DG Blog 2026 - 2027
Sunday 4th October - Convention Update Meeting (Zoom)
Held a zoom meeting with Laura (Convention Chair) regarding District Convention 2027.
Friday 2nd October - Wokingham Music Club - Run by Wokingham Lions Club
I helped on the bar at the Wokingham Music Club event. A full house for Oye Santana. Great atmosphere in the venue.
Thursday 1st October - Eastleigh Lions Club
Visited Eastleigh Lions club and was accompanied by Andy Goffin, a Zone Membership Ambassador. We had a very good and productive discussion around membership. I was delighted to be able to present 2 Membership Chevrons and a Membership Certificate to members of the club.
Tuesday 29th September - District Finance Meeting (Zoom)
A zoom Finance meeting to discuss and agree the District budget for 2027 - 2028
Monday 28th September - Convention Business Session (Zoom)
I held an initial planning meeting with Peter Burnett and Andy Goffin to discuss the business session for next year's Convention, with an aim to try and modernise elements of the day. This meeting was initiated from the feedback that was received after last year's Convention.
Sunday 27th September - Wokingham Lions Club Social - Picnic
After having worked on our allotment, Vicky and I enjoyed a picnic organised by my club - Wokingham Lions. A chance to catch up and relax with friends. The weather was mixed, sunny, cloudy, drops of rain followed by short gusts of wind and intermittent sunshine. People took the opportunity to take to the water, either kayaking or paddleboarding across the River Thames, others enjoyed a swim. There were plenty of games to be played on land. A lovely relaxing event followed by a dog walk by the river.
Saturday 26th September - Reading Lions Club - PSA testing day
I helped at the Reading Lions Club Prostrate Cancer testing day at the Circle Hospital. Around 1,200 men attended the hospital for their PSA test. Well done to Reading Lions Club for organising another successful Annual PSA testing event.
Friday 25th September - Wokingham Lions Club - Quiz night
Vicky and I attended The Wokingham Lions Club quiz evening. Our team came a respectable 5th. At the event, the club raised in the region of £1,000 which will go to local charities.
Thursday 24th September - Meatloaf by Candlelight - High Wycombe
Vicky and I enjoyed an evening listening to Meatloaf by Candlelight. The hits were sung by several West-End Singers who had previously starred in the West End musical 'Bat out of Hell - The Musical'. Very talented and we really enjoyed listening to the band.
Thursday 24th September - District Strategy Meeting (Zoom)
I held a District Strategy Meeting on zoom. This meeting included the DG Team, Membership, Service and Leadership Leads to review our first quarter results against the Lions International targets for our District and review our action plan for our key areas. A good positive meeting.
Wednesday 23rd September - District Governors Meeting (Zoom)
I attended a zoom meeting along with the other 7 District Governors and Council Chair.
Wednesday 23rd September - Zone Chair Meeting (Zoom)
I met with the Zone Chairs to review our first quarter and plan for the next few months going forward.
Tuesday - 22nd September - Farnborough and Aldershot Lions Club
Visited Farnborough and Aldershot Lions Club and had the absolute honour of being invited to induct five new members. Fantastic start to the Lions year!
Monday 21st September - Chippenham Lions Club
Visited Chippenham Lions business meeting along with Zone Chair Rachel and two further members from Calne Lions Club. I presented a 3 year and 5 year service award along with a 25 years long service chevron to Peter Gedge and 35 long service chevron to Roger Field.
Saturday 19th September - Swanwick Lions Club - 50th Charter
Vicky and I attended Swanwick Lions 50th Charter celebration. It was a lovely evening held at the local sailing club. Great to see so much positivity in the room particularly after the loss of 5 of their members in June. There were a number of potential members who also attended the event. It was very well attended. Congratulations on 50 years of service.
Vic received a personalised plaque recognising his long service and dedication to Lions. He has given over 50 years service to Lions.
Thursday 17th September - District Governors Meeting (Zoom) followed by Dog Agility training
I attended a zoom meeting along with the other 7 District Governors and Council Chair, before taking our Labrador to her agility class.
Wednesday 16th September - Zone Ambassadors Meeting (Zoom)
I chaired a Zone Ambassador's Meeting. There was a lot of discussion on how we can support clubs with their membership growth. Many good ideas were shared.
Monday 14th September - Wokingham Theatre
Vicky and I attended the production of Hansard at our local theatre. It was a stimulating, amusing and moving evening. A very thought provoking play.
Sunday 13th September - Thames Hospice
Vicky and I marshalled at the sponsored walk organised by Thames Hospice. It was well attended and a very successful day.
Saturday 12th September - Loddon Valley Lions 51st Charter
A major achievement! 2 charters in a day!
