Churchill and District Lions - July 2024

The first half of the year has been a very busy and challenging time for the Lions Club of Churchill. Early in the year the unprecedented storm and power emergency that did so much damage around Mirboo North and Boolarra, saw the Club cooking fish and chips for affected people in Boolarra. We also assisted in other areas as did Blaze Aid, who were repairing fences around the area. The Churchill and Traralgon Lions Clubs assisted Blaze Aid volunteers by cooking meals for them on alternative Tuesday nights.

The Club was kept busy cooking the Australia Day breakfast, and Anzac Day breakfast, and also at the new Latrobe Regional Hospital, cooking for staff as they moved into the new part of the hospital. There were 350 hungry people for two days, eager to get a healthy hamburger with the lot and that famous Lions sausage in bread. The Club also supported the local schools at the Inter School Sports Day as well as being at Morwell Bunnings quite a lot this year. They also assisted Bunnings at their Community Mother’s Day event where the Club served up hot chips to those attending.

We were at Bunnings on Saturday July 13, so with winter coming early and being so cold, I am guessing fires are roaring, heaters are on and power bills will be shooting sky high. As you are snuggled in bed or in front of that roaring fire, think of us dedicated Lions who are already set up and ready to go at the Bunnings Sausage Sizzles – come on down and grab a freshly cooked sausage with onions on freshly baked bread – yummy!

On Friday June 21, the Club helped out at the Biggest Blokes BBQ at Kernot Hall to help raise funds for Prostate Cancer.

Earlier this year Lion Ron Bell moved due to eye health issues. Ron joined our Club in 2014 with his wife Judith. Ron was a very active and popular member of the Club, and he moved back to the city area with family.

On June 4, we lost Lion Kevin Hogan more commonly known as Hoges to MND. Kevin joined our Lions Club in May 1997 and was a very active and very popular member of the Lions Club for 27 years. He served the Club in many different Board positions and on many of the projects the Club undertook over the years. Hoges loved to serve in the cooking van and was a part of the legendary “A” Team with current President Robin King, and he cooked a mean egg and bacon sanga. A family man first and community-minded, who always tried to help those in need. Kevin lived life by the Lions code of ethics, to aid his fellow man, give sympathy to those in distress, hold friendship as an end and not a means, to be loyal to clients and customers, and always bear in mind the obligation as a citizen to the nation, and community.

We shall miss his presence at our meetings and his assistance in our programs, and his wicked sense of humour and stories.

The Club held its Changeover Dinner on June 5, which was well attended by special guest, Zone Chairman Geoff Anderson, and by many members of both the Trafalgar and Moe Lions Clubs, all having a great time.

The new board for 2024/2025 was sworn in by Lion Herb Smith from the Yinnar Lions club, the new Club Office Bearers are:

President: Robin King

Secretary: Peter Tait

Assistant Secretary: Bill Hurenkamp

Treasurer: Peter North

1st Vice President: David Lyne

2nd Vice President: Reg Grisotto

3rd Vice President: Ross Norman Assistant 3rd Vice President: Paul Jordan

Membership Chairman: Steve Duggan

Tail Twister: Ross Norman

Lion Tamer: David Cranwell

2nd Year Directors: Carl Hood and Ray Medew

1st Year Directors: Meagan Young and Kevin Wanless