Our History of Service
Since our formation our club has been very active in the community. This history is summarized in 10 year blocks and includes photos, videos (converted fom 8mm film) and news clippings. Much of our history was lost in a fire in our storage facility a few years ago. If any member of the community has any knowledge, photos etc of the clubs activities it would be very much appreciated it you could contact the webmaster so that information may be included.
| 1978 - 1987 | 1988 - 1997 | 1998 - 2007 | 2008 - |
1968 - 1969
Charter: The Lions Club of New Norfolk was formed on August 28th, 1968 under the guidance of the Lions Club of Glenorchy. At this time the President of the Lions Club of Glenorchy was Jack James. The Club was formally chartered on November 3rd, 1968 with 22 members being inducted. Allan Fair was inducted as Charter President.
Post Office Square: The first project undertaken by the Club was to level and beautify a block of land on the corner of High and Stephen Streets which was the site of the old Post Office. This was developed into a small pleasant park with seating. It was only in recent years that this site was sold for commercial development.
Learn to Swim: In January 1970 the Lions Club of New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley Gazette sponsored the first "Learn to Swim" campaign.
The decision to run the campaign was made after a survey showed that many children could not swim properly. The total cost of the eight week course would be only 50c.
The campaign was very successful and the program continued in much the same format for a number of years.
1970 -1972
Toddler's Pool: At the start of the new Lion's year (1970/1971) the club decided to build a Toddlers Pool at the New Norfolk Olympic Pool. This was a major project, with a projected cost of $9,000.00, which would utilize all the resources of the club. The idea was born in early 1970 but took quite a while to get off the ground, mainly due to the necessity to have proper engineering plans drawn up and gain necessary council approvals.
Work finally commenced in August 1971, the completed project was handed over to the Council in March 1972, however it was not until July 1974 that the plaque for the pool was ordered.
Funds for this project were raised using a number of methods including a car raffle, food stalls at the Bridgewater raceway, selling tiles which were later incorporated in the pool etc.
The pool was built near the main swimming pool on the New Norfolk Esplanade.
Chocolate Wheel: The club operated the chocolate wheel from the back of one of Charlie Cawthorn's trucks at the Regatta. All proceeds from the wheel were donated to Corumbene Home for the aged.
Car Rally for the Blind: In 1971 the Club participated in one of its most unusual projects. Several members acted as marshals for a Car Rally for the Blind. The rally was organized by the MG Car Club and the navigators were blind. Their information sheets and directions were printed in Braille. This rally commenced at Rosetta, traveled through Chigwell over Collinsvale, down to Molesworth, out to Hobart Road and finished at the Esplanade for a barbeque. The main function of the marshals was to make sure that the contestants traveled by the correct course route.
Lions Ladies have always been an essential part of the Club. Until fairly recently they operated as their own auxiliary with their own bank account and their own projects. In 1971 they began the Club's involvement with Meals on Wheels by becoming part of the roster. At Christmas that year they added gift wrapped home made shortbread (Isobel Morgan) as a festive treat to each meal. They held afternoon teas for the residents of Corrumbene. For many years they held a party for the children in RDH.
1973
LEO Club: In 1972 President Bob Badham asked that a committee investigate the formation of a LEO Club. Lion Bill Gregory and former member Bob Sproule were the driving force behing the Leo project. This project was successful and in March 1973 we were able to charter a LEO Club with 20 members. The Lions Club initially provided $20 for petty cash and members ages were limited to between 16 and 25. The LEO Club used to meet in the little old wooden church opposite our current building. Unfortunately it had only 2 years of operation, membership dwindled to 4 or 5 Leos and they carried the banner for several months but were unable to recruit new members and the club folded.
Red Cross Units: The Tasmanian Division of Red Cross constructed units for the elderly in the grounds of the former Turriff Lodge, once a governor's country home, and later part of the Royal Derwent Hospital's farm. The Lions Club of New Norfolk agreed to furnish the common room at a cost of $1,000.00.
