Lion Magazine April May 2011

Transcription

Lion Magazine April May 2011
The magazine of the British and Irish Multiple District of Lions Clubs International
LION
Lions Clubs International
We
Serve
April/May 2011
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APRIL/MAY 2011
16
Flying with Santa
F E AT U R E S
15. PID PHIL
12 MONTHS
ON
25. MUSIC AND
THE DEAF
19
Jersey’s Marathon Swim
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REGULARS
4-5. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
32-33 Young Ambassadors 2011
18. LETTERS
28-29. CLUB NEWS
35-37. OBITUARY
46. TACADE
48. VISITING LIONS
50-51, 52-53, 58-59.
CONVENTIONS
38-39 Lions with the United Nations
Interested in
finding out more
about Lions?
Your local Club
contact is:......................................................
Cover: The President at Convention
(See pages 50-51 and 13)
......................................................
Tel:.................................................
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
3
LION
We Serve
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT
2010-2011
Chairman: PDG Tom Tyson
40 Alexandra Road,
Crosby. Liverpool
L23 7TF. Tel: 0151 9312393
Email: [email protected]
Deputy Chairman:
T.B.A
CONTACT GOVERNOR:
DG Martin Bye
41 Wadleys Road,
Solihull, West Midlands,
B91 1JJ.
Tel: 0121 711 1298
Email: [email protected]
The Message of
President Sid Sc
Turn Off the Autopilot to Reach New Heights
F
VDG Ian Thornhill
67 Montague Crescent,
Garforth, Leeds,
LS25 2EJ.
Tel: 0113 2873 203
Email: [email protected]
EDITOR:
Margaret Kimberley,
3 Rosebank Road, West Mersea,
Colchester, CO5 8NH.
Tel: 01206 384663
Email: [email protected]
ADVERTISING:
Warners Group Publications Plc
Sales Executives:
Jayne Notley
Tel: 01778 391189
Email: [email protected]
OR
Andy Fraser
Tel: 01778 392054
Email: [email protected]
lying an airplane with an autopilot has many advantages for the pilot.
The autopilot can be your friend, but it can also lull you into a false
sense of security. When the autopilot is engaged, the pilot becomes an
observer. On a commercial airliner flying long distances the autopilot
helps carry the load of the pilot by easing the physical requirements of
keeping the airplane on altitude and, to some degree, on course. The
problem comes when it is time to change course or altitude. The
autopilot needs the pilot to take control, or the airplane will continue on as before.
There is another problem with too much use of the autopilot. The pilot loses
the “feel” of the airplane. When you lose your feel you lose your basic flying
proficiency.
I wonder if some of our Lions Clubs have been doing the same things for so
many years that they appear to be on autopilot. It’s time to kick off the
“autopilot”! It’s time for us to take charge and maybe change course back to
service. It’s time to review community needs, to recruit new members for added
service, to form a new Club for a neighboring community and to reintroduce
having fun.
As a professional pilot, I had recurrent training every six months. Maybe it’s
Mission statement of Lions
Clubs International:
Production Co-ordinator: Sue Woodgates
Tel: 01778 392062
Email: [email protected]
The Maltings, West Street, Bourne,
Lincs. PE10 9PH.
Patron of the Lions Clubs of the
British Isles Her Royal Highness
The Countess of Wessex
*
*
*
*
*
*
LION British and Irish Edition is published by
Multiple District 105 and printed by Warners
(Midlands) plc, on behalf of Lions Clubs
International, 300 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois
60570, USA
MULTIPLE DISTRICT SECRETARIAT
257 Alcester Road South, Kings Heath, Birmingham
B14 6BT.
Tel: 0121 441 4544. Fax 0121 441 4510
4
LION
APRIL/MAY 2011
We Serve
“To empower volunteers to Serve their
communities, meet humanitarian needs,
encourage peace and promote
international understanding through
Lions Clubs.”
On the Web:
Multiple District 105: www.lionsmd105.org
e-mail: [email protected]
Lions Clubs International: www.lionsclubs.org/
? 4 = 4 8?
International
ruggs III
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time for a checkup on our membership to
ensure that our mission of service is not falling
short of our potential because we have been on
autopilot for too long. Our new Club Excellence
Programme is a great tool to give your Club a checkup.
This month our service focus is on ecology. I hope your Club will take part in
this last global service project as together we continue to be a Beacon of Hope.
Sid L. Scruggs III
Lions Clubs International President
A year to Remember:
A
Council Chairman Jacquie looks back
s time hurtles towards the end of my
tenure as Council Chairman I realise
that the “top job” requires kindness,
tolerance, humility and nerves of steel.
The plus points far outweigh the
downsides. It is not the places you visit
(a hotel room is much the same
anywhere) it is definitely the people you meet, whether
they be Lions, potential Lions, people we help or young
people who inspire us in so many ways – it is here where
the humility enters the equation.
Young people gaze with awe and wonder at the
exquisite but heavy Council Chairman collar, but behind
that awe is the young person’s ability to recognise that
the “role” is to encourage them in their endeavours, pass
on to their peers the need to create and foster a spirit of
understanding, but mainly to create the atmosphere
whereby they are able to help within their own
communities and in the wider world.
It is to these young people that I pay tribute, the Lions
of the Future.
To the Lions of the Present I give my
thanks for your tremendous work this
year and in the years to come.
It has indeed been an honour
and a privilege to work amongst
you. My motto “Every Lion
Counts” has been more pertinent
and important to me this year
than ever – an “ever” that I shall
never forget.
Good luck to my successor DG Tony
Gadsby.
• Jacquie Prebble
Council Chairman
2010-2011
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
5
‘Be Safe,Be Seen’
T
hat was the message
at Bungay Primary
School when pupils
were invited to take
part in a poster
competition
sponsored by the
Bungay Lions Club.
The purpose of the competition was
to raise awareness of staying safe
when out and about on the streets of
Bungay. It was arranged to coincide
with the presentation of a set of
fluorescent high visibility tabards to
the school by Bungay Lions, for
pupils to wear when going out on
educational visits.
Headteacher, Mr Iain Owens
said, “We like to be noticed at
Bungay Primary School! Our classes
regularly enhance their learning by visiting many different places
in town such as Bungay Library, Bungay Castle, Holy Trinity
Church and The Fisher Theatre. Bungay Primary School is most
grateful to the Lions for these wonderful High Visibility vests.”
School Governor, Martin Skuse and Bungay Lions President,
Phil Tucker, judged the competition and were so impressed by the
quality of the artwork that they decided to add a ‘Runner Up’
H
attack!
If Harpenden Lion Steve Gledhill felt that someone was out
to get him he could be forgiven. But in fact he faced all this
adversity with wonderful bravery, to the extent that fellow Club
Lion Bengie Walden nominated Steve for a ‘Community Gold
Award’, praising his ‘stoic’ attitude and the courage which had
inspired his friends and family.
Accepting the Award, which is sponsored by the local
newspaper and a firm of solicitors, Steve said: “ Harpenden Lions
have been a wonderful source of friendship and encouragement.
LI ON
prize for each of the 3 age groups. The winners (13 in total) were
announced in school assembly and each received a certificate and
a voucher.
Bungay Lions Club and Bungay Primary School plan to run
further initiatives in the future.
Steve’s a Hero!
e battled prostate cancer (and, like the
Bridgnorth Lions featured on page 14 of this
issue campaigned through LION for all men to
take a simple PSA test which identified his
problem and quite possibly saved his life..).
He broke his leg in a serious car crash. … and
to crown it all, he suffered a serious heart
10
● The children in their tabards, with Bungay Lions Phil Tucker and Jane
Gardiner.
APRIL/M AY 2011
They ferried me to hospital and to numerous medical
appointments. I hope that they will see that this award is as much
for them as for me.”
Steve was pictured with St Albans Mayor Maxine Crawley and
Louise Attrup of Debenhams Ottaway Solicitors who sponsored
the Award.
Colin’s in the Running
D
istrict Governor Colin Duncan
of 105-W ran the ‘Brecon
Lions 10’ in August 2010 in
aid of the ‘Deaf Youth
Orchestra’ part of ‘Music and
the Deaf’ a Multiple District
project. The ‘Brecon Lions 10’
is a TEN mile Road Run over a hilly course and a
challenge to the best of club runners. To
encourage charity runners to participate and
bring in needed revenue for Brecon Lions Club,
Lion Colin approached friends to join him in this
worthy cause. The reports from participating
runners of Brecon Lions Club second year of running this event
are excellent. More charity runners are welcome to run this well
laid out challenging course.
... and it all started with a
heart attack!
Lion Colin suffered a heart attack in May 2004. Subsequently
he was advised to go to rehabilitation classes led by Sally Sims.
There he met Terry and Val Clarke and James Anthony. Out of this
class came the desire to improve health and well being and so
began the walking. From these small beginnings the idea to
improve health started with five and then 10 mile walks, all led by
Sally, an employee of Powys County Council. In a previous year
the small group took on the challenge of the Swansea 10k (6
miles) and all completed the course. Since then Sally and DG Lion
Colin have completed the ‘Bath Half Marathon’ which was run in
● L to r Sally Sims, Terry Clarke, Val
Clarke, DG 105W Lion Colin, James Anthony
& Robert Latham. The photograph shows
the ‘The Team’ just before the start of the
‘Brecon Lions 10’ Road Run.
March 2010. DG Colin together with
friends raised over £400 for the ‘Deaf
Youth Orchestra’ from the Brecon Lions
10. This is the second occasion that
money has been raised by this group of
friends. DG Colin again ran the ‘Swansea 10k’ in September and
ran ‘Cardiff Half Marathon’ in October 2010. Sally Sims as trainer
will again have run with DG Colin in the ‘Bath Half Marathon’ on
6th March this year. DG Lion Colin wishes to thank all those that
have supported these ‘runs’. DG Colin was supported in
particular for the Brecon Lions 10 by Chairman of Council Jacque
Prebble, MD Secretary Evan Jones, MD Treasurer Philip Goodier,
the Council of Governors of 2010-2011, PID Philip Daubeney, PID
Phil Nathan and PID Howard Lee.
Sorry,Bethan!
105-A
Pictures for P
eace
105-M
The Dis
Fin alists trict
in the
Peace
Poste
Contes r
t
105-NE
105-D
105-C
105-SW
105-E
2011
105-I
14
105-SE
105-A:
CHRISTY
STUBBS
(13), Royst
105-BN
105-D:
on Lions
CHARLY
Club ●
CLARK (13),
105-BN:
105-I: CELIN
Burnham
ELLIE GAM
E DEVLIN
Lions Club
BLE (12),
(12), Cook
● 105Leyland
105-SE:
stown/Mag
& Cuerd
E: EMM
OLIVIA
en Valle
A ANDREW
herafelt
HOPE MAC
y Lions Club
Lions Club
(12), Spald
KRELL (12),
● 105● 105ing Lions
Bexhill on
LION
C: GREG
M: CHRI
Club ●
FEBR UARY
Sea Lions
STIE HOR
ORY B HURS
105-EA:
/MAR CH
Club
NBY (12),
T (12),
JONATHO
2011
● 105Malvern
Harrogate
N DE OLIV
SW: BETH
Lions Club
Lions Club
EIRA (13),
AN WESL
● 105EY (11),
Lowestoft
NE: ANN
Tavistock
Lions Club
A MENASH
Lions Club
(12), Scarb
● 105orough
W: BECH
Lions Club
AN REES
(12), Caerf
fili Lions
Club
F
105-EA
FEBR UARY
/MAR CH
2011
LION
15
or unknown technical reasons
the entry from Bethan Rees of 105-W in the
Peace Poster Contest which was featured in the
last issue failed to make it on to the page with all
the others. We can only apologise. Here it is.
Bethan (12) was sponsored by Caerfilli Lions
Club, and said of her entry: “ I would like to see
Peace everywhere”.
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
11
Our Partners
A Message to the Lions of MD105
Fellow Lions.
As I am sure you are aware, we have, as an Association, enjoyed a long and beneficial relationship with TACADE, going back over 20 years.
Some weeks ago, in an open conversation between Lions and TACADE staff, it was stated that TACADE, like many other organisations,
was being affected by the length and depth of the current recession and that bodies which had previously been donors had either
withdrawn or reduced their level of support.
Unfortunately, that simple statement ‘morphed’ quite quickly into something totally different and ‘rumours, half truths and
misinformation’ began to circulate.
In order that we might distinguish fact from fiction, I asked PID Phil Nathan, Council Secretary Andy Pemberton, Council Treasurer
Philip Goodier and Charities Treasurer John Bush, who have had several conversations and meetings with TACADE, to meet, review
available information and make recommendations to Council. That they have done and the following is the text that was circulated to the
Council of Governors.
In view of the strength of the relationship between the Lions of MD105 and TACADE, and the desire to continue that relationship, I
believe the recommendations of the review team deserve the widest possible audience.
Fellow Lions, please continue to support TACADE.
• CC Jacquie Prebble
Our Findings...
Past International Director Phil Nathan writes:
Having had a career in the securities industry for, well, let’s say a
long time, one of the first lessons I learned was to beware of
rumour. Listen, but beware.
1) Because of the speed at which it can travel and the shapes it can
transform from and to
2) Because of the damage - in many cases irreparable damage that rumours can cause
3) More often than not there is no smoke without fire - but most
fires can be controlled if they are not fanned.
I have witnessed companies disappear from the face of the earth
because of rumour, only to find that it was misplaced and untrue.
Unfortunately, in many cases this information was available too late,
and then the decision is whether to step in or risk catching that
falling knife. Some persons of a certain repute simply play the
rumour game for the sake of profiteering.
Why this preamble? Well, over the past few weeks I have been
witness to so many rumours concerning and surrounding OUR
partner of over 20 years. Most were well-intentioned, but they (the
rumours) sadly changed shape as they moved along.
As is quite usual in cases of uncertainty, people close down, shut
doors, walk away. The worst case scenario is usually assumed and
that is a natural direction to go, and one that creates and supports
self protection.
‘Self,’ in this instance, is Lions Clubs International MD105.
A team consisting of MD Treasurer PCC Philip Goodier, MD
Secretary PCC Andy Pemberton, MD Charities Treasurer John Bush
and myself, all former or current business people and/or with high
accountancy skills were requested to review and hopefully
recommend a way forward for MD105 and TACADE.
12
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
Our review indicated that:
The Lions-TACADE Partnership continues; TACADE provides a
wide-ranging series of highly regarded teaching materials which
match the UK schools curriculum; these materials carry the Lions’
logo providing excellent publicity in recognition of our
contribution.
Whilst the economic situation is undoubtedly having an effect
on TACADE, as it is on many other organisations, TACADE
continues to produce good quality products which are in
demand. As a consequence of the change in economic conditions
TACADE are reviewing their business model, and major changes
will be made. A number of Lions have asked if we could provide
direct support. However, that is not the way Lions have historically
partnered with TACADE, and it is not proposed that the model
should change.
What is recommended is that:
a) Clubs continue to purchase TACADE materials for use within
their communities
b) Clubs contribute towards the development of ‘Up in Smoke’
and ‘Life Changes 2’.
Information regarding current publications and prices can be
found on the TACADE website: www.tacade.com
In all cases, donations or purchases should be routed through
the MD Charities Treasurer so that the allocation and release of
Lions funds can be managed and monitored. Email PDG John
Bush: [email protected]
We believe that by continuing to support TACADE in this way,
the way we traditionally have, we will be able to assist TACADE to
overcome their current difficulties. We do ask Clubs to act
positively and effectively in support.
“None of you had to
join Lions...”
Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, gave an inspiring
address to the 105-I Convention
A
“
community is like a ship - everyone
ought to be prepared to take the
helm.”
Mary McAleese, President of Ireland,
was quoting writer Henrik Ibsen when
she addressed the 105-I Convention in
March (see also pages 50 – 51)
She went on: “The Lions Clubs in Ireland comprise 2700
people who are prepared to do just that - to take the
helm, steer the ship and improve life for their
communities.”
She referred to the global aspect of our Association,
with its 1.3 members helping “not just their own
communities but communities where people are
suffering from poverty and hardship on a scale that
some of us can only imagine..” and quoted the
definition of ‘community’ which comes from the words
‘com’ meaning ‘together’ and ‘munus’ which means an
obligation. “In other words an mutual obligation which
binds us to our neighbours through common humanity
and reciprocal solidarity.”
The President considered the way life in Ireland has
changed in recent decades: “Small corner shops have
given way to large supermarkets, village streets have
been replaced by shopping centres, longer working
hours and heavier commutes have become the norm,
and technology has given us the ability to interact with
people all over the world without leaving our own sitting room.
