Come and Join me

Hi Folks

a simple project which may eventually net some money towards Rotary

visit www.me2everyone.com/146121 and join me in a project to link as many folk within a timescale - you are given points and these will eventually become pounds

Lets see the power of Rotary work within this potential funding method

Jimmy

Reports

Hi Folks

There is a cost for all good things, the reports have to be prepared and sent in before the end of June or they will have an impact on the application for the next exchange visit.

If there are any of the Canadian hosts reading this - could you do us a favour and send across any photographs which you have that you think would enhance the report - for example - we have no photograph of the Paul Harris presentations to the team - if you could help that would be great.

I am in the process of sending e-mails to everyone that I contacted in Canada and I will probably ask for some specific details, so keep your eyes open and your fingers poised over the keyboard for a speedy response.

I'll be in touch during the next week or so

Keep following and do please add comments

Jimmy

well - would you credit it?

Hi Folks

Back home and eventually got my system sorted out - so simple too - a password had been changed to allow me to get web access to mail and it would appear that was all I needed to type in to sort out -

No I'm not thick - it kept on seeking a network password and as I don't have a network that is what threw me - it appears that is the way outlook works - sheesh!

They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - I obviously have a little knowledge - anyway - now that I am back up and running I shall be sending out my e-mails to all who passed on details and cards to me in Canada - I shall also try and do another little ditty like the legend below - if I can fit you in, I shall

keep your eyes on the blog in the near future

A GREAT BIG THANKS to you all

Jimmy

We're Home!

Yup, thats right...we all made it home, safe and sound and surprisingly our bags were waiting for us when we reached Glasgow! So a job well done by Air Canada and BMI, I would travel with them both again.

But...I really dont know what to say now. It feels strange to be back home. 28 days in Alberta felt like such a long time, yet it also passed very quickly. Our first visit to Medicine Hat seems so long ago, yet almost like it was yesterday.

We have left behind so many amazing places, some great people and even more fantastic Rotary members. We would all like to thank each and every Rotary member we met for allowing us to visit District 5360. And a great big hug and many many thanks to each of the host families who took us under their wings and treated us as one of their own family. If you ever visit Scotland, dont hesitate to let us know...Maura has a big house you can stay in! Hahahaha sorry Maura!

It was back to the cold, rain and wind today and back to work for some of us tomorrow. Alberta, District 5360 and all of the Rotary members there will forever warm each of our hearts though.

Districts 1230 and 5360...you made our dreams real.

Thank You.

Your 100% Paul Harris Fellow GSE Team
x

The Legend of 'Jimmy Mallows'

It was not too long ago, in the hills far west of Olds,
that the legend of Jimmy Mallows truely unfolds
The night around the campfire was one to behold
as the snow fell heavily on the ground and the air became cold

The group sat in a circle just laughing out loud
the songs were being sung by a very vocal crowd
then along came the stranger from a far off land
with a packet or two of mallows in his knarly hand

The city slickers and the cowboys look on in awe
as the axe fell on the wood pile cut by the saw
the logs stoked up the fire until the coals were red
and the embers flickered quickly between live and dead

Someone produced skewers that were made of metal rod
which could be used for branding - although a bit odd
but Jimmy sought a weapon that was made from wood
as it would soon prove that the others were no good

The Scotsman took the challenge and placed Mallows on the end
he had to protect the ladies against a new best friend
the duel went on for ages and the target was in sight
but Jimmy Mallows was soon the hero of the long cold night

The folk will talk for time to come about the Scotsman GSE
the legend will be spread around the whole of Rotary
The visit out to Canada in the year of two oh oh nine
and the skill for Jimmy Mallows will be seen as mighty fine

If you were a part of legend in the hills far west of Olds
then your duty is to spread the word the story to be told
the strange happening will live on and on in perpetuity
as the legend of Jimmy Mallows on a Rotary GSE

The skill is not in metal or in how you do the task
the method is to use the wood to stop - (WHAT? - they will ask?)
the secret of the legend is now only yours to keep
so protect it day and daily - yes, even in your sleep

So the story now is ended for this time that we do share
and the legend will live on for all of us who really care
for the visit that we had with you in the year of two oh oh nine
will be engraved forever deeply in the heart - both yours and mine

So goodbye to Jimmy Mallows till another time has come
when we do meet all together or perhaps just with some
and the legend will be born again around the open fire
as we share our happy memories of Jimmy Mallows - (available for hire!)

