Coronation Medals and Robbie Burns Celebration

The Robbie Burns celebration by our Club has always been a fun and memorable event. It’s not the men in kilts or the knobby knees. Its knowing that a man that died at the age of 37 (229 years ago) still makes a different in the world today. Our speaker, Sue Baker brought that message and made a comparison between Rotary and what Robbie Burns (1759-1796) was trying to achieve in his world in the 1700's.
 
His descriptions of country life and the satires he wrote took politicians and religious leaders to task. (https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/vintage/why-robbie-burns-gets-his-own-day-today Accessed Jan 25/2025).
 
The Robbie Burns celebration is a solemn celebration which includes the piping in of the Haggis, (Neil Dunsmore carrying the Haggis),  the recitation of the Selkirk Grace by John Campbell, the address to the Haggis and toast to Burns and the Haggis. The event and celebration continues to be a refreshing bit of fun where we can get together and enjoy each other's company and culture.
 
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Hats off to; Jim Gibbons, Bill Baxter and Ann Caine
 
Canada issued 30,000 coronation medals, awarding them to select members of the Canadian Armed Forces
and Public Service, as well as individuals who made significant contributions to the country or imageachieved accomplishments that brought credit to Canada. Three friends of mine, Rotarian Jim Gibbons, Rotarian Ann Caine and Bill Baxter were awarded the King Charles III Coronation medal. The ceremony was on Jan. 24 at the Acton Town Hall Centre where Arnott and MP Michael Chong presented the medals.
 
Jim Gibbons joined Rotary in 1974 and was Club President in 1981-82 and has been active on the Rotary Board for many years. He was the Mayor of Fergus and well deserving of this medal for his many contributions to the community.
 
Bill Baxter was an agricultural representative in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Wellington County and active in the agriculture industry throughout his life.
 
Ann Caine was a nurse in the Ontario Veterinary College and ensured that all veterinary graduates understood surgical sterility. As a graduate and previously under her tutelage I and many others could never say no to Ann.  I was encouraged by Ann to work with the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). She was the founder of the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre and served as its executive director until her recent retirement. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Guelph South. Congratulations to all 3.
 
 
 

Submitted by Bob Wright 

Rotary Club of Fergus Elora