The Timaru Host Lions Club has welcomed in a new president for the first time in three years.
At this year’s changeover night, outgoing president Russell Cowles passed the gavel to Paula Knife, who will serve as the club’s next president.
Mr Cowles said it was hard to believe that he had been president for three years, considering most would usually serve only a single-year term.
“I would like to thank all our members for all of the support over the past year and of course the two years prior.
“While it’s dangerous to mention names, I feel I must mention the support of the board and in particular, Ian [Gould] our treasurer and Gary [Littler] our secretary and the guidance from past-president Ray Jackson.
“I would like to acknowledge the club’s achievements over this period as well — something we should be so proud of.”
One project he was particularly proud of overseeing during his time as president was bringing the lifeboat Alexandra back to Caroline Bay.
“Mayor Nigel Bowen announced the approval for this project at our 60th anniversary night function.
“On the fourth of July the next year, we launched the fundraising project for $350,000 and within 16 months the building was paid for, completed and then gifted to Timaru.
“I’d like to thank Mayor Bowen and Richard Spackman from the Aoraki Foundation for their help with the project and also the other very special person in my life, [wife] Annie [Cowles], who if it wasn’t for her support and help I’m sure we wouldn’t have succeeded in the Alexandra lifeboat project.”
He said he had also enjoyed being involved with the club’s other commitments such as running the train at Caroline Bay, meet-and-greets with cruise ship passengers, quiz nights and much more.
“One of my special memories is when myself and Annie were recognised by the club and presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
“We were then both also presented certificates at the Lions Convention, signed by the international president in recognition of our work towards the Bring the Boat Back to the Bay project.”
While he had passed on his presidential duties he was still looking forward to being an active part of the club, he said.
“I’ll still very much be involved. I’ll stay on the board and I’m also a trustee.
“In the next year though, I’m going to step back quite a bit; let some of the other members take up roles because they’ll have different ideas and want to do things a different way, which is always good.
“I’m sure everyone will get behind Paula and the new board for the upcoming year.”
Mr Cowles said the club was also running the annual compost project at present.
“There are 40-litre bio-blend bags available for $9, 5kg blood and bone bags for $10 and 5kg lime bags for $5.
“We’re able to put usually about $12,000 back into the community from the sales. We’re over 50% of the way there, so it would be great if we could get that last push.”
Delivery is free within the Timaru boundary and orders can be made by emailing [email protected] or calling 027 494-9229.
