Post Convention

Minutes of the 5th Lions 105SC District Convention held on Saturday 9th March 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Swindon

  1. The convention was chaired by Past District Governor Jarvis MacDonald JM
  2. The convention was called to order at 9.05am by SAA PDG Dave Ebsworth DE
  3. JM welcomed all attendees to the convention & introduced Mayor of Swindon Councillor Barbara Parry to open the convention.
  4. The Convention was officially opened by BP
  5. JM proposed a vote of thanks to BP
  6. The Health & Safety briefing was given by PDG Brian Donovan BD
  7. The flags of United Kingdom & Lions Clubs International were already on stage, the first verse of the British & Belgian National Anthems were sung.
  8. JM introduced the guests & the principal officers.
  9. JM recognised Past Council Chairmen, Past District Governors & First-time attendees at a District convention. JM also congratulated Lion Peter Tabb on being awarded the British Empire Medal.
  10. Zone chairs Andy Goffin & Lisa Rust read the Lions Mission Statement followed by one Purpose & one Ethic.
  11. All attendees stood for the remembrance ceremony where the following Lions who had passed to higher service were remembered with a minutes silence. The poem Afterglow - Poem for remembrance was read by 2nd VDG Dianne Hopkins DH
    Acting District Governor Sandra Manktelow SM performed the remembrance ceremony. The candle was lit by MD & the DG team
    Marilyn Rolfe - Burnham
    Graham Jamieson - Calne
    Ian Hambleton - Aldershot Branch Club
    Anita Byers - Bournemouth and Christchurch
    Janet Godden - Gillingham - Mere and Shaftesbury
    Terry Stunell - Westbury
    Brenda Gait - Wimborne and Ferndown
    Linda Chapman - Marlborough and District
    Chris Tamlyn - Devizes
    Gordon Rhodes - Hayling Island
    Ian Tappenden - Bradford-on-Avon
    Tony Taylor - Gillingham - Mere and Shaftesbury
    Gill McCall - ex Hart
    Ron Wilson - Meon Valley
    Peggy Moore - Bournemouth and Christchurch
    Derek Port MJF - Woolmer Forest
    Barrie Jehan - IOW Ryde
    Audrey Sambles - Hayling Island
    Roger Mussell - Westbury
    David R-tel - Jersey
    Travis McCall - Fleet Lions Old Guys Branch Club
    Peter Angelis - Meon Valley
    John Powell - Westbury
    Jean Fox - Hart
    Colin Ames - Maidenhead
    Sheila Taylor - Gillingham - Mere and Shaftesbury
    Tony Ballard - Warminster
    Barry Duxbury - Wimborne and Ferndown
    Neil Macvicar MJF - Swindon
    Trish Douglass - Chippenham
    Roy Bullen MBE - Jersey
  12. A short break was held to allow partners to leave the convention if they wished.
  13. Convention was called back to order by DE who gave a report on attendance and read good luck messages to the DG and a letter from the representative of King Charles 3rd
    We have 57 delegates registered representing 31 clubs and are quorate.
  14. JM invoked the standing orders and informed convention that there was no tail twister this year. There was a collection for children's hospices in its place
  15. The minutes of the 2023 convention were proposed as a true record by PB and agreed by convention.
  16. The report of the CNRA PCC John Goodchild JG was proposed and a call for nominations of the host club for the 2025 District Convention was made - JG
  17. JG explained the business and voting procedures & then followed by explaining the election process.
  18. Candidate for District Governor Lion Sandra Manktelow (SM) was proposed by Lion Clive Midson on behalf of Petersfield Lions Club and seconded by Lion Laura Roberts on behalf of Fleet Lions Club. SM then addressed convention.
    Candidate for 1st Vice District Governor Lion Diane Hopkins DH was proposed by Lion Rex Sinden on behalf of Basingstoke Lions Club & seconded by Lion Mark Cooper on behalf of Fleet Lions Club. DH then addressed convention.
    Candidate for 2nd Vice District Governor - Lion Tim Hanton TH was proposed by Lion Andy Goffin on behalf of Wokingham Lions Club & seconded by Lion Peter Burnett on behalf of Wimborne & Ferndown Lions Club. TH then addressed convention.