Youth of the Year: This year was the first in which the club participated in Youth of the Year
Kidney Dialysis: The Lions Clubs of District 201C (Tasmania & Part of Melbourne) established a fund for the purchase of home kidney dialysis machines. Each machine cost over $3,000.00. The Lions Club of New Norfolk donated the sum of $500.00. One of the first machines was provided to a Granton resident.
1974
Bush Steps: As a major project for 1974 the club decided to upgrade the old gravel path from the Bush Hotel down to the Esplanade. The idea behind this project was to make it safer for people to walk down, especially the aged or handicapped.
This project was handed over to the council on 22nd March 1975.
Youth Exchange: The Club was involved with Youth Exchange and in 1974 four Lions each hosted a beautiful young Japanese student. A few years later we hosted a student from New Zealand and she helped us on the Chocolate Wheel at the Regatta and it was always interesting when she was spruiking and the number six came up. Involvement with Youth Exchange continued for a number of years with the Club sending two students to New Zealand each year. The Club provided the airfares and blazers.
Lions Cakes: The Club as also been involved in selling Lions Christmas Cakes since very early in its history. In October 1974 it was reported that 150 dozen had already been sold for the year and that a further 50 dozen had been ordered (these were also sold).
Ouse District Hospital: The club provided an adjustable stainless steel cot for the hospital. This replaced an old wooden one which had reached the end of its useful life.
1975
Twinning: The Lions Club of New Norfolk officially twinned with the Lions Club on Grande Cache (Alberta, Canada) in 1975. President of the day Lion Des Graham met with members of the Grande Cache club while on an overseas trip. This was an active twinning which continued for a number of years. The first of two pins was commissioned in 1985 to celebrate 10 years of twinning. Grande Cache like New Norfolk was an industry based town (coal) and it fell on hard times at about the same time New Norfolk was suffering the same fate. Unfortunately while both towns recovered the Lions Club of Grande Cache did not survive.
Information Bay: The club then decided to proceed with construction of the Information Bay at the entrance to the town. The management of Royal Derwent Hospital once again supported the Lions Club by giving permission for the project to be placed on their land.
There were many discussions with the Department of Tourism during the life of this project as the signage had to be exactly right.
The original map remained until 2002 when local tourism groups had it repainted to show the current status of the town.
Signs for all the service clubs in the town were erected, but sadly, only the Lions Club remains. The others Jaycees, Apex, Soroptomists, Rotary, Junior Farmers have now been consigned to history but their massive contribution to the community should never be forgotten.
Cyclone Tracey: The Club raised funds for flood and other relief in both Queensland (Cyclone Wanda) and Darwin (Cyclone Tracey). Fund raising dinners and raffles were very successful ($430 was raised at a dinner dance). Did the people go to help or to see what antics Lions got up to? An extract from the minutes regarding a Ladies Night held at the Rosegarland Hotel as a fundraiser reads:
An investigation into this event has revealed the following facts:
At the start of the meeting, certain members inveigled Lion Dave Itchens the licensee of the Rosegarland Hotel to apologize to all present by saying that unfortunately only goats milk was available for tea of coffee and that it had been made with bore water. Certain ladies (still associated with the club) took this to mean BOAR water and refused to have a drink all evening.
Lion Dave had a nanny goat out the back of the hotel and Lion Wynne along with certain associates decided that it would be a great idea to demonstrate how to milk a goat. They raced around and found a bucket, Lion Wynne had teed up the band leader so that when the goat was brought in there was an appropriate fanfare involving drums and other instruments and Lion Dave was asked to give a demonstration. We have been unable to ascertain how successful he was.
1976
Bushy Park Show: It was resolved that the club undertake the manning of the gates at the Bushy Park show on New Year's Day and submit a tender for Chocolate Wheel.
Blood Bank: Also in this period the Red Cross used to hold its Blood Bank night at the New Norfolk District Football Club Rooms every three months. The club was involved in helping to set up benches, distribute blankets and have a supply of kidney dishes, artery forceps and blood sample ampoules ready for the nurses. Our main functions were to receive the blood specimens, clean all equipment and prepare it for the next client, strip the blood from the tube into the bag and seal the tube. This operation could keep three to four members fairly busy for the duration of the night.
