The 1117th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club was attended by 35 members with a further 5 tendering apologies. As usual President Stuart Rennie took the Chair. Stuart had his customary

look through the front pages of the day's morning papers. Two broadsheets concentrated on the Ukraine war while the bulk of the others highlighted issues appertaining to domestic matters including petrol prices. A few drew attention to more trivial topics.

 The normal running order of the club's meeting was changed for the day so that the presentation would precede the business section of the meeting. The speaker was well known to everyone in the Club, former President Ian Gilchrist, and needed no introduction. Ian's topic was "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" which gave a visual account of the varied activities a walking group, mainly Probus Club members over the past two decades of winter months. Generally, the terrain is not too demanding as befits a group of gentlemen well past the flush of youth and the locations are never too far from settlement and help, if needed. The venues have varied quite a bit over the years but essentially were in Fife and Perthshire

 While not setting out to photograph wildlife Ian's presentation included some impressive photos of birdlife, and similarly the landscapes of the different walks The photography showed that the walkers were not really deterred by adverse conditions, and some showed them battling through snow and wind.

 Edward Cockburn proposed a well deserved vote of thanks for a presentation which had been thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

 The club reports were brief. Secretary John Edmunds had nothing to report, as did webmaster Mike Simpson. Treasurer Gordon Levack reminded members of the upcoming Christmas lunch 0n 21 December in Dean Park Hotel. While the active golf season is over Ewan Fraser had news of the Fife Probus Golf Association whose AGM is at Dunnikier Golf Club on 30 November at 10.30am. Social convener Robert Main told the meeting that the next one on 7 December would take the form of a quiz. Bridge is taking root again with meetings on a Tuesday. Snooker sessions carry on at Styx on Fridays. Further ahead, in February a visit to Kirkcaldy Rugby Club for lunch and a game is planned. In the spring it is hoped to visit one of Leven Heritage Railway Open Days.

 Almoner Roy Urquhart intimated that a member would shortly be celebrating his 90th birthday. Two other members send their regards following recovery from illness.

 President Stuart closed the meeting hoping to see everyone at the next one on 7 December.

President Stuart welcomed members to the 1116th club meeting with one guest and there were also four apologies. He had his usual review of news from the papers and then went on to congratulate one member on his birthday before announcing that the Christmas Lunch will be on 21st December in the Dean Park Hotel.  The Fife Probus Golf Association AGM will be held on 30 November at the Dunnikier Golf Club, the Annual Quiz will be on 7 December and a lunch at the Rugby Club on 25 February 2023.  Details of this week's walks were also announced.

 Our speaker Andrew Roger, a retired history teacher, was introduced and his subject was "A Life in Opera".  In 1971 he bought an LP called The World of Italian Opera and this started his interest in

this style of drama set to music.  He added two more LPs to his collection, Bizet's Carmen and also Puccini's La Boehme.  His appreciation grew slowly with Maria Callas, and he began to share his knowledge of operas with others at a Dundee University class called Exploring Opera over 8 weeks one autumn, where he had more than 60 people attending.  Covid struck, and for the next two years Zoom was used to keep in touch with his audience.  He is now looking forward the Adam Smith Theatre reopening so that he can give talks locally once more.

 He posed the question "What is Opera"?  It is musical drama and "it is not over till the fat lady sings"!  A Librettist writes the prose and then converts this to a verse before handing over to the Composer who writes the music to match the verse.

 Andrew then gave three examples A, B and C to illustrate his talk with live music from three operas.

'A' was Aida written by Giuseppe Verdi, then 'B' was La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini followed by 'C' Carmen by Georges Bizet.

 Aida centres on the love triangle between Amneris the Princess of Egypt, her female slave (and secret Ethiopian princess) Aida, and Radamès, the handsome captain of the guards whom both women love.  In La Bohème the story is set in Paris around 1830 and shows the Bohemian lifestyle of a poor seamstress and her artist friends. Carmen is a seductive Seville gypsy whose charm does not escape the brigadier Don José, who falls madly in love with her.

 Ian Gilchrist proposed a well deserved vote of thanks.  The next meeting will be on 16 November.

Thirty two members attended the 1115th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in Dean Park Hotel on 19 October 2022 with another seven apologies for absence noted. President Stuart Rennie then had his usual glance through the front pages of that day's morning papers. While there was no unanimity amongst the titles, most had some reference to the problems facing the Prime Minister. The Financial Times stood out with its main headline concerning the profits of oil giant BP. Stuart noted several variations in cover stories between English and Scottish editions of the same paper

 Most conveners had little to report. Almoner Roy Urquhart announced the death of the wife of a former President and changed tone with another dip into his joke book. Social convener Robert Main spoke about a possible visit to Fife Heritage Railway which the club had heard about in a recent presentation. Ian Gilchrist told members about arrangements for the Friday Walking group. Snooker has returned to the club with Friday morning sessions in Styx Snooker Club.

