DISTRICT 105M CONVENTION 17 th 19 th MARCH 2017

Transcription

1 DISTRICT 105M CONVENTION 17 th 19 th MARCH 2017 CONTENTS PAGE SECTION: PAGE NO. P02 Weekend Programme 4 P03 Welcome from District Governor 5 P04-S01 International Guest 6 P04-S02 Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire 7 P05 Convention Agenda 8 P06 Minutes of 2016 Convention 9 P07 Standing Orders 16 P08-S01 CV Lion Chris Burrows DG Candidate 17 P08-S02 CV Lion Stewart Sherman-Kahn 1 st VDG Candidate 18 P08-S03 CV Lion Anita Bedi 2 nd VDG Candidate 19 CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS & REPORTS P09 Resolution 1 Dues 2017/18 20 P09 Resolution 2 District Constitution 21 REPORTS SECTION: OFFICE NAME PAGE NO. P10 All Convention Reports P10-S01-1 District Governor Ron Cross 22 P10-S01-2 District Secretary Brigitte Green 22 P10-S01-3 Sergeant-at-Arms Darren Blenkiron Late Report 65 P10-S01-4 District Treasurer Christine Moss 23 P10-S02-1 Region 1 Chairman Stewart Sherman-Kahn 29 P10-S02-2 Zone A Chairman Vacant Covered by Stewart Sherman-Kahn 29 P10-S02-3 Zone B Chairman Nick Bate 30 P10-S02-4 Zone C Chairman Doug Cross 30 P10-S02-5 Region 2 Chairman Anita Bedi 32 1

2 SECTION: OFFICE NAME PAGE NO. P10-S02-6 Zone D Chairman June Lloyd-Adams 32 P10-S02-7 Zone E Chairman Ian Haffner 33 P10-S02-8 Zone F Chairman Omkar Hunjan Covered by Anita Bedi 34 P10-S02-9 Region 3 Chairman John O Rourke 35 P10-S02-10 Zone G Chairman Roger Clarke 35 P10-S02-11 Zone H Chairman Vacant Covered by John O Rourke 36 P10-S03-1 Health & Environment Chairman Sarah Hill 37 P10-S03-2 Sight & LEHP Linda Cross 37 P10-S03-3 Speech & Hearing Harry Fry 38 P10-S03-4 Diabetes Pauline Fanti 38 P10-S03-5 Physical & Learning Disabilities & Special Olympics Heather Jeavons 39 P10-S03-6 P&L Disabilities & SO Support Stephen Pitt No Report Submitted P10-S03-7 MiaB Jackie Culliford 39 P10-S03-8 Medic Alert Linda Cross 40 P10-S03-9 Environment Dave Jeavons 40 P10-S04-1 International Chairman & Relations Neil Chisholm 41 P10-S04-2 North Sea Lions Jaap de Jonge 41 P10-S04-3 LCIF Ian Haffner 42 P10-S04-4 Water Projects Carole Moseley 42 P10-S04-5 Street Children Richard Williams No Report Submitted P10-S05-1 Youth Chairman Christine Moss 43 P10-S05-2 Young Leaders in Service Jackie Williams 43 P10-S05-3 Young Ambassador Cath Kendall 44 P10-S05-4 Youth Exchange Jackie Williams 45 P10-S05-5 Life Skills Terry Smith 46 P10-S05-6 Leo Coordinator Manish Mistry 47 P10-S06-1 Communications & Centennial Chairman Simon Moss 47 2

3 SECTION: OFFICE NAME PAGE NO. P10-S06-2 Webmaster Joy Haffner 48 P10-S06-3 Public Relations Claire de Jonge-Vors 49 P10-S06-4 Midland News/Lion Liaison Jaap de Jonge 49 P10-S06-5 Competitions Ken Barker 49 P10-S06-6 Almoner Mavis Cooke 50 P10-S06-7 Centennial Support Melissa Murphy 50 P10-S07 Long Range Planning Chairman Stewart Sherman-Kahn 51 P10-S08-1 GMT Coordinator Andy Pemberton 51 P10-S08-2 GMT Liaison Extension Doug Cross 53 P10-S08-3 GMT Support Melissa Murphy 53 P10-S08-4 GMT Registrar Ann Pemberton 54 P10-S09-1 GLT Coordinator Ian Haffner 56 P10-S09-2 Development Officer Paul Murphy 56 P10-S10-1 Finance & Admin Chairman Chris Burrows 57 P10-S10-2 CNRO Wim Hoogerwerf 58 P10-S10-3 Convention Host Chairman David Squires 58 P10-S10-4 Health & Safety Ray Stephens 59 P10-S10-5 Events/Lion Tamer John Barnes 59 P10-S10-6 Insurance Suresh Gohil 60 P10-S10-7 Vulnerable Persons Eric Hughes 61 P10-S10-8 Clerk to the Trustees Mike Cooke 62 P10-S11-1 Immediate Past District Governor Heather Jeavons 62 P10-S11-2 1st Vice District Governor Chris Burrows 62 P10-S11-3 2nd Vice District Governor Stewart Sherman-Kahn 63 P10-S11-4 Past District Governor Liaison Doug Cross 64 3

4 DISTRICT 105M CONVENTION 17 th 19 th MARCH 2017 PROGRAMME FOR THE WEEKEND Friday 17 th Registration Desk open 16:00 18:00 Setting up Exhibition stands Host Night - Theme: Shakespearean Experience 19:00 for 19:30 23:30 Saturday 18 th Registration Desk open 08:00 10:00 Exhibition stands open All day Convention starts 09:30 Lunch break 12:30 13:25 Convention resumes 13:30 Convention closes 16:30 DG s Centennial Gala Dinner Black Tie 19:00 for 19:30 00:00 Sunday 19 th Question and answer session with PID Howard Lee 10:30 11:30 4

5 Welcome my fellow Lions, friends and honoured guests, to the 42 nd Annual Convention of District 105M of Lions Clubs International here at the Ettington Chase Hotel, nr. Stratford. Our International Guest this year is Past International Director Lion Howard Lee and it is my pleasure to welcome him and Claire to our Convention. On Sunday morning you will also have the chance to ask him questions at our informal Open Forum Session. We are also delighted that Dr Charles Fox will be with us again and our very own Lion Mandy Broadbent At this, our District s Annual General Meeting, we will reflect on and celebrate our achievements over the past twelve months, and consider some of the challenges, opportunities and changes which lie ahead of us in the coming year. There will be thought provoking and informative presentations and the speakers will welcome your constructive contributions. Our hard working District Officers will also present their reports, and would welcome your questions and comments on their reports. We have only two formal Resolutions to be debated this year. It is also your chance to hear from the candidates standing for election as the District Governor Team of , and then to cast your vote in the election process. I would like to thank District Events Officer Lion John Barnes, and the Convention Chairman Lion David Squires and his committee, for all the hard work which they have put in to organise this Convention and the social events and of course my thanks to our hard working District Secretary Lion Brigitte and our Webmistress Lion Joy. We are sure to have an interesting and thought provoking business session, and to enjoy fun and fellowship at some excellent social events. It has been a great privilege to serve District 105M as District Governor, which I could not have achieved without the support of all my Cabinet and District Officers and the amazing work which they have put in on behalf of us all. Most of all, I would like to thank every member for your support and friendship, and say that it is my pleasure to serve with you as a Lion. Lion Ron Cross District Governor 2016/17 District 105M 5

6 PID Lion Howard Lee Past International Director Howard Lee, of Farnham, England, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, 30th June - 4th July, Past Director Howard is senior partner in a firm of chartered accountants. A member of the Farnham Lions Club since 1976, PID Howard has held many offices within the association, including club twinning officer, club public relations officer, club traveling Lion, club social chair, club member- ship chair, club president, zone chair, district Drug Trust chair, district membership chair, district international relations officer, district Future Planning chair, district Nominations & Resolutions chair, district diabetes trustee, district Service & International chair, district Belarus Projects Group chair and district governor. On the multiple district level, he has served as diabetes co-ordinator, club development chair, constitutions and resolutions chair, auditor, treasurer and Conventions Ltd. director. Additionally, he was a member of the Nominations Committee for the 1992 International Convention in Hong Kong and was an international fiscal agent. In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the New Club Extension Award, the Zone Chair- person Growth Award, the 100% District Secretary Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the District International Relations Officer s Award, the International President s Certificate of Appreciation, two Leadership Medals, two International President s Awards and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honour the association grants its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow. In addition to his Lion activities, PID Howard is active in numerous professional and community organisations, including serving as director of the Farnham Working Men s Conservative Club Company Ltd. He is also a member of the Blacknest Golf Club. In the past, he served as director of MedicAlert for British Isles and Ireland. PID Howard and his wife, Claire, have two children. 6

7 Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox We are delighted that our Convention will be opened by Tim Cox, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire. Tim, a chartered surveyor based in Stratford, served as High Sheriff previously to his appointment as Lord Lieutenant. His track record in the voluntary sector is long-standing, including 15 years involvement in the Warwickshire Poppy Ball, raising money for the Royal British Legion. He has also been involved in a number of local charities, particularly during his year as High Sheriff, including the local hospice and adults with learning difficulties. Tim lives in The Green, Snitterfield with his wife Penny, and children Olivia and Hany. They have lived in Snitterfield for 30 years and in Bearley for five years before that. The prime duty of the Lord Lieutenant is to be the Queen s personal representative in Warwickshire. Amongst other things this involves arranging visits to the county by members of the Royal Family, and accompanying them whilst here. The role is unpaid and non-political. 7

8 CONVENTION 2017 AGENDA 09:20 Call to Order 09:30 Opening Ceremony 10:25 Standing Orders & Voting Procedures 10:45 Voting 10:55 Convention Reports 11:10 Resolutions Address by DG Candidate 1 st VDG Lion Chris Burrow Address by 1 st VDG Candidate Lion Stewart Sherman-Kahn Address by 2 nd VDG Candidate Lion Anita Bedi 11:25 Redistricting Where we are? PCC Lion Simon Moss 11:45 Q&A 11:55 PR & PR Tool Kit /Social Media - Lion Mandy Broadbent 12:30 Lunch Break 13:25 Call to Order 13:30 Commencement of Afternoon Session 13:35 Guest Speaker - Dr Charles Fox Diabetes Prevention Better Than Cure 13:55 Election Results 14:05 Young Ambassador 14:15 Guest Speaker - PID Lion Howard Lee The Way Forward 14:40 Competition Winners 14:50 Membership Update 14:55 Centennial Challenge Update 15:10 Last Year s Partners Appeal update Birmingham Children s Hospital 15:20 Update Current Partners Appeal 15:30 Presentations by DG 15:45 Host Club for District Convention :00 Introduction of Convention Host Committee :00 Closing Ceremony & Announcements Land of Hope & Glory 16:30 Close of Convention Note: Sunday Morning 10:30 11:30 Question & Answer Session with the PID. OPEN TO ALL. 8

