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Lions Clubs International - Lion Phil Nathan |
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Show you care, get involved, let's enjoy ourselves |
Past International Director Phil Nathan
International 2nd Vice President Campaign
Sleepless in Seattle?
Not quite, but Seattle is vibrant, lively, city and early nights are not the norm at an International Convention!
This year’s International Convention is now behind us, but what a wonderful occasion it turned out to be, with our hosts from America’s ‘Pacific North West’ giving us an excellent Convention and displaying their own brand of warmth and friendship.
I travelled out on the Saturday before Convention, Heidi followed, having seen our daughter Francesca off on a school trip to Namibia; it doesn’t seem too long ago that a cross channel trip was a big adventure!
The Convention briefing meeting took place on the Sunday evening and it was a pleasure to join those of the 120 or so delegates from the Multiple District who had already arrived in Seattle. This was an opportunity to catch up with friends, news from home and to discover who had been doing what on their Seattle journey.
As the DGE Seminar drew to its close more and more familiar faces began to appear, providing opportunities for discussions with Executive Officers, Past Presidents and Senior Lions from around the world.
Tuesday morning saw the start of Convention, with the Parade of Nations. All the advice was that Seattle weather is similar to the UK, however, we were blessed with unusually hot, for Seattle, weather with the sun shining on a cloudless day. This year’s parade started almost by the Space Needle, Seattle’s iconic tower and everyone was thrilled to see the Lions’ flag flying from the mast at the top of the ‘Needle’, some 600’ above Seattle.
Time seems rather incidental on parade day and the opportunity was taken to meet everyone, talk to people and generally savour the atmosphere that comes from being surrounded by the Lions of the world.
The MD Reception, on Thursday Night was extremely well supported with excellent support from the Lions’ of the world.
When I was introduced, by IPCC Jacquie Prebble, the applause was prolonged and moving and I was delighted to have the opportunity to address the audience. I our professional partnerships and the service that we, as Lions, subsequently provide; my remarks appeared to be well received as there were many favourable comments as the night proceeded.
We were delighted to welcome the outgoing International President Sid Scruggs.
It was my privilege and pleasure, to invite my fellow PIDs, Howard & Philip, to join President Sid and I whilst the President presented the Associations’ ‘Medal of Honour’ to current DG Andrew Allen in recognition of the service given by PDG Louvain. A very moving moment and I know the Lions from MD105, and the many others who were present who knew Louvain, shed a quiet tear.
We were also pleased to welcome the incoming International President, Dr Wing Kun Tam, 1st Vice President Wayne Madden and now 2nd Vice President Barry Palmer, together with many Past Presidents, current and past International Directors and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with many of them.
Those who spoke were very complimentary about the work being undertaken by the Lions of MD105.
Over the past few years the International Convention has changed and music is now a key part of the plenary sessions; before the business proper started on Friday morning we were treated to 30 minutes of rock and roll by the Million Dollar Quartet, a superb tribute band, who had the audience standing, swaying and singing along.
Friday morning saw the installation of the new International President, Lion Wing Kun Tam, an old friend who I had the pleasure of working with as an International Director and again as a Board Appointee.
Our new President gave an impassioned and impressive opening address, emphasising his theme ‘I Believe’, and his belief that Lions can and do achieve and will continue to do. He too had music as his daughter and youngest son played a piece on the piano and violin respectively. President Tam’s mother was on the platform with him and was warmly received when introduced; a warm ‘family’ occasion which emphasised further President Tam’s values.
Friday also saw the installation of the District Governors for 2011-2012 and you could feel the excitement in the air. It was a pleasure to be there and I wish them a fabulous twelve months in their year as District Governor.
To sum up, there was a great deal of positive comment concerning Heidi and I and there is no doubt that there is a strong body of senior Lions who would be happy to see me as International President. The timing, as always, is critical and is something the campaign team discussed when we meet at the end of July.
Returning home it was back to normal as I attended and spoke at the Charter Anniversary of the Palace of Westminster Lions Club followed by meetings at MDHQ then Board Meetings at Special Olympics and MedicAlert before we left for a family holiday; just us, no computer (scary thought!) though I will keeping in touch with my activities as a Lion.