The first was a luncheon with Loddon Valley Lions Club celebrating their 51st Charter. I found out during the meal that their current president not only came from Norwich, where I come from, but also attended the same school as I did! Loddon Valley also presented a cheque to Vicky to go towards her charity - Sebastian's Action Trust. I was delighted to present long service chevrons for 40 years to both Mike Creanor and Geoff Loan.
Saturday 12th September - Gillingham Mere Shaftsbury Lions 47th Charter
We then headed down to Salisbury for Gillingham Mere Shaftesbury Lions 47th Charter dinner. I had the honour of presenting several long service chevrons including a 35 year chevron to Janet Davies and 40 years chevron to Paul Smith.
Both events were really enjoyable, very welcoming and full of fun and fellowship. We were really tired by the time we finally hit the pillow.
Thursday 10th September - Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions
I visited Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club. The meeting worked well as a hybrid meeting which allowed some of their more experience members who were not able to attend in person to contribute to the meeting via zoom. I had great delight in presenting 2 long service chevrons.
Tuesday 25th August - Monday 7th September - Holiday - Italy
Down time preparing for a busy few months ahead.
We visited Italy - Milan, Verona, Lake Garda and finished in Rimini to visit old friends from my Round Table days. It was of course very hot, but we managed to enjoy visiting the sights and spending time relaxing, eating, drinking and catching up.
Friday 21st August - Sunday 23rd August
Spent a relaxing weekend catching up with one of my oldest school friend's and his partner from Norwich who stayed with us for the weekend.
Thursday 20th August - Poole Lions
Vicky and I visited Poole Lions for their annual boat trip around the harbour. It was a fantastic trip around Poole harbour, with a fish and chip supper organised by Poole Lions. Great weather and excellent sunsets during the trip around the world's largest natural harbour!
Wednesday 17th August - Bradford-on-Avon Lions
I visited Bradford-on-Avon Lions Club. We had a good discussion around membership and talked about the variety of activities that the club carries out within their community.
Friday 14th August - Sunday 16th August
A weekend of non lions activities.
On Friday we visited Loddon Brewery for a very nice lunch and a few beers with Lions friends. On the Saturday we went to a BBQ with friends from Rotaract days. On Sunday we hosted another group of friends for lunch. Lovely to be able to catch up with them all.
Wednesday 12th August - Crofton Lions
I visited Crofton Lions Club during the solar eclipse and had a great evening of fun and friendship with them. It was a privilege to present two of their members with their chevrons for long service.
Sunday 9th August - The Bob Cooke Games - Chippenham Lions
Vicky and I attended The Bob Cooke Games organised by Chippenham Lions Club. What a great example of Lions providing service in action. The games enable adults with varying disabilities and Special Educational Needs to participate in track and field events with fantastic enthusiasm. There were 191 competitors from 13 disability groups and over 100 carers coupled with huge support provided by Lions both locally and surrounding clubs. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite the heat!
If you would like more information about the The Bob Cooke Games please visit Chippenham Lions website at The Bob Cook Games - The Lions Club of Chippenham
Saturday 7th August - 70th Birthday party
We attended the joint 70th birthday party for 2 friends in Wokingham Lions. A super celebration, enjoyed by all who attended. We were blessed with lovely weather and a good mix of family and friends attended.
Thursday 6th August - GAT Meeting (Zoom)
I held a General Action Team(GAT) meeting on zoom. The GAT includes the DG Team, Membership, Service and Leadership Leads together with our LCIF and Membership Officers.
Wednesday 5th August - Visit to the Oval (Cricket) and then home for a Membership Matters Meeting (Zoom)
I spent the day at the cricket at The Oval in London, with a couple of school friends. A great day out enjoyed by all. In the evening I attended the Membership Matters Meeting. There were 18 other attendees and we discussed how we can improve our membership retention rate within the District.
Tuesday 4th August - Wokingham Lions Club Meeting
I attended my own Lions Business meeting. We badged up a new member - Michelle Anthony. Congratulations to Michelle and I hope you enjoy your Lions career, serving the community and making lasting friendships. Vicky also had the opportunity to speak to the club about her charity for the year - Sebastian's Action Trust.
Monday 3rd August - Henley Lions Club
I visited Henley Lions Business Meeting with Jo Manisier - Zone Chair. It was lovely to be able to present Robin Swift, Henley's retiring treasurer, with his 30 years chevron. Congratulations Robin.
Saturday 1st August - MD Council Meeting (Zoom)
I took part in an all day Multi-district Council Meeting with 7 other District Governors from across GB, together with the General Action Team leaders, Multi-District Secretary and Treasurer.
Thursday 30th July - Zone Ambassador Meeting (Zoom)
First Zone Ambassador meeting. Discussed the role of ZMA and how we can best support Clubs in our District to retain and grow their membership. Good attendance and some great ideas shared and discussed.
Wednesday 29th July - Zone Chair Meeting (Zoom)
Very positive meeting. Well attended.
