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| ..A brief history of The Lions Club Of Curepipe seen through the eyes of its Founder Members In 1968, the elected Governor Paul de La Haye Duponsel remitted the first Mauritian Lions Charter to the Lions Club of Port Louis. Lions Past Governor Daniel Lagesse was the founder and first president of the club. He was seconded by Lions Gaetan Serret who acted as his treasurer. Ten year later, the Lions Club of Port Louis entrusted to Lions Paul de La Haye Duponsel and Gaetan Serret the task of setting up a second club to be named eventually " The Lions Club of Curepipe ". They started by organising talks about Lionism and this helped them to identify potential members. On 9th November 1979 , in the lounge of the Vatel Hotel, where Malcom De Chazal used to write and dine, the Charter was handed over to the new club by Lions Governor Jacques Loirat and Lions Paul de La Haye Duponsel was inducted as the first President. Gaetan Serret who is now a life member describes his journey as a Lions as extraordinary and enriching. He was the President of the Port Louis club from 1976 to 1978 as the elected President in 1977 could not complete his mandate. The Club sponsored the first Cornea transplants and this project has turned out to be the biggest crusade against darkness. Lions Gaetan personally took delivery of the corneas sent from Cape Town and he always remembered Melvin Jones words that "It would seem that we are nothing if we cannot do something for someone". To him, we are not a charitable club but a service club. He strongly believes in actions involving all the members of the clubs including spouses. This enhances the trust, sincerity and friendship between members. However, he regrets that Lions tend to neglect the experienced members in as much as he learns about club activities like Conventions and events through the press. Some active founding members of the club also shared their personal experience as long serving Lions: Lions Alain Tennant Lions Alain Tennant was chosen by Daniel Lagesse to be among first ten founder members of the Lions Club of Curepipe. He was groomed by Paul de la Haye Duponsel at his residence in Grandbay. He was also the Godfather of Georges Leung Shing and during his first year, he had to act as the "tail twister" - that is to to animate club meetings with a view to enhance solidarity amongst members and to make everyone feel like being part of one big family. At that time, the two Lions clubs were very close as if it was one big club without any difference or competition. The then President of the Lions Club of Port Louis, Claude Felix and himself collaborated in a number of Lions activities such as the organisation of the "Xmas trees" or fund raising at Meridien hotel with takings of Rs 350,000, a huge sum for that time. He also had the task of selecting guests for each meeting and also encouraging the spouses to be part of the life of the club. The second year of the club, during his presidency, was marked by the hosting of the Asian-African forum in Mauritius. More than 400 Lions from around the region were present including Lions International President Koorukay Murakami and Lionness Shoko. He was chosen to be the "Aide de Camp" and talked with passion and pride about his experience as a young Lions, to have been able to mingle with such experienced and prestigious persons. He has always felt immense admiration for Lions Daniel Lagesse and his Lionness Evelyne, who died some years back. Both helped him serve his country and fellow citizens during the hard times. He stills remembers the rampant poverty of these days through which he lived and tried to help. He remembers vividly that 70 year old woman who became a hunchback because she had to sleep continually in a child's bed. He favours activities of a national stature like the prevention against drug abuse project sponsored by the matchstick factories and the construction of a centre as a tribute to the Lions founder in Mauritius, but regrets he was unable to build a village for the elders in Palma on a plot of land he had obtained from the owners of Medine. Lions Georges Leung Shing, Pierre Simonet & Bernard Casse Lions Georges Leung Shing was the President in 1983 after serving as the Club's Treasurer and President of Commissions. At that time, there were only 2 commissions - Fund Raising and Charity. During his Presidency, the club obtained the first prize of the District competition which was remitted by Governor Nsangue Akwa in Douala. He reminisces with modesty that such a prize could only be obtained through the collective effort of all members. The Club achieved its peak on its 4th year. He still recalls the club past activities - from the lottery draw to the creation of the Daniel Lagesse centre for the handicaps. He likes to share his knowledge and experience and finds a lot of satisfaction in serving others. Other founder members, who are still in the Club today, are Lions Pierre Simonet and Bernard Casse. They often share their experience and advise the other 37 members of the Club.Lions Pierre who has been Knighted by her Majesty the Queen of England for services rendered is a member of great modesty and he stills regularly attends our meetings and gives his views. Recent Developments In recent years, the Club under the leadership of young and dynamic presidents has pursued its mission.It has sponsored a variety of projects together with other NGO's, like the setting up of the "Foyer Duponsel ", a home for the reinsertion of young female offenders coming from rehabilitation centres, the construction of Kindergardens, the cleaning up of the environment, educational projects, assistance to the homeless and the donation of books to schools. The club has also welcomed a large number of female members who have brought a lot of enthusiasm, sponsored a new Club, The Lions club of Moka, set up a Leo club, and promoted the twinning of four Mauritian clubs with their Napoli counterparts. On the 16th of June 2007, for the first time, the Club will celebrate concurrently, the anniversary of the remitting of its Charter and the Induction of its 28th President. PP |
