Lions District 410-C Newsletter - September 2012

NEWSLETTER OF LIONS DISTRICT 410C

Issue 3 of 2012/13

SOUTH COAST PUPILS BENEFIT FROM L I O N S L E A D E R S H I P R E T R E AT Port Shepstone Lions hosted their 26th Annual Leadership Retreat from 14-16 September at Camp Anerley. 40 Grade 11 pupils, recently selected for the Port Shepstone High School Executive Council of Learners (previously known as the Prefects Council) attended the camp. The full weekend program commenced shortly after they arrived at the camp on Friday with a talk on Lions Clubs International presented by Past District Governor Denis Meyer. The group was thereafter broken up into a number of colour coded teams and took part in team-building exercises. Later in the afternoon, the Retreat was officially opened by Club President Jean Masson and attended by many Lions and Lion Ladies who afterwards enjoyed supper with the ECL members.

After supper the group participated in a very enjoyable ice breaking exercise before heading off to bed.

The group had an early rise on the Saturday morning for exercises and a delicious breakfast prepared by the Lion Ladies. Then it was down to business, with lectures on leadership theory, communication, goal setting, innovative engineering, people to people relationships and conflict management presented by Pastor Trevor Downham, Miss Kerry Mc Killen, Lions Rob Bing, Philip Bromley and Peter Mc Killen. The afternoon session was dominated by the strenuous, very wet and very muddy obstacle course which was marshalled with much laughter by all Lions present.

When the Grade 11's arrived at the Lions' Formal Dinner, held at Zizi’s Restaurant in Umtentweni on the Saturday night, they were almost unrecognisable. The mud stains had been replaced with glittering make-up and elegant evening wear, and the dirty shorts had become smart suits. The guest speaker, Mr Wayne Ridden, gave a motivational talk on his experiences with the South African Olympic Swimming Team at the recent London Olympics and inspired both the ECL and Lions in attendance. Wayne Ridden is a coach, administrator and the race director of the Midmar Mile, the world's largest competitive open water swim that attracts nearly 20,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities every year. A former winner of the Midmar

Mile himself, Ridden has led the operations to a level unprecedented in the open water swimming world. Its operations are among the most professional in the sport and its budget is the largest in the world. He also serves on the board of directors of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame where he is the Africa Co-Vice President. He will be recognized and will speak at the 2012 Global Open Water Swimming Conference and the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on the RMS Queen Mary on 22 September 2012 in Long Beach, California.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR Dear fellow Lions It's that time of year again, yes our annual Midyear Conference, and now you're probably thinking the same old same old………., not to be, we have been listening to what the members want and this year it's the “YENZA” Conference yes we are going to “YENZA”, (Just Do It). The organizing team has been working exceptionally hard to ensure that we get a Conference with a difference and one not to be missed. This year it's been held at the ATKV Holiday Resort on the upper South Coast, close enough for most members to get there and not necessary having to stay overnight, to minimize costs. Apart from the report back to members of the District there will be five specialist guest speakers who will present professional papers on their respective areas of expertise, such as marketing, coping with disabilities, motivational speakers etc. And of course we will be having a fantastic theme evening “Voortrekkers and Impis”. For those Lions who have not yet booked make you're booking now this one is not to be missed. “YENZA” A question we as Lions are often asked is who are Lions or what is Lions, for many of us we sometimes have to give it a thought and then we try answer, let me tell you it's simple, its “Ordinary People doing Amazing Things”. I can bare testimony to this as I'm sure all Past District Governors will do the same. In my travels around the Country and especial to our Clubs within 410C, where Lions are doing amazing things, You lions at your Clubs make the difference in someone's life, the projects around the District are simply amazing and we can be proud of them. Lions I urge you don't be shy or selfish lets share our projects and achievements with one another and especially the greater public, let's be proud and loud of our achievements, cause nowhere else in the world are there such ordinary people doing such amazing things as us Lions, we are truly part of a World of Service, I am simply proud to be a lion and part of this great organization, that is doing amazing things. Let's get out there and “YENZA”

On Sunday, the group, once again had an early start for exercise and a delicious breakfast prepared by the Lion Ladies. Then it was on to morning devotions with Mr Damian Williams and more lectures on motivation/choices presented by Lion Hilton Horsley, ECL in action and their evaluation of the weekend.

