The Sheppie Pride - January 2013

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE PORT SHEPSTONE LIONS CLUB

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www.sheppielions.co.za

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Farewell to a Great Couple

7TH EDITION - JANUARY 2013

and also a big thank you goes to Harbour View Spar for allowing our guys to set up a collection point at the entrance to the store.

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013 Started off nice and peacefully for us in the Drakensberg but it didn’t take long for the club to get back into the swing of things. I’m sure you all enjoyed the bumper edition last month with all the activities the club was involved with. It really was a busy December and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Denis did include most of what took place in December so I do not need to elaborate any more as his pictures and stories tell it all so well.

D G Adrian Barnes visited the club last week. He explained his “Yenza” logo to us. His informative suggestions were noted. He believes it is more important to go out and serve our communities and in turn new members will automatically follow. He also suggested that the club invites local communities to our meetings to inform them of what we are all about.

We were happy to have been of assistance to our needy charities as usual. Substantial amounts of money and food products were handed over to various very appreciative recipients. The members again collected over R14000 worth of groceries from generous shoppers at Spar. We really appreciate these food donations from the local shoppers

We had Di van Wyk from Hospice give us a talk at our general meeting.

She also thanked the club for our generous donations and emphasized how important funding is and just how difficult it is to get. Her talk was very informative and her visit was appreciated by all the members.

As you saw in the December News Letter we inducted Ralpf and Bela G a l l a g h e r. T h e y h a v e b e e n unofficially so much part of our club and it is so good to now have inducted them. Welcome Ralph and Bela. Very sadly we have said goodbye to Philip and Esme Bromley.

What a loss for our club. Philip and Esme have been hugely involved in so many areas of the club and it will take a lot to fill their shoes. But we wish them every bit of happiness in their new home and look forward to their visits and hope they are looking forward to us visiting them too. They will be missed so much.

We had our first Bingo day this year and the 25 oldies who attended had a ball as usual. They were treated to the tasty snacks and drinks which are always enjoyed. It was great to see how many members were there to help entertain and supply transport.

Our Show meetings are hotting up now. It’s been decided that the 13th to 16th June is the Show 2013 weekend. An events company from Durban came to give a presentation with the hope of a revamp. They

came up with some wonderful ideas and will get back to us in the next few days with their recommendations. Some new blood is all we need to add a bit of spice to this already successful project.

This month has been abuzz with Midmar Mile talk. A group of over 20 members and their wives are preparing to swim and camp at the dam on the weekend of the mile. We will be assisting at the finish with various tasks at the request of the organizer Wayne Riddin. We are also donating a wheelchair to a disabled swimmer. This will be presented to the recipient at the finish of the disabled category event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the Lions to get that exposure.

Our fellowship function this month is Valentines Dinner. We decided this year to give everyone a break and treat ourselves to dinner at the Port Shepstone Country Club. We all love Sally Heaver’s food so I’m sure the evening will be great as usual.

I think that’s about it for January. I wish everyone a wonderful February and look forward to telling you all about OUR February in the next news letter.

Jean Masson Club President

Lion Bingo Dates for 2013 January

Sat

26

February

Sat

23

March

Sat

16

April

Sat

27

May

Sat

25

June

Sat

22

July

Sat

27

August

Sat

24

September

Sat

28

October

Sat

26

7th : Ladies Meeting 8th : Barry’s 50th 9th - 10th : Midmar Mile - Howick 12th : Directors Meeting 14th : Valentines Dinner - Port Shepstone Country Club 20th : Quiz Night - Tweni Bowling Club 21st : 2013 Lions Show Committee Meeting 28th : Club Meeting

November

Sat

23

March 2013

VENUE : SHEPPIE LIONS' DEN

February 2013

2nd : Charter Dinner (venue T.B.A.) 7th : Ladies Meeting 14th : Directors Meeting 21st : 2013 Lions Show Committee Meeting 28th : Club Meeting Birthdays : February : 6th : June Rundle 7th : Barry Van Der Veen 8th : Otto Wank 8th : Jenny Smith 13th : Marlene Van Tonder 21st : Nico De Jong March : 3rd : Port Shepstone Lions Club 10th : Denis Meyer 11th : Inge Wank 17th : Clayton Curnow Anniversaries : February : 21st : Philip & Esme Bromley 21st : Mervin & Lyn Curnow

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hilip and Esmé Bromley joined the Sheppie Lions family in 2009 after being introduced by PDG Paul Adendorff.

From the word go, Lion Philip became involved in almost every aspect of the Club. He was initially of great assistance to Lion Otto Wank with the running of the Lions Show beer tent and also assisted with pubs on many occasions. He then went on to become an extremely efficient Club Secretary and was eventually elected as 2nd Vice President (Service Projects), a position which he held for almost 2 years. The many outstanding service projects undertaken and completed by the Club during the past couple of years are a true testimony to Lion Philip’s perfectionism, attention to detail and wonderful kind nature. His greatest achievement was the organising and completion of the fencing around the swimming pool at the Hibberdene Children’s Home - a Zone 6 project.

