Immediate Past District Governor Lion Paul Anstice opened proceedings by welcoming approaching 100 Lions and partners and immediately passed the microphone over to Lion Jackie Anstice who announced that for her project, Teenage Cancer Trust, Lions had raised the magnificent sum of £10,500.
Paul then thanked everyone for their support during his year stating that it had been a wonderful but busy experience and also hard work but at the same time rewarding. Paul’s theme had been “Touching the hearts of those in need through service” and he expressed his gratitude for the way all the Clubs in the District had responded to this. A presentation of an MJF Fellowship was then made to Lion Pauline Hoogerwerf for her amazing work with the Niger Water Wells project. Finally in handing over the chain of office to DG Lion Simon Moss he announced that he was giving Simon a great start by way of a new club – Coventry Mercia Branch Club.
In accepting the chain of office DG Lion Simon thanked Paul for all his work during his very successful year in office. He also announced that his aim for the year would be to carry on Paul’s theme through his own – “Making our mark through service” Simon then badged up his Cabinet for the year referring to them as his “Dream Team” a reference of course to one of the themes of our new International President, Lion Barry Palmer – “To follow your dreams”
Lion Christine Moss then introduced her project for the year – “Mee & Dee”
Me & Dee is run by a remarkable lady by the name of Maria Hanson. Maria along with her cousin Delia wanted to start a charity to give special moments where time was precious. Unfortunately Delia lost her battle with cancer, but Maria made the decision to create the charity any way.
Maria has become aware, whilst meeting families with very poorly children, that there is little time between diagnosis and admittance to hospital. For the parents, the last thing on their mind is necessities such as toiletries, or the time and funds to buy hot drinks. She therefore provides “Comfort Packs”. The parents pack contains two of everything in toiletries, cups and utensils, lip balms, hand cream, tea and coffee, hot chocolate and cup-a-soups, tissues, towels and more. The teenagers pack contains toiletries, lip balms and a range of games. The children pack contains toiletries, games and a soft toy.
As Maria’s health is not very good she also wants to leave behind a lasting opportunity to provide a treat and would love to buy a caravan so that those who need it most can get a break.
You can get involved by either providing a special moment to someone in need, you can nominate someone to receive a special moment, you can donate to the charity so that Maria can continue to provide special moments, you can sponsor a comfort pack and have that pack delivered to either someone in need or have several packs delivered to a hospice near you.
Examples of the treats that Maria has given in the past include a trips to the theatre, Alton Towers and a photo makeover more examples can be found on the website where you find out more about this remarkable woman and her charity www.meanddee.co.uk or follow MeandDee Charity on Facebook or @MeandDeeUK on Twitter.
The afternoon was concluded by the presentation of bouquets to Lions Jackie and Christine.