Community & Business
21 July, 2024
Lions Annual Changeover and Installation Ceremony
The Clifton Lions held their 57th Annual Changeover and Installation Ceremony at Dusty’s on Sunday, 7 July.
The event was officiated by 2nd Vice District Governor Stuart Matthews.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It has been an honour to be President of this great club for the last 12 months.
Our numbers have unfortunately dropped to 12 active members - Cynthia Conway you are sadly missed and Ken Dean you are still with us when you can but, we have all been able to support and serve this community.
Over the years one of our main fundraisers for the club has been our weekly ‘Goose Club’ raffles held at the Clifton Arms Hotel, With continued support from the public and Publican Leanne.
I’d also like to make a special mention to Boxer who is always willing to help with the draw. This Goose Club revenue was in decline in which is I guess a sign of the times but have improved in the last month. Thank you to our ticket sellers.
Our four major raffles throughout the year have been successful - our thanks to Lion Cathy for organising and members helping with selling the tickets.
Our first function for the year was catering at the Remolea Stud Bull Sale in July.
In August we helped man the gate at the Leyburn Sprints.
This year with the help of Westbrook, Pittsworth and Toowoomba West clubs we were able to donate towards the training of a new service dog.
Five of our members were on the committee for the Q3 District Convention 2023 at Millmerran which was very successful.
The annual Clifton Country Week celebrations were held in October where we had a very busy week, (which) saw us setting up for the Iris & Rose Show as well as running a barbecue at the Bush Dance that night.
We staffed our usual market stall then pulled down the Iris & Rose Show.
We then had a trivia night, a bingo evening and we assisted at the gate and the car parking at the Clifton Race Day.
At the annual Clifton Christmas Street Carnival, we had a street stall and gave away 125 free Christmas gifts to children aged 0 to 15 (very popular).
We also cooked the barbecue in January for the Australia Day breakfast.
The barbecue trailer was out again for Anzac Day where we catered for breakfast and lunch on the day.
We also hard a Zone event for Lions Awareness Day a Bunnings BBQ with raised monies going to Lions Eye Health.
As well as these events that I’ve mentioned here we have also been at Farmfest, Camp Duckadang and the Westbrook and District Lions Club Halloween Street event. We also look after our O. B. Bell Park doing the maintenance of the garden.
Our Mints and Cakes chair Lion Peter Bisdee has again done a great job with our cake sale holding their own.
Last year’s new endeavour of Bingo is continuing and with the time change to Saturday numbers have improved and is showing a modest profit.
Computer Help group is still running and now doing home visits as well that are being well received by those who have been helped, and assisting QCWA with their entry to the digital age.
We recently did another barbecue for “Chappy Week” assisting our local chaplains in their work in our schools with food for their Bush dance, unfortunately their numbers were down this year.
I’m sure I have forgotten other things we’ve done as a club throughout the year, but I feel that our club have done a great job.
I thank you all for the support you’ve given me especially to Lion Maryann who has carried out her job as secretary (amongst other things she does for Lions) and Lion Cathy who has handled the books in a very professional way.
- Lion Andrew Highet
Clifton Lions Club Donations for the 2023/2024 Year
Lions Prostate Cancer Research Program: $300
Lions Hearing Dogs: $500
Lions Medi alert dogs: $500
Lions Eye Health (1/3 Bunnings BBQ): $533
Lions Camp Duckadang: $750
Angel Flight: $450
Bags for Dignity: $750
Clifton Community Health Service: $500
Sports assistance 2 @ $250: $500
Community Event support (Santa Gifts): $1600
Can-Do Cottage: $1500
Clifton Scouts Group: $300
QCWA Clifton: $700
QATB Clifton: $500
Toowoomba Hospice: $1,200
Clifton State School:
•Breakfast club $500
•Uniform shop $150
•Chess Club $530
Clifton State High School:
•Breakfast club $500
•Uniform shop $150
Nobby State School:
•Breakfast club $500
•Uniform shop
Toowoomba Outreach centre: $165
Clifton Hospital Aux (Clearing Sale): $500
Clifton Chaplaincy Committee: $500
Anglican parish Allora /Clifton: $200
LifeFlight: $450
Clifton RSL: $360
Lions International: Ukraine refugee appeal: $500
Lions North Qld Flood appeal: $1000
Total Donations: $16,588.00
Incoming Office Bearers for 2024-2025
President:Paul Batchelor
Secretary: Maryann Bisdee
Treasurer: Cathy Highet
1st Vice President: Andrew Highet
2nd Vice President: Bill Cameron
Service Chair: Peter Bisdee
LCIF Chair: Peter Free
Tail Twister: Andrew Highet
Cakes & Mints: Peter Bisdee
Goose Club: Mike Conway
Social Media: Jodie Ovington
Awards Presented
Community Service Award: Jodi Crollick (Clifton Post Office)
Life Members: Peter Bisdee, Mike Conway, Peter Free.
Lion of the Year (Bob Free Memorial Trophy): Mike Conway.
