Lions 202L News and Views Week Commencing 1st August ISSUE 599 Like us on facebook/Noozletta Please address all items to [email protected] For all back issues and archived Noozletta’s see http://www.lionsclubs.org.nz/Clubs/202L/Bulletins

Greetings fellow Lions. This week we lost a wonderful Lion, friend and a true gentleman, Our IPDG Jim Towersey. Jim was a great leader and an inspiration for all Lions to look up to. I would like to dedicate this week’s Noozletta to Jim and his work and memories he gave us as a Lion. Ross and I attended Jim’s memorial service yesterday in Whakatane, A lot of tributes were read out from the family, Lions and Jims Colleagues at the Energy Board where he worked. We also sang Jim’s song he wrote for Lions (words below) Great to see all the other Lions there as we formed a guard of honour at the end of the service as the Robyn and the family came out of the service with flowers and Jim’s bugle. Jim’s Song for Lions You Raise us up You raise us up because we are Lions Members, You raise us up for all the work we do, And I will always be a Lions Member, You raise us up on high because “We Serve”

Below are tributes from fellow Lions, - ED. Wendy.

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Immediate Past District Governor Jim Towersey (QSM) It is with much sadness that all New Zealand Lions record the passing of Past District Governor Jim Towersey (QSM), on Wednesday 27th July, surrounded by his family. The Lions Family will not be the same without you, and through service we will continue your legacy. Jim has been an inspiration to us all. He has inspired all Lions to be who we are, and to strive to achieve a legacy of helping others less fortunate than ourselves. Rest in peace Jim. Our Deepest sympathies to Robyn and Family. The Memorial service of past District Governor Jim took place on Saturday 30th July. What a beautiful service, just as Jim would have wanted. Filled with laughter, beautiful picture of Jim with his family. And a video of Jim playing the last post. A truly remarkable life and an inspiration to us all. 202L District Governor Stu Gray Thank you from Robyn Towersey (QSM) To 202L Lions family; On behalf of myself, and our son & daughter, we wish to thank you all so very much for the support given to us over the last few weeks, but more especially since Jim’s passing. I wish to firstly thank Peter Knox, who from his hospital bed, managed to compile his words for Jim, & thank you Margaret Brasting for presenting this to us Peters eulogy, so eloquently. We wish you a speedy recovery Peter. PP Mick Sauer, Opotiki Lions Club for your humorous words so humbly thanking Jim for his membership of his home club Opotiki. You have missed your calling Mick? Huge thank you to the ladies from Whakatane Sunshine Lions Club for the wonderful job you did for us in the kitchen! Not sure of the numbers of tea & coffee poured…..nor cups washed? You are all so special. The family would love to plant the Tōtara tree, which accompanied Jim to his memorial service, in the Lions Tree Grove, in the TECT Park, and we will arrange details & advise you all when this may happen. We were humbled by the large number of Lions members present at Jim’s service, and thank you for honoring Jim, with a huge guard of honour. A special thanks to the large distances travelled by so many, especially EO David Dawick, Eric & Karen Carter, MD202 Council Chairman & PDG Nalini Bhaskar, PDG Deidre Bridge & PDG David & Jillian Carlow. Jim’s sister, could not help but notice that he was born under star sign of “Libra” and died a dedicated Lion under the sign of “Leo”! Thank you, thank you to every one of you for all your love, friendship & prayers given so freely to Jim at the time of need. Forever grateful, Robyn, David, Susan & families Forever grateful Robyn Towersey

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This is a tribute from Peter Knox LMLCCT Trustee who couldn’t make it to the memorial, - This was read out to the service by Margaret Brasting A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, but without making those poorer who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. A smile cannot be brought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. That was our Jim….and I fondly remember………actually it wasn’t quite fondly …but Jim was part of a team that put in a bid for Whakatane to hold our District Convention. He trotted out on to the stage and was showing off his knobby knees, and a convention tee shirt, a lei, a surf lifesaving floating device, sun glasses, a long blond wig and these racing red Speedos. Did that make you smile…… he did more than that, but he certainly sealed the bid for a Convention to be held in Whakatane and more importantly in the Zone that was his patch. Jim had this big whoopsey and he fell into a pit, sharing his bruises and the details of his fall…… that wasn’t enough he had to show the lot! …. Yep that tummy again. Jim told us everything, you couldn’t help but smile. One of Jim’s fellow District Governors has similar memories of Jim saying even though there were lots of things going on in his life he was always smiling and willing to have a joke. In Honolulu he never lost an opportunity to take the micky out of his Aussie mate Tony Benbow Another…, I felt nice that I could put a smile on his face…. a moment to cherish forever. He was a very nice singer. He sang the Waiata at 202L convention when I asked him. His hugs were genuine, a way of showing his love. It was Jim’s up front honesty that lead us as Lions on his final Journey, he set goals that gave us the opportunity to support him. It was so amazing that he achieved his goal of completing his term as District Governor, so much so that he made quite a record in doing it. 100% Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust Club donations 100% Lions Clubs Foundation Donations Something that has not happened for many years and something that Jim was advised of while he could still understand. On behalf of the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust I would like to thank the Towersey family for choosing the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust as a benefactor for donation

