202E publication issue 2 December 2011 - Lions Clubs New Zealand

December 2011issue 2Merry Christmas to all of you in202E and success in the new year.

President Bill MacDonald and Bridget Robinson withCancer Research lead team and PDG Miles ElleryCancer research benefits from Lions generosity.Interest in the work led by Professor Bridget Robinson and herresearch team prompted the Lions Club of Christchurch Host totarget funding to assist the purchase of a special minus 80 degreefreezer to store tissue samples made available for cancerresearch.Professor Robinson leads the team under the auspices of Universityof Otago and the Canterbury District Health Board thatconducts research to reduce the impact of cancer in the community.The Host Lions club provided $55000 to assist the purchaseof an additional freezer and some operating expensesthat will enable expansion of the tissue bank.Part of the funding is disbursement of an estate left to Lions bya former member Les Burt. Investments of that fund have generated$36000 of grants prior to this year but this grant supplementedby funding from the Lion’s Lloyd Morgan CharitableTrust and additional fundraising is the largest single grant fromthe club in recent years.Profile of Digby ProsserI joined Lions in 1980 and moved into 202E in 2006 aftertwenty-three years as a member of the Ashburton Club that includedtime on the 202J cabinet. I am now a member of LionsClub of Christchurch Host and 202E GMT Coordinator and havespent four years on the E cabinet. My wife Judith is a memberof Pegasus Club and was a Charter member of AshburtonCounty Club. In 2010 I chaired the Christchurch ConventionCommittee. My role this year also involves District Publicity andI have just completed a year as Club President (again). Myworking career in education included over twenty years as asecondary school Principal and involvement in education consultativework. I have served terms on a range of educationalcouncils and lead groups. Our four adult children and threegrandchildren occupy much of our time as well as church leadershipand some trustee work. My interests outside Lions includethe Court Theatre, sport, supporting Canterbury Rugbyand my passion for education.3

District Governor’s Report:I don’t believe that I have ever experienced such tense anticipation as Idid during the last two games of the Rugby World Cup. The pride andelation came after that split second of relief when the whistle blew. It justshows what “The Power of One” can do!!! One point was enoughthough!!It seems a very natural progression after mentioning the World Cup, totalk about our District Awards.Take the opportunity over Christmas to coordinate projects already donethis Lions year and decide which Annual awards your Club wishes to enter.There is no substitute for preparation and I have enjoyed some qualitysocial time over ‘coffee’ outlining what has, eventually become ourClub entries for District Awards. By the time July comes half the work isdone and with a couple more ‘coffee’ sessions it will be ready for presentation.Team-work, can make compiling an entry, a very enjoyable experience.I look forward to accepting your portfolios full of those wonderfulprojects that I have been reading about in your magazines this Lionsyear. My father always said “you have to be in to win” so good luck.During the last weekend in October, I attended the District K conventionin Auckland with my fellow District Governors. During the afternoonbusiness session the film taken while the then L.C.I.F Chairperson Wirfswas visiting Christchurch, was played. To see the devastating effect theFebruary earthquake had on our city was very sobering for everyone present.I was privileged to be given the opportunity to speak, and thankthem on your behalf for all the support they have given us over the lasttwelve months and also share with them a few of the difficulties we havefaced.As I have discovered over the last few months, our District is full of talentedleaders. Nomination forms have been sent to all Clubs for membersto put their names forward for the position of 2 nd Vice District Governor.The criteria, is available with these forms or can be obtained online. Is it your time for a Leadership role, so you can build on the knowledgeyou have already gained and make new friends world wide?4

