John has compiled quizzes and acted as quizmaster and, for over 35 years, has helped to raise thousands of pounds for local clubs and charities, including the Carnoustie Gala Committee.

Twice captain of Arbroath Artisan Golf Club, he is also a committee member of Arbroath Burns Club and a regular speaker at Burns Suppers and other functions.

Music has played a large part in his life, having been compere of the Abbey Folk Club in the 1960s and early '70s, when he played in the Gaugers Folk Group. He was a member of the Angus Black and White Minstrels for 25 years. It is also a little known fact that, for two years in the '60s, he was a member of Carnoustie Musical Society, appearing in 'The Bells are Ringing' and 'Carousel'.

One of John's great passions is live entertainment and, with Marian, he undertakes an annual pilgrimage to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
John is looking forward to his year in office and taking over from Hamish Leslie who, he says, will be a hard act to follow, Hamish having presided over an historic year which saw the club welcome its first two lady members.

In the past year, the club has continued its successful Tri-Am Golf Tournament under the control of community and vocational convener, Alan Fenton, exceeding expectations and beating the credit crunch to raise almost £4,000.

On the international front, convener Jim Waugh organised an excellent choral and brass concert, raising £1,000 for Living Waters Ministries, a charity based in Rwanda.

Rotary International, through its End Polio Now (previously PolioPlus) campaign, is committed to the eradication of polio from the world, and members of the Abbey Folk Club provided a wonderful concert to raise £1,200. Carnoustie Rotary Club is truly indebted to them, not least because they have promised to repeat this next year. In addition the club has held other social and community events and has made contributions to local, national and international organisations.

In demitting office, past president Hamish would like to thank vice-president John, secretary Brian Carr, treasurer Bill Fleming and all members of the club for their support and for making his year so memorable and enjoyable. In addition, he would like to thank, not least, the people of Carnoustie and elsewhere who have donated so generously.