Newport Pagnell and Olney Lions Club
Minutes of the Business Meeting held on 5th December 2016 at the Two Brewers
Present: Trevor Aldred (TA), John Ferris (JF), Russell de Ville (RdV), Rod Wayland (RW), Tony Triggle (TT), Karen Thorpe Morgan (KTM), Derek Seymour (DS), Tom Hart (TH), Richard Pearson (RP), Bob Benbow (BB), Kim Smith (KS),
Apologies: Dave Simmons (DSs), Tony Higgs (TH), Tina Byford (TB)
Minutes of the last meeting: The minutes were agreed. AP’s would be picked up during the meeting.
Guests: Richard Hillier.
Treasurer’s Report (Attached):
1. Income & expenditure report- Charity & Admin Accounts 7/11/16 – 5/12/16.
2. Income & expenditure report – Dickens of a Xmas.
3. Calendar & Cards Sales 2016/2017
Estimated donations to charity since the Club was formed in 1977.
Charitable donations from the Club, over the years, are estimated at around a quarter of a million pounds. This estimate is based on present day values, and therefore represents considerably more in terms of purchasing power over the years.
Service Committee:
· MS Group Gym Visit - Debbie Whitworth would like to arrange a visit to a specialist Gym in MK for members of the MS group. Investigations ongoing pending Debbie’s’ recovery. AP RdeV.
· Silverline – Donation of £250.00 now paid. AP discharged.
· LCIF Haiti Hurricane Appeal – Donation of £500.00 now paid. AP discharged.
· LCIF Measles Initiative – Donation of £500 now paid. AP discharged
· Centennial Project –
§ Tree Planting – After some discussion it was proposed that we consider the planting of a manageable number of trees as part of the Centennial project. Martin has both contacts and expertise and it was proposed that Martin be asked if he would be prepared to take on the project. If so that he be given the freedom to investigate the best way of doing this, including locations, tree types, how and when the work should be undertaken (sometime between July 2015 – July 2018). Martin would be asked to report back his findings and recommendations at a future meeting, and to consider managing the project from beginning to end. This would also include how the work should be resourced (e.g. with the help of scouts or students looking for D of E voluntary work). President to contact Lion Martin to agree the way forward - AP JF
§ Town Signs & Libraries – Two aspects of activity included in the Oakbrook itinery of things which may be included in a centenary project are Town Signs and Support to libraries. Since we already have made progress in both these areas it was agreed to include them as part of our Centenary activities. AP JF
· Beanstalk Charity - Further info on this charity was distributed by Russell and individuals left to respond. AP discharged.
· Willen Hospice Fashion Show – The fashion show went well although given it was a first attempt, there were some areas for improvement in the organization AP Discharged.
· Operation Christmas Child - The club had agreed to help with the loading of the gift boxes but the arrangements this year have changed at the last minute and help is no longer required. AP discharged.
· Brooklands Defibrillator – It was confirmed that the new pads required were covered under the original 7 year maintenance contract and Brooklands are dealing directly with the supplier. In the meantime it was agreed to make a further donation of £100.00 to Brooklands. AP TA.
· School aid in Malawi – Nothing further to report on this project. AP OG RdeV.
· 40’s Weekend – Richard is on the committee looking at this proposal for a 1940’s weekend being organized for June 17/18th, on similar lines to the Civil War re-enactment, but with activities such as a Tea Dance, Enigma machine decoding and a display of military vehicles taking place all around the town and in specific venues. It would also include the arrival of a Lancaster and Spitfire on Bury Field. Richard agreed to send information to the club as details of the event are firmed up, with a proposal of how the Club might be involved. AP RP.
· Dental Equipment – Both Tony T and Derek have passed on contact details to their local dental practices. AP Discharged
· Message in a Wallet - Similar in concept to Message in a bottle, this DG’s project includes a form containing medication details for keeping in a wallet. It was agreed that we should obtain some samples from existing stores to use in establishing likely take up rather than commit to purchase at this stage. AP JF.
· District 105A twinning with Poland 121 – Poland 121 is seeking funding for some aspects of setting up a Hospice. It was agreed that as they are within the EEC and therefore have access to similar funding as the UK, we should not support this project. AP Discharged.
· Sports Achiever - This annual event at Shenley Leisure Centre has requested some financial support from the club towards an award. A £100 donation was agreed and has now been made. AP discharged.