 The day's speaker was local funeral director Callum Robertson whose talk was entitled "The Final Journey". President Stuart introduced Callum with biographical notes after which Callum added some of his own. He has been in the funeral business since 1983 and has run his own business since 1998.This business has since expanded to Dunfermline and Leslie.

 Callum posed a series of questions beginning with "What makes a good funeral" and "Why do we need funerals" which gave members plenty to think about. The types of funeral are quite varied and illustrations showed a variety of coffins. The contents of a funeral service vary considerably, according to the deceased's wishes.

 He went over the duties of the funeral director at the actual funeral. Members were probably surprised to hear that the Director's staff are not permitted by Fife Council to carry shoulder-high coffins within their crematoria.

 After such an informative and relevant presentation members were not slow in coming forward with questions for Callum who dealt with them very competently.

 President Stuart closed the meeting with the reminder that the next club meeting will be on Wednesday 2 November

At the start of the meeting President Stuart, before an increased number of members, welcomed back two members, then congratulating another who will be 96 this coming week, before he had his review of news from the papers.  There was a more or less unanimous theme of "Tory Turmoil" through all the broadsheets, compared to the return of the Stone of Destiny to Scotland 71 years ago.

 The report on the last Club golf outing the previous day at Drumoig GC was challenging, and the point scores were low due to inclement weather.  The Thursday and Friday walkers were briefed on this week's outings.  Members were reminded about the College dinner the next evening, on 6 October.

 John Marshall our speaker was then introduced to talk about "Tatty Adventure in Peru". He was brought up on a farm, attended school and then gained a Bsc Agriculture at Edinburgh University in 1972.  He had a number of jobs before joining the Potato Marketing Board and this led him to what would be his major hobby, potatoes or 'tatties'.

 We are all used to this stable food, but in looking into where they originated, he discovered that there were no potatoes in Europe 500 years ago.  It was the Conquistadors going to South America, where potatoes were being grown, that started the spread of this food.  It is believed that some came back on ships via the Canary Islands to Europe and spread through Eire to the rest of the UK.  There are currently many types of potato, and these are controlled in the UK by the Potato Marketing Board which regulates supply and demand.  Excess potatoes are fed to cattle to keep the price down.  They are now in demand in Saudi Arabia, Viet Nam and have extended to China.

 More research into potatoes has been done by Professor J.G.Hawkes who went down the west side of South America collecting potatoes.  They are grown at all levels, even as high as Machu Picchu at around 20,000 feet, this covers 28 different micro climates between the sea and the top of the Andes.  In previous times, the Incas were well organised from Columbia in the north to Bolivia further south, as hunter gatherers, from the top of the Andes to the Atacama Desert.

 Travelling in a bus on the Trans American Highway up over mountains and past volcanoes, John found this part of the journey terrifying, on his way to Lake Titicaca.  Here they were taken by boat to an island which had no soil in the past, so the islanders brought soil from the mainland and created terraced hill sides, then planted potatoes.

 Moving on to Cusco high up in the Andes, John and his wife found colourful markets full of fruit, vegetables and meat which were captured on camera.  This was the start of the Inca Trail, a 4 day hike passing spectacular terracing en route. The 14 'trekkers' had 20 porters who packed up camp after they left and had the tents at the next camp pitched by the time they arrived, some feat.  Finally, John visited the Park of Potatoes an hour northeast from Cusco, situated beside some beautiful high mountain lakes, historic Inca ruins, and the richest diversity of potatoes on the planet. Approximately 2,300 of the 5,000+ known potato varieties in the world are grown there.

 Everyone enjoyed this interesting colourful journey to a little known area of our planet, where the potato story was told with humour and much colour from both the local women and also the countryside.

Jim Rankin

32 members and I guest attended the 1113rd meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club on 21 September in the Dean Park Hotel with Vice President Euan Fraser in the Chair.  Euan first explained that President Stuart Rennie is currently on holiday, and he was one of eight members who had intimated their absence. Since the last meeting a fortnight ago, the death of the Queen had brought out pouring of emotions.  Now everybody in the country seems to be getting back to normal, the club included.

Euan introduced the speaker for the day, Jim Rankin a volunteer for the Fife Heritage Railway, touching on his professional career in education.  Now retired he devotes his leisure to the Fife Heritage Railway.

