Hard work ahead for top Lion

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 294, 11 July 1989, Page 7

Hard work ahead for top Lion

New Ruapehu Lions President Bob Newton is anticipating a year of hard work ahead of him.

That is, if he is to match or better the efforts of former Lions president, Ian Strachan. Mr Newton and the other nominated members of the board were sworn in one week ago but did not officially take over their positions until July 1. Other members to accept positions were Greg Ellis (secretary), Dave Hall (treasurer), Doug Bennett (first vice-president), Mark Scully (second vicepresident), Ian Enright (lst year director), Fred Collett, John Greenwood, Lou Fetzer, Pat Goldfinch Jnr (tail twister), and Grant Price (lion tamer). Ruapehu Lions has a healthy membership of 35. Half this number are long-standing members who have been with the club for a number of years. While numbers have dropped slightly in past months through members leaving the area, Ruapehu Lions boasts a following of younger men keen to be a part of the institution. The club maintains a high profile in the Waimarino throughout the year, with mini motor-bikes at galas and fairs, fundraising for community projects, door-to-door collections for Braille Week and a host of other activities. A major undertaking this year is the installation of a helicopter landing pad at Waimarino Hospital. The joint Lions/Rotary project was initiated last year. Mr

Newton said that plans have been delayed due to inclement weather. Construction materials were donated by local businesses. Mr Newton said costs will be minimal, with Ruapehu Lions and Ohakune-Raetihi Rotary members providing the labour.

The landing pad will be installed at the rear of the hospital with access through the disused surgical unit. Mr Newton said the landing pad is a muchneeded facility at the hospital and will be used primarily by the Waimarino Rescue Helicopter, transporting people with ski-related injuries and other accident cases.