District Convention 2009

The 2009 District Convention, the 34th was held at the Hilton Hotel Bromsgrove from 20th to 21st March.

The Convention began with a civic reception organised by the Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Caroline Spencer. Also attending were the Civic heads of the neighbouring authorities of Droitwich, Malvern Hills, City of Worcester and County of Worcester. All were honouring the involvement of their towns’ Clubs in organising the Convention.

At the reception we were able to introduce our overseas guests, International Director Bojan Sober and his wife PDG Olga from Croatia, District Governor of 110AN Pieter Joustra and his wife Ankie from Holland, and PCC Viggo Puggaard from Denmark-Chairman of North Sea Lions.

The guests were entertained by a short display of their vocal skills by Bojan and Olga, and when Bojan persuaded the Mayor of Worcester to let him try the Chain of Office he honoured DG Andy with a “forkhood” a little know Croatian order of Chivalry. So little known is it, that only Bojan appears to know the details!!

On Friday night the host night theme was “Country Folk” in honour of the long running radio programme The Archers. There were some great costumes worn by Clubs, and a lot of men in smocks were sighted. The picture shows PDG Olga Sober and Country Squire (Lion Ian Haffner Worcester) and a Farm hand (2nd VDG elect Neil Chisholm Warwick)

The business session on Saturday was attended by over 180, a full house. The successful candidates for office were Femi Onabolu DG elect, Martin Bye VDG elect and Neil Chisholm 2nd VDG elect

Convention was officially opened by Cllr Caroline Spencer Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Bob Dutton President of home club Bromsgrove proposed a vote of thanks. As you can see ID Bojan and PID Howard are amused by DG Andy’s attempts at controlling the Convention.

ID Bojan addressed the Convention on the achievements of LCIF. He started with the help of PCC Mike Cooke, setting the scene for a relaxed but very effective presentation, much appreciated by the Convention.

PID Howard Lee addressed the afternoon session of Convention on the important work of the Global Membership Team. Happily we were able to introduce members of the 2 Clubs formed since last Convention to the audience.

Saturday night’s Banquet was another full house and 150 people sat down to enjoy an excellent meal rounded of by comedian Malc Stent, a true son of Birmingham who shares DG Andy’s passion for Birmingham City. The rousing chorus of Keep Right on to the End of the Road organised by Malc was no competition for Olga’s display of real singing talents.

DG Andy enjoys a discussion with ID Bojan at the Banquet, apparently he was asking if he could borrow Andy’s season ticket for Birmingham City.

Overall a great event well organised by all concerned, so now its time to plan for next year’s Convention, and work on encouraging more Lions to attend. Attendance is getting better but lets get every Club participating.