After a lengthy period of absence, Secretary John Edmunds has now fully recovered and is back in harness.  Treasurer Gordon Levack reminded members of the meal in Fife College on 6 October and the menu requests should be completed as soon as possible.  Almoner Roy Urquhart reported that a member, absent for some time, has recovered well and may attend the next meeting. Convener George Warner reported on the last outing of the season on 8 September at Balwearie and announced the various winners.  The final outing of the Fife Probus Golf Association is at Drumoig on 25 September with a steak pie for the winner.  Robert Main, Social Convener, had another reminder about the College meal.  Mike Birkett reported on Bridge arrangements with sessions in the KUSI club on Mondays and the Philp club on Tuesdays. The Walking Groups go out on Thursdays and Fridays.

Many members had either heard of the Fife Railway Heritage group or indeed been at their premises near Leven. Speaker Jim Rankin is a prominent member of FRH and he spoke of their aims of acquiring and restoring elderly rolling stock.  Nearby is the new Thornton-Leven line and he talked about their association with this new development.  All through his talk, Jim had a number of excellent slides, including one of the old Levenmouth railway, also one of the old Cameron Bridge station.  This is close to the proposed Windygates station.

Ron McGill proposed an enthusiastic vote of thanks in thanking Jim for his informative and entertaining presentation.

The Vice President closed the meeting and invited all to return for the next meeting on 5 October.

Ian Gilchrist

A much improved attendance of 35 were at the 1112nd meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club in the Dean Park Hotel on 7 September.  There was also one guest present and 9 apologies for absence intimated.

President Stuart Rennie had his usual look at the headlines of the day's daily newspapers.  There was virtual unanimity with the appointment of a new Prime Minister although the various papers put their own political slant to it.

Two members celebrated their birthdays today.  The meeting welcomed back Secretary John Edmunds after a lengthy absence following an accident.

Treasurer Gordon Levack cheerfully reported that everything was fine with the club's finances.   Almoner Roy Urquhart had news of a member who has been off for some weeks and is almost ready to return to the golf course.  The club golf season is coming to an end with an outing to Drumoig.  Fife Probus Golf Association will convene at Thornton for their final gathering of the year on 26 October.

Members are to confirm their attendance at the Fife College meal on 6 October.

Mike Birkett reported on bowling activities at the St Clair club on Mondays which have been well supported.

The day's speaker was former President Ian Gilchrist. His intended subject should have been Walking in a Winter Wonderland.  However technical issues caused a last minute change and Ian chose to speak about the history of hot air balloons.  King Louis XIV took and early interest in fuelling balloons before Montgolfier made the first ascent. Developments over the following centuries especially with forms of fuel increased safety.  In modern times balloons are principally used for leisure purposes. Throughout Ian used a fine variety of illustrations.

President Stuart closed the meeting with a reminder that the next gathering will be on Wednesday 21 September.

Mike Birkett

28 members were in the Dean Park Hotel for the 1111th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club on 17 August chaired by the club President Stuart Rennie.  5 apologies for absence were intimated.

 Stuart had his customary look at the front pages of the day's morning papers. Considerable prominence was given in the English red tops to the Ryan Giggs trial while the broadsheets dealt with weightier matters such as the cost living and the Tory leadership contest. On a more local scale. it had been announced in the Press and Journal that a TV documentary was being produced on the Renee McColl murder on the A9 nearly fifty years ago.

Two members would be celebrating their birthdays in the coming days and the President extended best wishes to them.  A new member Alan Court, who has been a guest at recent meetings, was duly inducted into the club.

In the continuing absence of the Secretary there was little administrative information available while Treasurer Gordon Levack had nothing to report. Almoner Roy Urquhart had news of a member who has been in hospital before entertaining with more gems from his joke book.  Web master Mike Simpson reported that the web site continues to be well used and some updating will shortly be included. The results of recent club golf outings were reported.

The day's speaker was Mike Birkett, one of the club's newer members. His subject was "The story of the Virginia and Truckee Rail Road" in a part of the United States familiar to watchers of cowboy movies and TV shows. This was in the western state of Nevada in the days when prospectors flocked west in search of gold and silver.  Some made their fortunes, but others had untimely deaths.  The harsh and undulating terrain made communication difficult. Settlements just a few miles apart as the crow flies were often scores of miles by usable routes.  In this contest the Virginia (a city in Nevada} and Truckee Railroad came about in the 1870's. Mike had tales of "goodies and baddies" as these pioneers searched for their fortunes with the railroad key to success in exporting the minerals. Timber too was carried on the line but with decline of mining its life time was cut short and in 1950 it finally closed.   Cities along the track soon came ghost towns while a fascination remains in this historic part of the country.

At the behest of the President the members showed their appreciation of a highly informative, entertaining, and such a well researched presentation.

