This weekend we had the 53rd Annual Installation night for the City of Devonport Lions Club. Outgoing President Lions Robert Smith was thanked and Incoming President Lion Jay McLagan was welcomed by Past District Governor Lion John Hughes at the Gateway Inn Hotel in Devonport. Lion John Hughes PDG duly inducted all 2012/13 Board Members after giving a fine speech detailing the history of Lionism beginning with Melvin Jones who initiated the first ever Lions Club in 1917 in the USA.
Incoming President Jay started his charter as President with an inspiring speech dedicating the year to Teamwork. Lion Jay said his first experience with 'teamwork' was when PDG Bill Slater asked him to be in charge of Special Projects a long time ago. The task at hand was to encourage Tasmanian Lions Clubs to accommodate the famous swagman Drew Kettle as he walked around Tasmania on one of his many fund-raising missions. Some Clubs were more receptive than others. Drew Kettle did not have to sleep under bridges in Tasmania, and Lion Jay learned all about team-work!
Lion President Jay said the City of Devonport Club was a very well 'ticking' club, and he intended to keep it 'ticking' that way!
Outgoing President Robert in his speech reflected on his past year as one that may have 'flown past' to some, but certainly required a considerable effort from the entire club to make it appear as effortless as it did to some! Lion Robert expressed his gratitude to the more experienced members of our Lions Club for advising him throughout the year, and was proud of the achievements such as the East Devonport Skatepark that was completed with Lion Grant Goodwin at the helm, and the new Beach Watch project that we committed the Club to this year. President Robert's emphasis was on 'Communication' and during his Presidency he is satisfied that every member of the Club had a chance to be heard and have a fair say in the running of Our Club.
Outgoing President Robert handed out several certificates of achievements, with a very special plaque for Lion Bill Slater PDG who has not only been a dedicated Club Secretary for 14 years, but has been a member for 46 years with an unbelievable 100% attendance throughout. Lion Lady Fran told Lion Robert earlier that they had a cupboard full of such plagues and did not really need another acknowledgment. Lion Robert simply replied that each and every plaque was well deserved and this one was no different.
A fine selection of dishes was served by the Gateway Inn with pleasant music provided by the talented Kelly Rose from South Australian. The end of the night was marked by a toast to the International Lions by Life Member Lion George Russell. In George's typical M.O. he preceded the toast with a quick and quirky history of the Tasmanian Lions Club which was attributed in his short speech to a bunch of 'cluey blokes', some of which we still have in our Club. Undoubtedly George himself is one of them!
In keeping with tradition Lady Partner Ellen McLagan presented a bouquet of flowers to Lady Partner Michelle the outgoing President's wife, in recognition of the work Lion partners do behind the scene.
A good night was enjoyed by all!
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