Lion Lady Esmé was equally as involved with the Lion Ladies’ Club and their many projects, especially projects that involved cooking - she loves preparing meals! She also served on the Lion Ladies’ Club Committee as Secretary during the previous Lionistic year.

We received the sad news recently that they will be relocating to the Western Cape and a special Farewell party was held for them at the Sheppie Lions’ Den on Saturday 19th January. During the party, Club President Jean presented Lion Philip with a framed group photograph of the Club members at our recent Lions’ Show and a certificate of appreciation. PDG Denis Meyer thereafter paid tribute to both Philip and Esmé for their tireless efforts in assisting the Club with community service and fundraising and for their wonderful friendship and fellowship. They will both always remain a part of our family!

their own local community and in Kingfisher House, the in-patient unit.

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he Guest Speaker at our January Club meeting was Mrs Di Van Dyk, CEO of the South Coast Hospice Association.

Di is no stranger to our organisation and has had a close relationship with our Club for many years. During her tenure as CEO of Waltons Stationary, her company regularly provided us with sponsorship and Di has regularly assisted us with the adjudication of stands at the annual Lions Show.

During her presentation, Di explained the tremendous financial challenges that they have had to face since losing the Lotto grant. She was extremely grateful for the support that their organisation has received from our local community and various service organisations, including the Port Shepstone Lions Club.

This support has kept the Hospice running and she urged our Club to continue to assist them. One of our members, Lion (Dr) Hilton Horsley also serves as a Board Member at the Hospice, a position that he has held for many years.

South Coast Hospice is committed to a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to providing the highest quality of physical, emotional and spiritual care to persons and their loved ones within the familiarity of

The Hospice enables persons and their loved ones to have control over their lives so they can live with dignity and hope during the time of terminal illness and loss.

As an integral part of their commitment to holistic care, South Coast Hospice provides education and training to professionals, caregivers and the community at large, so that the hospice concept of Palliative care will be fully understood and appropriately utilized.

Di Van Dyk addressing the Club Meeting

The South Coast Hospice is committed to creating and continually improving a work environment and a service that is entirely inclusive, drawing upon the strengths of the people we are privileged to serve and the work force that provides services to them.

They Provide: !Palliative care to patients with

Cancer, HIV/AIDS and Motor Neuron disease !Psychosocial and bereavement support to families and children !Training for their staff and volunteers, other health carers and the community

collaborative partner for educating, sensitizing, advocating and improving the experience of living positively with a life threatening illness, and serving dying and grieving individuals across the barriers, cultures, and institutions that separate people.

They are currently the only Hospice south of Durban and they really need our support in order to keep this much needed facility afloat.

Care is given in the patient’s own home, backed up by their Inpatient Unit and local health facilities. South Coast Hospice is an effective presence and Inpatient Unit at Kingfisher House

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istrict Governor, Lion Adrian Barnes, officially visited our January Club Meeting. During his official address, he explained the concept of his theme “Yenza” which, when translated means “just do it”. He is encouraging all Lions Clubs to be visible with their service which will result in more volunteers joining our organisation. He also encouraged Lions to look after fellow Lions and introduce a family concept into our Clubs. He thanked our Club for being a shining example within our District.

DG Adrian hails from the Lions Club of Ballito on the North Coast and is a safety officer by profession. He is also a part-time entertainer and a rugby coach, registered with the KZN Rugby Union.

DG Adrian presenting his friendship banner to LP Jean Masson

After his address he presented LP Jean with his official friendship banner and received the Sheppie Lions friendship banner from LP Jean.

This article was discovered in the latest Illovo Sugar Montly magazine by Lion Alastair Warman. A great advertisement for Lionism by the Lions Club of Kisumu in Kenya.

“The Initiative of an underprivileged Child that has Warmed our Hearts�

During the recent food parcel distribution project that took place at the Old Apostolic Church, one of the children present, 10 year old Wilmerie Robbertse, was so impressed with our actions that she took it upon herself to collect money from all present to donate back to the Port Shepstone Lions.

This was no easy task as almost all present were themselves cash strapped and had to rely on food parcel handouts. Through her persuasive efforts, she managed to collect a total amount of R100-00 which she proudly donated to our Club. She also wrote a letter to our Club thanking us for our good work and requesting that we use this money to buy Christmas presents for other underprivileged children.

A very special young lady indeed - and a wonderful example to us all!

DIVERSIY: A THREAT OR A CHALLENGE

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he Lions Clubs Organisation is most probably the most diverse organisation in the world in terms of its human composition. Active in 206 countries/territories and consisting of some 45 000 clubs and more than 1.35 million members is enough evidence to justify such a statement. We only need to focus on our own Club to appreciate how diverse our membership is.

In human terms, diversity refers to those qualities which are different from our own. A distinction is usually made between primary and secondary dimensions of diversity. The first refers to those differences which cannot be changed and should thus be utilised as an asset to your Club. Secondary dimensions on the other hand can be changed.

I came across the following list of dimensions which I’d like to share with you, well knowing that it is not an all inclusive list: PRIMARY DIMENSIONS Physical make-up, i.e. race, gender, age, height and looks.