Shortly I will be judging the 202E Peace Poster entrants. Thank you tothose Clubs that have taken the time to work with our Youth on this annualproject and I wish all the entrants the very best of luck.Clubs will soon receive their registration forms for our Convention 2012in Greymouth late in March –30 th & 31 st March & 1 st April. I look forward to seeing you there to enjoyWest Coast hospitality, led by Lion Roger Devlin of The Lions Club ofGreymouth together with the West Coast Clubs.By the time this Bulletin is in your hands, I will have two more Clubs tovisit in December and one in February. It has been a most enlighteningjourney of discovery this last five months both for me and for those thathave accompanied me on my travels. Lions, Lioness and Leos alike areserving their communities well throughout District E, with inspiring projectsdelivered with enthusiasm and smiles. I will savour that enthusiasm,the fun and fellowship that I have shared with everyone and rememberit always. Thank you for your hospitality and kindnesses once again.(Our 1 st VDG Peter Mechaelis will never forget gaining an extra wife(temporarily) or being tail-twisted for visiting one Club a year early!)May your holiday season exceed your expectations and shower yourhome and family with love and happiness (not rain). From my family toyour family, have a happy Christmas, travel safely and see the New Yearin with style.Take care of each otherThe time to be happy is NOW - Robert IngersollDG Mary.

From 2nd VDG John BenefieldSome clubs are still having problems filing MMR's. While selfsatisfaction can be received by persistence Lions do not expectmembers to drive themselves to the point of frustration. Helpis only a phone call away and often it is only a little thing thatis causing the problem of access. Please call if you are havingdifficulty on 03 3478618 or alijoh@xtra.co.nz.Also could clubs fill out activities reports monthly? Often cabinetmembers are asked “why do Rotary Clubs receive mediapublicity and Lions don’t”? One answer is that Rotary havefacts such as man hours given, donations given and data thatis of public interest. At this stage Lions do not have such dataavailable but if clubs fill out the activities report monthly thisdata can be forwarded onto publicity to make readers aware ofthe good work of Lions. Reporting is easy on the website andany member can be assigned to do the reporting if the secretarydoesn’t have a computer or would rather delegate to anothermember. All members should notify the club reporter ofany activity performed for Lions. A big plus is that at the end ofeach year this information can be printed off to form the nucleusof the President’s annual report.The innovative ideas of some clubs in developing new fundraisingprojects or in providing community service should receivehigh commendation. We need to promote some conceptsthrough this medium. However any club wanting to duplicate anew concept or project should carefully research that any proposalof replication does not ruin the project of the initiatingclub as we see from time to time when other clubs copy anidea especially when the clubs or dates are too close together.I would like to see more joint projects by clubs where possible.Some clubs have projects which have been running successfullyfor many years in some cases but are flagging them astheir membership is tired or are no longer physically able toundertake such events. Continued next page6

Talk to other clubs rather than flag it totally.Whilst our membership is always going to lose membersthrough natural attrition it is encouraging to see where the newmembers are popping up and in meeting these new memberswho regret not joining sooner. I have received comments suchas “a new life"," I didn’t know you guys had so much fun”, “I’vemade new friends”. Please don’t forget existing members. Keepan eye out for loneliness or sickness. A visit of a few minutescan brighten ones day. Little things such as this are what Lionsis all about and will help retain members.94 Hanmer TceConvention ChairmanRoger Devlin (Irene)Ph Res 03 768 5382Ph Wk 03 768 5680Gladstone GreymouthPh 03 762 6866Email Harold@greyvets.co.nz@greyivets.co.nzEmail ridevlin@xtra.co.nzRegistration SecretaryHarold LeeDistrict Governor: Mary Griffiths7Together with the Lions Club of Greymouth & WestCoast ClubsWelcome you to Travel by Train fora great West Coast Experience.To attend the 202E