1977
Caravan: In 1977 the purpose built caravan was completed for the chocolate wheel. The offer of M.Blackwell to construct the basic unit for a cost of $640 was accepted on January 10th. Members, particularly Max Hardwick, completed the fit out and the unit was ready for service in August of that year. The chocolate wheel had operated from the back of one of Charlie's trucks prior to that. It has certainly repaid the club for the cost of construction. In those days Bushy Park Show and the New Norfolk Regatta were very big events and all members had to cross out Boxing Day and New Years Day on their calendars. At Bushy Park we ran the gates, the chocolate wheel and the boozer, the return for 1977 was Chocolate Wheel $940, Gates $239 which included a $50 bonus for a job well done. It was all hands on deck literally. It was also the year when we reluctantly raised the prices of Chocolate Wheel tickets from 10c to 20c. I think the comments of the President's Better Half says it all
"The Lions Ladies excelled themselves at Bushy Park but whoever heard of a chocolate wheel running out of prizes.
Congratulations to all on a Fabulous Effort."
Sheep Manure: In this period we also started collecting and selling sheep manure as a fund raiser. At this time property owners were almost prepared to pay you to cart the stuff away. We had a regular circuit of sheep sheds where we would visit and clean out each shed every couple of years. This was an excellent fund raiser and many a family fun day was had with the ladies (this was before ladies were permitted to be Lions members) would bring a lunch for when the shoveling was done. Mind you a lot of the ladies put in a full day on the shovel as well and Charlie's trucks have carried many a load of manure.
It was such a successful project that the club decided to go high tech. We first built a conveyer belt so that the bagging could be done out from under the shed and then developed a blower to reduce the amount of shoveling required. This piece of equipment never got a chance to prove itself as many other groups decided to jump on the band wagon and the farmers themselves realized that they had a saleable asset and the market became flooded, and the project was eventually dropped.
Circus Act: In January 1977 the Club assisted Lennon Brothers Circus as a fund raising project. The money raised from this project was donated to cancer research. The following advertisement appeared in the newsletter:
WANTED URGENTLY
Volunteers
| PROJECT | To meet visiting Lions |
| PLACE | Lions cage (inside) at visiting circus |
| QUALIFICATIONS | Must be dedicated men |
| INSURANCE | Treasurer swears all club premiums are fully paid up |
NB. All volunteers please enclose a short life history.
The editor likes to keep ahead of his work load.
Later in the issue
News Flash:
| President Des will enter Lions Cage STOP | |
| President's Lady volunteers to run booking office STOP | |
| Circus now advises will leave Lion cub (four legged) at booking office (publicity gimmick) STOP | |
| Lions Club committed - will adopt orphaned cub (two legged) if both parents eaten STOP |
District Hospital: In 1977 the board was asked by the District Hospital if they could assist with the provision of two recliner chairs. The club supplied the chairs and over coming years supplied both the District Hospital and Corumbene Nursing Home (Old Cottage Hospital site) with further chairs and water beds.
Bushy Park Pool: Two barbeques were installed at the Bushy Park Pool and work was carried out to provide paths etc.
| 1968 - 1977 | 1988 - 1997 | 1998 - 2007 | 2008 - |
1980
Practice Nets: In the 1980/81 year the Club constructed practice nets at the New Norfolk Primary School. Other projects of a similar nature have been carried out at other schools in the district over the years.
1981
Tynwald Park: The following year a Traction Engine, Thresher and Fork Lift were donated to the Club. These were installed at Tynwald Park where they proved extremely popular with visitors. There are a couple of interesting stories associated with this equipment.
When the thresher was being positioned one of our members (Max Hardwick) climbed onto the top of the unit. He came off a lot quicker when he saw a snake up there beside him.
After it had been installed for a few years we had a visitor from England. It turned out he was a member of one of the many steam societies in that country, he had a look at our engine and checked its serial number and found that it was one he had been trying to locate for many years.
