President’s Blog

September 2009

 

Last month, I reported that Phil Cunnah had visited the club as a potential member. I am delighted to report that at our August business meeting, I installed Phil as a member of the club. I wish him and his wife, Lyn, many happy years of membership in our club.

 

I deliberately involve Lyn in the welcome because Flint Club acknowledges the important role that our wives play in the day to day running of the club. From our very inception, we have involved our ladies in our fundraising projects. We could never have run all those race-nights without them selling the tote tickets. They were vital to us in running charity shops. Our Message in a Bottle and Message in a Wallet projects rely on their help in packing the products. Our major fund-raiser, the bedding plant sales could not be completed so expeditiously without their assistance in making up the orders.

 

They also join us in our social events. How many clubs invite their wives to a brewery tour!? Come to our Charter Night (May 14^th) – it is the ladies who will sell you the raffle tickets!

 

We are, also, very lucky in having so many relatives and friends who are so willing to help out on the big events. Phil is an example – throughout plant delivery day, he used his van to assist in distribution.

 

Flint remains an all-male club. That does not make us a bunch of misogynists! When mixed clubs became possible (not compulsory) we considered our position very carefully: we were a successful club building up our reputation and were well respected in Lionism and within our community. Some clubs had to make this major change to improve the number of members they had. We did not have that problem. Why fix something that is not broken? Our wives supported our decision. We decided, within the constitution, to remain all male and we continue with that position today.

 

Our treasurer has just paid our International, Muliti-District and District dues. There is no getting away from it, the cost of being a Lion is escalating. We pay to be part of an organisation that serves its communities. The subs that we set last year will hardly meet the cost of membership. Being a treasurer is not easy! – set subs at the proper rate and add a bit on for expenses and you will lose members. At Flint, we are lucky that some of our members, during the year, will host an “at home” for members’ families and friends. A modest charge is made which no way reflects the quality and quantity of the food and drink available but those modest charges add up during the year and give us a cushion in admin account that not only keeps subs within reason but keeps membership figures healthy. I am prepared to suggest that those clubs that charge higher subs are clubs that have membership difficulties.

 

One such “at home” is the annual BBQ held at the home of John and Joan Filce in August. This is always a very popular event and we are indebted to Joan and John for their generosity of time, effort, food and drink. As always, thank you both!