Sunday 4 August
This was the day of the Croquet event at Barskimming, revived after a gap of a few years, because of COVID. Jim Wilson was the organiser of the event, and had recruited helpers to lay out 3 pitches. The other activities on offer were putting and boules.
Club members were involved in the erection of a mini marquee for use by the caterer who had provided a cold buffet plus tea or coffee, and setting up chairs on floorboards for the comfort of participants. Treasurer Agnes Cowan with 2 helpers was in charge of collecting entry fees and raffle takings.
Most of the attendees took part in the croquet contests, a few tried the putting but nobody bothered with the boules. The day had started dry but in the later
stages of the croquet, light showers dampened the overall enthusiasm and the enjoyment. The buffet was a welcome relief to all.
The winners were rewarded, the raffle winners picked up their prizes, and most people seemed to be satisfied with the days proceedings. The turnout was lower than hoped for, possibly affected by the weather conditions, but it showed that there is still some interest in the event. We can plan for next year with greater confidence.
Tuesday 6 August
At our regular meeting we had an attendance of 11 plus a speaker. We had a brief report of a recent segment meeting in Ayr attended by club officers, at which 2 projects were promoted – the River Garden at Auchincruive, which is a rehab project, and the Peace Pole at Allanton Peace Sanctuary. Clubs were also encouraged to explore Corporate Memberships, to expand Rotary involvement in their area. Members agreed to donate the proceeds of our Croquet event to the Honey Pot Charity.
Our speaker was Angela Iver, coordinator of Release, a local charity aimed at mainly young men struggling with behavioural and mental health problems, which too often lead to suicide. Friendly intervention is offered, promoted by notice boards in prominent positions in public spaces. Problems could be unemployment, substance abuse, housing needs etc. The charity is funded by the National Lottery to employ a worker for 16 hours a week, and relies heavily on volunteers to offer their time and resources.
The club raffle was won by Gerald Alexander.
Tuesday 20 August
At this fortnightly meeting, we had ADG Hazel McNulty who brought to our attention a Rotary Club Auction Night in Ayr in November, and invited our club to be involved. Attendance was 13 and the club raffle was won by Barbara Goudie-Bradford.
Our speaker was Mercy McEwen who told us about a venture to bring young people to a setting where they would be among real live horses. This is at the Fossilfield Racing College, which is based at a former coal bing site, Berryhill, just outside Auchinleck. There are 10 horses here, 4 of which are former racing horses, and the venture has developed over 20 years.
Youngsters can gain experience, confidence and learn coping skills. Mercy described the present situation as bursting at the seams, increasing demand, accessibility problems, involvement of parents and volunteers, need for transport etc. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, any offers of help would be appreciated.
Monday Rambles
August 5 – Netherthird – Caponacre
August 12 – Cumnock – Dumfries House
August 19 – Sorn – Plantation walk
August 26 – New Cumnock – Afton Dam