Peppermint Hill: A member at this time Lion Jim Lee came up with a very strong proposal for a lookout over the town. The preferred site was Pulpit Rock but because of the difficulty of building an access road we were advised that we would not get council approval. An alternate site of Peppermint Hill was decided upon. This lookout provides fantastic views over the Derwent Valley and a bronze plaque, donated by Australian Newsprint Mills, identifies all points of interest. At this time we were advised that the New Norfolk Tip only had approximately two years life remaining. The project was designed with two lookouts, the second being a smaller one looking up the valley and linked to the first by a short track. It was decided to defer construction on the second lookout until the tip actually closed as it was felt this would improve the view considerably.
(Editors Note: We are still waiting.)
Lion Sam Wilton has spent many a long hour keeping this project tidy, mowing the grass, watering etc. He was most put out when he found out that the project had been handed over to the council on completion and he is still trying to claim back wages from the council.
Defibrillator: The Club donated a defibrillator for installation in one of the local Ambulances. At this time this was not a standard item of equipment for these vehicles. It was a donation that paid immediate dividends for the Club as two of the first people to make use of it were club members, namely, Ernie Ayers and Tom Morgan and it undoubtedly saved their lives.
1984 - 1987
Corumbene: In 1986 the Club received another request from Corumbene Nursing Home. The old cottage hospital site was a multistory building and it was essential that a service lift was installed. The cost of the lift was $21,000, but the home was eligible for a two to one government grant. This meant that if they could raise $7,000 the government would provide them with the remaining $14,000. They asked for our assistance in helping to raise the money. The Board considered the matter and felt that this project was one where the utilization of our reserve funds was warranted. Corumbene was advised to order the lift as the Club would fund the entire $7,000.
(Editors Note: Invested $7,000 a couple of months later the value had grown to $21,000. Why can't I get that return on my money?)
Cancer Research: In this period we continued our support of Cancer Research by supporting the Graeme Milburn ride for cancer. The club hosted a dinner and presented a cheque from the Club. This is a program which has continued annually until the present time.
Derwent Ouse: The Club chartered the Lions Club of Derwent Ouse at Ouse. The Guiding Lion for the new club was Lion Brian Parker. This Club drew its membership from as far away as Tarraleah. Unfortunately the membership was made up primarily of Hydro Workers, Police, Teachers etc, there was very little support from the primary producers and other 'permanent' residents. When the Hydro commenced cutting back its staff in the areas, the numbers of teachers, police etc also fell. The club continued until 1994 when its charter was revoked due to a lack of members.
| 1968 - 1977 | 1978 - 1987 | 1998 - 2007 | 2008 - |
1988
District Convention: In 1988 the Club hosted the District 201T1 Convention in New Norfolk, Des Graham was Convention Chairman and Greg Hudson was President. Most activities were held in the Royal Derwent Hospital Amenities Centre.
The Lion which was the convention mascot was created by students at local schools. Unfortunately it was lost when fire destroyed our storage shed.
We used army reservists for the flag ceremony and the Warrant Officer in charge took his responsibility seriously and assisted one of the reservists get into the right frame of mind by threatening, in his best parade ground voice, to insert his pacing stick into a part of the reservist's anatomy where it would have most effect.
The remembrance ceremony was the first one at which a fountain was used. It was so well received that we have been asked to run the Remembrance Ceremonies at two Multiple District Conventions where we have used similar themes.
The street march was a great success and this is sadly something which most District and Multiple District Conventions have dropped. It still forms a major part of International Conventions.
We received tremendous assistance from Royal Derwent Management and Staff. Shirley Julen in particular did a marvelous job in the kitchen preparing food, drinks etc.
1989
Bicycle Registration: This program was run in conjuction with Tasmania Police in an effort to combat theft of bicycles. Bicycles were stamped with a registration number which was recorded on Transport Tasmania's database. If a bicycle was stolen it could be identified and returned to the owner.
Lions Den: The club donated $2,000 to the Lions Drug Education Network to help cover the cost of production of a booklet which was distributed to parents throughout the state. The booklet was a guide to parents on how to approach the problem of drug abuse by young people.
