The Sheppie Pride - October 2012

fortunate to have been given an amazing and toys which will be given to hospitals, opportunity to set up a Pub, Food outlet and rape crisis centres and to whoever is in general shop at the very popular and well need of such items. This coming month, supported Pont Resort in Port Edward. This they will also provide approximately 60 venture promises to be a very profitable children with a Christmas gift. For some fundraiser. We are all very excited and are of these children this will be the only gift already gearing up. Many of the members they will receive. Well done ladies.will be camping at the resort to avoid I hope that by this time next month we travelling. Lion Mike Davidson will be have not all been blown away, or heading up the venture. It has also been washed away by the constant dripping

ts hard to believe that October is accepted that this will be a permanent of water from the sky. Hopefully all the already over. Our Christmas functions situation. I feel without a doubt that this will rain and wind will be over by the time the Iare virtually upon us. be a huge fundraiser for our club and holiday season begins and we will be

The month of October has been ultimately our charities will benefit blessed with bright sunny days. extremely hectic – what’s new – and enormously. We plan to host a New Years So until next month keep safe.together with the planning of the Eve Bash this year there too. Watch the forthcoming functions we have also had press for details. Jean Massonour regular monthly events. We decided The Kokstad Charter Dinner and Zone Club Presidentto cancel the Medieval Feast due to the meeting held in Kokstad was very well financial risk it presented. We were attended by 18 of Port Shepstone members.

A proud achievement indeed.Our monthly Bingo event hosted 32 old folks. This is always a fun and rewarding afternoon and I would like to encourage our new members to attend. It really is wonderful to see how much joy it gives our less fortunate elderly folk. They enjoy the drinks and tasty snacks supplied by the ladies.The Midyear Conference has now come and gone. Port Shepstone Lions’ attendance was again exceptional. Our club also received many awards and prizes. It was also such a pleasure to have our “youngest member” David de Jong attend. This boy certainly made an impression and his youthful energy was enjoyed by all who attended. David is no longer alone in the “youngest member” category. Brian Eva has now been inducted and we look forward to the input from these youngsters.This weekend we return to Kokstad to assist by supplying food for the Lions. The Kokstad Club is hosting a Music Festival which promises to be an enjoyable event. The festival starts on Saturday morning and continues until the early hours of Sunday morning.An update on the Midmar Mile - Our swimmers are training hard for this event which takes place in February. I will keep you updated.Our ladies have been working hard as usual and, apart from supplying eats for our events, they are still cooking for their regular institutions. They have also collected clothes

Monthly Newsletter of the Port Shepstone Lions Club 4th Edition - October 2012

EPH SS TT OR NO EP

November 20121st : Ladies Meeting3rd : Route 56 Music Festival8th : Directors Meeting9th : Pub or Chamber of Commerce15th : Projects Meeting22nd : Club MeetingDecember 20121st - 31st : Pont Fundraising Project6th : Ladies Meeting8th : Senior Citizens Christmas Party8th : Club Year End Party - Bella’s13th : Directors/Club Meeting31st : Lions New Year’s Eve Bash atThe Pont Caravan ParkBirthdays :November :2nd : Jenny Vogt5th : Fred Babumba8th : Anita Hulley14th : Gary Baker15th : Samantha Plumbly16th : Alastair Warman19th : Myrna Masson23rd : Peter Mc Killen24th : Gayle Wallis26th : Richard Borradaile29th : Diane Saunders30th : Marcia Mc GarryDecember :7th : Mike Davidson & Hans Wagenaar11th : Danie Van Tonder21st : Colleen Baker

12 Pages of club activities!

This month’s edition is generously sponsored by My Den Beachfront Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering Holiday Accommodation

4th Edition - October 2012The Sheppie Pride - Page 2

EPH SS TT OR NO EP

With this year's Eye Care Awareness Week (10th to 14th October) Hibiscus Private Hospital again had the privilege to give back to the community by assisting 12 people from the surrounding area to receive much needed cataract operations on 5 October. Huge thanks go out to our sponsors; Port Shepstone's Lions Club and Ophthalmologist, Dr Trevor Steyn and Drs Basson & Louw Anesthesiologists who graciously donated their time and skills. The lenses and surgical packets were kindly donated by Alcon South Africa and Genop Healthcare with the theatre facility, wards and nursing staff provided by Hibiscus Private Hospital.

It is an honour to be part of this worthy cause as none of the patients were in the position to afford the operation and would have battled with deteriorating eye sight for the rest of their lives. These patients were recommended to the one-day programme from the public sector waiting list.