JImmy

Ayrshire Slickers

A bit about our time in Olds :- we had an early morning Rotary meeting (7am) after a bit of breakfast and rotary business we presented our presentaion for the last time. It was a bit short as we were tight for time and a bit tired.

After breakfast we had a tour of a local manufacturing facility Logan one of the rotarians was the plant manager. It was a pharmaceuticals facility so the gowning up made for an interesting photo shoot. Jimmy's beard cover was lovely. We then headed off to the Olds college and high school campus it was a new development and the facilities were spectacular for the size of the town. The video conferencing was truly state of the art. Talking about art they also had a theatre where some of the sutdents art work was displayed it was amazing. We had a final visit of the morning to a taxidermy place - not sure we got it?

We headed out west where we were camping at a remote ranch. Luckily we had some log cabins it was a bit cold for tents. Martin & I went on a horse back ride with Doug he was really like a cowboy...after a while I found myself calling him Curly (you know out of City Slickers). The horse ride was about 3km by the river and through the pine woods it was snowing and there was quite a bit of snow on the ground it made for interesting underhoof conditions.

In the evening we drank and were merry having food and songs by the fire pit. The snow came on quite heavy it made our night!!!

TO MUCH TO SAY!!!

I have to say sorry to all for my slow blogging AGAIN!!! Time is going in so fast, and with our busy schedules I just haven't had the time (or energy) to catch up!! Anyway I would like to just say (even though everyone else has said the same) that the weekend in Canmore was just amazing!! I have been so touched and overwhelmed but all our new friends' kindness and generosity!! Getting the Paul Harris Fellowship was so unexpected but so touching, I would like to say thank you to you all. It really was a weekend of mixed emotions. I found saying good bye to all new friends so difficult, needless to say in true girlie style, I had a wee cry (how will I get on at the airport?!?). However as we say its not good bye its see you later (you may all regret it).

After a busy weekend of doing our presentation and of course dancing, we moved on to Red Deer. My host in Red Deer were just fantastic, they took such good care of me, while making me feel so at home. In true GSE style our itinerary was busy: hospital visits, meeting the deputy mayor, rotary meetings and of course social events!!

Now again we are on to new adventures, visiting Olds. It sounds like we are going to go out with a bang!! Between hiking and camping I cant wait!!

At this point in the trip I have to say its bitter sweet; I cant wwait to see Colin (my husband) yet I don't want this unique experience to end, any one know of any cheap flights to Canada?!?!?

Until next time.......

I Saw Beaver!

Get your mind out the gutter you dirty minded so-and-so's!! I did actually see a pair of wild beaver in the creek behind my current hosts house last night...so thats one of the animals I wanted to see over here crossed of the list! Still no sign of any elk, moose or bears...and I'm not going to start on the whole cougars and sabre-tooth tigers story! But I have to say something about my hosts home...it is stunning and so is the view! Hans and Lolita Weisner really have a small piece of paradise in their back yard! The view over the creek last night and this morning was stunning and I feel privileged to be staying here.

But we have had a great day today which started with a tour of the City Library services, and we then went on to meet the Deputy Mayor of Red Deer who gave us some excellent gifts. We then had a presentation over lunch and then I was taken back to City Hall where I had an enjoyable discussion with the IT Services Manager of the City.

Then needless to say Nicola and I went shopping!! And yes, I spent more than her...and yes it was all on clothes for myself! I swear I have no idea how I'm going to get everything in my bags for the flights home! We have been given so many gifts over here, and I keep buying things for myself as well! Does anyone know a good pilot who can charter us a free flight home for all our bags??

