Tail Twisting

Written by Rob Unsworth Tuesday, 24 February 2009 10:20

Tail Twisting

Under protocol, the Tail Twister appears as the junior ranking officer but one, of the Board of Directors. Be that as it may, there is no denying the fact that the office of the Tail Twister carries with it a great responsibility.

When elected to office, the Tail Twister has been signally honoured to occupy a position of esteem, trust and responsibility, but the honours are superfluous. Therefore, I shall address my remarks to the area which I consider most important -- that of responsibility.

As holder of the office of club Tail Twister, a Lion must be considered an image of the Club, the District, and Lions Clubs International. Every action and every word that is uttered during the term of office, reflects the tenor and integrity of our Association. It follows that the Tail Twister's demeanour at a meeting, especially when ladies and visitors are present, could be considered as one of the yard-sticks by which his Club's status in the community will be judged.

The Club's reputation must be carefully guarded, and it is incumbent upon a Tail Twister TO REFRAIN FROM RELATING "OFF COLOUR" STORIES. Lions Clubs International frowns upon this practice, and there is certainly no place for such narratives in a properly conducted Lions meeting. The main duty of a Tail Twister is to instil enthusiasm and good fellowship in the meetings and to keep harmony. The Tail Twister is empowered to collect fines, ordinarily limited to twenty cents each, and it is very important that NO MEMBER BE FINED TWICE AT THE ONE MEETING.

It is desirable that a Tail Twister keep a roster of members, and so ensure that as far as possible no Lion is called upon to pay more than an equitable share of penalties throughout the year. The practice of some Tail twisters in fining every member at each meeting is wrong in principle, liable to cause dissatisfaction, and most certainly should be avoided.

We have seen Tail Twisters impose fines on certain Lions, and then arbitrarily request the other Lions present to stand and contribute. This is a wrong practice, and is tantamount to an admission by the Tail Twister of failure in the position.

A Tail Twister should rarely be devoid of reasons, whether actual or fictitious, for fining members. Lions should assist the Tail Twister by supplying information as often as possible.

A Tail Twister with lively imagination will have no difficulty in performing the duties satisfactorily. Eyes will be kept open to capitalise on all humorous situations or incidents that may arise, or about which is learned from other members.

 

"In all thy humours, whether grave or mellow ,
thou art such a touch, testy, pleasant fellow ;
hast so much wit, and mirth, and spleen about thee,
there is no living with thee nor without thee."

 

by Lion "Curly" Keith Donaldson decd.