My Life as a Lion

Some Texans relaxing in the sun

This will be a short post to tell you a little about the parade at the Lions Clubs International Convention. It’s going to be mainly pictures but first a few details.

The Californian breakfast

The parade takes place on the first day of the convention proper and is a glorious celebration of the diverse organisation that is Lions Clubs International. But I’m getting ahead of myself as the day started for Christine and me with a Californian Breakfast hosted by the Lions of California with our host being the wonderful Margaret, one of my classmates.

Some more marchers waiting for the off

waiting to go

Christine on parade

Well fed and watered Christine and I headed for the parade meet up venue in front of the Rathaus for the agreed meet up time of 9-9:30am for a 10:15-10:45 start. It was very hot in the square with no shade and most of us were soon regretting the MD105 uniform of dark blazers. For some reason, apart from Australia in green blazers and brown slacks or skirts, we are the only multiple district whose parade uniform is the same as the everyday uniform which we are expected to wear. I’m afraid I rebelled slightly as I do not like, nor do I see the point of, wearing ties. Everybody else seemed to be having a party but we looked like we’d strolled out of the meeting of the bowls club and stumbled into a parade by accident.

Egyptian marchers

Incoming President Barry and Ann greet the marchers

Our mood was not helped when it was discovered that we were not going to start until much later than expected and indeed it was 12:30 before, led by a local Caledonian Band and Postman Pat’s van, we finally started the walk around the smaller of the two lakes in the middle of Hamburg.

I am sure that for the watching crowds, of mainly Lions, who lined the route the parade was great but for us it was hot and not good for our backs or feet. Despite this we did have a good time as we marched slowly round the lake and the smiles rarely left our faces. Unfortunately one of my fellow DGEs had to be taken back to the hotel by the police when her knee swelled up but generally we had fun.

With IP Barry

Despite our exhaustion we headed back to our hotel to change for the German reception held that evening. Most of the countries involved hold a reception at some point during the proceedings and tickets for them a sought after. Fortunately as incoming District Governors we got a good selection. The German reception was notable for a lack of Germans receiving us but there was a good supply of free beer and some interesting snacks in sealed jars. We then headed out for a meal with Wim and Pauline from my club and next year’s DG Ian and Joy. The day ended with a meet up arranged for incoming International President Barry’s Facebook friends. It was a latish event with about 30 in attendance and Barry looked a little shell-shocked from a long day but it was nice to be able to have a few words with him and to have a picture taken.

My next post will cover the convention itself and some more receptions.

Lion Simon Moss

@simonhmoss @MarstonGnLions @lions105m @lionsclubsorg

1820 miles travelled as 2nd VDG

1500 miles travelled as 1st VDG

1420 miles travelled as DG

At least 1050 hours since 1 July 2011 on Lions’ activities