Brindle Cottage Nearing Completion!

Just wish to thank everyone very much for their turnout today for the painting of Brindle Cottage at Howick Historical Village. It is looking magnificent in the bright spring sun.  We had a 100% turnout of the Lions who said they would be available.

Special thanks to our new Lions members from "Neighbourly". Your work was much appreciated and the standard of your paint application was first class.

The photo taken below was just before June's fresh lemon muffin break. During morning tea Alan La Roche gave us a talk on the history of Brindle Cottage. Amazing that even in the olden days the Council needed permits and regularly inspected construction of the building.

What a difference today was. Some Lions remember painting the old Methodist Church in the middle of winter when it was freezing. Today was a cruise as we basked in the warm sun.

A highlight was when Taskmaster Colin (who wore gloves to stop getting paint on his hands) after morning tea put his gloves back on inside out thereby totally coating his hands with cream latex paint. This was discovered when the gloves were taken off at the end of the morning. An embarrassing moment in front of Tail Twister Tom.

From the comments afterwards the Team seemed to have had a good time learning many new humorous jokes and the inevitable tall stories about golfing and fishing exploits.

Once again thanks to everyone. Also to Alan (from the Village) for having everything ready before we started and also staying behind to clean all the brushes etc.

Lion Colin Salt
Vice President
Howick Lions Club

To find out more about Howick Lions, visit our website

Howick Lions Hysterical Village Painting Crew!

President's Blog - October 2016

With daylight saving underway it must be nearly Christmas. Just made a check and as at Oct 1st, there are 85 sleeps ‘till Santa squeezes his way down your chimney or some such other point of entry!

That means we are getting very near to the busy time of year for Lions. Hope all the prep is going well for the Santa Parade.

Good to see the prospective new members are coming along to working bees, dinner nights and some to the business night. Let’s make sure we make them welcome and after due process look forward to them joining our club.

Very nice to welcome Lion Ted Curtis from Kenilworth Lions Club in the UK (Paul's Dad) to our last business night. Hope he enjoyed the experience as much as we enjoyed having him visit.

Despite the rain for the Cockle Bay School Carnival, our chip cooking for the festival was a great success. More especially as we were under cover and stayed dry. I am sure they will be pleased to get the cheque for $990.00 which we raised. This will add to the prepay vouchers; a good result. I understand we had a reasonable result from our fund raising sausage sizzle at The Warehouse in Botany too. Well done.

As noted before, a busy time ahead - chips (twice), seniors lunch, Christmas Parade,Christmas Lights, - a busy but rewarding time to be a Lion.

You will be aware the next dinner night (Oct 5th ) is to be a pub quiz and fish & chips. Let’s hope we get a good turnout and please bring friends, family, uncle Tom Cobbly and all to make a great night. I hear tell there will be a special raffle too so extra cash please to contribute!!

Bye for now,
Yours in Lions
Grant Taylor

President, Howick Lions

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President's Blog - September 2016

So another month coming to an end and maybe spring just around the corner?  Although as I write this I am not too sure.

Another busy month for Howick Lions and I am sure more to come.  We had our fund raising sausage sizzle at The Warehouse in Botany, although I have not heard the total; the ‘A’ Team on the morning shift got us off to a great start. About 153 to be exact.

As noted previously a very good business meeting with productive discussion and a feeling that the Club is on the right track - well done to all.  Myself and V.P Colin attended the Zone meeting at the Manurewa RSA last week.  We were well looked after with local hospitality.  Usual reports from the Clubs present and all seem to be working hard to raise money, support youth and try to build membership.  Even had a report from Remuera who have formed an association with Parnell Rotary to assist the homeless with breakfast in conjunction with the Salvation  Army.

Your sub-committee had another meeting planning the Howick Lions Summer Festival for February 2017.  Things are coming along well although much work still to do.  

An excellent turnout at the Howick Historical Village on Saturday, with much painting and a few laughs too.  Very nice to meet some prospective new members who rolled their sleeves up and helped with the work.  I look forward to them coming to the dinner night and I am sure we can encourage them to join.

