Club President Jim Speirs welcomed among other guests: District 1020 Governor, Alasdair Seale, District Governor Nominee, Allan McLaughlan, Assistant Governor, John Barbour and District Membership Services Chairman, Ken Donald, to a meeting celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the granting of the Rotary Club of Carluke’s Charter, on 15 May 1979.  Also in attendance were former club members Past Presidents Leslie Gunn, Jack Thomson and Joey Adam and at the top table Honorary Member and Founder President of the Club, Dr Eric Paterson and a good friend to the Club and the gentleman of humour for the evening, Archie Gilbert.

(Photo Jack Watson) 

Giving a witty and friendly address to the Club, Jim expressed his delight at having the honour of holding office during the Club’s anniversary year.  Alasdair continued, congratulating the Club on their continued success and added that more people should become part of the Rotary experience as “We have good fun and make a difference!” 

Three of the Club’s founding members namely, Tom Johnston, Robert Gilchrist and BD Sharma received the honour of presentations of “Paul Harris Fellowships” from District Governor Alasdair.    This distinction, named after Rotary International’s founder, is not awarded very often and was given to the recipients “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world.”  Rodger Price, a founder member of the Club, but unable to be present on the night, will also receive this award at a later date.

(Photo Jack Watson)

In addition, that evening, Ken Mackie, this year’s leading bowler, was presented with the Carluke Club’s Winter Bowling Trophy.  Ken was also a member of the winning team in Rotary’s Scottish Bowling Competition held earlier this Rotary year.  David Brown, Chairman of the Club’s International Committee, was also pleased to be able to present a cheque for £700, to the Club’s charity account, these funds having been raised at the recent Fiddlers’ Rally held at Carluke High School.  The club are hopeful that this amount will be increased by a further £100, which was promised by InspirEd, the company who own the fabric of Carluke High School, when difficulties with their booking policy required the previously arranged Rally to be cancelled and re-scheduled.

Photo Jack Watson)

The evening was rounded off with an excellent hilarious delivery from Archie Gilbert in which, quite apart from keeping all in attendance in stitches, he congratulated the continuing good works of the Club and particularly the assistance he and the charity Riding for the Disabled had received from Club members.

President Jim offered a warm vote of thanks to all who had attended and participated in making the evening a memorable occasion.

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