Special guests included district governor Lion Peter Willis-Jones with Lion Pam, past district governor Lion Alan Scolari with Lion Ida, past district governor Lion Peter Veryard and Lion Sandra, zone chairman Lion Peggy Reehorst and Lion Gerry, mayor Mark Troy and wife Gina.

Local club president Lion Grahame Maddeford welcomed everyone including a good contingent of past members of Bellingen Lions Club, Lions from Nambucca Heads, Bowraville and Urunga clubs.

The toast to Lions International was proposed by Lion Peter McLean and district governor Lion Peter responded with praise for the fine community spirit of Bellingen Lions Club both to our district and to Lions International. He reminded all we are part of a massive organisation throughout 209 countries, 46,000 clubs and 1,360,121 members. There are 1523 members in Lions District 201n1.

Mayor Troy proposed a toast to Bellingen Lions Club and gave a glowing report on the club’s many wonderful achievements over the past 60 years. Projects of note include building the first swimming pool in our shire, bus shelters, electric barbecues, playground equipment, firework spectacular, senior citizens annual luncheon and the many and varied equipment donated the Ambulance service, Bellingen Hospital and the community nurses.  

Throughout the years Lions have provided split and delivered firewood for seniors, offered school scholarships and book prizes, sponsored students on cultural tours to Asian countries.

Bellingen president Lion Grahame Maddeford responded pledging the ongoing support of Bellingen Lions to our local community. Bellingen Lions is very proud of their wonderful history of community service projects.

The toast to kindred organisations was proposed by Lion Wal Tyson and he praised the many local kindred organisations who also assist individuals and groups within the district. Special mention was given to Bellingen Red Cross who this year celebrated 100 years of service to our local community and worldwide – a wonderful achievement. Gina Troy, president of the Bellingen View Club suitably responded.

President Lion Grahame Maddeford then presented the Years of Service Badges to all members. A standing ovation was extended to Lion Carl Foster for 60 magnificent years – Carl is a legend in Lionism. The current 18 members have clocked up a total of 474 years of service.

With Lion Ken Armstrong on 59 years, Lion Lester Sheather 49 years,  Lion Wal Tyson, Lion Bruce Tait 39 years, Lion Pat Fox 38 years and Lion Alex Waugh 35 years giving 321 years of service and given 144,000 hours of service during the clubs history.

Guest speaker for the evening was Lion Mark Scott who gave a very interesting address on Lions hearing dogs that give great comfort to persons with hearing difficulties. They are not only wonderful companions they also alert their person to phone calls, doorbells, smoke alarms etc.  These dogs are highly trained and the cost of training is $30,000 per dog. 

Lion Alex Waugh moved a vote of thanks to Lion Mark Scott for his fine presentation.

This was followed by the fun part of the night – the fellowship, catch-up and yarns session. This wind down for the evening kept everyone amused and was enjoyed by all.

Lion Wal Tyson

Bellingen Lions Club