lions district 410-c newsletter - september 2012
DESCRIPTION
Official newsletter of Lions Clubs International, District 410-C - Kwazulu-Natal / Freestate, South AfricaTRANSCRIPT
NEWSLETTER OF LIONS DISTRICT 410C Issue 3 of 2012/13
Port Shepstone Lions hosted their 26th Annual Leadership Retreat from 14-16 September at Camp Anerley. 40 Grade 11 pupils, recently selected for the Port Shepstone High School Executive Council of Learners (previously known as the Prefects Council) attended the camp. The full weekend program commenced shortly after they arrived at the camp on Friday with a talk on Lions Clubs International presented by Past District Governor Denis Meyer. The group was thereafter broken up into a number of colour coded teams and took part in team-building exercises. Later in the afternoon, the Retreat was officially opened by Club President Jean Masson and attended by many Lions and Lion Ladies who afterwards enjoyed supper with the ECL members. After supper the group participated in a very enjoyable ice breaking exercise before heading off to bed.
The group had an early rise on the Saturday morning for exercises and a delicious breakfast prepared by the Lion Ladies. Then it was down to business, with lectures on leadership theory, communication, goal setting, innovative engineering, people to people relationships and conflict management presented by Pastor Trevor Downham, Miss Kerry Mc Killen, Lions Rob Bing, Philip Bromley and Peter Mc Killen. The afternoon session was dominated by the strenuous, very wet and very muddy obstacle course which was marshalled with much laughter by all Lions present.
When the Grade 11's arrived at the Lions' Formal Dinner, held at Zizi’s Restaurant in Umtentweni on the Saturday night, they were almost unrecognisable. The mud stains had been replaced with glittering make-up and elegant evening wear, and the dirty shorts had become smart suits. The guest speaker, Mr Wayne Ridden, gave a motivational talk on his experiences with the South African Olympic Swimming Team at the recent London Olympics and inspired both the ECL and Lions in attendance. Wayne Ridden is a coach, administrator and the race director of the Midmar Mile, the world's largest competitive open water swim that attracts nearly 20,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities every year. A former winner of the Midmar
SOUTH COAST PUPILS BENEFIT FROM L I O N S L E A D E R S H I P R E T R EAT
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MESSAGE FROM
THE GOVERNOR
MESSAGE FROM
THE GOVERNOR
Mile himself, Ridden has led the operations to a level unprecedented in the open water swimming world. Its operations are among the most professional in the sport and its budget is the largest in the world. He also serves on the board of directors of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame where he is the Africa Co-Vice President. He will be recognized and will speak at the 2012 Global Open Water Swimming Conference and the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on the RMS Queen Mary on 22 September 2012 in Long Beach, California.
On Sunday, the group, once again had an early start for exercise and a delicious breakfast prepared by the Lion Ladies. Then it was on to morning devotions with Mr Damian Williams and more lectures on motivation/choices presented by Lion Hilton Horsley, ECL in action and their evaluation of the weekend. After lunch the group participated in a very enjoyable and challenging “amazing race” together with many Lions and Lion Ladies who acted as marshals throughout the course. The Retreat was, once again, a huge success and hats off to Course Convener, Lion Hilton Horsley and his dedicated team of Lions and Lion Ladies. The entire project was fully funded by the Club's charity account and with generous sponsorship and support provided by Harbour View Superspar, Waltons Stationary, Lindsay Eggs, Mndeni Meat, Sunrise Farms, Camp Anerley, Leaf Technologies, Malundi Bus Services, Justin Hinchliff Ice cream, Coca Cola, Kuku Snacks and Zizi’s Restaurant. Leadership development of our youth is one of the core projects of Lions Clubs International and this project is one of the signature service projects of the Port Shepstone Lions Club
Dear fellow Lions
It's that time of year again, yes our annual Midyear
Conference, and now you're probably thinking the
same old same old………., not to be, we have been
listening to what the members want and this year it's
the “YENZA” Conference yes we are going to
“YENZA”, (Just Do It). The organizing team has been
working exceptionally hard to ensure that we get a
Conference with a difference and one not to be
missed. This year it's been held at the ATKV Holiday
Resort on the upper South Coast, close enough for
most members to get there and not necessary having
to stay overnight, to minimize costs. Apart from the
report back to members of the District there will be
five specialist guest speakers who will present
professional papers on their respective areas of
expertise, such as marketing, coping with
disabilities, motivational speakers etc. And of course
we will be having a fantastic theme evening
“Voortrekkers and Impis”. For those Lions who have
not yet booked make you're booking now this one is
not to be missed. “YENZA”
A question we as Lions are often asked is who are Lions
or what is Lions, for many of us we sometimes have to
give it a thought and then we try answer, let me tell
you it's simple, its “Ordinary People doing Amazing
Things”. I can bare testimony to this as I'm sure all
Past District Governors will do the same. In my travels
around the Country and especial to our Clubs within
410C, where Lions are doing amazing things, You lions
at your Clubs make the difference in someone's life,
the projects around the District are simply amazing
and we can be proud of them. Lions I urge you don't be
shy or selfish lets share our projects and
achievements with one another and especially the
greater public, let's be proud and loud of our
achievements, cause nowhere else in the world are
there such ordinary people doing such amazing things
as us Lions, we are truly part of a World of Service, I
am simply proud to be a lion and part of this great
organization, that is doing amazing things. Let's get
out there and “YENZA”
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Following the heavy rains in the greater Durban area in late August there were numerous people displaces particularly in the Pinetown area. Zone Chairman Jolene arranged with the clubs in the zone to along with The Gift of the Givers to hand out soup and blankets to some of the effected people. The coming together of the clubs was amazing. Soup and bread to feed hundreds was provided and close to 100 blankets donated for these poor children. This project was put together within 12 hours.This is what Lions is all about and is exactly why we have a Lions Alert program.