Mr PD Hart was surprised and so grateful after asking Dr Steyn when he is going to start the operation and was informed that it was done already! “I didn't feel any pain at all. I had it done previously at another facility and it was painful, but Dr Steyn was wonderful.” Another inspiring story is that of Mrs Fina Scheepers who is turning 100 on the 12th December 2012. "What a wonderful young man" were the words uttered by her, who was petrified of doctors and hospitals. Mrs Scheepers thanks Dr Steyn, Port Shepstone Lions Club and everyone involved for making it possible. “She can now read library books again and try out her new baking recipes and can even see the dropped stitches in her knitting!” said her niece Jeane Fourie.

Everyone involved agreed, that to be part of enabling these deserving people from our local community to get to see and appreciate with us the beauty of the South Coast that we often take for granted, was worth all the hard work, sacrifice and most gratifying.

The Sheppie Pride - Page 3

Eye Care Awareness Week10-14 October 2012

4th Edition - October 2012

Dr Trevor Steyn with IPP Kevin Ross at the Club’s 2012 Induction Dinner

astor Trevor Downham is biggest and immediate problems was that d r i v e n b y l o v e a n d the hospitals were full and there was Pcompassion for other people. nowhere for people with full blown

He sees great value in every person HIV/Aids to go. There was a stigma and he believes that everyone, given attached to aids suffers and many weren't the right opportunity can achieve welcome in their own homes and were left their full potential. He is a visionary; to die on the streets. Hearing many of he is inspirational and always leads these stories and caring for people who by example. He has a deep faith and were brought to them weak and Love for God. For a number of years, desperately ill, Trevor's heart was broken Trevor has been a good friend and and his dream of a HIV/Aids Hospice supporter of the Port Shepstone became a necessity to him. His church, Lions Club and regularly assists with after some discussion and the required their Annual Leadership Retreat. motivation, allocated a piece of church

ground for this project. A number of Some 9 years ago Trevor began to interested people comprising friends, see with new eyes the impact of church representatives, specialists and HIV/Aids in our community. One professional people were bought into the particular young man in his church, vision and contributed greatly in so many people. Facing the devastation left the Norwegian Settlers Church in ways towards the establishment of in the wake of HIV/Aids was their Port Shepstone, impacted his life Genesis. next challenge. Families had been very significantly. He was a young 24 left devastated, breadwinners had year old man who had contracted Plans were then drawn for their first care sadly passed away and there were HIV/Aids which was already in its centre ward which would take 20 beds. many teenagers and even younger, final stages. Trevor grew to love this Generous contributors, including the Port acting as parents. young man and a strong relationship Shepstone Lions Club, heard of their idea grew between them. Trevor was and offered to participate financially. This sparked a new passion in privileged to be at his side when he Their first phase was duly completed and Trevor and he saw the need to died and came face to face with the the step down facility acting in reach out too and educate young reality of the horror of aids. Trevor left conjunction with the local hospitals was people to prevent the spread of this that hospital having been personally opened. A further ward of 20 beds and an disease. He thought of different changed and came away with the administration/kitchen/ablution block was creative ways to put this into action resolve that something needed to be opened soon thereafter ensuring that and the idea of a gym began to done. A few weeks after Craig's they had a capacity for 40 patients. grow.death, his parents visited Trevor and During this period of time staff were gave him an envelope. Inside was employed and funding was forthcoming A large abandoned building was R1, 200 and a letter from Craig for running costs from government, found in the Merlewood community asking Trevor to please use this corporate organizations and American area outside Port Shepstone and a money (which was all he had) to help church partners. lease agreement with the then other people suffering from the same owners was entered into. That disease. With this small offering the To date the Care Centre (Hospice) same day Trevor received a phone story of Genesis began to take root. employs 79 people and has many call from a friend who was wanting

volunteers. Amongst the amazing to donate his home gym to the A number of other significant events volunteers are doctors, occupational centre and so the gym was opened took place where other people therapists, physio therapist, carers for the and young men and teenagers suffering from the same disease caregivers etc. were invited off the street to come in came across their paths and they and 'work out' and at the same time began to realize the extent of the Soon after the opening of the hospice, it receive life skills training and come challenge. became very obvious to them that there under the covering of some great

were enormous needs not just amongst mentors. Trevor realized that one of the HIV infected people, but also HIV affected (Cont. overleaf)


Pastor Trevor Downham


A Tribute to...