9 MINUTES OF THE 41 st DISTRICT 105M CONVENTION HELD AT SKETCHLEY GRANGE HOTEL, HINCKLEY, WARWICKSHIRE 19 th MARCH 2016 Call to Order. Sergeant at Arms, Lion Ron Cross, called the 41 tst District 105m Convention to order at hrs. informing Convention of the Health & Safety arrangements. Opening Ceremony District Governor, Lion Heather Jeavons and Lion President Dave Jeavons and her guests Past International President Lion Wing-K un Tam and Joyce, Madam Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Councillor Janice Richards and her Consort Mr.Tony Richards, escorted by Convention Host Lion Danielle Benn, were formally received by Convention. Flag Ceremony The Flag Ceremony was conducted by a combined group of the Hinckley Air Cadets, Squadron 198 and the 1 st Hinckley Scouts and Guides. The National Anthem of the United Kingdom was played., but due to a technical fault the National Anthem of China could not be played. Instead, the Chinese National Anthem was sung by PIP Tam and Joyce. The duet was excellent and Convention showed their appreciation. The song Love can build a Bridge was also played. The Flag Party were thanked by District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons. Code of Ethics The Lions Code of Ethics was read by Lion Monty McMillan, Hinckley & Burbage Lions Club. Guests and Visitors District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons welcomed everyone to the 41 st District 105M Convention, hosted by the Hinckley & Burbage Lions Club, and hoped they would find it informative and enjoyable. District Governor, Lion Heather Jeavons introduced her guests on the Top Table. Past International President Wing-K un Tam, Convention Host Chairman Lion Danielle Benn, District Secretary, Lion Brigitte Green, Madam Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth Councillor Janice Richards. Roll call and messages Sergeant at Arms, PDG Lion Ron Cross, announced the number of Lions attending Convention. 15 Delegates 31 Clubs Official Opening District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons invited Convention Host Chairman Lion Danielle Benn to introduce Madam Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth, Councillor Janice Richards to formally open the 41 st 105M Convention. Madam Mayor Councillor Janice Richards was pleased to be asked to open our 41 st Convention and welcomed everyone to Hinckley and felt honoured that Lions of 105M should choose Hinckley to hold their Convention 2016 Madam Mayor of Hinckley, Councillor Janice Richards, formally declared the 41 st District 105M Convention open. At this time it was necessary for Madam Mayor to leave Convention and District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons thanked her for attending this morning. District Governor presented Madam Mayor with her friendship Emblem. Invocation and in Memoriam The Invocation & Memoriam was read by Past District Governor Lion Ian Heffner who lit the Candle of Remembrance. 9

10 The Sergeant at Arms placed a rose in the vase adjacent to the candle as each name was read out. The following Lions have passed away since the last District 105M Convention and a minutes silence was held in their memory PDG Lion Lewis Williams Lion Mike Smith Lion Alan Meredith Lion Derek Ashworth Lion Bill Ranautta Lion Balvinder Singh Uppal Lion Alex Lord Lion John Price, MJF Lion Barbara Dutton Lion Philip Martin, MJF Lion Brian Gibbs Lion David Gane, MJF Lion Robert Gibbens Lion John Fidgett Lion Edward Wilkinson Lion Alan Perry Lion Charles King-Smith PDG Lion John Court Barwell & Earl Shilton Lions Club Birmingham Acocks Green Lions Club Bromsgrove Lions Club Corby Lions Club Coventry Godiva Lions Club Coventry Mercia Lions Club Kenilworth Lions Club Kenilworth Lions Club Kingswinford & Stourbridge Lions Club Kingswinford & Stourbridge Lions Club Knowle & Dorridge Lions Club Northampton 80 Lions Club Nuneaton Lions Club Nuneaton Lions Club Rugby Rokeby Lions Club Walsall Lions Club Warwick Lions Club Originally Rushden & District Lions Club, later District SE Apologies. No apologies have been received by the District Secretary. Minutes of the last District Convention. District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons proposed the adoption of the Minutes of the 40 th District 105M Convention held on the 21 st March 2015 at the Park Inn Hotel, Sandwell, West Midlands. Seconded by P.D.G. Lion Andy Pemberton The proposal was carried and District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons signed them as a true record. Maters Arising There were no matters arising from the minutes. Voting Procedures and Standing Orders. CNRO PDG Lion Wim Hoogerwerf explained the Voting Procedures and Standing Orders to Convention. Elections District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons invited the candidates for District Governor 2016/2017, 1 st Vice District Governor 2016/,2017 and 2 nd Vice District Governor2016/2017 to address convention. Address by candidate for District Governor 105M (2016/2017) There was only one candidate for this office and 1 st Vice District Governor PDG Lion Ron Cross, Kidderminster & District Lions Club, addressed Convention. Address by Candidate for First Vice District Governor105M (2016/2017) There was only one candidate for this office and 2 nd Vice District Governor Lion Chris Burrows, Shirley Lions Club addressed Convention. Address by Candidate for Second Vice District Governor 105M (2016/2017) There was only one candidate for this office and Lion Martin Hill, Harborough Twenty 12 Lions Club, addressed Convention. 10

11 Sergeant at Arms, Lion Ron Cross asked Delegates to place their voting slips in the boxes at the front and back of the hall and announced that there would be a short break during which voting would take place. Sergeant at Arms called Convention to Order. Presentation of Reports District Governor informed Convention that she would be calling for the presentation of reports by Section. The District Governor asked each Committee Chair to introduce the members of their committee. The District Governor asked the District Secretary if there were any pre-notified questions or updates regarding each section. Two had been received, one from lion Femi Onabolu (International) and one from Lion Joy Haffner (Webmaster) SECTION 1 District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons, report as submitted District Secretary Lion Brigitte Green, report as submitted District Treasurer PDG Lion Brian Burgess, report as submitted Sergeant at Arms PDG Lion Ron Cross, report as submitted Section 2 Region and Zone Chair Region 1, Lion Kanu Patel, No report Zone A, Lion Dave Roberts, report as submitted Zone B, Lion Stewert Sherman-Kahn, report as submitted Zone C, Lion Chris Burrows, report as submitted Region 2, Bob Dutton, report.as submitted Zone D, Lion David Williams, report as submitted Zone E, Lion John Cavana, No report Zone F, Lion Gordon Templeton, report as submitted Region 3, Lion John O Rouke, report as submitted Zone G, Lion Lorraine Shipley, report as submitted Zone H, Lion Roger Clarke, report as submitted Zone I, (Office Vacant) Section 3 Health and Environment Committee Chairman, Lion Sarah Hill, report as submitted Sight & LEHP, Lion Linda Cross, report as submitted Speech & Hearing, Lion Roger Handcock, report as submitted. Diabetes, Lion Pauline Fati, report as submitted Learning Disabilities/Special Olympics, Lion Danielle Benn, report as submitted MiaB/Medic Alert, Lion Carole Moseley, report as submitted. Section 4 International Relations & Europa Forum Chairman, Lion Femi Onabolu, report as submitted North Sea Lions, Lion Jaap de Jonge, report as submitted LCIF. (Office Vacant) Water Projects & Street Children, Lion Carole Moseley, report as submitted 11

12 International Relations, Lion Anita Bedi, report as submitted Section 5 Youth Committee Chairman, Lion Christine Moss, report as submitted Youth Leaders in Service, (Office Vacant) A Trophy was presented by Marsden Green Lions Club, in memory of past Lion Pauline Hoogerwerf, for presentation for Youth Leaders in Service each year. Young Ambassador, Lion Cath Kendall, report as submitted Youth Exchange, Lion Jackie Williams, report as submitted Life Skills, Lion Terry Smith, report as submitted Leo Coordinator, Lion Richard Williams, report as submitted Section 6 Communications Committee Chairman, PDG Lion Simon Moss, report as submitted Webmaster, Lion Joy Haffner, report as submitted Public Relations, Lion Claire de Jonge-Vors, report as submitted Midland News/Lion Liaison, Lion Jaap de Jonge, report as submitted Competitions, Lion Ken Barker, report as submitted Almoner, PDG Lion Mavis Cooke, report as submitted Section 7 Long Range Planning Committee Chairman, Lion Chris Burrows, report as submitted Section 8 G.M.T. GMT Coordinator, PDG Lion Andy Pemberton, report as submitted GMT Liaison-Extension, PDG Lion Doug Cross, report as submitted GMT Support, Lion Melissa Murphy, report as submitted GMT District Registrar, Lion Ann Pemberton, report as submitted Section 9 Global Leadership Team GLT Coordinator, Lion Ian Haffner, report as submitted GLT Support, Lion Paul Murphy Development Officer, Lion June Lloyd-Adams, report as submitted Section 10 Finance and Administration Committee Chairman, PDG Lion Ron Cross, report as submitted Constitution, Nominations & Resolutions Officer, PDG Lion Wim Hoogerwerf, report as submitted Convention Host Chair, Lion Danielle Benn, report as submitted Events/Lion Tamer, Lion John Barnes, report as submitted Health & Safety Officer, Lion Ray Stevens, report as submitted Insurance Officer, PDG Lion Suresh Gohil, report as submitted Vulnerable Persons Officer, Lion Eric Hughes, report as submitted Centennial District Coordinator Lion Martin Hill, report as submitted Clerk to the Trustees Lion Mike Cooke, report as submitted Section 11 Governors Reports Immediate Past District Governor, PDG Lion Ian Haffner, report as submitted 12

13 1 st Vice District Governor, PDG Lion Ron Cross, report as submitted 2 nd Vice District Governor, Lion Chris Burrows, report as submitted Past District Governor Liaison, PDG Lion Doug Cross, report as submitted All reports having been presented, District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons, called for the acceptance of all the reports, En Bloc. Proposed by PDG Lion Ron Cross Seconded by Lion Peter Thomas. The proposal was carried. District Governor thanked all Officers for their excellent work during her year in office. Resolutions. The District Constitution, Nominations and Resolutions Officer, PDG Lion Wim Hoogerwerf, informed Convention of the Rules and Procedures for introducing Resolutions. Resolution Number 1. (Dues2016/2017) Submitted by District 105M Cabinet. Proposed by PDG Lion Ron Cross Seconded by PDG Lion Brian Burgess This Convention resolves that, in order to ensure the approved administrative expenses of District 105M for the fiscal year 2016/2017, the Annual Subscription will remain at 10.00pa per Lion Member. The subscription to be payable in two (2) instalments of 5.00 on 1st August 2016, based upon membership at 30 th June 2016 and 5.00 on 1 st February 2017, based upon membership at 31 st December The resolution was duly voted upon. With a unanimous vote in favour of the resolution, no votes against the resolution and no abstentions it was announced Carried. Approval of Accounts 2014/2015 The accounts for the year 2014/2015, as examined and presented, were approved by convention. Presentation on Redistricting PDG Lion Simon Moss gave a presentation on the proposed Redistricting of Multiple District 105. There will be two proposals for debate at the Multiple District Convention at Eastbourne on the 6 th 8 th May One will be to reduce the number of Districts to Seven (7) the other will be to reduce the number of Districts to eight (8) PDG Lion Simon explained the reasoning behind these two proposals and answered questions from the floor. Convention retired for Lunch at The second session of the District 105M Convention was called to order at by Sergeant at Arms, PDG Lion Ron Cross Sergeant at Arms gave an update on the numbers attending Convention. 15 Delegates 31 Clubs represented. The Lions Purposes was read by Lion Mark Grimmet,, Rugby Rokeby Lions Club. 13

