LIONS - Changeover Night

A midwinter Christmas dinner was the theme for the Change Over Of Officers' night at the Lower Hutt Host Lions club recently. The guest speaker (appropriately dressed in red and white) was the Rev Heather McDonald, who enlightened those present with the origins of the modern Christmas Celebrations. I am sure that every person in the room learnt some new fact about why and when Christmas is celebrated.

Lions, partners, and guests had a very enjoyable evening celebrating the involvement of their members in community activities, and welcoming in the new officers for the coming year. Service awards were made to 14 members (from 1 to 32 years service by an individual). What impressed me was that the 14 members had 164 years service between them, and that only represented 38% of the Lower Hutt Lions Club members.

Volunteers and service clubs provide quiet and essential services within our community. Did you know that New Zealand Lions clubs alone, volunteer 750,000 hours a year which is the equivalent of 360 full time jobs.

From left to right: Incoming President 2002-2003 Victor Campbell, Joan Campbell, Isabel Ives (outgoing President's wife), Roy Ives (outgoing President), Reverend Heather McDonald (Guest Speaker), Past District Governor Frank Cheung, and Past President Jack Price (MC for the night)

But Lions is not just about providing service to our communities, but having fun, forming new friendships, using and sharing your current skills and learning new ones. Too many people still think Lions are an exclusive club for older men. That is wrong!.. Lions is full of men and women of all ages, who all come together to share their skills to help others and make new friends and enjoy themselves in the process.

Are you ready to try something new, that benefits you and your community? Come along to our next club night. There is no obligation, and you might just enjoy yourself. Go on, what are you waiting for, give John a call now on 563-7024.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Julie-Ann Lennon