    All the candidates were thanked by JM
  19. The reports of the DG team, District Almoner, Admin Team & Finance Committee were proposed en bloc by Clive Midson. Carried by delegate vote.
  20. The accounts for 2022-23 were proposed by District treasurer Lion Tim Hanton TH and agreed by convention.
    David Firth DF Westbury Lions asked how to approve accounts that have only just been published on the website. JM confirmed that the delay was due to them being returned late from the auditors. JoG confirmed that DF was correct as the accounts should be published by the end of January, the option is to accept the report or defer by 12 months until the 2025 convention. Convention voted to approve that the accounts can be approved this year. DE confirmed that things will be improved next year and that the accounts will be distributed by the District Secretary.
  21. CNRA JG introduced the convention resolutions and procedure. The resolutions are emergency resolutions as they were not ready to be sent to clubs within the 60 day period prior to convention. Therefore the discussion of the resolution had to be agreed by convention before discussion - this duly took place,
  22. Emergency Resolution 1 -
    The District Per Capita Levy for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 shall be in the sum of £9.00 per Lion. This shall be payable in two equal instalments - £4.50 per Lion by 1 August 2024 based upon the known membership as at 30 June 2024 and £4.50  per Lion by 1 February 2025 based upon the known membership as at 31 December 2024Proposed by TH Seconded by DE - Carried
  23. Emergency Resolution 2 -
    This Convention resolves that: "Messrs Gilroy & Brookes, Chartered Accountants of Farnham, be sincerely thanked for their services to the District in the past and that they be, and the same are hereby, re-appointed as Independent Examiner to the District for the forthcoming Year."
    Proposed by TH Seconded by DE - Carried
  24. The zone chairperson reports taken en bloc proposed by JuG Carried
  25. The reports of the club development, communications, community services, international relations, LCIF & youth committees were proposed en bloc by RW Carried
    DE read good luck messages to the DG and a letter from the representative of King Charles 3rd
  26. SM introduced the guest speaker Peter Wragg Vice President of Julia's House
  27. Peter Wragg gave a presentation on Childhood Cancer & the Julia's House hospice.
    He explained the work of the hospice and how they support the families as well as the children in their care. As medical science improves the degree of care needed can increase frequently two nurses are needed to care for one child full time. The work roles at the hospice include sibling worker & playmaker as well as the nurses who provide the care. Their support can continue for up to five years after the child passes away.  They need to raise £5.6 million a year to provide the services they do; they aim to be there for every child with a life limiting disease.
  28. A vote of thanks to Peter Wragg was proposed by Zone Chair Richard Weaver RW
  29. A comfort break of 20ish minutes was held.
    The delegate count is now 59 representing 31 clubs
  30. DE introduced PDG Chris Hibbert CH the MD Hunger Officer
  31. CH Addressed convention about the various hunger initiatives
    He outlined the gleaning work of Lions. He complemented our past Hunger Officer who organised the first glean in SC at Cranborne Estate in Wimborne & Ferndown Lions Club area. The majority of waste is at the farms rather than supermarkets or households. An area the size of China is used to grow food which is thrown away. We work together with Fairshare who distribute the gleaned products for us. This covers two global services, environment & hunger.
    Gleaning can be used as a membership tool, 41% of the gleaners are not members of Lions - YET!
    CH will make the slides available for distribution after convention.
  32. Zone chair Lisa Rust proposed a vote of thanks to CH
  33. JM introduced the International Guest ID Marcel Daniels from Belgium.
  34. MD addressed convention
    He has previously visited Swindon 40 years ago for a business meeting.
    MD complemented the exhibition for promoting the global causes.
    He discussed why members leave Lions and promoted that clubs address this.
    He informed us of his visit to take part in the service week in Kenya which took place after the Council meeting in Cairo.
    Belgian Lions use pharmacies as glasses collection points. They work with Medico France to recycle and distribute them.
    He informed us of his 4 trips to Ukraine carrying out humanitarian aid, including transporting two generators, Christmas gifts & clothes.