14 Young Ambassador District Winner. Lion Kath Kendall introduced Jessica Browne, Young Ambassador District 105M winner who gave a brief resume of her winning project. Presentation by Guest Speaker Guest speaker District Governor Lion Paul Stafford (District E) Lincoln Lions Club was introduced by District Governor Lion Heather. Lion Paul gave a PowerPoint presentation discussing- Working together to serve, now and in the future. Election Results for District Governor, 1 st Vice District Governor and 2 nd Vice District Governor (2016/2017) District Governor, Lion Heather Jeavons announced the results. District Governor Elect (2016/2017) PDG. Lion Ron Cross. 1 st Vice District Governor Elect.(2016/2017) Lion Chris Burrows 2 nd Vice District Governor Elect. (2016/2017) Lion Martin Hill District Governor Elect, PDG Lion Ron Cross, introduced his vision for the next year and thanked Convention for their continuing support. Competition Winners District Governor, Lion Heather Jeavons and Past International President, Lion Wing-K un Tam left the stage to present the competition awards which were announced by the Sergeant at Arms. PDG Lion Ron Cross. Peace Poster Young Ambassador Environmental Photo Environmental Trophy Youth Exchange ( Individual) Travelling Lion Golf Competition Web Site Press & P.R. Scrapbook District Skittles Convention 1 st Timers Emily Lindsay sponsored by Balsall Common Lions Club. Jessica Browne, sponsored by Shirley Lions Club. Lion Ken Barker, Shirley Lions Club. Kingswinford & Stourbridge Lions Club. (No entries) Shirley Lions Club (Men) Lion Rob Warner, Kingswinford & Stourbridge L.C. (Ladies) Lion Maureen Whitmore, Kingwinsford & Stourbridge L.C. Bedworth Lions Club Shirley Lions Club. Shirley Lions Club. Balsall Common Lions Club or Towcester Lions Club (To be decided) Lion Adrian Jeffs, Wellingborough Lions Club. District Governor thanked Lion Ken Barker for his hard work in organising the District Competitions. Presentation on Membership Past District Governor Lion Andy Pemberton gave a PowerPoint presentation on membership, assisted by Past District Governor Lion Doug Cross. Discussing the general drop in membership and the importance of retaining the members we have and reducing the continuing loss of membership. Past International President s Address Past International President, Lion Wing-K un Tam addressed convention covering his time as International President and his experiences worldwide. His advice being Time for Lions in the world to work together and decide what they want to do over the next ten years. Membership and funding is important worldwide. We must serve this world together. He presented District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons and Lion Bridgette Green with his personal Banner and Pin. District Governor thanked Past International President Tam and presented him with her Friendship Banner and Pin. 14

15 Presentation of Certificates/Awards The District Governor presented the following awards assisted by Past International President Lion Wing-K un Tam. International President s Certificate of Appreciation P.D.G. Lion Andy Pemberton P.D.G. Lion Doug Cross. Lion Paul Murphy District Governor s Certificate of Appreciation Lion John Barnes Lion Joy Haffner Lion Darren Blenkiron Lion Brigitte Green Lion Cath Kendall Lion June Lloyd-Adams Presentation by District Governor District Governor Lion Heather Jeavons presented IPDG Lion Ian Haffner with a gift from the District in appreciation for his year in office. Presentation for District Convention 2017 A PowerPoint presentation regarding the District Convention 2017, that will be held at the Ettington Hotel, Stratford, will be given at the Autumn Forum Lion John Barnes announced that District Convention 2018 will be held (March 16,17, ) at Solihull. Any Other Business No written notices for Any Other Business have been received and there were no responses from the floor. Closing remarks and Thanks District Governor, Lion Heather Jeavons invited Convention Chair Lion Danielle Benn and members of the organising committee to assemble in front of the Top Table. She thanked Lion Danielle and her team for all their hard work in putting together this Convention and asked Convention to show their appreciation. Vote of Thanks PDG Lion Doug Cross asked all present to show their thanks to District Governor Heather for an enjoyable and smoothly run Convention. (Where are the numbers?) Closing Ceremony Lion Danielle Benn, Convention Chair, handed the District Flag to Lion John Barnes, by way of the District Governor, for safe keeping until District Convention 2017 at Stratford. Close of Convention. Following a rousing rendition of Land of Hope and Glory by all at Convention, District Governor Heather declared the 41 st District 105M Convention formally closed at hrs. 15

16 District 105M District Convention CONVENTION STANDING ORDERS 1. Any Delegate wishing to speak on any Resolution or any other matter of business shall stand, must use a microphone when available, announce his/her name and Club and address the District Governor (Chair). 2. On the District Governor (Chair) standing, any speaker shall yield to the Chair and immediately resume his/her seat. 3. Resolutions and Amendment shall only be moved and seconded by either nominees on behalf of the Cabinet, or registered Delegates on behalf of Club. 4. The Mover of a Resolution shall be entitled to the right of reply, except when the original Resolution has been displaced by an Amendment. 5. The Seconder of a Resolution shall be entitled to the right of reply, except when the original Resolution has been displaced by an Amendment. 6. The Seconder of a Resolution shall formally second the Resolution and reserve his/her right to speak later. 7. Delegates may speak only once on the subject being debated. 8. The election of candidates for office shall be by written secret ballot and any candidate must receive a majority of 50% plus one vote of the votes cast by those registered Delegate present and voting to be declared elected. 9. The voting on any Resolution/Amendment on general business shall be by a show of Delegate cards of those present and voting, and the District Governor (Chair) shall declare the result or order a count. Any Resolution on a Constitutional matter requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the registered Delegates present and voting. 10. Time limits on Speakers: District Governor & Vice District Governor Candidates Proposers of Resolutions Seconders of Resolutions Host Club Presentations All other Speakers from the floor 5 mins 3 mins 2 mins 3 mins 2mins 11. The District Governor (Chair) shall have the absolute discretion to the length of time allowed to all categories of Speakers. 16

17 Lion Chris Burrows Curriculum Vitae Candidate for District Governor I have been a member of Shirley Lions Club since 2006 as was their Secretary in 2007 and then elected President in Following my year in office I was chosen to become Chair of Zone C a post I held from July 2013 until June During my time as Zone Chair the Clubs in the Zone organised and hosted our Convention in I was then most fortunate to be elected to the position of 2 nd Vice District Governor at our Convention in 2015 and last year was grateful to be elected at 1 st Vice District Governor. This year has been a year of discovery for me learning about the organisation and I have been fortunate to have had the help and support of colleagues in Cabinet and of course Lion Joy and Lion Brigitte ensuring I complete all of my returns and reports, albeit not always on time. We clearly need to focus our energies and resources on retaining existing and gaining new members, but we also need to modernise and make District more relevant to the needs of our members and so these will be key priorities should I be elected. These are challenging times for Lions in the UK, not only are numbers falling but with MD 105I (Ireland) electing to leave the Multi District and the need to restructure quite a few divisions have become apparent. If the experience of MD Convention in Eastbourne in 2016 is anything to go by there are many who are most unhappy. Change is often felt as threatening; however. I much prefer to look on it as an opportunity to make things better. In my working career I was fortunate to be part of several change management programmes and whilst these were not the easiest assignments I have ever had I do believe they have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to help us through this period of anxiety and uncertainty. There is certainly a lot of work to do and I do not underestimate the effort needed to repair existing relationships and forge new fellowships with clubs and members in what might be the newly formed district. The Short Term Plan that I am developing with the assistance of members of the Long Range Planning Committee will hopefully guide and help us through the transition into whatever new arrangements are ultimately agreed at Multi District Convention. My aim is therefore to:. Reenergise membership initiatives. Support Clubs and make District and MD more relevant to their needs. Provide leadership and direction when implementing necessary and agreed changes. Prepare for transition into the new structure (assuming the resolution is carried). Support members in whatever way I can. Take the Lions movement forward into the 21 st Century. 17

18 Stewart Sherman-Kahn Curriculum Vitae Candidate for 1 st Vice District Governor I am currently serving as President of the Birmingham Chinatown Lions Club. I joined the Club in October 2012 and have also served as Secretary. I served on Cabinet as Zone B Chair in 2015/16 and am currently serving as Region 1 Chair. Our District faces some significant challenges over the coming years. I hope that this year the issue of re-districting will be resolved. There will be a huge amount of work to do and I am ready for this challenge to ensure that the new District functions well for all its members and that the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Due to geographical issues we will need to embrace new technology to enable this. A lot of work has been done in preparation by Lion Chris Burrows and I plan to continue with his vision. Membership continues to be a challenge, particularly the recruitment of younger Lions. This is something which as a current and enlarged District we have to tackle. I have a number of ideas to promote this with the help of the vast experience which our District has. Born in Leicester in 1972 my formative years were spent in Worcestershire. After leaving Bromsgrove School with A levels, I started my Training as a Chartered Surveying at the College of Estate Management at Reading University while working at the Birmingham Valuation Office. I was elected a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors on 29 November From 1993 until 1998 I was involved and eventually ran Radio Lollipop at the Birmingham Children s Hospital with a fundraising and broadcasting brief. In June 1999 I established Chamberlains Chartered Surveyors. A small but perfectly formed Surveying Practice based in Harborne, Birmingham. We have a varied case load and deal in both residential and commercial property matters. I am also Chair of the Board of Governors at The Calthorpe Academy (Special School) in Highgate, Birmingham and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors West Midlands Regional Board. I am married to my husband Kash Sherman-Kahn. We have no children or pets but have Nieces and a gaggle of God children who we spend a lot of time with. 18

