President Euan Fraser welcomed 29 members to the 1140th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 6th December.  Euan explained that the business section of the meeting would be curtailed to accommodate the annual club Quiz. The Quiz based on the television programme Race Around the World and devised by past President Stuart Rennie was sure to tax members.  Apologies for absence from five members had been intimated.

 Secretary John Edmunds who had been absent from club affairs for a lengthy period returned to his place at the top table and received a warm round of applause.

 The Whisky Tasting evening had been highly successful and was sure to be repeated at a future date. The Burns event, will be in the format of a supper rather than lunch which has taken place in other years.

 There was no speaker at this meeting in view of the quiz occupying over an hour of the available time. It was conducted with five tables of five or six participants with the President acting as chairman. The nature of the quiz was to task the teams of participants to make their way from Buenos Aires to Auckland, using a limited budget with the opportunity to earn money en route or if they cared, spend it on souvenirs. Points were awarded for various achievements such as finishing first. A lively contest ensued before a winning table emerged, and they were presented with a trophy.

 The next club meeting will be on 20 December when the annual Christmas lunch will take place at Dean Park at 12 noon for 12.30. There will be no club meeting as usual on the first Wednesday of the New Year, 3rd January, meaning the next regular gathering will be on 17th January.

John Hamilton

President Euan Fraser welcomed 36 members to the 1139th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 18 November. Apologies for absence were intimated from another three members. Congratulations were also given to one of the membership celebrating his birthday. The topic of the day's presentation was the intriguingly titled Railways before Railways and would be given by John Hamilton who was warmly welcomed by the President.

 Before the talk Euan informed members of the historic significance of 15 November. How many knew that this was National Curling Day or National re-cycling Day? Petula Clark was born on the day in 1931. Much earlier William of Orange, better known as King Billy in certain circles, first saw the light of day in1668. Other significant events on the date were the capture of Winston Churchill in South Africa during the Boer War or establishment of the League of Nations following World War 1 in 1920 or the first colour advert on UK television. In that year Sir Anthony Blunt, the art historian was exposed as a Soviet spy on 15 November.

 With neither the secretary nor the depute secretary present, the Treasurer simply reminded members of previous announcements, the web master had nothing to report, so the business part of the meeting was rather thin. Significant however was The Fife golf report from Bob Hutchison, the AGM will be on Wednesday 29 November at Dunnikier Golf Club.  The club golf section has now concluded for the year. The Walking groups continue and another visit to Aberdour is planned. On the social front there will be a Burns Lunch at the traditional time while the rugby visit for the Stewarts Melville game and pre game lunch will go ahead on 9 December.

 The 19th century is usually associated with the beginning of railways in Britain, but John Hamilton demonstrated in a fascinating presentation a long history of rail borne transport systems before the coming of steam. These systems varied in type and locations to serve local needs before the application of steam with development of coalfields.

 Allan Court proposed the vote of thanks to John for an engaging presentation which had been thoroughly enjoyed by those present.

 The next meeting of the club will be on 6 December and will take the form of the annual quiz.

Sharron McColl

November started with a very gloomy day of pouring rain and wind but a good turnout of 32 members soon had their spirits lifted by our speaker, Sharron McColl, who is based in the Dunfermline Galleries and is particularly involved with Fife Archives. Sharron became interested in genealogy and family history and for the past 30 years has gained a vast amount of knowledge of and an evident passion for her work which she communicated to her audience with considerable eloquence and humour.

Sharron emphasised the importance of documentary records but pointed out the pitfalls of records before the 1850s.  Faded ink, changes of names or spelling of names can cause problems. She referred to one document in which the marriages of 9 siblings were recorded as being on the same day.  It appears that they had all decided to legitimise long lasting relationships simultaneously. Sharron realised that most members would not research their family tree but requested us all to go home, seek out family photos and write names of all subjects on the back.  Photos without names are mainly useless.  After many questions, which were fully answered, member Ian Gilchrist thanked our speaker for one of the most enjoyable talks ever given to our club.

Earlier Chairman Euan Fraser had welcomed 32 members which was a very encouraging turnout in view of several, including committee members, being unable to attend.  Euan gave his customary review of birthdays and events of November 1st in history.  Almoner Roy reported on the health of some members and hopes our secretary will soon be able to attend.  His accompanying jokes merited the usual applause. Walking groups are coping with very varied weather conditions.  Ken Robertson confirmed the Whisky Tasting on 30th November and members indicated support for a proposed Burns Supper in January.  The Rugby lunch is being supported on 9th December.  One gained the clear impression that Kirkcaldy Probus Club is in good heart leading up to our Christmas Lunch on 20th Dec. The next speaker will be John Hamilton talking about Railways before Railways.

David Craigie and Sephanie Wilson

President Euan Fraser welcomed 33 members to the 1137th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park on Wednesday 18th October. Also included in his welcome was that today's speakers David Craigie and Stephanie Wilson both representing the Red Cross.

