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

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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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