Some of this has been essential as Ireland plays part in the global
economy, and indeed some of has been life-enhancing.”
But, she told her audience, much of this progress has called for
a conscious effort, a decision to get up, go out and make a
difference in order to play a full part in our communities.
She spoke of ‘one of the real privileges of my time as President’
being meeting so many volunteers who do just that. “Witnessing
at first hand the wonderful work they do and the genuine
difference they make to the lives of so many people is always an
uplifting experience. I have attended many Lions events and seen
the support you give to the homeless, the respite to the elderly,
the companionship to the lonely and the many, many ways in
which you make a difference to the lives of others.”
Describing Lions members as ‘unsung heroes Mrs McAleese
said: “They have not been forced
or compelled to give up their time and skills, but have offered
them generously and willingly...they look for no reward or
recognition as they quietly and with big hearts reach out a hand
of friendship and help, yet acknowledge with gratitude that from
their experience as volunteers they know the truth and worth of
the assertion that ‘it is in giving that we receive’.”
Many Lions, she said, are people with hugely demanding jobs,
family commitments, problems of their own to deal with, things
to do, people to see, places to be…but they still manage to
squeeze out that extra bit of time for their community, to fundraise or organise youth activities, to ensure families have enough
to eat at Christmas, to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol
abuse. In their busy lives they are never too busy to be concerned
Continued on page 48
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
13
PSA – It can spell LIFE!
M
ore than 30 lives
may have been
saved – or at least
extended or
improved – through
the efforts of
Bridgnorth Lions in
organising blood tests for prostate cancer in
their Shropshire town.
Over a two year period 670 men over the
age of 50 have been given a simple test –
and subsequent analysis revealed that more
than 65 of them had highly raised levels of
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) which may
indicate the early signs of cancer. Of the 65
about 30 were found to have prostate cancer
with many of them now undergoing
treatment.
The project started back in the spring of
2009 when a group of Bridgnorth Lions
travelled the few miles to Kidderminster to
have a PSA Test, organised by the
Kidderminster Prostate Cancer Support
Group. Most of them had no idea where this
would lead; it was merely a chance to have a
check-up and an opportunity to get together
as a group.
The group arrived at the venue half an
hour before the doors opened to find over
100 men already in the queue. By the end of
the evening nearly 200 men had the simple
blood test to see if the PSA level in their
blood was high, possibly indicating the initial
signs of Prostate Cancer.
The rest, as they say, is history! The Club decided that it
should organise a similar test in Bridgnorth. It worked closely with
the Kidderminster Group and persuaded them to come to
Bridgnorth and hold a test evening. The Group supplied
phlebotomists to do the tests which were overseen by a top
urological consultant, David Baxter-Smith.
The Club set about fund raising and publicity, and in October
2009, 250 men turned up to have the test.
Over 20 men were found to have a high level of PSA in their
blood and went on to have further medical checks. Six of them,
totally unbeknown to themselves, had Prostate Cancer and are
still receiving medical treatment.
Due to the success of the evening the club repeated the event
in 2010…only this time 420 men turned up! Subsequent analysis
revealed that more than 45 men had an abnormally high level of
PSA. Around 25 are expected to have prostate cancer. Many of
them are already receiving treatment.
PSA tests are not 100 per cent conclusive – there can be “false
14
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
● Seen here giving the test to Quentin Leiper is Veronica Beard,
pathological coordinator from Droitwich Spa Hospital, with Lion President
Neil Bennett and urological consultant, David Baxter-Smith, looking on.
readings” or other reasons for raised PSA levels. For this reason
some doctors are against the tests.
In addition, the costs of doing the analysis are high –
Bridgnorth Lions raised the funding through sponsorship from
local companies, together with collections on the test evening.
But for those Bridgnorth men who went along to the tests, all
of them without previous symptoms, and who eventually found
out they had the cancer, the value of the Bridgnorth Lions efforts
is unmistakeable.
Bridgnorth Lions President, Neil Bennett, said: “Prostate
cancer, if caught early enough, is curable, and we believe that we
have made a real difference to many men’s lives. We are very
proud of that and will continue to offer our support.”
If other Clubs would like to learn more about the test they can email
Chris Aked, Chairman of the Community and Welfare Committee, at:
[email protected]
Twelve Months On?
As all Lions will be aware, Past International Director Phil
Nathan was endorsed as this Multiple District’s candidate for
the office of International 2nd Vice President at the Multiple
District Convention in Leeds last year.
T
here are several Multiple Districts within Europe
that wish to present a candidate, not just the
British Isles & Ireland, and it is important therefore
that Phil remains visible and continues to
demonstrate his outstanding leadership qualities.
Phil attended the USA/Canada Leadership Forum
in Milwaukee in September 2010 the Europa
Forum at Bologna in November 2010 and the Scandinavian
Forum in January 2011, and will continue to attend functions,
principally throughout Europe, and other events across the rest of
the world.
Attendance at these functions provides opportunities for
meetings with Executive Officers, Board Members and other
Senior Lions. Many such meetings have already taken place and
Phil was excited by the fact that no negative comments were
received, in fact, quite the reverse.
At the 2007 Europa Forum a resolution was approved which
called for a review of the operating practices and procedures of
the Europa Forum. PID Phil was nominated by Council to be the
MD’s Representative on the Committee formed to undertake the
review, and elected Chairman by the other members, themselves
highly experienced Lions. That Committee’s final report was
presented to the Europa Forum in Bologna and its
recommendations overwhelmingly accepted. Phil has
subsequently been appointed as a member of the Steering Group
that will oversee the implementation of these changes.
Those who know PID Phil well, which is a great many in the
Multiple District, will know that ‘Humanitarian Service’ has always
been his passion and driving force. Phil, despite the travelling and
visibility that is required, has not lost sight of ‘Service’ and the
following are amongst Phil’s current commitments on behalf of
our Multiple District.
Phil has been re-elected Chairman of the Board of Medic Alert,
and has successfully introduced Medic Alert Canada to the Lions of
Canada through a programme called ‘No Child Without’, aimed at
providing assistance to some 300,000 vulnerable children.
Phil was invited to serve on the Board of Special Olympics GB
(SOGB) in view of his skills, experience and vision. He accepted
this position and has since worked with the Council of Governors
to further the relationship between Lions and SOGB.
One advantage of being on the Boards of individual
organisations is that, on occasion, an opportunity presents itself
that will benefit the members of both. Phil has successfully
proposed to the Boards of Medic Alert and Special Olympics a
mutually beneficial project to be called ‘No Athlete Without’
whereby Medic Alert bracelets will be issued to Special Olympians,
drawing attention to medical conditions they might have. Initially,
Medic Alert is providing bracelets to the 157 Special Olympians
going to the Games in Athens.
Phil remains the Chairman of the Gift for Living Trustees and
continues to work to improve the quality of medical care that is
available to children in countries which were formerly part of
Yugoslavia. Phil’s energy and commitment, supported by the Lions
of MD105 and with the continuing support of LCIF, has seen
remarkable progress made over the past 15 years. Two recent
projects, APLS (Advanced Paediatric Life Support) which, after an
initial pilot, was introduced in Bosnia by 2008, and MOET
(Management of Obstetric Emergencies and Trauma), introduced
in 2010, have proved extremely successful and have been
recommended by the World Health Organisation as best practice
for emerging and less developed countries.
Phil’s vision for the Multiple District is reflected in his being
invited to work with the team developing Signature Projects in
association with our membership programme. Their aim is to
rebuild membership in the Multiple District by better utilisation of
our unparalleled service projects. By using powerful projects,
Young Leaders In Service (YLIS), which embraces our future
through young people and the Lions Eye Health Programme
(LEHP), reflecting our past as an Association with powerful sight
related projects, together with our membership programme. We
can show our communities what Lions achieve and encourage
individuals to be part of that success.
Phil, as you would expect, will remain visible both nationally,
internationally and continue to display his commitment to the
Association. However, the earliest opportunity for Europe to have
the chance to select a candidate for the office of International
2nd Vice President will not be before 2013, possibly later. This
does mean that Phil will have to return to the Multiple District
Convention to seek further further endorsements from you, the
Lions of the Multiple District, as each endorsement,
constitutionally, only remains valid for two years. The conundrum
is that, if the Board next consider quality candidates and who is
available in Europe, then candidates must be endorsed in order to
stand for office.
The continued support and encouragement of the Lions of the
British Isles & Ireland is invaluable and greatly appreciated. We are
determined, forward looking and focused, we are where we need
to be on the road to promoting Phil to high office.
• Philip Goodier
Campaign Committee Chairman
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
15
FlyingWith Santa...
Yes, Christmas is long gone, but for these children their trip
with Santa was the highlight of their lives…
H
ave you heard about ChildFlight? Well, this is
currently the baby of Lion Derek Edwards of
Wrexham Maelor Lions Club, the handsome chap
to the right of the picture above, who told me
about this superb project.
“This is run out of Manchester Airport and covers
the whole of the North West area. The Lions
became involved some 6/7 years ago under the then District
Governor Joan Elliott. The event involves taking sick or otherwise
needy children for the trip of a lifetime. The organisers also do
flights to Florida (we have managed to get three families on those
trips in recent years) but especially popular is the trip with Santa!”
This year the Wrexham Lions managed to secure six seats on the
flight for these special children, and Lion Derek explained how it all
works (by magic of course!)
“We put an ad in the local papers seeking children who would
benefit from this special treat. Having selected them it’s off to
Manchester where the Lord Mayor sees them off (an equal
attraction is the goody bags which every child gets!). Airport staff in
panto costumes greet the children, and at the departure gate they
are given brunch and sing some carols.
“Once aboard, the Captain explains a rather special thing about
this particular plane - the fact that it is powered by noise rather
than by engines! So the children have to create a huge
noise, with the Captain urging them on to try
much harder. While the plane is taxi-ing for take
off the airport fire brigade creates a ‘fountain’ on
the runway and the Captain calls for even more
noise to get the plane to fly, and for the children
to shout for Father Christmas as loud as they can!”
16
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
Once airborne (you see, it works!) the Captain says he is looking
for Santa, and urges the children to shout loudly so that Santa can
hear. He announces that Santa has landed on the roof, but….
disaster! The plane ‘wobbles’, Santa falls off and the whole thing
has to be repeated until he and his reindeer are safely aboard!
The trip takes half an hour, and on the return leg the crew does
karaoke with the children, loads of presents are handed over and
when they land, lo and behold, Santa is there waiting for them, safe
and sound and no worse for hitching a lift!
Each of these trips involves between 160 and 170 children, all
the staff and crew give their time freely and this terrific project
brings more adventure and pleasure into young lives than can be
imagined.
Says Lion Derek: “Two families especially stay in my mind. A
young girl, the eldest of three, who is the prime carer for her sevenyear-old sister who is going blind, and the enormous courage of
another family with a child of six who is going blind and another
infant with problems. The particular thing about this second family
is that the parents were drug addicts who have managed to get
their lives together - real courage….”
Now we are in April, and probably Lion Derek and the crew of
‘Operation ChildFlight’ have just about regained their hearing! But,
as he says, it is all well worth it.
s
r
e
t
t
e
L
in the first six months of membership. Have the management
considered that by pressurising the ordinary members so
much,they may be part of the problem.We are not paid
employees,but amateur members of a charity,and we all have our
own lives to take care of first.If some members think that sounds
uncaring,that is not the case.It is intended to make members
stop,and think about the direction we are headed in,before this
situation escalates.If you agree or disagree,with this letter please
send your views to the letters page,so that a debate of members
views can be aired.This may prove to be interesting.
Lion Ross Sammels
Thanet Lions Club
“Message en route” – Problems?
Peace Poster – Time for a Change?
Dear Editor,
Every year, Lions Clubs involve schools in the Peace Poster
Competition. I would be the first to applaud the idea of involving
school children in a competition with other schools all over the
country. My problem is that the competition has passed its sell-by
date. Just look at the entries featured on pages 14 & 15 of the
February/March 2011 edition of our magazine. What do you
notice? Children from all over the country, almost without
exception, have come up with the idea of including a world
globe, a dove, flags and anti-nuclear symbol. I don't think so!
When I asked the question at a Club meeting, I was told that they
go onto the internet and find these symbols. So, they have not
had to think too hard. Just a matter of putting the symbols
together. Surely this is losing the point of the competition. Do
the children even understand what the symbols are all about.
Isn't it time that those ‘upstairs’ in Lions Office who make these
decisions, change the competition so that each year there is a
different subject. Does it even have to have Service connotations?
You will not stop the children going onto the internet to get help
with the subject of the competition for that year, but I would put
money on the fact that the pictures would be much more varied
and interesting. Even more important, it will have caused the
children to have thought more about the subject and developed
their own idea, which surely in the main purpose.
Apart from the name, the competition really can't be any thing
to do with peace. Just look at what's going on all over the world.
Richard Frost
Blackmore Vale Lions Club - 105D
Too much pressure?
Dear Editor,
Dear Editor,This letter will not make me popular with the
hierarchy within the Lions organisation. However here goes.There
appears to be a line of thought,that more and more projects can
be added to the list undertaken by ordinary Lions Club
members.The idea that we can be all things to all people is just
not sustainable.More than this, the pressure on ordinary Lions is
counter productive.When it reaches the point where members feel
pressurised,we can start to lose good members.There is always
encouragement to recruit new members because we lose so many
18
LION
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 1
Dear Editor,
I expect you have had a number of letters "re getting the
Message" en route from last issue of LION, but the subject came
up at our Zone meeting and a number of reasons why we don't
advise people to carry MIB in their vehicle was discussed
• 1. How would the Ambulance Service know which person the
bottle applied to if there were more than one person in the
vehicle.
• 2. If only one person was in the vehicle it could be the owner,
his or her spouse or another family member.
• 3. We are in partnership with another service which best covers
this problem and that is Medic Alert which is worn individually.
Lion President Audrey Carey
Scarborough Lions
Care for a Cuppa
Dear Editor,
I am writing to ask you to encourage your readers to have a tea
party to help raise vital funds for Diabetes UK’s Care For A Cuppa
campaign. The charity is urging people to organise tea parties to
help support research and other diabetes-related projects.
I know first-hand how large an impact diabetes can have on
people with diabetes and their family as my brother has Type 1
diabetes.
In the UK, there are 2.8 million people diagnosed with
diabetes and it is estimated that a further 850,000 people have
Type 2 diabetes but do not know it. Diabetes is a serious
condition that can lead to devastating complications including
heart disease, blindness and amputation if untreated or not
diagnosed early enough.
Throwing a Care For A Cuppa party is a great way to entertain
friends, family and colleagues with the knowledge it can make a
real difference to the lives of people with diabetes.
To register for a party and receive a fundraising pack, please
contact the Diabetes UK Care For A Cuppa team on 020 7424
1870 or email [email protected]. For more
information visit www.careforacuppa.org.uk.
Enjoy your cuppa!
Melanie C
(singer and former Spice Girl)
Letters may be sent directly to the Editor
(See page 4 for details)
Swimmers from the RBC Wealth Management teams celebrate the 40thbirthday and the sum raised in the 2011
Lions Club of Jersey Swimarathon. President Lion Carl Howarth is pictured within the right hand zero and Lion
Nick Wharton, the Swimarathon’s organising committee chairman, is to his right, beside the figure 4.
I
Swimmers and Jersey’s
Lions raise £146,000
n 1972 the Lions Club of Jersey held its first Swimarathon. In
those far off days the two-day event raised £4,264. This
year’s event, which took place between Wednesday and
Sunday, 9 to 13 March, at Jersey’s Les Quennevais Sports
Centre, has raised, to date, £146,000. This magnificent sum
was raised by 4,122 swimmers in 456 teams who swam a
total of 27,084 laps, each one also sponsored for 40p by the
event’s sponsors RBC Wealth Management.
This year’s Swimarathon was the 40th and the Board of the
Lions Club of Jersey decided that rather than choose a major
project (which has always been the case in previous years), this
year a minimum of 40 per cent of what was raised would be
divided among 40 Jersey charities – a total of at least £58,400. Of
the remainder, at least £30,000 will be used to fund free holidays,
at the Lions Club’s own Maison des Landes Hotel, for local people,
many with disabilities, who could not otherwise contemplate a
holiday away from home. A further £25,000 will be allocated to
the Club’s community service committee to spend on individual
cases of need in the community. What’s left over will be used to
fund various projects which are already under consideration, both
within the Island and further afield.
Club president Lion Carl Howarth, is thrilled by the result. “Each
year we are overwhelmed by the commitment Islanders show in
supporting the Swimarathon and 2011 has, once again, exceeded
all our expectations. Despite other current appeals to their wallets
and purses the people of Jersey have proved just how generous
they are towards Lions-supported charities.”