Sunday 26th July - Cabinet and Handover at Alton House Hotel
We held our first Cabinet meeting in Alton. It was great to see so many of the voting members of cabinet at the meeting. After lunch we had a brief Handover ceremony. A big thank you to Di for all the hard work she has put into District 105SC over the past 12 months.
Saturday 25th July - Wokingham Music Club - Run by Wokingham Lions Club
I helped on the bar at the Wokingham Music Club. 2 shows were performed by the 'Very Beautiful South' band. It was a great success, enjoyed by over 400 attending the 2 performances.
Wednesday 22nd July - Zone F Meeting
I attended Zone F's meeting after celebrating our wedding anniversary with a delicious dinner. It was a very positive session run with great efficiency by Jo Manisier, our new Zone Chair. It was great to see the majority of our clubs represented. It was also very pleasing to meet Wahib. He was recently inducted as a new member into Windsor Lions (Early July) and was already attending a zone meeting by the end of July! What commitment so early in his Lions career.
Tuesday 21st July - Wokingham Lions Trustee Meeting
Monday 20th July - Multidistrict DG Meeting (Zoom) and Wokingham Theatre
Opportunity to discuss a few urgent Multi District issues. Followed by some down time, visiting Wokingham theatre to see 'An ideal husband' which we thoroughly enjoyed. An excellent production as always.
Sunday 19th July - Collecting the dogs after being away for Convention
Highlight of the weekend. Think we missed them more than they missed us!
Saturday 18th July - Sunday 19th July - Marvellous Festivals
A very hot and dusty Marvellous Festival, the UK's biggest and longest running Tribute Festival which has been running for 23 years. Wokingham Lions were supervising the car parking and also the silent disco. Great event and during down time the Lions were able to enjoy some of the fantastic bands playing throughout the day and into the evening. A great weekend of fun and fellowship for the whole community.
Saturday afternoon we finished our car parking stint at 2:00 and drove across to Cambridge to celebrate a 50th birthday with Tim's nephew in law. Returning back to Marvellous Festivals by lunch time on the Sunday!
Friday 17th July - Finally home
Arrived back in the UK on Friday morning at 4:45 after another 13 hour flight. Caught up on admin, washing, shopping and tried to keep going to avoid too much jet lag.
Wednesday 8th July - Friday 17th July
On Thursday 9th July, I celebrated my birthday in style. Beautiful dinner, attentive staff and amazing views from the restaurant.
We also went sight-seeing in Langkawi and Kuala Lumper.
In Langkawi we went island hopping and visited Eagle island where we fed the eagles, swooping down into the water to collect raw fish. We also walked across the Skybridge, a suspension bridge spanning two mountain peaks.
In Kuala Lumper we visited Petronas Towers, looking at fantastic views from the top! We also visited the Batu Caves with the temples inside, Kuala Lumper Tower which was only a few minutes walk from our hotel, the second Kuala Lumper Tower picture was taken from our hotel window.
Tuesday 7th July - End of Convention
Lions members managed to break the current World Record for having the most people doing Tai Chi at the same time. This replaced the International parade that normally takes place during International Convention. Unfortunately the Chinese authorities wouldn't allow the parade to take place this year.
Convention now closed, a welcome opportunity to explore Hong Kong before travelling onto Malaysia for a well earned break before returning to the UK. We managed to see some of Hong Kong on a few trips into the city. Eric Chan, a UK Lions who used to live in Hong Kong, organised a trip to a couple of excellent lesser known tourist attractions, one of which was an example of an early social housing project followed by a visit to a temple. This was followed by a delicious meal in a private club - very colonial.
Saturday 4th July - Monday 6th July - Convention
The 3 plenary sessions of the 108th Lions convention took place over the Saturday through to Monday. There were a mixture of speeches, inspirational presentations reporting on Service projects being delivered throughout the world, interspersed with some great entertainment. International President Mark Lyon delivered a motivating speech outlining his aims for his year. His motto for the year is 'Rooted in Service', emphasising that Lions primarily exist to serve within our local communities.
In the final plenary session all 750 District Governors were formally inducted. They swore the oath of Lions International and had their ribbons all removed at the same time. A very moving occasion, followed by lots of cheering around the arena - 18,000 delegates celebrating!
Thursday 2nd July - Friday 3rd July - Photo Opportunity
Up early for breakfast and a photo opportunity with International President Mark Lyon. He had photographs taken with each of the 750 District Governors present at the Convention. Makes smiling for your wedding photos look easy!
Thursday afternoon and Friday were taken up with seminars with International President Mark Lyon followed by workshops for the District Governors. The day was completed with a superb Chinese District Governor's Banquet.
Wednesday 1st July - 2026 - Hong Kong Lions 108th International Convention
Arrived at Hong Kong airport after a 13 hour flight. 12:00 UK time. Hong Kong is 7 hours ahead!
Met up with all the other 7 Districts Governors across the UK. An evening of making friendships and getting to know the team.
