Lions celebrate fifty years of service
Fun celebratory braai for Lions members and guests.
LA ROCHELLE: It was an important day in 1963 when International Councillor Bob Reid was appointed bank manager in Rosettenville. He immediately saw a need for a service club in the area and within a short time he was joined by the late John Vivier, a successful motor dealer who wasted no time in getting his team together.
It was no easy matter to find members in those early days as Lionism, especially in the South, as it was comparatively unknown and it took wise counselling to get the ball rolling.
However, once the club Joburg South was formed and the less fortunate of the South started benefiting and realizing the value of a dedicated service club, there was no stopping them.
Amongst the conscripts were John’s doctor, his accountant, an attorney, chemist, estate agent, and being a racing man, two leading jockeys.
They formed the nucleus of the new Johannesburg South club which received their Charter at a dinner at the Wanderers Club on December 2 1963! The highlight of the year was the induction dinner at the Paddock restaurant, Turffontein Hotel.
Lions charter member Edgar Salmon, and distinguished guests, Mayor of Johannesburg Peter Roos, the opera singer Min Shaw and comedian Al Debbo, and invited guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the Induction dinner of Joburg South was destined to become a legend for many years.
As there have been significant changes and transformation in the Lions’ beloved country and in Lionism over the years, the members of Joburg South decided instead of the pomp and splendour, to hold a family braai at their den in honour of this momentous occasion in history of reaching 50 years of dedicated service and commitment.
The braai was held for members who have so selfishly given up their time and energy voluntarily, and their families who support them.
Amongst the guests were the pupils the club assisted with school fees/uniforms/stationary and more, and thus gave them a start in life which would otherwise have been denied them. Representatives from the SA Guide Dogs were also present as the club has sponsored five guide dogs, opening up opportunities for the blind to live normal lives in society.
Various organisations that Lions have assisted were also present as well as members of the public who have been associated with Lions.
The club wasfortunate to have Lions lady Chrystel Salmons, wife of the late Lion Edgar Salmon, charter member, as their honorary guest, to share in the festivities.
In the year 2017 Lions international organization will celebrate 100 years of giving and assisting countries all over the world, wherever disasters strike causing loss of lives and mayhem.
The Lions Creed: A person achieves success, who lives well, laughs often and loves much, who gains the respect of intelligent people and the love of little children. Who fills a niche and accomplishes his or her task, who leaves the world better than he or she found it. Who always sees the best in others and gives the best he or she has, whose life is an inspiration, whose memory is a benediction – that person is a Lion.
