My Life as a Lion

Among the highlights of my life as a Lion in the last month have been two visits to the Palace of Westminster. The first was to attend Lions day with the UN and the second was my first official duty representing Lions Clubs International, British Isles and Ireland, as a guest at Rotary International’s Champions of Change awards.

The Lions day with the United Nations is an annual event celebrated in many countries. In the British Isles and Ireland there are four events in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The England event is held at the Palace of Westminster and is hosted by the Palace of Westmenster Lions Club. The event is a fantastic advertisement for the work that Lions do in partnership with other international organisations so it is to some extent a shame that it is hosted in a room that holds no more than 200 people and that more Lions are not able to attend. Nevertheless it was an inspiring day with speakers from Water Aid and UNICEF and the introduction of this year’s peace poster winner, a 13 year old girl from Hemel Hempstead. 

The second event was interesting to me as it provided a window onto the other main service organisations in this country. It was an event to present awards to rotarians who had achieved great things and certainly highlighted to me the similarities between Lions and Rotary. I also met representatives of Round Table and 41-Club and, during a four-way discussion, uncovered a shared desire to cooperate to ensure that all of the service organisations remain relevant to the communities they serve. We are trying to get an exploratory discussion underway so watch this space.

Elsewhere this month I have been involved in a variety of Lions activities. At a Multiple District level I met with three of my team for next year to discuss their vision document. I know that every year the incoming council of governors believe they are going to change the world but I truly believe, having talked to them, that next year they just might! At a district level I’ve attended a long range planning meeting and a cabinet meetingand am preparing for our district convention. This year will be quite difficult as I am delivering the invocation and in memorium section. This year the list of Lions that have passed to higher service includes two members of my own club who died just before and on Christmas Day. Frank and Pauline were two Lions who lived their lives to the full and I know that the world is diminished by their passing.

On a brighter note some of you may remember mention of Liam, our youngest member in Marston Green. This month we were pleased to induct his father Mike as a member. Mike has helped us out as Santa and as a collector on a number of occasions but to show his committment has bought his own Santa suit for this year.

Lion Simon Moss

@simonhmoss @MarstonGnLions @lions105m @lionsclubsorg @LionsClubsUKIRE