In this month’s issue
DG’s Message
Newquay Towan Blystra Lions
Weymouth & Portland Lions
Portishead Lions
Callington Lions
Paignton Lions
Important Insurance details
Wild flower seeds
Babbycome & St Marychurch Lions
Budleigh Salterton Lions
Blackmore Vale Lions
St Austell Lions
In Memoriam
MD105 Balloon Race
City of Wells Lions
Fowey River Lions
105 SW District Convention
Message from the editor
District Governor - Lion James Mathers
Well March has seen for me two club visits, three Charter celebrations, two funerals and a convention, so a relatively quiet month!
March began with Crediton’s 46th Charter held at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum. Where? Down some dodgy roads not far from Exeter, but arriving at a very nice venue in the middle of nowhere, but clearly very popular. It was a lovely evening with a guest speaker, Trisha Sail, who was one of the winners of that TV spectacular, Race Around the World. Many thanks to Lion President Ann Whitehouse and Master of Ceremonies Charter Member Lion Eric Parkes. The photograph is courtesy of their FB page.
In the run-up to Convention, it was a trip to Barnstaple Lions, but enroute attending the funeral of Terry Burnard, a Charter member of Callington Lions. Sad to see a well-respected Lion pass to higher service, but the tribute to him was well attended, with standing room only at the church.
I have to hand it to Barnstaple Lions. Arriving at the usual venue to discover that the room they use was not available because a new carpet had been laid that afternoon. With a full complement, a guest speaker, a new Lion to be inducted and the DG in attendance and nowhere to sit was a challenge. After a few minutes, a fresh venue was found – a nearby fish and chip shop that had just been renovated after a fire was the nearest alternative, but bottoms were barely on the seats before divine intervention and we trotted off to the church hall, where the meeting started only two minutes late. A very enjoyable visit, which included the induction of their new member Karl Moore, and presented with a bannerette by Lion President Mandy Noble. Regrettably the following morning it was off to Crewkerne for the funeral of Lion Wendy Broom. The service magnificently depicted her character and life and, once again, there were more attendees than seats.
Then on to Croyde Bay for our 5th District Convention. The theme was Our Environment and many costumes were seen at Party night, with Newquay Towan Blystra being declared the winner. In line with the theme the prize was a carrot cake!
During the business session there was a presentation from Dr Alan Sanderson, our District Environmental Officer, with some disturbing information on the consequences of climate change. We also watched a video from the Beach Guardian, which caught the attention of our International guest, PID Sandro Castellana. Other presentations were made by Tom Miner District Diabetes Officer, Lion Colin Marsh – Young Leaders in Service; PDG Sally Marsh introducing the District’s Young Ambassador; and Lion Ann Whitehouse, our ROAR Coordinator. If the business session is to be remembered for anything in particular, it was that it did not stretch much into the afternoon!
I haven’t included any photographs of Convention because our Editor Kevin Brookes took all the snaps and is bound to include some in this issue.
With Convention out of the way, my last stop for club visits was Callington. I just wish that they had told me that they were laying on some food because Lion Gail and I had eaten tea before setting off.
I did manage the odd sandwich, however, and I was delighted to hand out new members’ pins and a 15-year chevron to Lion Tina Sandercock.
And the final instalment for this month was two Charter anniversaries in one
My own club, St Austell, celebrated its 55 Charter anniversary at lunch, where I was in for a delightful surprise when presented with an MJF by my President David Honey. Those who have benefited from such a tribute will know how emotional an experience that is. What my President did not know was that I was to present him with his own MJF, which took him totally by surprise and the photograph shows us both together.
Finally, there was a visit to Looe Lions Club that evening, celebrating their 58th Charter anniversary. Ironically, it is the Mother Club to St Austell, so attending both events on the same day was something special: a delightful evening well attended by Lions and their closely connected community partners.
Next month will include a visit to our associated French District Convention.