For the past five years, the Swimarathon has received the active
support of Jersey’s Lt Governor, Lt General Andrew Ridgway CB
CBE and his wife Valerie. This year the Government House team
(in which the Lt Governor is the lead
swimmer) raised in excess of £28,000 • In 1972…£
4264 raise
d
and in their five year term of office
• In 2011…
.£146,000
the Ridgways have raised £133,725
(and
counting!)
for the Lions Club. Fittingly they
• In this ye
have both been made honorary
ar’s five da
y
event
members of the Jersey Club.
Since the first Swimarathon in
• 4000-plu
s swimmers
1972 the annual event has now
• 456 team
raised £2.8 million, most of which
s
has been spent on projects in
• 27,084 la
ps
Jersey. In that time it has become
• Among ra
the longest running and most
ised over th
e
40 years?
successful charity fund-raiser in
Jersey.
• £2.8 milli
on!
Lion Peter Tabb
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
19
Our Link with the
United Nations
Elsewhere in this issue we feature this year's United Nations
Days. PDG Lion Roger Handcock looks back to the early days.
H
aving seen the article in the December
2010/January 2011 issue of LION relating to the
link between our Multiple District 105 and the
‘United Nations Association of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland’ I thought some Lions may be
interested to know how it came about and of some
of the initial work that went into setting it up.
The idea originated from me when I was researching into the
formation of Lions in England, and the development of Lions Clubs
following a Lions 105-M ‘family tree’ I had produced for my District.
I came across, brief details of a link with the United Nations.
I contacted PIP Lion Bert Mason, who I was, as always, very
helpful and not only supplied me with the information I required,
but also other aspects of the links between the two Associations.
At that time, in 1991, I was Chairman of the MD105 Public
Relations Committee and always looking for new initiatives.
A few months later I was elected District Governor. When I took
office I was particularly keen to promote the Lions ‘Peace Poster’
contest, which had quite a low profile. I particularly remember
Worcester Lions Club President Lion Dennis Paine who was very
enthusiastic and I went there to give him encouragement and
support by visiting schools to promote the contest and presenting
prizes to the local children. This project appealed to me as I am an
artist and had supported my local school with the introduction of an
art prize for children.
The District Changeover night took place at the National
Motorcycle Museum in Solihull and I had invited PDG Lion Richard
(Dick) Harris, from 105-SE to attend and give a talk on Sight
Projects, particularly Sight Savers and The Impact Foundation, who
in association with Lions, were carrying out cataract operations.
I thought this could be an ideal subject for my Autumn Forum
hosted by Wellesbourne Lions
Club. With the help of PDG Lion
Dick Harris, I was able to get Sir
Richard Wilson (himself registered
blind), to attend and carry out a
presentation on IMPACT and how
Lions could help in setting up
cataract operations.
Wellesbourne Lions Club had
already taken the initiative on
board and in the following months a number of operations were
successfully carried out in Birmingham. Kingswinford & Stourbridge
Lions Club also took this up and Rowell Lions Club pursued the idea.
22
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
Whilst talking to Sir John, I asked whether he knew of anyone I
could contact with a view to setting up some kind of link with the
United Nations. I went on to tell him about the link the Lions in
America had with the United Nations and the annual ‘Day With The
United Nations’ at the UN Headquarters in New York. I also pointed
out that according to my research, 18 countries had held a Lions
Day with the United Nations, but our Multiple District was not one
of them and my ambition was to get this started as an annual
event. Shortly afterwards, Sir John wrote to me with all the
information I needed to get ‘the ball rolling’.
I contacted the United Nations Association - UK, and spoke to
the Deputy Director, Myriel Davies then wrote to her with details
about the Lions Link with the United Nations and about Lions Clubs
in the MD105. I also asked whether we could set up a meeting.
She was very enthusiastic, that first meeting took place at the
UN offices in London, in March 1993, the same day as our
International President, Lion Rohit Mehta, was attending a meeting
with the Secretary-General at the United Nations Day at the UN
Headquarters in New York.
The Lions who attended are pictured with the delegation from
the UN.
Following the meeting Sir Hugh Rossi (Chairman) wrote to me
pointing out that it was nearing the 50th Anniversary of the United
Nations and that he hoped we could develop the relationship
between our two organisations into a meaningful involvement with
the anniversary activities.
Well, it all seems a long time ago now, almost 20 years from
when I first had the idea and started to look into the possibility of a
link. However it was well worth the effort and pleasing to know that
it has continued to develop into a successful relationship that Lions
can be proud to be associated with.
Sian (UN), Lion Ian Jones, Tony Samphier (UN), PID Lion Philip Daubeney,
DG Lion Colin Rickman, ID Lion Jim Crawford, Myriel Davies (UN), Malcolm
Harper (UN), DG Lion Roger Handcock, ID Lion Colin Vincent, PDG Lion
Gary Davies, DG Lion Gordon Lazenby, DG Lion Geoff Leeder
Transport forTwins...
Triplets actually, but brother Sam can get by without the help
of Stockton Heath Lions. Now read on...
B
everley and Andrew Cunningham of Ellesmere
Road, Walton are a devoted couple with a lovely
family.
Triplets Sam, Ben and Joe however, have been ill
throughout their three years of life and are now
facing another challenge. Identical tots Ben and Joe
have been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.
Only three other youngsters in the world suffer from similar
conditions. Brother Sam is in good health after being on a life
support machine when five weeks old.
The family needed a solution for transporting the boys to and
from their regular hospital check-ups but were unable to source
the right type of pram/buggy required.
Stockton Heath Lions have helped the Cunningham family by
providing, via Twins UK Ltd., a new all purpose buggy designed
specifically to suit the two lads until they are five or six years old.
Dorothy Carter, President of Stockton Heath Lions, presenting the
pram to the Cunninghams said “ This is what the Lions are about
– being able to give support to someone in the community and
allow them to get on with their lives”.
AndTurning Mistletoe into
Transport...
K
● Chloe was pictured with her parents Andrew and Tricia, her sister
Alysha, Lion President Mike Parsons, Activities Chairman Lion Peter Dixon
who organised the Mistletoe Harvest and sales, and a representative of the
Paediatric Occupational Team.
ings Lynn Lions Club used the money they raised
from sales of Mistletoe over Christmas when they
set out to buy a special car seat for 6-year-old
Chloe who suffers from quadriplegic palsy and
needed the seat so that her parents could carry her
safely in their car.
Chloe was assessed for a Britax Traveller Plus car
seat made by the Windmill Special Needs Company, which
ensures that she is held and supported safely in all driving
conditions.
As might be expected this is a very expensive piece of
equipment, so the Lions were delighted when the local Rotary
Club offered to chip in for some of the cost.
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
23
Our MagnificentVolunteers
O
n pages 32-33 we report on the 2011
Young Ambassador Finals. If we had a 1000page magazine there would be little
enough room to list all the work carried
out, and the achievements of these
remarkable young people. These are indeed
very special youngsters, which is why they
have been selected from across our Districts. Here is a (very small)
look at what they do.
At just 16, Tahlia, the candidate from 105-A, told
of her ambition- ‘one of many’ - to train as a
midwife when she leaves school. She has been
working for three years on the creation of The Link,
which she describes as ‘a world-class facility to
provide a safe place where young people can have
fun, gain new experiences and develop new skills…”.
Anisha from 105-BN, is currently taking her ‘A’
levels at the Merchant Taylors Girls School. Two
years ago in the summer holidays she worked in
India as a teacher and carer in an orphanage for
over 100 children. Back home she has done
community service with the Stroke Association, and
for three years has been a volunteer at her local
Hospice Charity Shop.
Maciej, sponsored by Wrexham Maelor Lions Club, is
16 and is distinguished not only by his towering 6’ 5”
(or so) height, but by his many achievements. When
he came to England from Poland in 2005 he spoke no
English, but learnt amazingly quickly to the extent
that he became an interpreter and translator. He
joined the Red Cross, is a member of the Youth
Parliament and has carried out endless other activities.
Joanne from District 105-C has been a member of St
John Ambulance for several years, is trained in First Aid
and has helped to persuade her local Youth Council
to make a £2500 grant for equipment. She has also
helped to raise funds for the Charity Lightforce
International, has raised £1000 for India and hopes
to join a group going to India to help in the
villages.
Camilla is 17 and sponsored by Wokingham Lions in
105-D. She has a keen interest in the performing
arts and has worked for some time with the ME2
Club, a local charity which strives to enable children
with special needs to take part in mainstream
activities. She has given talks on this project and
recently went on a residential trip which provided the
children with a chance to gain independence.
24
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
Jaimie (17) is doing four very serious ‘A’ levels
(Maths, Chemistry, Biology and R.E.), and wants to
go to University and eventually pursue a career in
Medicine. A qualified referee and lifeguard, she is
actively engaged in fund-raising for numerous
charities, but says she far prefers the ‘hands-on
practical help she can give to people who are unable
to live a normal life. She helps at a sports club for
disabled children, and helps people in the local
community who are in need of support.
Elliott, sponsored by Great Yarmouth Lions Club,
wants to use his interest in science to develop a
career, probably in research. His drama work with the
‘Street Theatre’ ties in with his mental health work
with young people. He is on his local Youth Council
helping to run discussion days for youngsters and
recently delivered a workshop to NHS professionals.
Leanne, sponsored by Tralee Lions Club, is a junior
leader with Springboard, a project for disadvantaged
children, a youth advisory panel member of Jigsaw
which promotes mental health, and a founding
member and chairman of her school branch of
Amnesty International. Leanne is an ‘Action Lesotho’
Young Volunteer and helps in co-ordinating the
schools programme for the charity’s Keyhole
garden project.
Alex (15) lives in the Dales, but finds plenty of
opportunity for Community service, being involved
with Scouts and Cubs, planning and running camps
and runs Youth Groups with the YMCA. As a
member of ‘Break Free’ he visits primary schools to
help victims of bullying, and is a member of his School
Council. He is involved in ‘United Group’, a holiday
activity where young people in the Dales meet for
activities.
Jack (18) comes from Margate and was sponsored by
Thanet Lions. He has been with the Thanet Air Training
Corps since he was 12. Currently in the Sixth Form, he
encourages less able pupils in sports, is training with St
John Ambulance to become a paramedic and has
applied to the Special Police Service.
Rachael from Sidmouth is studying for a whole raft of
‘A’ and ‘AS’ levels and hopes to get a University place
to study primary school teaching with music. Scouting
- she is a Senior Scout and attended the World
Jamboree – being a first aider and working for her
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award are just a few of her
achievements.
Music for
Deaf People
Sounds like a contradiction
in terms? Can deaf people
really enjoy music?
W
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ell, if you are asking those
questions, firstly the answer is ‘yes
indeed!’ and secondly you have
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yet to make the acquaintance of
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the charismatic Paul Whittaker,
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Those who attended the 2010 Multiple District
:1
Convention in Leeds will never forget the
in which you could help.
stunning - and very amusing - performance by
The charity is looking for volunteers to help in the
Paul and his Deaf Youth Orchestra.
office,
so if you are a local Lion with a bit of time to
Music And the Deaf is a unique charity
spare
(or
even if you have no time but know
which aims to bring the joys of music to the
someone
who is not a Lion but would like to be
nine million people (one in seven of the
involved)
then
MATD would love to hear from you.
population) who have a hearing loss problem.
The
charity
needs
help with projects, managing
The charity is not formally adopted as a
courses,
admin
work
and
much more, so if you are
Multiple District project. However, at the Leeds
organised,
good
at
administration,
efficient, can get to
Convention a grant of £12,000 was given for its
the
Huddersfield
office,
can
spare
a
few
hours a week, and
work with ‘Hi Notes’, a group of talented young deaf
would
like
to
hear
more,
contact
Lion
David
Seager (see below
●
Paul
Whittaker
musicians. A number of Districts have accepted MATD
**)
for
a
chat.
as one of their own charities, and Paul has recently
And if you would like to go to a memorable gig, MATD is
spoken at several District Conventions.
putting
on a Festival on 2 July at West Bromwich (not far from
Now MATD is taking the next step forward, and this is where
Brum),
a
‘musical extravaganza’ of workshops and performances
you can help.
by
young
deaf children from across the country. They are looking
By making an annual donation of just £12 you can become a
for
volunteers
to turn up on the day, to meet and greet while
‘Friend’ of MATD, playing a vital role which will enable the charity
having
a
great
day out. Once again Dave Seager (below) is your
to continue to deliver its wide range of activities - workshops, the
man.
Deaf Youth Orchestra, tuition, early years music, training, talks
and theatre/concert events with signing. Just two of its patrons
Footnote: In May 2010 Paul Whittaker asked PID Phil Nathan to
are Lord Lloyd Webber and Sir Cliff Richards. Friends will receive
support him in re-organising MATD with a new Board of Directors.
four newsletters a year and advance notice of events.
Phil recruited Lions David Seager of 105-BN and Second VDG Phil
But there’s more…..If you live in the Huddersfield area where
Robinson of 105-SE to join him and they are now Company Secretary
MATD has its office, there is another practical and enjoyable way
and Treasurer respectively. Three non-Lions, Susan and
John Warburton from York, and Susan Rosborough from
Rippondon have now joined this new Board which brings
together new experience, skills and knowledge and will
help to give the charity a national profile.
• Lion Dave can be contacted on 01204 669406.
APRIL/MAY 2011
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25
Club News... Club News.... Club News....
Southend Support the Lifesavers
W
hen the Lions Club of Rayleigh presented a cheque
for £500 to the local RNLI it was at the request of
local BBC sports commentator and radio show host
Stuart Smith who was guest PA at the Club’s
Fireworks display in November.
As is the custom with the Rayleigh Lions, the guest presenter
chooses a charity which is close to their heart, and the RNLI was
Stuart’s.
The Southend Lifeboat station is one of the busiest – in 2009 they
were called out to 170 incidents, and last year had 127 ‘shouts’.
Southend, in fact, has two Lifeboat stations, one of them inshore, the
other at the end of the pier for offshore work - they
are the only station to operate four rescue units. Since
1879 the Southend crews have saved over 2000 lives.
James Mackie of the RNLI was pictured receiving
the cheque from Lion David Platt and Stuart Smith.
Here be Dragons!
I
t was a case of Lions supporting Dragons in Stafford when the
local Lions came up with the necessary. The Dragons is a
section of Stafford Town Football Club, which provides
football coaching in a safe environment for local youngsters
with special needs. They believe that sport should be open to
all and encourage the competitive spirit by holding matches
against teams with similar needs.
However, the under-12 and under-16 Dragons teams
desperately needed new strips, which is where the Lions
responded to their appeal. Says Welfare Chairman Jeff Dixon:
“We were very pleased to help the Dragons because we were all
very impressed by their enthusiasm - we believe that taking part
in sport can only be beneficial for a child’s development.”
The youngsters love their smart new gear and are looking
forward to forthcoming matches.
Arboretum Update…
T
he inclement weather of winter and early spring did not help progress on the
construction of the Lions shelter at the National Arboretum, but PCC Mike Cooke
says: “I am pleased to say that the work has now started on site at last as the ground
has dried out sufficiently. All the foundations and baseworks should be complete by
the 18th of April. These will need to settle before the frame can be erected, and I do
not have a definite date for this as the overall works programmes have been thrown
into some disarray due to the wet weather. I will keep everyone posted..
26
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APRIL/M AY 2011
Club News... Club News.... Club News....
A Superb
£14,500!
T
he cause of sight
preservation in the area
covered by the Lions Clubs
of Zone 1B of 105-SE,
Bognor, Chichester,
Midhurst, Selsey and Southbourne,
received a terrific boost when 28
Lions representing the Clubs attended a Zone Meeting in February
to present a cheque for £14,571 to the Friends of the Chichester
Hospitals who are working to raise £250,000 to fund equipment
for a modern Eye Day Surgery at St Richard’s Hospital. The Lions’
donation will be used to buy a Corneal Mapping Machine for the
new Ophthalmology Unit, which will have the latest technology to
enable surgeons to diagnose and treat eye diseases.
‘Friends’ Chairman Jane Ramage showed a slide presentation of
the work achieved by the Friends for the benefit of patients and
staff, and Consultant Eye Surgeon Mr Tiemory explained his role
and showed pictures of cataract operations being performed by
him and fellow surgeons.
£1000 for MS
T
he Darlington branch of the Multiple
Sclerosis Society benefited from a donation
of £1000 from Darlington Lions when Lion
President Richard Western and his wife
Sylvia who is a committee member of the
branch, presented a cheque to Helen
Nicholls, the branch Chairman .
