'ROTARIANS as people of action' was the theme of the latest talk at Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club.

Graeme Archibald, the new district governor for 1010, spoke of the achievements of the club, including the Rotary Foundation's achievements in fighting polio alongside the Bill and Melinda Gates Trust.

He said: “In this 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation, we must celebrate doing good in the world.

“Just six polio virus cases have been reported this year, the lowest number in history.

“More than 16million who would otherwise have been paralysed are walking today.

“This is a legacy to the world of which rotary, and rotarians everywhere, can be justifiably proud.”

“But”, he went on, “this is not the only stage on which rotarians have been active: the contribution to local communities should be fully recognized.

“As an example, in the floods which had such an impact in the past year, rotarians gave an estimated 12,000 hours of help and support of various kinds.

“This is a contribution which is in danger of being overlooked: the organization and support given to each and every project in terms of members’ efforts often significantly outweighs the financial outcome.

“But it represents people uniting in action to support worthwhile causes in their own area, and more widely.”

he emphasised the importance of recruiting more women and added: “Together, there is so much that can be done by people of energy and goodwill coming together for the common good.”

Demonstrating rotary in action, the club took on its usual role at the recent Bridge of Allan Highland Games offering crepes and other refreshments with proceeds going to local good causes.

Hundreds of items were sold and more than £1,100 was raised for charity.

Meetings of the Rotary Club are held at the Westlands Hotel, Doune Road, at 6.00pm for 6.30pm.

To join, contact secretary Iain Fraser at secretary@dunblanerotary.org or call 01786 822 751.