· Christmas Gifts – Lists have been updated and distributed along with Biscuits to members for delivery over the next couple of weeks. Big thanks to Russell for organizing this. - A/P RdeV/OG.
· Christingle Challenge – Bob attended the event and helped light the candles. Claire expressed her thanks to the Lions for our help. AP discharged.
· Fireworks Display Marshalling - Thanks to all Lions and friends who helped out on a bitterly cold evening. There had been some feedback regarding variations in price which had come from a relaxed view by the organisers about what should be charged. With Social media, this is a recipe for contention and John has fed this back. As always there were opportunistic people operating without a street license selling flashing lights, but this can only be challenged by people empowered to do so. - Item Discharged
Fund Raising:
· Dickens – Very successful day with the weather on our side resulting in takings only marginally down on previous years, a great result considering that we started £1k down as a result of the Bull being unavailable, or hot property as it is now known. There was great support available especially from the Cadets and other volunteers like Matthew and Emma Luckin, who showed resilience and composure and well as great customer facing skills. Without them it would have been impossible to handle the numbers with the same degree of efficiency. Big thanks of course to the Old Guard who started early and finished late, and especially to Karen for the excellent organization. There were some issues for review, including the catering at the Olney Centre, which was not up to standard, albeit impaired by a power failure. Also there is a need for new tickets and hand stamps. There was also a question about evidence of food hygiene certificates where some stallholders are concerned, which need to be followed up.
· Olney & Newport Calendars 2016 & Xmas cards – Based on the Calendar Sales information produced by Trevor, we are now breaking even and any sales we now make are pure profit The effort of those involved in setting up the Marketplace /stalls for selling week after week was acknowledged. This is quite grueling week after week and we need to review how we plan this in the future to make it more manageable and less onerous on specific individuals. AP OG RdeV
Social and other events:
· Greyhound Haversham - possible venue for a meal in the New Year when the manager has the staff to enable him to respond to our request.
· The Two Brewers – Trevor agreed to explore the possibility of holding a February social event at The Two Brewers. AP TA
· East House – The visit to The East House was enjoyable, with good food and good service representing excellent value for money. AP Discharged.
· Facebook Event - The Facebook event was a great success. Trevor will look at the feasibility of running this as a service event would be considered by Trevor in March 2017. AP TA
· John Bunyan Jazz Cruise - the next Jazz Cruise will be in May 2017 on the John Bunion. Derek to get further details A/P DS
· Christmas Meal – 7.00pm for 7.30 at The Green Man Lavendon.
· Charter Night - the 40th Charter coincides with the Centennial even. JF is to use the charter to assist 3 local Children's Charities and to target sponsors for ticket sales. AP JF OG
Membership:
· New Venue - Feedback about the use of the front bar of the Two Brewers was favourable and will continue during the winter on a trial basis.
· Newport Pagnell Venue – No further information available - AP BB
· Tony Higgs – Tony was out of hospital and making a good recovery. The Club expressed their best wishes to Tony for a speedy recovery. Bob would organize a card and flowers on behalf of the club.
· Phonebox Article – John confirmed that he had produced some content for the next Phonebox acknowledging the invaluable support of our sponsors.
· Richard Hillier - The Club were delighted to extend an offer of membership to Richard Hillier who was pleased to accept. We will endeavor to arrange an Induction ceremony at the next meeting.
Lions Business:
· District Convention 3/5 March 2017. - Must be present to take part in voting- anyone interested please make yourself known at the January meeting. AP ALL
· MD 66th Convention 22/23 April will be held in Blackpool. Any interest please express at the next meeting. AP ALL
Correspondence: Some backdated Lions magazines had been received by the Hon Sec and were duly distributed.
AOB:
· Xmas cards – Email response to John’s original e mail is required please. AP ALL
· Westlands - John has been invited to provide feedback to help frame the customer requirements for a successful Hotel/restaurant at Westlands. AP JF
· DVD’s - Tom reported on the availability of 2 DVD’s which told the story of the NP Civil War Re-enactment.
· Chairperson – The Club thanked Kim for chairing her first meeting and agreed that she had done an excellent job controlling a dubious collection of rabble.
Next Meeting: 9th January December 2017 – Venue: The Two Brewers.