Community first for service club

'Sharing the Load' is the theme adopted by new Stratford Lions Club president Pat Moore for the 2015/2016 year, thus ensuring that all members share in the organisation of projects/events during the year.

August was the month for the Stratford High School Lions Music Awards. We've sponsored the music awards for a number of years and are keen to continue.

We also provide one of the three judges and this year, were pleased to nominate Kristan Burnnand for the role.

The music awards showcase the obvious talent, the 'give it a go' attitude of the competitors, and the appreciation and enthusiasm displayed by the audience as each competitor takes the stage or concludes their performance.

Apart from individual prizes for each musical category, we sponsor an overall prize, which was won by a very talented Greg Matthews.

Selection of the Stratford Lions 'Young Person of the Year' was also in August.

From all nominations received this year, three outstanding young people were selected. But there can only be only one winner and Quintin Bailey, a 17-year-old, outstanding Stratford High School student and Taranaki under-19 basketball representative was chosen for the award. Quintin's determination to succeed both academically and in his chosen sports were an inspiration.

A mixture of social and work activities are planned in the months leading to Christmas. Look out for the Lions and their Monster Christmas Stocking Raffle from early October.

The proceeds from this project are earmarked for organisations/individuals dedicated to improving the well-being of this community.

Lions all over the world strive to uphold the Lions' motto 'We Serve'.

In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader asked a simple and world-changing question - what if people put their talents to work improving their communities? Almost 100 years later, Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organisation, with 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs.

Stratford Lions Club was chartered in 1962. We acknowledge Melvin Jones for his vision when we meet each month.

The club welcomes new members. If you think you would enjoy working on various projects and joining in our social activities, give Pat Moore a call on 765 6136. The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Stratford War Memorial Centre.