South West Post - February 2023 Newsletter

The International Association of Lions Clubs

District 105SW

FEBRUARY 2023 NEWSLETTER

District Governor - Lion Lesley Chudley

In this month’s issue

DG’s message

Derek Mead drop-in Easter quiz

Callington Lions

MD105 convention

Osmosis plant appeal

Budleigh Salterton Lions

Exeter West Lions

Plymouth Lions

Torpoint & Rame Lions

St Austell Lions

Paignton Lions

Weymouth & Portland Lions

In memorium

Weston-super-Mare Lions

Service recognition awards

Message from the editor

The last month has been a little like living through A Tale of Two Cities, It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. On one hand there have been reports of fantastic outings with the big man in red, bringing joy to so many and raising some quite fantastic sums with which to carry out our service projects. On the flip side of that coin, we lost 9 Lion members to Higher Service and several others have had life changing medical procedures and diagnoses. Please remember the families and loved ones of these Lions will need your care and support. I have recently visited two clubs. Hayle and Clevedon who make it a regular part of their remit to check in on widows of past members and invite them to social events, as I am sure many other clubs do too.

It has been so encouraging to hear of many tales of clubs reaching out in a variety of ways, to the neediest

people in our communities over the festive period with food, warm clothing, toiletries, gifts and entertainment to bring a little cheer to those who appreciate any extras they can get. I delivered several hampers from Crewkerne Lions to families supported by a charity called Safe Families for Children. One woman burst into tears and said she thought she was going to have to serve beans on toast for Christmas dinner. The 8lb chicken in the hamper was just beyond her wildest dreams. It is a fantastic privilege to be a Lion!

One topic I would like to raise is Lions and social media, something that I personally am a complete amateur with. Before visiting clubs, I always look on my computer to see what I can find out. One thing that is frequent is redundant websites and Facebook pages that have been set up by a member in a club who has the expertise but fails to pass that knowledge on when they leave the club and so they quickly get out of date. This creates a negative impression when viewed by the public. More seriously, we have recently had an issue where someone no longer a member of a club posted inappropriate material on a club’s Facebook page which, if reported to the Charity Commission,

could have seen the club stripped of their charity status. Serious steps had to be taken to protect both the club and Lions International’s reputation. We will be publishing some safety guidelines which will be sent to all clubs and are looking at providing some workshops to help clubs understand how to extend their social media profile safely. In the meantime, please look at all your club’s websites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tic Toc, and any other social media platforms you may use and make sure that there are at least two

up to date administrators and that their names, any passwords or access codes are recorded somewhere in the club’s archives. Social Media is a fantastic tool and, in this day, and age vital, but, like all tools, must be used safely.

In other news, Convention is happening!!! I’m so thrilled. I can’t wait to see as many of you as can make it at Croyde Bay. Have a fantastic start to the New Year.

Lesley.

Lion Wendy Broom would like to thank all those who have sent their kind wishes following the double stroke before Christmas that has left her severely visually impaired. She is managing to cope well at home remarkably well.

Fred Broom

CONGRATULATIONS

The Derek Mead Health Drop-in centre for Farmers and Agricultural workers at Junction 24, of the M5 motorway has received another award!

This initiative, originally spearheaded by Weston Lions, gives those who work in agriculture, often in isolation, a chance to get a quick health check and discuss with trained health officials, worries and concerns they have about their health, both physical and emotional.

The model has proved so successful that two others have been opened at Frome and Exmoor Markets whilst the one at Sedgemoor is facilitated every fortnight by Lions.

The Integrated Personal Care Award was given by NHS England South West in recognition of the work in the community.

Lion Dennis Peters (Burnham), nurse Chloe and Lion John Holland (Weston) with District Governor Lesley Chudley

D.G. Diary Dates

Jan 28-29: Council of Governor’s

Feb 4th : Dorchester Charter

Feb 5th : Blackmore Vale ½ Marathon

Feb 7th Crewkerne Lions BM

Feb 9th OV Cheddar Vale

Feb 11th Cabinet via Zoom

Seaton Charter

Feb 12th Torpoint & Rame

Feb 25th Babbacombe & St.Marychurch Charter

Mar 3rd -5th 105A Convention

Mar 8th -10th 103Oeust Convention

Mar 17th -19th 105 CN Convention

Mar23 - 26th OUR CONVENTION

LIONS BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH

EASTER QUIZ

Available from your Zone Chairman from Feb 14th at a cost of £5.

