Bill lives in Dundee and is married to Daphne. They have three sons. Edward is married to Julia, Peter to Sophie with one daughter, Catherine, and Alexander. All three sons work with computer software design, though in very different fields ranging from satellite navigation to mobile 'phone and palm top programming. Bill was born in Newcastle, due to the vagaries of the Second World War, but regards himself as an out and out Scot. His primary and secondary education was in Aberdeen and Dundee, followed by studies at the Universities of Aberdeen and Reading, obtaining his doctorate at the latter.
As a geneticist and plant breeder, Bill has spent various parts of his working life in universities, the public and private sector. As well as researching the genetics of strawberries and breeding new varieties of barley, swedes and forage rape, his research interests covered plant/wildlife interactions, allergy to crops in Man and alternative energy sources. Allegedly, he retired in 2002 but then set up his own consultancy company and continued to be involved with research as an Honorary Research Fellow at the Scottish Crop Research Institute.
During much of the past twenty years, he has served in various roles in the independent education sector, as well as trustee on a number of Trusts.
Bill joined the Rotary Club of Dundee in 1990, becoming the third generation of his family to do so. He served in various positions on most of the Club committees, becoming President in 2000-2001. His particular interest was in the Interact and Rotaract Clubs as he always saw these young people as the future of Rotary. He continued this interest in District, serving at various times as Rotaract Officer and Youth Committee chairman. He was elected as an Assistant Governor in 2006 and has served in both Zone 2 Moray and Zone 6 Dundee and North Fife.
Bill has always been a keen sportsman, having participated in most sports. Climbing was a major interest at one time, culminating in a trip above the Base Camp on the north side of Everest. He claims that his joints have now given up the unequal struggle but still enjoys golf, especially the St Andrews Kilrymont- Kingsbarns Tournament where he relies heavily on the golfing skills of Past Assistant Governor Jim Young. Music is another great interest and Bill is keen to see the profile of music for young people raised in District 1010.
Bill is a committed Rotarian who sees a clear role for Rotary in raising concerns about environmental problems in the world. He looks forward to his year in office as District Governor, and the opportunities this will bring to travel and meet the 'ordinary' Rotarians, the people who really make Rotary work. |
