3. District Governor, Lion Harry Smith was escorted to the platform by the President of Hereford Lions club Lion John Edmunds.

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE 38 th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF DISTRICT 105W HOSTED BY THE DISTRICT CONVENTION TEAM HELD AT THE THREE COUNTIES HOTEL, BELMONT ROAD, HEREFORD ON SATURDAY 9 th MARCH Lion Byron Hughes the District Sergeant at Arms brought convention to order at He informed attendees of the Hotel Health & Safety arrangements and asked that all mobile phones be switched to silent. 2. First International Vice President Lion Barry Palmer from Berowra, New South Wales, Australia accompanied by Lion Anne was escorted to the platform by Vice District Governor Lion John Mounty (Carmarthen). 3. District Governor, Lion Harry Smith was escorted to the platform by the President of Hereford Lions club Lion John Edmunds. 4. The Flags of the United Kingdom, England, Wales, Australia, the United States & Lions Clubs International 105W were paraded to the front of the hall by members of the Hereford Sea Scouts led by Lieutenant Jayne Shields. During the parading of the Flags, the National Anthems of each country were sung along with Land of Hope and Glory and Love Can Build a Bridge, accompanied by musician Mr Lyndon Jones. 5. District Governor, Lion Harry Smith invited Leo Adam Middlecoate (Ross-on-Wye) to light a candle of Remembrance nd Vice District Governor Tony Buchan conducted the In Memoriam and read out the names of those Lions in the District who had passed into higher service since the last convention held at Newport. A Yellow Rose representing each Lion was brought through the Convention Hall and placed in a vase, next to the Candle of Remembrance. 7. The flags were received by the Flag Officer Lion Colin Smith (Hereford). 8. The District Governor introduced his guests to Convention. He welcomed First International Vice President Lion Barry Palmer & Lion Anne from Australia, Chairman of Council MD105 Lion Martin Morgan & Jill, DG 105SW Lion Julian Chadwick & Lynette, DG105SE Lion Phil Robinson & Jackie, DG105NE Lion John Sutherland & Denise, MD105 District Treasurer Lion Philip Goodier & Jacqui, IPDG105W Lion Laurence Pearce & Julie & extended a special welcome to PCC MD105 Lion Howell Haines (Hereford) who is celebrating 52 years of service in Lions. He thanked his guests, club delegates and all other attendees for supporting him & coming to convention. 9. Lion Ian Gott Zone K chairperson (Chipping Sodbury) read the Lions Clubs International Code of Ethics. 10. Lion Keith Messenger Zone G chairperson (Northleach & Fosse) read the Lions Clubs International Purposes.

2 11. The Sergeant at Arms read out a number of greetings from various Lions both in the District & Multiple District 105 along with one received from Buckingham Palace all wishing DG Harry & Ruth a successful & enjoyable convention. 12. The District Governor thanked the Lion partners for their attendance and wished them well as they departed for their outing. He also thanked the Leos in the hall who were leaving to hold their convention elsewhere in the Hotel. He invited all to re-join convention on their return. 13. The District Governor formally opened the business session of convention and asked the Minute secretary Lion Mike Geake (Frome) to report apologies for non-attendance. Apologies were noted from the following: Our Twin District 103NIE France Lion Alan Hale (Keynsham) Lion Brian Worlock (Keynsham) Lion President Ken Hawker (Keynsham) Lion President Stuart Asquith (Northleach & Fosse) Lion John Moore (Glantawe) Lion Keith McCleod (Frome) Lion President David McKirdy & Lion Jenny McKirdy (Leominster) 14. The District Governor asked if there were any Lions who were unable to attend conference who he should write to. He was notified of one: Lion Geoff Moore (Radstock & Midsomer Norton) 15. The District Constitutions, Nominations & Resolutions Officer Lion Steve Austin (Swindon) informed convention on the voting procedures & requirements for the resolutions & election of officers being tabled later in proceedings and detailed on page 19 of the convention booklet. 16. The Sergeant at Arms outlined the standing orders for convention along with the vagaries of the light system for speakers from the floor. He stated that 37 clubs from the District were represented and that there were 65 voting delegates and 28 alternates present. 17. The minutes of the 37 th Annual Convention of District 105W hosted by the District Convention Team held at the Hilton Hotel, Newport on Saturday 17 th March 2012 were adopted with no amendments. Proposed by Lion Adrian Hutchings (Dursley) and seconded by PDG Lion Martin Ruddle (Calne). 18. There were no matters arising. The District Governor signed the minutes of the 37th Annual District Convention. 19. The District Governor stated that he had no updates to his annual report which was printed on pages 8 & 9 of the convention booklet and he asked that it be formally approved. Following a proposal from 2 nd VDG Tony Buchan which was seconded by VDG John Mounty it was unanimously agreed by a show of delegate voting cards that it should be adopted. 20. Nomination for District Governor The District Constitutions, Nominations & Resolutions Officer Lion Steve Austin stated that one nomination had been received. The nominee was VDG Lion John Mounty (Carmarthen) who was sponsored by The Lions Club of