 Euan asked the members how many knew that this is National Neck Tie Day or National Bread Day,  or knew the 1919 former Prime Minister of Canada or had heard of the infamous Lee Harvey Oswald.  The UK's richest man Jim Radcliffe celebrates his birthday today as does former England rugby captain Mike Tyndall.  On this day in1826 the first British State Lottery was set up.  It had limited success as we had to wait until 1994 until the next one was set up.

 The business part of the meeting was briefly conducted.  Derek Bethune, acting Secretary, told the meeting that reports of the last two club meetings had not appeared in the Fife Free Press and an explanation will be sought.

Almoner Roy Urquhart reported on the health of two members who have health problems in recent weeks.  In the absence of the Social Convener, Ken Robertson, delivered the Social report. The Whisky Tasting Evening is now fully subscribed and there is a reserve list.  The Fife Probus Golf season has closed for the winter. The Club golf season concluded on 5th October with an outing to Drumoig with steak pie winners announced.  Keen golfer Derek Bethune has ended his active career and gifted equipment to the Club as prizes in competition.   Likewise, the Bowling season has come to an end.  The Friday walkers will be meeting at Kirkcaldy Railway Station on 26th October prior to a walking visit to Aberdour.

  David Craigie spoke about emergency medical situations where a defibrillator is an essential tool of treatment.  He had brought with him a dummy used for resuscitation.  Stephanie indicated other methods of recovery including the use of the 999 system.

 Joe Hughes delivered the vote of thanks after there had been a large number of questions about resuscitation and medical resuscitation.  Like other members Joe had been highly impressed with quality of the presentation and asked members to show their appreciation. Not only was there the usual applause but member contributed financially to the Red Cross.

 The President formally closed the meeting after members that the next club meeting will be on 1st November when the speaker will be Sharron McColl presenting “Family History Searches”.

Michael Hildrew (left) and Robert Keddie (right)

President Euan Fraser welcomed 34 members and 1 guest to the 1136th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 4th October.  Another 4 members intimated apologies for absence.  Two members were congratulated by the President on behalf of the membership having celebrated birthdays in recent days.

 The President continued with his theme of the significance of the meeting day's date in history.  For some 4th October is National Cinnamon Day. To others it is Golf Lovers Day.  In 1854 the Republic of Mexico was declared while in 1873 the Open Golf Championship was played at St Andrews for the first time.  In more modern days the first Solheim Cup was contested at Dalmahoy, near Edinburgh.

 Derek Bethune, acting Secretary, apologised for the absence of the club report of the meeting of 20th September in the FFP.  The Treasurer had nothing to report.  Almoner Roy Urquhart had news of the welfare of some members and then proceeded to amuse members with further gems from his joke book.  In the continuing absence of Social Convener, Ken Robertson had an update on the Whisky Tasting evening and the visit to Kirkcaldy Rugby Club in December.  The club golf season will conclude with a visit to Drumoig on 5th October. Fife Probus Golf had their concluding outing at Thornton on 25th September.  The bowling season is also drawing to a close.  Congratulations go to Alan Court who was second in the single handed bowling competition at the recent Kirkcaldy Probus Clubs tournament.  The Tuesday walking group have a planned walk in Raith while the Friday walkers will be at Tweedsmuir.

 The President formally introduced the day's speakers Michael Hildrew and his associate Robert Keddie from Greener Kirkcaldy whose subject was Energy Conservation and Heating Choices. With the present climate crisis this was a particularly appropriate topic as no one can escape from the effects of the crisis.  Information and general assistance in deciding on forms of domestic heating were illustrated.  There was a big response when Michael asked for questions.

 Ken Robertson proposed a well deserved vote of thanks for a most informative presentation of material relevant to all members who had enjoyed the experience.

 The President reminded members that the next meeting is on 18 October when the speaker will be Stephanie Wilson whose subject will be Defibrillators and Unresponsive Breathing.

Anne McIntyre

President Euan Fraser welcomed 30 members to the 1135th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on 20 September along with guest speaker Ann McIntyre. 10 other members intimated apologies for absence.

 Members stood for a minute's silence in respect for the recent death of a member.

 He went on to congratulate a member who celebrated his 86th birthday this week.

 The President drew attention to the significance of 20 September in the wider world.  For some this is National Fried Rice Day and to others it is National Fitness Day.  This day is the anniversary of the first use of gasoline in Massachusetts in 1893 or the premiere of Miss Saigon in 1973.

 In the business part of the meeting the Treasurer announced that arrangements for the Christmas Lunch were underway.   The Walking groups continue on Tuesdays and Fridays. Standing in for Social Convener Robert Main, Ken Robertson gave details of the forthcoming Whisky Tasting evening.  Jim Browning told the meeting of future speakers.  After previous experiences speakers will be reminded that presentations should be limited in time to 40-45 minutes.  The club golf season is nearing its conclusion and in the recent Stapleford competition Bob Hutchison took first prize. The last outing of the year will be at Drumoig on 25 September.  Two teams from the club have been entered for the Fife Bowling tournament.

