Annual Report

Annual Report 2009 – 2010

President Joanne’s Report.

I can confidently report that the 2009-2010 year of the Lions Club of Beecroft-Cheltenham has again shown us to have enjoyed lots of fun and success. Our combined efforts during the year have allowed us to contribute in excess of $14000 to various projects and organisations. As part of the distribution of funds, the Club, working with the Spastic Centre, assisted a local child by purchasing a new scooter and we have had refurbished the earlier model scooter that we funded, so that it can be passed onto another child.

Beecroft in Bloom was, again, a great success and saw the inclusion of the inaugural Beecroft Art Show and Cocktail Party, sponsored by Ray White Beecroft. The Beecroft in Bloom Committee deserve congratulations for the results of their efforts. The Club’s two Trivia Nights were both successful with our Charity Trivia night raising a profit of about $2500 and the Inter-club Challenge resulting in Beecroft-Cheltenham winning the evening. The Trivia Night Committee, should be proud of their efforts. The Club was also fortunate in being granted three dates for BBQs at Bunnings. which were successful with $1,100 of the profits donated to the Lions Cord Blood and Childhood Cancer Research Appeal.

Our support of our local youth has continued and expanded during the year with the Lions Youth of the Year Quest and the Lions International Peace Poster Competition involving students from our public and high schools .Congratulations to Sam Farrell from Normanhurst Boys High School who reached the Sydney District Finals in Youth of the Year and Fiona Gao from Dundas Public School becoming the District Runner Up in the International Peace Poster Competition. The Club sponsored our 2009 Youth of the Year State Finalist, Tom Maitland from Epping Boys High School, on Lions Youth Exchange, visiting Holland and Germany over Christmas 2009 and provided a scholarship for a student from Cheltenham Girls High School during the year to assist her with the transition into the senior school. We presented Drug Awareness kits to three local high schools and introduced two new projects. Firstly, the Lions Community Service Awards for local high schools, in which perpetual trophies were presented to schools. Each year, each school will be asked to nominate the year’s recipients, who will receive a certificate and voucher at the school’s Presentation Ceremony. Secondly, our club will now sponsor the education of an Indonesian student under the Lions Education Builds Bridges project.

The induction of two new members at our Changeover meeting brings us to a total of 3 new members this year and I am pleased to report that social activities have increased. These include pleasant dinners at local establishments, with more such evenings planned for 2010-11. Members have enjoyed these and several other events such as Nutrimetics and Tupperware parties and a range of interesting and informative guest speakers at our monthly dinner meetings. Speakers  included Greg Smith MP, talking about the true story behind Underbelly from his days as a prosecutor, Brian Bailey talking about Digital TV, PDG Peter Dawson talking about the Lions International Convention, PDG Peter Mendl on Organ donation, Pauline Henebury on education sponsorships through Education Builds Bridges, Rod Best who told us about the Harris Tea Family’s connection to Beecroft and its history and Brian Daniels from Alzheimer’s Australia who informed us how to keep our brain fit.

Bringing Christmas to Beecroft has become a well regarded tradition and Christmas time was busy with the sale of Lions Christmas Cakes, Santa visits to Beecroft, Santa photos, helping with letters to Santa, running a Christmas craft workshop for children and, hosting a Gingerbread House decorating night.

The Club continues to support Chesalon Nursing Home in Beecroft. driving the bus for the outings, cooking  the BBQs and holding trivia mornings. Our Club members are involved in these various activities at Chesalon about four times a month.  We continue our projects of collecting used eyeglasses for donating to third world countries, collecting used postage stamps for donating to Parkinson’s NSW for their fundraising and the selling of lions Mints through several outlets in Beecroft.

Participation in events held by other Clubs and by District has been maintained throughout the year, with our members visiting a number of functions including trivia nights, an ANZAC meeting, theatre parties, annual changeover and charter night dinners, major fundraising events, Region and District judging of Youth of the Year and many others. Members attended the District Convention in Bomaderry, the Multiple District Convention in Mildura and the International Convention in Sydney. Thank you to all the members who contributed to these events, especially those of you who volunteered for the International Convention.

We have developed a website for the Club accompanied by both Twitter and Facebook, a membership brochure and have obtained pull up banners as further modes of communications and promotion. Last September, the Club applied for and received $4,800.00 in the Commonwealth Government’s Volunteer Grants program. So far, we have purchased a laptop, printer, data projector, laminator and some kitchen equipment and a portable public address system which will come in handy for Beecroft in Bloom.

As you can see, 2009-2010 has been a very full year, with many of our functions having been successful through the ongoing support and generous donations from the businesses of Beecroft, to whom we say a strong Thank You! A full list of the Club’s business supporters during 2009-2010 is found below.

Finally, Thank you to all Club members for your support and contributions during 2009-2010, all members should feel proud of the results of the year and I wish our incoming President Trish, every success for 2010-2011.

