News from the District Governor
My Fellow Lions...
Well here I am writing my second personal Newsletter, coming to the end of my second month in office. What a start it has been, a couple of club visits and several social events, all very good.
Membership
I am pleased also to see that our overall Membership has increased, this is very positive, let us keep up the good work. However, there are a few Clubs who need help in order to increase the membership in their Clubs. Given their situation, they would welcome support from other members who are willing to devote a bit of time with Membership Drives.
It would also be nice to Charter at least one new club during this fiscal year, and maybe even some branches. What an achievement that would be!
If you feel that you would like to help such Clubs, in your area, please contact Lion Pauline McCreanor on 01983 566102, the District Membership Coordinator.
The District Handover function was well attended and enjoyed by all who came. Our thank you to all the Lions that supported us during that magical evening, and to those that organised the event. I was then able to spend the following day with my son, daughter in law and 2 young grandchildren playing trains on the Watercress Line, real nostalgia.
The first full meeting of the CoG as the DGs for 2011/12 was a bit of a marathon, over the week-end, but we feel it was successful and the right decisions made.
As requested on my route home I called in at Slough club's Charter Lunch, in time to catch the speeches and entertainment. Well done Slough - a successful event.
I will try to attend as many Charters as I can, but please do not be too disappointed if I cannot attend yours, as I may already be committed to another Charter or a District/MD meeting. Please check the monthly Charter list, and the District Diary in the District Directory, to see whether I might be available.
Youth Exchange
We managed to get to the MD105 Youth Camp Gala night in Street hosted by District 105SW (South West), a wonderful evening. It is so inspiring to meet and talk to those youths from around the world. It is well worth hosting or getting involved with youth exchange.
Ann and I also joined Poole Lions and their guests for their annual evening boat cruise, which included a fish and chip supper along with a great display of fireworks. Despite the damp weather everyone was in good humour and party mood - a super evening. Well done Poole.
I have written to all the clubs with suggestions for the dates of my official visits. I look forward to hearing from you soon, so that I can plan the schedule.
My first club visit was to Reading and, during the evening they badged up the local Mayor and made a presentation, to a young man with learning difficulties, of a special computer to help him with his studies. Despite his problems, this young man is well involved with community work in the area; an example to us all. Well done Reading.
During the quiet time in August I have tried to give my own club some support, so we have been beach cleaning and hope to do some tin shakes, also managed some meetings and socials. But I am sorry guys and gals of Sandown & Shanklin, I am afraid you will not be seeing much of Ann and I over the next 6 months or so. (I can hear the cheers already)
How has your club year started? Have you thought or done anything about International President Lion Tam's theme of I Believe? How is the tree planting going? I am still waiting to hear that some of you have started. One district in our MD has already planted 200 in the first six weeks of the year, including a press picture of the DG planting one. So that district is well on its way to their target. So come on "D" we always say we are the best. So lets get stuck in and plant some trees, and do not forget to enter the number planted on the activity reports to Oakbrook. Then we can all see how we are doing.
Let us also get on with some of the other beliefs of IP Tam, which I fully support. Such as community service, and helping and promoting our youth, and above all growth in our membership, I know we go on a lot about this, but it is important. The more members we have the more service we can give, this will also minimise the need to increase dues. But let's get back to the fun side of Lions. Let me remind you of the District service, coming up on the 2nd October, it would be great to see every club represented not only by Lions but by their Town Mayors. So do not delay book-in now.
Then there is the "Meet the Presidents lunch" on the 27th November, this should be a really good fun function, again now is the time to book-in so as to not be disappointed.
Also now is the time to book-in for the Convention, and start to plan your costumes. There will be a prize for the best club and the best couple, so get your thinking caps on now.
New members
I would like to welcome to our district and to Lionism the following new members, as reported to Oakbrook by 30th Aug 2011:
- Jonathon Tapscott - Eastleigh
- David Hawkley - Fareham
- Lee Turner - Fleet
- Shelagh Blomfield - Petersfield
- Paul Taylor - Weymouth & Portland
I wish them all the best and hope that they have many happy years ahead serving with the family of Lions.
In Memoriam
The following Lions have passed to higher service. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this time.
- Peter Homan - New Milton
- Alan Ketchell - Swanwick
- Dow Whitehead - Poole
We have had a few friends/partners of Lions and
Lions, pass to higher service. To the families of those
that we could not make to the funeral, I am sorry,
but it is not always possible to do. But I will always
try to ensure that the District is represented. I assure
you that they have been in my thoughts just the
same. Those I managed to get to, it was to celebrate
their life, rather than mourn their passing.
My travels over the next month are as follows...
SEPTEMBER
Sun 4th Zone F BBQ subject to ferrys.
Mon 5th Henley on Thames. Club visit
Tues 6th Warminster, club visit.
Wed 7th Zone G meeting.
Fri 9th Shanklin, street collection.
Sun 10th Westbury Donkey Derby, subject to ferrys.
Mon 12th Fareham club visit.
Tues 13th Crofton club visit.
Wed 14th Official opening Lions Arboretum.
Sat 17th Swanwick Charter.
Sun 18th Cabinet Meeting.
Mon 19th Petersfield club visit.
Tues 20th Weymouth club visit.
Wed 21st Loddon Valley club visit.
Thurs 22nd Hayling Island Lions Shop Official Opening.
Sat 24th G M S Charter.
Mon 26th Blackmore Vale club visit.
Wed 28th Farnborough club visit.
OCTOBER
Sun 2nd District Service Fordingbridge.
Mon 3rd Woolmer Forest club visit
Tues 4th Havant club visit.
Wed 5th Dorchester club visit.
Thurs 6th Poole club visit.
All Zone Chairmen have a full list of the calendar
for the year updated every month.
DG Lion Ron and Ann
Download the PDF file