Fellow Lions I want to urge each one of you amongst
we have some amazing Lions who do remarkable
things, touch people's lives who have made a
difference and we forget to take time out to say
thank you or well done, and recognize then for what
they have done. Unfortunately this is normally only
done when it's too late, and then we will say “today
we have lost someone who had made a difference,
who touched our lives and was truly a remarkable
person”. Lions let's not wait until a fellow Lion is
gone to recognize them, we should all make an effort
to recognize those amongst us today and give them
the recognition and thanks they deserve. “YENZA”
DG Adrian
ZONE 4 SOUP KITCHEN AND BLANKET DONATION
Fellow lions I am sure that like me most of you are passionate about our organisation and wish to see it prosper and grow in both our district and multiple district, yet this is not happening. Year after year we hover at around 500 members. To date this year we appear to be on a downward spiral and have a negative growth and that is worrying.Increasing membership has been on the agenda for many years and to some when they hear the subject they immediately switch off. We seem to discuss the issues over and over again, devise plans year after year but don’t seem to make any progress. To my mind part of the problem is that many clubs are in a situation that they are simply struggling to maintain their existing membership levels never mind grow their membership. They are equally unable to consider putting in the effort required in chartering a new club. We have been fortunate in chartering a few new clubs but these came about more by default rather than a club going out and recruiting members.The time has possibly arrived to abandon the traditional route of chartering clubs and recruiting members. I would suggest that at a District and a zone level we form extension committees that consist of volunteers from individual clubs who get together to plan recruitment drives for all clubs within their zone. By doing this no single club is burdened with doing it. The group can interact with clubs to professionally put together information evenings targeting business men and women in the area and also identifying other possible lions. Once a format is established this can then be repeated over and over.Looking at new clubs this can be replicated at a district level with the group identifying those locations that at present do not have a club but have the potential. By identifying an existing need within these communities and showing the people how forming a lions club will help solve the need we are much more likely to get buy in from both the local press and community members that if we simply go in and say we want to form a Lions club and then they can find what to do within the community.Lions we need to give these ideas and any others serious thought and to start talking to each other about our ideas.We have our midyear Conference coming up and this would be an ideal opportunity to start the discussion.If you feel like I do that we need to do something then please feel free to talk to me or any of the cabinet offices.
Trevor Hobbs
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Eshowe Lions were part of a joint Team ‘Lions/Scouts’, in the recent CANSA WALK and they report that it was a deep and meaningful evening/morning. They were supported by Mark Macaulay and Tom Sherrard of Pick n’ Pay for their support. Tom even walked several laps in each of the 1 hour laps during the Walk!
ESHOWE
The club recently went down to the Amatikulu Beach to join the KZN Officials and School children for the ‘Annual Beach Clean Up’. Sadly, the weather was against theme but there will be another date organised and they will be there doing their bit!
EAST COAST
To celebrate Woman’s Day the east coast Lions organised a tea and entertainment as a fundraising event. With a Hats off theme the day was a huge success and they even had to turn away people as the 160 places were soon filled. Along with a fashion show and speakers they were fortunate to have winner of master chef Deena Naidoo who hosted a question and answer session for the ladies.Lots of prizes were up for grabs for the best hats. One of the other highlights was a presentation to Lion Niru as the East Coast Lions woman of the year.To make the day special all the male members of the club dressed up and served the ladies.
HIBBERDENE RENIER DE RIDDERSponsored by DESRAE COLYN
WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS
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SHELLY BEACH
Shelly Beach Lions Past President Charles Taylor (left) presents Council Chairman Paul Brauteseth with a “15 Year Service” pin as well as a 100% attendance pin for the past Lionistic Year.