NEWS from Vice District GovernorPeter MechaelisI was privileged to attend the Lions School Music Festival theother week as District Governor’s representative and was againproud that Lions support the festival. The professional presentationof music and singing held the audience in absolute silenceand appreciation of our young people. The children,teaching staff and the Music Festival committee need to berecognised for the many hours of work they contributed.It was also very pleasing to advise that the Lions Earthquakefund was providing an extra support of $20,000.00, to coveradditional venue costs. These costs have been incurred in thechange of venue from the Town Hall to the C B S CanterburyArena stadium as a result of the Earthquakes.Over recent weeks I have been working with District GovernorMary and her team to establish some administrative matters.A District nominations committee has been established withthe task of monitoring and encouraging members to stand forDistrict Elections. Cabinet Secretary Carolyn has recently forwardedinformation to Clubs relating to the District Convention,(including nomination forms), please take time to read and respondto Carolyn by the due dates.Should any members of the District be interested in standingfor the elected positions of the District Cabinet, assistance andinformation is available from Cabinet members and membersof the nomination committee.The following Past District Governor’s have been appointed tothe Nominations committee- PDG Dick Johns, PDG Jim Pollitt,PDG Leanne Lloyd, PDG Vern McAllister.The Leadership of our District is an important component in8

ensuring we can all serve our community in the best possibleway.Yours in LionismV D G Pete9

An urgent callAs mentioned in my report to Cabinet, I am desperately seekinghost families for our young Australian girl who is in our regionfrom 21 Dec to 8 January.So far I have received only one offer for 3 days from ZC PeterYearbury on behalf of one of his Zone members. That leaves21/12 to 5/1 with no where to stay.I would appreciate if you would contact likely persons in yourrespective clubs, including non Lion members whom you considercould assist our plight.I realise this is a difficult time, but once accommodation is settled,hopefully we can call upon fellow Lions to show themaround your immediate area.Could I please have your response say by Wednesday evening,or expression of interest (pending clarification with the familydynamics)thank you MalcolmYOUTH EXHANGE CO-ORINATOR10

“Growing Lions” February 18 thYour District has a variety of membership programmesthat have been used with success inclubs in New Zealand. These can be made availablethrough members of the GMT team by direct contact withone of them.Clubs in Zones 6, 7 and 8 will have an opportunity onSaturday February 18 th to participate in a workshop aboutmembership and healthy clubs The target is to give clubsan opportunity to identify strategies and to share approachesthat have worked with NZ ClubsIntended participants – Current club Presidents or VicePresident and the Membership chairperson from eachclub. It will be helpful if two attend from a club. There willspace for about 28 participantsNote this date now February 18 th at the PapanuiRSA clubrooms Clubs from other zones may wish to attendand should let GMT know they wish to be part of thisworkshop.GMT teamDigby Prosser 03 379 1828Peter Gamble 03 942 1425Pauline Rogers 03 388 6661Just to let you all know that Malcolm Williams has beenpresented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship. A letter of congratulationson behalf of DG Mary and the Cabinet.Thursday,10/11/2011 4:53 p.m.11

Editorial Ken Dubar district EditorPostal address: 95 Fairweather Crescent Kaiapoi 7630email: kdubar@xtra.co.nz ph 03 327 8092Seasons greetings to all, the year is nearly over except for theinevitable things to do at the last minute!. This is my last bulletinuntil February, then I shall be releasing that edition in thefirst week of February 2012. So please come alive and send mesomething of interest that happened over the holiday period. Ido appreciate clubs’ activities being sent in for the bulletin, thisone has a top down flavour more than last , which is to be expectedfollowing a Cabinet Meeting.Lions Quest teacher training workshops -before the start of the 2012 school year, I will be sending informationon the Lions Quest programmes to all schools in theDistrict with the aim of setting up either small in-school workshops,or larger workshops involving several schools. AlthoughI have some funds available, I also need these to printthe teacher resources, so will be seeking sponsorship from individualLions Clubs. I am happy to visit any Club who wouldlike to get an overview of what the programmes involve in theclassroom, or to send Clubs a copy of the Lions Quest Informationpackage. At present I am seeking sponsorship for traininga number of YMCA tutors, who want to use Skills for Adolescencein their after-school programme. Any Clubs whowant to make a donation should write a cheque to Lions 202ECabinet, Lions Quest account, and send it to - Lions Quest,c/- 38 Quaids Road, Christchurch 8051.PDG Marion McWha, MD202 Lions Quest representative