We then had what we now like to term as a "social gathering" to meet members of the various Red Deer rotary clubs which we wont have an opportunity to visit. When I say "social gathering" I mean we went to a bar to watch a Flames game and have a drink!! Hey, we're Scots...its expected of us to take a drink...and it would be rude to turn down the offer! hehehe! But it was an enjoyable night and it was a pleasure to meet some more Rotary members.

So tomorrow, or should I say later today since I just noticed the time, we have a visit to the local museum, another presentation to do, a tour of the city including the ghost stories, and then we have a social night at one of the club members homes for the team and our hosts.

And then sadly on Wednesday we need to leave Red Deer already and move on to Olds...where the plans for us were kept very "hush hush" at the conference...so we are intrigued!!

Till next time...

District 5360 Conference 2009

I know Maura has already posted below about our weekend at the District Conference, but I felt the need to put in text my feelings on the whole 48 hours...

WOW!

Thats says it all. I have been blown away by the kindness, the generosity and the sense of coming together that I experienced in Canmore this weekend. I have never experienced so much goodwill from so many people. It was an inspiration and an honour to be a part of the conference, and I am sure I speak for the whole GSE team when I say that.

I will admit to anyone that I have had a hard time over the past 3 years, and the kindness and gratitude that was shown to us all for being there over the weekend totally blew me away. Then, to be awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship this morning, was mind blowing indeed. I think we all feel privileged to have been able to visit this district, the conference and to meet the people that we have.

It was an emotional day for me, not least having to say goodbye to the hosts and the people who have spent so much time with us at the clubs we have already visited. When I say people, I mean friends, because that is exactly what each and every one of them have become. And I'm now writing this with yet another tear in my eye! We have been shown so much love by the Albertan Rotarians, and I hope that in some way we can reciprocate that love. Rotary is one big loving and giving family...and its a faimly that I for one would love to be a part of.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to everyone who spoke at the conference and made it what it was. And another HUGE thank you for giving all 5 of the team the Paul Harris Fellowship, it is something we all are humbled and priviliged to have recieved.

I can only hope that we were able to inspire and possibly educate some of the rotarians who attended and watched our presentation. As Maura has already said, we had some great feedback...which again we can only thank everyone for.

Thank you for a great conference, I hope to come back next year!

WOW! - Canmore

I wanted to ask 'Can more' surprises be found on this magical Rotary GSE exchange?

I wish to record my sincere and heartfelt thanks to District 5360 and all my fellow Rotarians for honouring the Scottish GSE with the 'PAUL HARRIS' Fellowships

I am aware that these are the highest recognition a rotarian can be bestowed and I feel very humble that you felt that we were worthy - The team are great and you consolidated that with the award

My experiences are not yet over with the District 5360 - but I can tell you that there is a fire in my heart to ensure that I repay each and everyone of you for the love, support, time, energy, care, hosting, transporting and feeding us during the visit

As 'Arnold' would say 'I'll be back'

Love you all - from the depth of my heart

Jimmy
(Go Flames - eh!)

Even the girls are Fellows

Well, we have just spent the most amazing weekend at the Rotary District Conference here in Southern Alberta. It was held in the beautiful town of Canmore, nestling under the Rockies. It even snowed for us!

The conference was a real mixture of feelings for the team. The speakers on Saturday were really inspiring, and we have been challenged by the amount of good work undertaken by Rotary both locally and globally. Sunday was more emotional, not least saying goodbye for the second time to the many lovely folks we have met here, but more of that shortly....

We have had good feedback from our Group presentation....at least the Canadians understood our Scottish sense of humour. We seem to have made a really positive impact, which far from massaging our egos, has actually been very humbling. It came as a complete surprise to us all that today, we were presented with Paul Harris Fellowships - this is the highest award given by Rotary, and we are all extremely honoured to accept it. This was such an emotional moment!!