Towan Blystra Lions’ late Honorary Lion Chrissie Jackson had established a special fundraising initiative two years before she passed away, called Chrissie’s Sunshine Appeal, and the club was delighted to help by giving time and managing the collections/donations as part of its charity status.
Before Chrissie eventually lost her brave fight against cancer at the age of 48 in 2021, she and the Lions had already raised over £50,000 for a range of local charities, which Chrissie had chosen and which Towan Blystra Lions agreed to support. These included Macmillan Cancer Support, RNLI, Treliske Hospital Charity Sunrise Appeal and some smaller groups whose aims are to support animals and their owners in difficult times.
Martin
Since 2021, Towan Blystra Lions have kept Chrissie’s memory alive, and donations have continued to be made to that fund through the initiative of her friends and the proceeds of a special gin and fizz section of the club’s annual Newquay Beer Festival called ‘Chrissie’s Sunshine Bar’. With more than £10,000 extra having been collected since Chrissie’s death, and the club continuing their support, the groups Chrissie wanted to support continue to receive help and her family have remained closely associated with the efforts.
Susie Perrin, Chrissie’s sister, recently joined Towan Blystra Secretary, Jill Bunt, in presenting cheques to the RNLI and Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue, and says the support that continues to be given in keeping Chrissie’s memory alive means so much to the family.
Chrissie would have been so proud to think that these groups who need support are still benefiting from the appeal she set up before she left us,” said Susie.
We can’t thank the Lions enough for all they did and continue to do. This means so much."
Lion Phil Bunt
Lion Phil Bunt was one of over a dozen people who, last year, answered the call of Cornwall Air Ambulance to raise money for their #Heli2fund - aimed at raising enough for the charity’s second helicopter, by doing a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet over the Cornish coast.
However, originally scheduled for September, it was called off due to the weather, and a further two dates were similarly postponed. On 3rd March though, Phil eventually got to complete the feat at Perranporth aerodrome under the expert care of members of Cornwall Parachute Club.
“It was a great experience and one I’m so pleased to have completed at last,” said Phil.
In total, his efforts raised over £650 for Cornwall Air Ambulance and Phil would recommend anyone who has ever thought a skydive was something they’d like to do to take the chance to join in this year’s skydive for the helicopter appeal.
“You are made feel you are in very safe hands from the moment you get to the aerodrome and the jump will be in tandem with an expert, qualified instructor who explains everything very clearly.”
“If it’s on your bucket list then this really is a great chance to do it,” Phil added.
To find out more about this year’s skydive opportunity visit https://cornwallairambulancetrust.org/ challenges/adrenaline/skydive/
Lion Phil Bunt
The 11th Newquay Beer Festival takes place this September and tickets for the event are already online
First organised in 2013 by Newquay Towan Blystra Lions, this annual event has become a firmly established and highly popular occasion amongst locals and holidaymakers alike. Hosted at the Gold Award winning Hendra Holiday Park, there are 100 beers and ciders, gins, fizz and a variety of other drinks, including non-alcoholic options on offer, alongside great food options, and music throughout the festival provided by artists who, every year, display their talents free of charge to support the Lions’ fundraising efforts.
s a great opportunity for Lions from further afield to come together socially as well, because Hendra offers some great value options to stay in a motorhome, caravan or tent, starting at just £8 per person per night. There’s also well-equipped and luxury static caravans and lodges on the site, which features an indoor swimming complex. If you fancy this and want to come along to just enjoy the festival as a break, then go online at www.newquaybeerfestival.co.uk to book your festival tickets. However, if you would like to come along and offer to do a couple of shifts with the Lions, just email orders@newquaybeerfestival.org.uk and they’d love you to join in free of any festival entry charge (camping charges would still have to apply though).
A total of £100,000 has been raised so far and sponsorship has been a significant factor in this, with virtually all drinks sold at the festival being sponsored, as well as larger amounts being donated by headline and silver sponsors. Lions members have also helped in this and one of Towan Blystra’s charter members, and Past District Governor, Lion Lesley Clarke (who now serves with Attleborough Lions in Norfolk) has sponsored a barrel in memory of her late husband, and also Past District Governor, Ken, every year.