Trevor with his dog “Tucker”

The Sheppie Pride - Page 5 4th Edition - October 2012

(Cont. from previous page) room and skills development. put together a program and a Boys' lives were being changed - A small feeding scheme turned into a pre- l e a d e r s h i p a c a d e m y w a s they were abandoning drugs and school was also established. Buildings established. The pilot projects were alcohol and with positive role models were built and a large community centre run in two of our local high schools. the impact at first although small was incorporating feeding scheme, crèche, These programs are designed not beginning to be felt. With this another skills development, farming project was just to run leadership programs in problem arose and they noticed that initiated. This “Khula” project is presently schools but to create a culture of the young men were bringing impacting a large number of people in leadership through mentoring and younger siblings with them as they another rural area. At present a inspirational living. Trevor has been were their care givers. One of the dental/medical clinic is being added and invited to speak internationally in rooms at the centre was allocated they expect to be operational fairly soon. Ireland and USA, sharing his faith and a reading room began for the In Shelly Beach YouthworX youth centre and encouraging young people to younger children, where they were has been established which meets the become courageous leaders. able to do homework, read, play with social needs of coastal kids giving them a Trevor was also instrumental in educational toys etc. At the same place of recreation, safety and fun. A starting a Rugby Academy. The t i m e a s k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t beautiful building has been donated in an Vikings academy is based at the programme was initiated and a music upmarket area to meet this need. It is a church. A rugby f ie ld and academy was birthed. The music great venue for Friday night events and it accommodation has been built next academy attracted many young incorporates a coffee shop, a skate park, to the church. The boys have use of people off the streets and into the a gym, music room and large all the genesis gyms and other music room to be trained mainly in meeting/social area. This project facilities. Many of these boys have the area of guitar. Disaster struck four receives regular funding and support shown not just on the rugby field but years later when their lease was from both the Port Shepstone and Shelly have also been shaped to become contested and they lost that building. Beach Lions Clubs. great citizens of our great country. This forced them to be creative and, Another program run by their youth is The Port Shepstone Lions Club with the help of local businessmen, called Seeds, which stands for Seeing a sponsored and constructed one of new premises for their ministries need; Educating young people; and the academy's accommodation were acquired. They realized that Encouraging them to; Do something units.this would be a temporary measure about it. A dedicated group of young Although Trevor's courageous so further funding has been raised for people give of their time to love and care leadership began this amazing the building of a large youth centre for children at some of their local work and his passion, enthusiasm adjacent to the Genesis care centre orphanages. and encouragement has kept the (Hospice). The first phase of this One of the challenges in a community rife momentum going, he has been project has now been opened with a with poverty is the need for food. They blessed with a phenomenal work very up-market gym which is now believe that, to teach people to grow food and support team. His family, available to the community at a very has a far greater end result than just Genesis board of trustees, church reasonable cost. Boys continue to feeding them. Under the leadership of a leaders, financial partners, staff, flood in and lives continue to be farmer in their church, a number of small service clubs and other volunteers changed. One of the very first boys holdings were acquired and vegetable take credit for the combined work who came into the first gym is now farming began to be taught and people achieved in our communities. running the new gym. This young were instructed in the ins and outs of man also won the South African body vegetable farming. A concept building championship in his weight called 'grow bags' has taken category a few years ago. There are this ministry by storm. Grow many similar stories of championship bags is a project that comes wins and employment. They began out of Kenya and has proven to see that one life changed for the to be highly successful in better can eventually change a sustaining families through community. organic farming methods.Trevor's dream continued to grow With regard to the needs of and an abandoned youth centre was their local youth it became found in the Murchison area near apparent that one of the Port Shepstone. This centre houses greatest needs in our country another gym, farming project, music is for the development of academy, feeding scheme, a reading leaders with integrity. Trevor In 2008, Sheppie Lions donated a bakkie

to the Genesis Feeding Scheme


n 20th October members of the Sheppie Lions Club, together with other organisations were invited to a Pantomime Evening held at Youthworx in Shelly Beach. This event was arranged to thank Osponsors and volunteers for the support that they have received in

the best way that they could. What a superb evening of music, song and dance! All who attended were treated like royalty and, despite the heavy rain, it was well worth it!

