A local Rotary club that has helped to raise more than £250,000 for charity has celebrated its 30th year.
The Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull marked the occasion at the end of last month at the Royal George Hotel.
It was established in 1992 at the Grampian Hotel in response to the growing need for a club that met in the evening rather than at lunchtime.
On the initiative of the Perth club, which thus became the foster club and under the guidance of the district extension officer, past district governor, Donald McDonald, the Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull was formed.
The charter dinner was held back on May 30, 1992.
And since then the club has flourished with a changing membership but, nevertheless, retaining many founding members and past presidents.
The new club took its name from Kinnoull Hill, just a few minutes away from the city centre.
Recently, an informal gathering of current membership and invited guests was hosted by president Brian Johnston.
In his introductory remarks, Mr Johnston welcomed his top-table guests of Donald McDonald accompanied by his wife Eva, Anna Martin, senior vice-president (SVP) of Rotary Club of Perth and honorary member Michael Thomson.
Mr Johnston had just returned from a charity cycle through a stretch of Africa in Zambia in aid of ‘Lend with Care’ - a charity that helps people in poorer parts of the world work their way out of poverty with their dignities intact.
The club continues to assist this worldwide charity via its international committee and was proud to announce its AGM will be held in Perth, rather than London.
Mr Johnston went on to announce the club had raised the fantastic sum of £257,000 in numerous fundraisers over the past 30 years.
Included have been a Real Ale Festival, Tsunami joint venture with the other Perth clubs, annual presidential dinners/charity golf days, successful charity calendars and, more recently, Tayside challenge cycle events.
Top-table speaker Mr McDonald gave an informative talk on the way the club had “steered a steady ship” over the course of the last three decades and passed on his good wishes.
A short trip down memory lane was light-heartedly delivered by three past presidents, namely Douglas Sinclair, Gillian Marsh and Bob Reid, who focused on “fun, fellowship and fundraising”.
A special cake was commissioned for the evening and cut by Mr Johnston, surrounded by the club’s founding members.
The vote of thanks was given by Steven Fairlie, SVP of the Kinnoull Club, before the evening concluded with a traditional toast to Rotary International.
A spokesperson said: “The club is always seeking new ways to fundraise with an emphasis on active membership and as such welcome interest from the local community who can make a difference to our activities.
“Whether still in business, tradesperson, retail, management or just retired then please come along and see what we are about – you will be made most welcome.”
See www.perthkinnoull.co.uk for information or telephone secretary Bob Thomson on 07754 671371.
