News from the District Governor
Hello my Fellow Lions
Christine and I had a fantastic time in Busan, South Korea; at the International Convention where I and my 740 fellow DGs Elect from all round the world were sworn in. Of course, of special interest to us were the 12 other MD105 DGs and wives/partners and all of us were "emotionally challenged".
I have asked District Secretary Godwin Micallef to include a newsletter from our newly elected International President, Lion Wayne A. Madden, in the District Newsletter this month which describes the projects he is promoting. I am very enthusiastic about these programmes which will increase our Community Service and therefore, our exposure to the public.
R.A.P. - Reading Action Programme. With literacy problems growing in the developed world this initiative is excellent and I would like to challenge as many clubs as possible to take part as it affects all ages and levels of our society. It will "get us out there" and could be fun.
Club Excellence Scheme. If you implement this scheme, even if your club does not want an award, it will help with your development and help you to focus on service.
I have been looking forward to a year serving with like minded Lions who are keen to move the District forward. Can you believe this..... Christine is setting up a facebook page for me this year as the District Governor. I see it as a way for Lions to exchange ideas. Will you be my friend? More details to follow in the District Newsletter.
Lion Christine's chosen Charity is "Hope for Tomorrow" and it is in support of a mobile chemotherapy unit as shown of the District website. Please send cheques to District Treasurer Lion Linda Picton and notate them on the reverse with the name of the charity.
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| Roger enjoying himself at the Scandinavian reception where he sampled the different vodkas and schnapps more than once. | Our banner which leads the parade and Lynden is there because she always holds the banner. |
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Whatever your need we have the organisation in the District to help you enjoy your life as Lions and our hobby of service. Please contact the District officers for all our programmes and to assist you to grow to spread our community service further. The Global Membership Team coordinated by Lion Pauline McCreanor is in place with Region and Zone Chairmen supported by Regional Membership Officers and the two Vice Governors to help with membership development, retention and extension through developing new clubs. I have set a growth target for this year which is reasonable and achievable and in which I have forecast the conversion of two club branches to fully independent clubs with their own Charters.
Immediate Past International President, Wing-Kun Tam said "I Believe" and he asked for 1 million trees to be planted. Well, world wide, we did believe and in Busan we saw the total, to that date, roll around to 13,845,000 and most of them planted where they are most needed.
Roger's rambles
Below is a schedule of actual and proposed Club visits for July to early September. Not all of the visits have been agreed by the clubs yet and by the time you read this the first six or seven will have been carried out. It is such a pleasure to come to meet you and see how your club operates.
| Club | Region | Zone | Meeting | DG Team Member | Planned Date |
| Boscombe | 1 | B | 1st Monday | DG | 02 July 2012 |
| Fleet | 4 | K | 1st Wednesday | DG | 04 July 2012 |
| Hart | 4 | K | 1st Thursday | DG | 05 July 2012 |
| Southampton Solent | 3 | F | 2nd Monday | DG | 09 July 2012 |
| Wokingham | 5 | M | 2nd Wednesday | DG | 11 July 2012 |
| Hook & Odiham | 4 | K | 3rd Monday | DG | 16 July 2012 |
| Salisbury | 2 | D | 3rd Wednesday | DG | 18 July 2012 |
| Farnborough | 4 | K | 4th Wednesday | DG | 25 July 2012 |
| Lymington & Brockenhurst | 2 | E | 1st Wednesday | DG | 08 August 2012 |
| Andover | 4 | J | 2nd Monday | DG | 13 August 2012 |
| Yateley & District | 4 | K | 2nd Wednesday | DG | 15 August 2012 |
| Hayling Island | 3 | H | 2nd Thursday | DG | 16 August 2012 |
| Pangbourne, Theale & District | 4 | J | 3rd Monday | DG | 20 August 2012 |
| Cosham | 3 | H | 1st Monday | DG | 03 September 2012 |
| Gosport & Lee on Solent | 3 | F | 1st Tuesday | DG | 04 September 2012 |
District Handover
A very enjoyable evening was held last to celebrate IPDG Ron's year in office and the passing of the Chain of Office to myself.
The room had been decorated with an African theme by my daughters, my wife and some of the wives of Cabinet members. This was to celebrate the 23 years my family and I spent in South Africa.
The meal was good and the company excellent.
The formal part of the evening went very smoothly. The District presented IPDG Ron with some Betty Boop figurines to enhance his collection and some Pearls to Ann.
An 'Ode to Ron' was read out and then presented to them both.
Various awards were presented including the prestigious Bert Mason Humanitarian award which went to Mike Collen of Fleet.
Everyone who had attended the Guiding Lion training session received their certificates.
It was lovely to see IPDG's wife Ann present a cheque of over £3,800 to Canine Partners, which was her charity for 2011-2012.
The evening concluded with pleasant music, dancing and general fellowship. What a great start to my year as DG.
Enjoy your year as Lions. I intend to!
DG Lion Roger and Christine
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