The Port Shepstone Lions Club hosted their very first Schools Talent Competition at the 2012 Lions Show. The competition was held in the main entertainment tent
thduring the morning of Sunday 29 July at the showgrounds. A total of 19 entries from 6 local High schools, namely Creston College, Marburg Secondary, Merlewood Secondary, Port Shepstone High, Hoerskool Suid Natal and Port Shepstone Secondary, participated. They all provided the delighted audience with an array of music, song and dance routines. This was a truly enjoyable experience for those who attended and it was clear that the participants had dedicated a great deal of time and effort into their respective performances.
After much deliberation, Judges Elvie Venter, Ria Hackland and James Carlson finally selected the following winners :
st1 Prize – Marburg Secondary. Their group “Outlaws”, consisting of Siphokuhle Quambisa, Hopewell Nguni, Pardon Kapaso, Diligent Belfour and Nomsa Nzama performed a Hip Hop Dance and were awarded a brand new printer for the school, sponsored by Leaf Technologies, Port Shepstone, a R500-00 cash prize and a Coo-ee Hamper.
nd2 Prize – Creston College. Their group “The BeatBreakers” , was a marimba band with a mix of Parlatones songs. They were awarded a with a R300-00 cash prize and a Coo-ee Hamper.
PORT SHEPSTONE
rd3 Prize – Port Shepstone High School. Learner Sean Wood performed the song “Stairway To Heaven” on his lead guitar. He was awarded a with a R200-00 cash prize and a Coo-ee Hamper.
The winning prize of a brand new printer sponsored by Leaf Technologies was handed over by their Regional Director, Danie Van Tonder to School Principal Mr Vallee last Friday. Also present at the handover were Lion Bruce Plumbley, 2012 Lion Show Convener and the school’s contestants. The Schools Talent Show was organised and run by Lion Lady Bondi Horsley. Prize money was sponsored by the Lions, Hairy Munster Productions sponsored the technical support and Coo-ee sponsored the hampers. The Port Shepstone Lions plan to hold this event Annually at their Show and involve as many local schools as possible
COWIES HILL
Mrs Hayes from Pinehaven retirement home was the recipient of a pair of hearing aides. Hear IT at Kloof did the fitment.
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BLIND AND DEAF BEACH DAY
The week before the beach day we had torrential rain and it was not until Friday morning that we were advised that the decision had been taken that the beach day was going ahead, fortunately we woke up to a sunny Saturday morning.
We supplied the juice, cakes and hot dogs and 8 of our Lions assisted on the day, as well as Lions form Queensburgh and Pinetown Clubs.
We were kindly taken to see the Dolphin Show as well as a walk through the Aquarium by very helpful Staff of Ushaka. As “seeing” people we question why the blind would enjoy a day when they can't see the Dolphin show are see the fish swimming around the tank, and yet they are so thankful for the outing and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Lions Clubs International
GLOBAL SERVICE ACTION CAMPAIGN - SHARING THE VISION
Somewhere in the world, a person goes blind every five seconds. Your efforts can help stop this trend. During October, we invite you to with your community. This is a great month to organize a vision screening, volunteer at a nearby Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, plan an eyeglass collection or read books for visually impaired persons. Use this
to organize your project and help lead the fight against blindness.
Share the Vision
step-by-step guide
My fellow Lions and friends
It is very inspiring to read the monthly minutes submitted
by clubs around our District and see the service activities
being conducted by Clubs. Every single act of kindness, now
matter how big or small, makes a difference. It is no secret
that that it is sometimes difficult to keep these projects up
and running as subsidies have dried up and public funding
is becoming more difficult to procure, however, sheer
dedication and commitment on the part of members
makes it all possible.
Unfortunately there are setbacks currently being
experienced by quite a few Lions Clubs. A major setback is
the sometimes lack of commitment by members, not so
much because they are unwilling to commit to a specific
project but more due to the fact that there are so few
members within certain clubs and these clubs can only run
projects with the full commitment and participation of
every member. This is a sad situation indeed, especially for
the member/s who initiate the projects and are so keen to
see these projects come to fruition. It can also be
demotivating for these project conveners. Our primary
objective when we join a Lions Club is to serve the needy
within our communities. When really meaningful projects
are tabled and a club is unable to commit owing to lack of
available human resources, it makes members feel
negative and question why they joined Lionism.
The smaller Clubs are particularly problematic in this
regard. The members of smaller clubs have to be more
motivated simply because they have had to work harder in
order to keep these clubs alive and still make a difference in
their communities. It must be quite frustrating for the
longer serving Lions in these clubs who still remember the
days when their clubs were much larger and more active.