President Joanne Sim

Return to Top Return to Top

Incoming President’s Report

Firstly may I congratulate Joanne on her year and leadership, and our club has again demonstrated that it is active and well involved with the local community and Lions International. I am honoured and humbled to be your new President, but know and feel secure in taking this task on together; we will have a great year. I am confident I will have the support of all members as you all will have from me.

Having been involved with Lions for some 40 years in a small way and over my six years as a member of this great club, I believe the secret of success is for us to be united, have fun and work to improve our local community and meet its needs.

My first priority is to ensure our community Disabled Toilet and Mothers Change Room is completed and to achieve this we have already engaged with a builder and council to get this completed as soon as possible.

Other goals for the year are to build on our very successful Beecroft in Bloom with an Art show to kick it off.

In October we will have a South Sea Cabaret for a fundraising social night; I know this will be an outstanding success.

We will continue to support local youth by participating in the Youth of the Year program, the Peace Poster program and the new community awards in schools which has been instigated by Joanne. I look forward to my year, as I trust and am sure you all are as well.

Thank you for your trust.

Patricia Long

Return to Top Return to Top

Notes from Secretary Gwenda

And so ends another year in Lions. I have trouble believing how quickly they pass. We began the year listening to the delight of the children we assisted with their new Scooters and we close handing over another new machine and the freedom that it gives.

Our local schools took part in the International Peace Poster competition, with Fiona Gao of Dundas Primary School gaining 2nd place in the Sydney District and receiving a plaque for her efforts. As always the Club’s special thanks must go to the committee who planned ad organised our “Beecroft in Bloom”, and  the Inaugural “Beecroft in Bloom” Art Show Opening, sponsored by Ray White Beecroft, was an outstanding success. The artists who took part were delighted with the interest and the sales that were achieved.

The Inter-Club Trivia Challenge once again proved that Beecroft Cheltenham is the best (and the worst) at the Trivia Challenge. We had a fun and successful night and we thank all the surrounding Clubs who supported us.

As Christmas approached, we were again surrounded by Lions Christmas Cakes however, all were sold with time to spare. Thank you to Bunnings for allowing us to sell cakes at their pre-Christmas Family Night.

Early in December we had a great night making gingerbread houses, put out Santa’s mail box and, of course, helped him answer all the letters. Santa visited the Village Arcade on the last two Saturdays prior to Christmas and welcomed the boys and girls who came to see him. While they waited to talk to Santa and have their photos taken, many children made a special Christmas gift or tree decoration at the craft table.

Great news was the advice that the Club had been successful in applying for a Commonwealth Grant, of $4,800 for spending on equipment, including a computer, colour printer and laminator, etc., which will be invaluable in printing posters for “Beecroft in Bloom” and Santa’s visits to Beecroft, etc. etc.

Our Youth of the Year quest saw Sam Farrell of Normanhurst Boys’ High school go on to win the Region Final and represent the Region at the Sydney District Finals. Tom Maitland who won our Club contest in 2009, returned to tell us about his adventures in Europe where he travelled on Lions Youth Exchange under our Club sponsorship.

Thanks to Bunnings for allowing us to have several BBQs including one in which we raised $1,100 for the Lions Childhood Cancer Research Appeal.

In April several members attended the National Convention in Mildura, with Beverley McAppion being honoured as a First Conventioneer after a couple of decades attending as a lions Lady. Well done, Bev. This was followed in June –July with Sydney hosting the Lions International Convention. Several of our members attended and/or volunteered to assist Conventioneers and a great time was had by all those who were able to take part.

Nutrimetics and Tupperware parties helped provide both funds and prizes for raffles and our trivia nights and our social gatherings were well appreciated and attended throughout the year. The end of May was our Charity Trivia Night at which we raised $2,500, towards purchase a new Scooter and have money left over to refurbish the older Scooter, which will be ready and waiting for another child.

Throughout the year, members have enjoyed assisting and entertaining residents at Chesalon Nursing Home. each month, with a quiz/trivia mornings, BBQ lunches and driving their bus once or twice a month on outings. Also throughout the year, we collect used postage stamps, which are sent on to Parkinson’s NSW to be used in their “Help Stamp Out Parkinson’s” project and used eye glasses which are forwarded to poorer countries overseas and distributed through lions health clinics. These three projects cost our members nothing but time, and we are paid back in enjoyment and satisfaction.

I want to thank our members for the generous efforts they have made for our community. For President Elect Trish and the incoming Board, I extend all my good wishes for 2010/11.

Gwenda Sim, Secretary 2009-2010

Return to Top Return to Top

Treasurer’s Report – 2009-10

The Administration Account is money collected from members to fund the running of the Club. This ensures all money received from the public remains in the public domain and is not used for any other purpose. This is how our money was received and spent.

  • Dinners: Income (Meals $4700, Tail Twist $90, Raffles $690) Total $5480, Expenditure Catering $5000, Profit $480
  • Trivia Admin. Enhancer Night: Income $2400 Expenditure (including prizes) $1400, Profit $960 divided between attendees. Our income $650.
  • Dues: Income $3140, Expenditure (including additional insurance) $3500, Loss $360 The new uniform shirts cost $1 140. Postage $77.

