2003 Dunblane, Scotland

The Convention was a big success, and congratulations are due to all the members of the STGA who worked long and hard and came up with so many wonderful ideas. The final dinner at Stirling Castle was a truly inspiring occasion, much appreciated by all participants. Particular thanks go to Ros Newlands and her committee, Wilma Kelloe, Mary Kemp Clarke, Fiona MaClaurin, Jan Philip and Sally Spaven, and to Doreen Boyle as the ever-present Administrator, for their tremendous efforts.

In memory of Jane Orde

The Scottish Convention was dedicated to Jane Orde, our second President and a fine Scottish guide. She was always eager to encourage guides from developing countries to attend our conventions, and very aware of how difficult it was for them to raise the necessary funds. Thanks to the Androus Foundation, which generously donated funds to set up the Jane Orde Scholarship, we welcomed the first two recipients of the Scholarship: Seriff Mballow from the Gambia and Victor José Leal Estevez from Guatemala.

Growing the Jane Orde Fund

The silent and live auctions raised EUR 3,137, part of which was set aside for the Jane Orde Fund, and a raffle raised a further EUR 503 for the Fund. More money was pledged during our meetings: Howard Chan from Hartco personally pledged an amount equal to one of the Hartco contributions to the auction, Morocco pledged USD 100 per year, Turkey pledged USD 100 per year during Serif Yenen’s presidency of his association, Aladdin Khalifa, Area Representative for North Africa and the Gulf and a member of the Association in Egypt, pledged USD 50 a year from his own pocket, and the Androus Foundation promised to match the WFTGA auction contribution.

The Fund gives tourist guides from developing countries the opportunity to attend WFTGA conventions. We hope that each association will add a small amount per member towards it when renewing its membership.