It is with much pleasure that I can announce that the ‘Lakes & Craters’ Convention hosted by the Lions Club of Camperdown 6 to 8 Nov 09 has proven to be another highly successful event, following the many similarly successful District 201V2 Conventions of past years.

The 34 Lions and 11 Partners, who made up the team of workers, greeters, guides, etc., were thrilled to finally have the opportunity to host a District Convention after 30 years of Charter. The final number registered as Conventioneers was 490, a most satisfactory number, with a record number of first conventioneers.

DG Bob, CBL Chairman PCC Bruce Hudgson, and I (the Sergeant-at-Arms) were most grateful to attendees who remained punctual in their attendance for the start of each session. This allowed DG Bob to keep the programme to time, and allowed the allocated meal and refreshment breaks times to be maximised. It was great that the Saturday afternoon session was able to be called to order on time, and that no-one had to rush or miss part of their meal to make this happen. The only hitch with lunch was some boxed lunches were a little late in arriving. We received a sincere apology from the caterer for this mishap which was caused by the bakery failing to deliver the correct breads to complete all lunches – sourcing the replacements meant some people did not receive their lunchbox right at mid-day. Otherwise, everyone was very well fed (quality and quantity) and prompt service for the entire weekend. Our coding system multiple serving points worked a treat at banquet and BBQ.

How thankful we were to have such a wonderful facility for the Fantasyland Banquet! The expansive space was appreciated when the evening was so warm. Thanks to all the Clubs and individual Lions who entered the spirit of the theme. The costumes and quality décor made it a most spectacular affair. Congratulations to Simpson Club for their ‘back to back’ win for best theme presentation by a Club.

What a remarkable job our banquet caterer Danny Twaddle did without a kitchen at the stadium. The main course was prepared and transported 2kms across town from the Community Complex kitchen in hotboxes, and sweets from the Camperdown Roadhouse kitchen – a great effort.

Several small items were retrieved during clean-up at the Stadium; all have been claimed except for a brooch. The owner can claim this from us by providing an accurate description. The only downside for the whole weekend occurred at the Banquet when someone stole Lion Helen Begely’s outstanding costume prize. The prize was replaced by the Camperdown Club.

The thief was well aware of their actions, and it is a shame that such an act can tarnish V2 District’s image.

I cannot complete this report without thanking a few people for their special help and/or encouragement. DG Bob & L. Lady Barbara, both so amicable to all that we suggested, to PDG Terry Uniacke for his support and guidance as Standing Committee representative, PDG John Greenwood for input into finance matters, the Lions & Partners of Simpson & District Lions Club for their willing assistance with the Sunday BBQ which allowed us to serve everyone in 22 minutes. Cabinet Secretary Jim Kent (my Organising Committee Chairman from 1998) with whom it is always a pleasure to work. His daily email message ‘keep smiling’ did much to save my sanity during the final weeks.

The final accolades go to my Organising Committee members for two years solid work and planning, and to the other members of the Camperdown Lions Family for their untiring efforts preparing, during, and after Convention. The spontaneous vote of thanks of everyone in the Auditorium to them when they were summoned to front of stage prior to closing ceremony on Sunday said it all. They had done a wonderful job. I’m sure those attending expected nothing less of Camperdown. I believe we delivered all that was promised in the lead up promotions. We never made any special promises about the weather, but the three glorious days were a huge bonus.

We hope it will not be too long before visiting Lions and Partners return for another dose of Camperdown hospitality. Meanwhile, we wish Chairman Bob Badham and his 2010 Committee all the best for their planning for the 34th Convention.

Bill Duncanson
(Chairman Organising Committee)
‘Lakes & Craters’ Camperdown 2009
33rd Annual District 201V2 Convention