 Ann McIntyre gave a fascinating talk on Old Kirkcaldy, a subject likely to be of great interest to members. She showed illustrations which portrayed the likely site of the town on the Fife coast.  The coming of the railway in the 1840s led to industrial growth and physical expansion.  Apart from the railways, Ann highlighted other forms of transport which have served the town such as sea borne transport at Kirkcaldy harbour. On land trams came to Kirkcaldy in the 19th century later replaced by buses in the 1920s. The core of the town has always been the High Street and members were intrigued by its changing appearance with one time well known shops and other business long gone. The Kirkcaldy pageant, once a major event in summer, was highlighted, among several examples of Old Kirkcaldy.

 In proposing a vote of thanks, Jim Husband congratulated Ann on an excellent presentation which members had thoroughly enjoyed, reminding them of their own younger days.

 The President, before closing the meeting, reminded everyone that the next meeting is on 4th October when the speaker will be Michael Hildrew whose subject will be Energy Conservation and Home Heating Choices.

Susan Thores

32 members attended the 1134th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 6th September.  President Euan Fraser was in the chair and in his opening remarks he reported another 10 members had intimated apologies for absence.  A further eight members were celebrating their birthdays in the first two weeks of September, they duly received congratulations. Now Euan believed that few members would have realised that 6 September is National Read a Book Day and even fewer would have known that this is Barbie Doll Day.  This led him into finding further significances of the day in dates and events such as birthdays of famous people.

 The business part of the meeting was relatively brief with no reports forthcoming from the Secretary or Treasurer.  Almoner Roy Urquhart referred to the recent death of the son of a past President and also the passing of the wife of another member. Two other members returned after lengthy spells of illness.  On the social front Ken Robertson deputised for the absent Robert Main informing members of a whisky tasting evening on 30 November. There will be a Burns Supper at the appropriate time.

 Ken Robertson, in the absence of Mike Birkett, delivered a brief report on the activities of the bowling group.  Similarly, Ian Gilchrist spoke about the recent and planed walks by his section. In Club Golf the final of the Plate competition saw Bob Hutchison overcome Euan Fraser.  In Fife Probus golf in the recent outing at Strathtyrum members had a good day with Jim Browning taking first prize in the scratch section

 The speaker at this meeting was Susan Thores, representing the National Trust for Scotland, in particular Falkland Palace and its Gardens.  Susan is a native of Aberdeenshire and had an extensive career in the arts before transferring to horticulture   The palace has a history of over six hundred years and was formerly a hunting lodge for Scotland’s royalty.  The gardens have an equally long history and Susan dealt with challenges they have faced over the centuries, in particular she described the current situation with some excellent slides. She illustrated her talk with a further series of appropriate photographs.

 Hugh McKenzie proposed a vote of thanks for a most informative talk which members had thoroughly enjoyed.

 President Euan closed the meeting after reminding members that the next meeting is on 20 September when the speaker will by Ann Hunter representing Kirkcaldy Civic Society.

Steven Mitchell

There were 35 members present when President Euan Fraser opened the 1133rd meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 16 August. Apologies for absence were intimated from six members, including three who were representing the club at the Fife Probus bowling competition.

 The President congratulated a group of members who had or were about to celebrate their birthdays. As has become his practice he had a look into the history books to find the significance of the day's date in years gone by.

 This was followed by the business part of the meeting.  Neither the acting Secretary nor the Treasurer had anything to report. Almoner Roy Urquhart welcomed back to the club a member who had been absent for some time because of illness.  Social convener Robert Main reminded participants of the forthcoming golf event at Dunnikier.  He also spoke of other planned events including a visit to Kirkcaldy Rugby for the match against Stewarts Melville on 9 December. Jim Browning gave a summary of future speakers and their subjects.  On club golf George Warner drew attention to the idiosyncrasies of the club championship which saw him contest the final without playing a game.  Ron Wylie was the eventual winner.

 President Euan introduced the day's speaker Steven Mitchell.  He is well known to many members and his business has developed rapidly.  Steven reckons he is the seventh generation of his family to have farmed at Clentrie but must be the first to have specialised in buffalo.

 Formal education done, Steven spent a period in Australia, mainly in Western Australia but it was an excursion into the Northern Territory that he first saw the possibility of farming buffalo.  From that occasion came the successful business he has today, twenty years later.  To build the business he first secured a buffalo herd to provide the meat needed for trading. In the early days he acquired a shop in Kennoway for retail but as time went by, he altered his marketing techniques with considerable success, helped by several television appearances.

 He now had a successful farming and trading base, and this led to the setting up of the popular Bothy coffee shop, off Boglily Road. There remained one area of the buffalo business which he still had to develop, the use of buffalo milk for mozzarella cheese.  There were problems galore in the early stages but now sales are strong and amongst several contracts he now has is one with ASDA.

 The vote of thanks was proposed by Ron Wylie who congratulated Steven on such a well delivered and informative address, thoroughly enjoyed by the members, who responded with enthusiastic applause. There is a three week gap before the next meeting on 9 September when the subject will be a Virtual Tour of Falkland Palace Gardens.