The amounts that are raised have enabled Towan Blystra Lions to establish an innovative Quarterly Grant Scheme, which is now in its third year. This scheme earmarks a certain amount to be used to support local groups through grants of up to £500, which they can apply for when the club meets in February, May, August and November. It also means that the Lions can actively promote the opportunity to apply to these not-for-profit groups which would probably not have considered making such requests.
PDG Lion Lesley Clarke alongside one of the barrels she has sponsored over the past ten years of Newquay Beer Festival
Lion Kevin Brookes was pleased as punch to receive a District Governors Certificate of Appreciation on Saturday at the District Convention in Croyde. It was for all the hard work that goes into the district newsletter, The South West Post each month.
Kevin said, “It makes my job a lot easier when l keep receiving such good articles and content”. Thank you and keep them coming.
The next trip to Poland with aid for Ukraine will leave Cornwall sometime in either April or May 2024. To donate please follow the link to the sendinglovetoukraine website.
https://sendinglovetoukraine.org
DG Lion James Mathers
We should all be aware that new insurance arrangements are in place but it appears that some clubs may not have been abiding by the restrictions that are imposed. If a club holds an event which does not comply with the limitations placed by the insurers then should there be an incident for which they are legally responsible they would not be covered and the members would be personally liable to meet all the damages and costs.
There is no point in claiming that you didn’t know.
What should you do?
Go to the 105MD website and select “Insurance”.
Download the “Insurance Update” and read it.
Comply with the directions contained in that update which will include preparing a Risk Assessments as a minimum.
On the website check the activities list to determine whether your proposed event falls within the Green, Amber or Red categories to see what further steps you may be required to make. If in doubt phone Lions MD Headquarters.
Please take these steps to avoid unhappy consequences.
If you want a link to “Insurance Update as of November 2023 then click on the link below. You will probably have to press the control button and click on the link. You should then download the document.
https://lionsclubs.co/MemberArea/home/lions-clubs-insurance/
If you want a link to the list of Activities in the Green, Amber or Red bands then click on the link below and once again you may have to press the control key and click on the link.
https://lionsclubs.co/MemberArea/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php? juwpfisadmin=false&action=wpfd&task=file.download&wpfd_category_id=102&wpfd_file_id=7912&token=& preview=1
The above links may only work if you are using a computer. If you are using a tablet or smartphone you may have to log onto the MD105 website by typing this into Google or the like.
Please follow the above advice rather than taking an unnecessary risk
To support the fundraising efforts of the Friends of Paignton Library, Babbacombe & St Marychurch Lions Club arranged the production and payment of a pull-up banner to promote the Friends.
They will use it at fundraising and membership events and, when not in use, it will be on display in Paignton Library & Information Centre, which is a large, modern facility in the town centre. Our club was invited to their AGM for them to officially thank us and show it to members. The advantage of donating to the Friends, rather than Libraries Unlimited, a charity that runs the library services in Devon, is that the benefit of the money stays in the locality where it was raised, rather than going into a central pot. Our Lions Club logo features on the banner, so every time they get publicity, so do we.
The Lions Club of St Austell wishes to inform you that the monthly collections for Ukraine have been temporarily suspended because the building used by Callington Lions Club to store the items has to be vacated.
As soon as a replacement building is found, we will resume collections and put out a press release. Many thanks for your past generous support.
Support Lions Brain Tumour Research and the environment together by buying these “Bee Friendly” wild flowers.
Each pack contains the seeds of five native wildflowers: poppy; chamomile; cornflower; corncockle and corn marigold, to plant a square metre.
If we sell the 1,200 packets made up, it will make £1,994 profit for the Brain Tumour Trust.
Packs cost £2 each.