Helen thanked the Darlington
Lions for their generous support, and
said that the money would be used
locally to provide members with
transport to physiotherapy and other important
services. The group meets monthly. Information may
be found on: mssociety.org.uk/darlington
Breast Cancer Gift
D
ownham Market
Lionesses benefited from
a talk about the charity
Cancer Research when
Tim Gilbert from the
charity accepted a cheque from
President Jean Wright and her
colleagues. Tim assured the Lionesses
that their gift would be earmarked
for research into Breast Cancer.
The money was raised at the
Lionesses’ ‘Hall of Stalls’ event
last year.
APRIL/MAY 2011
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27
Club News... Club News.... Club News....
Christmas in
February…?
N
o they hadn’t overslept in Stafford,
but when heavy snow in December
put paid to the Stafford Lions’ Annual
Carer’s Christmas Party they were not
put out. They simply re-arranged it for
the more balmy conditions of early spring - hence
the ‘Christmas Party in February’. They still had the
Christmas Crackers and mince pies, but instead of
Christmas Carols, over 80 carers were treated to
Songs from World War 2.
Among the Daffoldils
T
he Lions of Tawd Vale
in 105-BN, both
young and not so
young, enjoyed their
fundraising day
helping the Daffodil Appeal at
the Concourse Centre in
Skelmersdale. They raised £815
from the generosity of the local
shoppers. (Unfortunately they
also had to hand in the hats at
the end of the day’s work!) Lion
President Harvey Bennion was
pictured with Lions Mark
Hill and Chris Lawn and
President-elect
Andy Hill with Lion
Charlotte Taylor.
Encouraging
the young
ones…
L
ions John Boyle and Ken Hunt of Llandudno
Lions Club were pictured with a young friend
when they brought along a novelty refuse
bin, part of a scheme run by the Club to
encourage local children to dispose of
rubbish responsibly. The Club monitors four local
primary schools six times a year under its
environmental scheme, which is now in its fourth
year. The aim is to make young children aware of the
need to be ‘litter free’. In return for financial help
from the Lions, the scheme is an all-round winner.
28
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APRIL/M AY 2011
Daffodil People...
B
B
arnstable Lions entered into the spring-like spirit of
the event when they turned out to give a Lions
Helping Hand for the Marie Curie Cancer Care
Collection at the local Sainsbury’s. The collection
raised a splendid £1139 for the charity’s Daffodil
Appeal.
We’ve been‘Hacked’!
edworth Lions Club’s website has been hacked, giving
rise to corporate identity theft. Says Club webmaster
Brian Leathley-Andrew: “ The name of Bedworth
Lions is being used without consent to promote
products and services - some of which appear to be
unlawful in themselves, such as bogus qualification
certificates and printing products aimed at schools and children.
Please do not search for these sites or try to enter them, as many
K
contain viruses which may harm your computer.”
The Bedworth Lions are working with their ISP and other
agencies to remedy the matter, but are warning everyone to
ensure that their anti-virus and anti-malaware precautions are up
to date
The legitimate URL is: www.bedworthlionsclub.co.uk.
Anyone with information please contact Lion Brian on
[email protected]
Going...Going!
Keswick hoped to raise £1000 – and
made £3000 – from their auction!
eswick Lions are over the moon at the success of their recent charity auction which raised a
stunning £3000 as against the expected £1000. The auctioneer, the former Mayor (and very
entertaining) Andrew Lysser, helped to develop some very high bids for the lots, which included
a holiday for seven in Croatia, a beautiful drawing of a local scene by Keswick Lion John Hood,
and a gyrocopter flight over the Lake District donated by Andrew himself, the bidding for which
literally took off, peaking at a heady £350. (Andrew said for this price he would take the winner
over Cumbria, into Lancashire, and might even bring them back, as it would be a long walk home).
Scores of other donated prizes, ranging from Beer Festival Tickets to Spa Sessions, from cases of wine to a
Navigation Course, from meals at local eateries to fishing days out contributed to the grand total, as did a
tombola organised by the Lions’ Ladies which raised £200.
Helping James on his OlympicWay!
J
ames Wildish, a dedicated young athlete, is training hard to be chosen for the
2010 Olympics. He is a rising star at Tonbridge Athletic Club and hopes to
qualify for the 400 metres.
He trains every day and thinks nothing of running up a steep local hill to build
stamina and greater ‘bulk’, so when the Paddock Wood Lions learned of his
commitment to training and his ambition, they felt they would like to help an up
and coming local sports star, especially as he also manages to find time to help others
to become fit and healthy. Doing the honours was Lion President Christine Small,
pictured with James and Lions Keith Firmston and Alan Gaukroger.
Seminars
E-Clubhouse – A Free Web Site for your Club and District
Continued from page 21
Lions Showing of Film: Going Blind
(Tuesday, July 5, 3.30 – 5pm)
A viewing of the compelling documentary film Going Blind. You
will “meet” individuals of all ages who have lost their sight through
a blinding disease like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular
degeneration, infection or accidents. (Repeated Thursday 3.30-5)
GMT & GLT Meet 2011 – 2012 District Governors
(Tuesday, July 5, 3.30 – 5pm)
Incoming Governors will meet their GMT and GLT area leaders to
share Membership Growth and Leadership Development
challenges and opportunities. Incoming Council Chairmen, first
and second Vice District Governors are also welcome to participate.
ALERT Chairman Forum
(Tuesday, July 5, 3.30pm – 5pm)
This interactive panel discussion will focus on developing disaster
preparedness and relief plans at Club, District or Multiple District
level.
International Show
(Tuesday, July 5, 6.30 – 8pm at Key Arena)
Attend the International Show to enjoy performances by a variety
of top professional performers.
Melvin Jones Fellow Luncheon (ticketed event)
(Wednesday, July 6, 1 – 3 pm)
All Melvin Jones Fellows and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows are
invited to this Lions Clubs International annual recognition
luncheon event, chaired by Eberhard J. Wirfs.
The Club Excellence Process (CEP):
(Wednesday, July 6, 2 – 3.30pm)
Is there something your Club would like to improve upon? Come
to this Seminar to learn how to participate in a CEP Workshop.
LCI Sight and Diabetes Partnerships
(Wednesday, July 6, 3 – 4.30pm)
(Wednesday, July 6, 4 – 5pm)
Create a new professional-looking, functional Web site for your
Club and District by using the template and tools offered through
the free E-Clubhouse programme.
CEP Facilitator Training for GLT Leaders
(Wednesday, July 6, 4 – 5pm)
GLT leaders are invited to learn how to effectively facilitate CEP
workshops. Attendance at the Club Excellence Process (CEP)
Seminar preceding this training is highly recommended.
LCIF Reception
(Thursday, July 9, 4 – 5pm)
Donors who contribute US$1000 to become a Melvin Jones
Fellows or next level of the Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows
programme during the Convention will be presented with pins by
LCIF Chairman Eberhard J. Wirfs.
Strides Walk for Diabetes Awareness
(Wednesday, July 6, 4.30 – 5pm)
Join in a fun and visible way to promote Diabetes Awareness and
meet Lions from around the world, an enjoyable, low-impact walk
through the Convention Center.
Global Youth Music Competition
(Thursday, July, 7.30pm, ACT Theatre)
Located adjacent to the Convention Center is the Falls Theatre
(located inside ACT) a perfect venue for the classical guitar pieces
performed by finalists in the second Global Youth Music
Competition. Tickets may be pre-ordered online or purchased
onsite for a $20 donation to LCIF.
2011 Zone Chairman Training
(Thursday, July 7, 3.30 – 5pm)
Your role as Zone Chairman is key to maintaining healthy Clubs.
Learn your responsibilities and get the resources that will support
your ability to lead.
Sight Programmes
(Thursday, July 7, 1 – 5pm)
How can LCI partnerships enhance your service? Sight and
Diabetes Programme partner representatives will provide you with
information and resources to help with service projects.
Help prevent vision loss through community projects, such as
promoting corneal donation, spectacle recycling, vision screening
and eye health education. You can enhance the quality of life for
people with impaired vision.
Leo Club Program Advisory Panel
Environmental Chairman Forum
(Wednesday, July 6, 3 – 5pm)
(Thursday, July 7, 1 – 5pm)
Do you have suggestions or questions about the Leo Club Program?
In this forum-type event Leos and Lions have an opportunity to
share an open dialogue with members of the Board-approved Leo
Advisory Panel. Visit the Leo Zone at www.lionsclubs.org.
A panel of experienced chairmen will discuss challenges and best
practices in the planning and implementation of projects which
address local environmental needs. Key global issues will also
feature.
WMMR – Membership and Activity Reporting on the Web
Leadership Exchange
(Wednesday, July 6, 3.30 – 5pm)
A demonstration for Club Officers on how to use the Web to
manage membership and service activity information and run
reports. Also the new password registration process and MyLCI, the
new WMMR.
30
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APRIL/M AY 2011
(Thursday, July 7, 1.30 – 3.30pm)
Celebrating the best of Seattle’s professional sports scene. Our allstar team of Lions leaders will facilitate four rounds of lively
discussion focused on leadership skills.
at Seattle
Your Constitution and By-Laws
The Lions Mentoring Program
(Thursday, July 7, 2 – 3pm)
(Thursday, July 7, 3.30pm – 5pm)
Review recent amendments to the Standard Form Multiple
District, District and Club Constitution and By-Laws and learn how
these documents provide the framework to guide your Club and
District
Do you want to be a mentor to someone in your
Club? Would you like to prepare for Club, District or
higher level leadership?
Council Chairman Seminar
(Thursday, July 7, 3.30 – 5pm)
(Thursday, July 7, 3 – 5pm)
Learn how you can help to grow LCIF and receive an update on
grants, donations and programmes over the past year as well as a
look ahead to our future initiatives and partners.
Complete your preparation. Learn about the 2011-2012
international theme, goals and priorities. Discuss elements of
successful teamwork and potential leadership challenges.
Giving Hope through LCIF: An Update for Our Supporters
Shine a Light on Service: Recruiting Young Adults
Start Earning your Certified Guiding Lion Certificate
(Thursday, July 7, 3.30 – 5pm)
(Thursday, July 7, 2.15 – 3.45pm)
Recruiting younger members is an excellent opportunity to bring
new energy and diverse skills into your Club. This seminar will
teach key strategies.
The programme has been redesigned and enhanced to
incorporate on-line training, the development of a mentor team
and an extensive training outline for new Club Officers.
How to Host a Successful Certified Guiding Lion Course
(Thursday, July 7, 4 – 5pm)
Lions Trademarks
(Thursday, July 7, 2.15pm – 3.45pm)
Discuss how to use the Lions registered trademarks in your Club
and District operations in accordance with the LCI Trademark
Policy.
The programme can be hosted by any District interested in
retaining new Clubs. Learn how to host and facilitate this
interactive course.
Environmental Photo Contest Ceremony
Youth Camp and Exchange Chairmen’s Forum
(Thursday, July 7, 4 – 4.30pm)
(Thursday, July 7, 3.30 – 5pm)
Chairmen will discuss topics of interest and share practical
information to promote successful camps and exchanges
Learn the winners of the 2010-11 contest. All photos can be
purchased as can purchase a 2012 calendar featuring more than
30 contest entries. Funds will benefit LCIF.
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APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
31
“The Great Support theseYoung
People give their Communities.”
T
hese are the words of Lion Graham Venables,
Chairman of the MD105 Young Ambassadors of
the 21st Century, speaking at the Finals in the
Village Hotel, Dudley at the end of February, as he
marvelled at the stories told by 12 remarkable
youngsters about their work they carry out in
their communities and beyond.
“We are here today to honour, learn and marvel at these
young people..” he told the packed audience of parents, families
and Lions who had come to support, in their turn, very special
young people (one candidate, Bethaney from 105-M, was
unfortunately unable to be there having been laid low by
glandular fever).
Lion Graham confessed to ‘first night nerves’ and paid tribute
to his predecessor Lion Jane Armitage.
The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Peter Miller, told the guests:
“You often hear that ‘there’s nothing for young people to do. Just
listen to these young people here today!”
Chairman of Council PDG Jacquie Prebble said she was;” Proud
to be a Lion - and a young person!” and told of her own
experiences with children and young people in her career as a
teacher.
“Your energy and passion for your projects made you the
people you are today”, she told the
contestants. “You have all proved
that you can raise money but more
important is your service, your
commitment.
“Yes, Youth is our Future - but
Youth is also NOW!”
“This time last year when I was
sitting where you are now
I wouldn’t have been able
to speak to even ten
people!” But that was a
long time ago, and the
2010 Winner Shane
O’Brien who went on to
triumph in the European
Finals in Bologna has
come a very long way.
Shane told of his
‘memorable year’ and of
the confidence he had
gained thanks to the
Lions and to the Young
Ambassadors.
● All the winners...
32
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
He told of his major personal project, the heart-rending
problem of suicide, especially among young people, in Ireland. He
and his Club, Roscommon Leos, are tackling the problem,
reaching out by means of a wonderful magazine ‘4U’ which is
aimed at young people, their issues and worries, and those
attending the Finals also had the chance to see ‘Shadows’ a
compelling and moving short film about the problems of
loneliness and desolation which can all too often lead to suicide.
“Suicide has torn me apart, made me despair” confessed
Shane, but he and his fellow Leos have done their utmost to face
up to and conquer this unhappy curse.
His advice to the team of 2011? “ We live by what we get
….but we get a life by what we give…”
Said Chairman Lion Graham: “What a
credit to our organisation! That film shows
what young people are capable of.”
• For more about the Young Ambassadors
and their achievements, see page 24
● Top Left: PID Phil Nathan with Jane
Armitage and Corinne Ashborner.
● Top Right: Lion Graham with the
Mayor and Mayoress
● Council Chairman Jacquie and Lion Graham.
OurYoung
Ambassadors 2011
105-A:
Tahlia Williamson
• Regrettably the 105-M candidate Bethaney Allbright, sponsored by Malvern Hills
Lions Club, had to withdraw from the finals due to illness.
Fairlop Lions Club
105-BN:
105-C:
105-E:
105-I:
105-SE:
Anisha Bhat
Joanne Stocks
Jaimie Marshall
Leanne O’Driscoll
Jack Packman
Crosby and District Lions Club
Denby Dale Lions Club
Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club
Tralee Lions Club
Thanet Lions Club
105-BS:
105-D:
105-EA:
105-NE:
105-SW:
Maciej Szukala
Camilla Potter
Elliott Clarke
Alex Doyle
Rachael Hill
Wrexham Maelor Lions Club
Wokingham Lions Club
Great Yarmouth Lions Club
Teesdale and District Lions Club
Sidmouth Lions Club
E
And theWinner is…
Ryan from Ross!
very one of the candidates is, of course, a winner, and
richly deserving of the ‘Young Ambassador’ title, but
the entrant who particularly caught the judges’ eye this
year was 18-year-old Ryan Green. He is still at school,
studying A-Levels in Music and Health and Social Care.
He helps younger pupils by being part of the group
developing links with local primary schools, and has
worked with Macmillan Cancer Support and St Michael’s Hospice.
His main current charity involvement is as Youth Chairman of Hope
Support Services which helps younger people who have a close
family member who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening
illness. He is a member of the Sea Cadets and Secretary to his Leo
Club. When he leaves school Ryan plans a career in music.
● He was pictured with Council Chairman Jacquie, holding the
Winterflood Cup.
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
33
Thanks from Lalli and
the Lions
W
And 3 more makes 33!
hen Lion Lalli Sokhi of the Lions
Club of Coventry Godiva suffered
a stroke last July aged just 54,
such was the magnificent care he
was given in Coventry’s
University Hospital during this
difficult period of illness that he
and his fellow Lions decided to make a donation of £1000 to
the Stroke Unit. Lion Lalli was pictured, third from left, with
fellow Lions Doctor Rakesh Sachdev, Ruby Ghataurhae, Jas
Ghataurhae and Tom Kalyan when the cheque was
presented to Doctor Khan and staff of the Stroke Unit, to be
used towards the cost of this magnificent chair for the
comfort of stroke victims.
The Godiva Lions have also been busy on the recruitment front,
inducting three new members to bring the Club’s membership
up to 33. In the picture, left to right, are Lion President Megar
Gill, new Members Lion Sundeep Virk and Lion Reema Bodalia,
VDG Lion Neil Chisholm and new Member Lion Nitika Somal.
Is this a Record?
(That’s what the Lions of Chester want to know…)
W
hen Reg Foden reached 35 years with
Chester Lions Club earlier this year it
brought the tally of Lions with over 35
years of service up to six.
This collection of stalwarts is
comprised of Past President Reg
(35 years), PDG Ernie Butcher
(36), PPs Derek Dix and Malc Smith (both 39) and PPs Alan
Webb and Ron Cain with a thumping 42 years apiece.