The issue with the hard copy was put up at Cabinet meeting;the outcome after some discussion was ‘that a committeeheaded by Peter Gamble’ look into the various suggestions thatarose from the cabinet meeting and report back to Cabinet inJanuary, as to the best way of handling the costs.For the Christian believer remember the words of Paul theapostle that Christ has been made unto usWisdom-Righteousness-Sanctification and Redemption.Difficult times are ahead and I expect the services of Lionsaround the world will be called upon more and more.Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Ken Dubar.Selwyn Lions have organized a Zone 8 Games Evening to beheld at the Prebbleton Hall on Friday,10 th February at 7.30 p.m.Everyone is welcome! We are asking for teams of 4 people to comealong and have a laugh, a drink or two, and a nice supper courtesy ofthe Selwyn Lions Club. Each club can send as many people as theylike – as long as we have approximate numbers by 3 rd February.What are the games, you say? Well you will just have to wait andsee – but we can guarantee a fun night.Is there a cost to the evening? Yes, but minimal – bring a fewcoins with you for the raffle, etc. This is not a fund raiser, any costwill be to cover the evening only.Will there be refreshments? Yes, there will be a bar available (atown cost) and supper provided.Will there be prizes? Of course!!Will there be fun & laughter? You bet – Selwyn Lions aregreat at organizing fun activities!!Please, note Friday, 10 th February in your diary now. Anyqueries phone Alison Benefield, Ph. 347 861813

202E Kan-tab AreaCoordinatorsJan MooreLions Club of Nelson NorthVern or Sally McAlister.Lions Club of KaikouraMary BeesleyLions Club of BlenheimRodger DevlinLions Club of GreymouthMurray WalshLions Club of FerrymeadChristchurch Lions phone contact - thenumber in the Christchurch phone book has, for severalyears, been my private number. I get an amazing numberof calls each week, on all manner of Lions related topics.Latest one tonight was from a gentleman wanting topurchase Lions Christmas hampers. Before I could reply,I had to check around to see which Clubs are doingthis project. It would be helpful if Clubs could adviseme of any special things they are doing that are of interestto the general public, eg book sales, fertilizer drives,Christmas cakes, firewood, etc. Just email details ofyour project to ian.marion@xtra.co.nz14

Peter Mechaelis Candidatefor District Governor2012 – 2013Nominated by Lions Club of Halswell and DistrictSeconded by Lions Club of WigramIt is with a belief in our motto “WE SERVE” that I ask allmembers of 202E to join me in a journey of continuedservice and leadership. During the current year I havefurther developed my knowledge of the Lions organisationcombined with detailed planning for 2012/2013.Profile of Lions service-• 22 years of Lions service• Club President 1995/1996, 2003/2004• Senior Leadership Institute• Zone Chairman 2004/2005• Cabinet portfolios 2006/2010With the absolute support of my wife Carol and family, Ilook forward to serving as your District Governor in2012/2013.15

Peter Mechaelis Candidatefor District Governor2012 – 2013Nominated by Lions Club of Halswell and DistrictSeconded by Lions Club of WigramIt is with a belief in our motto “WE SERVE” that I ask allmembers of 202E to join me in a journey of continuedservice and leadership. During the current year I havefurther developed my knowledge of the Lions organisationcombined with detailed planning for 2012/2013.Profile of Lions service-• 22 years of Lions service• Club President 1995/1996, 2003/2004• Senior Leadership Institute• Zone Chairman 2004/2005• Cabinet portfolios 2006/2010With the absolute support of my wife Carol and family, Ilook forward to serving as your District Governor in2012/2013.16

the Lions Club of PictonForeshore Craft A wonderful start to our market days for this season, stallholdershappy with the new area allotted east of the Museum plus we are allowedto set up on the sealed car park area if the grassed area becomes tooboggy after rain. Three cruise ships over two days made this one of our bestMarket days to date17