They were on sale at our District Convention and can also be ordered from lesleychudley@hotmail.co.uk
Ideal or use in conjunction with the Wildtribe Heroes book “Ziggy” to give to schools.
2 core services with 1 project.
Thursday 7th March was World Book Day. To celebrate this, Lion Richard Allen, Immediate Past President (IPP) of Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, presented Bicton College with a set of seven Wild Tribe Heroes books. The Wild Tribe Heroes books are a collection of gentle and engaging true stories about animals that find themselves in trouble when their lives are affected by plastic pollution, climate change or habitat loss. Follow each one of the heroes to see what happens, how they are saved and what we can do to help them!
Lion Richard also gave a presentation to a group of learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), about the Budleigh Lions Club, Lions Clubs International and how young people aged 8 - 18 years old can get involved with volunteering and serving the local community (the Lions Young Leaders in Service Awards).
Bicton College is part of the Cornwall College Group, which offers the widest range of specialist vocational training for everyone in the region. It is the largest education and training provider in the region, with over 15,000 learners each year, 2,000
The Study Programme has been developed because the College wants to help everyone workplace and higher education. The aim is to broaden the students' experience, combining a specialist qualification employability. For learners with SEND, this is an essential part of College promotes independence as much as possible within the study programme, resulting in bespoke approaches to supporting each individual.
“Spring” may have been in the event title, but Saturday 2nd March turned out to be another very wet day. However, this didn’t dampen the Lions’ spirit when three months of planning with the Town Council came together in the form of the Portishead “Spring into Wellbeing Event”.
Following the past two years’ experience when Portishead Lions have worked with SPSA (Somerset Prostate Support Association) in providing prostate blood testing for nearly 500 local men, this year it was agreed to expand things to enable more local residents to benefit.
Working with the Wellbeing Manager from Portishead Town Council and the SPSA, this year’s event was widened to offer both men and women a range of blood tests. It also included nearly 50 local wellbeing groups providing free advice and support on a range of physical, mental and healthier lifestyle topics.
The event exceeded all expectations, with 262 pre-booked blood test appointments and 322 actual tests being conducted. Overall, 600 members of the public braved the weather and turned up to browse the wellbeing stalls, with even more visiting three other venues across the town.
Early indications showed seven men (5.2%) had been given either an amber or red PSA result, meaning theed need to take immediate action. This was similar to the last two years’ experience when 39 men were identified. Feedback from family members last year, about those unfortunate to have received worrying news, was still supportive. Whilst news that you may require further intervention due to a possible cancer diagnosis is not good, they were thankful for the Lions giving them the opportunity to get tested quickly and enabling an early diagnosis, which is so important with prostate cancer.
Working with GFCT (Graham Fulford Charitable Trust) the blood test proposition was simple, i.e. basically “book any combination of tests you like, and the Lions will fund the first test free at a cost of £28” (additional tests were then offered for a fee). Seven Tests were offered covering prostate, diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, kidney, liver and iron. Prostate remained the most popular, with 70% of men booked – however, cholesterol, at 22% of both men and women booked, was also popular. Interestingly the age range of people taking tests was also very broad, with the youngest at 34 and oldest at 91 years old. Paul Bridgen, the President of Portishead Lions, expressed “absolute delight at being able to provide such an amazing wellbeing service to the local community whilst working with some great voluntary groups and giving Lions some excellent profile in the town”. The Portishead Lions are now looking forward to running their next fundraising activity, including an Easter float and Easter car boot sale to help support future wellbeing events.
Callington and District Lions have lost a very valued and much-loved member.
Terry Burnard was one of the founding members of Callington Lions nearly 50 years ago and has been an active member of the club ever since.
Terry was a Past Club President and was presented with several awards in his time. He is pictured here with his Grandson Jonny at Buckingham Palace at the 100th Anniversary of Lions International.
The funeral was held at Tamar Valley Methodist Church on Tuesday 12 March with many friends, family members and fellow Lions present. Terry was a keen Plymouth Argyle supporter and so those present all wore something green or in Argyle colours.
