It is with great pleasure that I announce that it is all systems go for the 2008 "Umzimkulu" Convention which will take place at the Kapenta Bay All Suite Conference and Resort hotel. This beautiful venue is situated right on the beach in Port Shepstone and boasts superb accommodation, excellent conferencing facilities and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The Lions Club of Port Shepstone, together with District 410C, Zone 6 (Amanzimtoti, Kingsburgh, Scottburgh, Hibberdene, Ramsgate and Kokstad Lions Clubs), have pulled out all the stops and guarantee a great Convention with plenty of fellowship and entertainment.

For your convenience we have created a Conference web site which will provide all delegates with full details regarding registration, the Convention program, Accommodation options, The Partners' program, Directions to the venue, Transportation from Durban International Airport, Attractions along the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast etc.

The web site can be accessed at the following link:  Link

The regististration fee is R600-00 per delegate. I have attached the full registration and partial registration forms for your convenience, Club Secretaries are kindly requested to please distribute to all members.

ALL DELEGATES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOOKING THEIR OWN ACCOMMODATION. THERE IS LIMITED ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 300 DELEGATES AT THE CONVENTION HOTEL. ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION VENUES ARE LISTED ON THE CONVENTION WEB SITE. THE RESERVATIONS OFFICE AT THE KAPENTA BAY HOTEL WILL ALSO ASSIST WITH PROVIDING DETAILS OF ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION VENUES, SHOULD THE HOTEL BECOME FULLY BOOKED.
 
TRANSPORTATION FROM DURBAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO THE CONVENTION HOTEL (APPROXIMATELY 100KM) WILL ALSO BE FOR DELEGATES' OWN POCKET. THE LIONS CLUBS OF SCOTTBURGH AND AMANZIMTOTI ARE CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING AFFORDABLE RATES AND FURTHER INFORMATION WILL BE COMMUNICATED ONCE THIS HAS BEEN FINALISED.

The 2008 Umzimkulu Convention Committee are doing their utmost best to ensure that this Convention is as affordable as possible. We have already secured generous sponsorships from the UGU District Municipality as well as AIDA Margate (convention satchels) and Roll a Fold -Trellidor (Convention Committee Shirts). We are also in the process of arranging additional sponsorships from other businesses in the area. The Hibiscus Coast community are extremely excited about this Convention and we have already been invited to show our Convention presentation to the next Board meeting of the Hibiscus Coast Tourism Association in Margate.

As an additional incentive, we have arranged for the famous "Blarney Brothers" band to entertain us on the night of the Theme Party (Theme is "Atlantis - Under The Sea"). The Blarney Brothers have been livening up Parties, Beerfests, Bar mitzvahs and other South African gala events with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary sing-along, dance-along hits for many years and are a firm favourite here in Kwazulu-Natal.

So - there you have it! This is going to be a great Convention. We are thrilled to have been given the honour to host it and we promise that we will not let you down. Please remember to book your accommodation early, if "you snooze, you will lose"!

Kind regards and best wishes
 
Lion Denis Meyer
2008 Convention Secretary
Lions Club of Port Shepstone, District 410C