All of them have served our Association in roles too
numerous to list here, but the question they would like to
pose is: “Has any other Club in our Multiple District got six
members with over 35 years service - and do they have a
total of 233 years between them? Chester would be delighted to
hear from any contenders before they claim the record!”
However,Chester does not have exclusive rights to all their
34
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APRIL/M AY 2011
years of good work, as ‘Little Ernie’ as he is known was previously
with Vale Royal Lions, and ‘Big Derek’ was a Charter Member of
Mansfield Lions Club and also spent a short period in Newbury
before re-locating to Chester in 1978.
● Pictured when Lion Reg received his 35-year chevron were, left to right:
Lions Malc, Ernie, Reg, Club President Allen Gardiner (not yet one of the
‘35-Club’!), Lion Ron and Lion Derek, (Lion Alan couldn’t make the
photocall as he was representing President Allen accompanying the Lord
Mayor of Chester at a charity function at the Duke of Westminster’s estate.
Obituary
These Lions of our Multiple District have recently
left us. We honour their memory and the
contribution they made in their Lionistic service
for the good of others.
HOWARD: Lion Ted
Dover District Lions Club. Members are sad
to report the sudden death of Lion Ted.
Formerly a member of Rye Lions Club since
2008 he had only just transferred to Dover.
However, despite being with us for such a
short time, Ted had already become
actively involved in fundraising events and
will be a sad loss to the Club. Our thoughts
and condolences go out to his wife
Rosalind and their family.
LAWRENCE: Lion President Peter (79)
Ilminster Lions Club. Members are very
sad to report the death of Club President
Peter, also a former member and President
of Taunton Lions Club. During his 20 years
of service he was an enthusiastic,
energetic and active member. His
contribution will be sorely missed. Our
thoughts are with his family and his close
friend, Wendy, who all provided such
support during his final short illness.
BRAUCHLI: Lion Werner (83)
Malvern Hills Lions Club. Members are
deeply saddened by the death of Lion
Werner, an active member for 38 years
and previously a member of Worcester
Lions Club. He was Charter President in
1987/88 a dedicated member who will be
sorely missed. A very large attendance at
his funeral was testament to the high
regard in which he was held. Condolences
are extended to his wife Kay and family.
★★★
★★★
★★★
COOPER: Lion Ron
Falmouth & Penryn Lions Club. Members
sadly report the death of Lion Ron after a
long period of ill health. A member for over
36 years he was Secretary for 18 years and
was Tail Twister until his illness. Ron’s quiet
manner and wry sense of humour will be
missed. Sympathies are with his wife Beth
and family.
WRIGHT: Lion David (71)
Warwick Lions Club. Members are sad to
report the sudden death of Lion
David. He joined in 1987 and held various
Club offices including Treasurer and ‘the
ideal Welfare Chairman’ from 2006 until
his death, as well as working actively for
several local charities including the Myton
Hospice at one time, the Air Ambulance,
Age Concern and the Leamington
Friendship Project. He will be greatly
missed inside and outside Lions.
BRYANT: Lion Peter
Horsham Lions Club. Members are sad to
report that Lion Peter died after a long
and distressing illness. He joined Horsham
in 1982, had been President three times
and also Zone and Region Chairman. A
dedicated Lion and extremely hard worker
he never failed to become involved in
activities and gave generously of his time
to help others. Members extend deepest
sympathy to Lion Violet and the family.
★★★
KINGWELL: Lion Roger (73)
Wymondham Lions Club. Members are sad
to report the passing of Lion Roger after a
brave battle against cancer. A member
since 1999 he was President in 2002/03,
had chaired all Club Committees and was
the mainstay of the Dickensian Night. He
will be greatly missed and sympathy goes
to Moya and his family.
★★★
POLICELLA: Lion Carlo
Weymouth & Portland Lions Club. With
great sorrow members report the death of
the last active Charter Member, Lion Carlo.
When President in 1979/80 he brought the
Swimarathon to the Club, an action of
which he was justifiably proud. He spent
the last three years of his life with his family
in Italy, but always kept a close watch on
his Club. Lion Carlo will be greatly missed
and our sympathy goes to his wife Velia,
their son and family. ‘Riposa in Pace.’
★★★
ROWE: Lion George (JOE)
Seaton and District Lions Club. A Lion for
17 years and a Past President of the Club,
Lion Joe sadly lost his fight against kidney
failure recently. Our thoughts are with
Carol and the family.
★★★
WHITE: Lion David (67)
Goring, Woodcote & District Lions Club.
Members regret to report the sudden
death of Lion David, a much valued and
respected Lion who had been a member of
the Lions Club of San Miguel de Abona in
Tenerife for six years before returning to
the UK where he joined Goring two years
ago. He was soon actively involved in
helping others, bringing his novel and
practical skills to fund raising events. Our
thoughts and sympathy are with his wife
Susan and all their family.
★★★
GUY: Lion Allan (MJF)
Dursley Lions Club. Members are greatly
saddened by the death of Lion Allan, a
member for 28 years, He had served his
Club as President and as Secretary for
many years, and was honoured with a
Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2000. His
journalistic skills were used in Club PR, he
was District PRO, editor of the 105-W
News Update and News Liaison Officer for
LION. Lion Allan actively served his
community throughout his life, and will be
greatly missed.
★★★
SMITH: Lion William MJF (85)
Downpatrick Lions Club. Club members
are shocked and saddened at the sudden
passing of their beloved friend Lion Billy.
He was a Charter Member in 1973 and his
wit and humour will be sadly missed at
Club meetings which he attended
regularly right up to the end. He served
the Club well in hospital visiting and fund
raising and held a Melvin Jones Fellowship.
Condolences go to Maeve and the family
circle.
★★★
MORRISON: Lion Tom MJF
Downpatrick Lions Club. Members deeply
regret the passing of Lion Tom, who was
instrumental in getting the Club started in
1973 and became Charter President. He
served as Area Chairman and for 17 years
from 1979 was Treasurer for the whole of
Ireland. He visited numerous Clubs in
Ireland and abroad and for his excellent
service was awarded a Melvin Jones
Fellowship. In summary, Tom was ‘a true
Lion to the last’.
Continued on page 37
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 1
LION
35
Music with the Lions of
Tenterden
M
ore than 250 people crowded into St
Mildred’s Church in Tenterden to enjoy
the Lions Club’s Primary School
Competition.
Five choirs performed a set piece
followed by a song of their own choice.
Says Club PRO Lion Walter Burnell:
“The choirs sang wonderfully and were all different, some
with 20 singers, some smaller, each mastering the singing
with change of key, variations in tone and all smiling!”
A distinguished panel of judges, all specialists in singing
and including Tenterden Youth Liaison Officer Lion Keith
Thompson who sings in St Mildred’s Church Choir, reported
that they were well impressed, not only by the quality of
the singing but with the confidence of the singers and the
way their smiling faces had captured the audience.
At the end of the competition all the choirs sang
together, and the schools placed first, second and third received cash
prizes of £250, £150, and £100 from the Mayor of Tenterden –
money to be spent on the promotion of music within the schools.
All in all it was universally acclaimed a great success and everyone
felt it should become an annual event.
AndVerse….
I
t was a good thing all round back in 2008 when the Southam
& District Lions Club of 105-M welcomed Lion Dave Brough
after he moved from Formby.
In no time at all Dave persuaded his new friends that a Poetry
Competition would be a good idea, and so a new initiative
took root in Southam, based on the success of similar
competitions in Formby.
Says Lion Peter Guy: “This is now our third competition and with
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APRIL/M AY 2011
expert advice from Dave at the ‘open mic’ sessions the standard just
gets better and better. Entrants from as young as 5 years old up to
90-year olds submit their poems and it is great when they come up
to the microphone to read them out with such flair and enthusiasm.
Local schools are very supportive in getting their pupils to send in
entries.”
There was standing room only in the packed Graham Adams
Centre in Southam in March as the budding poets laureate
gathered. The winner of the adult category was
Roland Raffell whose moving poem “Who’ll send me
Flowers when I come Home?” referred to our brave
service men and women who return by way of Royal
Wooton Basset.
All entries are compiled in a book of Poems each
year which the Lions sell at very reasonable price
(contact Lion Dave on 01928 810513)
Lion Peter says: “We learnt a lot from those first two
competitions, with funding from the Arts Council in
2009 and this year from local Councils. Our Poetry
Competitions are now set to be annual events.”
Obituary
Continued from page 35
MASTERS: Lion Bill
Kingswinford and Stourbridge Lions Club.
Members are sad to report the death of
Lion Bill, a dedicated member for 11 years
who will be sadly missed by all. He was
always there when needed and our
thoughts and deep sympathy go to his
family.
★★★
GRANT: Lion Gordon, ‘Gordy’ (87)
Spalding Lions Club. With great sadness
members report the death of Lion Gordy.
He joined Ampthill Lions Club in 1982,
moving to Swale in 1983 for about three
years before finally joining Spalding. He
will be sadly missed and members send
their thoughts and sympathy to his wife
Dora and family.
★★★
THURLOW: Lion President Keith (79)
With great sadness Dartford Lions Club
reports the unexpected death of Lion
President Keith who joined in 1990 after
serving a most successful year as Mayor.
He served mainly on the Welfare
Committee, with scouting and diabetes
research being high on his priorities and
served his first term as President in 1995 1996. Our sympathies and support are
with his wife Patsy and all his family.
★★★
MITCHELL: Lion Ernest (Laurie)
Tynedale Lions Club. Members report with
sadness the death of Lion Laurie, a Past
President of Ponteland Lions where he was
much liked. He was strong and energetic
in all aspects of Lionism. He had not been
with Tynedale very long, but long enough
for him to bring his attributes to the
benefit of the Club. Members extend
sympathy to his wife Pat and family.
★★★
CORDERY: Lion Brian
The Lions Club of Castle Point. Members
are sad to report the death of Lion Brian,
who served the Club for 20 years, twice as
President. Brian was Vice - President at the
time of his death, which was a shock to
the Club. He attended his last meeting in
February, and will be sadly missed. Sincere
sympathy is extended to Jenny, and their
respective families.
ALLEN: PDG Lion Louvain (65)
The Lions Club of Bletchley, Milton Keynes.
With great sadness members report the
passing of Lion Louvain, who succumbed
to cancer in February after a short battle.
She joined Lions in 1994 with Harrow and
Pinner Club and became District Governor
in 2006, by now a member of Northwood
Lions Club. With her husband Lion Andrew
she moved to Milton Keynes in 2009,
transferring to the Lions Club of Bletchley
where she brought to the Club her skills,
drive and fun, and always with an
infectious laugh. A true Lion, she gave us
all so much. Our thoughts are with Andrew
and the family at this sad time.
★★★
BELLETT: Lion Les
The Lions Club of Castle Point. Members
report with regret the death in March of
Lion Les, a Past President, and Member of
30 years standing. Les continued to
maintain an interest despite his illness, and
will be fondly remembered, and sadly
missed by all members. Deepest sympathy
is extended to Doll and family.
★★★
SUTTON: Lion Brian (80)
The Lions Club of Jersey records with
regret the death of Past President Lion
Brian Sutton. He became a member of the
Jersey Club in 1974 having first been a
prominent member of Jersey Round Table.
He was President in 1983/84. The Club’s
deep sympathy goes to his wife Marion
and children.
★★★
CLARK: Lion Jim (81)
Sunderland Lions Club. It is with much
sadness that we report the death of Lion
Jim, a member for 38 years, always
sporting a cheery countenance and having
a fund of tales to tell. Except in his final
few years he had been an active and
supportive member of the Club. Our
thoughts are with his wife and family.
*The obituary for Lion Jim was submitted to LION
more than six months ago. We can only apologise
for the delay in publication.
★★★
GREEN: Les (71)
Wadebridge Lions Club. Members regret
to announce the death of Charter Member
Les Green. He never wanted to take any
office within the Club but was one of the
most active and enthusiastic members and
will be sadly missed by us all. Our deep
sympathy goes to his wife Linda and
family.
TREBILCOCK: Lion Robin
Swansea Lions Club. It is with great
sadness that we report the death of Lion
Robin after a short illness. Robin had
served with Swansea for 14 Years and had
been Club President three times. One of
life’s true gentlemen, he will be
remembered and sadly missed. Deepest
sympathies are with his wife Pam and his
family.
★★★
HILTON: Lion Terence
Newcastle under Lyme Lions Club.
Members are deeply saddened by the loss
of Lion Terence, better known to many
thousands of people on local radio as Sam
Plank, following a battle against illness for
many months. His funeral brought the City
of Stoke on Trent to a standstill. Newcastle
Lions have benefitted greatly from his input
and extend sympathy to Verity and her
family.
★★★
LEWIS: Lion Glyn (79)
Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Lions Club.
Members are sad to report the death of
Lion Glyn. Although only a member of the
Club for a few years he was a very valued
Lion and will be sadly missed. Club
members extend deepest sympathy to his
wife Margaret and to their family.
★★★
THURLOW: PDG Lion Peter (86)
Rotherham Lions Club. Members are
mourning the loss of their oldest and
dearest member Lion Peter. A Charter
Member of Maltby & District Lions Club
where he was twice President, he went on
become District Governor in 1989-90, ably
supported by his late wife Elsie. A very
active Club Lion with a special interest in
the deaf, in young people and in
membership. He transferred to Rotherham
in 2002-2003. Peter ‘T’ was a true Lion and
will be greatly missed. Sympathy goes out
to his family and his dear friend Brenda.
★★★
DENT: Lion Edgar, MJF
Ammanford Lions Club. With great sadness
members report the passing of Lion Edgar.
He served the Club for 32 years as
President, Zone and Region Chairman and
District Diabetes Officer. He was a highly
respected member and will be sorely
missed. Our thoughts are with Edwina and
family.
Continued on page 47
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 1
LION
37
“We have the Ability to make
C
hairman of Council Jacquie Prebble was speaking
at the Lions Day with the United Nations held at
the Palace of Westminster on 8 March.
This highly regarded and popular event is always
very well attended and is normally held in the
largest Committee Room of the House of
Commons, but this year it was more than usually
cosy, with many having to stand because the proceedings had to
be re-located to a slightly smaller room since the usual room was
required for urgent Government business, and MD International
Relations Officer PDG John Charles, who had booked the venue
ages ago was ‘gazumped’ (Government holds the trump cards
every time - especially in its own House!)
However, Lion John conducted events in his own relaxed style,
welcoming an excellent range of speakers including Lord Loomba
who spoke movingly from his personal experience as the son of a
widow in India, Michael Newsome, Director of Individual Giving at
UNICEF UK, Phil Mulligan, Executive Director of the United Nations
Association UK, and one very special guest, International Second
Vice President Wayne Madden who was on a wide-ranging tour of
our Multiple District in the course of which he and his delightful
wife Linda endeared themselves to our Lions when they attended
District Conventions.
Said Lion Jacquie: “We support those in the world who are
unable to fend for themselves, either because they are too sick or
too poor…Those who are the most vulnerable are there for the UN
and the Lions to nurture.”
She outlined how much Lions had in common with the Loomba
Foundation in its work for the human rights of widows and their
children, and spoke of our own MOET project which “..continues to
have a hands-on and successful role in saving the lives of vulnerable
mothers and their babies; we have to look after our young.”
She paid tribute to the Lions ‘lively partnership’ with UNICEF,
especially with the School in a Box programme, which for more
than 15 years has been providing educational supplies to teachers
in areas affected by civil unrest and disasters. “A cheque presented
five years ago enabled 13,784 children displaced by war and
disaster to start life afresh.”
Speaker Phil Mulligan told of the work of the United Nations
Association (an organisation slightly older than the UN itself!). It is,
he said: “Totally non political, and many of our members have been
with us for decades - they grew up in the shadow of war.”
We are not a ‘single issue organisation, but we do have a
policy,” said Mr Mulligan. “It includes a responsibility to protect, to
intervene before conflict occurs, to look to the human rights of
women, to help in co-ordinating the work of UN agencies in the
United Kingdom, to campaign for a global moratorium on the
death penalty, to being concerned for people with disabilities, and
to work on the goals of the UN without being anything more than
‘a critical friend’. We get no funding from the UN or from the
Government.”
A significant achievement of the UNA, he told the audience, was
“We are creating a world which fosters the incredi
● A cheque for UNICEF
38
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● Chairman Jacquie, Lion Wayne and Sunita
APRIL/M AY 2011
● Peace Poster winner Sunita, with her mother ● Lion Wayne with the Peace Poster team
a Difference in ourWorld...”
– Council Chairman Lion Jacquie
the Global Treaty on ‘cluster munitions’.
