By Hollie Harris
With a long list of extraordinary members who have been a part of the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club over the last 50 years, many have left their mark.
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club was an all-male club until Margaret and Allan Jolly arrived from New Zealand on holiday attending meetings during their stay.
In 1998, the came to live permanently and were transferred into the club where Margaret’s request to join was set to be addressed at the next board meeting. With strong support from Lions Geoff Bowden and John Crossley, Margaret became the first female member in 1999.
It wasn’t too long before she was joined by other Lions wives and then later, more widowed and single ladies.
Three of the 20 ladies who are members have served as club presidents.
Geoff Bowden encouraged the membership of Margaret Jolly and as the longest serving running member then and still today, his persuasion changed the course of Lions male-only membership.
Geoff joined Hughenden Lions in 1967 at age 26 when he was the only doctor in the town.
He moved to Tewantin in 1970 and transferred to Tewantin-Noosa Club. Now retired, Geoff and wife Carolanne, who is also a member, still find their time in Lions to be rewarding and enjoyable, and value the many enduring friendships.
In August Geoff will be a Lion for 50 years.
Peter Smith joined the Chermside Lions Club back in 1963. Over the next few years, Peter became club president and has since held every club position, some twice or more. Involved with the club in all facets, from Lions Miss Personality to attending international conventions and several district conventions, Peter has been an integral part of the Lions Club. He has raised money for a hearing dog for the blind and raised funds from car washes, lamington drives, barbecues, barn dances, dinners and more. He is one of the most senior Lions and is always heavily engaged in projects and offers much experience in Lionism.
Outside the club, Peter and his wife of 58 years Jill have raised four daughters and have 10 grandchildren. He is a keen fisherman and a bit of a golfer as well as being involved with the local Catholic Church and working maintenance on the Double Island Point Lighthouse.
It’s not every day that a club can acknowledge a member serving 50 years in and Peter well and truly deserved it in 2013.
Trevor Luff is currently first vice-president and has been a member of the club for 30 years. Recently retired, Trevor is finding his feet and is kept busy with his Lions role.
Geoff and Carolanne, Peter, Margaret and Trevor are just a few of the many faces of Tewantin Noosa Lions who make the club such a success.