19 Anita Bedi Curriculum Vitae Candidate for 2 nd Vice District Governor Member of Mercia Lions Coventry My Name is Anita Bedi. married, with two grown up children and one four year old grand daughter. I used to work in a hospital in pathology department and then had a complete turn around of the profession, by joining the Beauty Training. my profession. I am trained as a Beauty Therapist/Lecturer, (Degree in Teaching), at present Teaching and running my own salon in Leamington Spa. I thoroughly enjoy my work and teaching., in fact my hobbies became to Present I joined as a lion member. I have performed in various chair roles with in the club, i.e.; President, Secretary, Treasures, Welfare, Social, Mela Chair, and Membership. Joined District cabinet about six years ago. Did post of Zone Chair, Medic Alert, worked with International team, and now serving as Region 2 chair. Each position has been a great learning curve. Visiting clubs, meeting other fellow members is still very enlightening. I believe in continuing learning, irrelevant of the source. Each role performed so far in my Lions capacity, I learned a lot and also found extremely enjoyable with rewarding accolades. Being a lion member has made me realised that I actually enjoy serving the community by raising funds; further more, because of my social nature I don t find this as a chore. 19

20 NOMINATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS FOR DISTRICT CONVENTION 2017 RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO 1 Dues 2017/18 Proposed by District Cabinet This Convention resolves that, in order to ensure the approved administrative expenses of District 105M for the fiscal year 2017/18, the Annual Subscription shall be p.a. per Lion Member. The Subscription to be payable in two (2) instalments of 5.00 on 1 st August 2017, based upon membership at 30 th June 2017, and 5.00 on 1 st February 2018, based upon membership at 31 st December Budget Proposed Receipts Membership dues 968 members 9680 Cabinet fines 100 MBNA Royalties 100 Total 9880 Expenditure Officers expenses 1200 Convention DG Allowance 750 NSL Allowance 600 District handover 100 District Forum 300 Room Hire 650 Competitions 50 Printing & stationery 200 Equipment replacement 500 Internet 350 Regalia 50 Membership 2500 Leadership GLT 1000 Transition arrangements 1000 Accountant 500 Transfer from reserves Total 9880 It should be noted that if the resolution fails the dues will remain the same at 10 p.a. If this Resolution is passed the Allowance for the District Governor and North Sea Lions Officer will be agreed for This resolution requires a simple majority 20

21 RESOLUTION N0 2 DISTRICT CONSTITUTION Proposed by District Cabinet This Convention resolves to accept the Standard District Constitution issued by Lions Clubs International and to retain the original Appendices and Bye-laws of the current Constitution and Bye-laws for District 105M. Explanation Lions Clubs International has made multiple mandatory changes to District Constitutions. Adopting the standard constitution avoids a complete rewrite of the District Constitution, assists in the redistricting process, but retains our own Bye-Laws and Appendices. This resolution requires a two thirds + 1 majority AMENDMENTS Any amendments to the above resolutions must be received by me on 14 th February. Amendments may not directly contradict a resolution. NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE There is one nomination for each office. District Governor - 1 st VDG Chris Burrows 1 st Vice DG - 2 nd VDG Stewart Sherman-Khan 2 nd Vice DG - Region Chairman Anita Bedi NOMINATIONS FOR ZONE CHAIRMAN Nominations are required from Clubs for the office of Zone Chairman. Nominations should be sent to me by 14 th February. All of this year s Club Presidents are now eligible for office. If there is more than one nomination in a zone an election will be held in that zone. Wim Hoogerwerf CNRO 105M hoogerwerf@btopenworld.com

22 NAME: Ron Cross OFFICE: District Governor Time has flown by since Convention In early April I attended an ALLI. Other ALLIs have been in exotic places like Portugal or Spain. Mine was in Kenilworth. Perhaps this was a pointer to how the rest of the year would proceed. I learned quite a lot which goes to show that you can always find out something you don t know or contribute something you know to others (incoming officers please note!). Redistricting has loomed over everything that DGs have had to discuss or deal with this year. Since the rejection of the resolution in Eastbourne last year, a serious weight has descended on the shoulders of the Council of Governors and their advisors. We have worked hard to try to please everybody in the Multiple District. A task we knew we would never achieve. Too much discussion has been about how changes will affect Lions and their Clubs, when the emphasis should be on how we can better serve the people who need our help. We must learn to overcome our difficulties. Your voting delegates are needed in Blackpool, to vote for the new resolution at MD Convention. Let s put redistricting to bed and move on to solving real problems. International Convention in Japan came and went with the usual items: DGE School, learned a lot more. Meeting old friends, always very pleasing. Making new friends, more to be old friends next time. The highlight, being sworn in as your Governor 2016/2017. Our return to the UK was delayed while we visited our old friends, Hikkaduwa Lions in Sri Lanka. Those of you who remember our NSL Project in the mid 1980 s will be pleased to know the Community Centre is thriving as is the Education at school and University organisation attached to it. Our old friend Mettapala is not as spritely as he was but is still heavily involved with the children. It has been a pleasure to visit a number of Clubs, either a Club Meeting or for their Charter Anniversary celebration, or both. Whether we are at District Convention, (please come) or at MD Convention (please come) or in our Club environment, our priority must be to the people who need us. But, to turn our Centennial strapline around, how can there be a Lion where there is a Need, if we do not have enough Lions? Therefore, where are all the Lions that I asked you for in March Some have been successful, but we are still less than we were on July 1 st Keep, seeking, keep asking and keep them happy when you have got them. So, I have to get through District Convention and MD Convention without upsetting anybody, find lots of new members, do my utmost to retain what we have. Simple! It will be with your help. PS: Don t forget the Centenary Projects. There is still a long way to go. NAME: Brigitte Green OFFICE: District Secretary The year has included minute taking at various District meetings including Cabinet and Finance and Admin meetings and supporting both members and Cabinet Officers when requested. 22

23 This has been a challenging time with so much talk of re-districting so lots of meetings and discussions have taken place which I have been asked to attend. Wherever possible I am trying to support and promote Club Secretaries use of MyLCI. Please note that the MyLCI website should be kept up to date, with any changes to member s details and/or meeting places/dates. The other important factor is that MDHQ also use the MyLCI database, to create the MD Directory and also to post out the Lion magazine. Therefore, it is important that all the information is kept up to date. Part of my role is working closely with the District Webmistress and as always a big part of our role is compiling reports and CHASING reports for various meetings and for District Convention I stress again it really helps when the report templates are used for these reports. We will be reviewing the structure of reports and more information will come out to you in due course. It is assumed that any new Club Secretary receives some training from their predecessor, which includes gaining access to MyLCI and some familiarisation of the monthly reporting tasks. In addition to this, an excellent familiarisation/training session is provided by the District and I will continue to encourage secretaries to attend. Failing that, please liaise with me, prior to the start of your year, for some guidance. As ever, I am here to help you, therefore please feel free to contact me if you need any assistance. I aim to support the team in helping to run a successful District Convention. To continue to assist the DG and DG team in the smooth running of the District and assist with handover at the end of the Lionistic Year. To continue to give advice and assistance to Cabinet Officers and Clubs when requested. NAME: Christine Moss OFFICE: Treasurer Attached is the final report from the treasurer for Lion Brian Burgess and I would like to thank Brian for his time as treasurer and for being so helpful when he handed the role over to me. The report includes his Charity Trust report followed by the Charities accounts and the Administration accounts for the district. In accepting this report you will be approving both the Charity Account and the Administration accounts for subject to examination by an external examiner. I am currently arranging for these accounts to be examined. I will continue to provide a service to clubs and the district as treasurer ensuring that funds are accurately accounted for. Lions Clubs International 105 Charity Trust Account Lions clubs International (LCI) District 105M Charity Trust Account 23

24 Annual Report for the year ended 30 th June 2016 Charity Commission first draft copy LCI District 105M is registered with the Charity Commissioners No and is constituted by Deed of Trust. 1. Trustee The Charity is administered by a committee of ex officio Trustees. The five trustees for are: - Immediate Past District Governor Ian Haffner District Governor Heather Jeavons 1 st Vice Governor Ron Cross District Secretary Brigitte Waterfield District Treasurer Brian Burgess These trustees are eligible by their office within the District Cabinet. The object of the trust is to receive funds on behalf of charitable projects and charitable trusts operated by District 105M of LCI and other external registered charities and charitable trusts from clubs within 105M District. To disburse the funds received to the relevant parties in a manner, which will ensure proper recognition for the Clubs. All administrative expenses are met from member s subscriptions 2. Projects within LCI 105M Projects within LCI 105M Trusts are supported by Clubs within District 105M. No club is obliged to contribute to any of the projects and so no guaranteed income can be assumed for any project. The partner s project for Birmingham Children s Hospital hologram project is to encourage clubs to provide help locally. The final amount raised and handed over to the hospital was District M Youth Activities - Clubs have contributed towards youth activities during the year with a closing balance of 4,648. The Water Well projects in Kenya and Fendall Village have been completed. The North Sea Lions projects in Tanzania and South Africa have been completed. Donations of 4360 are held to meet future commitments. 3. Appeals from LCI and Multiple District 105 Donations from individual clubs to these appeals are collected and periodically remitted. LCIF is the International foundation set up by Lions Clubs International. During the year, undesignated donations were 2235 and the Nepalese Earthquake received The earthquake appeal in Japan raised Funds raised for specific projects that are not remitted during the year aree remitted in the first quarter of the following year. 24

25 The trust has no specific policy regarding rese 25

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29 NAME: Stewart Sherman-Kahn OFFICE: Region 1 Chair Zones B and C have been working very hard. They have both held regular Zone meetings which I have attended. These have been well attended and well organised and my thanks must go to Lions Nick Bate and Doug Cross for all their hard work in this regard. Zone A has been neglected since the resignation Harry Fry last year and so far no new Zone Chairman has been appointed. As well as attending the Zone Meetings I have attended Solihull, Shirley, Balsall Common Lions meetings and have more Club visits over the next few months. The hard work of the Zone B and C Chairs has shown how well things can work when they right individual takes on the role with vigour. It is imperative that a Zone A Chair is found as soon as possible for the remainder of this Lions year and the next one to ensure that the Clubs in this Zone have some direction together and I am working on this. NAME: Stewart Sherman-Kahn OFFICE: Region 1 Chair covering Zone A Clubs within the zone are doing what Lions clubs do well, raising money, donating time and contributions to worthy causes and generally having a good time. Bilston and Willenhall have gained 5 members in the year having only dropped 1. However, membership numbers are still a concern in some Clubs. Club Name Members July 16 Members Current (Feb 17) Aldridge & District 8 9 Bilston & Willenhall 5 9 Dudley 7 6 K ford & Stourbridge Walsall Wolverhampton 7 7 Members Potential Total Key direction is to find a zone Chair for I have planned visits to some Clubs within the Zone over the next few months and will encourage club members to nominate a Zone chair for next year. This Zone Chair can then plan a Zone Meeting 29