So, we are now entering our final week. It's hard to believe that we will be home by this time next week! I intend to savour these last few days, but sadly, I'm sure they will disappear as quickly as the preceding three weeks. We have now arrived in Red Deer and are settling in with our host families. We are meeting so many incredible people here and life-long friendships are being fostered. This Exchange has been an amazing opportunity and it blows me away that Rotary have honoured us by making us Paul Harris Fellows, when in reality, we all feel the debt we owe to Rotary. Amazing day, amazing organisation.

HR in the City

It is not all play we have been doing some work honest!!!

I spent yesterday morning in the HR office at City Hall in Calgary. George McLauchlan the head of HR had kindly set me up ( I guess it was really Sheila that set it up thanks) with 30 min slots with some of his management team.

I spent half an hour with each and started with Mary Lou Flood we chatted about pay, benefits, job evaluation and pensions a lot to squeeze into 30mins. I then spoke to Cindy Munn she looked after recruitment and staffing. This had been quite a challenge as the booming economy a couple of years ago had led to real challenges in recruitment, unemployment rates in the city were 3% (these were the real duffers who couldn't get a job anyway). Cindy had even been over to the UK to attract talent.

Next on my list was Bill Oakes who had a remit for workforce planning. This role was quite important over here as the city is quite dynamic and is still growing quite rapidly. Thing are done in a similar way. Additional points of interest were how they measure effectiveness of workforce planning and bringing in knowledge transfer to their planning, it was a good idea but an expensive luxury.

I then had a discussion with Gillian Gibbs-Gray she looked after policy and process. There is a lot less employment legislation over here so not so much policy but the lay out and approval process is very similar to what we do. Similarly the same techniques are used for policy role out.

My final meeting was with Joan Kennedy and we had a chat about succession planning. Like ourselves there is no list of the chosen ones. They try to ensure that the right skills and qualifications are in place so that they can grow their own. I like the HR strategy it is simple enough for me to understand (get em - keep em - grow em) i think em is Canadian for employee!

It was getting near lunch time and I had to vacate my temporary office at city hall (the board room). George took me to flame central for lunch with Gillian and Sheila. For those back home the flames are the hockey team in town and it was match day how exciting.

In the afternoon I met Carol & Julia we had a chat about recruitment and training and got a feel for how HR in the private sector works.

Sheila said to me if I am thinking of working over here I should look them up, funnily enough some of the experienced staff must be over 50 there maybe some opportunities round the corner.

Bye for now.

Wallace.

Let it snow!!!

Sooo...we have missed a day! Yesterday we had a successful presentation to the Calgary Downtown club and then were taken on a tour of the "Plus 15". This is basically an interconnecting series of tunnels and walkways between the buildings in downtown calgary to allow commuters and shoppers to move around the city when the weather is cold outside. Remember it can easily reach -30 in the winter here.

Needless to say it wasnt long before the shops provided a distraction and both myself and Nicola spent some of our canadian dollars on a set of hair straighteners and a Calgary Flames jersey. I'll let you decide who bought what!

Today (Wednesday), was our vocational day and I found myself in the University of Calgary meeting Dennis Tracz- Information Security Officer, Patrick Jungles - Security Architect, and Nicole Schultz - IT Security Officer for the Health Sciences Centre. This was an incredibly informative day and they have given me some great information particularly on raising awareness of security within our user population back home.

It was around lunchtime that the snow started...

And I cannot believe how much snow fell in just two hours! now, almost 12 ours later we have easily got 3 inches of snow:

Apologies for the blurriness of the last pic, but thats my phone on the table outside...and the snow is almost the same depth as the phone!

Tomorrow we have a few visits planned, including a trip to Calgary Zoo and then a visit to the Chinook Centre...Calgary's largest shopping mall. With more snow planned it could be an interesting day. But at least it lets us wear all the hats, scarves, gloves and wooly jumpers we brought with us, eh?