Refreshments were held in Callington Town Hall after a private burial in Callington Cemetery. Terry’s son, Andy, said ”it was a very sad passing and he will be much missed by all the family, fellow Lions and many in and around Callington”.
Television donation will no doubt get the children’s full attention
In March 2024 Louisa Cary Children’s Ward at Torbay Hospital benefitted from Paignton Lions Generosity in the form of twelve brand new televisions.
The total cost of the donation was £2,340 and the televisions were kindly supplied by Harleys of Preston.
The picture shows members of staff at Torbay hospital together Lions Ian Snell and Suzanne Davies on the bottom row with Lions Patrick and Carol Beasley on the back row.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing to higher service of Lion
There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they have gone
Please contact the respective Lions Club president or secretary for further details
John Old (13/04/1946- 02/07/2022) was a member of Blackmore Vale Lions Club for many years, serving as President and Chairman (twice). John was a Lion of great good humour and huge energy and distinction particularly remembered for leading the Father Christmas effort and for several Christmases acting as that said gentleman on his trips around the Blackmore Vale. Equally well known for being the Race Director of the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon for many years, he established the foundations of the event it is today.
Well known beyond Blackmore Vale, he was an MJF and was Zone 1A Chairman in the former District 105D; his death was keenly felt by family, friends and fellow Lions. Sadly, struck down by infirmity in later life, he acquired a mobility scooter. Before he died, he let it be known that he wanted the scooter to go to Blackmore Vale Lions Club to be used, in a way they saw fit, for the benefit of the local community. How best to achieve John’s wishes has been debated in the club for a while. With several very valid options, it was a difficult decision.
In the course of their work, Blackmore Vale Lions have come into contact with a twin organization, Future Roots https://www.futureroots.net/ and the Countrymen UK www.countrymenuk.org.Taking care of both ends of the rural age range in a rural environment, these are two charities that the Lions fully agree with and support whenever we can. Both help people to find themselves and prepare for the times and life ahead: in one case, those setting out in life, and in the other, when things are winding down, there is time available and there are loose ends and idle moments. We recently donated three laptops to Future Roots to help youngsters with their projects, literacy and numeracy. Against this background, Blackmore Vale Lions set out to present the mobility scooter to the Countrymen UK Dorset Branch at Rylands Farm, Boyshill to help more experienced farmers and agricultural workers who want to do something in retirement, but are restrained by their mobility in getting around the farm. The first job was finding a way to get the scooter from its temporary garage in Sturminster Newton to Boyshill. Luckily, our President Peter Oswick has a neighbour, Derek Rayment, who was able to borrow and drive a recovery low loader generously provided by Symonds Auto Salvage. On 27 February Peter and fellow Lions accompanied Derek to Boyshill and delivered the scooter: debt and promise to John discharged and the scooter back in service doing a useful job with a wonderful local charity. Liz Rose, the Manager of the Countrymen UK Club, said, “as Manager and on behalf of Countrymen UK, can I say how grateful we all are to the Lions and how well used the scooter will be to allow our men to continue to work on the farm, to get around to tend to all the animals and to garden in our polytunnels. Thanks again to all you Lions”. Any gentlemen who might be interested in joining us and enjoy male company in a farm environment please contact Liz on 01747 210789 or email: liz@countrymenuk.org. We are happy to arrange an introductory visit.
City of Wells Lions have put on a successful gig in St Thomas’s church! The ‘congregation' danced in the aisles to the music of 'Loose Ends', with support from Gorgons Carnival Club (bar) and Wells Community Network (raffle) we raised £803!!
At our Dinner Meeting at Weymouth Golf Club on 19th March, Weymouth & Portland Lions Club welcomed its newest member, Adam Coles. The evenings proceedings was conducted by Club President, Lion Ryan Hope who welcomed Adam along to the dinner meeting. Adam’s sponsor, Lion Roger Sutherland was not able to make the meeting so his place was taken by veteran Lion Dave Woolford. Lion Trevor Stratton read out the Lions Ethics and Lion John Cake the Purposes.
