Thursday night's meeting of Ardrossan and Saltcoats Rotary Club was a relaxed affair with spouses and a number of invited guests in attendance for the presentation of cheques following a number of fund-raisers in the latter part of last year.

The guests included John Perkins, head teacher of James Reid school, Joan Gordon, organist at St Cuthbert's, Suzy Hands, principal teacher of music at Auchenharvie Academy and her husband, and Morag Irving representing the Teenage Cancer Trust Yorkhill Hospital Appeal.

In the unavoidable absence of President Bob Sharpe President-elect Archie MacIntyre was in the chair. After dinner, cheques were presented to John Perkins and our own Anne McGrattan, head teacher of James Macfarlane School who shared equally the proceeds of the Annual Quiz Night. Anne also received a cheque representing the club's contribution to the Sensory Room Appeal whicfh is ongoing with all North Ayrshire Clubs involved.

Archie then presented the cheques from the Charity Concert held in St Cuthbert;'s Church to Morag Irving. In accepting them she gave some insight into the work of the Trust in its work with youngsters who often require long term treatments in hospital away from home and school. Some of the means of bringing cheer to them range from 'Clown Doctors' - actors with red noses and white coats who come in twice a week or so - to cinema shows with those who are able to sit occupying tiered seats while there is ample space for beds and wheel-chairs in the floor area at the front for those confined to them.

It also provides support for the parents and siblings at a time of great stress for them. Morag became a volunteer with the organisation following the death of her own grandson and has been involved in various fund-raising ventures over the years including walking part of the Great wall of China as well as speaking to groups and clubs such as Rotary about the organisation.

Being a social occasion there was no business and the meeting concluded with a reminder that next week is an evening devoted to prospective new members to enable them to learn something about Rotary.