Yo u t h w o r x i s a ministry run from a house in Shel ly Beach, donated by a

prominent local businessman, where young people can come together in a safe environment. As a venue for youth events, Youthworx is non-denominational and open to young people from all walks of life. It is a Christian-based, principled and chaperoned facility that provides our youth with activities, functions and loads of fun in a safe, secure environment they can call their own. At Youthworx youth are exposed to biblical teachings and life skills, sound moral behaviour and positive social interaction. They are mentored and encouraged by young adults who themselves have risen through the ranks (sometimes despite their backgrounds).

The Centre is managed by a volunteer committee, who organise activities at the house itself, at the beach and at other venues in the area. Their most popular event is the Friday Night Youth, where they often cater for over 250 young people. The house has pool tables, basketball, Nintendo Wii, a skate park and other fun activities to attract young people to the centre.


Port Shepstone Lions participate in Umtentweni Bowling Club’s inter-club quiz

Port Shepstone Lions donateanother wheelchair


Lion Andre Beneke with Mrs Maria Swart (in wheelchair) and h e r d a u g h t e r M r s D i n a h N i e m a n d t .They are EXTREMELY HAPPY. Now they can take her outside and to the shops for a outing.

wo teams of members from the Port Shepstone Lions Club participated in a Quiz Night organised by the Umtentweni TBowling Club. The event was well

supported and a delicious meal was provided by ex-Lion Louis Marx and his wife Jean. The quiz was quite a challenge for the Sheppie members as they were much younger than the

rest of the contestants and most of the questions were designed mainly for the “older generation” It was therefore quite a surprise when one of the Sheppie Lions Teams, “The Sheppie Pride” team, were joint runner up together with the Woman’s Institute. Unfortunately they fell out of the “sudden death” round when they confused the speed of sound with the speed of light - despite the fact that one of the team members was a retired flight engineer! It was a very enjoyable evening with plenty of fellowship. Well done to all who participated.

The “Sheppie Pride” team - Lions Philip Bromley, Gary Vogt,Kelvin Hulley, Andre Beneke and Alastair Warman


Kokstad Lions’ 40th Charter Dinner large delegation of 18 Port Shepstone Lions and Lion Ladies attended the Kokstad Lions Club’s 40th Charter Dinner which was held at their Clubhouse A(Tipparari Shellhole) on 13th October. The show of support was to

commemorate the fact that this was the first club sponsored by Port Shepstone Lions way back in 1972. Both clubs have retained a very close relationship and regularly support each other’s projects. Port Shepstone Lions will also be sending a large delegation to support the up and coming Route 56 Music Festival which is a project of the Kokstad Lions and will be held on Saturday 3rd November at Stoney Brook Ranch. The proceeds of this event will be donated to the Kokstad Lions’ Cancer Fund.

Sheppie Lions President Jean Masson was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Kokstad Lions President Nicky Charlton. A mascot was also presented to the Sheppie President to curtail any

attempts by Sheppie members to remove any Kokstad regalia! (or so they thought)

Rugby Currie Cup Semi Finals @ Sheppie Lions’ Den

Lions Nico De Jong & Barry Van Der Veen Lion Ladies Irene Love and Sandy Heathcoate L-R Lion Clayton Curnow, Lion Lady Sandy & Lion Mike Heathcoate and Lion Mervin Curnow.


2012 Midyear Conference Weekend


Yenza

A total of 14 Lions and Lion Ladies from the Port Shepstone Lions Club attended the 2012 District 410-C Midyear Conference. The event was hosted by the eThekwini South Lions Club and held at the ATKV Natalia Resort in Illovo Beach during the weekend of 23-25 October.

Apart from the host club, The Port Shepstone delegation was the largest at the Conference which was attended by delegates from Lions Clubs across Kwazulu-Natal and the Free State.

During the Conference, Lion President Jean Masson proudly accepted a number of District awards on behalf of the Club. These included the Pierre Theron Service Project of the Year Award (for the 2011 Lions Leadership Retreat), the Leslie Simon Sight Project of the Year Award (for the Club's involvement with free cataract operations), The Ian Murray Project Public Relations Award (for the outstanding Press Coverage of the 2011 Lions Show) and the Overall Public Relations Award for the outstanding press coverage of all club events.

Voortrekkers & Impis Theme Evening

Kings of Karaoke

Cheers - to aLekker Weekend

Heksie’s SilverDream Machine

Some of the Sheppie DelegationLP Jean with IPDG Stuart


The Silv

er Fox

Bullet

Pole Dance

rLION MARTIN RUNDLEMarried to : JuneChildren : Harvey (43), Alison (36), Andrew (31)Occupation : Civil EngineerBeen a Lion since : 1998 Sponsored by : Lion Rob HarleyGreatest Lionistic Achievement : Club President, 2nd ViceDistrict GovernorHobbies : Gardening, reading, Jigsaw puzzles, Bad Habits : BeerYour philosophy on life : Treat people the same as youwould like to be treated.

