Trip #09

In early February 2023, Lion Kevin Brookes joined a convoy of vans organised by Lion Darren Tait from Callington Lions Club and together with volunteers from ‘sendinglovetoukraine’ helped them deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine via Warsaw in Poland. This was Kevin’s first trip, but their ninth!

On the 10th April Kevin will be on his way to Poland again, this time on trip #11

Follow Kevin’s last journey on the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club youtube channel.

(43) Trip #09 Trip to Poland 2nd Feb - YouTube

Kevin

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Despite difficulties, Lions assist with another Mission delivering more aid to Ukraine.

Although conditions where - difficult Callington Lions have assisted again the Charity ‘Sending Love to Ukraine’ in delivering humanitarian aid.

At 3am on the 3rd Feb, Lions Andrew and Emma Burnard set off in the dark on the 5-day, 2,500mile round trip to Poland. There were 10 vans, making up this, the 9th convoy, each loaded with much needed items destined for Ukraine. As they drove further East towards Warsaw, road conditions became difficult with ice and much snow.

The requested essential supplies filled a warehouse. It included wheelchairs, generators, first aid kits, warm winter clothes, nappies and much, much more. Urgently needed items were immediately loaded onto other vehicles for the onward journey to hospitals near the front line in Ukraine.

Emma added that the amount collected was due to the generosity of the people from all over Cornwall and Devon and further afield. Andy said it was good to be joined by fellow Lions from Tavistock and Weymouth and Launceston’s Unique Mobility for this trip.

After unloading and sharing a meal with Polish Lions, Ukrainians, and others, the 20 strong team started off back again in the dark on the snowy return trip. They were able to bring back Ukrainian refugees which included a complete family, and an elderly gentleman who had lost his wife in a missile attack. The refugees had been sponsored by English families.

Sending Love to Ukraine’s leader and fellow Lion

Darren Tait said that this was one of the more difficult trips with the weather conditions not helping. He added that another trip is planned for the 9th March.

Andy added that if anybody would like to donate money towards the costs of the trips then please go to https://sendinglovetoukraine.org, it will also keep you posted on what is needed.

If you would like more information on Callington and District Lions, please contact Emma on 0345 833 7527

Alan Denham, 27 June 1934—30 December 2022

A tribute to a Lion of a man

Alan was born in Salisbury in 1934. He was raised and schooled there and helped in his father’s bakery business delivering bread and no doubt overfilling the doughnuts with jam to be enjoyed around the Salisbury area. At the start of his career, he went to work for Barclays, where he met his future wife, Jean. Whilst working for Barclays, he went to work abroad in Kenya, where he obviously thought a lot about Jean, as he wrote to her, asking if she would like to live abroad. That must have been a leading question, as on his return on leave, he formally proposed to Jean on New Year’s Eve in 1958 and they were married the following Valentine’s Day, just 45 days later - once Alan decided to do something, he did not hang about.

He then worked in Nigeria and whilst there, two sons were born, followed by another son born during a brief visit to England. They moved to Zambia in 1969 and a daughter was born during their time there, completing their family.

Alan joined the Lions in 1971 while in Zambia and four years later was elected Governor of District 413, Zambia, for 1975-76.

Alan was instrumental in setting up the Lions School for the Blind in Ndola, Zambia and the school is still flourishing today, still supported by Lions, almost half a century later – a lasting legacy and a tribute to Alan’s vision.

The family returned to England in 1979, moving to Yorkshire. After Africa, they obviously found Yorkshire too cold and promptly moved south to High Littleton. Alan and Jean had a shop in High Littleton, a general store, and Jean also ran a clothes boutique. Jean always looked amazing and was a very stylish lady. Alan was smart and upright; he was no Arkwright; there was no spring on his till! With his generous nature, his loose change never spent much time in his pocket as he always gave it away, always finding a good cause to give to. Alan and Jean then moved to Midsomer Norton where they settled for the rest of their lives.

Lion Sarah Oughton

Alan renewed his membership of the Lions, joining Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club. He was president of the club in 1986 and went on to serve as president a total of seven times; in fact, he was in his seventh year of office when he passed away. Alan was always keen to serve and had many district posts, culminating in becoming District Governor for District 105W (South Wales and part of the West Country) from 2004 to 2005. His final district post was that of treasurer up until 2018 when Lions districts were re-organised and District 105W ceased to exist. In all, Alan served the Lions for over 52 years. Alan was always a doer and chaired the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Activities and Fundraising Committee for many years. Alan was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship in recognition of his service to the Lions and the community. Melvin Jones founded Lions in 1917 and in the UK, we award Melvin Jones Fellowships for dedicated humanitarian services. Jean was also awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship in recognition of her devoted support to Alan. Jean sadly passed away in 2018.

Alan was also treasurer for the Paulton British Legion until the organisation closed in 2020 and he was a valued volunteer driver with Swan Transport. This organisation, based in Radstock, provides transport for older, disabled and vulnerable people in the Bath and Northeast Somerset area who are unable to get around by conventional Public Transport He enjoyed doing this, meeting and helping many different people, and his passengers enjoyed meeting him. Alan was a very sociable and caring person; he took a genuine interest in people’s lives and some passengers even wanted to adopt him as a member of their own family He greatly regretted having to stop when he became unable to drive a few years ago.

One of the many things friends and fellow Lions admired about Alan was his ability to speak, without notes, being quick-witted and able to create the backdrop for a good story, a project or cause in just a few descriptive words.

Alan passed away on 30th December and his funeral was held on 30th January. He will be sadly missed by many, but we may find comfort in the fact that he had a life well lived and he will be joining his beloved wife Jean.

Each year during the run-up to Christmas, the Lions Club of Plymouth make an effort to collect money in entrance foyers of a number of local Superstores, namely: - Tesco at Lee Mill, Tesco at Woolwell, Morrisons at Outland Road and Morrisons at Plymstock and this Christmas past, the charities chosen to support were The Children’s Hospice South-West and Brain Tumour South West Research Plymouth University.

The donations made by shoppers visiting these stores contributed a total of £2,400.00 and presentations were made by The Lions Club of Plymouth President Lion Jill Owen in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Sue Dann accompanied by her consort husband Councillor Chris Mavin at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour to the representatives of each charity.

President Jill Owen explained how the event is organised and how over the years changes have been made meet with present day requirements and to thank all the people who made donations totalling this magnificent figure in view of the recent financial situation.

The Lord Mayor responded with grateful thanks to charitable organisations who give time to support the needs of splendid organisations like the recipients of the presentations being awarded to today. The cheques were presented.

Firstly, £1,200.00 to Annabel Roberts representing the Children’s Hospice South West who responded with thanks to all who helped and those who contributed and she explained how well this gift is received.

Secondly, £1,200.00 to Tasha Carroll representing the Brain Tumour South West Research Plymouth University who indicated pleasure in receiving this donation and how it would assist in helping to find solutions to cure this terrible issue.