Mike Simpson

President Stuart Rennie took the Chair at the meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club on 3 August held in Dean Park Hotel and attended by 31 members and 1 guest. 3 apologies for absence were intimated. The President had his usual look at that day's newspapers front pages and found little in common. Among the topics covered included the latest BP profits, China's intentions for Taiwan, the Tory leadership and declining police members.

In the absence of the secretary, the President said that the speakers' list was filling up although there were still some vacancies to be filled. The club's golfers will have their next outing the following day (4 August) to Scoonie. The club golf championship has been completed earlier than usual with the trophy being presented to Vice President Euan Fraser and another to Mike Simpson as runner-up. Fife Probus Golf Association will have their next challenge on 31 August at Strathtyrum. Almoner Roy Urquhart had no illnesses or injuries to report but nevertheless contributed to the humour of the meeting with more selections from his personal joke book. Social convener Robert Main reminded members of the previously announced visit to Perth Races (5 September) and the meal in Fife College (6 October). There has been a revival of snooker and the Monday morning sessions are open to all. Bowling has made a comeback too with Ravenscraig Club members joining us also on Mondays.

There was little need to introduce the speaker in the form of club member Mike Simpson. Mike joined the club in 2006 and was President in 2012-13 and again 2019-20 when Zoom meetings took place. Mike's presentation concerned the South American republic of Colombia which he had visited. This nation is possibly the least well known to us and is the only South American nation which has shores on both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and has a huge variety of landscapes from the towering Andes to the low lying Equatorial Rain Forests. Colombia. once a Spanish colony, gained its independence in 1810 through the leadership of one of South America's best known historic figures, Simon Bolivar. Mike started his exploration in Cartagena on the Magdalena River, Colombia's fifth largest city with a population of over 1 million. Gold had both a decorative and symbolic value in Colombia and in the Bogota Gold Museum resides most of the country's golden artefacts.  Although most visits to Colombia are trouble free the country has had frequent problems arising from the drug trade. Its most notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar, amassed an estimated fortune of 59 billion dollars before his death in 1993. The President thanked Mike for both a highly informative and colourful presentation well enjoyed by members.

The next club meeting is on 17 August at 10.00 am preceded by a committee meeting at 9 am.

Karen Bradford

President Stuart Rennie welcomed a disappointing attendance of only 24 to the 1109th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 20th July. An unusually long list of apologies had been intimated, citing reasons such as holidays, covid, and the current heat wave.

In his customary perusal of the day's papers' front pages, there was a huge concentration on the current heat wave with record temperatures being registered almost everywhere in UK. The contentious Conservative leadership issues came a distant second in front page coverage. Only the Financial Times and the Press and Journal had other topics on their front pages.

Almoner Roy Urquhart recorded that a member had been diagnosed with a serious illness. George Warner reported on the golf outing to Canmore where there had been a variety of winners. The next club outing will be at Scoonie on 4 August. Bob Hutchison's Fife Probus Golf report reminded members that their next outing will be at Dunnikier on 27 July. Robert Main, social convener, asked for names for the College meal on 5 October and for the proposed trip to Perth Races on 5th September. Bowlers are welcome, whatever their abilities to St Clair Bowling club on Mondays at 2pm. The newly formed walking group will gather at Kirkcaldy Railway station on Friday for the 9.25am train to Aberdour where their walk will begin.

The speaker for the day was Karen Bradford, representing the 'Sorted Project', an Edinburgh based charity which assists vulnerable people. In the early days its activities were focused on under privileged areas in the south east of the city. Now it has spread to a wider area. From its beginning in 2008, fund raising has been a major concern and the Project has now had many successes in attracting finance from a variety of sources, in particular, the National Lottery has provided £485,000 over a five year period.

Sorted Project activities have now spread to the Union Canal at Linlithgow where clients are introduced to working on canal boats. These individuals have a variety of afflictions such as substance abuse and alcoholism and it is a measure of success that many are cleared of their burdens. Now new groups have been formed as the work of the Project expands.

Members contributed generously to the funds of the Project on leaving the meeting after hearing Karen's presentation.

President Stuart closed the meeting, reminding all that the next club meeting is on Wednesday 3 August.

Brian Wallace

31 members attended the 1108th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in Dean Park Hotel on 7 July to hear club member Brian Wallace about his time in Christmas Island during the nuclear experiments there in the 1950s while he was serving in the Royal Air Force.

Apologies for absence from seven members were intimated.

President Stuart Rennie opened the meeting with his usual glance at the headlines of the day's newspapers. With one exception, one name dominated these headlines, the Prime Minister with prospects for his longevity in office.

With the Secretary still absent, the President announced there is still a need for speakers for future meetings and members with suggestions should let him know.