Louise Trumpington

President Euan Fraser expressed disappointment that the 1132nd meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on August 2 had been supported by only 28 members although another eight had submitted apologies for absence.

 Euan announced the recent death of local man David Potter. Although not a member of the club he was well known to many members and on occasion had addressed the club on Scottish Cricket, one of his many interests. Five members were celebrating birthdays in the first half of August. As has been his practice Euan noted the significance of August 2 in history, which to many is recognised as Dinosaur Day.

 There was little business to record with neither secretary nor treasurer having anything to report. Almoner Roy Urquhart returned after a period of absence from the club. He thanked John Stewart for covering for him while he was away. Robert Main, Social Convener, reminded members of a golf event at Dunnikier on August 25, everyone had already been notified by email. There will be a return visit to Kirkcaldy Rugby Club on 9 December for lunch and the fixture against Stewarts Melville. There will be a January date for the Burns Supper.

 In club golf the draw has been made for the Cranmore outing. The next outing for the Fife golfers will be at Strathtyrum on August 30. Club bowling continues at St Clair Bowling Club on Mondays at 2pm. The Thursday and Friday walking groups continue.

 President Euan introduced Louise Trumpington as the day's guest speaker. Her topic was Grain and Sustain. Drawing from her extensive experiences in Papua New Guinea she explained how conservation is practised there with any kind of waste discouraged. Her theme of conservation was maintained throughout her talk, drawing upon a host of examples.

 Roderick Henderson proposed a vote of thanks to Louise for an engrossing talk.

 The President closed the meeting wishing everyone a safe journey home. The next club meeting will be on Wednesday August 16 at the usual venue. The speaker then will be Steven Mitchell whose subject will be The Buffalo Farm.

Arthur Lloyd

The 1131st meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club took place in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 19 July with thirty six members present. A further three had intimated apologies for absence. President Euan Fraser was in the chair, and he opened proceedings by introducing the day's speaker, Arthur Lloyd, making a return visit to the Club, whose subject was Lewis and Harris.

 Before turning to the business part of the meeting, Euan highlighted the significance of 19 July in history or as the birthday or death of well known people.

 Neither the acting secretary nor treasurer had anything report. In the continuing absence of almoner Roy Urquhart John Stewart has undertaken his duties. Social convener Robert Main had intended to issue a full programme of forthcoming events at this meeting but changing circumstances have not made this possible. Hopefully this will be rectified at the next meeting. Speakers are now well in hand for the next few meetings.

 On the golf front the next outing of the Probus Club Golf is at Canmore on 27 July. Bowling continues to thrive with regular Monday meetings. Similarly, walking groups on Tuesdays and Fridays are active.

 Arthur Lloyd's previous appearance at the club had been well received so there was real anticipation of his latest offering on Lewis and Harris. His presentation was interspersed with recorded musical interludes – not always related to Lewis and Harris.

 Arthur touched upon the physical, geographical and cultural landscapes of the two territories, highlighting their differences. Of particular interest on Lewis were the prehistoric Callanish Stones and the Lewis Chessmen. There are also swathes of mainly empty beaches in Lewis. Harris on the other hand is mainly surrounded by a rocky coastline but has its own attraction. Over the years there have been have several attempts at economic development, most notably by Lord Lever and his settlement at Leverburgh.

 Included in Arthur's presentation was an account of a trip from Lewis to the abandoned empty St Kilda, devoid of people apart from occasional scientific visitor and now has a small military presence.

 After such a lively presentation there were quite a few questions from members.

Ian Anderson proposed a well deserved vote of thanks for such an interesting vote of thanks for such an informative presentation.

 Before closing the meeting President Euan reminded everyone that the next meeting is on 2nd August would be a talk from Louise Humpington titled “Grain and Sustain”.

Brian Welsh

President Euan Fraser was in the Chair for the 1130th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on 5 July. With many members enjoying holidays only 28 members were present.  Seven other members intimated apologies for absence and there was only one birthday to celebrate.

The president had been delving into his computer to find significant events which occurred on 5th July in other years such as the foundation of the National Health Service in 1948 or Dolly the Sheep in 1996.

The business part of the meeting was concluded quickly with no reports from the Secretary or Treasurer. Social Convener Robert Main will announce at the next meeting details of forthcoming social events.  The next event for club golfers is at Scoonie on 11 July while Fife Golf players will compete on 29 July at Dunnikier.  Bowling continues on Mondays at 2 pm and the two walking groups have both been enthusiastically supported.

The speaker was Brian Welsh whose subject was The Kirkcaldy Foodbank. This organisation is run on a voluntary basis with no paid staff.  Brian became part of the Foodbank organisation in 2013 and has been responsible for fundraising.  The need for the services of the Foodbank have greatly increased in the decade since then and there is growing food poverty in the town. Income is derived from a variety of sources, notably grants from charities, standing orders from supporters. churches and schools. The Foodbank operates under strict guidelines, for example maintaining the dignity of clients.  Of this clientele 77% make up to five visits to the bank while many of the others may make only the occasional visit.