Lord Loomba, a distinguished Asian businessman, spoke of his
motivation for setting up his charity, named after his late mother
and dedicated to ‘empowering widows and educating their
children.’
“I grew up a widow’s son; I saw at first hand the sufferings
which my mother faced when she lost her husband. She was
young, only 37, and good looking. She had seven children to raise
and educate by herself.”
He went on to describe the ‘huge injustice’ inflicted on his
mother and other Indian women in her situation, who, when
widowed, lose their place in society. A widow is considered to be an
evil person, he told the audience, and a bringer of bad luck. She is
left on her own, poor, uneducated, unable to find a job and has to
depend on her children who often end up on the streets or working
in factories where child labour abuse is commonplace.
Lord Loomba’s address will be featured more fully in a future
LION.
Lion Wayne Madden, a towering figure in every sense, flagged
up the achievements of our PIDs - the Korle Bu Hospital in Ghana,
the special project of PID Howard Lee, which will provide 50,000
eye surgery procedures every year and train the optometrists of the
future, and ‘Operation LionHeart’ and its aftermath ‘Gift for Living’
which under the guidance of PID Phil Nathan continues to bring
health, life and support to the people, especially the children, of the
former Yugoslavia.
“Your determination to help goes to the core of why we are
here today, going back to the setting up of the NGOs and the
establishment of the United Nations. We are creating a world which
fosters the incredible power of the human spirit…”
On a more current and global scenario he marvelled at the
incredible success of the two SightFirst Campaigns over the last 19
years, and outlined the current initiative to eliminate measles in
which 41 million children will be spared this curse, which, as he
said: “Is almost forgotten in the US and in the British Isles and
Ireland, but is a huge killer of children in Africa, India and other
Third World countries.”
Lion Wayne was warmly thanked in a delightful speech by
District Governor David Winsland of 105-BN.
Lion Mark Francois MP, President of the Palace of Westminster
Lions Club, who holds the sonorous title of ‘Vice Chamberlain of
Her Majesty’s Household in the Government Whips Office’ (deep
breath!) gave his usual light-hearted account of life in Westminster.
The good news was that the Club now had 21 members, some of
them new, but they had been sorry to lose Ann Widdecombe when
she retired. (Although she retains her status as a Lion).
“The Club is in good heart,” he assured his audience. “I
encourage all of you Lions to promote charity and good works in
your local communities. You work very hard to help people not only
of your community but world-wide.
“Thank you for coming here today to celebrate the work of
Lions and the United Nations.”
ble power of the human spirit.”
● Lion Jacquie with Lion Mark and members of the Palace Lions Club
– Lion Wayne Madden
● A’ thank you’ from DG David
● On the Terrace: Lions Phil, Howard, Jacquie, Wayne and Mark
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
39
2009-2010:AYear of Growth an
Last year, Lions around the world continued our unparalleled giving of aid, time and heart to our global
and local communities. As the official charitable organization of Lions Clubs International, the Lions Clubs
International Foundation (LCIF) supported Lions’ great work by awarding $24.36 million in grants for
426 projects focused on preserving sight, serving youth, providing disaster relief and
combating disabilities.
Examples of our impact:
❈ 1.7 million people can see better from 37 SightFirst Grants totaling $10.28
million.
❈ 23,569 people have clean water due to 36 International
Assistance Grants totaling $445,210.
❈ Millions of people have benefitted from improvements to
schools, equipment for hospitals, construction of disabled
playgrounds and hundreds of other projects made possible
with 127 Standard Grants totaling $5.07 million.
❈ Lives of countless others have been improved through
35 additional grants for $3.9 million.
As you read through the following highlights of the
many life-changing and meaningful projects from the
past year, remember that these accomplishments
were possible thanks to us—the 1.35 million
Lions who know that our contribution matters.
We Care. We Serve. We Accomplish.
Providing Disaster Relief
When disasters strike, Lions are committed to being
there to offer help, often first on the scene and last to
leave. In 2009-10, 118,050 people received disaster
relief through 161 LCIF Disaster Grants totaling $1.55
million. Through the efforts of LCIF and Lions worldwide,
communities affected by disasters have a renewed sense
of hope for a brighter future.
Taiwan
40
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APRIL/M AY 2011
a
Louisian
d Partnership for Our Foundation
Hope Regained
“The Lions helped us regain our hope,” said Immacula
Simeon. “We were sleeping under sheets, which were
protecting us from the sun and the wind. We didn’t have
much money, no food and no water. It was very hard. And
then the Lions Clubs arrived and everything changed.”
Lions are mobilizing more than $6.1 million to provide
relief for the people of Haiti through Lions’ generous
support. Lions established three tent cities in Port-au-Prince.
Simeon’s family of seven was among the 2,500 who were
provided with shelter. The first project to build provisional
housing for 600 families began in October 2010, and
additional projects are currently underway. LCIF remains
committed to rebuilding Haiti with these new projects
beginning in 2011:
• When the earthquake destroyed the National Nurses
School of Port-au-Prince and killed more than 100
students and teachers, Haiti’s shortage of healthcare
professionals became a crisis. LCIF is helping to rebuild,
equip and operate the school so that students can fulfill
their dreams of becoming nurses and begin helping their
fellow citizens.
• Additionally, Lions are partnering with HumaniTerra
International to construct a medical center to bring
together logistical aid, training, medical expertise and
medical supplies to the people of Haiti.
“the Lions helped us ragain our hope.” – Immacula Simeon
Other Relief
• Following the earthquake in China in May 2008,
contributions from Lions around the world enabled LCIF
to provide more than $3 million for both immediate relief
and long-term reconstruction.
• A much-needed health clinic opened at Chalmette High
School in Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina. Daily,
between 50 and 60 students receive free services and
health education programs.
• In 41 years, an estimated 1.9 million people have
benefitted from our Disaster Grants.
APRIL/MAY 2011
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41
Preserving Sight
Improved Vision for 30 Million People…and Counting
Launched in 1990, in 2010 the SightFirst program
celebrated 20 years of saving sight and preventing blindness
on a global scale. Through two fundraising campaigns,
Lions are investing $415 million in the SightFirst program.
On average, nearly every $6 in donations has resulted in a
person with vision restored or saved from blindness.
Trees for Grant
Last year, Grant Rustan, of Iowa, became the 1 millionth
child screened through the Vision Screening program, an
LCIF Core 4 supported program from 2001-2009. Four years
old at the time, Grant was referred for follow up screenings
and found to have vision problems that could lead to
ambloypia, the leading cause of blindness in children. After
putting on his new glasses and seeing needles on a pine
tree for the first time, Grant said, “Mommy, the trees have
prickly things on them!”
• Central African Republic and Burundi became the newest
countries participating in SightFirst.
• Handapangodage Don Rusiru Harita Perera in Sri Lanka
became one of the 10 million children helped through
Sight for Kids program. Since the end of the year,
another 2 million children have been screened.
• Ecuador became the second nation in the Americas to
halt the transmission of onchocerciasis, or river blindness.
The Foundation has supported 137 million Mectizan®
treatments worldwide to control and eliminate the
disease.
Rustan family, lowa
• The new Centre Ophtalmologique Masina in Democratic
Republic of Congo opened in October 2009.
ServingYouth
Celebrating 25 years of Youth Development
In 2010, Lions Quest celebrated 25 years of providing 12
million students across 60 countries with essential life skills
that support character development, social and emotional
learning, civic values, violence and substance abuse
prevention and service-learning.
Excellence for Ivan
Ivan Villaverde was a poor student. He was disobedient and
rarely paid attention. Now, thanks to Lions Quest, Ivan and
hundreds of other students in Paraguay are excelling in the
classroom. Lions Quest brings schools, communities and
families together to benefit youth.
“He’s an excellent example of parents who’ve gotten
involved and are very active in their child’s education,” said
Lilian Montania, Ivan’s Lions Quest teacher.
• Thirty Lions Quest Core 4 Grants totaling $2.44 million
are reaching 200,000 youth, including those in countries
new to the program: Bulgaria, Mauritius and the
Philippines.
• A $10,000 grant awarded by Bank of America is
supporting growth of Lions Quest in public schools in
Chicago, Illinois.
• The highest possible marks were awarded to Lions Quest
in Norway by the Director of Education and Training
under the Ministry of Education for preventing problem
behavior and improving social skills in children.
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APRIL/M AY 2011
“Lions Quest has given
students a better sense of
community at our school,
taught them skills to
handle anger more
effectively and to get
along better.” --Angela
Troppa, Lions Quest
Educator Award grand
prize recipient
Combating Disabilities, Growing Independence
LCIF continued to help and empower the disabled in 2009-10. The Foundation
provides funding for programs that improve education, provide job training
and opportunities, increase independence, and provide support for emotional
and physical well-being.
Gold for Kate
“When Kate went through the Opening Eyes program we discovered she had
the wrong prescription – she was in fact long-sighted, not short-sighted as
prescribed. Opening Eyes has been so important to our family,” said Greg
Simmons, Kate’s father. Since Kate received new glasses, she has won one
gold, two silver and two bronze medals in tennis and swimming.
A 16-year-old from Australia, Kate is one of 200,000 athletes across 85
countries who has improved vision due to Opening
Eyes, a partnership with Special Olympics
entering its 10th year. With the help of Lions
volunteers around the world, Opening Eyes
provides vision screenings and eyeglasses or
follow up care for Special Olympics athletes.
As of last year, LCIF has provided $11 million
in funding for this program, and in October
2010 an additional $1 million was approved to
continue this partnership.
We have never had a more significant partnership in the history of Special
Olympics than the partnership we have today with the Lions Clubs.”
Dr. Timothy Shriver, chairman & CEO of Special Olympics International
APRIL/MAY 2011
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Cultivating Collaboration
Much was accomplished last year, but as always, there is much
yet to be done. Creating partnerships is the most effective way
to leverage Lions’ efforts and deliver on our mission. LCIF
continues to join with new partners for exciting additional ways
to bring hope and change lives around the world.
Correcting Pediatric Cataract
• The Bausch + Lomb Early Vision Institute and
LCIF are partnering on the Pediatric Cataract
Initiative to identify, fund and promote
innovative methods of overcoming this condition for the
long-term benefit of children, their families and their
communities. Bausch + Lomb granted LCIF $350,000 for the
pilot year, during which the program will focus its efforts in
the People’s Republic of China where at least 40,000 children
are estimated to suffer from pediatric cataract. This initiative
is also funding research aimed at better understanding the
causes and treatment of pediatric cataract. In December
2010 two research projects were selected out of 16 grant
applications; each will receive a grant of $50,000.
• LCIF is launching a new partnership with
Essilor International to support
comprehensive uncorrected refractive error
services. Essilor will provide access to lowcost equipment and staff expertise, with pilot programs over
the next year in select African countries.
• The Foundation has joined the Clinton Global
Initiative, which convenes global leaders to
devise and apply innovative solutions to some
of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Through this partnership, Lions Quest will be
implemented in one U.S. school district by 2013.
"Through the Pediatric Cataract Initiative,
Bausch + Lomb and Lions are going to make a
difference in the lives of children, their families
and their communities. I can think of no better
partner in our mission in helping these
children… because their vision is our vision."
>
44
Message from the Chairperson
Creating Miracles for Millions
I’d like to thank all of you who supported Lions Clubs
International Foundation (LCIF) this past year. It was another
year of great success and milestones, but more importantly,
we created miracles for millions of people around the globe.
After reading this magazine story, I know you share my pride
in what we’ve accomplished together by working as a team.
Thanks to our individual donors and members, LCIF was
able to maximize our humanitarian service in 2009-10. The
Lions’ many exceptional partnerships—both long-standing
and new—with companies, local governments,
organizations, corporations, ministries of health and
education and other local groups, thrived throughout the
year.
Our members and partners share a spirit of giving and a
dedication to improving lives. In fact, you helped propel LCIF
to be named the #1 non-governmental organization
worldwide to partner with, according to a Financial Times
independent survey.
LCIF looks forward to continuing to support and expand
the invaluable work done by the network of Lions and
partners in 206 countries and regions around the world. I
hope I can count on you to continue supporting our
Foundation and making even more miracles a reality for
people around the globe.
Together “We Serve,”
Al Brandel
2009-2010 LCIF Chairperson
Paul H. Sartori,
corporate vice
president public affairs
and human resources,
Bausch + Lomb
Read the complete annual report online at
www.lcif.org. You can help support LCIF
with a donation at www.lcif.org/donate.
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APRIL/M AY 2011
LCIF is providing shelter for families in Haiti
Lions Clubs International Foundation
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
June 30, 2010
Lions Clubs International Foundation
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
Year Ended June 30, 2010
All Figures Shown in U.S. Dollars
All Figures Shown in U.S. Dollars
REVENUE
ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Receivable
Pledges Receivable, Net
Accrued Interest Receivable
Inventory
Marketable Securities - Investments
Property and Equipment, Net
$12,191,302
7,703,963
972,940
551,802
692,198
256,563,948
126,820
Total Assets
Contributions
Lions Quest, Net
Investment Return
Net Gain on Currency Exchange
$34,343,310
529,690
26,756,508
208,273
Total Revenue
$61,837,781
$278,802,973
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
EXPENDITURES
Accounts Payable & Accrued Expenses
Grants Payable
Charitable Gift Annuities
Total Liabilities
$328,629
36,360,714
289,507
$36,978,850
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted
Temporarily Restricted
Permanently Restricted
$120,215,559
121,108,564
500,000
Total Net Assets
$241,824,123
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$278,802,973
SightFirst Grants, Net
Humanitarian Grants, Net
Program Services
Administrative Expenses
Development Expenses
$10,275,656
12,932,605
4,649,195
5,091,174
3,749,236
Total Expenditures
$36,697,866
Expenditures 2009-2010
Development
SightFirst Grants
Administrative
Program Services
Humanitarian Grants
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
45
Obituary
Continued from page 37
HEYWOOD: Lion Sid
Biggin Hill and Westerham Lions Club.
With great sadness we report the death of
Lion Sid, the last remaining Charter
Member, He had served as President,
Secretary, Chairman of Committees and in
a variety of other roles over the years. His
advice was always appreciated, and his dry
(sometimes mischievous) wit, kindness,
hard work and friendship will be missed.
Deepest sympathies are extended to his
wife Brenda and family.
★★★
PATTINSON: Lion David
The Lions Club of Clacton on Sea. Lion
Dave became involved with the Club in
2007 when he attended an Air Show. Dave
got down to action straight away and
became an enthusiastic member of the
fund-raising committee, proving especially
gifted with children or disabled people.
Sadly, his health deteriorated and despite
major heart surgery he died in February.
Our thoughts are with his wife Joy.
★★★
BOOTS: Lioness June
Seahaven Lioness Club. With great sadness
members have to report the death of
Lioness June. A founder member of
Seahaven Lionesses in 1993, she also
served as Club President, in 1998-99.
Although suffering poor health of late, June
was still an active member and will be very
much missed by all.
T
LO RUSSO: Lion Raf
Cranleigh & District Lions Club. Members
are sad to announce the loss of a long
serving stalwart member for over 20 years
who was well known throughout the
community for his selfless and tireless
work for others. Twice President, Raf also
served the village in other capacities,
having variously run a drop-in centre for
teenagers, and the ‘Gingerbread Club’ for
single dads. A gentleman and yet a
‘character’, Raf will be sadly missed. Our
thoughts and condolences go to his wife
Jeni and all his family.
★★★
ARMSTRONG: Lion Alfred (Alf)
William, MJF, (88)
Northwood Lions Club. With great sadness
members report the death of Lion Alf. A
dedicated and active member, he was
honoured with a Melvin Jones Fellowship
for over 30 years of service. He was a true
Lion who knew what it meant to give
service. Our deep sympathy goes to Mary,
his devoted wife and their family. He will
be greatly missed.
★★★
GRAHAM: Lion Ken (73)
Southam Lions Club. Members deeply
regret to report the death of Lion Ken,
which occurred at a local meeting when
he sustained a massive heart attack. A
Charter Member in 1971 he was looking
forward to the 40th Anniversary
celebrations of the Club to which he made
such a massive contribution over the
years; President twice, Treasurer for 19
years and he held many important Club
offices. Members’ sympathies go to his
wife, Jacky.
WHITE: Lion President Colin
Blackpool Lions Club. Members regret to
report the sudden and untimely death of
Lion President Colin. He joined in 1996
and was a very active member. He was in
his third continuous year as President and
served in many other capacities. He will be
missed by the Club and all those Lions and
friends who knew him. Our thoughts go
to his wife Christine and family.
★★★
HOWARD: Lion Ted
Dover District Lions Club. Members are sad
to report the sudden death of Lion Ted.
Formerly a member of Rye Lions Club since
2008 he had just transferred to Dover.