So that’s about it.  Looking forward to next week and another dinner night and our guest speaker ’Dr Toot’. Look forward to seeing you there.

Yours in Lions Grant
President
Howick Lions Club


To find out more about Howick Lions, visit our website

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Notes From Our Dinner Meeting - 7th September 2016

Thank you so much for inviting us for the meeting last night. We appreciate your hospitality and had a really good time. Also, Sean would like to thank you for the lovely framed certificate. Please pass our regards to everyone. Many thanks.

Kind regards

Mia and Sean

Dr Toot

Brass and Woodwind Specialists

http://www.drtoot.co.nz/

The irrepressible Dr Toot (aka Sean Murphy) living up to his moniker 

Howick Lions Give Brindle Cottage a Makeover

A big thanks to the full turnout at the Howick Historical Village Project yesterday.

As well as a large number of Howick Lions reporting for duty we also had three people from Neighbourly who contacted Lion Paul to see if they could come along and help. So Alan from the Village had to run around finding more paintbrushes and extra pails for paint.

We managed to paint all the walls of Brindle Cottage with its first top coat. No mean feat. Then as a bonus and a little light relief we switched to red paint for the window frames and doors. The 'old girl' (Brindle Cottage) looked brand new by the time we finished.

Our three volunteers also sanded down two large mangles and then applied rust proof paint. A fantastic job by the time they finished. We also enjoyed morning tea with fresh hot muffins from June. Our thanks to her.

Below is a letter of appreciation from the Historical Village. All Health and Safety was observed and first aid equipment was on site. Safety Officer Dean made sure we all signed the hazards sheets. I feel the main hazards were other Lions' painters who were totally unselfish in sharing their paint brush flicks on other unsuspecting Lions. How else would I have got the perfect paint hand print on the back of my shirt I ask!

Lion Colin Salt

Vice President

Hi Colin. A very big thank you for the team of ten that gave Fencible Henry Brindle's Cottage its first finishing coat of paint. What a change in its appearance. It is looking very good now. Please thank your wife June for her wonderful muffin baking. It was a very welcome muffin break. An excellent working bee for all concerned. Kind regards, Alan La Roche

The Howick Lions Painting Crew

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Howick Historical Village Painting - Methodist Church Complete

Thanks everyone for the magnificent turnout.

11x Lions - Fantastic.

The Methodist Church is now finished and looks resplendent. The Club can be proud of their work. Some Lions worked on the Brindle Cottage where there is still more work to do.

Because of the large turnout everyone was off the site by 11.30am. Dean made sure that Health and Safety was observed. He also carried a large green medical kid which Neil insists he had emptied and put his lunch inside. Dean just smiled - only he knew its contents.

The weather was fine and sunny. It was also initially rather cold with a southerly wind but the Lions will and pedigree prevailed. Morning tea was fresh lemon warm muffins from June plus the Village supplied plenty of biscuits and some chocolate fingers.

Next Sunday is washing down parts of Brindle Cottage ready for undercoat. The weatherboards received a top coat today.

Scaffolding was at last in place and Lion Paul did some of the aerial work with Alan on trapeze high above. Generously flicking paint spots down onto Lions below.

Once again thanks guys and Agnes who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the painting.

Cheers,

Lion Colin Salt

Vice President

To find out more about Howick Lions, visit our website

President's Blog - August 2016

Greetings to all members and their families for this, my first President’s report for the 2016-17 year. It was very encouraging to see so many there for the Change-Over night and I am sure everyone enjoyed the occasion. Annette, Jennifer, Nathan and I certainly did and we appreciate the support you all gave - thank you.

As I noted in my address, it will be a busy year as we build on the base created by Immediate Past President Neil. Thank you again Neil for leading us through the past year. There are lots of challenges ahead but with active involvement from all members I am sure in true Lions spirit, we will succeed. With the first month of the year almost gone and Christmas in the ‘head lights’ we can start to plan those events that we look forward to; Old folks Christmas Lunch, and the Howick Santa Parade. We missed last year so will need to come up with something special to make up. The theme of Lions 100 years is a good start.

