Rotary round-up

The new Rotary year started on July 1. After two years at the helm, Gordon Miller handed the wheel and the chain of office over to the new president David Duthie. Gordon steered the club successfully and efficiently during his two years, raising funds through a variety of activities – the highly successful Pointless Quiz at the Eastgate Theatre, the popular Pigeon Race, a yearly Mile of Coins as well as coffee mornings,Tesco Bag Packing, street collections and internal raffles.

The club has also involved young people via schools through activities such as the Rotary Primary School Quiz, Rotary Young Photographer, Rotary Young Chef, Rotary Young Golfer and Rotary Young Musician. Funds have been distributed to International causes such as Shelterbox and Mary’s Meals as well as a heap of local causes such as Peeblesshire Youth Trust, Bonnie Peebles, Peebles Christmas Lights Association, The Peebles Scout Hall and many more.

Gordon’s last presentation was to two club members, Grahame Henderson and Ian Jenkins. Both were awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for their volunteer work and services to communities.

Grahame is an accountant by profession, with over 20 years of volunteer work. This included accounting assistance to the British Executive Service Overseas in Bosnia and Southern Russia, aftercare adviser for the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and treasurer for the Presbytery of Melrose and Peebles of which he was the first Non Minister to be appointed Moderator in 2007/8. He was the captain of Peebles Golf Club in 1972, a runner up in the 2001 Scottish Aftercare Advisor of the Year Award, has served as treasurer of Peebles Bridge Club and was the president of Peebles Rotary Club in 2003/4.

Ian, a teacher by profession, was a member of the Peebles and District Community Council when it was first established and was a founder member of the Peebles Civic Society. He was the MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale in the first Scottish Parliament in 1999 and was appointed Warden of Neidpath in 2000. He has served as chairman of Ish’uze Youth Action (Tweeddale Youth Action) and also been on the board of The Food Foundation which works with adults with learning difficulties. He was the president of Peebles Rotary Club in 2007/8 and he has recently been elected chairman of the Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre.

Youth projects and upcoming events

• Recently the Rotary Junior Golf competition was held at the Peebles Golf Course and the two winners, Callum Waldie and Robbie Mackay, went to the District Competition in Linlithgow. Callum finished second and Robbie had a hole in one at the very first hole. The boys represented their club very well and it was deemed a very successful event for the Rotary Club and Peebles Golf Club youth section.

• The first round of the Rotary Young Chef competition will be held at Peebles High School in September with the winners going on to the Borders-wide competition in November.

• Nomad Beat will again host the first round of The Rotary Young Musician competition which this year will be held at the Eastgate Theatre on October 25.

Thank You

The club would like to thank everyone who contributed to our street collection on Saturday, September 21. Thanks to the always-generous public in the Peebles area, a total of £853 was collected. This was supplemented by £327 from club funds to enable us to buy two Shelter Boxes at £590 each.

For Your Diary

Saturday, November 2: Coffee Morning – McFarlane Hall

Meet your Rotarian

President David Duthie

Born in Peebles in 1955 and having lived and worked in the area his whole life, David is a true Gutterbluid. He met Carrie and they married in 1978. Raising their two girls – Elisa and Ellane – who also continue to live in Peebles with their families, proves a strong family bond to the town and all it has to offer.

David is a keen supporter of many of the local clubs and associations including Callants, Peebles Laureate and Peebles Golf Club. David joined the latter as a junior member at six years old and has since then competed in many golf competitions. He also served two years as club captain.

David was delighted to be asked to take the position of President of Peebles Rotary in July this year. Being part of this organisation which helps to support local charities as well as worldwide projects is something all Rotarians are passionate about.

He believes the true lifeblood of the town is built through these types of clubs, associations and friendships.

David began his motor apprenticeship at 14, with Tweeddale Garage – a time for which he holds many fond memories. This finally led to the decision to establish his own motor repair business in 1992.

When not 'working the tools' David enjoys golfing, trips away in his motorhome, spending time with his family that now includes five grandchildren and he can often be found scaling the European heights on walking holidays!

Open to question:

Who is your greatest inspiration?

There are many people that have inspired me over the years – too many to mention – but I find that those who are enthusiastic and act in a positive way, whilst motivating others, are the best people to inspire and should surround yourself with.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Winning the Peebles Boys Golf Championship competition at the age of 12 years.

What is your proudest achievement?

I think being able to buy our first home was a great achievement, but starting my own business in 1992 is a very proud time too!

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Chase your goals and dreams and don’t give up!

What would you have for your last meal?

Homemade fish pie and a lovely glass of wine