Tuesday 14 May
Our meeting in the Dumfries Arms had an attendance of 13 to share in the induction of our newest member, Martin Pond, by President Jim Kyle. Warmest wishes to Martin for his future in Rotary
Attention then turned to making the arrangements for upcoming events. Mauchline Holy Fair was first on the agenda. We have been allocated a stall in the main arena, and members were asked to sign up for a rota of attendance (2 hour slots) between 11.00 am and 5 pm. We will be running a bottle stall with a lottery element, as well as a “Name That Teddy” contest. Donations of bottles were required.
Our revived Quiz Night was next on the agenda. Scheduled for Friday 31 May, we already have 6 teams registered with more expected.
The revival of a Croquet event was further explored and suitable dates proposed. Sunday 11 August was the favourite. This was later changed to 4 August.
The Honeypot Respite Centre at Dalleagles is having an Open Day on Thursday 30 May and members who have not yet visited the centre were encouraged to attend.
The club raffle was won by Agnes Cowan.
Saturday 25 May
This was the day of the Mauchline Holy Fair. Our stall in the main arena had a regular supply of visitors, and the volume of the sound system from the main stage was just about tolerable.
Our bottle stall was well organised and well staffed but early on the electronic system for picking random numbers for the raffle suffered from accidental human intervention, and there had to be a change made. Raffle ticket numbers attached to the prizes had to be removed, the bottles etc. had to be grouped in 5 crates numbered 1 to 5 and winners were able to choose their prize from the appropriate box. Customers seemed to be happy enough with the outcome – some very happy with more than one prize. Not every winner looked for a high priced item.
The members staffing the stall at that time are to be commended for their ingenuity and adaptability in trying circumstances, and prevented a financial and reputational disaster. The end result was a success – almost £350 raised after costs.
Tuesday 28 May
There was an attendance of 13, although 2 members were unable to stay for the full meeting. This gave us the opportunity to discuss the lessons learned at the Mauchline Holy Fair for future involvement.
We then moved on to our next project – the Quiz Night scheduled for Friday of that week. Quiz Organiser Dave Perriman explained the arrangements made and asked members to be there early to prepare for the incoming teams. Members were also asked to bring a bottle for the raffle prizes.
Our next formal meeting will be a combined Annual General Meeting and Club Assembly on Tuesday 11 June. Members were reminded that a report will be needed from the convenor or organiser of activities over the last year.
The club raffle was won by John Mould.
Friday 31 May
This was the night of our Team Quiz for Rotary members and friends across Ayrshire, held in Netherthird Community Centre. There were 15 teams with 3 or 4 members each, 6 rounds of general knowledge questions shown on a screen, and 45 seconds allowed per question for an answer, all under the supervision of Quiz Master, Dave Perriman.
There was a break after the first 3 rounds and the chance to sample the sausage rolls, sandwiches and cakes, plus tea or coffee prepared by the centre staff. There was more than enough for everyone, and participants had been able to buy soft drinks from the cafe.
The winners were Prestwick A Team and they were awarded the Trophy, plaques and personal gifts by Assistant Govenor Hazel McCully. There then followed the raffle to which participants had donated prizes. There were more than 30 lucky winners. Past President Gerald Alexander thanked everyone for their participation and support, all in aid of the Honeypot Childrens’ Charity.
Monday Rambles
Smaller numbers due to holidays and other commitments, and some gloomy weather prospects, resulted in a decision to stick to local familiar venues.
May 6 Cumnock – Aldi car park, river walk
May 13 Netherthird – Glaisnock House grounds
May 20 New Cumnock – Afton Glen
May 27 Dumfries House – gardens walk