Ist prize £100

Runner Up prize £25

Quiz sheets to be returned to Lion Farmer Fred by 14th April

Please support this fundraiser for the D.G.s charity of the year.

Lion Fred Broom

Lion Derek Prickett

Callington Lions are having a very busy Christmas

Callington and District Lions have had a busy start to the Festive Season with assisting at Callington Town lights and helping Father Christmas around the area this year. Lions’ President, Don Berrey, said that they had been able to bring a smile on many children’s faces with such events as Santa’s Grotto in the Christmas Market. He has also taken time out to visit many of the schools around Callington.

With the Lions’ help, Santa managed to land his sleigh at Tre Pol and Pen Farm Shop and Restaurant and bring some cheer to the youngsters dining there.

Ian Robertson who has been looking after Santa while he is in the Callington area said that it was an enjoyable time for all.

He added Santa will be returning to TrePolPen again on the 19th, 21st and 23rd Dec. For times and further information see their web site: https://trepolandpen.co.uk/pages/christmas

Santa also managed to fit in a visit to Tesco, Callington, where children were given a small treat courtesy of Tesco. He may well be there again so keep a keen lookout.

Don added that with the money raised over the Christmas period Callington Lions are able to help some families in need and to make donations to Callington Foodbank, Plymouth Soup Run and other good causes.

For Further information on Callington Lions see their website: https://www.facebook.com/CallingtonLionsNews

Seen here are Evie & Rosie Preston, Zelda Scott and Mabel Lockyer having a ride on his sleigh.

Enjoying a chat with Santa here are Amelia and Oliver Mullard

MD CONVENTION BOOKINGS AND ALL THAT!

Hi all, a quick update on Convention 2023, another great opportunity to meet with your fellow Lions and experience wonderful city of Newcastle too. We have a great line up with the Host Night on the Friday, the AGM on the Saturday, followed by the Gala Dinner and the spectacular DG Elect Walk-Ins on the Sunday morning. More details are to follow.

Time: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May 2023

Venue: The former Marriott - Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle, NE3 5HN

Room Rate: A brilliant £60 b&b single occupancy and £70 b&b double occupancy, £20 extra to upgrade to superior rooms.

Booking Accommodation: To make a reservation please either email: groups760@theelitevenueselection.co.uk with your details and they will call you or telephone: 01912 364 111 taking option 2, the hotel sales team are available Monday to Friday 9.00 am-5.30pm.

To book on convention just click here.

Just click this link for information about Newcastle.

Senior Citizens Celebrate the New Year at the Callington Lions’ Party

The New Year started off with a swing for 80 Senior Citizens who attended a party in Callington Town Hall. The event was organised by Callington and District Lions and included a full buffet lunch of pasties, sausage rolls and cream teas. There was also entertainment by A-Tone-Ment choir and Callington’s one and only Town Crier, Tony Stentiford, compered two bingo sessions.

So, a good time was had by all!

the Senior Citizens at

Lion President Don Berry said that it was good to see so many smiling faces, especially as the last similar event had been pre-covid in 2020. He added that Callington and District Lions were looking forward to a very busy year with many events on the calendar such as the Coronation, Honey Fair and much more; the next 3 dates that he said were planned are:

A Pop Music Quiz on Saturday 11th February.

A Table Top Sale on Saturday 25th February.

A General Quiz on Friday 10th March.

Details for these events can be found in the Callington Newsletter and on Facebook. For further info on Callington Lions please see: http://www.callingtonlions.org.uk/index.html

Lion Verdun Webley, MJF, Editor 105SE

Some of

their New Year’s party in Callington Town Hall

Lion Derek Prickett

Water is the most basic essential to life.