  35. SM proposed a vote of thanks to MD
  36. DE gave an updated attendance report and notices. He gave an update on the recycling which members have brought to convention. We have 5 bags of bras for Breast Cancer charity, loads of stamps for stillborn & neonatal charity, lots of coins for Gift for Living, over 100 boxes of glasses which will be transported to HQ for sorting and recycling. A donation towards the Norrie Disease Foundation Research  was made on behalf of Lions 105SC to thank MD for attending our convention.
  37. LUNCH
  38. Convention was reconvened by DE at 13.22 (two minutes late)
  39. The District 105SC Young Ambassador Candidate Jasmine Folkes was introduced by Lion Yorky Tuke YT who then addressed convention by video.
  40. The District 105SC Youth Exchange participant Holly Ryan was introduced by Lion Steve Sherring SS and then addressed convention.
  41. JM thanked Jasmine & Holly
  42. Lion Laura Roberts introduced guest speaker Air Commodore Bill Tyack CBE BT who then addressed convention.
    He informed convention of his history in the Royal Air Force and working with the British Legion in Fleet.
  43. JM thanked BT for his presentation
  44. Lion Linda Picton LP gave a presentation on Gift for Living
    LP outlined the progress made by GforL since it started during the Yugoslavian wars. We have transformed a dental surgery, classrooms in a school, the school toilets and the school kitchens. She thanked all those who have donated to make these things happen. Next GforL is supporting the Shield of Faith Centre in Uganda, working in an orphanage for 40 young people. This will lead to a child sponsorship scheme at a cost of £35 a month per child. See a future District Mailing for details.
    Lion Ann Huntley LCIF Officer made a presentation on LCIF. She outlined the work of the Foundation and how it can be supported both by clubs and individuals. She also outlined how clubs could apply for grants.
    £3.5 million raised for Turkey, £4.5million for Ukraine. We do get grants in MD 105, recently one for Brain Tumour Research , one for Air Ambulances and one for a hospice in Sheffield.
    AH also outlined how Lions have helped and will help following the Turkish earthquake in 2023.
  45. PDG Judith Goodchild JuG gave a presentation Hook & Odiham Lions Clubs rubbish project. An organisation called Village Magpies work in the Hook area collecting waste not covered by the council recycling schemes. They collect items such as bread bags, cheese packaging and toothbrushes. These are sold to Terracycle for cash. Hart Lions and other organisations assist with this scheme. This is a potential means of working with schools and possibly attracting younger members.
  46. DO Lion Peter Tabb BEM & Ian Robbin gave a presentation on Maison des Landes Hotel in Jersey. It has just been refurbished at a cost of £3.85 million. It is designed for people with disabilities and can be used for respite care. All clubs are encouraged to sponsor attendees who could use a break at the hotel.
  47. Lion Derek Angell gave a presentation on the Bob Cook games. This is a sports day held in Swindon for people with disabilities each August. It has been established for 37 years and attracts entries from many Lions Clubs in the former District of 105W. As the games are now in 105SC it would be good to attract entries from 105SC clubs.
  48. Lion Jerry King gave a presentation on Devizes Lions Sports Coaching Day. Every January Devises Lions go to 20 schools and discuss Lions sports coaching. This introduces children to sports they do not normally get involved in. It costs £10 to introduce 16 sports to each child, the children can participate in one of these sports each.
  49. A presentation was made on the Zone E funfest by Lion Laura Roberts. Over 1000 people with special educational needs attend the event. LR emphasised the way that clubs work together so well to make this event work.
  50. DO Lion Brian Proctor gave a presentation on Prostate cancer awareness. The incidence of prostate cancer is 1 in 8 for white men and 1 in 4 for black men in their lifetime. BP is an example of someone who found out they had an elevated count after a Lions testing event. 6420 men tested in District of which 334 have had red letters. Men are reluctant to attend the Dr's but will attempt a Lions event.
  51. LP gave a presentation on the Autumn Forum. We had a successful event last year, we would like to make it a regular event. We are searching for a suitable venue at an affordable price - ideas please. We would like all clubs to get involved, how do we do that. We have the potential to share good ideas - please tell the organisers what you want from such an event.