The number of questions addressed to Brian indicated a high level of interest in Kirkcaldy Foodbank.  Brian Wallace proposed a vote of thanks, and this was enthusiastically supported.

The next meeting is on 19 July when the speaker is Arthur Lloyd who will be known to many after successful talks in recent years.

Andrew Baptie

President Euan opened the meeting by welcoming today’s speaker Andrew Baptie, Head of Club Services at Scottish Golf; then announcing 2 birthdays and 6 apologies in the presence of 33 members. He then welcomed Secretary John Edmunds back among us once more.  Being the longest day, Euan drew attention to events of past years.

Club reports followed with the Canal Outing details still to be finalised. Mike Simpson gave an update on the Web Site followed by George Warner’s report on the Falkland Golf Outing where the winner was Mike Simpson, who had a better inward half.  The next Fife Probus Golf Outing will be at Aberdour GC on Wednesday 28th June where a Greensome Competition will be held.  Bowls activity took place successfully earlier this week after a deluge of rain and there will be a Fife and Perthshire Inter Club Bowling Competition on Wednesday 16 August at Dalgety Bay Bowling Club.  For the Thursday Walkers the Hill of Tarvit is next on their list, while the Friday Walkers went from Kinghorn to Kirkcaldy last week.

Andrew presented his talk under 5 headings, History of Scottish Golf, Mission Statement, Organisation, Current Activities and Future Vision.  His ability to make things simple was helped by his slides, short and to the point.

The first golf club, Royal Burgess was founded in 1735, then St Andrews created the 18 hole format around 1900. The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association, the Scottish Golf Union and creation of Scottish Golf Limited followed.  The vision was “Scotland’s Game for Everyone”, the Mission was “Inspire our nation to love golf” and the Purpose “To lead, promote and develop golf in Scotland”.

Currently there are 569 affiliated golf clubs with 559 courses and 284 with access to a PGA professional.  The total number playing, plus non playing club membership, is 235,000 split into playing members 184,000 Males (78%) and 26,000 females (22%) with the majority, 67% of a recent survey in the age range 55-74.

There are 300,000 golfers who are not members of any club and only play a few times each year.  Scottish Golf needs to know more about these golfers, by analysing households by area also obtaining male/female statistics so that they can be persuaded to join a club.  Youngsters are the future of our game, and they need to be targeted.  A Participation Team is running fun Starter Sessions for girls, a National Junior Programme (for boys and girls), a Roving Pro giving access to tuition and finally ‘GolfSixes’ competitions, 132 clubs playing in 30 leagues across Scotland.  Andrew left us with the message “Grow your youngsters” to ensure that the number of those playing golf increases.

Graeme Cockburn, one of our golfers, expressed our appreciation for an excellent talk.

Roy Johnstone

In the absence of President Euan Fraser, Vice President Mike Birkett took the Chair at the 1127th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on 7 June. 33 members attended with another seven intimating apologies for absence. He opened proceedings and a former guest was inducted into membership and issued with his club badge.

Mike announced the recent death of longstanding member of the Club and members stood for a period of silence in tribute to him.

He carried on the practice of the Club President of high lighting events on the 7 June in other years, some long forgotten but others of more recent times. This led Mike to congratulating those members who are celebrating birthdays this month.

The draw for the Club Golf Championship has now been made and competitors had been informed of the next club outing, the next day on 8 June. The Fife Probus's last outing, the previous week at Scoonie, saw a mediocre performance for club members, apart from Jim Browning who finished third. The next outing will be to Aberdour on 28 June.

Bowling continues to be fairly well supported at the weekly sessions and a new singles competition will start in July.  The Walking groups resume next week with the Friday walkers joining the Fife Coastal Path to walk to Aberdour.

The speaker for the day, Roy Johnstone had been at the club previously and needed little introduction. Roy is a retired lawyer, and his chosen subject was the “Life in Scotland in The Good Old Days”, a topic likely to engage the ageing membership of the club. His own primary schooldays provided an amusing start to the talk with references to “the belt” and other long discarded educational practices. The morning school milk, in 1/3 pint bottles was frequently placed beside a radiator to keep it warm; Incidentally Roy detested warm milk. Television was in its infancy and Radio 1 or 3 provided the bulk of home entertainment. For boys there was a full range of toys generally available, mentioning Dinky toys and Meccano.

Outside the home entertainment was quite different with most towns having their annual visit of “the shows”. Roads were much less busy, with far fewer cars. Nobody will regret the disappearance of fog, a regular occurrence in mid 20th century Scotland.

Roy continued with many other aspects of Scottish life which have changed almost beyond recognition, not necessarily for the better.

Roy's talk had been so all embracing that when he asked his audience for questions. unusually no one responded. From the Chair, the Vice President proposed a well deserved vote of thanks which was enthusiastically supported. Before closing the meeting, Mike reminded members that the next meeting of the club will be on Wednesday 21 June.

