Nominations

District Governor 2025/26

DG Hopkins CV.pdf

Vice District Governor 2025/26

VDG1 Hanton CV.pdf

2nd Vice District Governor 2025/26

VDG2 Cooper CV.pdf

The Lions Club of Basingstoke Supported by The Lions Club of Fleet Are proud to nominate Lion Dianne Hopkins for District Governor 105SC – 2025-2026

Club

I joined the Lions Club of Basingstoke in 2013 and have served as Secretary from 2016 to today, Vice President, and then President in 2018 and 2022.

I first joined Lions in South Africa as a Leo in Germiston in 1983 and served as President, Secretary, Treasurer, PRO, Welfare and Fundraising chair. Once I got the age limit for Leos, I joined the Lions Club of Germiston and then Lions Club of Midrand, where I was Charter Secretary. At both Lions clubs, I held various club positions.

District

In 2023 I was elected to the position of 2VDG and in 2024 to the position of 1VDG, which I am currently serving. I have served as Zone Chair for Zone 5J for two years running, was appointed as New Voice Officer for District 105SC and am still involved in my position of Global Membership.

During my time in South Africa, I held the position of Zone Chair for Lions. I was involved in the organising of many Leo and Lions District Conventions over a period of ten years.

Other Lions Experience

In June 2022, I completed the Advanced Lions Leadership Institute in Brussels. At this event I met many Lions from Europe and what a family we have become. With New Voices portfolio, I attend regular meetings with many New Lions in the Multiple District 105, as well as events with the teams in Europe for New Voices.

In August 2020, I had the privilege to train with 5 Lion colleagues, to become a fully certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), Five of us have recertified in 2024 to support our Lions of District 105SC.  I delivered a short talk on MHFA at the District Convention for 105SC in March 2022.When the MD Convention was held in Basingstoke, I was involved in the organising as I was President at the time.

Awards

In 2018 I received Lion of the Year from my fellow Lions in The Lions Club of Basingstoke. During my time is South Africa I received many Certificates of Appreciation for work well done.

Work/Life Balance

I qualified as a Radiographer in 1983. I worked in all parts of Radiology, and then specialised in MRI scanning in 1990. It was this that brought me to England in 2001. During this time, I have worked clinically as well as in Management roles.

I am now back to working as a Radiographer and able to work with patients again and train junior staff, what a privilege.

My interests in life are all based on various crafts, notably stain glass and fusion work.

Why do I wish to be District Governor?

I grew up in a family where there was always something going on the involved Lions. I have thoroughly enjoyed my First Vice Governor year and reiterate that I feel that we are not at the end of what we can do, and it would be a privilege and honour to serve as your District Governor if I am elected.

Lion Dianne Hopkins

Nominated for position of 1^st Vice District Governor by Wokingham Lions Club and seconded by Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club

Lions History

Joined Wokingham Lions in Jan 2011.

President twice - years 2012-13 and 2014-15.

Club Treasurer 2017 to date.

Zone Chair 2015-17.

District Global Membership Team Chair - 3 years - 2017- 20.

District Treasurer – 4th year 2020 - to 2024.

2^nd VDG – 2024-25

Attended Advanced Lions Leadership Institute in Jan 2020.

In July 2022, I was very honoured to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship award from my Club.

Key achievements in these roles:

District Treasurer. Worked to ensure District provides value for money and providing advice and guidance to Club Treasurers. For 2 years of COVID refunded 50% of Clubs dues.

Global Membership Team. Assisted Clubs with membership campaigns, attended a number of Club meetings to speak to them about membership and ran successful workshops at Conference and Cabinet.

Zone. Encouraged Clubs to work together and support each other at events. Brought in a social element to Zone meetings.

I have always encouraged and challenged Lions, both in my Club and at District level to take on roles to support the organisation.

Prior to joining Lions, I was a member of Twyford Round Table for 15 years. I was Chair for my local club and also at

District level.  Additionally, I spent 5 years on the National body including 3 years as National Media and PR Officer.

Work

I worked in the mortgage industry in varying roles for 35 years. I am now self-employed working for 4 companies on a part-time basis.

Outside activities

My wife Vicky and I enjoy travelling, walking (usually with our 2 Labradors) and serving the local community. I enjoy a regular game of golf and am a member of the local branch of the University of the Third Age participating in the cycling and Walking into History groups.

Key Skills

I am hardworking and enjoy a challenge (I have chaired the Lions Winter Carnival for the last 3 years - Wokingham Lions only took over the running of this long-standing event with 10,000 people in attendance 3 years ago). I'm a good listener and always willing to offer advice and support people when requested. I enjoy taking an active role and engaging with other Clubs and have enjoyed my Club visits this year. I will continue to work collaboratively as part of the District Governor's team to drive 105SC forward.   

Lion Tim Hanton

LION MARK COOPER, MJF - NOMINATION FOR 2ND VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR

I was born in London in October, 1956. Upon leaving school I joined an American company as a field engineer working on banking accounting systems where I was fortunate to be trained on digital and analogue electronics.

This early training was to assist me throughout my career in the IT industry, where I was mostly employed by USA companies.

I joined the Parachute Regiment for 3 years in the reserves and following that joined the Metropolitan Police as a Special Constable.

I was a volunteer at Guys Hospital Radio station where my training in electronics was put to good use.

It was also where I met my lovely wife to be, Claire, who was doing her State Registered Nurse training.

We have been blessed with two wonderful daughters, the eldest living locally, the youngest in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Both are getting married over the next 2 or 3 years.

My career in the IT industry enabled me to travel throughout most of North America, India, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. I count myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet so many people and experience their cultures.

I finally retired after many years as a senior IT Consultant in August 2023 and have now become a fulltime commercial beekeeper. I am a trustee for the Hampshire Beekeepers Association and from 2025 will be the Asian Hornet coordinator for Hampshire.

I joined Fleet Lions in 2016 but had been involved with Lions activities and committees from the autumn 2015. Within a year of joining, I was voted to be the 2nd Vice President and became one of the club trustees, a role I currently still hold.

In 2020 when the pandemic struck, working with the Hart Voluntary Action and the district & parish councils I coordinated 1000 volunteers giving up their time to help the vulnerable in lockdown with their grocery shopping, prescriptions, dog walking, transport for medical appointments, and so much more.

Eventually, we began the vaccination phase and provided volunteers at 2 vaccination centres.

Throughout, I was distributing a regular newsletter to all volunteers explaining the ever-changing rules and other vital information. I was extremely privileged to receive an MJF from my club for the work during this very trying time.

I attended the final Advanced Lions Leadership Institute weekend in 2023. I have also attended several certification courses to support our service including: First Aid at Work, Citizens Advice First Aid, & Diabetes UK: Know Your Risk (KYR) assessor. I have organised several KYR assessment sessions in Fleet run by trained Lions volunteers. I was a volunteer with Diabetes UK before joining Lions working on their KYR roadshow.

My work experience as a consultant has taught me the important aspects of communications, training, and the soft skills needed for helping people. I truly look forward to bringing these skills to the role as 2nd Vice District Governor.

Lions Career

Joined Fleet Lions 11th May 2016

Club President 2020, 2023

Membership Chair 2021, 2024

District Vision Officer 2023, 2024

Zone Chair 2024

Lion Mark Cooper