1990 - 1991
Eye Surgery: In 1991 a baby boy (5 months old) from Bridgewater required urgent surgery to remove congenital cataracts from his eyes. The Club received a call for the Lions Eye Diagnostic Centre saying that tests showed if the boy had surgery immediately it was possible that most of his sight could be restored.
The clinic said that a surgeon had offered to operate without charge, but charges at a private hospital where a bed was available had to be met, public hospital beds were unavailable as the surgery was classified as elective and there was a long waiting list. The sum of $600 was required for the operation, the club made this donation and that boy now has 80% vision.
Derwent Valley Community Service Vehicle: In 1991 the club first donated a vehicle to the Derwent Valley Community Services. This vehicle was for the use of the aged, frail and infirm for transport to medical and other appointments. This was one of the clubs most successful projects with the vehicle being replaced on a regular basis.
The operation of the vehicle was taken over by Community Transport Tasmania and with changes to the operational procedures of the vehicle, a review found it was no longer meeting the criteria for which it was originally intended. Investigations showed that if the club did not provide the vehicle, another vehicle would be provided for the purpose which it was currently being the used.
The club decided to terminiate the project and sell the vehicle, placing the funds received back into our activities account.
International Convention: In 1991 the first International Convention was held in the Southern Hemisphere in Brisbane. The club had one delegate and one alternate at this convention, this first time the club had been represented at this level.
The street march was something to behold the marshalling area in South Brisbane was packed and it was an extremely hot day and a little pub near South Brisbane Station did more business that day than it had in total since it opened. The march stretched for miles across the river and through the city to a food fair at the old Botanical Gardens on the river bank.
It nearly turned to tragedy when an international plot nearly saw Lion Bill Gregory kidnapped by the Brazilians, they only gave up because Sonja was hanging on so hard.
Tourism Promotion: The Derwent Valley Council held a major Derwent Valley Tourism Promotion at National Park. About 500 people were brought to the Park by train. We were asked to handle the sausage sizzle. Was this the start of our love affair with sausages? It was an extremely day for Lions, Lions Ladies and anyone else who could be roped in.
1992 - 1996
Tynwald Park: A further development of Tynwald Park took place in this period with the installation of a further $15,000 of play equipment. This was despite vandalism destroying some of the equipment installed earlier. Additional work included realigning a section of the road to the picnic and barbeque area, the provision of two more smaller barbeques with shelters and outdoor settings. This project was another example of the great partnership with the Derwent Valley Council.
Bushy Park Pool: In 1995/1996 period we initiated a further project at the Bushy Park Pool complex. The club raised a significant proportion of its funds in the Bushy Park area and had for some time been looking for a project in the area. The barbeques previously installed at the Bushy Park Pool were upgraded and the area was roofed to allow all weather usage.
Targa Tasmania: The club has been involved with Targa Tasmania since its inception. Originally the club was asked to organize parking for competitors cars in preparation for the final run to Hobart. Later the club took control of the complete New Norfolk regroup with one of our members being appointed post chief. In later years the club also took over control of the time in and time out stations at the regroup. This involved over 20 members and volunteers for the day.
With changes to the course, the club decided to terminate our association with this event.
1997
Awards: In 1997 the Club awarded its first Life membership. This was awarded to Lion Stan Marshall. Since joining the club Stan had contributed magnificently for 20 years, however his health was failing rapidly and he passed away later that year. At the same meeting the Club awarded its first (and only) Melvin Jones Fellowship.
This was awarded to Lion Des Graham. Des was our only remaining Charter Member at the time and had provided many years of service to the club.
| 1968 - 1977 | 1978 - 1987 | 1988 - 1997 | 2008 - |
1999
Graeme Milburne Ride: The club once again hosted a dinner and presented a cheque for $1,000 to Graeme Milburne. This was the occasion of his 18th ride around Tasmania raising funds for cancer research.
