2016/17

As Ray McAndrew took over the presidency, for the second time, with Des Power and Dermot Arnold remaining as Secretary and Treasurer, it was against a most uncertain background. WLR had decided to run a fundraising campaign of their own, thus ending a cooperation that had lasted almost 30 years. This removed the major plank of our Christmas Appeal, the on-air auction. It was decided to hold a Monster Raffle in its place and a committee, under Ron Twomey, was formed for this purpose.

It also led us to look at other activities and one in particular received great attention. Led by John Harnedy, 44 schools in West Waterford were visited over a four day period in September to invite them to hold a variety of events on our behalf and we received a very encouraging response. 33 schools ultimately contributed to the Appeal.

In September also, Eamonn Moore organised the members' Social Evening in Merry's, with City & County Manager, Michael Walsh, as guest speaker. His wide-ranging and informative talk was very well received.

Many members were involved in a) collecting 14 items of minimum €100 value for the Monster Raffle, b) selling tickets for the raffle in four supermarket locations and the local Mart and c) in doing the usual collections rounds. This last matter was faced with some nervousness because we no longer were able to accept vouchers as we had no way of selling them. Those we called on were asked for cash donations and the results exceeded our expectations by some distance. In addition, members were each given books of tickets to be sold by them.

The Christmas Appeal succeeded in raising €73,000, over €10,000 more than the previous record figure, and this was considered a marvellous achievement in the circumstances. The President continually referred to the collective effort of members in achieving this outcome.

18 members wearing Lions scarves marched in the St Patrick's Day Parade carring a banner commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Lions Club International as well as placards showing various activities of the Club.

Jigs & Reels Freestyle again returned to Cappoquin Community Centre and, by common consensus, continued to provide outstanding entertainment while being a major fundraiser for the Club.

A novel event took place jointly with Waterford Lions Club on the new Waterford Greenway. It was a charity cycle called East meets West and raised funds for Waterford Hospice. It was headed by a new member Paul O'Gorman who received great praise for a successful venture.

The June meeting on the 7th happened on the 100th anniversary of Lions Clubs and a centenary cake in celebration of this date was enjoyed following the meeting.

Many other activities took place throughout a busy year including Music Nights, Table Quizzes, Carriglea Tea Party, Cunnigar Crossing, Diabetes Screening, Nursing Home Visits and the Trabolgan Holiday.

At our April meeting we had a visit from the District Governor-elect Teresa Dineen who was very complimentary about the number and scope of our activities. She also referred to Trabolgan and the significant part that our Club played in its success as well as our St Patrick's Day Parade involvement. The President wished her well in her new role, which will see her becoming the first District Governor of the new standalone District 133I, comprising the island of Ireland.

Other matters during the year saw a satisfactory report and confirmation of our accounts by our new accountant John White, the adoption of a new policy on membership and a total of 43 members at year end.

This was another successful year in financial, activity and organisational terms.

At the end of the July meeting Ray McAndrew handed over the chain of office to John Lawless after a year of which he should be justifiably proud.