District Governor, Jim Ross, visits our Club – 21 August 2018

We were honoured to be one of the first clubs in District 1230 to welcome the new District Governor to our club. Jim Ross of Dunoon Rotary Club, and recently elected DG, delivered a thought-provoking and entertaining address to our assembled members.

‘Be the Inspiration’ is Rotary International’s theme for this year.  RI President Barry Rassin has challenged clubs and Rotarians to ‘Be the Inspiration’ in 2018-19. Through local, community-oriented events, members can highlight the transformational activities that our clubs undertake every day. Jim suggested that the Firth of Clyde could be viewed as a physical connection that might inspire some District clubs to work together to greater overall effect. Be bold, be innovative, and share ideas, talent, and resources.

Jim went on to emphasise that increasing membership is a priority and that each cub must determine its own route. Some clubs had higher proportions of older members than others but this should not be considered necessarily as a drawback He, himself, would prefer to see a club with active 80 year olds than a younger club with relatively inactive members.

Turning to youth, Jim set a challenge for the District to double the number of Rotaract clubs and encouraged us not be afraid to make changes to the ways in which the club was run if this could improve its membership and general health. He also highlighted the importance of publicising the good work the club does in the community.

Jim continued with an expression of his admiration for the charity ‘Wheelpower’, with which RIBI has close links  (visit https://www.wheelpower.org.uk/partners/rotary ) and he asked us to consider this deserving organisation when planning our own fund-raising projects.

Jim finished by thanking the club for allowing District to ‘borrow’ secretary Craig ‘a possible future DG’ (cue gasps from audience!). He then presented Jimmy Begg, Ayrshire Coastal Path manager, with a District Award for the club’s flagship project.

John Laughland thanked Jim for coming to talk to our club.