Gok signing off until next time!

Calgary

Well, we are all now in Calgary and have spent the night in the homes of our host families.

We had a relaxing time in Bragg Creek, in what can only be described as beautiful surroundings, and if you have checked out the website for the lodge we stayed in you will see that we were in the lap of luxury!

Yesterday we were transported to Calgary and taken to the Heritage Centre where we learnt about some of the old cars and filling pumps that were used in years gone by. We then enjoyed lunch before heading over to the Canadian Olympic Park where the 1988 Winter Olympics were held. Sadly most of it was closed so we werent able to have a toboggan run...and the young ones (myself and nicola hehe) couldnt try out the zip slide from the top of the 90 metre ski jump!

We then had our first presentation in Calgary before spending the evening withour hosts.

I have just woken to news of the Kidnap of the Edmonton GSE team leader who is currently in Nigeria. To say everyone here is in shock, especially Rotary members, is an understatement. I think I can speak for the team when I say that my heartfelt wishes go out to her and her family...and I hope she returns to Canada safe and unharmed.

Today we have a presentation to the Calgary Downtown club before they give us a tour of the downtown area of the city...and then we have a relaxing evening withour host families.

I appear to be back!

Thanks to the help from Martin and Dr Chuck I have been able to get some access to e-mail and also I seem to be able to blog again

The team have been marvellous and our hosts have been brilliant - I am finding it hard to express everything in words - as there are no words I can think of that will give an accurate reflection

To all in my own District 1230 - thank you for allowing me the priviledge of leading such a great team to such a great location

Jimmy

Down time

Well, we have now reached the half way point in our study tour and are having a well deserved break in Bragg Creek. This is a lovely little hamlet about an hour from Calgary, at the foothills of the Rockies. This is giving us a chance to recharge our batteries, in the stunning surroundings of the Log Chateau. Check out the website!!
http://www.logchateau.com/

Jimmy, Wallace and I started Sunday by going to church at the local community centre. We were given a warm welcome and it was good to spend time praising and thanking God for the blessings of our trip so far. After church, we had a picnic on Jimmy's own personal veranda - how idyllic!

This afternoon had been ear marked for "chill time" and there have been a few zzzzzzz's!! Leah, from the Canada GSE team which came to Scotland, has joined us for a while, then we are all heading out for food. I am hoping for an early night , before we start the whole merry-go-round again tomorrow. Time is fairly flying past!

Maura

Beautiful Banff

Since my last blog we were lucky enough to be taken to Banff by our Airdrie hosts. All I can say is that it is everything I thought it would be and more!! The drive in to Banff was just stunning (also having a real life Elvis singing next to me helped even more). I don't think I could ever get tired at looking at the Rockies! We went up in the gondola ride up one of the mountain's (my hand is still recovering from Maura's tight grip!). At the top the weather was still good and the view amazing!! We then were treated to a dip in the hot springs. The water temperature was 39 degrees while we looked at the snow on the hills!!

After a busy day seeing the sights of Banff we went to Darren's house for a meal cooked by the foreign exchange student Joe. He made a lovely Thai meal. It was lovely to catch up with all the hosts.

To finish the night we went out to Calgary for a wee drink and dance, how said it wasn't a holiday!!

This is our mid tour break, and I am glad of the rest!!

Until next time.....

There is no Buckfast in Airdrie

I have decided that Airdrie in Alberta is much nicer than Airdrie in Scotland. For any Airdrie Scots following the blog I will do the public apology later. For the Albertans following the blog Buckfast is a tonic wine the youth of Airdrie Scotland are famous for consuming.

Anyway enough of that I spent Thursday morning at Town hall and visited the HR dept they really focus on managing their culture and link this to recruitment to ensure they hire the right staff. Their philosophy is if they hire right they will have less problems in the long term.

After lunch we visit a citizens link service this is where they link a variety of public services for the community to link into.

