2007-2008 President Bernie Keitlinghaus
My theme for the year, "Back to Basics", I feel has been achieved.
Our Club introduced four new members into the club. Thank you to Lions Steve Long and Phillip Schoupp who assisted me in gaining these new members. My goal was to induct five new members this year, but unfortunately we did not achieve that number.
We made six inter-club visits during the year- Bellata, Collarenebri, Bingara, Wee Waa, Narrabri and Goondiwindi. The Lions who accompanied me on these visits enjoyed the experience and I thank them for their support. I feel we re-affirmed our Lionism bond with these clubs by commencing these visits again this year.
"Back to Basics" saw interesting Dinner Programming featuring Guest Speakers. Lion Darcy Churchland agreed to my request to act as Programme Chairman and what a great job he did. Thankyou also to Lion John Thompson for the Lions Information segments he presented. This information was very much appreciated by new members.
Our major fundraiser for the year, the Golden Grain Cotton Festival was an outstanding success at the new venues, Taylor Oval and the New Max Centre. Our coordinator Juliette Rowan proved to be a wonderful asset, working many hours behind the scene to ensure the success of the Festival. The presentation of our Princesses at the Festival Ball, was widely acclaimed by the local community and was a wonderful success.
On behalf of our club I was pleased to receive the 2007 Group Volunteer of the Year Award. After 53 years service to the community it was great for our club to be recognised for our volunteer work.
The "Roamin Lions" enjoyed a number of very enjoyable trips away this year. Thank you Lion Darcy and LL Lynette for organising these excursions. Great fellowship and closer friendships have been formed among Moree's "Roamin Lions" during this year.
A special thankyou to our partners - the Moree Lions Ladies. Their invaluable assistance at the Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon, "Rockdale under Lights", the Golden Grain Cotton Festival, barbeques and the selling of raffle tickets is true service to Lionism. What would we do without them?
Thank you to Lion Brett Farlow, our Bulletin Editor. A good Bulletin is not an easy task to produce, but Brett always excelled.
My appreciation is extended to the Club Executive and to Lions who displayed their support and loyalty over the past year.
Best wishes to Incoming President Lion Steve Long and his board for a happy and successful term.
To my LL Eileen, thank you for your quiet advice, understanding and humour.