At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, we take the time to introduce and recognize Rotary Clubs from around the world.
This week we recognize the Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan. The town of Banchory (pop 7,650 in 2016) lies on the north side of the River Dee, some 18 miles west of Aberdeen, Europe's oil capital. Originally settled in the 5-6th centuries at the confluence of the River Feugh, the site became the location of the annual St Ternan Fair during the middle ages. The town flourished with the arrival of the Deeside Railway line in 1853 and became a popular destination for both holidaymakers and day-trippers from Aberdeen. During the 1970-90s the town expanded as a result of the oil boom and is currently undergoing a new period of growth. There is a range of shops, hotels, restaurants, garages and local services.
This week we recognize the Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan. The town of Banchory (pop 7,650 in 2016) lies on the north side of the River Dee, some 18 miles west of Aberdeen, Europe's oil capital. Originally settled in the 5-6th centuries at the confluence of the River Feugh, the site became the location of the annual St Ternan Fair during the middle ages. The town flourished with the arrival of the Deeside Railway line in 1853 and became a popular destination for both holidaymakers and day-trippers from Aberdeen. During the 1970-90s the town expanded as a result of the oil boom and is currently undergoing a new period of growth. There is a range of shops, hotels, restaurants, garages and local services.
The town has two excellent golf courses. The club was founded in the small town of Banchory in 1971. Membership is currently around 40. They are active in fund-raising for local, national and international good causes through a series of events throughout the year. The main annual fund-raisers are the Crathes Vintage Car and Motorcycle Rally, which is held in May of each year, and the Annual Golf Challenge held in August. The club supports and encourages international exchange visits, sponsors educational, cultural and youth activities and promotes enterprise through the Young Enterprise (junior achievement) programme in local schools. The Rotary team is ever present at events such as 'Kids Out', The Banchory Show, The Pipe Band Competition and the Braemar Gathering helping and supporting the activities that make our local community so special. Our work on the Scolty Centre garden has been widely appreciated by the families with special needs that make use of this facility. Their involvement with Youth and Vocational activities is also heard loudly in our community. Banchory Ternan Rotary Club partners with the local schools annually to provide Dictionaries for Life, Shoe Box collections, Young Musician Competition, Primary School Quiz, and Young Speechmaker Competition. They support the wider Rotary movement, for example providing Shelter Boxes for those in need when disaster strikes anywhere in the world. Rotary’s contribution to the eradication of polio has been immense. They hold many social events with partners, as having fun together is a key aspect of Rotary membership. Scolty Tower was erected in 1839 in memory of General William Burnett of Banchory Lodge. He served in Flanders in 1793 under the Duke of York and was created General in 1837. The tower is located on the prominent Scolty hilltop overlooking the town and was restored by the Rotary Club in 1992.
King Charles III is an honorary member.
Please join us in toasting the Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan! Thank you, Sally, for this toast.
You can see their website here: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=12