Manjimup Lions president honoured with prestigious organisation award for compassion and generosity

The Manjimup Lions Club president has been honoured for his consistent compassion and generosity. Paddy Pemberton said he was surprised and honoured to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship award from past district governor and club member Dot Jacobs at the Lions changeover dinner on July 4. “It was an award that was a great surprise to have,” he said. “It’s one of those special moments in life representing all the hard work I have put into the club.” The MJF is the highest honour awarded to a Lions member who represents humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion and concern for the less fortunate. A Lions Hall of Fame dinner will be held in Perth in September to formally honour Mr Pemberton and his fellow recipients across the State. Lions International president Brian Sheehan will travel from America to present at the event. Mr Pemberton also received the Ahh Sh—T award at the dinner, a light-hearted club custom which is presented to members with the biggest fine-worthy offence. Mr Pemberton’s fine was for tripping over at a recent farmer’s market event and spilling two coffees all over the Lions’ display table. All parties involved were not hurt and Mr Pemberton looks back on it with humour. Long-term Lions members Pat Martin and Peter Dorman were also honoured at the dinner with the James D Richardson Award, which is given for extreme devotion to duty with the club. Late Lion member Gail Brealey received a posthumous Lion of the Year award. Her husband John received it on her behalf. A new Lions board was also inducted at the dinner by past district governor Bev Hawkins, including Mr Pemberton, vice-president Alan Lloyd, secretary Peter Dorman, treasurer Pat Martin, services director Geoff Mabey and “lion tamer” Ross Hannaford. “The changeover is the big deal event of the year,” Mr Pemberton said. “It was a great night.” The club invites all community members to attend the next general meeting at the Rea Park Clubhouse on July 18 at 6pm. “We need more members,” Mr Pemberton said. “Join us while we have fun doing good.”