OVER 50 Lions members and their guests attended the 36th Lions Club of Crookwell Changeover Dinner on Tuesday night at the Crookwell Services Club.

Visitors and special guests included members from the Goulburn and Taralga Clubs, Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor John Shaw and Gloria Shultz.

Awards were presented to those Lions members who have glowed in particular areas of the Club during the year.

Lion Andrew ‘Duck’ Shepherd was awarded with the ‘Club Person of the Year’. Outgoing president, John Gray, said, “Andrew continually provides us with joviality and gives us something to throw coins in!”

As the Tail Tickler of the Club Andrew said he loves being part of the group.

“I enjoy doing what I do,” said the lovable fellow with his infectious smile.

Incoming 2012-2013 President, Robert Burbidge, was awarded ‘Lion of the Year’ and the award for dedication was presented to Jennifer Fountain for 100 per cent attendance.

Lion Merv Prattern, who was not able to personally accept his accolade, was presented with an award for his duties above and beyond for the Club.

An appreciation certificate was also presented to Neville Rampling from Southern Metal Recycling for repeatedly coming and collecting the Club’s scrap metal pile.

The year has proven to be a particularly busy one for Crookwell Lions and they have managed to achieve many goals.

Probably the most impressive community bequest is their $35,500 in funding towards the purchase and construction of the toilet block at the Pat Cullen Reserve.

Through the collection of scrap metals and raffles over the past four years they have been able to accumulate the impressive amount and contribute to the much needed town enhancement.

Outgoing President John Gray thanked Lion Norm Fountain for his tireless effort in organising collections, the dismantling of buildings and the picking up of scrap during this time.

The Club spent 180 hours collecting scrap metal this year alone, bringing them $4000 for the 12 months.

They have also been busy assisting with family reunions, clearing sales, team penning events and a recent family day at Grabben Gullen, which brought in $2600 for the Club.

They also manned the gate for the Angry Anderson charity event, but the funds from this were generously donated to a local charity.

They donated $500 to the Lions Drug Awareness Foundation and raised over $500 with their Lions Biggest Barbecue for childhood cancer.

They continued their support for local schools with annual donations that are essential to both the schools and community.

JOHN Gray thanked his fellow Lions and their partners for their mammoth effort during the past year.

He also paid tribute to the people of Crookwell and the Upper Lachlan Shire for their continued support of the Club and their generous donations towards their ongoing efforts to provide a service to the community.

Crookwell Lions Club has a wonderful history of helping the community and is continuing this tradition. They are very proud of the code of ethics they serve and it shows.

CLUB OFFICERS ELECT 2012 – 2013

President – Robert Burbidge

Immediate Past President – John Gray

Secretary – Norm Fountain

Treasurer – Jennifer Fountain

First Vice-President – Peter Painter

Second Vice-President – Tracey Anderson

Third Vice-President – Doug Cady

One Year Directors – Janice Luff, Don Laverty

Two Year Directors – Maurice Campbell, Bruce Murray

Membership Chairman – Judith Fountain

Tail Twister – Andrew Shepherd

Lion Tamer - Merv Pratten

Club Printer – Max Moon