Our District made love not war in Torquay  

Our District made love not war in Torquay

 

 

The Multiple District Convention in Torquay started as soon as Lions from across the District arrived at the Ingelwood Hotel in Torquay where we had taken over the whole hotel. Thanks must go to Lion Harry and Janet Fry for organising this on our behalf.

The theme for the Host Night was “Flower Power”, an era when most of the Lions of our District were there the first time round. A complete range of outfits was seen and with lots of 60s music we were able, quite literally, to let our hair down. In fact the most quoted greeting to the men was “I didn’t recognise you with hair”  


 

Saturday morning’s business session commenced with national anthems, the flag ceremony, an introduction of special guests and the formal opening of Convention by the Chairman of Torbay Council. Reports were then received from the Council Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer as well as the specialist MD Officers.

Following this updates were given on “Korle Bu”, “Lifeskills” and Europa Forum 2014 which will of course be held in our District at the NEC in Solihull (not Birmingham as was quoted!) Finally a recital was given by the winner of the Young Musician competition.

After lunch presentations were given on our Signature project as well as GLT and GMT. The keynote speaker was the paralympian Ben Quilter who gave an inspirational talk on the challenges he has faced and overcome to become a medal winning paralympian.

The afternoon concluded with debate and voting on the various resolutions. These included the proposal to increase MD dues to £24 per Lion, per annum and to increase the request to support our youth activities from £3 to £4 per club member. Both of these were carried.

Saturday evening saw the District split up with some attending the Banquet and Ball whilst others remained at the Hotel where an evening of entertainment was provided.

Following the excesses of Saturday evening another early start was required for the Sunday morning business session which saw the introduction to Convention of the District Governors 2012-13 and the District Governors Elect 2013-14. Both Lions Paul and Simon were rapturously received by the assembled Lions of our District. Awards, competition winners, medals and certificates were dealt with and presentations were given on “Gift for Living” and “Marie Curie Cancer Care” The highlight of the morning had to be the address by our International President Lion Wayne Madden, which was a pleasure to hear.

Convention closed with a presentation by the 2014 Host Committee and thanks to the Torquay Host Committee.

Thereafter it was goodbyes and the long haul back up the M5 to the Midlands.