Strathaven Rotarians enjoy a fun talk

Jun 5 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

AT the Rotary Club of Strathaven’s meeting, president Nigel Thomson introduced former club member and former dairy farmer Willie Leiper as the speaker.

He spoke about his exploits down-under, when he part of the British tug-of-war team..

George Jamieson, member of the club, said: “In his highly entertaining and jocular address, Willie traced his career as a member of the Centre One ‘Tug-of-War’ team, from taking part in the Revenue Sport at Hatfield in 2005 to his being selected and participating as part of a UK team - in the World Police and Fire Service Games in Adelaide in 2006.

“Willie’s description of the opening parade was hilarious.”

He describe how teams overcame opposition from the Metropolitan, South African, and Malaysian Police and the Australian Fire Service to win two gold and a bronze medal over three ‘Tug-of-War’ events.

His gold medal from the heavyweight class was proudly displayed.

Willie, who was accompanied by his wife Janet on the trip, visited their son in Brisbane and went on to Sydney, after the games.

Willie, provided he keeps up his training, hopes to be selected for the next games in Vancouver in 2009.

Past president Willie Cooper gave the vote of thanks.

An appeal was made to members to assist with various initiates including Gala Day stewarding, gate duty at the Exposition, clothes collection from Strathaven Academy and participation in a large Rotary initiative in East Kilbride shopping Centre, to raise funds for the replacement of the large numbers of emergency boxes.