It is hoped that 80 osmosis plants can be installed in Mykolaiv. This is because the northeast has been the subject of attacks with rockets and artillery, causing broken water pipes, so causing a major clean, safe drinking water shortage. Up to now this has been alleviated by the provision of water tankers.

It must be remembered that water is the most basic essential to life and, with the temperatures dipping to -15%, tankers will be unusable. Currently there are 22,000 people in this city, which used to have a population of over half a million. Many of those who are left are children. The stark

they will die!

reality is that without access to clean water

So, the plan is to provide osmosis plants that will enable sea water to be treated for drinking. These units cost 3,000 Euros each and each district is being requested to raise funds for one.

I am aware that clubs within the district are helping in various ways including already sending money to LCIF for the Refugee and Displaced Funds and Disaster relief Funds and can claim MJF credits. They have collected $15,316 since 1st July 2022.

Others are assisting with the transport and donation of goods to Poland. Of course, a large number are contributing in various ways assisting the refugees within their own communities.

DG Lion Lesley has asked clubs to make a donation of £100.00 to enable 105 SW to be able to purchase a much-needed unit, to enable the survival of these much-beleaguered people.

District Treasurer, Lion Judith John is sending an updated paying-in form B to all treasurers with details of how to submit this money. Many thanks for your help with this urgent appeal.

Lion Christine Rowe District LCIF Officer 105 SW

RNLI BUCKET COLLECTION

Budleigh Lions Club held an official 'bucket collection' for the RNLI at the annual Christmas Day swim at Budleigh beach. People were very generous and the Lions were delighted to present a cheque for £898.31 to representatives from the Exmouth RNLI at their January Business meeting. The RNLI gave a talk about their work and there was a Q&A session which the Club members enjoyed.

Lion President Richard Allen said, "I would like to say a special thank you to the Exmouth RNLI for coming over to Budleigh on Christmas morning to ensure all the swimmers got out safely. I'm sure we all have massive admiration for the bravery and dedication of the RNLI staff and volunteers who risk their lives to save others. We look forward to being able to collect again on behalf of the RNLI next Christmas."

Lion Richard Allen

On Monday 16th January seven members of Budleigh Salterton Lions Club presented a cheque for £500 to two members of the 'Onion Group' and Marc Jobson, Head of Seachange.

The 'Onion Bereavement Support Group' was set up due to a local need in 2019. Whilst at the time there were other bereavement groups, they were run by large organisations with an emphasis on counselling rather than peer support. The name ‘Onion Group’ comes from the fact that the more a new member engaged with the group the more emotional layers were peeled back to reveal their true self.

The group is run by two volunteers with lived experience of the pain and anguish bereavement can cause. They felt there was a real gap in Budleigh for a peer support group focused on helping one another through a difficult time and importantly moving forward with new friends, laughter, and fun.

The group of men and women meet at Seachange on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month 3.30 - 4.30 pm and currently has thus far helped nearly one hundred participants. In between, they arrange days out, meals out, cinema nights or whatever the current cohort of participants would like. There is no need to book, you can just turn up.

Seachange asked the Budleigh Lions to support the cost of refreshments for participants and for the cost of producing and printing marketing materials to promote the group. It takes a lot for a recently bereaved person to join such a group for the first time. Having tea, coffee and biscuits on hand breaks the ice and makes them feel welcome without personal cost to them being a barrier.

Budleigh Lions with members of The Onion Bereavement Support Group

Lion Richard Allen

Food Larder

Budleigh Salterton Lions are continuing to support the Budleigh Community Food Larder based at Wesley's next to the Methodist Church in Budleigh.

In September Budleigh Lions presented a cheque for £1000 to Carole Brown from Launchpad who manages the Community Food Larder.

The donation is paying for a weekly delivery of food from Fareshare for a whole year. Since then, Lions Club members, partners and others have been volunteering to collect surplus food from local shops, growers, and individuals. They take it to the Food Larder where it is offered free of charge to anyone who would like it (people can donate if they wish). They have also been volunteering at the monthly 'pay-as-you-can' supper evenings held at the Food Larder.