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in lieu of flowers today. Jim’s passion for the trust was second to none and it was exceptional that he achieved 100% donations in his year as District Governor. It was my honour as our District Trustee on the 15th July 2016 to present Jim with a Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust Life membership for his services to humanity, AND a Friends of the Trust Award to Robyn for her assistance to Jim and their community. It was an extremely emotional presentation where tears flowed freely and Jim was extremely humbled by this acclamation. Jim joined lions in Carterton, transferred to Opotiki Lions in 1975, and he held all positions in Lions except that of Treasurer. He was the President in 2010/ 2011, Zone Chairman for four years, he became a Life Member of Lions Club International in 2010. He sponsored 7 members and had 41 years’ perfect attendance. Jim was presented with Melvin Jones Fellowship at the District Convention on February the 20th 2016. His leadership style was awesome - He was always mindful of how he could share what was happening and that his team and others understood his journey so he told it how it was and at no time looked for pity in his updates to Cabinet. His mind was sharp as a tack – looking at the bigger picture and taking us with him over the year – and living his theme to the very ‘enth’ degree – Challenge Ourselves to do Better. Jim was passionate about Lions and as his people he loved us and we loved him back, there were no shortage of hugs to prove that. I love our country and alongside me was a man with the same passion, there was nothing greater than Jim leading the National Anthem, Jim always sang the entire National Anthem, never just focusing on just the earlier English Version. His voice lead us to powerful rendition and you could feel the passion in the room. Earlier this year Jim was welcomed in to the Don Rowlands Centre at Lake Karapiro for his Cabinet meeting, no ordinary welcome this time, Lion Doug Taranaki honored Jim by handing over his family Korowai for him to wear as leader of our District, Jim was then welcomed to Cambridge by Deputy Mayor Grahame Webber, Jim wore that Korowai with so much pride and a few more tears were shed yet again He and Robyn are an amazing couple and Robyn’s commitment to Lions and ‘Jim’s Year’ has been incredible – Thank you Robyn for sharing Jim with Lions during such a ‘special year’. Kind regards Peter Knox

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A Tribute to Jim (IPDG Jim Towersey) “Henry James Towersey QSM” Today we said our last farewell to a Great Lion, someone who was loved by so many. Jim as most Lions who he came in contact knew him was an affable character, always had a smile, certainly left his mark as special character and we will miss his greeting hug. We heard today that there were so many attributes Jim possessed which epitomizes all the best a Lion can be. We also heard about his human frailties, if one could call a little cheekiness, the odd prank, things said with a glint in his eye and the enjoyment of the odd tipple, as frailties. No, I think not, just someone who celebrated life, enjoying life’s journey. Jim served as a counselor on the Opotiki District Council, on the RSA Committee, the brass section of the orchestra and in the brass band, and to his community through Lions. His Lions involvement included serving in all positions in his club, except treasurer, moving on to take leadership positions as Zone Chair, on his way to become the District Governor of District 202L. Amongst many interests he held a special interest in the International Youth Camp, and continued to encourage the formation of Leos Clubs. Jim was admired by so many for his superb touch with the Cornet and the Bugle. Whether he was playing solo, in the local trio, the brass band competition, accompanying for the local school or the last post for a fallen soldier, Jim was revered for his skill. It should be no surprise that his willingness to share this skill with his community and beyond was recognised with the reward of receiving the Queens Service Medal (QSM). Jim’s service to his communities was well recognised by his Family of Lions and was properly recognised, receiving a Life Member of the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust, and the highest Lions Clubs International Award, A Melvin Jones Fellowship. However, life’s journey is not always smooth sailing. Jim and his family know this only too well. But no matter what, Jim was able to bounce back accepting what was, challenging the status quo and always looking forward. This was the driving factor in Jim completing his District Governor’s term. He led by listening, giving every opportunity to gain an understanding, but being decisive when required. His presence as our 202L Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG) will be sorely missed. I know that our DG Stu Gray will feel he has lost a special right hand man. The Lions Family has lost a Lions Statesman, a friend and a great mate.