Member Profiles

LION ROB HARLEYMarried to : MarieChildren : 2Occupation : Insurance BrokerBeen a Lion since : 1994 Sponsored by : Lion Mervin CurnowGreatest Lionistic Achievement : : Club President, presidingover the Chartering of the Shelly Beach Lions Club, Hosting the 2008 MD 410 Convention during my term as Club President.Hobbies : Watching sport,still actively playing Golden Oldies Cricket - off to Australia on the 15th November to a World Golden Oldies Cricket tournament in Adelaide. I also play Golf. Bad Habits : If you ask my wife - probably to many to mention.Your philosophy on life : Enjoy the moment, tomorrow is not promised to anyone

LION MIKE RODDAMarried to : YvonneChildren : Wendy, Cheryl, Bronwyn, Keith, Gavin (step -

) Occupation : Hospitality Industry - B&B OwnerBeen a Lion since : 1976Sponsored by : Forgotten - someone from Cowies Hill Lions.Greatest Lionistic Achievement : Club President.Hobbies : Reading and sport. Bad Habits : Wine, one woman and plenty of song! Your philosophy on life : Always carpe diem

Lee and Mark


A Trip Down Memory Lane


hese newspaper cuttings include a photo taken at the Charter Dinner of the newly formed Port TShepstone Lions Club on March 2nd 1970. The

Charter Ceremony was officiated by District Governor Louis Halse who was serving his term as the first District Governor of District 410-C. In The photo below, Charter President Roy Schwegman (left) is being congratulated by Zone Chairman Doug Hudson.Seated to the right is a very young District Governor Louis Halse.

Port Shepstone Lions 1st Charter Dinner2nd March 1970

And here’s a photo ( r i g h t ) t h a t y o u thought you would never see - Lion Rob Bing flashing his legs at a Toga Party h o s t e d b y t h e Amanzimtoti Lions Club on 9th June 1990.This event was a Zone Social and was held at the Warner B e a c h S e n i o r Primary School - cost R5-00 per person - including supper!!

Those were the days!



President : Jean MassonImmediate Past President : Kevin Ross1st Vice President : Andre Beneke2nd Vice President : Bruce Plumbley3rd Vice President : Philip BromleySecretary : Dale Mc GarryTreasurer : Richard BorradaileMembership : Andre BenekePublic Relations : Denis Meyer2nd Year Director : Barry Van Der Veen2nd Year Director : Nico De Jong1st Year Director : Gary Vogt1st Year Director : Alastair WarmanTailtwister : Kelvin HulleyLion Tamer : Mike Davidson

Lion Ladies President : Myrna MassonLion Ladies Secretary : Jacqui RiddenLion Ladies Treasurer : Jane Massey

Newsletter Editor : PDG Denis Meyeremail :

Web Site :

Club Facebook Page :https://www.facebook.com/PortShepstoneLionsClub

Club Postal Address : P O Box 509Port Shepstone 4240

Club Street Address : Lions’ DenAmbleside Road, Umtentweni

[email protected]

www.sheppielions.co.za

PORT SHEPSTONE LIONS CLUB2012-2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

And to end off..........

Long Service Award

Lion Mike Rodda(left)received his 35 year Membership Awardand Pin from Lion President JeanMasson at the Club’sOctober BusinessMeeting.

Well done Mike!!!

Lion Brian Eva received his new member pin and was welcomed as the Port Shepstone Lions Club’s newest member. Lion Brian has already attended a n u m b e r o f C l u b meetings and projects as we all look forward to his long association with our Club. The f o r m a l i n d u c t i o n ceremony will take place at the Club’s next formal function.


Hey Philip! - How about adding some more trees to

the service projects budget?

Sheppie Lions welcomes our newest member

Generation Gap - No way!!!Meet our youngest and oldest members. A Lion David De Jong (left) is the Club’s youngest member and Lion Mike Rodda (right) is our oldest member at 80 years young! Regardless of age, they are good mates and serve together at many projects and fundraisers. Just goes to show that age is irrelevant - it’s what’s in your heart that counts!!

t 25 years of age,

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sheppielions.co.za

Documents

The Sheppie Pride - October 2012