Despite being with us for such a short time,
Ted had already become actively involved
in our fundraising events and will be a sad
loss. Our thoughts and condolences go out
to his wife Rosalind and their family.
★★★
BROWN: Lion William (Bill), MJF (91)
Vale of Belvoir Lions Club. With much
sadness the Club announces the passing of
Lion Bill, a Charter Member, Life Member
and Club Secretary since 1979. He had
also been a Lion while living in Belfast and
Carlisle. Bill epitomised all that is good in
human nature , and even in his failing
years supported the Club and its activities.
Heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Obituary items may be
sent directly to the
Editor (see page 4) and
will be used in the next
available issue
Disasters –
Lions and LCIF are there
he devastating earthquake in Haiti, flooding in Australia, New Zealand’s earthquake, and, most recently, the
terrible toll on life and the ongoing severe problems in Japan caused by the earthquake and ensuing
tsunami.
The past year has certainly been an ‘annus horribilus’ for many areas of our planet, but among the chaos,
terror and disruption to life, there has been a ray of hope. Lions and LCIF have been on the scene, either
with physical assistance or by donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to help with rebuilding, re-housing
and schooling for displaced children.
In the next issue we will feature a comprehensive round up of how our mighty Foundation has reacted to the
unprecedented challenges of the past months.
– Editor
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 1
LION
47
Blog for
Easter
“None of you had to
join Lions...”
Continued from page 13
about the homeless or the elderly or to offer a helping hand to
those struggling with illiteracy, or to encourage young people to
develop their sense of community and their leadership skills.
“In small ways and big ways they help individuals to get
through life and help communities to cope with life’s ups and
downs…these few precious hours of volunteer time given gross
up to a massive resource, a huge dynamic, which, as Mother
Teresa once said, is unpaid not because it is worthless, but
because it is priceless.”
Quoting an old Irish saying ‘You’ll never plough a field by
turning it over in your mind’, Mrs McAleese referred to Lions as
life’s ‘doers’ rather than well-intentioned dreamers, problem
solvers rather than cynics.
“Each act of voluntary service helps to form the cement that
binds and unifies our society, makes neighbours and friends out of
strangers, unites us in a common purpose to do what we can to
improve the quality of life of humankind, and in particular to take
on the burden of care for those to whom life has been cruel or
unkind. This is active citizenship at its absolute best, for what you
do through the Lions is not sporadic, occasional or irregular, but
organised, dependable, here for the long haul”.
Communities which are strong and well integrated thanks to
coherent, consistent volunteer effort are ‘good healthy places to
grow up and to live’ said the President, adding that what is true
locally is also true globally, and recent economic and political
events have brought home to us just how closely intertwined are
the fates of the world’s nations.
She concluded: “None of you had to join Lions. No law
compelled you to do so, except the law of human decency. What
you have given has, I know, been returned many times over in the
personal fulfillment, the fun, the friendships and the peace of
heart that comes from leaving your comfort zone to bring
comfort to others. On this day I offer you my thanks for all that
you do. There are no redundancy packages for volunteers, just a
job for life if you want it. I wish you well in your endeavours, be
they large or small, to make our communities, our country and
our world a better place to live for all.
Bail o Dhia ar an obair!
W
Hello Fellow Lions
hat a busy time we are in and now
that the rounds of District
Conventions have concluded I would
like to thank you all for the hospitality
shown to myself and Becky on our
visits to some of the Conventions, We
managed to get to BN, EA, M, SE, SW,
W. We send our congratulations to the newly elected DG(E)’s and
wish you and all your teams a successful year ahead.
We are well into the final stages of organising for our MD
Convention at Belfast. Becky and I will both be attending and
hope to see many of you there. We shall be selling supplies and
on hand at registration when required.
On to Directories, and my thanks to all Clubs who have sent in
their New Officer details. If you haven’t sent details in please let
us have the information as soon as possible as we compile the
new Directory.
Thanks to all Clubs for the continuing interest in ordering the
new corporate style – leaflets, roller banners and corporate
material having been involved in many Autumn Forums and
District Conventions. The new material is extremely eye-catching
and looks very professional, and judging by the continuing orders
for such material many of you will agree.
I will sign off for now – wishing you all a happy and peaceful
Easter.
* This issue went to press just before Easter...
• Lion Brigitte Waterfield
Office Manager
TOP 10 VISITING LIONS AS OF 11
/04/2011
District
1
BS
STONE
2
SE
3
BS
WHITSTABLE AND HERN
E BAY
STOKE
4
BS
TELFORD
5
BN
CROSBY
6
SW
7
SW
BABBACOMBE AND ST
MARYCHURCH
NEWQUAY
8
SE
BEXHILL
9
BN
10
BIRCHWOOD
SW
CALLINGTON
Which translates as ‘God Bless Your Work’
t
s
a
lf
e
B
t
a
s
F
J
M
d
n
a
s
PDG
joint
ok to attend the
bo
to
te
la
o
to
t
It’s no
ntion.
the Belfast Conve
at
h
nc
lu
JF
/M
G
PD
irman
s Association Cha
Details from PDG
Maurice Jackson:
9.co.uk
cejackson.f
maurice@mauri
48
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
Total
Name Club
Points
50
49
48
41
38
36
27
22
21
21
ITEM
Supplies from MDHQ
A few examples of the stock held at MDHQ. Orders can be
placed by telephone or e-mail at the address shown below.
By e-mail: [email protected] By Phone: 0121 441 4544
By Post to MDHQ: 257 Alcester Road South, Kings Heath,
Birmingham, B14 6DT
LION PINS, EARRINGS,
PENDANT PRICE LIST
• Double Heart Pin = £5.00
• Silver Heart Pin = £5.00
• Heart Necklace = £5.00
• Lion logo earrings £6.00
• Bow knot pin = £5.00
• Disk pendant = £5.00
• Lion head pin = £6.00
BADGE PRICE LIST
• MD Blazer badge = £9.00
• White shirt badge = £6.00
• 3" embroidered badge = £3.00
PROUD TO SERVE PRICE LIST
• Ties = £16.75
• Baseball Caps = £5.00
• Ladies scarf = £12.00
• Handbag holders = £5.00
LION LOGO STICKERS
• Magnetic Decal = £10.00
• 12” Decal = £5.50
• 3” Decal = £1.75
• Collection tin stickers = £0.45
• Window Transfer = £1.50
• Car sticker (Member/Charter
Member) = £1.00
• Sheet of small logos = £0.60
SELECTION OF PINS
• B2 lapel pin = £3.25
• President/Past President = £15.50
• Mini Pin = £2.50
• Secretary/Treasurer = £15.50
SELECTION OF PR LEAFLETS
• All leaflets are priced at
£5.00 for 100 an
additional charge will be
placed on postage and
packaging.
MDHQ Supplies
CODE
PRICE
£11.50
£11.50
irperson
Award - Region Cha
r Appreciation
£11.50
G125S
Award - Disrict Governo
£11.50
Award - Secretary
£11.50
s
G168
Award - Cab, Sec, Trea
£11.50
G125T
Award - President
£11.50
Award - Treasurer
£5.00
rson
Award - Zone Chairpe
£3.50
Baseball Cap (PN)
£4.00
(Engraving £11)
Bars - Gold & Silver
£12.00
Beacon Of Hope
£9.00
Lion Logo Balloons
£3.00
District
A3
Blazer Badge - Multiple
£1.75
Blazer Badge 3"
D124
Circular Embroided
£1.00
Car Stickers
£5.50
Car Stickers - Small
£1.50
Christmas Music CD
£2.00
kers
Charter Member Stic
£1.60
S65
Cartoon Car Sticker
£2.00
tation
MC10
Certificate of Appreci
£2.00
30,35,40 Yrs
Chevrons - 10,15,20,25,
45p
Chevrons -Charter
£10.00
Collection tin sticker
£5.50
D135
Decal - Magnetic
£1.75
D1S
Decal - 12"
£5.00
Decal - 3"
£3.50
DVD The Lion Story
£5.00
Fridge Magnet
£15.00
)
Handbag Holder (PN
£5.00
y
G32
International Director
£5.00
Jewellry Bow Knot Pin
£5.00
och
Jewellry Butterfly Bro
er)
£5.00
ld or Silv
(Go
s
9
flink
G90
Cuf
ellry
Jew
£5.00
t Necklace
dan
2
Pen
G68
Disc
ellry
Jew
£6.00
rt Pin
G1133
Jewellry Double Hea
£5.00
logo
G791
Jewellry Earings with
£5.00
e
G141
Jewellry Heart Necklac
£6.00
G1260
Jewellry Heart Pin
ch
£5.00
G236
Jewellry Lion Head broo
£5.00
Knot Pin
G529
Jewellry Silver Bow
£3.50
Jewelery Sunburst Pin
£12.00
Keyring - Cartoon
£22.00
Lady Scarves (PN)
£14.00
G732
Leo President Medal
60p
n
Lions Emblem Medallio
£4.00
24 Per Sheet
Lion Logo Stickers £2.00
- 10,15,20,25,30,35
Long Attendance Pin
£29.00
Lion Of The Year
p&p
Lion President Medal
£2.25+p&p
Membership Cards
£25.00+p&p
Display cartons
Message in a Bottle
)
£4.00
Leaflets (1000 in a box
Message in a Bottle
£1.50
NM10
Mousemat
£5.50
G216
New Member Kits
£12.50
Logo
Parker pen with Lion
£8.00
PPK1EN
Past President Medal
£3.00
PA09
Peace Poster Pack
£3.00
9-10 Ginko
Pin - Attendance 200
£3.25
rson
B2
Pin - District Chairpe
£2.50
B12
Pin - Lapel
£15.50
B1PP
Pin - Mini
£15.50
B1S
Pin - Past President
£15.50
B1T
Pin - Secretary
£15.50
Pin - Treasurer
£27.00
Pin - Vice President
£15.50
Pin - Past Dist Gov
£3.00
Pin - President
£8.00
S68
Pin - Charter Member
£22.00
Pack
Place Cards - 100 Per
£3.50
Plaques - MD105
£3.00
ges
Plastic Pin Holder Bad
£1.00
Holders
Plastic Blazer Badge
£4.00
10)
PR Posters (Pack of
£5 + p&p
s x3
Presentation Cheque
£5 + p&p
Blank -Per 100
Promotional Leaflets
£5 + p&p
Glossy Trifold-Per 100
Promotional Leaflets
£5 + p&p
''Sight -Per 100
Promotional Leaflets
£5 + p&p
''Diabetes -Per 100
Promotional Leaflets
£5 + p&p
'' Youth -Per 100
Promotional Leaflets
£5 + p&p
''Leo - Per 100
100
Promotional Leaflets
Per
s
vice
£5 + p&p
''Young Leaders In Ser
Promotional Leaflets
100
Per
£5 + p&p
''Young Ambassaders
Promotional Leaflets
£6.50
'' Generic - Per 100
Promotional Leaflets
ses
£99.88
Recycle Boxes For Glas
£10.00
Roll up banner
£5.00
B (green)x 1000
Rolls of Stickers MIA
£14.00
nkyou for help' x 500
Rolls of stickers 'Tha
£6.00
Ribbons
£4.00
G1502
Shirt Badges
£16.75
ring
Silver Lions Logo Key
£9.00
(PN)
Ties - Pride To Serve
£4.00
Int Convention
Ties & Scarves from
£1.50
Toy Beanie Lion
Window Transfer
G125C
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
49
“Clontarf - Great and
Historic”
C
105-I’s Convention
lontarf, a coastal suburb of Dublin, is noted for
being the site of a famous battle in 1014 in
which Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland,
vanquished the Viking invaders, putting an end
to the long Irish-Viking wars.
But it was by far a warmer welcome which
awaited those attending the 42nd105-I
Convention of 105-I in March.
A pre-Convention media event organised by the District PR
team kicked things off, gaining coverage for the Lions in the
national dailies. Friday dawned with beautiful sunshine and for the
golfers ideal conditions prevailed, with scoring above the usual
high Lions’ standard, even for VDG Sean, who, to quote District
Governor Terence Mangan: “..was enjoying his last game of golf
for the next 18 months…!”
Distinguished Lions including Second International President
Wayne Madden and Linda, Council Chairman Jacquie Prebble and
Bob and frequent visitor to 105-I PID Phil Nathan and Heidi were
ferried between the airport and Contarf Castle by a fleet of Lions
taxis.
A highlight of the early evening for some lucky attendees was a
visit to the Mansion House where Lord Mayor Gerry Breen
entertained guests, again to quote DG Terence: “With the freshest
Guinness being liberally sampled. PDG Eric Roberts tinkled the
ivories.
Host Night provided an excellent supper with entertainment by
the Clontarf Golf Club Choir, and Saturday morning dawned bright
and clear with a ‘stepped-up’ starting time of 08.30 catching the
occasional Conventioneer unawares (one turned up at 9 to be
50
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
startled when he heard Item 10 on the
agenda being called..)
The highlight of Convention was the visit by President Mary
McAleese who was generous with her time for a whole range of
historic photographs, meeting groups of Lions and partners before
moving to the Great Hall where more than 300 people were
waiting to greet her. Her memorable speech is featured on page
13. Says District Governor Terence: “Her knowledge of Lions
activities and excellent briefing was remarkable and, added to her
eloquence, held the audience spellbound for the duration of her
address.”
President McAleese was presented with the International
President’s Head of State Award by Second International President
Wayne.
Says DG Terence: “As she left the Opening Ceremony there was
a buzz of excitement which permeated the whole day.”
Convention itself carried the usual comprehensive reports of
Lions Clubs’ activities throughout the District, and the day featured
three very interesting and challenging presentations, by the Irish
Cancer Society, the Carers’ Association and ‘Aware’, the charity
which deals with depression.
The Cancer Society presentation was introduced by District
Governor Terence himself, following some recent personal
experience. He stressed the need for the longevity of life to be
balanced by quality of life. The Irish Cancer Society emphasised the
need for regular PSA checking as a means of early detection of
prostate problems (see also page14) and highlighted their major
fundraisers, Daffodil Day at the end of March and their regular
Continued on page 52
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
51
O
ur old friend Rupert has
gone all Irish in celebration
of the Belfast Multiple District
Convention. This latest set of
pins is available from Lion
Leggett limited to just 100 sets at £10 a set.
Their availability is in the ‘Belfast period’
only. For details contact Lion John on:
[email protected]
Irish Celebrations
Continued from page 50
Coffee Mornings, urging Lions to support these.
The Carers’ Association produced figures on the high and
growing dependence in Irish society on the work of carers.
Sligo Lions were part of a support group for a weekend for
carers last year and the presentation included the RTE
nationwide film of that weekend.
The ‘Aware’ presentation was combined with the
wonderful initiative of the Roscommon Leos who have
created a moving three-minute film about this problem with
particular reference to teenagers and suicide. (‘Aware’ is the
chosen charity of the DG’s spouse Maureen this year).
Young Ambassador District winner Leanne O’Driscoll (see
also pages 32-33) outlined her work in Tralee both helping
local initiatives and Third World countries, especially in the
field of AIDS.
The ‘Top Table’ for the 2011-2012 Lionistic year was
confirmed as Lion Sean Sandford of Swords Lions Club as
District Governor with Lion Ciaran Mullooly (Roscommon) as
Vice and Lion Pauric Gallen (Letterkenny) as Second Vice.
The Saturday Night/Sunday Morning Banquet and Ball
was not a place for the fainthearted or out-of-step line
dancers, and the superb meal was followed by a number of
presentations, awards and recognitions.
The Convention wound down after a hectic few days, and
District Governor Terence paid tribute to “…the hard-working
Lions of Howth/Sutton and their partners, Convention
Chairman Paddy O’Donnell and Deputy Chairman PDG Gerry
Langford.”
The 2012 Convention will be hosted by Kilkenny Lions
Club.
52
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
District
February 2011
A
s this was our 40th Ruby Anniversary our 105-SE
Convention at the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne
turned out to be a special event for our District
Governor Mike Howes and his wife Christine. Prebookings for the Convention and social
gatherings exceeded previous years figures so a
good time was expected at all the events and we
were not disappointed. Convention had International Director
Gudrun Yngvadottir and her husband PID Jon
Bjarni Thorsteinsson as principal guests but our
own PID Howard Lee and Claire were unable
to attend because of illness. However we were
graced with our own Chairman of Council
Jacquie Prebble and husband Bob, and also
Lion guests from Germany and France.
A very successful Host Night with the
theme ‘The Roaring 20’s’ with a local band,
The Big Jazz Co started off the party weekend.