2000
Tynwald Park: In 2000 we were advised that the Traction Engine and other equipment at Tynwald did not meet the standards for play equipment and posed a danger to children playing on it. After some negations it was sold to a collector from Latrobe who planned to restore it ( a two year project).
Pergolas: The project committee continued to be very active and projects were assessed and implemented throughout the valley. Several pergolas have been erected at various facilities including one at the Ouse District Hospital and another in Tank Street for the Department of Community and Health Services.
Fairview Primary School: Following the disastrous fire at Fairview Primary School, the Parent and Friends group decided to run a raffle to raise funds to replace equipment that would not be automatically replaced when the school was rebuilt. Local businesses were very generous in their support in the donation of prizes. When we were asked to help we agreed to print all tickets and run the raffle as a Lions raffle using our permit.
2002
Spectacle Recycling: In 2002 for the first time the Club took on eyeglass recycling as a project. Many unwanted spectacles have been collected and forwarded to the distribution centre where they are graded and then forwarded to developing countries where such items are out of the reach of the ordinary person.
Bothwell Branch: In January 2002, the Club formed the first Branch Club in District 201T1 at Bothwell in the Central Highlands.
At our information night we have 12 people in attendance by the time we held the induction night we had 22 members all of whom were dedicated to serving their local community.
The major project of the branch for a number of years was the Bothwell Country Races which raised many thousands of dollars for use in the community.
Top Club: 2002 was also the year that the club also won the Top Club award at the Forth Convention. The recipient of this award is chosen by the District Governor of the day from clubs which meet certain criteria. During this period our membership which had remained steady began to increase making the club even stronger.
Tynwald Park: We also carried out further work at Tynwald Park, the Derwent Valley Council purchased additional play equipment and we provided the labour to install it. We also replaced the supports in the rotunda which we had built earlier as they had rotted and were becoming dangerous.
Christmas Parade: We again participated in the Christmas Parade in New Norfolk. This has become a regular event on our calendar and is an excellent way of promoting the club to the public. I think quite a few young eyes were looking enviously at all the fluffy lions on the float.
2003
Youth of the Year: In 2003, the Club participated in Youth of the Year for the first time in many years. Whilst in the end we only had one entrant the judging panel treated the club final as if there were many allowing our contestant to gain valuable experience. Although he did not win the regional final he acquitted himself very well and was an excellent representative of the Club.
Corumbene: Support for Corumbene Nursing Home continued with the donation of a Promed Delta lifting frame and slings. This piece of equipment not only provides for a safer environment for the residents but also for the staff as it greatly reduces the risk of back and other related injuries.
Clubrooms: A major event this year was that after a very long period of negotiations with the Derwent Valley Council the Club secured a lease on a building in Willow Court as its clubrooms. This building allows the Club for the first time in its history to store all its equipment, have meetings and projects at the same location. Members, partners and friends put in in excess of 1500 hours effort to bring the building up to an acceptable standard. The Clubrooms were officially opened by the District Governor Bryan Smith and the Mayor of the Derwent Valley Council, Mr Nick Cracknell, on the 20th of May 2003.
Bushy Park Pool: Further work was carried out at the Bushy Park Pool with members erecting shade cover over the children's wading pool. I believe there was a major problem on this project with rapid set concrete that didn't.
Print Shop: The Club started a new project 'Print Shop'. This is an offshoot of the work done printing our own raffle tickets, spin tickets and other documents. It was agreed that the Club would only print for Lions Clubs or other closely allied entities as we did not wish to compete directly with commercial printers.
2004
Derwent Valley Community Services: The vehicle provided by the Lions Club was replaced once again. This vehicle was the last provided by the club as a change to the operating conditions meant the car was no longer being used for the purposes for which it was provided.
Lions Club of Bothwell and Districts: The Bothwell Branch was chartered as a club in its own right at a function at the Bagdad Community Centre. Among the guests were Council Chairman Tony Roney, District Governor Helen Moir and Mayor of the Central Highlands Council Diedre Flint.
2005
St John's Ambulance: As part of a District Project to provide each St John's Ambulance with a semi-automatic defibrillator, the Lions Club of New Norfolk purchased a unit for the Derwent Valley Ambulance.