30 NAME: Nick Bate OFFICE: Zone B Chair This year Zone B was increased from four clubs to seven. Two Zone meetings have been held. The first in September was well attended with most Clubs represented and number of District Officers also in attendance. The second meeting in December was not so well attended as a number of Clubs were involved in Christmas fundraising or social activities. I have visited three clubs, Birmingham Acocks Green, Birmingham Sheldon, and Sutton Coldfield & Erdington. All clubs in the Zone are very active in both fund raising and service activities. They are very well organised and run with an enthusiastic membership. No issues have been reported. Club membership within the Zone has remained fairly static. There have been a number of membership initiatives including the Quinton Branch Club which Sandwell are continuing to support and Birmingham Sheldon's leaflet drop which saw almost 5,500 leaflets distributed. This has been my first year in this post and I am very grateful for the support I've been given from the Club presidents and the Region Chair. Club Name Members July 16 Members Current (Feb 17) Members Potential Birmingham Acocks Green Birmingham Chinatown Birmingham Handsworth Birmingham Moseley & Kings Heath Birmingham Sheldon Sandwell Sutton Coldfield & Erdington Total To continue to support clubs, including more club visits and attendance at club events. To ensure Zone meetings are well supported. NAME: Douglas Cross OFFICE: Zone C Chair The Zone is an extension of the 7 Solihull Lions Clubs who continue to work together and assist each other: 30

31 Club Name Last report Members This report Poss. Membership Actions Cost Spent/ planne d Balsall Common High on the Agenda Birmingham Exhibition New member inducted Castle Bromwich Scheme in spring Knowle & Dorridge Younger members required Marston Green One to be badged up Shirley Good success Solihull Still looking Total Good to announce that there has been three Zone Meeting this year all very well supported. Presidents Balsall Common Birmingham Exhibition Castle Bromwich Knowle & Dorridge Marston Green Shirley Solihull Membership Dave Blakeman Brian Murray Graham Wooldridge Richard Buckley Simon Moss Jaap do Jonge Stephen Walker A budget is available each year to assist clubs with low membership for printing of cards/ notices etc Generally, all clubs are looking for new members with Balsall Common, Shirley and Knowle & Dorridge quite strong in this field. Solihull Lions are now down to 15 but introducing a friends of Lions scheme Castle Bromwich have dropped to only 10 members and they are organising a card drop scheme in the spring. Assistance will be requested from the other clubs Birmingham Exhibition Lions Club two members have died in recent times leaving only 6 A new member was inducted at the February meeting up to 7. They now meet on the third Thursday in every month at Hatch Brook Golf Club They intend to use a card type scheme in the Villages of Barston & Hampton in Arden plus the office blocks adjacent to the Golf Club. Both Shirley & Marston Green have recently inducted much younger members Lions Skills update Many thanks to all clubs for support at Solihull Schools presentation event Each school had been allocated to one of our 7 Lions Clubs. Well organised by 105M Officer Terry Smith Acocks Green Lions Some meetings have taken place with PTA were ideas put forward to build a link to assist both the school and PR Membership of club. Additional Solihull MBC Junior Schools would be added this year Zone Diary 31

32 Ray Stephens Balsall Common still keeps an excellent up to date diary on all 7 clubs events to avoid clashes Zone Skittles Social Skittles evening held at Berkswell British Legion and was a great success Well supported and organisation by Lion Ken Barker Shirley Lions Solihull Lions A team won the "trophy" designed and made by Lion Brian Hornsby. OVERVIEW OF DIRECTION FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR The 7 Solihull Lions Club continue to work together and become stronger A point of interest I have mentioned before the Mayor of Solihull MBC is a member of Solihull Lions Club and he always wears his Lions Pin at events around the Borough even those nothing to do with Lions which is good PR Club Charters Shirley Lions Club 7/9th April 2017 at Weston Super Mare Solihull Lions Club Sunday Lunch 14th May 2017 West Warwick's Sports Club Events 2017 Joint social events are now being organised including an evening at Hall Green Dog Track if the group is more than 20 we can have the large private room complete with a meal for with Fish & Chips Collection by Lions to be taken and sponsored race to be held Solihull / Shirley / Balsall Common & Chinatown going up to now 10 th June Solihull Lions Carnival Tudor Grange Park 8 th July Shirley Lions Carnival, Shirley Park. Other Lions Clubs stalls welcome NAME: Anita Bedi OFFICE: Region 2 Chair Two of the Zone chairmen, E & D had been doing an excellent job with there designated clubs. Both of the ZC had attended various events and contributed there in put where possible. Unfortunately, Zone F chair person could not fulfil his commitment so therefore now my self is in the process of organising the meeting date with the zone club presidents, hopefully will do it with in March. Alcester & District needed financial help for the yellow card drop, it s been taken care of. The venture of opening of a new club in the Leamington spa did not got much further, again my self and our President, together will be working on this project. Hoping to the Zone F clubs joint social. NAME: June Lloyd-Adams OFFICE: Zone D Chair Prior to taking on the role of Zone Chair from Lion John Cavana (Zone E as it was then) I was lucky enough to accompany him on many of his club visits which enabled me to get to know the clubs better. 32

33 Since the start of this year I have visited all clubs in the Zone and I am now on my round of second visits. I have assisted with card drops, attended fund raising events and supported where possible. The main task this year has been the organising of the coming District Convention which is being hosted by 3 clubs in this Zone - Stour Valley, Wellesbourne and Shakespeare. As it is the Centennial year it is hoped that this Convention will be a very special one and supported well by the district. Although there have been a couple of issues with clubs I feel that this is a strong Zone with a very positive attitude, hardworking and offering good support to their local communities. Despite having few members, Alcester & District still provide service to the area and remain confident that their numbers will increase. Club Name Members July 16 Members Current (Feb 17) Members Potential Alcester &District 9 9 Kenilworth Shakespeare Southam Stour Valley Warwick Wellesbourne Total I will continue to support all clubs whenever possible. It would be wonderful if we could increase the members for Alcester & District and I am hoping to assist with a membership drive. I would very much like to persuade the clubs to become better acquainted with District matters but, as yet, there seems to be little interest. So far I have not yet recruited a successor for the role of Zone Chair. My plan for the forthcoming year is to continue to support clubs and involve them with the wider Lions family as much as possible. NAME: Ian Haffner OFFICE: Zone E Chair Attended Autumn Forum. It has been another steady year within the Zone with most clubs continuing with well established activities although there are one or two new activities planned for the final quarter of this Lions years. Christmas fundraising has again gone well providing funds for both local community projects and Lions projects such as detailed in the District officers wish list. The zone project this year was centred around support for Malvern Hills It s a Knockout tournament for adults with disabilities. This was again very successful and will run again in November 2017 in the next Lions year. Zone meetings continue to be well attended with all clubs fully engaged socially, Charter dinners, the Droitwich Burns Night quiz and Malvern Hills quiz continue to be well supported from across the zone. The Zone skittles competition was again well supported and we were 33

34 joined by two Youth exchange young men from Netherlands and Hungary. They were hosted by Worcester who were very well supported by the Zone in looking after them and providing interesting days out. This was a very successful shared effort throughout the Zone. A Zone social dinner is again planned and this is always well attended by Lions and partners. Redditch continue to act as a supply hub for distribution of Message in a bottle for clubs in the zone. Membership has stayed fairly flat, although overall at this stage we are at plus 2 increasing from 92 to 94 with several other potential new members. Both Malvern Hills and Worcester have managed to increase membership numbers in this year and hopefully this will continue. The zone acquired a gazebo to be used for promoting Membership. So far this has been used by Worcester and Redditch with a further event planned by Bromsgrove and another by Worcester in the coming weeks. This is generally used for outside events with a large footfall. Early signs are good and we will continue to monitor successes. Club Name Members July 16 Members Current (Feb 17) Members Potential Bromsgrove Droitwich Kidderminster and District 7 7 1? Malvern Hills Redditch Worcester Total ? As ever, clubs will need to concentrate effort on recruitment of active new members. Every club should be encouraged to see every event as a membership opportunity. Again we should be aiming for further, closer co-operation between clubs in those larger projects that transcend an individual club s immediate patch. Attending MD Convention in Blackpool. NAME: Anita Bedi OFFICE: Region 2 Chair covering Zone F Zone F clubs now I will be be looking after, and I shall have up to date report by the next cabinet meeting. I have fixed the visiting dates for the zone F clubs and have arranged the zone meeting date too. Club Name Members July 16 Members Current (Feb 17) Members Potential Barwell & Earl Shilton Bedworth 14 Coventry Godiva 33 2 Coventry Leofric Coventry Mercia 19 Coventry Phoenix 9 Hinckley & Burbage 19 Nuneaton 20 Rugby Rokeby 23 Total

35 To continue to support the clubs Catch up with Zone F clubs, assess the situation of the Coventry Phoenix club NAME: John O Rourke OFFICE: Region 3 Chair Thanks to the support of Lion Roger Zone H is in good hands, I have supported him with club visits and attendance at Charter dinners. Both Zones are busy fulfilling Lions activities The absence of a Zone Chair in Zone I has made the job a little more difficult, however, I have been supportive where necessary. Planned visits to all Zone I clubs. I aim to hold a Zone meeting/social event very shortly. To canvas clubs in the search for a Zone chair for , and continue to support clubs and district. To promote the Centennial and use this as means of attracting membership. NAME: Roger N. Clarke OFFICE: Zone G Chair Second club visits were completed between March and April last Lionistic year 2016 and the first club visits of this year have taken place before Christmas Rugby Rokeby Lions are technically no longer in Zone G but have also been visited in the current year as well as visited at the end of the last year, but, they are keeping active contact with Zone G and participating in some of their events. Two clubs have had a difficult year; however, both are now over their problems and looking forward to progressing in the next few months. Northampton lost 2 of their younger members but changes in their membership have enabled a new beginning, with the club this is now progressing well. Rushden were beset with health problems which was problematic within such a small club. Unfortunately, due to bereavement major fundraising has had to be put on hold. Both clubs are planning an active summer and are very hopeful of attracting new members. The Zone Special School Sports was held in June 2016 at Benham Sports Arena in Northampton which was attended by all Clubs within the Zone and Rugby Rokeby. Three schools took part each providing two teams, all were presented with a medal for taking part and a cup for each school. Rushden Clay Pigeon shoot had to be cancelled and it is hoped to arrange a new event this year. Wellingborough and Towcester helped Rushden with the Picnic in the Park using the membership stand and a bric-a - brac stall. 35