Almoner Roy Urquhart reported a clean bill of health before looking at his joke book. Club golfers will have their next outing to Canmore Golf Club the following day (7 July). The Fife Probus Golf Association visited Aberdour with club member Ian Anderson claiming first prize. Their next fixture is at Dunnikier on 27 July. Social convener Robert Main reminded members that the newly formed Walking group will meet on 9 July. A joint meeting with Ravenscraig Probus Club bowlers will be at St Clair Bowling Club on 11 July. After a three year break the Club will resume its Fife College meals on 6 October.

The speaker Brian Wallace, a Lancastrian by origin, began his schooldays in Salford close to the time World War 2 broke out. In the years that followed he showed a bent for technical subjects. National Service followed where he found himself attached to Air Defence radar. This was at the time the nuclear arms race was growing. Up to the then the United Kingdom and the United States had worked closely, but after the Soviet spy Klaus Fuchs had infiltrated British nuclear research, the American Government disassociated itself from the British work.

The independent programme continued in the south Pacific Ocean on the isolated Christmas Island. As part of the meteorological service Brian found himself transported to the south Pacific, he vividly described the preparations for and the journey to Christmas Island. At a distance of well over half a century these seemed almost absurd.

At the heart of Brian's talk was the nuclear explosion itself, the brilliance of the flash and the deafening sound it produced. The protection of the onlookers seemed almost laughable. The local population must have had little or no protection.

In closing the meeting President Stuart reminded members that the next club meeting will on 20 July.

Derek Bethune

On 15th June President Stuart Rennie had the pleasant task of welcoming a new member, the 4th in recent weeks.  Golf reports showed that our club is among the most active of Fife Probus Clubs. Convener Euan Fraser had modestly to admit to winning the club Singa Trophy on a pleasant course created from the bing area at Cowdenbeath. Outings to Canmore and Aberdour are next. Social Convener Robert Main is busy arranging several summer events.

Our speaker, member Derek Bethune then took us on a Sights and Sounds of Australia presentation. Derek used clips from the 17 visits to Australia he has made since he first visited his elder daughter in the mid eighties. Fiona is married with a family in Melbourne. To follow his chosen title there had to be the statutory views of Sydney Opera House and Ayre's Rock, but Derek went deeper than these familiar scenes.  Fort Denison, a former defensive island against a possible Russian invasion became Sydney's Alcatraz and there were Dragon Boat Races in the harbour.

Beaches near the Great Barrier reef were fine for swimming but only between shark nets. This popular area had 8 out of 10 of the world's most venomous snakes. Fine modern Melbourne and Adelaide also have old towns and some golf courses have resident kangaroos. A one man "scaffie" lorry seen in Melbourne could have possibilities for Fife Council.

Perth is a very attractive smallish City, and the Western Australia coastline had some horizontal trees caused by strong winds.  A Tree Top Walk among normal tall trees was better not to be undertaken after visiting the Swan River Wineries.  

In the Aboriginal Northern Territories, we were shown examples of native art.  In the long straight roads around Alice Springs, we saw a colossal linked Road Train which might cause a wee problem travelling around Fife.   In this last section in particular, Derek effectively used aboriginal music.

His background accompaniment throughout gave a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy his excellent video photography.

Our warm appreciation was led by President Stuart. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th July at 10 for 10:30 in the Dean Park Hotel.

Colin Moore

Vice President Euan Fraser welcomed an encouragingly large turnout of members, one guest and our speaker Colin Moore to the Dean Park on Wednesday, 1st June. Euan then entertained us with some historical facts including a visit by Bronco Bill to Kirkcaldy, a Home Rule Bill and worries about climate change, all in the 1920's!

 In a short business meeting almoner Roy was happy to report a clean bill of health. Social convener Robert Main outlined a number of activities in the pipeline. More members are required to make the proposed canal boat and dine trip on 22nd June viable.  Dining in Fife College, a Cluny Clays outing, and snooker and walking are being organised.  Golf has been active with our club sweeping the board at Scoonie.  On 29th June there is an outing to Aberdour and on 2nd July to Cowdenbeath.

 Colin Moore, a retired Primary Head Teacher and crime fiction enthusiast chose to address us on a real life crime story, the exploits of Burke and Hare.  He set the scene of Edinburgh in the Age of Enlightenment. The New Town was being developed with a prosperous middle class leaving a wretched lower class in a cramped old town where lack of space led to 8 storey tenements. Poverty and crime were rife with the wealthier citizens coming to frequent dens of iniquity in the evenings.

 Edinburgh was becoming an important centre for training doctors and their need for human cadavers had given rise to body snatching from recent graves. Burke and Hare were Irish navvies who lived in a doss house when an elderly resident died.