Thank you for the support at the July business meeting too for the decision to again take part in the Howick Christmas Lights display in Howick. A new theme and presentation is planned so we can look forward to a busy yet enjoyable few weeks; kicks off on Midnight Madness - 18th Nov.

Hope to see a good turn-out for the August dinner night and to welcome VDG Frank King-Turner and his wife Lesley to our club.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours in Lions
Grant Taylor
President, Howick Lions Club

To find out more about Howick Lions, visit our website

A Day in the Life of Howick Lions

The four eager Lions arrived at the Howick Historical Village today in warm sunshine, and dry buildings. We needed scaffolding to complete the front porch gable, however we completed the long side of the old Methodist church on the side of the pond and oil based primer to a major part of the porch. We also washed down two sides of Brindle Cottage ready for priming paint at our next working bee.

Derek gave the Church doors a final coat of enamel paint. The rain came early at about 11 o'clock which was a nuisance. Overall a most successful mornings work.

With grateful thanks

Alan La Roche
Howick Historical Village

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New President for Howick Lions Club

The Lions Club of Howick is very pleased to announce Grant Taylor's appointment as Club President for the next 12 months.

"Howick Lions has served the Howick community for over 50 years and I'm delighted to be taking over as President in the year when Lions International will be celebrating its centenary", said Grant.

"To celebrate Lions 100th anniversary, Lions Clubs around the world are being asked to help reach a Centennial Service Challenge goal of serving more than 100 million people by June 2018.  With that in mind, my priorities for the next year will include developing more programmes with the youth of Howick and strengthening Howick Lions' involvement with the blind and partially sighted, including the Guide Dog appeal."

Grant also thanked out-going President Neil Hornblow for all his hard work over the last year.


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Thanks to Historical Crew

Braving a 4 degree frost Dave, Derek, Packy and Colin turned up at the Howick Historical Village to apply top coat to the Methodist Church. June turned up at morning tea with chocolate, pear and very hot muffins.

We achieved a lot of work - in fact all that was required. The south side high bits were left because of a wardrobe malfunction with the scaffolding where Alan learnt that he has powers un- benown of him, for high jumping to a safety ladder. Beautiful to watch.

I can report that we observed all Health and Safety regulations. Mayoral hopeful, Phil Goff turned up, and was offered a paintbrush and pot of paint which was declined but he told us he used to love painting as it was the only way he could listen to the cricket quietly without being given other chores.

Thanks Guys - below is a letter from the Village:

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Dear Colin, Please thank your wife June for her delicious muffins she made for today's Woking bee at the Howick Historical Village.  It gave us all a new enthusiasm for painting. I thank you Colin for an excellent turnout by your Howick Lions, for an enjoyable and productive morning despite the heavy frost. With best wishes, Alan La Roche

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Cheers,

Colin Salt, (Project Manager)

President's Blog - July 2016

Greetings fellow Lions

Well, my year as president has only a few days left. At the July 2015 dinner I stood before you as your new president. I have enjoyed the experience; have also been occasionally disappointed too. We only inducted thee new members with my goal being five and, apart from our regular visit to Bucklands Beach, no other clubs were visited. Hopefully we shall grow in membership as the club is in good heart and more positive. Don't forget to Ask One!!

Membership is starting to grow with our three newest Howick Lions, Ian, Dean & Paul actively involved; thank you guys. We said farewell to Stan & Ngaire Newdick, Joe & Archie Julia, Kersie & Freny Khambatta, Craig & Denise Knapman and James Chan.