36 The Zone Awareness / Membership display has been used at events throughout the Zone and 2 clubs have had Young Leaders in Service Presentation where the display material was used. It is used at the monthly Towcester Farmer s Market run by Towcester lions Rushden have been used by ENDC to assist with clearing homes of elderly people and of hoarders. This has provided a good supply for their stalls in the summer, the latest request being to clear the Football stadium due for demolition. Numerous meetings have now been held with Diabetic Consultant Dr Charles Fox with a view to doing Diabetic screening in the summer. A result of this Charles fox spoke to the Autumn Forum and is also speaking at the District Convention on diabetes The Zone Skittles has been held again this year and was won again by Towcester who went on to the Region Finals against Kettering and won again. The Zone Skittles organised by Wellingborough was again very successful this year with 45 attending and won by Towcester. Since last March Charters have been attended at Towcester and Rugby Rokeby and this year so far Wellingborough. Northampton 80 will have their Charter late this year at the end of March. Club Name Members July 16 Members Current (Feb 17) Northampton 10 9 Northampton Rushden and District 5 5 Towcester and District Wellingborough & District Rugby Rokeby Total Members Potential Centennial events are being sorted by most clubs, Leroy Lions for Paediatric and A&E Departments at Northampton General Hospital with Northampton Lions; benches for a new Crematorium at Wellingborough; a Centennial Oak has been planted by Towcester Lions amongst many initiatives. The Awareness / Membership Display is being updated for the summer events to reflect the Centennial Year in the hope of attracting new members. Preparations are afoot for Diabetes Screening at the Blakesley Show in August as well as looking at the possibilities in major town areas. Second club visits are being arranged for March / April and will include Rugby Rokeby. The Special School Games will take place this year on June 20 th (note the change of date) at the Benham arena in Northampton with all clubs including Rugby involved. Support to Rushden with their stalls at the Rushden Cavalcade during the 3 days of the May Day Bank holiday. Northampton Lions are holding a SOS Charity Fashion Show on 5 th May 2017, to raise further funding to supply more Centennial Leroy Lions. NAME: John O Rourke OFFICE: Region 3 Chair covering Zone H 36

37 Kettering hosted (and won) the zone skittles competition which was not supported by many other clubs however a good night had by all. Clubs within the zone are doing what Lions clubs do well, raising money, donating time and contributions to worthy causes and generally having a good time Club Name Members July 16 Members Current (Feb 17) Bushby Corby & District Harborough Kettering & District Lutterworth 8 8 Rowell & Desborough Thurnby Total Members Potential Key direction is to find a zone Chair for as this a quite a large zone spread over a wide area. I have planned visits to all clubs within the zone over the next few weeks and will canvas club members to nominate a Zone chair for next year. I am currently trying to arrange a zone meeting/social within the zone NAME: Sarah Hill OFFICE: Health Committee Chairman Not done a great deal due to personal issues. To continue to support the portfolio holders; to seek feedback from Clubs on what take-up there is for Health projects, and what further support or encouragement they want from the Health Committee. NAME: Linda Cross OFFICE: Sight Officer/LEHP Since last convention clubs were encouraged to add sight literature to their fundraising stalls throughout the summer. These include the sight test leaflets which are available from MDHQ, and the L.E.H.P. leaflets which deal with all sight related problems. World Sight Day is the second Thursday in October. Clubs are encouraged to undertake activities which bring sight problems to the public s attention on this day. Some clubs participate by involving local dignitaries. In the latter half of the year an appeal was made to clubs to support Lions Sightsavers to the tune of 250. This is used throughout the world to support Comprehensive Eye Services, which looks after those who are blind and can have their sight saved and rehabilitation for those whose blindness is permanent. At the moment Sightsavers has a programme called A 37

38 Million Miracles. This is aimed at providing cataract operations (cost approx. 30) to restore the sight of a million people in the poorest countries in the world. For two years now, the British Government, through its humanitarian funds, has doubled the contributions that Lions Clubs have made to Lions Sightsavers. Many clubs collect used spectacles for recycling to Third World Countries, for people who cannot afford to buy new ones. The coming year will be repeating the same programmes, but trying to get even more clubs to take part. My eventual aim would be to get all clubs involved. NAME: Harry Fry OFFICE: Speech and Hearing Officer Contact Made with Hearing Dogs for the Deaf Midlands Community Fundraising Manager to Discuss our Millennium Project Sponsor a Hearing Dog for the Deaf and Invite her and arrange a demonstration at Autumn Forum. Following the demonstration, several clubs indicated interest and discussed a visit from the Fund raiser. To date I have not received any feedback from her or any Clubs. Due to unexpected situations, both in my home club and personal circumstances I have not been able to achieve the results to date as I would have liked. We still have a few months left of this year and if any clubs would like me to visit to speak about the project please contact me. I would like to appeal to all the clubs in the District to consider donating towards hearing Dogs for the Deaf project as part of the District Officers Wish List. NAME: Pauline Fanti OFFICE: Diabetes Officer Several Clubs in the district have had stands at some of their event to promote and inform people of the risks that are found with Diabetes. They have in some cases been able to set up testing and screening for type 2 diabetes, and have referred many people to be checked by their GP. As more and more cases of both type 2 and type 1 diabetes is increasing it is of great concern. I attended Zone D meeting in January and gave a short presentation and gave out several booklets also a short questionnaire to help them identify some of the symptoms related to the desease. I am attending MD diabetes officers meeting on Sunday 19 th February and there will be A representative from Diabetes UK there and we hope that we can address together some of the problems we have! To work more closely with Diabetes UK. Attend more events, and Zone meetings. Be there to assist in any way I can. 38

39 NAME: Heather Jeavons OFFICE: Disabilities Officer Planning towards the SOGB games in Sheffield from 8 th August 2017 has been a priority. Several members from our district will be going as volunteers, and Lions have been assigned full responsibility for the families support programme. The EFDS games at Warwick in July 2016 were very successful, and I know that several members assisted. However, difficulties have been encountered when seeking support for the 2017 games as the date clashes with the Chicago Centennial International Convention and many Lions who offer support will not be available. Help has been requested for local helpers and for equipment to be loaned. This is ongoing. Around District 105M several Clubs have put on amazing activity days for disabled groups, and these continue to be very successful, but are under threat in some areas because of the funding cuts to local authority supported services and transport for the disabled. Clubs continue to provide excellent support to the disabled in their local areas by means of the provision of specialised wheelchairs, car seats and other equipment. The EFDS coordinator is retiring from the post and is looking for a successor from District M, but this has been hard to achieve despite seeking volunteers. The delivery of both games is a priority. To continue to support Clubs with any requests concerning their support for the disabled. NAME: Jackie Culliford OFFICE: Message in a Bottle Co-ordinator I sent out a questionnaire to all Clubs asking for feedback on who is involved with MiaB and any success stories they can share and also any concerns they may have. I had over a 30% response. Overall I believe that 705 of Clubs in our District do contribute to the MiaB project which is excellent. Responses to the survey were very positive about the scheme but there were some concerns expressed in particular which I continue to work with the MD officers on: - Whether the Ambulance and First Responders in all areas are sufficiently aware of the scheme - we are writing to Jeremy Hunt but this is the area everyone really needs to focus on for the next year. - That the standard display boxes are too flimsy - new boxes are now available - And questions about how to obtain the boxes - the web site is to be amended to make them easier to find I attended a District MiaB officers meeting in September and shared the issues with him and other officers in our Multiple District. 39

40 I arranged for an article to go in the West Midlands Ambulance Service newsletter which was circulated to all staff in the West Midlands and have arranged for posters to be displayed in all Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull Ambulance stations. I attended the Autumn Forum with a MiaB display table and ran a competition to guess how many Bottles this district ordered from HQ in the last Lion s Year. The answer was 12,240 out of a total of 156,600. I have responded to all requests for bottles made by Matthew Bungard by passing these requests out to the most appropriate 105M Club and would like to thank all the Clubs that have responded to these requests (i.e. everyone I ve asked!) I have written to all Zone Chairs to see if they would like me to go to their Zone meetings. I have been invited by Zone B to attend their May meeting. Zone C regularly discusses MiaB as may other Zones but I am happy to come along as requested. I will continue to try to promote MiaB and encourage Clubs not only to distribute the bottles but also continue to promote the project with the emergency services in their areas. NAME: Linda Cross OFFICE: MedicAlert Officer After handover of the job I have visited MedicAlert headquarters in Milton Keynes, offices and factory. I was amazed at how such an important service could be run so efficiently with such a streamlined set up. Since taking up the job I have publicised the offer on watches which included all of the required engraving. I also sent out a reminder that young people going away from home to study, who may have health problems, could benefit from having a MedicAlert disc with the required medical information and contact for more detailed information. Amongst the choice of jewellery that can be purchased (see the MedicAlert website) there are wristbands that might appeal to the students. The latest appeal that I have made is to contribute to the Early Start Programme. This is to support a child with health problems from birth to the age of 10 years. A suitable piece of jewellery is included in the price of 295. This could be a way of supporting a local family or, a donation direct to MedicAlert could support another small child elsewhere. I hope to continue learning more about MedicAlert and getting support from the District clubs in helping people suffering from health problems in their area or throughout the MD. This can be achieved by donations to MedicAlert. NAME: Dave Jeavons OFFICE: Environment Officer There was an excellent response from Clubs to the 2016 Clean for the Queen campaign, and community litter picking greatly improved many areas within our District. It also generated good will and publicity for Lions. I have been developing our contacts with the Government backed National Citizen Service for young people, as they have as an integral part of their service programme the need for the young people to undertake an environmental service project. Several youth groups from 40

41 around the District got involved in Clean for the Queen and they have maintained their contacts with Lions Clubs and are a willing source of help for environmental projects. The photographic competition looks as if it is coming to an end as an International competition, but as the standard of entries in MD105 is so high, I hope that the MD will find a way for it to continue. However, it would be an easier case to promote if we had more entries from our District! Working with young people to improve our communities is I believe the way forwards, and I will continue to progress this. NAME: Neil Chisholm OFFICE: International Chairman Since the last Convention the Kenyan Water and Green House project has been completed on time and on budget. The project was a great success achieving more than originally planned. My predecessor Femi Onabolu went out there (at his own expense) to attends the commissioning at the request of the Kenyan Lions. The day started with visits to 3 schools, an orphanage, a church and villages that benefited from provision of water by tapping from the main pipe through 6 kilometres from the reservoir to the Green House. This project helped over 3,500 people in 12 villages and hamlets who now have clean drinkable water. Photographs were taken that appeared in the Midland News last year. It was a tribute to the work that Femi has done over the years that he has left the Cabinet on a high. The next project which is expected to take over at least two years to complete is the Provision of wells in Sitikho Ward Bungoma County Kenya. At a total cost of about Each well will cost between about 1,500 to 1,800. The rivers in the area are polluted and there is a need to provide clean drinking water to a population of over 300,000 spread over 72 villages. United Nations day at the House of Commons Committee Room will be held on Tuesday 14 th March 2017 with PIP Al Bradel being the main speaker. You will be pleased to know that the District raised 1,500 toward the cost of providing kit containing the Lions logo for Visually Impaired Bowlers from England who are going the World Championships in South Africa. All the club who contributed are Knights of the Blind Details of the following activities can be found on MD Web site in the Members Area under International Projects. Europa Forum took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. Gift for Living Korle Bu Water Aid UN School in a Box Malawi Reading Action Programme Twinning Street Children - NAME: Jaap de Jonge OFFICE: North Sea Lions Officer 41

