93rd International Convention June 28 – July 2nd 2010, Sydney, Australia
I have just returned from the 94th Lions Clubs International Convention held in Sydney and can now report on what an enjoyable and successful event it was for MD105.
Support for this event was higher than usual with some 130 delegates many of whom added visits to relatives or stop-overs to their attendance at the Convention.
The function started for most a day early with the pre convention briefing meeting being held on the Sunday evening thus leaving the following day free to visit the exhibitions or go sightseeing.This change appears to have met with the approval of the delegates 104 of whom attended to enjoy a drink or meet fellow Lions before being advised of final arrangements and excursions.
For the International Parade the day was bright and cloudless similar to a late April day at home, in fact perfect day for marching in the procession.
Our delegates set out in their uniform complete with blazers to be met by the Aussies shivering in their overcoats, woolly hats and scarves having just endured their coldest night in 27 years.
Our marching delegation led by the Hawkesbury City Pipe Band was followed by our flag bearers and banner who preceded the marching section and bringing up the rear a red London bus.This bus in addition to its visual effect was able to carry those of our party who were not sufficiently mobile to complete the march and were therefore still able to participate. Our pipe band was awarded second prize in the precision demonstration band section.
On Wednesday the Convention was opened in the usual spectacle style with the flag ceremony staged in front of a packed arena.The Convention Centre was excellent with access for all abilities.This was a short walk from the exhibition centre situated on Darling Harbour the centre of the leisure area of Sydney.
In the evening we returned to the theatre in the exhibition centre for the Global Music Competition which this year featured the violin.The International President who is passionate about music hosted the event and our candidate Miss Sophie Rosa from 105BS who was representing Europe took second place behind the candidate from the USA.Many of our delegates were in the audience and Sophie’s family had also flown out to support her.
Thursday brought the second plenary session during which it was announced that District 105EA had received an Honourable Mention in the International District web-site competition.That evening we held the British Isles and Ireland reception at the Star City Hotel where we were hosts to some six hundred guests from all parts of the world.It also provided an opportunity to receive many of our Australian hosts and thank them for their hospitality.
On Friday, the final day, we had as a keynote speaker Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenburger who had achieved fame the previous year by landing his aircraft on the Hudson River in New York, without injury to any of the passengers, after losing the power of his engines which been blocked by birds.
The incoming International President Sid L Scruggs Ш presented this theme for the coming year “A Beacon of Hope” and swore in the incoming District Governors with the usual razzamatazz which brought the proceedings to a close.
This Convention was enjoyed by all to whom I spoke and the work of the International Convention Committee was helped enormously by the many Lions who volunteered to help with everything from carrying the parade flags to providing assistance at the Reception.
Finally thanks to our Travel Agent Citibond Travel who were on hand to help throughout the function and provided the sponsorship for the briefing meeting on Sunday evening.
On behalf of my Committee I wish to thank all who attended for their co-operation in making this event such a success.
PDG Lion John Wood
International Convention Committee Chairman
