Humanitarian award for Magherafelt man

AT a recent function organised by members of Cookstown and Magherafelt Lions Club one of their members, Nigel Paxton, was the recipient of a Bert Mason Humanitarian Award. This award is named after a Northern Ireland man who was President of Lions Clubs International and is presented to a person who has given exceptional service to humanitarian needs. The award consists of a jewel on a purple and gold ribbon and a certificate mounted on walnut plaque.

The presentation was made by Lion Michael McLaughlin, himself a past District Governor of Lions in Ireland. In his address he thanked Lion Nigel for his dedication to Lionism not only in the Cookstown and Magherafelt area but to Lion Clubs throughout Ireland. Lion Michael mentioned in particular the assistance he had received during his term as District Governor when Nigel was his secretary.

Speaking at the presentation current President of Cookstown and Magherafelt Lions Kieran Fields welcomed all present including current members, past members and friends. He went on to explain that this was a joyous occasion tinged with a certain amount of regret as Lion Nigel and his wife Sylvia were shortly moving to Australia to join their two daughters and their families on a permanent basis.

Lion Kieran also expressed his thanks to Nigel for his dedication to the local club for over twenty three years, saying he was an excellent organiser and had a hand in all the events organised over the years.

Following on from Lion Michael’s remarks President Kieran thanked him for his work for Lions Clubs in Ireland, especially his terms as District treasurer, nominations and resolutions officer and membership of the future planning team.

In conclusion, President Kieran wished Nigel and Sylvia a safe journey to Australia and while expressing the loss of his talents to Lionism in Ireland he was pleased to say that Lion Nigel was transferring to Terranora Lakes Lions Club in Australia which is twinned with the Cookstown and Magherafelt Club.