10th Anniversary of Rotary Christmas Biscuit Project

On 27th October, Lanark Rotary celebrated a very special event in the Tolbooth – the 10th Anniversary of the Rotary Christmas Biscuit Project. Thanks to the generosity of the late John Cunningham, former CEO Border Biscuits, over £70,000 has been raised by local clubs and organisations. 

 

Mairi Mcallan, MSP, Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, Scottish Government

The keynote speaker was Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Mcallan, MSP for Clydesdale, who gave a talk on one of her portfolio responsibilities – global warming, climate change, the natural environment, and progress toward net zero targets. She delivered a compelling argument in favour of taking immediate action to avert disasters, such as the recent unprecedented flooding from Storm Babet in Aberdeenshire.

Minister Mcallan emphasised the importance of grassroot involvement and collective action to implement change. Children and young people are now pivotal in educating their parents and older people on environmental issues. This view was endorsed by Robert Owen PTA!

 

Grass root involvement

The event was also an opportunity for community groups to showcase their organisation or club’s activities, particularly those which have been made possible through funds raised by the project. Of the 30 organisations that have benefited, five presented the key uses: 

• Kirkfield United Football Club: to support 17 teams and 240 local children.
• Clydesdale Parkinsons Group: to fund free exercise classes including hydrotherapy.
• Lanark Tennis Club: to pay for refurbishment of clubhouse, benches and coaching.
• Cargill Club: to ensure the sustainability of the café, social activities and outings.
• Kilninie Club: to provide workshops for children and build the Lanimer entry.

 

‘Friends of Rotary’ recognition

Lanark Rotary hopes to develop stronger links with the community groups that have participated in the project over the past 10 years. In recognition of their contributions to the project, clubs were presented with ‘Friends of Rotary’ certificates and badges. This is a no cost, no obligation invitation to take part in more activities and social events in collaboration with Lanark Rotary.

 

Vote of thanks

All this would not have been possible without the vision of John Cunningham 10 years ago, which was acknowledged by one of the project’s founders, Rotarian Alistair Mackintosh. Bill Stewart, who manages the project on behalf of Lanark Rotary gave a vote of thanks to Tina Cunningham, CEO Border Biscuits, all the clubs and organisations attending and everyone else who has been involved.

 

Lanark Rotary

Lanark Rotary meets in the function suite in The Crown Tavern 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 6pm. What do we do? Who do we support?

• High Street banners and ‘gobos’ illuminating St Nicholas Church steeple.
• Christmas tree, High Street lights and share of ‘Winter Wonderland’.
• Lanark Grammar School Young Writer and Musician competitions and RYLA.
• Primary school quizzes.
• Lanark in Bloom.
• Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade and Scouts.

And much more………………..

 

For more information on how to be part of Rotary contact:

Dr Jill Murie (M 07730 713347, Email jillmurie@aol.com)