Sheppie Lions roar with pride

The Citizen

5 days ago

Port Shepstone Lions celebrated the club's 55th annual presidential induction and awards dinner at their den at Port Shepstone Country Club recently.
Guests of honour included Port Shepstone Country Club chairperson John Beekman and his wife Jay, Lions Colin and Carol Mackintosh of the Amanzimtoti Lions Club, and Suzette Smit.
Outgoing club president Denis Meyer paid tribute to the Lions for a successful year of community service and fundraising projects.
These projects included providing ongoing support to South Coast Hospice, Reinhardt's Place, Assisi Mission Orphanage, Dumisani's Creche, Hibiscus Food for Life and Suid Natal Kospakke Kinders.
The club also successfully hosted its annual Lions Leadership Retreat and Blind Bowlers weekends.
Senior citizens projects included the annual Christmas luncheon held at Port Shepstone CC, monthly games afternoons, and frozen meals provided on a monthly basis thanks to the efforts of the Lion Ladies.
The club was involved with the sponsorship of 10 cataract operations during Sight Week in October last year, and donated R10 000 to the Lions Clubs International Foundation which provides support to natural disasters worldwide.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Citizen of the Year award to John Beekman in recognition of his ongoing support of Port Shepstone Lions as well as his outstanding leadership of the country club and generous support of and contributions towards many other charitable causes.
The Lion of the Year trophy was presented to Richard Borradaile for his 35-year commitment as club treasurer.
A special top club chairperson and club president's appreciation award was presented to Jean Masson for his dedication to the fundraising, clubhouse and bar portfolios.
Appreciation awards were presented to Steve McCarroll, Pete Surtees, Gary Vogt and Mike Heathcote.
A special award was presented to Cathy Masson for her commitment to the monthly Lions' Market project.
Stirrer of the Year went to Mike Heathcote.
Membership pins were presented to Hilton Horsley (40), Denis Meyer (30) and Jean Masson (25).
A special award plaque and president's appreciation medal was presented to lady president Bev Rolfe for her outstanding leadership of the ladies' club.
Appreciation gifts were presented to secretary Cathy Masson and treasurer Jane Massey.
The Lion lady of the year award went to Cathy Masson
A special award was presented to Suzette Smit for her ongoing support of many of the club's projects and events.
Past council chairman Paul Brauteseth formally inducted Clayton Curnow as club president for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Clayton thanked his predecessor for his leadership and undertook to continue the club's legacy of fellowship, friendship and service.
His wife Inika will serve as the Lion ladies' president for the forthcoming year.
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