March 2024
5 March
Our first meeting of the month had an attendance of 11, including a guest who is a potential new member (Martin Pond).
The accounts for the financial year to 30 June 2023 had been circulated to members by Secretary Dave, and explanations and clarifications were given by auditor, John Swanson. Treasurer Agnes gave an up to date account of the club's finances and was thanked for her thoroughness. After a few questions and comments by members, acceptance was proposed by Barbara Goudie-Bradford and seconded by Jim Liddell.
There were some comments and discussion on our recent outings to the Loudoun Burns Night and the "Sound of Music" at the Gaiety, Ayr. It will be our turn next year to host the joint Burns Night.
The club raffle was won by our guest, Martin!
19 March
There was a good turnout of members for our speaker tonight, Wendy Pring, a former member of our club and still a supporter of Rotary. We had 12 members of our club, together with guest Martin Pond and a Rotarian from Prestwick Rotary. It was especially good to see member Jim Wilson after an extended period of absence.
Wendy has a special interest and enthusiasm in the idea of the Circular Economy, and has recently participated in a trip to Antartica, organised by the Strathclyde Business Centre. She was one of a group of 100 like-minded women from all walks of life but sharing an interest in climate change and leadership, sustainability, town centre regeneration, and the people and processes needed to make it happen.
With the help of a screen presentation, she described the effects of global warming in the sub Arctic region. She told us of the experiences of the sea journey and a period of 3-4 weeks of landings, lectures and discussions among the giant icebergs and choppy seas of the area. Sea sickness was a problem in the first few days, but thereafter she got used to it.
Whilst she was there she encountered and photographed large numbers of penguins, seals and whales. An unforgettable experience - she would love to go back for an extended period.
24 March
This was the revival of a Ladies Day event which had lapsed during the COVID years. This time it was held in Cumnock Juniors clubhouse, and was hosted by a well known local “Elvis” tribute act. Although it was not a full house, those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment, and participated in the musical activities and money raising efforts. They were also well catered for in food and drink, and the takings for the day amounted to about £1000. The organisers headed by treasurer Agnes were well satisfied with the days outcome, and are to be congratulated and thanked for their efforts.
Rambles
4 March – New Cumnock, from car park at Swimming Pool, walk past the old church and graveyard, and round the perimeter of the Knockshinnock Pools to the Leggate and back through New Cumnock to the car park
11 March – Mauchline, from Loudoun Street car park, up Kilmarnock Road past the Burns Memorial, and around the Hillhead Farms road and back past the school and the Cross to the car park
18 March – Dumfries House, from car park the long way round up past the farm buildings to the Barony Road entrance, and then down the Avenue to see the daddodil display, and back to the car park
25 March – Wet conditions so back to Dumfries House and settled for a walk up to the Wellbeing Centre, and then retraced our steps to the car park and cafe.