42 Visited Clubs to explain and promote North Sea Lions. Had a table promoting NSL at the MD Convention in order to make the wider 105 community aware of NSL in view of redistricting, which will mean that the new district we will be part of knows a little about NSL as we will have to decide to join NSL. Visited the NSL Board meeting in Delft (NL). Collected the required sum from 105M clubs. To continue the work described above. NAME: Ian Haffner OFFICE: LCIF Attended International Committee Meetings where possible. Attended MD LCIF Coordinator's Meeting. Table at Autumn Forum and Convention as part of International Awareness. Income achieved for LCIF so far is as follows: Japan 1,000 Italy 250 Measles project 150 Undesignated funds 5,080 Total Funds 6,480 Carry on with the present plan to raise the LCIF profile. NAME: Carole Moseley OFFICE: Water Projects Kenyan Water Project - Cost 5,000. Last year s project. All loans have been repaid and sufficient contributions from Clubs have been made to finance this Project The Project has been successfully completed, both the pipeline from Webuyu Reservoir and the supply of Greenhouses for widows and orphans to grow crops. Crops are now growing with great success. An article has been published in Midland News, with pictures of the greenhouses and the crops. Provision of wells in Sitikho Ward, Bungoma County, Kenya. 6,700. This year s project. This new Project, will be supervised, by Past Council Chairman, Pape Sembi and his Club, on behalf of the District (he recently managed the pipeline and greenhouse Project which can in within cost and on time.) Sitikho Ward has a population of over 300,000, divided into 72 villages averaging about 5000 people. Although bordered by two rivers, the water is highly polluted, and many diseases such as typhoid are contracted. Clean water is a major challenge and too expensive to purchase by about 98% of the 42

43 population, who live well below the poverty line. There is a need to sink wells and fit them with appropriate apparatus to tap water from the ground. - NAME: Christine Moss OFFICE: Youth Chairman The committee have been doing a great job as usual this year. Jackie is working with MD to improve the YLiS certificates. Terry is working closely with Solihull partnerships promoting life skills. Cath has been busy with Young Ambassador and will be working hard at the MD Finals and Manish Mistry who has taken on Leo s has joined us this year. Personally, I was lucky to be invited to visit King Edward School with Brigitte. The school are undertaking YLiS and are looking to make it compulsory for their pupils going forward. This was such a wonderful visit as we listened to the students discuss what they are doing to earn the hours they need for the award. The headmaster also came to see us, which showed the importance and the commitment the school were giving the scheme and Brigitte and her club should be very proud. I was also contacted by a lion in Pakistan whose family live in this country. He would like his son to become involved in his local community and wanted to know if we could help. Unfortunately, we do not have a Leo club near where he lives but Brigitte has offered to mentor him through the YLiS award. I have been lucky to experience the success of being involved in youth projects as I have seen parents of Young Leaders in Service participants as well as former young ambassadors become lions. The committee are excited at the prospect of the district hosting Youth Camp later this year and a big thank you goes out to those clubs who have supported Finally, I would like to thank the Youth Team again for their hard work throughout the Year. NAME: Jackie Williams OFFICE: YLiS New to the job this year and have learnt a lot. It seems that international have now orphaned the project buy now not issuing certificate from America and you now can download them and print them yourselves. However, the MD YLiS team have looked at the certificates and have come to the conclusion that they don t look very professional. The MD Officer has been printing the certificates in house and posting them back to the Lions club for the past few years. International have agreed for us to continue doing this and have sent all their stocks of certificates to Sally. 43

44 We as an MD team are working on designing a new certificate for when the stock runs out that will be signed by the council chairman and the club president. Clubs have been sending me the YLiS to verify and send onto the MD Officer for printing of the certificates. Our system in MD will not change in the near future. To Keep promoting the programme and to help clubs participate in the programme. NAME: Cath Kendall OFFICE: Young Ambassador I continue to work with the Clubs of the District supporting them in their quest to find a Young Ambassador Candidate from their local communities, there are a small group of very supportive clubs that work readily with me to find quality candidates. I attended the MD Final at The Village Hotel in Dudley where 105M was represented by Jessica Browne, sponsored by Shirley Lions Club, the judges were very impressed with Jessica, but the competition was won by Gurleen Kaur from 105W, who represented MD in Sofia, Bulgaria at Europa Forum. Jessica was presented with the Lion Geoff Thompson Memorial trophy in March at District Convention Where she gave an account of her project. Throughout the Spring and Summer, I continued to advocate for Clubs to find a candidate for the District Finals November 20 th Early in that period one club identified a candidate in June fantastic news. I continue to be a member of the Youth Committee although no meetings, as such, have been held this year I know support has always been there if needed. As part of my role as Deputy MD Young Ambassador Chair supporting Glenys Sanders, and District Officer, I attended the meeting in September of the MD Young Ambassadors District Officers, where details for the MD Finals were finalised and jobs allocated for the competition. I was unable to attend Autumn Forum this year, but Jessica did and updated the gathering as to her project. I attended Europa Forum in Sofia, Bulgaria at the end of October 2016, supporting the MD Candidate, due to illness Glenys Sanders, MD Young Ambassador Chair, could not attend and therefore I stood in for her, supporting Gurleen throughout the three days of the Forum. I attended the European meetings of the Young Ambassadors and provided guidance for Gurleen throughout the competition. Unfortunately, Gurleen did not win and the European Competition was won by a boy from Rumania. I organised the District Final on 20 th November 2016 at St John s Hotel Solihull. The lead judge Chris Parry, as usual did a stalwart job, supported by Chris Train, this year due to illness the third judge was unable to make the final, but because of their expertise they could interview and choose a representative for 105M. Disappointingly there were only two candidates this year, a third dropped out the week of the competition. It appears to becoming more difficult to find young people that are willing to take part, so the fact that some clubs do make the effort is more appreciated than ever. The two candidates were Alex Flanagan sponsored by Shirley Lions Club and Anna Caruso sponsored 44

45 by Shakespeare Lions Club both well matched. After a close-run head to head competition it was agreed by the judges that Alex would go through to the MD Finals as the representative for 105M. I met with Alex and his family early in January 2017, to put together the application for MD Final in February. Lead Judge Chris Parry, had made some suggestions for Alex and these were implemented to further improve his presentation. Alex had also though of other issues he would like to tackle within his project. Alex will be the representative of 105M at the MD Final in Dudley, 24 th 26 th February I will continue to work with the Clubs to raise the profile of the Young Ambassador Competition with a view to increasing the take up from Clubs not previously engaged with the competition. Continue to work with MD Young Ambassador Chair, supporting the national initiative. To continue to and provide relevant information for those Clubs that need it, and visit where necessary Zone and Clubs that request a visit. To increase the number of Clubs participating in the District Final in November NAME: Jackie Williams OFFICE: Youth Exchange Shirley and Marston Green sent students outward last year and both had a worthwhile experience and talk to us about their trips at Autumn Forum. Joy and Ian Haffner and Gordon and Catherine Templeton both hosted Exchangges in Zone E. The Zone took turns in taking the boys off for the day feeding them before returning them back at night. The Zone enjoyed the experience and the pressure of looking after them every day was lifted from the hosts, In 2017 District M is hosting the Youth camp in Worcester and many clubs have agreed to help John Barnes in arranging days out. The hosting dates before camp are Tuesday 25 th July to Friday 4 th August 2017 Camp dates Friday 4 th August to 14 th August I put my neck on the line by agreeing to host a Japanese after Youth camp so I am looking for a Host for 1Japanese girls from the 14 th August until 21 st August when she flies back home from Birmingham Yuwa Shida 19 interests badminton doesn t eat Beef or cod roe Sponsored by Torida= Churo Lions club as is the daughter of a Lion and wants to be a flight attendant If you can help please let me know. A list of exchanges has been circulated by the District Webmaster. Thank you in advance to all those helping. 45

46 To assist Lion John Barnes with any help he needs to have a successful Youth Centre. To give help and advice to Lions Clubs who are participating in the Youth Exchange Programme/ NAME: Terry Smith OFFICE: Lifeskills I have attended Lifeskills District officers meeting at MDHQ and taken part in strategic meetings aimed at making sure Lions Lifeskills is a valuable part of the Lions portfolio. I was able to attended Convention at Sketchley Grange, Autumn forum and promoted Lifeskills. I have also been able to promote Lifeskills at Zone F and C (now B) meeting. I was invited to a Marston Green social evening and promoted Lifeskills, this led to a specific fundraising event at their local Asda and I was able to put up a display and prove them with targeted leaflets. I attended Sutton Coldfield and Erdington Club and talked to them about Lions Lifeskills After last year s convention I continued to try to make inroads into the 2 specific initiatives I have designed to promote Lions Lifeskills. Unfortunately the Birmingham promotion failed to get off the ground but the Solihull promotion has proved to be really fruitful. Solihull Local Solihull Lions Clubs are now working in partnership with the local authority and we are now into the 2 nd round of awards. This has resulted in 26 schools being given Lifeskills resources and having personal introductions to their local Lions clubs. Each club is responding in their own way but I know Santa was able to visit more schools in the borough this year because of these invites and there will be changes made to one local carnival to accommodate the new links forged. One highlight of this initiative was the presentation of resources that took place at Sans souci Centre, Tanworth Lane, Solihull B90 4DD, on Thursday 29 th September 2016, 4 to 5.30 when light refreshment were served. We were honoured with the attendance of the Mayor of Solihull as well as the DG, Lion Ron Cross and Lion Linda Cross. It was a very successful event and Lion Club presidents were able to talk dire4ctly with the teachers responsible for Healthy Schools and forged links. This partnership has another 12months plus to run. After discussions at a District Officers meeting I tried to make contact with funeral provider who s HQ is in Sutton Coldfield. The initial contact had been made by another district officer and I took a sample resource and letters of introduction etc to see if they would sponsor the publication of Life Changes 2. They proved difficult to tie down and ultimately we have had to accept that even with all our efforts this initiative was dead in the water. I am working on promoting the Lions Lifeskills in Africa appeal and I have I have ed all presidents and secretaries (apart from those in zone C who are already contributing to their own Lifeskills partnership in the borough of Solihull). I have had positive responses from a number of clubs. A great part of the next year will be taken up with the management of the Solihull initiative. I need to push the contributions made to the Lions Lifeskills in Africa appeal and it is vital we raise enough money to publish Life Changes 2 to increase the resources we offer to organisations. I will continue to try to increase the take up Lions MD105 Lifeskills Ltd materials in schools and other organisations working with youth, building upon current good practice and 46

