Events

JOHNSTON SIMPSON

Born in the most easterly point of mainland Scotland at the end of the war he enjoyed a carefree childhood with easy access to the rugged North Sea coastline and open countryside. He moved ’down South’ like many Scots in his early twenties and enjoyed a career largely spent in Logistics with Unilever. This often involved unusual challenging problems in the UK/EU which stood him in good stead in his later work with Zimbabwe.  A trip in 1999 to visit a friend and visit a NGO supported by his Church via Christian Aid, lead him to support this Charity run by Jesuits in a personal capacity by supplying  items in need at a time when HIV Aids was rife. He received a small stone sculpture titled ‘Inner Feelings’ (photo) as a gift made by ArtPeace, a group of impoverished sculptors. This attractive piece ‘spoke’ to Johnston and set him thinking. After a cautious start shipping over a dozen large pieces which sold quickly at his church, he realised  the potential to support ArtPeace and their extended families of 12 to 20 trying to survive under the  brutal regime of dictator Robert Mugabe. Some artists had been tortured. In 2010, large exhibitions were organised in various URC churches across the UK. The Dean of Southwark Cathedral heard of his initiative which lead to a dedicated Cabinet displaying small pieces in their London shop. Over the years, thousands of pieces have been sold with all proceeds going quickly, direct and in full to the artists. This is no large registered charity but run by one person based on trust with no frills. Johnston, therefore, is not bogged down by bureaucracy and can move quickly and keep those who support him informed. Nowadays, travellers bring small pieces over in their luggage. His contact with the artists is daily via WhasApp using old mobiles bought through eBay. The ‘operation’ has been scaled down over the years owing to the demise and age profile of church congregations. However, sales still continue and the artists are supplied with seed and fertiliser each year which feeds families for 10 months of the year – but not this year owing to a severe drought. The lack of raw stone is a problem. Johnston publishes unique monthly articles to a network of friends highlighting the plight of Zimbabwe with stories and photos supplied by the artists.

This will be the final opportunity for us to get together this year.

Our speakers will be our newest members, Hesam Rafsanjani and Mahdieh Fetrati, transferring from the Copenhagen International Rotary Club.

Emem is a driven professional with a postgraduate diploma in Community Services. Committed to improving health equity and accessibility, she is passionate about bridging the gap between healthcare and community impact.