3 Carmarthen) and seconded by PDG Lion Bill O Neil (Bristol Brunel). The DG asked if there were any other nominations from the floor. None were forthcoming. 21. The District Governor called on Lion John to address convention. Lion John thanked the DG & current officers for their support during his time as Vice District Governor. He said he was honoured to be nominated and if elected would strive to make the district more relevant to the clubs and attempt to improve communication. 22. Nomination for 1 st Vice District Governor The District Constitutions, Nominations & Resolutions Officer Lion Steve Austin stated that one nomination had been received. Lion Tony Buchan (Frome) was proposed by Lion President Chris Bailey-Green (Frome) and was seconded by Lion President Jackie Warren (Glantawe). The DG asked if there were any further nominations from the floor. None were forthcoming. 23. The District Governor called on Lion Tony to address convention. Lion Tony in his address said that in the past 9 months he had visited a number of clubs in his role as 2 nd VDG. He was impressed with their enthusiasm & dedication to the cause & if elected was looking forward to championing these further. 24. Nomination for 2 nd Vice District Governor The District Constitutions, Nominations & Resolutions Officer Lion Steve Austin stated that one nomination had been received. Lion Keith Wilding (Ross-on-Wye) was proposed by Lion President Sam Phillips (Ross-on-Wye) and seconded by PDG Lion Lawrence Morrissey (Swansea). The DG asked if there were any further nominations from the floor. None were forthcoming. 25. The District Governor invited Lion Keith to address convention. Lion Keith thanked his sponsors and said if elected would attempt to implement some changes which he thought would help to improve our organisation in the 21 st century. 26. The District Constitutions, Nominations & Resolutions Officer Lion Steve Austin stated that Ballot papers had been issued with convention papers and delegates were asked to place them in the ballot boxes provided in the hotel lobby when they adjourned for lunch. 27. The Mervyn Bennett Memorial Trust -The District Governor stated that in accordance with the Trust s constitution there were two nominations for trustees for 2013/2014. They were: Lion Mike Geake (Frome) Proposed by: Seconded by: The Lions Club of Frome The Lions Club of Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lion John Moore (Glantawe) Proposed by: Seconded by: The Lions Club of Glantawe The Lions Club of Leominster The District Governor sought conventions approval for the nominations. By a show of delegate voting cards both nominees were elected unanimously.

4 28. Report from District Treasurer & Adoption of Accounts - The District Treasurer PDG Lion Alan Denham appraised convention of the key elements of his report which was detailed on pages 24 to 30 of the convention booklet. He said he was a bookkeeper and not an accountant. He maintained that the District should not run at a deficit. The current deficit was due to a previous income tax demand, which had now been reluctantly paid. The District had for the first time operated a youth account. He showed a pie chart which gave a breakdown of the district expenditure. The District Treasurer sought approval for his accounts. PDG Lion Surinder Malhotra (Chippenham) proposed that they be adopted. This was seconded by PDG Lion Ron Clarke (Black Mountains). By a show of delegate voting cards the accounts were adopted unanimously. 29. The District Governor of 105SE Lion Phil Robinson presented District Treasurer Lion Alan Denham with a cheque for 1000 for the Special Olympics UK games which were being held at Bath in August of this year. District Governor Harry thanked DG Lion Phil for this generous donation. 30. The District Treasurer PDG Lion Alan Denham introduced the Multiple District Treasurer Lion Philip Goodier & invited him to update convention on the latest MD financial initiatives. Lion Philip said that current membership in the MD stood at 16,200. He outlined several reasons why the MD dues needed to be increased. Firstly VAT had increased from 17.5% to 20% which Lions could do nothing about. Secondly Birmingham City council had withdrawn the discretionary rate relief from the MD headquarters. National insurance contributions had been raised by 1% & energy costs had rose by 15%, this coupled with dramatic reduction in interest rates meant that expenditure had increased. There was also the fact that our tenant at MD headquarters had indicated that he would not be renewing his lease when it expired later this year. Any new tenant was likely to pay significantly less than the current one. He said that MD were conducting a cost review and were looking to reduce the current MD expenditure of 391,000 by 32,000. Items under consideration included Spouse travel to International conventions & production & distribution of the Lion Magazine. 31. The District Governor of 105SE Lion Phil Robinson introduced Lion DR. Paul Whittaker OBE from the unique charity Music & the Deaf which helps 9 million people in the UK with a hearing loss to enjoy music. Paul gave a humorous and enlightening insight into the charity since its founding in The charity aims includes integrating deaf children into mainstream schools. They had also recently appeared on Welsh TV. In conclusion Paul gave a moving rendition of the song We can be kind. District Governor Harry thanked Paul for his presentation & presented him with a cheque for 400 for the charity. 32. District Peace Poster Competition Lion Jenny Holmes (Forest of Dean) The District Peace Poster advisor introduced this year s winner, Ellie who was sponsored by The Caerffili Lions Club. Lion Jenny praised her poster and thanked Ellie & her family for their attendance at convention. The District Governor presented Emma with her award. 33. District Competitions Trophy Presentation District Governor Harry called upon the District competitions organiser Lion Jenny Holmes (Forest of Dean) to announce the competition winners. Presentations were made by the District Governor to the following clubs & individuals: a. District Fellowship Award Chippenham b. Best Club Website Port Talbot Branch Club c. District Governors Club of the Year Tetbury