What we have done: -

• Regular sausage sizzles at The Warehouse Botany;
• Fund-raising for Camp Quality (Odd Shoe Day); 
• Hot chips cooking for Cockle Bay School; 
• Our Lady Star of the Sea School; 
• Point View School &Wakaaranga School. 
• Fund raising for the Blind Foundation's Red Puppy appeal; 
• Christmas Lights in Howick; 
• Howick Historical Village-painting & renovation of the Ngamapu thatched hut; 
• Lions Christmas cakes; Senior Citizens' Christmas lunch; 
• Outward Bound camp for a student Camp Quality; 
• Chip cooking for their family day; 
• Tamaki River Festival sausage sizzle; 
• Howick in the Park; 
• Howick Lions Water Safety Picnic; 
• Attendance at the Botany Town Centre's Community Services Day, 
• plus Lions' activities such as Young Speechmakers; and 
• Camp Quality fund-raising dinner - a major donation to LCIF. etc.

My grateful thanks to my board and the huge support I received from PDG Ian (Packy), PDG Alan, my two VPs Grant & Colin, Secretary Derek, Editor Denis, Treasurer David and to all of our members and partners.

Our new Lions' year is commencing as Lions’ 100th anniversary!! I am looking forward to my 13th year ahead as a Lions member and take this opportunity to wish President Grant and the new board the very best wishes for 2016-2017.

Thank you again for giving me the honour and privilege of being your Howick President for 2015-2016. We serve because we care".

Sincerely
Yours in Lions
President Neil

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Howick Lions give new gloss to old church

On a recent bright & sunny Saturday morning a group of energetic Howick Lions came together with paint tins in one hand and brushes in the other to apply the first top coat to the aging (1852) Methodist Church at Howick Historical Village.

It was fun & laughter all round as the paint went on & on with great enthusiasm.

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President's Blog - June 2016

Greetings my fellow Howick Lions.

Congratulations to President-elect Grant, first Vice-President elect Colin, second Vice-President elect Dean and all members of our Howick Lions team for 2016-17 Lions year - very well done on standing for a position.

Another excellent response to VP Colin's request re the painting at Howick Historical Village - a great turn-out of 11 members and we finished in 1.5 hours. Another day is needed to finish the Church building.

What a wonderful dinner meeting - tasty food with an enthusiastic and happy atmosphere; well done Grant, Jean and all who assisted.

On 15th May Grant, Colin & myself attended the 202K incoming Officers' Training session at Auckland Uni Epsom campus - most important for our future leaders, and I know Grant and Colin got some motivation and ideas from the day.

Don't forget the June dinner meeting (also Zone 8 meeting) is at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club with a very busy & interesting evening planned.

Lastly, have you thought about our Lions 100 years project?

Keep warm and dry - Winter has arrived!
Yours in Lions

Neil Hornblow
Club President

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President's Blog - May 2016

Greetings fellow Lions,

As I write this article ANZAC DAY is tomorrow. I shall be attending the dawn service at the Howick War Memorial on Stockade Hill, proudly wearing my late father's medals from WW2. Do you wear your Lions badge with pride? I believe some of us forget what the Lions emblem means; we come to the meetings, we occasionally take part in a project etc. but, does that stir you, as a Howick Lion, to do more; more for our community, more for our district 202K...?

It was a great to finally induct Paul Curtis at our April meeting. Welcome Paul and thank you for your excellent input and suggestions to our club. Whilst in a thank-you mode, congratulations to all those members who have agreed to stand for the various positions of our club for 2016-17 Lions year under President-elect Grant. The new Lions year is especially important as it is LCI 100th birthday; looking forward to hearing from our members suggestions or what we can do for our Howick community to celebrate 100 years of our fantastic organisation!

This last month we participated in the Guide Dogs "Red Puppy" appeal over two days and several members packed their painting gear to the Howick Historical Village; another day will finish the job (weather-dependant of course). Thank you to all those who assisted.

Well, it will be a quieter month ahead, but the annual District Officers' Training Day is occurring on May 15th and our usual sausage sizzle at TWH Botany is on April 30th. Have a great month.

Yours in Lions
President Neil

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President's Blog - April 2016

Greetings fellow Lions,

Wow! Hasn't the year flown! What a very busy year for us so far. With Howick in the Park, Water Safety Picnic at Cockle Bay, chip cooking at Point View School, and of course, the excellent club social event at June & Colin Salt's home on March 6th. Followed by the usual sausage sizzle on Easter Saturday at TWH, and then on April 1st & 2nd bucket shake for Blind Foundation Red Puppy appeal. Thank you all for your wonderful effort; I'm very proud of our club.

