Lions Club of Young member, Ray Bourke, was presented with a 100 years Centenary badge by Vice District Governor, Gavan Ellis of Bathurst, at a business dinner held on Monday, October 24.
Fifty-two clubs in the district, and two District Governors, attended the evening which saw great fellowship prior to the meeting that was attended by 26 members.
Gavan spoke of his time with Lions and what it meant to him being a member of Lions. He was Superintendent of the Bathurst Ambulance Service for 32 years. He was also involved with the SES for two years as the local controller. Thirteen years ago he was approached to join the Bathurst Lions Club while attending the Farmers’ Markets. Gavan said going to Lions meetings gave him a break from his job.
One of Gavan’s passions is mentoring young people. He is able to do this in the SES and with Charles Sturt University students who, he said, enjoy talking with someone with experience. He also loves dealing with old people as they are honest with you.
Gavan said being in Lions is very rewarding. He has been President of the Bathurst Club twice which was very pleasing for him and has been a Board member for 11 years.
On the weekend of October 14 to 16 the 56th annual 201N4 Lions convention was held at the Workies Club in Lithgow. Over 100 people attended from clubs throughout the district, including Young’s Jan Foreman and Louise McKnight.
Friday night was an informal meet and greet with a sit-down dinner and attendees were encouraged to wear a touch of tartan. A remembrance ceremony was held to pay respect to past Lions who had sadly left us throughout the year.
This year we lost 15 Lions and three Lions ladies. Sadly Lion Douglas Foreman was remembered by the Young Lions Club, with a touching ceremony. A bagpiper played Scottish music in the background as each member was remembered by each club.
Saturday morning involved talks on Childhood cancer and research, children’s mobility, an address from the mayor of Lithgow Stephen Leslie, important Lions information and resources, and upcoming events.
The Lions’ partners were treated to a tour around Lithgow which was very enjoyable from all reports. It’s always a winner with the ladies and concludes with a delicious afternoon tea, and some gift shopping on the way.
Saturday night kicked off with lovely music by Will Birkenstock. He was a great crowd pleaser. There was an address of the Haggis, and a wonderful performance by the Lithgow Pipe Band.
Sunday morning was a wind-up of events over the weekend, followed by the closing ceremony and flag furling and adjournment to the 2017 convention in Wellington.
Well done to the Lithgow Lions Club for a great weekend.