47 increasing the variety of methods of engagement, raising the profile of Lions as an educational service provider and increasing the relationships clubs have with youth organisations. NAME: Manish Mistry OFFICE: Leo Coordinator Godiva Lions Coventry have now developed and launched a local website to promote the club and Lionism. Within this website is a section on Leos which is aimed to facilitate the recruitment of Leos locally. There has been some interest amongst individuals to become involved as Leos however the recruitment of younger members still remains a challenge. The recruitment of Leos still remains a challenge hence going forwards the focus will be on improving this. Within Godiva Lions Coventry we are looking at contacting local youth organisations to see if we can support any funding and from then hopefully gain some interest in Lionism which potentially could lead to an increase in recruitment of new Leos. It is hoped that the experience gained through local initiatives within the Coventry area can be used to promote and increase membership of Leos within other Lions Clubs. NAME: Simon Moss OFFICE: Communications & Centennial Chair It has been a good year for communication with many more clubs taking advantage of the benefits offered by social media both to publicise events and to spread the word about Lions. Midland News goes from strength to strength with more clubs submitting articles and using it as another vehicle for publicising events. The website and mailing list continue to offer further communication to both members and the public although the website probably needs modernising. The district competitions have been pruned and brought up to date but we still need more clubs to take part. Our Almoner continues to provide an excellent service sending cards to recognise both sad and happy events within the family of Lions. One of those sad events was the loss of our Centennial Officer and 2 nd VDG, Martin Hill, and I have struggled to fill his shoes in taking over the Centennial role. I am aware of many clubs who I believe are planning events or who are undertaking the centennial service challenges but I have little concrete information. Too few clubs are recording their activities on MyLCI and no one has responded to requests for details of events or legacy projects being undertaken. At the time of writing 31, of 53, clubs have recorded 891 activities this Lions year involving 16,100 lion s hours and service to 202,075 people. These activities include fund raising totalling 163,400 and donations of 66,500. These are fantastic figures but they only tell half the story, especially as a couple of our larger clubs have apparently done nothing at all (which I know isn t true). We need the whole picture so we can tell the world exactly how much we do and not have to stick to half measures. We have one opportunity to use the Centennial to our advantage. Please don t waste it. 47

48 Put your activities on MyLCI (we can help if you need it) Let me know what your club is doing for the Centennial and we ll help you publicise it. Keep telling the world what a wonderful organisation Lions is via the web and social media. For the forthcoming year we need to ensure that we make the best use of the opportunity offered by the Centennial to raise our profile an boost membership. The best way to attract members is through visible service and this means clubs telling the world what they do through an up to date website and good use of social media. Every activity should be seen as an opportunity for publicity and that opportunity needs to be taken by clubs. The Communications Team will be here to help in any way we can, especially by providing the big numbers that clubs can use to highlight how much Lions do. NAME: Joy Haffner OFFICE: Webmaster I attended MD Convention, in Eastbourne, Autumn Forum, attended Communication Team Meetings. At the beginning of the year, I encouraged all District Officers to update their personal and role profile for update to the website disappointed yet again to find that after numerous requests some still haven t been done. I would also strongly recommend next year s officers to do the same using their latest job description from the District Governor. Started to produce the DG s monthly Newsletters and during the past year I have continued to provide a central point for the circulation of (keeping it short) all information around the District and to maintain the District Web Site. The general mailing list has now 708 addresses. I have sent out , more s than last year with 33.08% opened (30.5% last year). This shows that 33.08% of were opened for further information after reading the subject heading. Since July, just 1.53% have bounced back where addresses have been incorrect or mail boxes are full. I would continue to encourage fellow Lions that are on the mailing list to sell it to others to speed up and improve communication around the district. I continue to try and keep the website as up to date as possible but to do that I need the support from the District Officers to send me their latest information. I have helped and given advice when asked and pointed members in the right direction to get their questions answered. Putting together reports for both cabinet meetings and convention which will be going on to the website. A very slow process which would be greatly improved if officers would get their reports in to myself and the District Secretary on time Looking forward to working with the District Secretary and the DG in preparing for convention. I have once again enjoyed my role this year. Thanks to the Communications Committee and the District Secretary for their support and an enjoyable year. 48

49 To keep the website up to date, continue to pass on information and improve communication around the District. Encourage more Lions onto the mailing list. Attend the Communications and MD Webmasters Meetings. NAME: Claire de Jonge-Vors OFFICE: Public Relations Officer Communicated to clubs that they need to increase PR on social media with the accent on centennial goals Leave that to the new PR Officer to decide. NAME: Jaap de Jonge OFFICE: Midland News Editor/Lion Liaison Regularly submitted the copy for the Midlands Newsletter and updated the Midlands News blog where articles can be read as soon as they are submitted by clubs. Also copy was submitted for the Lion Magazine. To continue the work started this year and try to make the content not only of interest to Lion members but also to third parties. NAME: Ken Barker OFFICE: Competitions Officer In view of the lack of support for competitions I started the year by getting Cabinet s agreement to drop some competitions which had little or no support. These were the PR scrapbook, the Club scrapbook, Music and Essay competitions. Cabinet also agreed that the Roy White competition in its existing format should be discontinued. To continue the memory of Roy, his widow agreed that in future the trophy be presented to the winner of the Website competition which would also include Use of Social Media. Attended all meetings of the Communications Committee which enabled us to agree our aims for the year and review progress. Regularly disseminated information about our competitions to members via the all user system and via Midlands News (thank you Lions Joy and Jaap). Attended several Zone meetings and Club meetings to give presentations on our competitions. Attended Autumn Forum. Organised judging of the Peace Poster competition at the November Cabinet Meeting. A good number of entries this year which was pleasing to see. The entry sponsored by Balsall Common Lions was adjudged winner and consequently went forward to the MD level of the competition. Helped organise the Zone level of the Skittles competition for Zone C. At the time of writing this report the Region Finals have not yet taken place to find the District winner. Again, organised interim judging of the websites and social media sites which was done before Christmas by the PR Department of the Birmingham Marketing 49

50 Partnership. This was done to spot those Clubs who only bring their sites up to date immediately before Convention. The BMP will have done a further round of judging just before Convention. Once again, I have to report that support of all our competitions with the exception of the Peace Poster has been very poor with very few entries and for some none at all. Having completed two years in this office, I now feel it is time to move on and hand over the reins to some new blood. I wish my successor well and will ensure a smooth handover. NAME: Mavis Cooke OFFICE: Almoner Since Convention 2015 I have continued to send Congratulations cards, Get Well cards and unfortunately Commiseration cards to a number of Lions and Partners this year. I would like to thank those Lions who sent me the information enabling me to send these cards. I am dependant on all of you, my fellow Lions to send me the information which enables me to send a card which I know, from the feedback I have received, are much appreciated. It is of great disappointment to me to find some time later, when it is too late, that a card could have been sent. So it is over to you to let me know any sort of good news, get well news and sadly so sorry to hear news about a fellow Lion or a Lions family member. Finally, I would like to thank District Governor, Lion Ron, for asking me to continue in this district role. NAME: Melissa Murphy OFFICE: Centennial Support During the year, I have attended meetings of the Communications Team, MD Centennial Meetings and Cabinet Meetings as appropriate. I presented at Autumn Forum, highlighting the areas of service that we can all become involved in and the importance of recording the service on MYLCI. To continue to promote the Centennial and support clubs where necessary and where requested. 50

51 NAME: Stewart Sherman-Kahn OFFICE: Long Range Planning Having only started in this role after the tragic loss of Lion Martin Hill last Autumn I have had organised one Committee Meeting so far and many thanks to all the Lions who attended this meeting. With the question of the nature of re-districting still not resolved definitive Long Range Planning is still a challenge with so many unknowns. However, there is no doubt that the way that the District works will need to change as the area we covered will increase one way or the other. At the meeting of the LRP Committee it was agreed that the focus in coming years will need to focus on:- Cabinet structure and meetings The need for a Transitional Committee to prepare for the changes which the District will face Membership I have attended all Cabinet Meetings, Autumn Forum and will be attending District Convention in Stratford, MD Convention in Blackpool and International Convention in Chicago. Hopefully after MD Convention the nature of the re-districting will be clarified. The ongoing priorities will remain: Cabinet structure and meetings The need for a Transitional Committee to prepare for the changes which the District will face Membership A further meeting of the LRP Committee will be arranged soon after MD Convention so that firm plans can be prepared. NAME: Andy Pemberton OFFICE: GMT Coordinator PROGRESS (or lack of) ACHIEVED SINCE LAST CONVENTION: The membership statistics attached to the Registrars report are disappointing. Have you studied them? There are programmes and resources available LCI publications on Membership Satisfaction, A Club Membership Chair persons guide and Just Ask membership recruitment guide. I am certain these can have an impact if put to use. 51

52 The GMT members cannot solve every club s problems, every member is a member of both the Retention and Recruitment team. The best recruitment tool is the Service delivered locally, how good is your Club in getting the information to prospective members. Are you using the PR Toolbox, do you know it exists? The Club should appoint a Membership Chairperson, smaller clubs ask the President to take on the role, but all members should accept membership is everyone s challenge. Make sure your Club Keeps (every) One Why do we lose members? Does your Club know why somebody resigned and what lessons have to be learnt: - was it bad recruitment, failure to involve new members, have long serving members been side-lined, or was it lack of fulfilment. Make sure the club members are happy, motivated serving the local community needs. Use the Membership Satisfaction Resource Publicise your achievements web, Facebook and Twitter you have to tell the world around you give them a reason to want to join you. Does your community know you exist? There will be a new Community Report. What did you do with the 1 st Community Report? Have you researched the Needs of Your community? Challenge your members to Ask 1, Contact your Facebook/Twitter followers, Present Every Penny Counts cards when collecting or carrying out a service Activity This year we have no new Clubs or Branch Clubs We have not formed a new Club in 3 years, 3 new Clubs would have plugged the hole in membership PDG Doug will be talking about new club opportunities, support when you can, but ensure your club is on the right path. We have agreed to invest reserves in developing Membership, let s have more ideas on using the money to drive membership forward. 52