Larkhall Rotary Clyb celebrate 90th birthday of Bill Mackie

Feb 4 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

LARKHALL Rotarians dedicated their latest meeting to past president Bill Mackie who celebrated his 90th birthday.

Well-known Larkhall man Bill is an honorary member of the rotary club, and the oldest serving member.

He is the only Larkhall Rotarian given the highest Rotary International award, a Paul Harris Fellowship, for his sterling service and work with Rotary and the community.

Born and bred in Larkhall, Bill did his National Service with the army during World War Two, which interrupted his distinguished career in local government.

He is well-known in church circles locally and for more than 40 years he served as an elder and a session clerk of St Machan's Parish Church.

Bill is also a keen gardener and, with considerable input from his wife May, won the prize for Best Garden in Larkhall on a number of occasions.

The highlight for Bill on his birthday evening, January 13, with fellow Rotarians was the surprise presentation of a letter of congratulations, from the current president of Rotary International, John Kenny, the only Scot to have held this office.

He is an old acquaintance of Bill, whom he has met on several occasions.

Bill asked guests at his birthday celebrations to make donations to his favourite charity, Children 1st, which raised £410 for that cause.