The question remains, how can we improve this situation?
How can we increase our membership and make it possible
for our club to be more effective within our community?
The answers to these questions lie within ourselves. Our
attitudes, our commitment to service, our respect for one
another and our pride in our Association are what really
makes the difference and attracts new members. We can
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host as many Lions Information gatherings as possible
however if the members of a club are negative and
disinterested, nobody will want to be a part of that club. In
fact, a club full of negative members can be an
embarrassment to Lionism. Clubs that are not properly
managed, clubs that do not follow the rules of protocol,
clubs that do not meet regularly and minute their meetings
accordingly and clubs that show little or no compassion for
their members are also an embarrassment to Lionism. Are
there any such clubs within our District? Only you will be in
a position to answer that. It's time to change our attitudes,
start rebuilding our Clubs and restoring them all to the days
when they were first chartered, a time when all members
were excited about the challenges that lay ahead of them. A
time when all members were the greatest of friends and
willing to anything for each other as well as their
communities.
Remember fellow Lions, only you can make that difference
it starts with you! You have all committed so much to
Lionism already. Why throw it all away simply because you
feel that you have reached a point of no return and cannot
do this any longer. This is nonsense. New Lions Clubs are
springing up all over the world almost every day. New
members are joining clubs all over the world almost every
day and the stark reality is that most of these clubs are
being formed in third world countries where the recession
is far worse than it is here in South Africa.
Fellow Lions, be happy and proud of our Association. Your
positive attitude and friendliness will show the public that
Lionism is an organisation that they want to be a part of.
Display our branding and your smiles wherever you are in
the public eye and make the public familiar with the Lions
logo because, not only will it make an impact on them, it will
also reignite pride in the members participating in the
project.
'Never doubt that a group of thoughtful committed citizens
can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever
has' Margaret Mead US anthropologist 1901 1978
PDG Denis MeyerGMT Coordinator District 410-C
THE CARPENTER'S HOUSE Author Unknown
Here is a story with a message that we can all take to heart.
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.
He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.
When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."
What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.
So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that we would have done it differently.
Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.
Reminder:The MD and District directory is available
on the web atOr the District website at
www.lionnet.org.za
www.lionsdist410c.lionnet.org.za
District Cabinet 2011/12
Past editions of this Newsletter are available on the District 410C website (www.lionsdist410c.lionnet.org.za)
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District Governor Adrian Barnes
Immediate Past District Governor IPDG Stuart Charltonst1 Vice District Governornd2 Vice District Governor Martin Rundle
District Cabinet Secretary Vicki van Wyk
District Cabinet Treasurer Margaret Haus
Marketing of Lionism Shirleen Ward
Christmas Cakes/Finance Chairman Ian Ping
Leadership Development GLT IPDG Stuart Charlton
Membership Development GMT PDG Denis Meyer
Lionesses/ Louis Halse Trust PDG Stan Foley
Youth Exchange Alec Collier
Diabetes Awareness & Blood Drives Jane Wicks
Sight & Hearing Lyn Botha
Environment Kevin Prinsloo
Constitution, Resolutions & Bylaws Allan Wilms
Youth (Children, LEO's ) Jolene Wilesmith
Peace Poster & Newsletter Trevor Hobbs
IT PDG Denis Meyer
Lions Alert Brian Porteous
LCIF IPDG Stuart Charlton
District Special Projects Coordinator Walter Richter
Zone 1 Chairman (Freestate area) Willie Van Der Schyf
Zone 2 Chairman (Northern KZN area) Allan Prinsloo
Zone 3 Chairman (KZN Midlands area) Peter Hyde
Zone 4 Chairman (Highway area) Jolene Wilesmith
Zone 5 Chairman ( Durban area)
Zone 6 Chairman (North Coast area) Keith Murgatroyd
Zone 7 Chairman (South Coast area) Ken Toward
Food Security Kim van Wyk
Kim van Wyk
Registration forms have been distributed for our
On 26/27/28 October at ATKV Natalia, just outside Toti.Get you forms in and lets have a
fantastic turnout of clubs
MIDYEAR CONFERENCE
THIS MONTH
Last Months SolutionHow can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you.
Throw it straight up in the air
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.Life is beauty, admire it.Life is bliss, taste it.Life is a dream, realize it.Life is a challenge, meet it.Life is a duty, complete it.Life is a game, play it.Life is a promise, fulfill it.Life is sorrow, overcome it.Life is a song, sing it.Life is a struggle, accept it.Life is a tragedy, confront it.Life is an adventure, dare it.Life is luck, make it.Life is too precious, do not destroy it.Life is life, fight for it.
Mother Teresa
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What is represented by this rebus