 The navvies took the body to Dr Robert Knox who was happy to pay £7 for a really fresh body. Our enterprising pair set up a clandestine business using Burke to strangle a ready supply of locals to further the medical needs. All went well until a victim, Daft Jamie was chosen. This was a simple but well known and popular lad. This led to an arrest when Hare secured his own freedom by giving evidence against Burke.  Burke was given a public execution attended by Sir Walter Scott on January 28th 1829. His skeleton was ordered to be preserved and can still be viewed in Edinburgh. Hare fled the town and vanished.  Dr Knox continued a successful career in London.

 Throughout his talk, Colin held his audience spellbound with excellent delivery and graphic illustrations. He received very warm applause led by member Jim Browning.

Our next meeting is 15th June at 10 for 10:30 in the Dean Park Hotel.

Ann Ferguson

The 1105th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club was attended by an improved attendance of 33 in the Dean Park Hotel on 18th May with President Stuart Rennie in the Chair.  Several apologies for absence were announced.

 Stuart had his usual trawl through the front pages of the morning papers.   There was little in common amongst the various titles although the red tops had quite a bit on the footballers' wives libel case currently in the High Court while Scottish editions of various papers had substantial football coverage.

 The Club welcomed three new members who had previously attended as guests, all were inducted formally into membership.

 Membership booklets are now available to those who have paid their annual subscription.  Almoner Roy Urquhart welcomed back a member who has been absent for some time before delving into his joke book to find another funny story.  The golfers have been busy with a successful first outing of the season at Dunnikier, with Ian Anderson winning first prize and the Harry Gray Trophy. The outing to the Dora course in Cowdenbeath is on 2 June.   Th club championship is now underway and convener George Warner encouraged contestants to play their ties as soon as possible. Bob Hutchison reported on the activities of the Fife Probus Golf Association. In the absence of social convener Robert Main, the President expressed disappointment that there had been a poor response to the proposed Union Canal trip in June.

 The speaker at this meeting was Mrs Ann Ferguson, Practice Manager at the Nicol Street surgery whose presentation was about how the coronavirus pandemic was tackled.  She approached it chronologically, starting with the first outbreak in Wuhan, China towards the end of 2019 and then into Italy and Switzerland.  Into the New Year, the serious nature of the disease was now better understood with a rush to obtain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), much of which in these early days was often unsatisfactory.   Protective screens had to be fitted to maintain safety.  Various groups, especially the elderly. required special attention.

 As 2020 moved on the virus spread rapidly and this was the low point in the crisis, but work continued on the development of vaccines. Working practices in the surgery changed with telephone consultations and out of hours work.

 Testing increased as the year progressed towards 2021 and this was one of the busier times during this crisis. Then at the beginning of the new year vaccination started and the whole situation began to improve leading to the current situation.

 Mrs Ferguson invited questions and she was not disappointed with the response; Bob Hutchison proposed a well deserved vote of thanks for a most informative talk

Fred Daniels

The Club welcomed back Fred and Rita Daniels for a third time to give an account of their latest expedition in Asia. This was the1104th meeting of the club with 27 members and 3 guests present. Six apologies for absence were intimated. As usual President Stuart Rennie had his customary look at the front pages of a wide range of the day's morning papers.  It was surprising that very few of them led with anything about the various elections taking place this week instead, concentrating on the activities of Boris Johnson, the war in Ukraine and the cost of living.

In the continuing absence of the Secretary, President Stuart announced that while speakers for the next few meetings were confirmed others were needed for later in the year.  Almoner Roy Urquhart reported on the recovery of a member from a stroke before entertaining members with a series of anecdotes.  Golf convener Bob Hutchison reminded golfers that the first Club competition of the year is on 12 May while the Fife Probus outing is on 25 May.  There had been over 2000 "hits" on the web site, mostly looking at the Speakers page with only four on the Committee minutes page.

Applications to join the Union Canal cruise and dine excursion on 22 June so far have been slow to come forward. A significant increase in numbers is necessary to make the outing financially viable.

The Club has become accustomed to learn about Fred and Rita's extraordinary, informative and entertaining trips to China and this presentation was named China 3. They set out armed only with a camera and Hitch hiker's Guide and obviously some money.   Relying on public transport and local accommodation they covered vast distances in northern China over a two month period.

The landscapes along their route were beautifully illustrated with some stunning slides while local customs were highlighted. Not everywhere was to their liking and some of the accommodation they used was far from western standards.  Generally, they found Chinese people hospitable and cooperative. Particular experiences in rural areas may be strange to Europeans but both Fred and Rita seemed to have quickly adapted to the Chinese way of life.

At the conclusion of the presentation Edward Cockburn proposed a well deserved vote of thanks to which members responded enthusiastically.

Before closing the meeting President Stuart asked for a good attendance at the next one on 18 May when the speaker will be Ann Ferguson, Practice Manager at the Nicol Street Surgery.

