Wyndham Lions Club member Malcolm (Mac) Howden’s 50 years of service to the club was recognised recently.
Former Zone 202F governors Pam Fiveash and Wendy Goodwin presented Mr Howden with aservice letter and pin at a dinner held in his honour.
Mr Howden said he joined the club in 1972, about a year after it started.
He was farming at Seaward Downs at the time.
When a Seaward Downs father and son were killed in a car crash, the Wyndham Lions Club members wanted to help the grieving family but had no members living in the area.
‘‘They came and asked if I would join the Lions.’’
He had thoroughly enjoyed his time in the club and was still an active member at the age of 92.
‘‘I’ve made some great friends through the Lions Club.
‘‘The chaps were not there to self-serve.
‘‘They were there to help.’’
The Lions motto was ‘‘we serve’’, he said.
‘‘It was a great asset having a Lions club formed in Wyndham.’’
The highlight of his time was meeting New Zealander Lloyd Morgan, who has been the only international president of the movement.
‘‘He was a gifted speaker.’’
Club president David Scott said Mr Howden had held many positions in the club as well as supporting club activities.
‘‘From calf droving, chaff, farm location map, casino, Christmas trees, welfare, Christmas cakes for senior citizens; there [are] not many committees that Mac has not been involved with over the past 50 years.’’
The 2003-04 year was a big one for Mr Howden, Mr Scott said.
‘‘He was convener of the welfare, gate keeping and chaff committees, and also on the farm location committee, all at the age of 75.’’
Mr Howden was ‘‘humble, completely reliable, loyal [and] faithful.
‘‘A truly great Lion.’’