The Community Food Larder is primarily an environmental project, with a view to reducing food waste. However, the community larder can also be a vital resource for local people who may need to access cheaper or free food to stretch the budget. A community larder does not replace a food bank, but it can support people so that they may not need the support of a food bank.

Carole Brown, Launchpad Manager, said "we have calculated that the Food Larder is currently turning over about a tonne of surplus food a month! This is not only saving a tonne of food from being wasted, but also putting it into the hands of the individuals and families who need it the most."

She added, "we thank the Lions for their ongoing support which enables us to run the larder and the community suppers. We know that both of these ventures are making a difference to local people and we are very grateful for your support".

Lion Richard Allen

Following on from our Christmas collections, On the 17th of January, The Club were able to donate £1,000.00 to “Together for Short Lives”, £250.00 to ELF (blood cancer charity) and donate 50 high Quality sleeping bags to Callington Lions for shipment on to Ukraine.

We wish these brave Lions well in their next five-day round trip to Poland. Exeter West also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Sainsburys, Morrisons and Wes Dave of Courtney Garage Copplestone, for the loan of the Vehicle.

Lion Mike Mitchell

Photo shows Callington members with the sleeping bags and President Ashley with a Certificate of appreciation presented by Callington for this donation and a previous £1000.00 of medical equipment donated by Exeter West.

Roy Russell

CHEQUE PRESENTATION TO GOOSEWELL PRIMARY ACADEMY

The Lions Club of Plymouth have donated funding of £200.00 to the Goosewell Primary Academy, for specific use for children with special needs to assist with their basic but essential requirements.

The cheque was presented to the Head Boy and Head Girl by the Lions Club of Plymouth President Jill Owen in the presence of Past President George Poad and the Interim Head Teacher of Goosewell Primary Academy Mr Marc Leader.

L to R – Interim Head Teacher Marc Leader, Lion Past President George Poad, Head Girl, Head Boy and Lion President Jill Owen.

Lion

We had a very successful Christmas sleigh campaign throughout December, and we brought Santa to all areas on the Rame Peninsula to hundreds of children who came out to see and speak to him. The Lions club would like to pass on their thanks to all those volunteers who helped with the sleigh ride, and all those who supported us along the way. The money raised will all go into our charity account to help those less fortunate in our community. The New Year’s Day dip in Cawsand Bay was well attended by spectators this year but unfortunately, not so many participants as we would normally have. But due to the unhappy circumstances over the two previous years when we had to cancel the event l think it may take a while for the word to get back out so that regular attendance may once again prevail next year.

Lion Steve Murray

St Austell Lions Club Santa Sleigh Results

The Lions Club of St Austell would like to thank the many members of the public who made donations totalling £2,792 during the Club's Santa Sleigh trips around the St Austell area during December. This was despite several trips having to be cancelled due to the icy weather. All the proceeds will be used to support local good causes.

200 + Selection boxes

Lion Roger Dovey

Lion Martin Rogers

Lion Martin Rodgers pictured together with more than 200 selection boxes for underprivileged children at Paignton Community College.

Paignton Lions supporting people who are blind or partially sighted across Devon.

Weymouth & Portland Lions Club donates £1,000 to M.V. Freedom.

On Wednesday 11th January 2023 Lions Mark Lockie, Dave Woolford, and Roger Sutherland where with volunteers and supporters of M.V. Freedom at Portland Marina recently, presenting them with a bumper cheque for £1,000.

M.V. Freedom provides Weymouth & Portland Lions Club with much needed assistance every Christmas Day on the water in the harbour as part of the ever-popular Lions Christmas Day harbour swim. The 2022 swim was again a very successful event, with over 366 swimmers taking part. Proceeds from the swim will be distributed by Weymouth & Portland Lions Club to individuals, charities and groups such as M.V.Freedom throughout the year.

Shibori Dresden Plates Quilt to be raffled off at Convention 2023 in aid of Children’s Hospices South West.