Convention was opened by the Eastbourne
Town Mayor Carolyn Heaps and the business
session finished ahead of time with Lion Frank
Lees being confirmed as DG-Elect, Lion Phil
Robinson as 1st VDG-Elect and Lion Mike Parker as 2nd
VDG-Elect. A blind speaker, Nigel Whiteley gave a really
informative presentation on the St Dunstan’s project and our
Icelandic International Director Gudrun gave those attending
the benefit of her knowledge and experience in the Lions
family. Following this was the presentation of the District
Awards for the Travelling Lion, Peace Poster, Photographic;
the Music Competition, won this year by Hannah Porro
sponsored by Whitstable and Herne Bay and the Young
Ambassador, won by Jack Packman sponsored by Thanet
Lions Club and the various International Awards and
Certificates. The two young winners are an inspiration to all.
The Banquet and Ball had the 22-piece Johnny Spice Swing
Orchestra in attendance and their music kept the Lions and guests
dancing into the early hours. Sunday saw the Twinning meeting
and a Question and Answer Meeting with our International Director
Gudrun and after being suitably lunched, the foreign guests were
then given a ride on the Uckfield Lions Minibus to Heathrow
Airport for their return journey!
Again a very successful weekend and we look forward to
meeting again at Chichester in 2012.
• Lion John Cattaway
Convention Chairman
Convention Eastbourne
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
53
Agatha’s Antics in SW
T
he 41st District 105-SW Convention was held at
the Imperial Hotel, Torquay with International
guests Second Vice-President Wayne Madden and
his wife Lion Linda, along with PID Lion Phil
Nathan and his wife Heidi and representatives
from seven of the other MD105 Districts.
The Party Night theme “The Novels of Agatha
Christie” was chosen because not only did she live at Greenway
on the banks of the nearby River Dart, but was also a frequent
visitor to the Imperial Hotel where she used to sit and write in the
Conservatory. Everyone entered into the theme with ingenuity
and we were not inundated with ‘Poirots’ and ‘Miss Marples’.
The Flag Ceremony was accompanied by the Lions Brass 4
Youth Band and Convention was opened by the Mayor of Torbay,
Nick Bye (one of only 12 elected Mayors in the UK) whose
welcome was most entertaining. Having looked at his audience
and gauged the age group of the majority he asked us not to use
our bus passes while in Torbay!
Before the start of Convention, District Governor Neil Rutter
gave permission for a collection to be made in aid of the Japanese
Tsunami which had just occurred, and thanks to the generosity of
delegates a massive £636 was collected.
The formal business, with some 325 present, proceeded under
the direction of DG Neil and included an update by PCC Mike
Cooke on the Lions Shelter at the National Arboretum, and the
morning session concluded with the presentation of the Graham
Lang Trophy for the best 105-W website to Torpoint and Rame
Peninsula Lions Club.
On to the afternoon, and Lion Clifton Cane of Babbacombe
and St Marychurch Lions Club was confirmed as District
Governor-elect, with Lion Julian Chadwick (Exeter) as First VDGelect and Lion Marianne Warren (Cheddar Vale) as Second.
54
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
Our Young Musician, Emma
Johnson, played two oboe pieces;
Peace Poster Awards were presented,
including a new trophy donated by
DG Neil for our District winner
Bethan Wesley (see also page 11). Our
Young Ambassador Rachael Hill
addressed Convention and those who had
been at the District final saw how much her
confidence and presentation skills had
increased over the last two months.
Our final speaker, Steve Sparkes, a former
Royal Marine, spoke on behalf of St Dunstan’s
and the fantastic work they do for all sections
of the services, especially at their Centres in
Brighton and Sheffield and the new facility to
be supported by Lions in Llandudno.
International Second Vice-President Wayne
had been in contact throughout the day with
International Headquarters at Oak Brook and
was able to update us on the ever-changing
situation in regard to the earthquake in Japan
as well as giving an inspiring talk.
Guests, 223 of them, sat down to the Gala
Dinner on Saturday, with entertainment from
Edison Lighthouse, and the following
morning the weekend concluded with a very
lively question and answer session attended
by 107 Lions with DG Neil and Lion Wayne.
• Lion Glyn John
Convention Chairman
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
55
LION
Lions Clubs International
BRITISH & IRISH EDITION
Official publication of Lions Clubs
International. Published by authority
of the Board of Directors in 20
languages – English, Spanish,
Japanese, French, Swedish, Italian,
German, Finnish, Flemish-French,
Korean, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish,
Chinese, Norwegian, Icelandic,
Turkish, Greek, Hindi and Thai.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President Sid L. Scruggs III, 698
Azalea Drive, Vass, North Carolina,
28394,
USA; Immediate
Past
President Eberhard J. Wirfs, Am
Munsterer Wald 11, 65779 Kelkheim,
Germany; First Vice President Dr.
Wing-Kun Tam, Unit 1901-2, 19/F, Far
East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt
Road, Hong Kong, China; Second
Vice President Wayne A. Madden, PO
Box 208, Auburn, Indiana 46706,
USA.
FIRST YEAR DIRECTORS:
Yamandu P. Acosta, Alabama, United
States; Douglas X. Alexander, New
York, United States; Dr. Gary A.
Anderson, Michigan, United States;
Narendra Bhandari, Pune, India;
Janez Bohorič, Kranj, Slovenia; James
Cavallaro, Pennsylvania, United
States; Ta-Lung Chiang, Taichung, MD
300 Taiwan; Per K. Christensen,
Aalborg, Denmark; Edisson Karnopp,
Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil; Sang-Do
Lee, Daejeon, Korea; Sonja Pulley,
Oregon, United States; Krishna
Reddy, Bangalore, India; Robert G.
Smith, California, United States;
Eugene M. Spiess, South Carolina,
United States; Eddy Widjanarko,
Surabaya, Indonesia; Seiki Yamaura,
Tokyo, Japan; Gudrun Yngvadottir,
Gardabaer, Iceland.
SECOND YEAR DIRECTORS:
Luis Dominguez, Mijas Pueblo, Spain;
Gary B. D’Orazio, Idaho, United
States; Yasumasa Furo, Dazaifu,
Japan; K. P. A. Haroon, Cochin, India;
Carlos A. Ibañez, Panama City,
Panama; Ronald S. Johnson, Maine,
United States; Byeong-Deok Kim,
Seoul, Republic of Korea; Horst P.
Kirchgatterer, Wels/Thalheim, Austria;
Hamed Olugbenga Babajide Lawal,
Ikorodu, Nigeria; Daniel A. O’Reilly,
Illinois, United States; Richard Sawyer,
Arizona, United States; Anne K.
Smarsh, Kansas, United States; Jerry
Smith, Ohio, United States; Michael S.
So, Makati, Phillippines; Haynes H.
Townsend, Georgia, United States;
Joseph Young, Ontario, Canada.
New Private Medical
Insurance – MD 105
I
am pleased to advise that I have negotiated a special discount on Healthcare policy
for all the Lion Members and their family.
The Healthcare Plan is being underwritten by AVIVA UK Healthcare, who are a very
well reputed company. The Insurance Broker selected is:- CMS Financial
Management Limited who have specially selected AVIVA.
The Members of Lions Club can receive up to 75% no claim discount from day one
on the cost of Healthcare Solutions, our new private Health insurance. The cover
is open to members up to age 80.
As a member, you will benefit from:• Flexible cover to suit your needs
• Quick, convenient treatment
• Free membership to MyHealthCounts, our great online health programme
• Up to 40% discount on membership at a range of UK health clubs
• 24 hours GP and stress counselling helplines
The special scheme offer is based on Cover Plus:• In/Day-Patient (Hospital charges, specialist’s fees, diagnostic tests,
radiotherapy/chemotherapy);
• Out-Patient (Consultants, treatments, diagnostic tests, radiotherapy/chemotherapy);
• Additional benefits (Home nursing, private ambulance, parent accommodation,
hospice donation, baby bonus, stress counselling, GP helpline, a number of other
added value benefits).
• In addition, they provide psychiatric, other treatments & therapies, 6 week differed
option, £100 excess.
• Example of selected rates -Assuming No Claims Discount entry level 13 (which is 2 x
level higher than general members of the public) are shown below:Male
Female
Post Code District 1
26.66
26.66
29.76
30.50
31.93
36.72
33.01
42.09
38.36
48.91
43.39
55.31
49.72
60.41
61.62
68.71
78.52
76.94
104.10
89.52
Age
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
Postcode Band 1
AB BT CA DD
Male
Female
Post Code District 2
29.63
29.63
33.06
33.89
35.48
40.80
36.69
46.78
42.62
54.34
48..21
61.46
55.24
67.12
68.47
76.35
87.24
85.50
115.67
99.48
DG
DH
DL
PA PH PL SA
Postcode Band 2
BA BB BS CB
SR
TD
TQ
CF
DE
LE
LU
MK
W
W
S
V
Postcode Band 3
B
BD BH BL
C
O
N
G
BN
CH
PO
SM
S
O
EC
EN
LL
LN
R
RH SK
G
Postcode Band 4
AL BR CR E
NN
E
H
TR
D
N
N
R
C
M
SS
CT
G
U
H
A
TN
EX
Male
Female
Post Code District 3
32.59
32.59
36.37
37.29
39.03
44.89
40.35
51.45
46.88
59.77
53.03
67.61
60.76
73.84
75.32
83.98
95.97
94.05
127.24
109.42
Male
Female
Post Code District 4
34.07
34.07
38.03
38.98
40.80
46.92
42.19
53.79
49.01
62.49
55.43
70.68
63.54
77.19
78.74
87.80
100.33
98.32
133.01
114.40
FK
GH
R
IV
KA
K
W
KY
LD
ML
NE
NP
DY
GL
GY
HD
HU
IM
IP
JE
L
LA
O
X
PE
PR
S
H
G
S
G
SN
SP
ST
SY
TA
TF
C
W
T
W
DA
DT
FY
HP
HX
KT
LS
M
OL
W
A
WF
WN
W
R
M
E
IG
N
NW
RM
SE
SL
S
W
UB
W
W
C
W
D
TS
For your no obligation quote, call The Lions Club intermediary Amy Hills on 01869 345 588 Monday
to Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm or email Amy at [email protected]
Suresh Gohil-BSc.ACII.MCMI, Past District Governor 105M, Deputy Insurance Advisor MD 105
56
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
‘Strictly’,Rhubarb,and a
whole lot of serious business
T
When the Lionesses met in Wakefield
he 22nd Annual Conference of the Lionesses of
Multiple District 105 got off to an excellent start
with a fun ‘Strictly Lionesses’ Night when the top
table guests took part in a good natured
competition along the lines of the telly event (but
without, one suspects, any of the competitive
rancour or snide comments from the judges!)
Saturday morning and it was down to business with an
altogether more elegant display by the Pontefract ATC who
performed the Flag Ceremony to the accompaniment of the
Wakefield & District Youth Band.
Chairman Lioness Pam Kyte welcomed guests including
Council Chairman Jacquie Prebble and Bob, the Host District
Governor Lion Eric Wright and Dorothy, the Mayor of Wakefield
and his lady, and Lioness Co-ordinator Lion Chris Ramsden.
The Mayor, Councillor Tony Wallis, officially opened
Conference, DG Eric praised the Lionesses for the excellent work
they do for the Lions family, and partners departed for a tour of
the Rhubarb Fields. (And Lion Eric was presumably pleased with
life, as he and Dorothy had won the ‘Strictly’ competition the
previous evening. Whether he did a John Sargeant and dragged
her across the floor was not recorded!)
The AGM featured news from Chairman Pam, who announced
that nine new Lionesses had been badged up in the past eight
months, and praised the work of the Advisory Committee, which
included producing a new Membership Pack and publicity
material. She also told of her trip to Sydney where she lunched
with the local Lionesses and about her plans to meet with more
International Lionesses at the Seattle Convention.
Council Chairman Jacquie said how pleased she had been
when Lionesses were placed within the portfolio of the Council
Chairman this year. “For once I felt I could make a difference,
● You’re Stars! DG Eric and Dorothy
won the ‘Strictly’ competition.
● Pontefract Lioness President Alison
Ingleby accepts the trophy for winning
the Photographic Competition.
Spelling it
being able to liaise between Lions
and Lionesses”. She emphasised the
help Lionesses can be to their local
Leading
from th
e front
Lions Clubs, especially in such
Investin
areas as Women’s Refuges,
g in
Hospital Packs, Joy Bears, the
Our fut
Teenage Cancer Trust and many
ure
more. Jacquie also spoke of the
Neglect
ing no
current project with St
one
Dunstan’s, and came up with a
Eager t
o help
new definition of the word
LIONESS (see sidebar).
Second
to none
Dinner and a disco rounded
Service
off a full day.
to ever
yone.
Sunday, and MD Chairman
Lioness Pam introduced Andy
Barraclough from the Princess Royal Trust for Young Carers,
who spoke movingly of the stress which caring for sick parents or
other family members can place on young, sometimes very
young, people. Often their school work and normal youthful
social life suffers, not only because their multiple responsibilities
leave them little free time, but also because they sometimes keep
quiet about their caring role. The Princess Royal Trust uses money
raised to help such youngsters by visiting schools to highlight the
problems and to give the children some respite space.
He was presented with a cheque for £1534 from the Lionesses
for this good cause.
The morning continued with a lively open forum at which
individual Clubs presented details of their fund-raising and service
events.
Next year’s Conference will be hosted by Golders Green
Lioness Club on February 17-18 2012.
L
I
O
N
E
S
S
● Chairman Pam presents a cheque
for £1534 to Andy Barraclough of
the Princess Royal trust for Carers.
out...
● The Mayor and his Mayoress Doreen, along
with Lion Bob Prebble and Dorothy Wright,
wife of DG Eric, consider the Scrapbook entries.
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
57
I SEE WHAT YOU’RE
SAYING Metal Badges
Order Form
Fellow Lions,
Further supplies of I SEE WHAT YOU’RE SAYING
Badges have arrived and are now for sale. If your
Club is interested in purchasing any to give out to severely
or profoundly deaf people who use lip reading as their main
means of communication please
contact MDHQ.
Badges cost £1.45 each. To place an order please
complete the order form below.
Yours in Lionism,
Lion Penny Tregillus
MD Speech and Hearing Officer
1. How many bad
badges
dges would you like to purchase?
Quantity:
Quantity:
2. Contact detailss
Lion Title
__________________________________________________
Full Name __________________________________________________
Lions Club and District ____________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Telephone __________________________________________________
Email
____________________________________________________
3.
3. Payment
PaymentDetai
Details
Detai
Details
ilsils
Cheque enclosed for £
Payable
P
to ‘‘LCI
LCI MD105’
Please write I SEEE WHA
WHAT
SAYING
Account
AT YOU’RE SA
AY
YING Ac
ccount on the back of the cheque.
c
Please charge the ab
above
Visa
bove total to my MasterCard / V
isa (delete as appropriate)
Card Number
Expiryy Date
Expir
3 Digit Security Code
Name as on Card
Return completed form to: LCI MDHQ, 257 Alcester Road South, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 6DT.
Or return by email to: [email protected]
58
LI ON
APRIL/M AY 2011
Witches,
Warlocks
– and a Wizard time as BN
Celebrated
P
robably the tallest Mayor in our Multiple District and
more than 200 guests, Lions, families and friends from
the North West and beyond met in Kendal for the
28th District Convention of 105-BN.
It is part of the Lions’ ethos that there should be a
strong sense of Fellowship and Fun among our
members, and this was never so evident than at
Convention which got under way with a Host Night with the
theme ‘Winsland’s Wikipedia of Wizardry, a ‘magic’ idea from
District Governor retired head teacher David Winsland of Crosby
Lions Club. (Perhaps the event should have been renamed
Coven-tion? – Ed)
On a more sober note, Convention is, of course, the Lions’
Annual Meeting and this time Lion Ian Clare of Fleetwood was
confirmed as Governor-elect, to serve in the year 2011-2012, with
Lion Meg Philp of Birchwood as First Vice-Governor ( perhaps the
first Australian-born Governor of our MD?) and Lion Liz Axten of
Kendal, a nurse and Cub Scout leader, as Second Vice-Governor.
International Director Gudrun Yngvadottir graced Convention,
along with her husband Past International Director Jon Bjarni. Maria
Pikulski of St Dunstan’s made a presentation and, in not so much a
keynote speech as an outstanding performance, Paul Whittaker of
‘Music and the Deaf’ told of how he conquered deafness to enjoy
music and set up the charity which brings the joy of music to other
deaf people, especially children. ‘Music and the Deaf’ is the chosen
charity of Lynne, wife of District Governor David Winsland.
The Banquet and Ball gave the chance for guests to don their
‘best dresses’ and enjoy a relaxed evening of dining and dancing.
APRIL/MAY 2011
LIO N
59