Renfrew Rotary Club has gone through some changes in the last year – with the organisation’s first-ever female president being appointed.
Marion Wallace joined the rotary club in 2016 and, at the time, was the first-ever lady member which is something she described as a “bit of a shake up” for the decades-old charity.
When she joined, one member even left the club because of it. “How antiquated is that?,” reflected Marion. “It’s just ridiculous.”
Despite the scepticism about her initial membership, Marion worked hard to make herself an indispensable member of the club – rising through the ranks to become president.
In 2017, she was appointed head of community. After that, she became junior vice-president but had to cease her involvement when her husband Bruce died in January 2019.
Later that year, Marion would continue in her role as junior vice-president then spent two years as vice-president before assuming her role as president last July, taking over from Gordon Drummond.
“I am enjoying my year,” she said. “It’s much more involved than I thought it would be; because I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what was happening in all of the committees, I named myself in each and every one of them, which in hindsight maybe was not the best idea!
“But it did have the purpose of keeping me informed as to exactly what was happening.
“I’ve always felt that the president should not be aloof in any way or detached from the committee.”
The gathers on Tuesdays three times a month, with meetings currently being held at Ralston Golf Club.
The second Tuesday of the month meeting takes place on Zoom, followed by what’s called a council meeting, where the heads of all of the different committees come together to discuss forthcoming events and future plans before they’re opened up to the rest of the organisation.
Marion explained the rotary club’s purpose in the community: “We’re part of a worldwide organisation. Our purpose is to raise awareness of Rotary and to raise funds for charity. Rotary’s motto is service above self.”
As president, Marion appoints the heads of committees and divides members into the respective committees. Each year, the president is permitted to choose a charity of their choice.
A lot of the funding raised throughout the year will go to that particular cause. Marion selected Enable Renfrew which offers friendship and support to adults with learning disabilities in the community.
“I felt it was really important to support a local charity,” she said.
Renfrew Rotary has also raised funds for Poppy Scotland every year since 2000 – the total raised by the club for the charity is in the region of £150,000.
Marion extended an invitation for anybody wanting to get involved in the club’s activities.
“We would welcome anyone to come along,” she added. “You’d be made most welcome. We’re a friendly bunch and the fact that there’s now two lady members. We would encourage more females to come along.”
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