After lunch the group participated in a very enjoyable and challenging “amazing race” together with many Lions and Lion Ladies who acted as marshals throughout the course. The Retreat was, once again, a huge success and hats off to Course Convener, Lion Hilton Horsley and his dedicated team of Lions and Lion Ladies. The entire project was fully funded by the Club's charity account and with generous sponsorship and support provided by Harbour View Superspar, Waltons Stationary, Lindsay Eggs, Mndeni Meat, Sunrise Farms, Camp Anerley, Leaf Technologies, Malundi Bus Services, Justin Hinchliff Ice cream, Coca Cola, Kuku Snacks and Zizi’s Restaurant. Leadership development of our youth is one of the core projects of Lions Clubs International and this project is one of the signature service projects of the Port Shepstone Lions Club

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Fellow Lions I want to urge each one of you amongst we have some amazing Lions who do remarkable things, touch people's lives who have made a difference and we forget to take time out to say thank you or well done, and recognize then for what they have done. Unfortunately this is normally only done when it's too late, and then we will say “today we have lost someone who had made a difference, who touched our lives and was truly a remarkable person”. Lions let's not wait until a fellow Lion is gone to recognize them, we should all make an effort to recognize those amongst us today and give them the recognition and thanks they deserve. “YENZA”

Fellow lions I am sure that like me most of you are passionate about our organisation and wish to see it prosper and grow in both our district and multiple district, yet this is not happening. Year after year we hover at around 500 members. To date this year we appear to be on a downward spiral and have a negative growth and that is worrying.

Increasing membership has been on the agenda for many years and to some when they hear the subject they immediately switch off. We seem to discuss the issues over and over again, devise plans year after year but don’t seem to make any progress.

To my mind part of the problem is that many clubs are in a situation that they are simply struggling to maintain their existing membership levels never mind grow their membership. They are equally unable to consider putting in the effort required in chartering a new club. We have been fortunate in chartering a few new clubs but these came about more by default rather than a club going out and recruiting members.

The time has possibly arrived to abandon the traditional route of chartering clubs and recruiting members.

I would suggest that at a District and a zone level we form extension committees that consist of volunteers from individual clubs who get together to plan recruitment drives for all clubs within their zone. By doing this no single club is burdened with doing it. The group can interact with clubs to professionally put together information evenings targeting business men and women in the area and also identifying other possible lions. Once a format is established this can then be repeated over and over.

Looking at new clubs this can be replicated at a district level with the group identifying those locations that at present do not have a club but have the potential. By identifying an existing need within these communities and showing the people how forming a lions club will help solve the need we are much more likely to get buy in from both the local press and community members that if we simply go in and say we want to form a Lions club and then they can find what to do within the community.

Lions we need to give these ideas and any others serious thought and to start talking to each other about our ideas.

We have our midyear Conference coming up and this would be an ideal opportunity to start the discussion.

If you feel like I do that we need to do something then please feel free to talk to me or any of the cabinet offices.

DG Adrian

ZONE 4 SOUP KITCHEN AND BLANKET DONATION Following the heavy rains in the greater Durban area in late August there were numerous people displaces particularly in the Pinetown area. Zone Chairman Jolene arranged with the clubs in the zone to along with The Gift of the Givers to hand out soup and blankets to some of the effected people.

The coming together of the clubs was amazing.

Soup and bread to feed hundreds was provided and close to 100 blankets donated for these poor children. This project was put together within 12 hours.

This is what Lions is all about and is exactly why we have a Lions Alert program.

Trevor Hobbs

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EAST COAST To celebrate Woman’s Day the east coast Lions organised a tea and entertainment as a fundraising event. With a Hats off theme the day was a huge success and they even had to turn away people as the 160 places were soon filled. Along with a fashion show and speakers they were fortunate to have winner of master chef Deena Naidoo who hosted a question and answer session for the ladies.

Lots of prizes were up for grabs for the best hats. One of the other highlights was a presentation to Lion Niru as the East Coast Lions woman of the year.

To make the day special all the male members of the club dressed up and served the ladies.

ESHOWE Eshowe Lions were part of a joint Team ‘Lions/Scouts’, in the recent CANSA WALK and they report that it was a deep and meaningful evening/morning. They were supported by Mark Macaulay and Tom Sherrard of Pick n’ Pay for their support. Tom even walked several laps in each of the 1 hour laps during the Walk!

The club recently went down to the Amatikulu Beach to join the KZN Officials and School children for the ‘Annual Beach Clean Up’. Sadly, the weather was against theme but there will be another date organised and they will be there doing their bit!

WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS HIBBERDENE RENIER DE RIDDER Sponsored by DESRAE COLYN

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3rd Prize – Port Shepstone High School. Learner Sean Wood performed the song “Stairway To Heaven” on his lead guitar. He was awarded a with a R200-00 cash prize and a Coo-ee Hamper.

SHELLY BEACH Shelly Beach Lions Past President Charles Taylor (left) presents Council Chairman Paul Brauteseth with a “15 Year Service” pin as well as a 100% attendance pin for the past Lionistic Year.

The winning prize of a brand new printer sponsored by Leaf Technologies was handed over by their Regional Director, Danie Van Tonder to School Principal Mr Vallee last Friday.

Also present at the handover were Lion Bruce Plumbley, 2012 Lion Show Convener and the school’s contestants.

The Schools Talent Show was organised and run by Lion Lady Bondi Horsley. Prize money was sponsored by the Lions, Hairy Munster Productions sponsored the technical support and Coo-ee sponsored the hampers. The Port Shepstone Lions plan to hold this event Annually at their Show and involve as many local schools as possible

PORT SHEPSTONE The Port Shepstone Lions Club hosted their very first Schools Talent Competition at the 2012 Lions Show. The competition was held in the main entertainment tent during the morning of Sunday 29th July at the showgrounds.

A total of 19 entries from 6 local High schools, namely Creston College, Marburg Secondary, Merlewood Secondary, Port Shepstone High, Hoerskool Suid Natal and Port Shepstone Secondary, participated. They all provided the delighted audience with an array of music, song and dance routines. This was a truly enjoyable experience for those who attended and it was clear that the participants had dedicated a great deal of time and effort into their respective performances.

COWIES HILL Mrs Hayes from Pinehaven retirement home was the recipient of a pair of hearing aides. Hear IT at Kloof did the fitment.

After much deliberation, Judges Elvie Venter, Ria Hackland and James Carlson finally selected the following winners : 1st Prize – Marburg Secondary. Their group “Outlaws”, consisting of Siphokuhle Quambisa, Hopewell Nguni, Pardon Kapaso, Diligent Belfour and Nomsa Nzama performed a Hip Hop Dance and were awarded a brand new printer for the school, sponsored by Leaf Technologies, Port Shepstone, a R500-00 cash prize and a Coo-ee Hamper.

2nd Prize – Creston College. Their group “The BeatBreakers” , was a marimba band with a mix of Parlatones songs. They were awarded a with a R300-00 cash prize and a Coo-ee Hamper.

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BLIND AND DEAF BEACH DAY The week before the beach day we had torrential rain and it was not until Friday morning that we were advised that the decision had been taken that the beach day was going ahead, fortunately we woke up to a sunny Saturday morning.

My fellow Lions and friends It is very inspiring to read the monthly minutes submitted by clubs around our District and see the service activities being conducted by Clubs. Every single act of kindness, now matter how big or small, makes a difference. It is no secret that that it is sometimes difficult to keep these projects up and running as subsidies have dried up and public funding is becoming more difficult to procure, however, sheer dedication and commitment on the part of members makes it all possible.

We supplied the juice, cakes and hot dogs and 8 of our Lions assisted on the day, as well as Lions form Queensburgh and Pinetown Clubs.

We were kindly taken to see the Dolphin Show as well as a walk through the Aquarium by very helpful Staff of Ushaka.

As “seeing� people we question why the blind would enjoy a day when they can't see the Dolphin show are see the fish swimming around the tank, and yet they are so thankful for the outing and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Unfortunately there are setbacks currently being experienced by quite a few Lions Clubs. A major setback is the sometimes lack of commitment by members, not so much because they are unwilling to commit to a specific project but more due to the fact that there are so few members within certain clubs and these clubs can only run projects with the full commitment and participation of every member. This is a sad situation indeed, especially for the member/s who initiate the projects and are so keen to see these projects come to fruition. It can also be demotivating for these project conveners. Our primary objective when we join a Lions Club is to serve the needy within our communities. When really meaningful projects are tabled and a club is unable to commit owing to lack of available human resources, it makes members feel negative and question why they joined Lionism.

The smaller Clubs are particularly problematic in this regard. The members of smaller clubs have to be more motivated simply because they have had to work harder in order to keep these clubs alive and still make a difference in their communities. It must be quite frustrating for the longer serving Lions in these clubs who still remember the days when their clubs were much larger and more active.