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He, in the terms of his 12yr old Grandson, “He was a good bugger.” All good men have an even better woman behind them, or more likely, have a strong sharing partnership. Robyn Towersey, QSM, we are grateful for your support and for allowing your special man to lead us. A thank you does not seem to be enough, but from the bottom of our Lions Collective hearts Thank you again for letting us share Jim. Past District Governor Jim Towersey, you went with dignity, you went surrounded by the love of your family and the love you gave to others, go well my friend and be at peace. PDG Andrew Malloch District 202E It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the passing of your IPDG Jim Towersey. Please accept the condolences of myself, IPDG John Rodger, Cabinet members and all the Lions of District 202E. I would be grateful if you could pass on District 202E’s condolences to Jim’s wife Robyn, his family and indeed to District 202L as a whole. We know that Jim was highly respected by his fellow Lions in your district, and also by other Lions around New Zealand. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Yours in Lionism Malcolm Williams District Governor 202E

Kua hinga te tōtara I Te Waonui a Tāne. A tōtara has fallen in the great forest of Tāne.

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The Jungle Drums Come hear the drums echo in the night African Proverb A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see each tree has its place. Start a new Lions club today! Lions Club International offers several club types so you can charter a club that fits your member’s lifestyle. Traditional clubs are the most common club type, and offer a group of people flexibility when serving their community. Consider chartering a club based on member’s common interests such as a hobby, profession or ethnicity. Often, a shared interest brings even greater energy to a group of Lions. A club branch allows small groups of people to start a club before they have reached the 20-person charter requirement so they can start making a difference in their community sooner. Part of my goals, is to start 6 branch Clubs in our District. Please give this some thought. Campus clubs make an impact on your local college or university community while connecting students, faculty members and business leaders. Campus clubs offer students the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and build their resume. Engage, Inspire and Serve Youth in Your Community. Your club can help serve youth in your community or inspire the next generation of Lions by organising a World-wide Week of Service for Youth project during August 8 - 14. Visit the World-wide Week of Service for Youth event page for more information on this special Centennial Service Challenge event.

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Grow Your Club, Expand Your Service. In celebration of our Centennial, I am asking Lions to take our association to new heights by inviting new members and increasing our service. Invite family, friends and neighbors to join you in service. Visit the Centennial Membership Awards page to learn how your club can earn special recognition for inviting new members. No matter where you are, there’s an opportunity for your club to reach out, and to help bring hope to humanity. Have a great week and take care.

"Awaken the Lion Within You"

Stu Gray. District Governor.

Breaking News

Presidents Dinner 2016/2017 13th August 2016 Venue: Daniel’s in the Park, Tauranga.

The Presidents Dinner is going to be a special evening. If the President of a Club is unable to attend, please ask Vice Presidents to attend in the Presidents place. It is important Clubs are represented in our District. For catering purposes please contact: PDG Myra Davey (07) 579 1535 (Res) / (07) 575 5070 (Bus) [email protected]

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LION TAILS -OUT & ABOUTOpotiki Lions chill out with Polar Plunge Well done to all those that took part in the Lions Polar Bear swim and Beach Dig last Sunday.

Taupo Pakeke are chuffed now the train is back on track With a new diff, and a new hydraulic pump of Italian manufacture, the train is running very well, keeping up to 13km/hr., and not slowing as it runs through the day, and night. It is very much better than we have experienced over the last 5 years!! Well done Gary Upchurch and Ronnie of Tulips Engineering. The south domain Light Trail put up by Unison for the Taupo Winter Festival has been attracting lots of passengers to the train, and it has been exciting to run full trains each night so far, the joy of all the passengers young and old has been very catching, making the Station a very attractive and warm place to be. Every time we run at night, as we do each New Year before the fireworks, and did for the Erupt Festival, we get such a good response, But it does always help to place the rails in position before driving across the gap, eh Roger!! The guide wheel bracket will need more straitening when we close for the winter recess, but at least the new differential escaped any damage!! But it was a close call. John Fry back on track with a new Gearbox and Drive system COBB & Co LIONS EXPRESS Full of PAKEKE HAPPY CAMPERS On Wednesday 27th July 2016

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Taupo Pakeke Honour Member Allan Kidson Allan Kidson Being Presented with honorary membership of The LLOYD MORGAN CHARITABLE TRUST By Graham Mock

Congratulations Allan - ED Wendy

Coming Events for your Diary

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Authorized by Grahame Woods, Youth MP to Todd Muller.

