LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 105SW

Convention 2009

Report by Convention Chairman Lion Glyn John

Pacamacs and Wellies at SW Convention

Here in the South West we consider ourselves very lucky when our International Guest arrives. Two years ago he had to endure tornados in America and lost luggage at the airport before he arrived and this year our Guest was being picked up by VDG Brenda who was on the point of getting out her “sledge and huskies” before heading off for Heathrow. However, we were pleased to welcome PID Lion Ronal Luxton and his wife Janet to our 39th Annual Convention at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth when they arrived safely on Friday 6th March. It really was “coming home” for Lion Ronal as his ancestors came from West Devon before emigrating to New Zealand over 150 years ago. We also welcomed guests from 105BS, D, M, SE and W.

Friday night was “Party Night” and everybody dressed themselves in such a wide variety within the theme “Wish you were here....”. We had so many wonderful entries including Holidaymakers, “Looe at Night” (you can guess who they were!), Sheep (at a Lions gathering?), Saucy postcards, Arabs, “Lion Air” (watch this space Ryannair), Rastafarians and even Convicts!!! Our Judges had a very difficult task in selecting winners but eventually chose Plymouth LC’s couple with British Seaside Holidays (Pacamacs and wellies!!) and Okehampton LC as the group with “Wish ewe were here”.

Following the Flag Ceremony the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Brian Vincent, formally opened Convention and the business continued with DG Lion Graham Lang keeping control with receiving reports from the District Officers and the elections. Lion Christine Rowe (Launceston LC) was elected as District Governor Elect, Lion Neil Rutter (Seaton LC) was elected 1st Vice District Governor and Lion Clifton Cane (Babbacombe & St Marychurch LC) 2nd Vice District Governor for the year 2009 – 2010. During the proceedings we had very accomplished presentations from Bethany Pye, the District Young Ambassador and from the District Young Musician winner Stephen Sykes with his trombone. What talent, they both received standing ovations.

PID Lion Ronal gave an inspiring address about his work as an International Director and as a Member of Temuka LC. He talked about his own Club and their involvement in the local community with environmental projects, stressing the importance of work done by Lions at Club level.

The DG’s Gala Dinner was attended by 246 Lions and partners in their posh frocks and after some entertaining speeches they danced and sang the night away to the music of Edison Lighthouse. We finished with DG Graham and guests surrounded by everyone singing “Auld Lang Syne”.

Convention concluded on Sunday morning with a lively question and answer session hosted by DG Graham and PID Ronal with a wide variety of questions.

Lion Glyn John
Convention Chairman

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