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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.

The past presidents of Monifieth & District Rotary Club met for their annual dinner at the Malmaison in Dundee on the 30th January. It was great to see so many past members make it along to an excellent evening of good food and terrible jokes!

For our final speaker of January, the club was delighted to welcome Anne Bell who outlined the history of Maggie’s Centres, the breadth of work they now perform and the extent to which they have spread both nationally and internationally.

In addition to cancer support for both sufferers and relatives, Maggie’s also offers a whole range of services including help with money worries, psychological help, a range of clubs such as running or walking groups, or even just a place for people to chat together quietly about the issues they’re facing.

Just keeping a centre open costs around £650,000 per annum, so President Jim was on hand to present a small contribution on behalf of the club.

Not quite a Burns Night, but another interesting and highly entertaining evening at Monifieth & District Rotary Club as we welcomed our speaker Tom Jamieson who entertained us with some of the works of William Topaz McGonagall, the “celebrated” Dundee poet, plus a couple of his own takes on the poet’s style! To describe McGonagall as an alternative to Burns would be a tad too much, but nonetheless an enjoyable evening was had by all.