Two new life members for Lions
“We Serve” is the motto, and the recent social meeting of Dannevirke Host Lions resonated this value.
Awarding Life Memberships to Lions Maurice Millar and Dave Murdoch, Dannevirke Lionshonoured those whose involvement through the years has exemplified the organisation’s values.
“Cultured, courteous, polite, honourable, refined and reputable — the definition of a gentleman,” said fellow Life Member Jim Kernaghan. “In his 47 years years of service in Lions, Maurice has held many official responsibilities including that of president.” Jim said, highlighting how Maurice excelled as leader of the Social Committee determined that members enjoy the friendship and fellowship in voluntary service.
Special occasions organised by Maurice were recalled — the National Dance festival at the Lower Domain and a bus trip to Palmerston North stopped by a traffic cop who delivered the travellers fish and chips and a can of beer each. There was an umbrella dance in the Dannevirke Town Hall by several Lions in flesh-coloured underwear and clear plastic raincoats.
Maurice continues an active involvement, especially preparing for the annual book sale.
“In 45 years of very active service as a member of Dannevirke Lions, Dave Murdoch has contributed immensely to the club and to the Dannevirke community,” Past President Terry Hynes said.
Having twice served as club president, Dave often undertook leadership roles. Fundraising included bagging and selling poultry manure, house painting and for several years, coordinating triathlons. Dave led collaborative projects to produce updated farm location maps of the district, phone books and a guide to local bushwalks.
He is conductor and organiser of Dannevirke Lion Pride singers which continues to present after 30 years of guidance.
“I have only scratched the surface of Dave Murdoch’s energy and service in Lions. It is truly a great honour for me to be presenting this award to a true friend and colleague,” Terry said.
In presenting the Life Memberships, both Jim and Terry acknowledged the key contributions and support roles of the members’ respective wives, Rhetta Millar and Joy Murdoch.
Dave Murdoch acknowledged the many people he had grown to know through being a Dannevirke Lions member.