The Rotary Club of Monifieth & District
Rotarians having fun while working for the Community!
Another busy day showcasing Rotary in Action as our members raised money for our community support with our “Nail in the Bale” stall, directed the traffic and even had time to ferry a few folk around on the TriShaw. Well done to everyone involved.
Mairi provided a quite excellent presentation on the history of Newport, Tayport, Wormit et al. Explaining how the rise in ferry traffic spurred the population and industry growth along the southern side of the Tay turning it into a popular place to relocate from Dundee during the time of industrial growth.
Iain Rouse-Mitchell from the Royal Bank of Scotland led an interesting session on the current frauds and scams that we should be looking out for and how to avoid them. Not unexpectedly, there was a great deal of post-presentation discussion with many members keen to share their own experiences.
As President Ewen assumed his role as President of the club for 2026-27 (see his excited or is it shocked expression) the club was also treated to a fascinating talk on the history of Iceland from local historian Val Vannett.
Also in June, we were treated to the heroic tale of how Past President Brian Cunningham took on the challenge of the West Highland Way, and almost gave up as the wind, rain and sleet dented his earlier confidence. However, it was a story of triumph over adversity and the club commended his valiant efforts as he successfully completed the challenge.
In June, we were visited by Past district Governor Brian Stewart who reminded the club of the importance of Rotary own charity – Rotary Foundation.
An interesting month with a full weekend fundraising for Rotary Foundation – our worldwide charity – at Tesco in Monifieth (grateful thanks to the staff there who are always so helpful); terrific talks on the Digital Skills and the dangers online from Hannah Davies of AbilityNet; plus an update on activities at one of our supported charities, Monifieth Befrienders, from Lindsay Le Grice.
The sad story of Jim Rodgers, a missionary from Broughty Ferry was one of the “unrecognised heroes” highlighted by Charlie Webster this evening. The story appeared in the New York Times.
“LEOPOLDVILLE, the Congo, Jan. 1, 1965 — A Scottish missionary lost his life in the northeastern Congo because he refused to abandon an American colleague who had been condemned to death by the rebels.
Survivors of the massacre at Wamba told today how James Rodgers of Dundee stayed with William McChesney, a Protestant missionary from Phoenix, Ariz., until both men were murdered on Nov. 25.
“Jim certainly wouldn’t have been killed if only he had not insisted on remaining with McChesney,” said Mrs. Geoff Scholes, one of the 10 missionaries of the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade who arrived here last night after their rescue by mercenaries.
The rebels were reported to be determined to kill all Belgians and Americans in Wamba in retaliation for Belgian and American support for the Congolese Army. Others were spared.”
The second hero, was William Fleming, also of Broughty Ferry who in 1898 was killed in Qingping District in China, alongside his local aide. They were carrying out evangelical work but, sadly, rumours circulated that they were carrying weapons. Only after their deaths did the people realise this to be untrue.
As Charles pointed out, it’s a sad fact that neither hero is recognised in their local town.
The club was delighted to induct a new member this week. Alan Stevenson was proposed by PP Brian Cunningham who introduced Alan to the club. President Jim Culloch welcomed Alan and explained the purpose of Rotary to Alan as well as reading out the important 4 way test of Rotary: Is it truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will not be beneficial to all concerned?
Alan thanked the club for the way the members had been so welcoming towards him ad looked forward to joining in the many activities of the club.
Excellent talk from Iain Ross on the history of the Burrell Collection and its enigmatic benefactor, Sir William Burrell. With around 9,000 artefacts, the collection attracts huge visitor numbers and recently reopened after a major upgrade. Some pictures are copyright of the Burrell Collection.