Diana Diggins

The 1105th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club was held in Dean Park Hotel on 20th April with President Stuart Rennie in the Chair.  Four apologies for absence, including Secretary John Edmunds, were intimated. A previous guest, Ian Anderson, was inducted into membership.

 President Stuart had his customary glance at the front pages of the morning papers. Considering the warfare in Ukraine it was surprising that the majority of the papers led with other subjects such as the activities of the Prime Minister. Stuart observed that two editions of the same title carried quite different headlines.

 In the absence of the secretary the President reported that speakers had been booked through May. Almoner Roy Urquhart brought news of two members whose health has deteriorated while another had returned after a spell in hospital. As usual he concluded with items from his massive joke book.

The web site remains in a healthy state with1920 hits since Mike Simpson last reported. The coronavirus information will be updated.

Euan Fraser reported on the Fife Probus Golf Association AGM. Three Probus clubs had resigned their membership.  There will be five outings this year, usually on the last Wednesday of the month, and for club golfers seven outings have been arranged with the first of them on 12 May.

There was a reminder of the Union canal cruise and dinner on 22 June.

 The speaker at this meeting was Diana Diggins, now resident in Kinghorn but originally from Hertfordshire, an authority on aviation, in particularly Female Aviators. She has a long history in flying going back to her grandfather in the early 20th century. She had researched the lives of several women who were pioneers in aviation over a hundred years ago. Jean Batten and Harriet Quimby in the early 1900s. While several of these women died untimely deaths in flying accidents another, Katherine Simpson lived to the great age of 106 (1891-1997) having gained her pilot's licence in 1912. Well known in her day Ruth Bancroft Law (1887-1970) became a performer in a Flying circus many of which were popular in the inter war years. Hilda Beatrice Hewlett, another pioneer became the first Englishwomen to gain a pilot's licence.

 Winifred Drinkwater became a member of the Scottish Flying Club, operating from Renfrewshire in 1930s and at one time took part in air racing, another activity popular in the inter war and post World War2 years.

 Diana illustrated her presentation with a series of photographs of early aircraft in the Shuttleworth Collection, concluding with a video of some of these early machines.

 Mike Simpson proposed a vote of thanks commenting on the wealth of knowledge Diana had gained in her various researches into early aviation.  The next club meeting is on 4 May when Fred Daniels makes a return visit to the Club to speak on China 3.

Hamish Brown

A disappointing attendance of 25 were present at the 1102nd meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Cub held in the Dean Park Hotel on 6 April and were welcomed by President Stuart Rennie.  One guest was present, and four others had intimated apologies for absence.

 Stuart reverted to his former practice of a run through that morning's papers' headlines. Despite the crisis in Ukraine there was considerable variety of front page topics.

 In the absence of the Secretary, the President reported on progress in booking speakers for forthcoming meetings. Arrangements are now in hand for meetings into June and progress is being made for dates after that. Social convener Robert Main announced a visit to The Union Canal on 22 June while there would be a day at Perth Races later in the summer. A proposed Walking group is still under consideration with a fair number of members showing an interest.

 The speaker was Hamish Brown, making a welcome return to the Club. Hamish is a well known writer, broadcaster and photographer and has recently published an autobiography, West of East, East of West.

 Hamish's father was a banker in the 1930's, posted to Japan. Following the involvement of Japan in World War 2, the family had to make a hasty departure from Japan to the then Malaya. Their stay there was short-lived as the Japanese armies advanced towards Singapore.

 South Africa was the next stop on their journey and where Hamish spent part of the his schooldays. New experiences greeted him there, in particular apartheid, and he still has vivid memories of the treatment of non white people.

 This was an engrossing presentation, thoroughly enjoyed by those present. Edward Cockburn proposed a vote of thanks to which the members responded enthusiastically.

 The next club meeting is on 20 April when Diana Diggins' subject will be "Early Female Aviators (& other flying facts)".

The Annual General Meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club on 16 March in Dean Park Hotel proceeded in the absence of President Stuart Rennie who unfortunately is a victim of Covid 19, his Secretary John Edmunds could not attend due to a back problem.  In these circumstances the meeting was chaired by Vice-President Euan Fraser and the Secretary's duties undertaken by Derek Bethune.  Apart from the above noted another 10 apologies for absence had been intimated.

 The Minutes of the 2021 AGM held on 17th March 2021 were unanimously accepted.  On behalf of the Committee Past President Mike Simpson proposed that Stuart Rennie became President and Euan Fraser vice-President for session 2021-22. Recommendations of John Edmunds for Secretary and Gordon for Treasurer were also accepted. Committee members all would continue in office.

 The membership remains at 55 with an average attendance of 27 at meetings. Two deaths have been recorded while two new members were enrolled.

