Recently at Rotary we were treated to a wonderful story of scots success in finding a new home in Dunedin.
Her parents were typical hard working scots who sought a better future in New Zealand. Her Mum had been “in service” since the age of 14, working six and a half days a week. Her father was in the joinery trade in Scotland. They met at a dance hall and became engaged. He left Scotland for Dunedin NZ and was followed by her Mum. He was a successful builder and the family of six thrived. They enjoyed outdoor pursuits skating, fishing, picnics and flying. The family moved from home to home. Fiona attended 4 schools. At Fairfield the Cleveland family were close neighbours and friends.
Fiona’s Dad established Melrose Motor Lodge and Fiona worked as receptionist, cleaner, waitress,typist and cashier. At 3 she enjoyed a family sea trip to Scotland, and at 14 in the 1970’s then by jet plane. Fiona was good at French at school, so her Dad took her on a jet trip to London, then to Paris, picking up a brand new Citroen. Her Dad expected her to be fluent in French, but this was not the case. Fortunately for all of us, she dropped French at school and took up Food Science later.
Fiona is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology. During my time as President, she successfully took on the job as editor of the first editions of the NZIFST national journal.  - Graeme Leith