Lanark Memorial Hall in1972 David was invited to the Scottish Blood Transfusion Service (SBTS) at Law Hospital to speak to the then man in charge, Dr Livingstone.  Screening had revealed that David possessed valuable antibodies, which could be processed to make a vaccine.  This interview resulted in David making further donations and, over a period in excess of 35 years, providing over 200 pints of blood which protected and saved innumerable lives.  David was honoured in 1977 by the then Lord Provost of Glasgow for his first 100 donations and years later, invited to a Prime Minister’s reception at 10 Downing Street where he met Maggie Thatcher.  In recognition of his service to the SBTS, David was invited to become a Board donor director and he contributed to policy relating to the collection and use of donor blood. In his talk, interspersed throughout with numerous humorous anecdotes, David entertained and informed in his own inimitable fashion.  John Perryman praised David for his services to the SBTS and thanked him for giving such an entertaining and informative talk.

Anyone between the ages of 17-66, who is in general good health, can volunteer to give blood (if a current donor, that person can donate until they are 70 years of age). While almost anyone can give blood, there are a few exceptions.  The main two reasons why you shouldn't give blood are:  if giving blood could affect your own good health or if your blood could transmit an infection to the person who receives it.  The SBTS web address is www.scotblood.co.uk

In other business President Jim reported that he and 9 other members of Carluke Rotary had visited the Larkhall club’s weekly meeting at Shawlands Park Hotel, enjoying a good meal, in excellent company.  Jim also gave details on the success of the Club’s successful Dinner Dance held the previous weekend at the Cartland Bridge Hotel.  Community Service Chairman, Sandy Morrison, advised members that the “Drugs are for Mugs” project for primary school pupils was well in hand.  A supply of rulers had been purchased for distribution to the children, however as Strathclyde Community Police no longer visit schools another approach was being pursued.  Sandy also advised that the organisation of this summer’s senior citizens’ outings was almost complete and that two summer seats had been purchased and were to be installed in the Carluke Beild housing complex.

The Rotary Club of Carluke meet regularly on Mondays 6.00 for 6.30 pm within the Cartland Bridge Hotel.  For further information please contact any member.