 Membership and door fees remain the same for the new session with hotel charges not moving. The highlight of the Club's 50th year had been the anniversary dinner in Dean Park Hotel which had been a resounding success although there had been a small loss on the event which was funded out of Club funds.

 The fairly recent appointment of Robert Main as Social Convener had seen a survey of possible activities and visits that members might desire. The results were presented.

 There had been another successful year for golfers, both in club events and in those organised by the Fife Probus Golf Association, Jim Browning won the club championship with Mike Simpson runner up.

 On a sadder note, Harry Wallace reported that the Monday/Friday bridge sessions have now ceased due to lack of numbers. If any member in the coming session wishes to play bridge, he should contact John Edmunds in the first instance who will assess the situation at the time.

 The AGM was followed by the Christmas Lunch, postponed by Covid last December. Those members with a fetish for Christmas pudding and turkey had to make do with lesser foods.

 John Yule then gave an enthusiastic and interesting extract from his play about "Carnegie" which was well received by all present.

Ronnie Mackie

President Stuart Rennie welcomed 29 members and 1 guest to the 1100th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 2 March. Additionally, 4 apologies for absence were intimated. Instead of his customary glance through the front pages of the morning papers the President chose to demonstrate an example of the television programme Only Connect.

Once he had completed his examples, Stuart set another to be tackled by the members present. Unfortunately, their efforts were less than successful.

 In the absence of the Secretary, the President reminded those attending the delayed Christmas Lunch that they should make their menu choices today. As previously announced this lunch will follow the Annual General Meeting which will start at 11 am on 16 March.

 Almoner Roy Urquhart was amongst those not present. Vice President Euan Fraser took over his duties, which included Roy's usual humorous asides.

 The speaker for the day was Ronnie Mackie based in Kinghorn where he helped to set up the Ecology Centre and is an observer and recorder of the sea life in the Firth of Forth, in particular dolphins, seals and whales. Roy has his own boat from which he makes his recordings. Although not readily obvious to the casual shore walker, the Forth estuary is a rich sanctuary for sea creatures. Roy illustrated his talk with well chosen photographs which highlighted the classifications of the various species. 2021 had been an excellent year for observation and Ron reported sightings of bottlenose dolphins which is as far north as they are found. The Forth is rich in humpback whales with a marked increase in their population. He spoke in detail also about sei whales and minke whales to give members a comprehensive view of sea life close to our shores.

 Former President Ian Gilchrist proposed a humorous vote of thanks for a presentation of a subject close to our homes but about which most members have little knowledge.

David Potter

President Stuart Rennie welcomed 27 members to the1099th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on 16th February when the speaker was local man David Potter. Two apologies for absence were intimated.  Stuart then had his usual look through the day's front pages of several newspapers.  Although there is a looming major crisis in Ukraine the vast majority chose to lead with the damages paid by Prince Andrew in his sex case.  Noticeably, no two papers had the same figure! 

 Secretary John Edmunds reminded the meeting that the AGM is on 16 March, starting at 11 am.  This later time is because the meeting will be followed by the postponed Christmas lunch.  Web Master Mike Simpson reported there had been 1900 "hits" on the site in the past month, mainly on the Speakers page.  Euan Fraser reminded golfers that there will be five outings for Fife Probus Golf Association this year, starting in May, usually on the last Wednesday of the month.

 In his introduction of the speaker, President Stuart, touched upon David's career in teaching which latterly had been in Glenrothes High School where he had been Principal Teacher of Classics.  He is a man of many interests, which include football, cricket and the works of Robert Burns.

 Burns (1759-1796) died at the comparatively early age of 37 in Dumfries where he had been working as an exciseman.  This is the time after the second Jacobite Rebellion which some viewed as an England – Scotland contest but it really wasn't. In many parts of Scotland, a Hanoverian army of occupation was stationed to avoid further rebellion.  It was in this climate that Burns produced his early work much of which was written in a form of code.  Burns lived through an era of revolution, particularly in USA and France and a questioner from the floor asked David if he thought Burns was a republican, considering some of his poems could be considered anti monarchic.  On balance David believed that Burns was a republican.

 Several of his poems appear to show disdain for the established Scottish Presbyterian Church.  However other writings seem to indicate he was far from Godless.  Burns of course is renowned for his love of poems and songs, many of them dedicated to one or other of his many female friends.  David referred to one such song and gave voice to it, delighting the audience.  The tunes to which these songs are now sung were composed later, possibly in the 19th century.

 Edward Cockburn proposed a well deserved vote of thanks for a presentation thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

 Before closing the meeting, the President reminded members that the next meeting is on 2nd March when the speaker will be Ron Mackie whose subject will be Seal Watching in the Firth of Forth.