5 d. Bill Smith Membership Award Pembroke & Pembroke Dock (To be presented by Margaret Smith at the Banquet & Ball) 34. The Sergeant at Arms Lion Byron Hughes closed the morning session at and reminded all gathered that the afternoon session would re-convene at Convention reconvened at District Governor Harry opened the afternoon session. 36. The Chairman of the Mervyn Bennett Memorial Trust PDG Lion Brian Dawson emphasised the key parts of his report which appears on page 31 of the convention booklet. He recapped the aims and purposes of the trust. He said it was a Disaster Relief fund and he urged clubs to bear this in mind should they need emergency funds. 37. The District Constitutions, Nominations & Resolutions Officer Lion Steve Austin appraised convention of the resolutions that had been tabled for consideration. The resolutions were discussed and voted on in the following order: Resolution No. 1 Proposed by the Lions Club of Leominster Seconded by the Lions Club of Porthcawl That this Convention requests MD105 to confirm that in the spirit of Lionism there is an understanding that they urge all clubs to support and affirm equality and diversity in membership covering all humankind, irrespective of gender and in doing so we uphold the principle of membership to be open to all thereby showing no discrimination whatsoever. Reasoned Statement In order to meet the Lions Mission Statement by empowering volunteers to serve their communities, Lions Clubs policy in this current age of diversity needs to show an understanding that membership will be open to all, without discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious belief, sex, age or disability. Lions clubs cannot uphold their aims and effectively represent their communities without being open to change unless they observe these principles of membership encompassing equality and diversity. Following a brief discussion by a show of delegate voting cards the resolution was carried. Resolution No. 2 Proposed by the District Treasurer on behalf of Cabinet of District 105W That Messrs. Mark Garrett Tax & Accountancy Ltd. Be appointed as District Examiners in respect of all District 105W Accounts for the Lions Financial Year Explanation Messrs. Mark Garrett Satisfactorily carried out the examination of the District Accounts for the year at a reasonable cost and assisted in resolving Inland Revenue claims for Income Tax for the two years ending June 2010, leaving a claim in respect of the financial year ending June 2011yet to be resolved. By a show of delegate voting cards the resolution was carried