Past history Culture Religion Handicap Family

SECONDARY DIMENSIONS Attitude Motivation Knowledge Opinions Self esteem and confidence Responsibility Life style Friendships Education and training Behaviour patterns

Probably one of the greatest challenges in any organisation – especially voluntary organisations – is to effectively manage diversity. Too often differences are viewed as a threat to the performance of an organisation and to sound human relations. It is also often used as an excuse not to accept prospective members and thereby putting an artificial damper on our ability to grow. Remember too that focussing on differences can lead to poor communication, misunderstanding and a club’s inability to set common goals. BUT WHY ARE PEOPLE OFTEN BIASSED? One of the major reasons could be that we grew/grow up in societies where it was/is expected of us to rather conform and not to differ. Consequently we tend to be intolerant when faced with people who differ and which in turn has led to many losses of members Experience has taught us NOT to try and change that which does not need to be changed.

This in turn dictates that those differences which can be utilised to enrich our Club and which can benefit service delivery need to be identified and cherished. The rest can then be changed BUT with extreme care. Remember that you can only set the climate and provide support for change. In the last instance it is the person concerned who will decide whether to change or not to change. The secret is persuasion and tolerance. Also bear in mind that some dimensions are more difficult to change than others.

In essence, we should thus – * have an open approach and not be biased; * accommodate where possible and not be intolerant; * accept what is useful and not reject purely because it is different; and * have a persuasive approach and not be forceful.

What has been said above might create the impression that there is not an obligation on the member concerned to change where change is needed. The opposite is true. A happy marriage and sound friendship is basically marked by a give and take situation Remember that your strong points are another person’s weak points and vice versa . By learning to bridge differences and communicate openly with all members, we will provide a productive and happy environment for our members.

In summary, differences are particular to all members in any given Lions Club and are there to capitalize on. The absence of diversity would in any rate make leadership and human relations an easy job; organisational behaviour very predictable and life in Lions rather boring!

With grateful appreciation to PDG Joggie Kastner, MDC Global Membership Team, MD410 Southern Africa

LION DANIE VAN TONDER Married to : Marlene Children : Son Dewaldt 26, Daughter Danielle 23, Son JC 13 (pension thief ), Grandson Divan 16 months.

Occupation : Regional Executive Leaf Technologies Been a Lion since : April 2007 Sponsored by : Lion Kevin Ross Greatest Lionistic Achievement : Being able to assist and support the elderly in receiving cataract operations. Caring for those in need. Melvin Jones Fellow. Club President Hobbies : Gardening, Fishing, Spear fishing, and observing Shark behaviour towards humans.

Bad Habits : Don't know how to say NO when I need to!!

Your philosophy on life : Do the things that unwilling people are not prepare to do!!

LION DALE MC GARRY Married to : Marcia Children : Two Occupation : Senior Administration Officer Been a Lion since : 2008 Sponsored by : Lion Kevin Ross Greatest Lionistic Achievement : Club Secretary Hobbies : Watching sport, sport and more sport...

Bad Habits : Smoking, I gave up for ten years and started again!

Your philosophy on life : Enjoy life to the fulliest and take one day at a time

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ots of thrills and a few spills were provided for the spectators at the motorbike and cart street racing in Port Shepstone last Sunday afternoon when speeds of over 130km/h were recorded on the straights.

The racing, organised by the Port Shepstone Lions Club in conjunction with the Natal Kart and Bike Club, produced driving and riding of an extremely high standard. As the day progressed, the speeds became faster and faster as the competitors became familiar with the circuit.

The event was a spectacular success by all accounts and the organisers made plenty of money for charity.

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n 12th January a few of our members gathered at Jean & Myrna’s home in Umtentweni to bid farewell to Lion Mike Heathcoate who will be spending the next few months in France. The party was very festive, so much so that Mike suddenly disappeared and was nowhere to be seen!

Luckily we know that he made it to France as he has been active on Facebook!!

President : Jean Masson Immediate Past President : Kevin Ross 1st Vice President : Andre Beneke 2nd Vice President : Bruce Plumbley 3rd Vice President : Kevin Ross Secretary : Dale Mc Garry Treasurer : Richard Borradaile Membership : Andre Beneke Public Relations : Denis Meyer 2nd Year Director : Barry Van Der Veen 2nd Year Director : Nico De Jong 1st Year Director : Gary Vogt 1st Year Director : Alastair Warman Tailtwister : Kelvin Hulley Lion Tamer : Kevin Ross Lion Ladies President : Myrna Masson Lion Ladies Secretary : Jacqui Ridden Lion Ladies Treasurer : Jane Massey Newsletter Editor : PDG Denis Meyer email : pro@sheppielions.co.za Web Site : www.sheppielions.co.za Club Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/PortShepst oneLionsClub Club Postal Address : P O Box 509 Port Shepstone 4240 Club Street Address : Lions’ Den Ambleside Road, Umtentweni

My plastic surgeon will be receiving a lawyer’s letter very soon!!