The idea for the quilt came about when Mark was District Governor and I had decided to take on Children’s’ Hospices South West as my charity. I wanted to use my lifelong passion for textiles to raise money for this cause. I used previously purchased ‘shibori’ fabrics as the base and used the yellow for Lions’ colours.

Unfortunately, because of illness last year I was not able to complete this during Mark’s DG year and a shortened convention taking place in 2022 meant that we would not have a large enough audience interest to make the raffle viable, so the project was put on hold. Lesley has agreed for it to be raffled at this year’s conference.

The materials alone cost me more than £200 and I have not included my time for making or planning of about 100 hours. I hope that clubs will make every effort to sell tickets for as much money as possible to be raised for CHSW. The draw will take place during Convention 2023.Thank you for your support.

Lion Kevin Brookes

Lion Peter Rowe

Lion Martin Rogers

300 swimmers—1000 spectators—£3,00 raised for local charities

Just some photos from our Annual Boxing Day Walk into The Sea, at Paignton Beach over 40 years since its inception.

We raised just over £3000 for our local charities. Kevin Foster MP started the event again this year.

Just over 300 people braved the rush into the sea, with over a 1000 watching from the pier and the seafront. Great weather and thank you all for your support this year.

Looking forward to 2023

HAPPY 2023! The Weston Lions welcomed the new year in with hosting their monthly radio show on the local channel – talking about all things Lions and what new years resolutions the members are welcoming in. Lion Geoff and Lion Martin had a great time and Wave Radios usual host loved having them on.

Shaken – not stirred the Lions donned their ‘DJ’s’ and bow ties for an evening put on by Breast Cancer Now where they held the Casino. With a black jack tables, roulette tables and the popular dice game – the evening was a great success and raised a successful amount for the charity! Alongside a donation from the Weston Lions Club in support too

The Weston lions have teamed up with the Weston Hospicecare in the last couple of years to assist the The Grand Pier in the delivery of their annual fireworks display in November.

All money raised from parking on the lawns and a bucket collection is donated to the Hospice and Lions charities equally. This year’s event raised £1,887.98 for both good causes and Dick Berry from Weston Lions can be seen presenting the cheque to Weston Hospice.

Lion Victoria Bach

The Club had the first social of 2023 at a local pub where they welcomed 4 new potential members to the evening to get a feel for the Club and members as individuals.

Three members of the Club spoke about their life and the interesting things they have been a part of from medical sales repping to coastguard cliff rescues and then innovating ways of greener waste disposal! The Club has very fascinating individuals with a whole array of life experiences and that's what makes the it work, everyone's different talents and strengths.

The Club is gearing up for it’s second MUD MASTER – an exciting mud run with over 20 obstacles. Last year there were over 400 participants and this year, we are hoping for more! The beneficiaries this year are the Great Western Air Ambulance, Children’s Hospital South West and Weston Hospice care. It was a great event last year and this year is promising more mud …. So, more fun!

Lion Victoria Bach

Lion David Fitzpatrick

Service Recognition Awards

Thank you to all Clubs that record and send details of the service you provide to your communities to Lions Clubs International web site MyLion. For Clubs those that complete this on a regular basis will appreciate that the previously encountered difficulties have been resolved and the task now is straight forward.

The number of clubs completing reports has been increasing month by month and we are very appreciative of your efforts in telling us what you do while sharing with others your successes. Below is a month-by-month account of reports received as a percentage of all clubs in our District SW.

July 34%, August 48%, September 52%, October 60%, November 61%, December 62%.

A steady increase from July to October but slowing down to a virtual standstill since. Within the whole of the MD105 we are in 2nd place with District A in 1st place with 83% of Clubs reporting. We know we are the best district in the country so let’s just try a little bit harder and climb to the top, shouting about what we do and tell LCI We are the best.

The more service we report and the more people we serve the more we can obtain from matched funding from other charity foundations including our own foundation.

The first question they all ask is:

How many people have been helped or served and how does this improve their wellbeing? Secondly how much more will our matched funding make a difference?

Lion Kevin Brookes

Thank you to everyone who has contributed this month’s South West Post. Deadline for articles and photographs for next month’s newsletter is 20th February. Until then……