  52. PDG Patrick Hamblin gave a presentation on Sight Savers. He outlined how Sight Savers works throughout the world and how Lions have donated over £14 million to the trust.
  53. Heather Blackley & Geoff Curtiss gave a presentation on New Voices. This is a platform for less confident Lions to step up and take on leadership roles. They have regular monthly meetings by zoom and any member of any club are welcome to take part. They also hold online seminars and an annual face to face event.
  54. Graham Drayton & Eric Warner gave a presentation on ROAR. A video outlining the project was shown to explain how ROAR works. GD emphasised that it is a very professional programme which is very easy to run but equally very rewarding for clubs.
  55. JM gave a presentation on Legacy - we are all taking part to alter things in our communities. Ask yourselves if the club is better than when you joined, this is your legacy. 
  56. A short comfort break was held.
  57. JM thanked all the presenters of the 5 minute slots.
  58. JM announced the election results
    District Governor 2024-25 - Lion Sandra Manktelow
    1st Vice District Governor 2024-25 - Lion Dianne Hopkins
    2nd Vice District Governor 2024-25 - Lion Tim Hanton
    The successful Lions addressed convention
    SM thanked convention for their support and is looking forward to getting the job for real in July. She encouraged all Lions to step out of their comfort zone, take part in training and get involved. We need to work together both to attract members but also to keep our existing members. Membership is essential for service which leads to more potential members. SM's tag line is 'Service with respect and compassion. Keep celebrating what you do to make the world a better place.
    DH thanked convention for their support and confidence that has been placed in her.
    TH thanked convention for their support. He looks forward to supporting SM & DH over the next year
    JM asked conventions permission for the ballot papers to be destroyed - agreed
    CC David Pope, PCC Richard Williams & PDG Chris Hibbert were thanked for doing the count.
    DO Judith Goodchild introduced the winners of the District Competitions and awards -
    Clubs were asked to make the nominations this year and voted on anonymously by the DG team.
    Bill Field Sight Cup - Yorky Tuke - Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club
    Leo Plumley Award for Community Service - Fleet Lions Club
    Young Ambassador Award - Jersey Lions Club
    The Nixon Award for community Service - Hook & Odiham Lions Club
    David Ebsworth Award for the Environment - Reading Lions Club
    David Firth Award for ROAR - Aldershot Lions Club
    Barrie Richardson Travelling Lions Award - Chippenham Lions Club
    Ian Birch membership award - Wokingham Lions Club
    Peter Allen Environmental Photographic Award - Lion Clive Midson -Petersfield Lions Club
    John Greenaway Award for International Activities - Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club
    The presentations were made by SM
  59. SM DE awarded the following Awards
    ADG Certificate of Appreciation -
    Steve Pope - Bracknell Lions Club
    Alan Johnson Woodley & Earley Lions Club
    Patrick Allen - Wokingham Lions Club
    Ian Henderson - Reading Lions Club
    Heather Blackley - Westbury Lions Club
    Geoff Curtis - Westbury Lions Club
    Paul Allaway - Guernsey Lions Club
    Linda Picton - Hart Lions Club
    Richard High - Swindon Lions Club
    Chippenham Lions Club
    The following International Awards were made by SM
    Ann Huntley - International Foundation Chairpersons Medal
    Dave Ebsworth - International Foundation Chairpersons Medal
    Mike Baker - International Leadership Medal
    Lisa Rust - International Presidents Medal
  60. JM presented MD with a gift as a personal thank you for attending convention.
  61. JM presented the 2024 convention Host committee and Convention thanked them for their hard work
  62. DE presented the convention flag was to DE as incoming convention chair.
    DE informed convention that we do not have a venue for the 2025 yet at an acceptable price. He is negotiating with various hotels and will inform District where we are going as soon as he finds out.
  63. AOB
    DE congratulated JM on running an excellent convention.
    Thanks for all the donations received.
    DE promoted the MD Convention in Weston-Super-Mare in May.
    JM invited all the first timers to join him for a drinks reception prior to this evenings dinner - timed at 6pm
  64. DE made some final announcements
    Thanks to all for a fantastic convention.
    Safe journey home.
  65. Convention sang 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'
  66. Convention closed at 16.34