Toddler's Pool: The Lions Club of New Norfolk erected a shade cover over the toddler's pool which the club constructed in 1972. The idea for this project came from the Magra CWA and was funded by the Tasmania Lions Foundation, Lions Club of New Norfolk, Derwent Valley Council and the Office of Sport and Recreation.
2006
Fire Hazard Reduction: The club received a request from a local disability pensioner for assistance in clearing growth around his house which had become a major fire hazard.
| 1968 - 1977 | 1978 - 1987 | 1988 - 1997 | 1998 - 2007 |
2008
First Lady President: Lion Sandy Carmichael was elected as Club President. This is the first time a lady has been elected as president. Sandy was originally a member of the Tasman Club and transferred to New Norfolk with her husband Denis.
Oatlands Festival: The club attended the Oatlands Festival for the first time. We were paid a fee to run a free transport around the town for the day. The day proceeded uneventfully until the last ride of the day when the engine 'died'.
All opinions were unamimous in that it was a fuel blockage. The lines were blown through and various other solutions tried but nothing worked. The train was pushed on to the trailer.
Next day when the train was taken to a mechanic the cause became obvious, we had blown a fuse.
Building Purchase: The purchase of our clubrooms was finalized after a long period of negotiation. Some aspects regarding access still required some clarification. The Speaker of the House, Mr Michael Polley, presented the club with a cheque for $10,000 to help offset the purchase price.
Relay for Life: This year Lions Lady Marlene Adlard suggested that the club run an all day morning tea to raise funds for Relay for Life. Lion Greg Hudson suggested that we contact local businesses and offer to deliver morning teas. The response was overwhelming. Marlene and other members and friends put in a tremendous effort in preparing the food and then despatching it to fill orders as well as keeping the tables at the clubrooms fully stocked.
Our tents were wrecked at relay last year due to the high winds. A new tent was donated to the club which served its purpose very well at this year's event. The weather was much kinder and once again we were joined by members of our LEO club.
Lions Train: This was the first full year of operation of the train by the club and it proved to be a very busy one. One problem that became apparent was the lack of drivers. The driver of the train needs to hold a medium rigid licence with a public vehicle attachment. The club is in the process of training more drivers as a matter of urgency.
- Kidsfest (Launceston)
- Tattersalls Park
- Orford:The Lions Club of Spring Bay asked us to bring the train to their Australia Day celebrations at Orford. The trip down was a test for the truck with all the hills etc but it handled it well. The Spring Bay club paid our expenses for getting the train there and we collected fares for the ride. The day was such a success we made a donation back to the Lions Club of Spring Bay.
- Brighton Show
- St Bridgits Primary School:We were asked to take the train to the St Bridgits Fair. Whilst we were located well away from the other attractions (down on the river flats), the ride proved to be very popular. A decision was taken to split the 50/50 with the school.
- Kempton Festival
- Hamilton Show
- Autumn in the Valley
Victorian Bushfire Appeal: Following the disasterous fires in Victoria the club made an immediate grant of $1000.00. The Tasmanian State Goverment promised to match any donation made to Lions, Rotary or Apex clubs on a dollar for dollar basis. The club received donations from:
- CanHope New Norfolk
- New Norfolk Primary School
- Ouse District Hospital
- New Norfolk Bowls Club
- LEO Club of New Norfolk
- Grey Nomads
- Molesworth Primary School
- Lachlan Community Hall Inc
- Roy Fagan Centre
- Glenora School Association
As well the club decided to donate all takings from the Lions Train at the Kempton Festival to the appeal.
40th Anniversary Dinner: This year in November the club celebrated its 40th Anniversary. District Governor Tony Roney adjusted his calendar and made the night his official visit. As it was so close to Christmas it was decided to make this our annual Christmas function as well. The club had a special pin cast and each person attending received one as a memento.
Chocolate Wheel: The chocolate wheel operated at all its normal venues this year. For the first time in 30 years we were forced to increase the price of tickets as we were no longer able to purchase suitable prizes.