Liz Wilson

President Euan welcomed members and our guest speaker Liz Wilson before an interesting run through of events on 17 May in previous years.  There were 8 apologies, 1 guest and a new member was inducted into the Club.  Roy gave an update on a member who was not well.

 The recent outing to the Parliament was enjoyed by 21 members and friends and an outing to the Forth and Clyde Canal is being finalised.  Other outings are under investigation. Speakers have been engaged but members were asked to recommend more.

 On the golf front, the next Club Golf outing will be at Falkland GC on 8 June followed by the FPGA outing to Scoonie GC on 31 May.  The Bowling numbers are picking up and an inter club competition will be held at Dalgety Bay in the near future.  The Thursday walkers will set out on one segment of the Coastal Path this week, and the Friday walkers are not walking as everyone is away!

 Our speaker Liz Wilson’s subject was ‘Playlist for Life’, an interesting title which she explained was of great help to those with dementia. This was started by Sally Magnusson 9 years ago in 2013 as her mother was suffering from dementia.  Research into how the brain works shows that music reaches most of the brain all the time that the music is played, and this has a soothing effect for the patient.  The music that the patient is most likely to react to is what was being played when their age was between 10 and 30 years old.  By recording this music on whatever medium is convenient e.g., CD, memory stick or another means as a ‘playlist’ and playing them for the patient will have a soothing effect.  There are benefits such as recalling past events, to restore a sense of ‘self’, and a reduction in the use of drugs and medication.

 This can help people connect and to reunite families, recall memories or abilities, restore a sense of ‘self’ and help manage moods.  It has been proved that a Playlist can easily be assembled by asking family and friends, so make a long list, record and then listen together.

 For those who are interested and want to know more, look up www.playlistforlife.org.uk for more information.

 John Stewart gave an excellent vote of thanks for a well delivered presentation.  The next meeting is on Wednesday 7 June at 10.00 for 1030.

Mike Simpson

In the absence of President Euan Fraser, Vice President Mike Birkett took the chair at the 1126th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in Dean Park Hotel on 3rd May 2023. 30 members were present along with 1 guest; 2 apologies for absence were intimated.

The vice president announced that the day's scheduled speaker Karen Sharp unfortunately had to call off having contracted Covid 19.  At very short notice former president Mike Simpson had agreed to address the meeting on the Asian country Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

 Vice President Mike carried on the President's practice of looking at the significance of the meeting day's date in history for example the General Strike in 1926 and Margaret Thatcher becoming Prime Minister in 1979.

 Webmaster Mike Simpson explained that currently there were still issues with our web site but hoped they would be resolved before the next meeting.  On the social front the next event is the visit to the Leven Heritage Railway Centre on 19th May and final arrangements will be announced at the next meeting.  The first club outing of the summer had taken place at Dunnikier Golf Club the day before this meeting. Fife Probus Golf Association members will have a new venue when they visit Falkland on 31 May. The Bowls section continues to be very active and caters for bowlers of all abilities.  They meet at St Clair Bowling Club on Mondays at 2pm.  The Thursday Walking group experienced driech conditions on their last walk. The Friday walkers are due to go to Loch Leven this week.

 Myanmar, previously Burma, often described as the ‘Hidden Country of Asia’ was Mike Simpson's subject as he spoke of the Road to Mandalay. Once a British colony, Burma gained its independence in 1946, and has had a chequered political existence since then and is currently under military control.  The country has a population of 53 million who are overwhelmingly Buddhist and are mostly poor, scraping a living from the land. There was hardly an aspect of Myanmar life which Mike did not cover. Food was highlighted with Mike questioning the hygiene of the preparation of some types. There were many styles of temples, and the worship of Buddha was widespread. Many statues had been adorned, some with gold. Buddhism seems to run through most aspects of Myanmar life, including along the Road to Mandalay.

 Bill O'Donnell proposed a vote of thanks for a thoroughly informative and entertaining presentation. The next meeting is on 17th May.

Robin Ozog

President Euan Fraser took the Chair at the 1125th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 19 April with 39 members attending along with 2 guests, 7 members intimated apologies for absence.  Euan drew attention to significant events in history on 19 April, ending with a notice in the Fife Free Press of 1943 of his own birth.

 He also had disappointing news that long serving member John was standing down as Roll Keeper and ‘welcomer in chief’ after 20 years in that role. The job is an important one in the Club, and he appealed for someone to step forward as John's successor.

 Treasurer Gordon Levack reminded members that subscriptions are now overdue. Most have now paid, and Gordon appealed to the minority who have still to pay.

 The golf season is at hand and the first outing of the Fife Probus Golf Association to Scoonie GC will be on 31 May. The bowlers have appreciated the dry weather for the start of their season at St Clair Bowling club and there is a charge there of £3 per session. Both Walking groups have been active recently with the Tuesday section visiting Balbirnie Park at Markinch last week and now planning a walk in Letham Glen in Leven. The Friday walkers had recently visited the Ecology Centre at Kinghorn.