Following on, Ryan then went on to present Lions John Cake and Dave Woolford with 35 year chevrons and Mike Rossiter with a 25 year chevron. Lions Alan Wood (50 Years), and Colin Pook (45
years), were sadly, not with us to receive their chevrons.
On Friday 22nd March Lions Ryan Hope, Trevor Stratton, John Davis and Kevin the lion all met at The Pavilion Theatre in Weymouth with Sally Smith from HomeStart Wessex to hand over a bumper cheque for £900. This donation is to support the work that Home-Start Wessex are currently doing in the Weymouth, Portland and Chikerell areas with families that are finding life a bit difficult. For more information regarding Home Start Wessex, follow the link to their website at www.homestartwessex.org.uk.
Following on from the presentation to Home-Start Wessex, the Lions paid a visit to North Quay pontoon where M.V.Freedom is moored to present another bumper cheque for £1,000. This donation will help them to purchase much-needed safety equipment. Staffed entirely by volunteers with all expenses paid for by generous donations, M.V.Freedom is a specially adapted boat which carries disabled adults and youngsters with carers on boat trips from Weymouth.
We were out collecting to help Marie Curie on a wet and windy start to an early March weekend, in Fowey. We are grateful to all who gave so generously to this worthwhile cause. All the money that was donated and we collected on those two days will be match-funded by a business donor.
Wednesday 17th April, eyes down 7.30 at Havener’s, Town Quay, Fowey. Our grateful thanks to Lee at Havener’s for his support. If you would like to join us for a fun night with lots of prizes, then please book in advance on 01726 834591.
This month we were pleased to give donations to assist the following groups or individuals:
Activity Alliance, a small charity that helps disabled athletes reach their potential. Lions of Finland, an international appeal to build and provide wood-burning stoves to the people of Ukraine. Two local people in our Fowey River Lions catchment area had appealed for our support. Both were raising some of the funds themselves and the Lions were able to add to their appeals. It was heartwarming to us when we received this reply: “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I don’t know what to say, just happiness in abundance to you all! “We wish both these people well as they go forward.
Lion Martyn Crowe delivering another consignment to Callington Lions
Budleigh Lions Club are collecting button batteries to raise funds for the Lions’ Vision Screening Programme. Button batteries contain a small amount of silver
One kilogram of batteries will yield approximately £50 of silver at today’s prices. The Club has collection points in a number of local care homes, medical outlets, etc and local people drop off batteries at Club events such as the monthly Bingo.
The striking collection boxes have been designed and produced by the club Treasurer, Lion Lawrence Booth and his daughter. Further information can be obtained by emailing: Treasurer@budleighlions.com
Lion Sheila Greenaway
Bridport Lions held a 2-day raffle of an Easter hamper and a Thornton’s Marvellously Magnificent Egg in Morrisons on 15th and 16th March. Lion President Clive Greenaway presented winners Mr Philip Symes with the hamper and Mrs Juliet Busby with the egg. A total of £300 was collected, along with a potential new member!
A further 17 Giant Eggs are being raffled in establishments in Bridport and the surrounding villages.
Many thanks to all those clubs that have once again, made this March edition of the South West Post another bumper 23-page issue. I have not included any photographs from the recent Convention, as that would make this issue of the newsletter just too big for some computer systems to cope with. I will send this edition to the District Secretary for distribution on the 27th March and ask him to send out the Convention Special the following day. As always, the deadline for articles and photographs for next month is the 25th April. Enjoy your Easter break and don t forget to let me know what you all get up to. As for me, I shall be joining the group “sendinglovetoukraine” on trip 21 to Poland with aid for Ukraine. We leave Cornwall on Wednesday 27th March and return on Sunday 31st. March. This will be my fifth trip to date and my fifth different co driver.