I picked the interesting option in the evening and went to dinner with Rod Anderson the local MLA a bit like an MSP back home . He was hosting Iris Evans she is the finance and enterprise minister for the whole of Alberta for the scots following the blog she has John Swinney's job.

There was a dinner then Rod (Were pals by now I'll show you the photo) presented a speech and thanks for those attending. He spoke from the heart but was a bit schmoozy. He then introduced the right honorable Iris Evans she spoke for about 20 mins then took some questions. I had my hand right up and got the first question in. The MC passed me the roaming mike and I introduced myself to the other 42 tables having dinner with Iris.

Anyway after explaining who I was and why I was in Alberta I asked her to explain the huge gap in the social programme over here which is housing and then what was she going to do about it? She acknowledge that this was a problem and explained that the funding programme was being increased. She asked to meet me and we swapped business cards and took a photo. She said she wanted to come to Scotland to see how housing and homelessness is managed. I will send her an invitation by e-mail. I was quite chuffed there were 250 people there and only about 6 got to ask a question.

Today we went to Banff and went on the gondola, a lazy way to get to the mountain top. The scenery was stunning. I had been to Banff a few years ago but didn't take that trip. We had some lunch on the mountain top then went to a natural hot spring and stripped off for a dip!! Of course we put trunks on but not the spedos.

We are now back at Darren's house where I helped Joe form Thailand prep a Thai meal, at least I chopped his veg for him .

Any we are going to eat soon I have another party to go to.

Bye

Wallace.

Sunset over the Rockies

Hello from Airdrie (Alberta - not Lanarkshire!)
Another day, another city. I am not only finding it hard to keep track of which day it is, but also which city I am in. To further confuse, although we are being hosted by Airidie Rotary Club, which is a dormitory town north of Calgary, Nicola and I are actually staying in Calgary city - we have been up and down the road between the two centres several times already. Confused or what!!

We had a quieter afternoon yesterday, before doing our presentation at Airdrie Rotary last night. Today, we were up early for our vocational day. I went from Calgary to Airdrie, back to Calgary for a dental school screening visit, complete with fluoride varnish application, then back to visit "Community Link" in Airdrie. This centre provides a range of social support for many of the groups we consider to be "priority groups" in Dental Public Health in Scotland, although there is not yet any formal dental input to this centre. The dental service provision in Canada is quite different from Scotland, so I have found these visits interesting to compare and contrast the two countries - which is, after all, the whole point of Group Study Exchange.

This evening we went for a walk and saw the most spectacular sunset over the Rockies. We are off to Banff tomorrow, which will be great. There, we will see these magnificent mountains up close - can't wait!!
Maura

Its a hard life!!

Well I was really sad to be leaving Drumheller, especially Tracy and her lovely family (missing buttons already!). Tracy I have put a comment next to your comment for you to read. 

After leaving Drumheller I was feeling a bit sad and home sick (missing colin), however on arrival in Airdrie we were again greeted with open arms. Maura and myself met our host for our stay who thought that we would like a wee treat! So after lunch we were taken for a pedicure!! So now we have pampered feet with beautiful nail art. Its just a shame that we don't have any shoes to show them off!!  

Last night we went to a rotary meeting where we were made to feel so welcome and again we done our presentation. Darren had done a lot of work to arrange a hospital visit for me which turn out to be very beneficial. I got the opportunity to talk to to one of the managers who gave me a great insight in to the running of the department.

Tonight Maura and myself attended a rotary meeting in Calgary, within a high school where a group of pupils cooked a lovely dinner. After a day of eating and not much moving Maura, one of our hosts Wayne, myself and his two dogs went out for a walk. After walking up into a park we had a spectacular view. On the left was down town Calgary and on the right was a sun set over the "Rockies" . It was beautiful and I don't think the boys will have seen such a sight from the pub!!!

I am really looking forward to tomorrow, as we are going into Banff!!! So I will leave it there for tonight and will take loads of photos tomorrow!!