Thanks to President Joanne’s initiative, the Club received a Government Grant of an amazing $4800. This has been partly spent on office equipment and sound equipment. We end this year with $7200 in the Administration Account.
The Activities Account is money collected, by various means, from the Public and must be returned to the Public by way of direct donations or public works.

This is how their money was collected and spent.

  • Beecroft in Bloom: Income $10900, Expenditure $4700, Profit $6200.
  • Christmas Cakes: Income $6200, Expenditure $4600, Profit $1600
  • Gingerbread Houses: Income $960, Expenditure $680, Profit $ 280
  • Bar-B-Cues: Income $3200, Expenditure $960, Profit $2240
  • Trivia Night: Income $3400, Expenditure $950, Profit $2450
  • Christmas Projects: Income $180, Expenditure $100, Profit $80

Total Profit $12850.

Donations to some 22 Public and Lions institutions were made totaling $11 ,600. We end this year with $ 2500 in the Activities Account.
Our major project, the Disabled Toilet Fund, has $11500 in a Fixed Tern Deposit.
This has been our best year ever, well done everyone, your hours of work have materialised into easing suffering and creating happiness in the World.

Thank you.

John Simpson Treasurer 2009-2010

Return to Top Return to Top

List of Donations for 2009-2010

  • Lions Save Sight & Public Health Care Foundation $500.00
  • Lions Cord Blood & Childhood Cancer Research Appeal $1,100.00
  • Youth Exchange $493.00
  • School Scholarship $500.00
  • Lions Clubs International Samoan tsunami appeal $500.00
  • Children’s Hospital Bandaged Bear Day $270.00
  • Lions Deaf Children’s Camp $300.00
  • Mobility Scooter for School Student $2,000.00
  • Refurbish old Scooter for School Student $500.00
  • Prostate Cancer Research $150.00
  • Nurses Scholarship Foundation $200.00
  • Cystic Fibrosis (purchase mobile pump) $670.00
  • Lions Quest Youth Institute $100.00
  • Western Australia Bushfire Appeal $250.00
  • Parkinson’s NSW $500.00
  • Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation (web site) $250.00
  • Australian Lions Foundation $500.00
  • Lions Spinal Cord Research $200.00
  • Children’s Hospital at Westmead $500.00
  • Lions Clubs International Foundation $500.00
  • “Education Builds Bridges” project $200.00
  • Alzheimer’s Australia $250.00
  • Lions International Peace Poster Competition $150.00
  • Disabled Toilet Account $2,000.00
  • Lion Youth of the Year Quest $1,000.00
  • Lions Community Service Awards for Schools $1,000.00

Return to Top Return to Top

Plus, members devoted many happy hours to:

  • Preparation for and running of ‘Beecroft in Bloom’
  • Contributing to and enjoying ourselves at our two Trivia Nights (November and May)
  • Selling Christmas Cakes
  • Helping with Santa’s Mail box
  • Organising Santa’s visits to Beecroft and taking photos of Santa and the children to be emailed to parents
  • Assisting the Children to make decorations and gifts at the Christmas Children’s Craft Table
  • Assisting each month at Chesalon Nursing Home with bus trips, bbq’s and trivia functions for residents
  • Several days raising funds by barbecuing at Bunnings Warehouse
  • Supporting our Youth of the Year contestant through several levels of the Quest
  • Arranging a Youth Exchange for a student to visit Holland and Germany
  • Collecting used postage stamps to assist Parkinson’s NSW with their project to “Stamp Out Parkinson’s”
  • Collecting and re-cycling used spectacles
  • Members attended International, National and District Conventions
  • Members served on N5 District Cabinet and the Lions Cord Blood & Childhood Cancer Research Appeal Committee

Return to Top Return to Top

Thank You to our Supporters for 2009-2010

A Cut Above Fine Foods
Beautiful Things By….
Beecroft Pharmacy
Beecroft Physiotherapy
Beecroft Selective Meats
Beecroft Village Cobbler
Beecroft Village Fruit Market
Beecropt Hair Studio
BRE Platinum
Brides of Beecroft
Britannia Travel
Carmichael The Jeweller
Chicken and Fishhead
Con’s Beecroft Village Delicatessen
Corfu Blue
Cranberry & Fig
Denny Pharmacy
Estelle’s Boutique
Fine Coffee Patisseries
Flight Centre
Havoc & Mayhem
Harold Savitz Optomertrist
La Vie en Rose
Lollipops & Roses
Nutrimetics
Oasis Seeds & Plants
Our Place
Priceline Castle Towers
Raine & Horne Real Estate
Ray White Beecroft
Rosie’s Nails and Beauty
Ross Garden Tours
Sarah Hudson Skin
Styleline Fashions
Century Fruit Shop
The Art of Hair, Beecroft
The Children’s Bookshop
The Merchant of Tennis
Topp Boutique
Tupperware
Davis & James Travel Associates
Umun Jewellery Studio
Vintage Cellars Beecroft
West Pennant Hills Pharmacy
Woodside Meats
Zalmhair

Return to Top Return to Top