Dec2013_A LIONS TALE

(CHRISTMAS CAKES FOR SALE at ECU – see separate article.)
Lions have monthly business meetings, and the November gathering had much to discuss as Lions give considerable support to scaffold community events in this township and area, especially at Christmas.
We agreed to continue to provide the Santa Lollies, distributed by the chubby fella in the traditional street circuit before the big day. 

We will give logistic support and drinks donations to the Progress Association’s Swaggies Christmas event, and we are sponsoring the BlueCare Dayboro Conversation Group’s Christmas luncheon.

It was again necessary to delay the November movie to screen after the Grapevine submissions, and even though it was on the same date as the Police Trivia night, we felt it would attract different patrons in this diverse town. We gave a sweetener of two whole year 2014 Lions’ movie passes towards the Police trivia night raffle prizes

Next movie:  the releases over December are not available to us for a January showing, so the next movie is on 15th February and we will be asking for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, which should be available.

We provided the finances for the Scouts to send 7 scouts and leaders to qualify on a first aid course, and they have now completed this, making Dayboro and scouting activities a safer place.

We supplied an additional gift of $1000 towards the Combined Churches Christmas hamper scheme, to give cheer to those recipients at this festive and giving time of the year.

The PA system was been set up for the Remembrance Day ceremony, run by Richard Hawkins, which attracted an increased number of attendees, 95 this year.  There were emotive tears shed by some in their memories.  Morning tea was provided by Lion Patsy and funded by George Hartnett Funerals.  Another good example of the benefit of businesses supporting the community.

The new PA was also used for the CWA Christmas seniors’ morning tea, and the Dairy farmers’ Christmas bash.  This equipment is continuing to prove of worthwhile importance to the community.

Dayboro Lions look beyond our parochial boundaries, and we voted to send an immediate $1000 to the unfortunates caught up in the NSW bushfire.  Rather than send through the baulking administration of national appeals, or even the requests of the national Lions appeal, we sent our donation directly to the local Lions groups in the Blue Mts for immediate disbursement to lift the spirits of the unfortunate.  We know they would do this fairly and as required, as we would here.  Dayboro cares for all communities.  The Phillipines tragedy was discussed, and we noted our Lions Club International affiliation, to which we contribute, has sent $500,000 to help. http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/news-and-events/newsroom/lci-donating-relief-efforts-philippines.php

 

Over the Christmas period, those who travel the Samford Road have long been enjoying the Samsonvale Christmas tree lights which adorn the 100ft tree in Ian Kent’s paddock.  Dayboro Lions applied for, and received a grant to fund new light strings replacing the ageing bulbs with modern LED light ropes, more robust in strength and electrical safety and using far less power.  The new system is being developed in time for the first Sunday after school term ends in December (15th), for the free (donation if you wish)  Carols Under the Big Tree.  This is a traditional district annual event, running now for decades.  It is a joyous time of friendship in an open paddock, singing, Santa etc, reminding us of the bucolic environment we have chosen to share.  All are welcome.  Bring your blanket, or table & chairs, candles, drinks and picnic.  There is a bbq available to cook your food and share a time with newly made friends (This will be lit around 4.30 – 5pm and Santa is expected to arrive around dusk).  We provide logistic support for the small group who continue to keep these traditions alive.  Be there.

….More Next Month,  Lion Ian