The Bacchus Theatre Company presents

9th-10th September Graham Young Youth Theatre Get your tickets from iTicket Today Early bird tickets available until the 1st August! ALL PROFITS GO TO VARIETY: THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY Directed/Produced/Performed by Tauranga Boys and Girls College Authorized by Grahame Woods, Youth MP to Todd Muller. Summary Every week, a meeting unlike any other occurs in Buckingham Palace. As Queen Elizabeth II meets with each of her Prime Ministers, just has she has done for the last sixty years. It is private. It is personal, and there is an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. The Audience breaks this contract of silence. It imagines a series of meetings between the residents of 10 Downing Street and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these meetings as both a sounding board and a confessional. It is sometimes intimate, and sometimes explosive. From a young woman to a great-grandmother, these private audiences direct the passage of the second Elizabethan Age. Politicians come and go through the revolving door politics, yet she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister. 'The Audience' by Peter Morgan arrives at the Graham Young Youth Theatre this September. "This is something rarer: funny and truthful, goodhearted, spiky, full of surprises. I loved every minute...there are stunning political moments...It's all fiction, of course, and often painfully funny, yet is expresses large and serious truths. " (The Times). SEE ITICKET.CO.NZ AND SEARCH ‘THE AUDIENCE’ FOR TICKETS Official Youth MP project of Grahame Woods Youth MP. All profits to go Variety: The Children’s Charity ALL PROFITS GO TO VARIETY: THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY Directed/Produced/Performed by Tauranga Boys and Girls College

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Rotorua East Lions Club Invites all Present and Past Members Fellow Lions and Partners CHARTER LUNCHEON Saturday 20th August 2016 CT Club, Moncur Drive, Rotorua Fellowship from 12.15pm Call to order 12.45pm $30.00 per person Come and enjoy an afternoon of Fellowship, Fun and Memories Please RSVP by 10th August to Secretary John Wyatt Ph. 07 347 1166 Email; [email protected]

District 202L Lions Convention 24-25-26 February 2017 Held at Distinction Hotel, Fenton Street, Rotorua. Please keep checking the web site as it will be updated as more information become available www.lionsclubs.org.nz/202Lconvention

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MD 202 Centennial Convention Tauranga 28-30 April 2017 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR YOUR DIARY On 28 to 30 April 2017 your hosts, The Lions Club of Otumoetai together with supporting clubs from Zone 9, invite all Lions in New Zealand to Tauranga to Celebrate the Centennial MD 202 Convention. where there is Plenty to See-Plenty to Do. All events Friday Opening Ceremony, Saturday Business AGM Session and the Sunday Remembrance and Rededication Service, will be held at the Bethlehem College with an auditorium seating for 587 members, tiered to have a full view of the stage. Saturday Evening Dine and Dance will be in the Sir Tristam Lounge at the Tauranga Race Course, a great venue with good food and a delightful band “The Emerald Brothers” playing the night away. Start making up a party to book 10 or 8 seat tables when the registration form becomes available. The Saturday Partners Programme is already set, giving three wonderful options which can now be viewed on our website www.lionsclubs.org.nz/md202convention2017 Come to Tauranga which is a destination and the center to plan something local or take a tour to nearby and exciting places most within one hour or less travel time. Watch our regular updates for further important announcements and our website.

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Tauranga Harbour City Lions 2016 Book Sale will be held the weekend of

Fri 11 November - 5.00pm-9.00pm Sat 12 November - 8.00am-4.00pm Sun 13 November - 8.00am-4.00pm

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Rolling Calendar District Governor and 1st and 2nd Vice District Governor visits for the new lion’s year District Governor Stu Gray

1st VDG Arvind Raman

2nd VDG Lois Gardner

August

August

August

3rd

Te Poi

9th 10th 15th 16th 22nd

Ngongotaha Omokoroa & District Pakeke Te Awamutu Lions Greerton Tokoroa & Districts Tokoroa Host, Tokoroa City Lions

24th

Morrinsville Pakeke

10th

September

Matamata

1st

Tokoroa City Lions

4th

Opotiki

September

September

6th

Cambridge Lions Club

5th

12th

Hamilton Dinsdale

12th

7th

Papamoa Lions Club

19th

Te Awamutu Pakeke

20th

Mount Pirongia

21st

Te Aroha Mountain Lions

22nd

Tauranga Harbour City

26th

Tirau

27th

Te Puke Kiwi Coast

19th

Rotorua East

26th

Tahuna & Districts October

October 4th

Ohaupo Ngahinapouri

5th

Otorohanga, Te Kuiti & Pio Pio.