 On Friday of this week a party from the Club are travelling to Edinburgh for a visit to the Scottish Parliament. Further ahead, arrangements have been made for a trip to the Leven Railway Heritage Centre on 19 May.

 The day's speaker was Robin Ozog, well known in local Gilbert and Sullivan circles as well as academically, in teaching catering in the further education sector. Drawing on years of experience, Robin produced a lively presentation, named “From Ruff to Rough” on many aspects of his extensive career. The Gilbert and Sullivan part was very much a recreational area while professionally he was caterer. He organised catering at both national and international events and included many members of the royal family amongst his clientele. Keeping his patrons happy, and wanting to return, is a secret of the successful caterer and he went into considerable detail to explain how this was achieved.

 Mike Stevenson proposed a well deserved vote of thanks for a most enjoyable presentation which held members' interest throughout.

 President Euan formally closed the meeting with the reminder that the Club will meet again on Wednesday 3rd May when the speaker will be Karen Sharp whose subject will be Scottish Golf.

Lee Brown

Recently elected President Euan Fraser took the Chair at the 1124th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on 5th April attended by 35 members and 1 guest.  3 members intimated apologies for absence. By way of introduction, Euan went back in history to recall events on 5 April in past times.  Interestingly, the issue of the Fife Free Press for that date in 1943 carried advertisements for as many as seven different cinemas in the town.

 In the absence of the Secretary, President Euan announced that copies of the revised Constitution would be delivered to members.  Treasurer Gordon Levack reminded all that annual subscriptions are now due.  Almoner Roy Urquhart had no health matters to report but had a further opportunity to pluck several gems from his joke book.   Apparently there have been several issues with club web site and webmaster Mike Simpson has this in hand and service will improve shortly.  The proposed visit to the Scottish Parliament has now been confirmed for 19th May.  News of another outing, to the Fife Heritage Railway Centre will be announced at the next meeting.

 There was nothing to report either from Fife Probus Golf or Club Golf although the start of the season is not far off.  The bowlers however can look forward to the start of theirs with the first games on 13 April at St Clair Bowling Club.  Both walking groups, on Thursdays and Fridays, continue as usual.

 The day's speaker was Lee Brown from Kinghorn Ecology Centre who gave a detailed account of the working of the centre. His role at Kinghorn is in estate management and has had a particular interest in refurbishing tools, especially garden tools which are then sent to Malawi.  The centre has twinning programmes in conservation with that African country.  While some members had a fair knowledge of the working of the centre, the majority had not and found Lee's talk most informative.

 Bill O'Donnell proposed a thoroughly deserved vote of thanks for a much appreciated and informative presentation.

 The next meeting of the Club will be on Wednesday 19th April when the speaker will be Robin Ozog

Andrew Aird

President Stuart Rennie was in the Chair at the 1123rd and penultimate meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club for the 2022-23 session which was held in the Dean Park Hotel on 1 March.  Thirty six members were present and ten apologies for absence were announced.

Almoner Roy Urquhart brought humour to the meeting with a few of his 'observations'. Robert Main then reminded members that there were upcoming outings to the Isle of May, the Heritage Railway, Parliament and a Rotary Charity Golf Outing.

The President welcomed the day's speaker Andrew Aird who is a Director at Kirkcaldy Park Runs.

Park Runs started in London in 2004 at Bushy Park where 13 runners and 3 volunteers had the first 'run'.  There are now more than 2000 locations in 22 countries where the Park Runs are held.  Here in Fife, there are four main 'runs', in Kirkcaldy, St Andrews, Dunfermline and Lochore where over 27,000 runners have taken part in the last year. The 'runs' do not happen without a great deal of organisation.  They are free to enter, and it's fine to walk, running is not compulsory.  All events are delivered and owned by volunteers from the local community and it's all about getting people active and socialising in our open spaces.

What is required for a Park Run to happen?  A suitable course, a helpful landowner and a core team of about 10-12 people, including Timekeepers, Marshalls, Bar code scanning for the runners and a Run Report Writer.

A 5 km run is not a race and runners will do this in their own time and at their own speed.  The last person in the run is known as the Tail Walker and is a member of the organising team.  His job is to make sure that everyone arrives at the finish safely and then the run has been completed.  A final stop off will then be made to the nearest café for coffee and a bacon butty amid a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Bob Hutchison proposed a vote of thanks to Andrew for a most informative talk.

President Stuart concluded proceedings with a reminder that the next meeting on 15 March will be the Annual General Meeting.

Scott Fraser

In the absence of President Stuart Rennie, Vice President Euan Fraser took the chair at the 1125th meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club held in the Dean Park Hotel on Wednesday 15 February. In addition to the 30 members present another nine apologies for absence were noted. Vice-President Euan Fraser congratulated another eight members on their birthdays.  Instead of the usual look at the front pages of the morning newspapers. Euan chose to associate a number of famous people with member's years of birth.

