A Convention to be proud of!
Even without our District Governor in attendance as a result of a family bereavement 105NE still managed to have a brilliant convention. In the same way as we did when we sadly lost DG Lion David Green to higher service the Past Governors came forward to make sure that "The Show Carried On". A warm welcome in bitter weather awaited weary travellers arriving at the Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries. Preparations were well in hand and all delegates and guests had to do was to prepare themselves for the evening's festivities. A fine turn out of 150 guests many of whom were dressed on the theme of "D" did justice to the hospitality shown by Dumfries Club. The winners of the fancy dress competition were Decided with Delicate Deliberations on the part of the judges. Ryedale LC took the team trophy with their reminder of Dad's Army and visiting Lion John Leggett with his partner claimed the pairs with their representation of Dallas. We were then entertained by good music provided by local band Otis Jones.
A colour party from the Dumfries Air Cadets carried the international flags for the opening ceremony which started the business session on Saturday. International Director Lion Claus Faber, Past International Director Lion Phil Nathan M.B.E. and Chairman of Council Lion Chris Iles were introduced to Convention. We were welcomed to Dumfries in fine form By Provost Ken Cameron O.B.E., who apologised that he couldn't improve the weather, and hoped it hadn't spoiled anything for us. The partners departed midmorning for a trip to Ellisland Farm and afterward to the Globe Inn where they learned about the life and history of Rabbie Burns. They were then free to spend the afternoon exploring the Town Centre and shopping.
PDGs Lion Hugh Kershaw, Lion Corinne Ashburner and Lion Syd Cowan officiated on behalf of DG Yomi and International Director Lion Claus was presented with the next step of his progressive MJF with our thanks on behalf of District and with gifts from Provost Ken on his behalf. In amongst the more mundane business of the day, there were some extraordinary messages. The video from International President Lion Jimmy Ross, P.C.C Lion Mike Cooke who shared "Life with the Lions (Lyons)" with us, in good humoured terms reminding us what it means to be a Lion. PID Lion Phil gave an impromptu update on Gift for Living from the MD perspective echoing his moving keynote speech to last year's 105NE convention. (I would not dare to suggest that our own GFL Officer engineered this!)
Lunchtime saw the judging of the entries in the Peace Poster Competition. From the eighteen kits which were sent out to Clubs this year, five posters came to Convention to be judged. The winner once again is from Ponteland Middle School. The winning poster depicts doves in flight over the world, illuminated by candles surrounded by world flags and her quote is "Light up the Party with Peace".
The afternoon session once again combined the workaday with the amazing. Our Young Ambassador 2005-06 Tash Hambly brought us up to date on her exciting year; PDG Lion David Richards spoke on the work of LIBRA; Dr Jim Lawrence spoke on diabetes; Lion Alex McHattie explained what Lions support has meant to Special Olympics, and how much more is needed now. International Director Lion Claus addressed convention and finally Ryedale invited us to join them next year for the 25th annual Convention.
Some 220 guests enjoyed more music, fellowship and dancing as the weekend drew to a close. The District Governor's Banquet and Ball and 25th Charter Anniversary of Dumfries Lions Club was chaired by Dumfries Lion's PDG Lion Bill Walker who proposed the toast to Lions Clubs International in typical (for Lion Bill) lyrical fashion. The speakers made us both laugh and stop to think, as good speakers ought; Councillor Ronnie Nicholson, Chair of Dumfries and Lower Nithsdale Area Committee, responded to the toast to the guests. Immediate Past President John MacColl presented Dumfries Lions Lion of the Year trophy jointly to Lion Stuart Armstrong and PDG Lion Bill Walker for their hard work on convention. Awards were also presented to Lion Ewan Fraser and PDG Lion Bill Walker for 25 years service. Stewart Atkinson, Group Manager Dumfries & Galloway Council, gave an amusing speech on Dumfries Lions Club's 25 years.
Over the whole weekend District Governor Lion Yomi Sobo was missed and always in our thoughts; Dumfries Lions Club and 105NE gave him a convention to be proud of.
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Page last updated:
24th Jun 2007
