Centennial dinner a winner
‘‘An all-round resounding success,’’ was the consensus from those who attended the Zone 4 of District 202L Centennial Dinner to celebrate 100 years of service by Lions members around the world.
This once-in-a- lifetime event was held on Saturday, May 27 in the Silver Fern Farms Event Centre in Te Aroha.
More than 120 people enjoyed an entertaining evening which was also in aid of the five local fire brigades, Te Aroha, Paeroa, Matamata, Tahuna and Morrinsville.
Chairman of the organising committee, Te Aroha Lions President, Mark Davey, welcomed everyone and District Governor, Stu Gray officially opened the evening.
Mayor, Jan Barnes, spoke about the importance of community and the wonderful work carried out by such service clubs such as Lions Clubs throughout Matamata-Piako for their communities.
Guest speaker, District Commander, Aaron Watereus, of the Eastern Waikato Fire Service Region, kept his audience enthralled with his personal experiences, many of them humorous and entertaining.
Commander Watereus also gave a concise summary of the many challenging changes in the New Zealand Fire Service over the past years together with the exciting changes coming about in July.
MC for the evening, Past District Governor, Richard Norris, kept things flowing smoothly with the entertainment items by Matamata Lion and talented guitarist, Bryan Rawiri, and members of Te Aroha Little Theatre, providing enjoyment and lots of laughter.
An added surprise was the induction by President, Mark Davey, of new Te Aroha Lions member, Stan Knight, who also donated the two mowers for the main raffle.
A presentation was also made to Vice District Governor, Arvind Raman, by District Governor, Stu Gray, of the special flag signed by members from all the clubs in District 202L to take with him to the Lions International Convention in Chicago this year.
Together with registrations for the dinner, the main raffle and raffles on the night it is hoped to have raised over $8000 to be divided between the five local Fire Brigades.
President, Mark Davey, gave much-appreciated thanks to committee secretary, Wanda Brittain, and treasurer, Mike Jackson for their help with the organisation.