12th

Rosetown Te Awamutu

17th

Ohope Beach, Whakatane Sunshine Coast & Whakatane Lions, Kopeopeo November

4th

October

Taupo Lakeland

November

2nd

Hamilton St. Andrews

1st

Mount Maunganui

8th

Welcome Bay

8th

Taupo Pakeke

15th

Katikati

22nd

Hamilton Riverside Lions East Hamilton Lions

November

16th

Pakeke Lions of Katikati

23rd

Sulphur City Lions Club

Waihi

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AUGUST Waihi Lions Charity Dinner and Auction Guest entertainer: Guy Cater, Comedian and hypnotist. Proceeds to the Waihi St John's Ambulance Building Fund.

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6th

Saturday

591

13th

Saturday

Katikati Lions Moggies Market. Katikati War Memorial Hall, Main Street 8am -12 noon

588

20th

Saturday

Rotorua East 40th Charter Anniversary Luncheon, Fellowship from 12.15 pm. CT Club Moncur Drive, Rotorua

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2nd 4th

Friday Sunday

591

10th

Saturday

Katikati Lions Moggies market, Katikati War Memorial Hall, Main Street, 8am-12noon

588

30th

Friday

Closing date for Achievers Grants with Lions Clubs District Banking Trust

SEPTEMBER 6th ANZI Pacific Forum, Yogyakarta, Central Java

OCTOBER Katikati Lions Moggies Market, Katikati War Memorial Hall, Main Street 8am 12 noon

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8th

Saturday

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8th

Saturday

Tokoroa Lions Garage Sale, YMCA Stadium, Princess Beatrix Avenue

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9th

Sunday

Lions Club of Katikati Lone Diners Free Luncheon. Memorial Hall.

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27th

Thursday

Lions Clubs District Banking Trust A.G.M. and consider any Achiever Grant Nominations

590

1st

Tuesday

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4th - Friday 5th Saturday

Te Aroha Mountain Lions Book Fair, Catholic Hall, Whittaker Street

593

11th 12th 13th

Friday Saturday Sunday

Tauranga Harbour City Lions Book Sale

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12th

Saturday

Katikati Lions Moggies Market, Katikati War Memorial Hall, Main Street – 8am -12noon

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12th13th

SaturdaySunday

Waihi Lions Garden Ramble

NOVEMBER Final day for posting Lions Environmental Photo Contest

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DECEMBER Ngongotaha Lions Senior Luncheon

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3rd

Saturday

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3rd

Saturday

Lions Club of Katikati Santa Parade and Santa in the Park. Open theme. Enquiries: [email protected]

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10th

Saturday

Katikati Lions Moggies Market, Katikati War Memorial Hall, Main Street – 8am -12noon 2017 JANUARY FEBRUARY

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24th 25th 26th

Friday Saturday Sunday

District 202L Lions Convention held at Distinction Hotel, Fenton Street, Rotorua. Please keep checking the web site as it will be updated as more information becomes available www.lionsclubs.org.nz/202Lconvention MARCH

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5th

Sunday

Lions Tree Grove's "Music under the Trees" @ Arrival Centre TECT All Terrain Park Highway 36. 11am until 3pm. Information will be updated as we get closer to the event. APRIL

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28th - Friday 30th Sunday

MD202 Centennial Convention, Bethlehem College Auditorium Tauranga – Lions Club of Otumoetai. See website www.lionsclubs.org.nz/md202convention2017 for details

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00” before the event name is the edition of Noozletta that the details are contained in. When you have news about your club or happenings in your Zone, let me know, and I will put it in as "breaking news". Distribution / Editor: Wendy Allen, ph 07 348 6769 Please send prior to 2pm Monday afternoon. It would be appreciated if the word “Noozletta” can be placed in the subject box and this way it can be automatically sent to my Noozletta file and not missed. If I have missed an article or picture for your club, please email me again or give me a call on 07 348 6769 Also, can all pictures and posters be sent as JPEGS or WORD FILES as it is so much easier to copy and paste. Some PDFs are just too big and difficult to open and put into word – thanks To see archived and back issues of Noozletta go to http://www.lionsclubs.org.nz/Clubs/202L/Bulletins Please address all items to [email protected]

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