 There was little to report from the various conveners while Mike Birkett spoke of the forthcoming bowling season and reviewed the arrangements for the Walking groups.

 The Vice President had little difficulty in introducing the day's speaker, his son Scott, who is a Corporate Affairs Manager with Scottish Water.  Scott, educated at Balwearie High School and Strathclyde University graduated from the latter in Business Management and has now been with Scottish Water for 17 years.   Euan smilingly apologised for both Scott and himself appearing on the same platform.

 In a comprehensive presentation Scott touched on almost every aspect of Scottish Water from the location of reservoirs to domestic and industrial use, also dealing with water waste. As for supply in Fife there are reservoirs in Glendevon, Glenfarg and the Lomond Hills.

Scotland has a unitary water authority unlike England and Wales which makes for many advantages in the provision of water and the sharing of problems and allocation of financial resources. Environmental protection is a major concern for Scottish Water and treatment plants demand major attention and investment. Solar panels are installed wherever possible to increase the green input.

Scott's presentation was much appreciated by those present and members took advantage of the Q/A session with an unusually large number of questions.

 This preceded the formal Vote of Thanks proposed by Jim Browning who congratulated Scott on such a comprehensive look at the workings of Scottish Water.  Vice President Euan formally closed the meeting by reminding members of the next club meeting on 1 March.

Dick West

President Stuart Rennie opened the 1121st meeting of Kirkcaldy Probus Club by paying tribute to former secretary Sandy Laurie who died suddenly last week. Members stood for a minute's silence.

 36 members and two guests attended at Dean Park Hotel.   8 apologies for absence were noted Stuart had his customary look at the front pages of the day's national and local newspapers.    There was a wide diversity of subject matter, especially between English and Scottish editions and also in subject matter with possibly the current wave of strikes getting most attention.

 Secretary John Edmunds reminded conveners that reports should be submitted to him prior to the AGM on 15 March. Treasurer Gordon Levack announced that hotel costs were likely to increase. A decision will be made and announced at the AGM but it is likely this will be reflected in a slight increase in the annual subscription rather than increased door money.    Almoner Roy Urquhart also referred to the late Sandy Laurie whose funeral will be on Thursday 16 February at Kirkcaldy Crematorium at 12.45pm.

Social convener Robert Main referred to earlier announcements about outings to Fife Heritage Railway, Isle of May trip, and a visit to the Scottish Parliament.  Vice President Euan Fraser is still collecting names for the outing to Kirkcaldy Rugby Club on 25 February.

 The speaker for the day was local man Dick West making a welcome return to the club and he set himself the task of educating members on the subject of champagne.    Euan Fraser gave a brief resume of Dick's career which included a lengthy spell with Harvey's before he set up himself in 1993 as a respected wine merchant, continuing until retirement.

Dick gave a comprehensive account of the processes in producing champagne, first indicating the geographic location of the champagne vine yards around Rheims in northern France. The unique nature of champagne makes it different from other sparkling wines The limestone caves of the Champagne district are ideal for the storage, and the period of storage determine the vintage of the wine up to six years.

 After a buoyant Q&A session, David Martin proposed a well-deserved vote of thanks for a most informative presentation, well-illustrated, humorous and interesting throughout.

Before formally closing the meeting President Stuart reminded members that the next meeting is on 15 February when Scott Fraser will speak on Scottish Water.

Bill Harley and Gill Kelly

President Stuart Rennie welcomed 33 members to the first meeting of the new year held in the Dean Park Hotel on 18 January. Apologies for absence were intimated from a further five members. He had his customary look at the front pages of a wide range of that day's morning papers and a couple of the previous day's evening papers which in the main reflected the political persuasion of the papers.

Two members were congratulated on recent birthdays.

The Club annual general meetings will be on 15 March and Secretary John Edmunds requested conveners to submit their reports well advance of that meeting. Almoner Roy Urquhart had nothing to report but dipped into his joke book for some amusing anecdotes. With George Warner absent there was nothing forthcoming about golf. The Club Walking activities have become popular in recent months and details of the Tuesday and Friday groups were given by Mike Birkett and Ian Gilchrist.

There had been a late change in speakers. With the original speaker calling off his place was taken by Bill Harley and Gill Kelly, both former police officers who now work with Fife Council to promote road safety in the community. Their presentation was Driver Safety for Older Drivers, an appropriate subject considering the age profile of the membership. The speakers took turns in addressing the meeting on various aspects of motoring and road safety.  They then referred to a Quiz illustrated on the screen. The heavily disguised clues referred to various aspects of road safety/motoring and members were invited to comment on the clues and give their own opinions. This proved very successful, and a majority of the membership took part.

Past President Mike Simpson proposed a well deserved vote of thanks to both speakers who will leave the meeting in the knowledge that the roads of Kirkcaldy will be safer after the club members absorbed the meat of the presentation.

The President formally closed proceedings with a reminder that the Club will assemble on Wednesday 1 February with Dick West, our speaker, telling the story of Champagne