Lions Clubs International GLOBAL SERVICE ACTION CAMPAIGN - SHARING THE VISION Somewhere in the world, a person goes blind every five seconds. Your efforts can help stop this trend. During October, we invite you to Share the Vision with your community. This is a great month to organize a vision screening, volunteer at a nearby Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, plan an eyeglass collection or read books for visually impaired persons. Use this step-bystep guide to organize your project and help lead the fight against blindness.

The question remains, how can we improve this situation?

How can we increase our membership and make it possible for our club to be more effective within our community?

The answers to these questions lie within ourselves. Our attitudes, our commitment to service, our respect for one another and our pride in our Association are what really makes the difference and attracts new members. We can

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host as many Lions Information gatherings as possible however if the members of a club are negative and disinterested, nobody will want to be a part of that club. In fact, a club full of negative members can be an embarrassment to Lionism. Clubs that are not properly managed, clubs that do not follow the rules of protocol, clubs that do not meet regularly and minute their meetings accordingly and clubs that show little or no compassion for their members are also an embarrassment to Lionism. Are there any such clubs within our District? Only you will be in a position to answer that. It's time to change our attitudes, start rebuilding our Clubs and restoring them all to the days when they were first chartered, a time when all members were excited about the challenges that lay ahead of them. A time when all members were the greatest of friends and willing to anything for each other as well as their communities.

THE CARPENTER'S HOUSE Author Unknown Here is a story with a message that we can all take to heart.

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.

He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.

They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

Remember fellow Lions, only you can make that difference it starts with you! You have all committed so much to Lionism already. Why throw it all away simply because you feel that you have reached a point of no return and cannot do this any longer. This is nonsense. New Lions Clubs are springing up all over the world almost every day. New members are joining clubs all over the world almost every day and the stark reality is that most of these clubs are being formed in third world countries where the recession is far worse than it is here in South Africa.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."

What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that we would have done it differently.

Fellow Lions, be happy and proud of our Association. Your positive attitude and friendliness will show the public that Lionism is an organisation that they want to be a part of.

Display our branding and your smiles wherever you are in the public eye and make the public familiar with the Lions logo because, not only will it make an impact on them, it will also reignite pride in the members participating in the project.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.

'Never doubt that a group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has' Margaret Mead US anthropologist 1901 1978 PDG Denis Meyer GMT Coordinator District 410-C

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Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

Last Months Solution How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you.

Throw it straight up in the air THIS MONTH chimney chimney chimney chimney chimney chimney chimney chimney

What is represented by this rebus

District Cabinet 2011/12 Mother Teresa

District Governor Immediate Past District Governor 1st Vice District Governor 2nd Vice District Governor District Cabinet Secretary District Cabinet Treasurer Marketing of Lionism Christmas Cakes/Finance Chairman Leadership Development GLT Membership Development GMT Lionesses/ Louis Halse Trust Youth Exchange Diabetes Awareness & Blood Drives Sight & Hearing Environment Constitution, Resolutions & Bylaws Youth (Children, LEO's ) Peace Poster & Newsletter IT Lions Alert LCIF District Special Projects Coordinator Food Security Zone 1 Chairman (Freestate area) Zone 2 Chairman (Northern KZN area) Zone 3 Chairman (KZN Midlands area) Zone 4 Chairman (Highway area) Zone 5 Chairman ( Durban area) Zone 6 Chairman (North Coast area) Zone 7 Chairman (South Coast area)

Registration forms have been distributed for our

MIDYEAR CONFERENCE On 26/27/28 October at ATKV Natalia, just outside Toti.

Get you forms in and lets have a fantastic turnout of clubs Reminder: The MD and District directory is available on the web at www.lionnet.org.za Or the District website at www.lionsdist410c.lionnet.org.za Past editions of this Newsletter are available on the District 410C website (www.lionsdist410c.lionnet.org.za)

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Adrian Barnes IPDG Stuart Charlton Martin Rundle Vicki van Wyk Margaret Haus Shirleen Ward Ian Ping IPDG Stuart Charlton PDG Denis Meyer PDG Stan Foley Alec Collier Jane Wicks Lyn Botha Kevin Prinsloo Allan Wilms Jolene Wilesmith Trevor Hobbs PDG Denis Meyer Brian Porteous IPDG Stuart Charlton Walter Richter Kim van Wyk Willie Van Der Schyf Allan Prinsloo Peter Hyde Jolene Wilesmith Kim van Wyk Keith Murgatroyd Ken Toward