The Lions Club of Winchester announced on August 16 that it has a new President.
Tammy Sadler is taking over as President, and she is the first woman to fill the role. Tammy replaces Lion Guy Belliveau, who will fill the official role of Past President.
The Lions Club of Winchester was founded in 1968 as part of the worldwide International Organization of Service Clubs. The latter organization began first as a small group of businessmen meeting for lunch periodically in 1917.
What was, at first, a series of social gatherings quickly turned into an endeavor to form an organization to help the less fortunate, and with this, the International Organization of Service Clubs was born.
In the present, the Lions Club of Winchester holds formal meetings regularly, with members holding different roles, each with its own duties and functions. The President presides over meetings and appoints committees, among other duties, with a Vice-President ready to fill the role as a backup, if needed.
The Past President acts as a greeter, and welcomes new members. There is also a Secretary and a Treasurer who perform the typical duties of these positions.
Two positions that may seem more unusual to those unfamiliar with Lions Clubs are those of the Tailtwister and the Lion Tamer. The Tailtwister’s job, among other things, is to promote harmony and enthusiasm among the members.
One way the Tailtwister can accomplish this is by imposing a fine on members who are disruptive or inattentive in meetings, up to a maximum of 50 cents. The Lion Tamer acts as a Sergeant-at-Arms, who is also the keeper of the Club’s property and traditional paraphernalia, such as its flags and gavel. Finally, a Bulletin Editor is tasked with updating the bulletin to keep members up to speed on the business of the Club. The bulletin is very important, but also lighthearted, as it often uses humour.
The Lions Club of Winchester is always seeking new, community-minded members who can contribute their talents, ideas, and time. The Club currently has 18 members, down from a peak membership of 49 members several years ago.
Bob Porteous – a charter member who joined the Club in 1968 – corresponded with the Times about the benefits of being a Lion.
He discussed how the Lions Club has helped better the Winchester community in many ways, including assisting people with illnesses, or those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances.
For Bob, being a Lion means having a feeling of satisfaction from being part of the community.
“I don’t want to sound pompous, because I was only one little piece, and certainly no one special,” Bob told the Times. “Over the years, more than 250 residents have been members of the Club at different times, and each and every one of them contributed to their Club and community.”
Those interested in becoming a member of the Lions Club can speak to any member about joining, or can visit the Club Facebook page, called Winchester Lions Club A4.