Our newest member, Paul Curtis, is being inducted on Wednesday April 6th; Paul has been very active in attending three meetings and two projects!!

VP Grant has a full team for our Lions centenary year; thank you to those who have accepted nomination for the various positions (see next page). Speaking of the centenary, VP Grant has volunteered to be our club representative, so we are looking for ideas to what we can do in our area to recognise this major international Lions event.

I'm pleased to see that our various members/spouses who have had health challenges over the past months, appear to be getting better. Thank you to our Almoner Packy, who keeps in touch regularly.

Tom has arranged an interesting speaker for our dinner meeting in April re Scouting in New Zealand; we shall be presenting our cheque to the Cockle Bay Scouts shortly with the donation towards the Scout Jamboree 2017.

Finally, isn't the Tatler's new look fantastic! Thank you editor Denis from us all.

Remember, "We serve because we care"

Yours in Lions
President Neil

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Howick Lions in the Park & Military Tattoo 2016

A great video of the Military Tattoo from our flagship event for 2016:

http://www.howicklions.org.nz/events/summer-festival

Howick Lions Water Safety Picnic 2016 - Water Fun & Water Wise

There was plenty of fun and excitement down at Cockle Bay on Saturday where the Howick Lions brought together WaterSafe (Auckland), the Scouts and our Coastguard to raise much-needed funds for the Scouts and the Coastguard. Out on the water, homemade rafts vied for coveted line honours, with the Coastguard proving formidable and entertaining competitors as they unleashed their special water gun to ward off other rafts which strayed into their territory. While Howick Rescue 1 patrolled the sea off the beach,WaterSafe Auckland ensured all participants were properly secure in approved life jackets.

The big crowd on the beach enjoyed the many races out on the water, and with treasure hunts and bouncy castles for the small ones there were prizes galore. Howick Lions Vice President, Grant Taylor, said, "The creativity of the raft-builders was just amazing and with the sun and tide just right it made for a splendid day of competition and learning. We look forward to generating an even bigger event next year."

To find out more about Howick Lions, visit our website

President's Blog - March 2016

Greetings fellow Lions and Partners.

Firstly congratulations to PCC,PDG Ian Packwood on celebrating his fabulous 50 years in Lions! What a wonderful achievement, which will be recognised at our March dinner meeting.

Thank you to all members who attended the Tamaki River Festival on February 13th. Although the numbers attending were not large, our presence was valuable, and we sold some sausages too.
Thank you to Tom for arranging an excellent speaker from the NZ Red Cross re refugees in our community - very topical and the young man from Ethiopia was excellent.

By the time you read this edition of the Tatler Howick Lions in the Park will be over for another year. Thanks to PP Brian Stocking and our Treasurer David Westwick for all their hard work and, also to PP Tom Owen for his efforts too.

I'm looking forward to our social function on March 6th at the Salt's home in Cockle Bay - don't forget to bring a plate of goodies. This leads us into the Howick Lions Water Safety Picnic at Cockle Bay on March 12th - hopefully this wonderful weather will still be about on the day.

FIJI Disaster; Our Zone 8 is rallying funds towards helping our fellow Lions in Fiji - cash is needed as well as spectacles; other goods for the schools such as paper, pens, books etc. will be needed later.

Welcome to Paul Curtis who has attended two meetings and is assisting at the Howick Lions in the Park. Paul's father is a Lion in the UK.

Our Lions year finishes on 30th June and VP. Grant has commenced getting his future team to organised. Please give consideration to putting your name forward for 2016-2017 year.

Finally 2017 is LCI Centenary; let us all have a think about what Howick Lions could do for our
community to recognise this major event. VP Grant has volunteered to be our club's coordinator.

Have a great month and… We serve because we Care!

Best wishes President Neil

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