Nominations

Nominated for position of 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

1^st VDG – 2025-26

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.

At District level this year, I have drawn up a Strategic Plan for our District.

Prior to joining Lions, I was a member of Twyford Round Table for 15 years. I was Chair for my local club and 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 3 companies on a part-time basis.

Outside activities

My wife Vicky and I enjoy travelling, walking (usually with our Labrador and rescue fox hound) 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 currently participating in the cycling group.

Key Skills

I am hardworking and enjoy a challenge (I have chaired the Lions Winter Carnival for the last 4 years - Wokingham Lions only took over the running of this long-standing event with some 10,000 people in attendance 4 years ago). I am 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 would work collaboratively as part of the District Governor's team to drive 105SC forward.   

Lion Tim Hanton, MJF

LION MARK COOPER, MJF - NOMINATION FOR VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR

I was born in London in October 1956. After 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 intended to assist me throughout my career in the IT industry, primarily with 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 came into good use. It was also where I met my lovely wife, Claire, who was doing her State Registered Nurse training.

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

My career in the IT industry enabled me to travel throughout most of North America, India, Europe, the 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 full-time commercial beekeeper. I am a trustee of the Hampshire Beekeepers Association and the Asian Hornet coordinator for Hampshire, interfacing with government authorities and local organisations.

I joined Fleet Lions in 2016 but had been involved with Lions activities and committees since the autumn of 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 held until 2025.

In 2020, when the pandemic struck, I coordinated 1000 volunteers with the Hart Voluntary Action and the district & parish councils. They gave up their time to help the vulnerable in lockdown with grocery shopping, prescriptions, dog walking, transport for medical appointments, and so much more. Eventually, we began the vaccination phase and provided volunteers at two vaccination centres. Throughout, I distributed 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, where I worked on their KYR roadshow.

This past year, I have continued working on behalf of the district as the Child Sight UK district lead. This exciting project is now in the early stages of rollout across the SC district. I am also one of the five members of the Child Sight UK national executive committee, which is overseeing this fantastic project.

Additionally, I am the SVDG representative on the national Strategic Development Committee, a group tasked with advising the council of governors on future policy and cost-saving strategies.

It has been my privilege and honour to visit so many clubs this year, meeting so many wonderful Lions, and see first-hand the work they do. If elected, I look forward to meeting more people in the coming year.

Lions Career

Joined Fleet Lions 11th May 2016

Club President 2020, 2023

Membership Chair 2021, 2024

District Vision Officer 2023, 2024, 2025

Zone Chair 2024

MD Strategic Development Committee 2025-26

Child Sight National Executive Committee 2025-26

2VDG 2025-26

Lion Mark Cooper, MJF