News from the District Governor
Well I have reached March relatively unscathed despite some challenges on various issues but that is all part and parcel of the job. Like all District Governors before me the world over, as you visit clubs either at club visits or at Charter Night celebrations you cannot fail to be overwhelmed and be proud of the members of this organisation who just get on and do things to help others, be it hands on or by making their lives easier by providing funds for something which may be a ‘luxury' in their eyes, but which you know will change their lives for the better. I am also very impressed at the number of clubs who are actively working together with our colleagues in Rotary and Round Table - pooling resources to do bigger and better things for others. They are not competitors; they are co-workers in the caring community.
Mike and I had a pleasant couple of days in the Isle of Wight during February visiting Sandown & Shanklin club and also Ventnor. Mike enjoyed sampling the local Goddard's brew but was disgusted to find out that you could not buy from the brewery itself - instead we were directed to the Ryde Tesco's superstore where they had a large display. Unfortunately on our way back from the Sandown visit I was brought to a halt by a car with blue flashing lights and booked for speeding, but that's not bad for 8 months into the job where I have already travelled many thousands of miles. Mike, when he accompanies me to club visits, as he does most times unless it clashes with a meeting of his own club, or another District meeting, has taken to sampling the local brews - at least after that it keeps him quiet on the way home!
As you will see later in this newsletter, March is another busy month with a lot of preparation for the culmination of the District Governors year - the annual convention. District Secretary Godwin sent me the attendance figures last night for convention and we have 63% of the clubs represented at convention. At last nights Convention Committee meeting the latest figures for attendance on Saturday was 246 and there are 136 attending Host Night and 162 the Banquet and Ball and, as usual, despite the bookings closing on 19th, they are still dribbling in so it should be a very good event.
New members - January 2011
We welcome those new members who joined 105D Lions Clubs in January 2011:
- Dorchester - Lions Ron & Christine Wilkes
- Henley - Lion David Watson
- Maidenhead - Pauline Stone
- Newbury - Lions Diana Merchant & Jolyon Barton
- New Forest - John Mathews
- Ryde - Sylvia Stockdale
- Warminster - John Stephenson
- Westbury - Lions Nigel Coward & Maggie Woodley
- Weymouth & Portland - Geoff Petherick
I wish them a very enjoyable time in this District and in the wider organisation.
Sad News
Sadly during this month we again lost long serving Lions who passed to higher service. They were Lion Mike Johnson of Petersfield Lions and Lion Carlo Policella, the last active Charter Member of Weymouth and Portland Lions Club. May they rest in Peace.
LCIF update - Haiti One Year Later ...
Many families lost everything when the earthquake struck Haiti one year ago. Thanks to Lions around the world, hundreds of these families are now moving into new homes.
Lions were among the first to offer help after the disaster, providing food, water and shelter. A year later, Lions around the world have donated more than US$6.1 million (£3.75m) to the LCIF Haiti Earthquake fund and LCIF is using those funds to provide homes - and hope - in Haiti.
... and more Relief ...
Following devastating flooding in Australia, LCIF provided four emergency grants totaling US$50,000 (£30,000) to aid local Lions in their relief efforts. LCIF also awarded US$10,000 (£6,000) to Lions in Brazil following massive flooding. Funds helped purchase relief supplies for those who have been displaced by the flooding, including food, water and medicines. Additionally, LCIF provided relief for other recent natural disasters, including Sri Lanka, Philippines and elsewhere. When disasters strike, Lions are often first on the scene to provide immediate relief and the last to leave. Each year, LCIF awards nearly US$2 million (£1.2m) in funds to support both immediate and long-term relief. These humanitarian efforts are a direct result of Lions' generous support from around the world.
Cheques for any appeals should be made out to LCI District 105D with the Appeal written on the back and sent to District Treasurer Linda Picton.
As for New Zealand, no appeal launch as yet. There are updates on the District web site.
Please also remember LCI need undesignated donations to enable them to send Emergency grants and Aid as soon as a disaster occurs. You can see by the LCIF Grants above that it is due to these undesignated funds that LCIF can respond so quickly, but the fund relies on undesignated monies.
Hendy's Haunts - March
| Date | Where | Why |
| Mar 1st | Gosport | O/V |
| Mar 2nd | Lymington | O/V |
| Mar 3rd | Poole | O/V |
| Mar 4th - 5th | District 105A Convention | Milton Keynes |
| Mar 5th | Southampton | C/A |
| Mar 7th | Boscombe | O/V |
| Mar 8th | U.N. Day | House of Commons |
| Mar 8th | Convention IT meeting | Farnborough |
| Mar 10th | Trowbridge | O/V |
| Mar 11th-13th | District 105SW Convention | Torquay |
| Mar 18th - 20th | District 105D Convention | Old Windsor |
| Mar 23rd | Basingstoke | O/V |
Key: (O/V = Official Visit C/A = Charter Anniversary)
See you in February
Brigid and Mike
Download the PDF file
Archives
District Convention 2011
Don't forget to get your booking and payment in as soon as possible!
Enjoy the Celtic Experience!!!