6 38. Team Leaders and Zone Chairpersons Reports - The District Governor asked all Team leaders and chairpersons present to stand and be recognised. He thanked them for their reports and asked that they be officially adopted en bloc. By a show of delegate voting cards the proposal was carried unanimously. 39. District Young Ambassador Award - Lion Christine Sheldon (Glantawe) the District Young Ambassador Award advisor introduced this year s winner Ben Rey who was sponsored by Ross-on Wye Lions club. She informed convention that Ben had represented our district at the Multiple District finals where he was successful in winning the Shipshape award. Ben addressed convention and gave a summary of the projects that he is involved with. District Governor Harry asked First International Vice President Lion Barry to officially present Ben with both his District & Shipshape awards & President Sam Phillips (Ross-on-Wye) as sponsoring club. District Governor Harry also thanked Lion Christine for her dedication to the Young Ambassador award especially as she had experienced some difficult circumstances recently. 40. Election results - The District Governor announced the results of the ballot for the positions of District Governor, 1 st Vice District Governor & 2nd Vice District Governor for He confirmed that 1 st VDG Lion John Mounty (Carmarthen) had been duly elected District Governor & 2 nd VDG Lion Tony Buchan (Frome) 1 st Vice District Governor & Lion Keith Wilding (Ross-on-Wye) 2 nd Vice District Governor respectively. The District Governor Lion Harry congratulated them & sought permission from convention to destroy the election ballot papers. This was agreed unanimously. 41. District Governor Elect Lion John addressed Convention. He thanked District Governor Harry and all of the Lions in the District for having faith in him and he promised that he would endeavour to make the position more approachable. He said the watchword for his term would be Touching Hearts Touching Lives. 42. Bob & Joy Cook Memorial Trust - District Governor Harry asked Lion Norman Hamlen (Chippenham) to announce this year s recipients of grants from the trust. Norman said how nice it was to see Margaret Smith present at convention as it was her late husband PDG Bill Smith who had made this presentation at previous conventions & was a keen supporter of the trust which was set up 24 years ago. Norman introduced his wife Julie who is Bob & Joy s daughter. Julie presented cheques to Gower & Llwchwr Estuary Lions Club to assist a 9 year old girl with Cerebral Palsy and Ross-on-Wye Lions Club to purchase a special bath for someone suffering with Muscular Dystrophy. 43. Convention Lion Byron Hughes the District Sergeant at Arms on behalf of the District convention team announced that the 2014 District Convention would be held over the weekend of 7 th to the 9 th of March 2014 at the Copthorne Hotel, Cardiff. He stated that the hotel had 135 bedrooms and the cost would be 75 for a single & 90 for a double. An added bonus was there was plenty of free parking at the hotel. District Governor Harry thanked Byron and urged delegates to put this date in their diaries as soon as possible so they could avoid double booking in planning Club Charter nights & handovers etc. 44. District Governor Harry asked MD105 District Treasurer & Past Chairman of Council Lion Philip Goodier to introduce our International Guest, First International Vice President Lion Barry Palmer from Berowra, New South Wales, Australia.

7 45. First International Vice President Lion Barry addressed convention. Lion Barry said that he had made his first visit to Wales whilst visiting the UK. He thanked the DG for inviting him to address convention. He reminded convention that we belong to an International organisation and he said that from his experience of visiting clubs throughout the world a lot of Lions tend to forget that and are a bit parochial. He said he had witnessed personally eye operations being conducted in India as a result of the Lions eye program of which the UK & Ireland Lions contributed a significant amount of money. We should be proud to belong to the biggest service organisation in the world. He asked if anybody in the hall regretted being a Lion, and answered of course not and asked why we are not asking more people to join us. He urged clubs to embrace the modern technologies such as Facebook & Twitter. He said that there was a lot of various types of club, several clubs in Kenya he had visited were all woman clubs and other clubs throughout the world do things differently than what we do in the UK, but that at the end of the day we all belong to the great family of Lions and it was important to understand that we are all making a tremendous difference to our respective communities. 46. The District Governor said that he would like to recognise some Lions who had contributed to the District in their own way. On his behalf First International Vice President Lion Barry made presentations to the following individuals: a. Lion Henry Trimlett (Bridgend) International President's Medal b. Lion Les Stiff (Calne) International President's Certificate of Appreciation c. Lion Alan Trevers (Caerfilli) International President's Certificate of Appreciation d. Lion David Jones (Bridgend) International President's Certificate of Appreciation 47. The District Governor presented First International Vice President Lion Barry with his personal banner. 48. Vote of Thanks - DG Elect Lion John Mounty proposed a vote of thanks to First International Vice President Lion Barry & presented him with a cheque for LCIF. 49. Any Other Business - District Governor Harry asked convention if there was any other business for discussion. There was none. 50. The District Governor thanked District Secretary PDG Lion Tom Lawson, Lion Jake Nelson, Lion John Morris, Lion John Wetherall & Lion Colin Smith for their assistance with the running of convention. 51. Vote of Thanks 1st Vice District Governor elect Lion Tony Buchan offered a vote of thanks to the District Governor Lion Harry. He thanked him for a superb convention and for his leadership. 52. The District Governor thanked all Lions & visitors attending Convention and handed over to the Sergeant at Arms who formally closed the business session at 16:28 p.m. Signed Date