South West Post for July/August 2023

District 105SW

JULY / AUGUST 2023 NEWSLETTER

District Governor - Lion James Mathers

In this month’s issue

DG’s Message

Cabinet dates

St Austell Lions

Illfracombe Lions

Foreign Coins

Cheddar Vale Lions

Worle Lions

Sendinglovetoukraine

Truro Lions

Hearing Aid Batteries

Yeo Valley Lions

Plymouth Lions

Weymouth & Portland Lions

Service reporting awards

Radstock & Midsomer

Norton Lions

District Governor handover

Budleigh Salterton Lions

Sidmouth Lions

DG’s Message

Never having previously attended an International Convention I was seriously impressed and the amount of preparation enormous. Provided that I got to grips with the time difference of 5 hours it would be OK. So, to bed at the equivalent of 2 am UK time I was assured of a good night's kip, or so I thought until I woke up at 1 am EST!

The first thing that strikes you is the wide variety of nations represented in the same hotel reserved for incoming DGE’s and then the numbers of Lions present at Convention, more than 11,000, or more than our entire multiple districts. It really brings it home that we are just a small part of a global organisation as clearly demonstrated during the official parade through the streets of Boston.

The plenary sessions were full of razzmatazz, different from the more reserved British approach but nevertheless enjoyable including the Saturday night entertainment from Killer Queen flown in all the way from “little old London.”

There were plenty of workshops dealing with all sorts of topics, some providing valuable information. And naturally there was the shop where LCI practiced their experience of charging the earth. Fortunately, the relatively unofficial stalls were much more realistically priced, and I took full advantage.

Traditionally Lions from MD 105 and 113 combine to hold the last host night at which all the executive officers attend. It was held in a big room with dozens of tables but so well attended that for many it was standing room only. I didn’t appreciate that the free deserts would have been so popular. Nevertheless, it

The International Association of Lions Clubs

gave me an opportunity to speak with our new International President Dr Patti Hill as you can see in the picture.

Naturally, the high point was the final session where my “Elect” ribbon was torn from my badge and I was officially declared District Governor at which point it hits you that you have taken on great responsibility. I was pleased that Richard Allen and his wife from Budleigh Salterton were able to support me at convention before continuing their holiday in the US.

Following a couple days “holiday” it was back on the plane for an overnight journey to Newquay via Dublin, arriving ome less than 24 hours before Handover which was well attended including members of my own club St Austell. I was able to thank IPDG Lesley Chudley for all her hard work over the last year. Now the work starts in earnest.

Cabinet Date Location

1st Cabinet Saturday 12 August Zoom

2nd Cabinet Saturday 11th November Okehampton

3rd Cabinet Saturday 10th February Zoom

4th Cabinet Saturday 18th May Okehampton

Ukraine collection

"St Austell Lions had a very successful morning collecting items for families suffering in Ukraineplease see the photo. Our heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed.

We shall be making a further collection on 19th August - 10.0012.00, at St Mary's Church Car Park, St Blazey Gate.

We hope to see you there.”

Lion James Mathers

Lion James Mathers

Lion Roger Dovey

On the 1st of June, members of the Lions Club of St Austell and their guests, including two from Australia, met at the Hewas Inn in Sticker for their Annual Handover where the retiring President formally hands over the Presidential Regalia to the incoming President.

After an enjoyable meal, the retiring President, Lion Barbara Trenerry, took to the floor to thank the waiting staff and to thank fellow Lions and their guests for attending the evening. She then presented the Regalia to the incoming President, Lion David Honey MBE. In turn, Lion David presented his 1st Vice President for the year, Lion Gail Mathers, with the Vice President’s Regalia.

Finally, Mrs Barbara Collins, wife of the Late Lion Mike Collins, briefly spoke to thank the Club for her invitation to the event, stressing the fact that a major part of Lionism is Friendship.

Outgoing President Lion Barbara Trenerry hands over the regalia to incoming President, Lion David Honey MBE.

All things Morris is an annual event where amongst other things Morris, Morris dancers from all over the South West come to Dance.

Ilfracombe and District Lions were out with their dip for a Lion tombola, on a windy July Saturday. Lions Jane Saxton and Jane Lucas with Ilfracombe Mayor Dan Turton but no winning tickets. However, one lucky Morris dancers did win a lion to take back home.

Lion Roger Dovey

Lion Jane Lucas

Lion Lesley Chudley

Sunshine greeted campers and locals to the Club’s second Country Music & Campout Festival at Petruth Paddocks Cheddar, courtesy of owner Jules Sayer. Led by Lions Marcus and Tom, Club members set up and organised the event raising valuable funds for local good causes. Attendance was up on last year; the Club is delighted with its success and look forward to expanding the event again for 2024 on the calendar for Music Festivals across the country.

The weekend kicked off with campers arriving on Friday afternoon, music started at 12 pm, continuing until 8 pm on Saturday and 6 pm on Sunday. Artists performing were Cliff Weston, Chris Harris, Chris James, Annalee West, Streamline, Spread Your Wings and local band, Strum & Bass. Displays were held by the Westerners Authentic Campout & Quick Draw Shootouts. Attendees were quick to get on their feet dancing and clapping, thoroughly enjoying themselves in the great weather and views of the Mendips.

Feedback has been extremely positive from being delighted with the site and its facilities together with the friendly atmosphere, so word of the event will spread. It all bodes well again for next year when it will be bigger with more stalls and displays.

The Club expresses its gratitude to owner Jules for welcoming them to Petruth Paddocks plus Gregory’s Transport for providing the Stage and Steps, and Cheddar Spirit Co for sponsoring and providing a bar together with the Cheddar Cider Barn. Wonderful hot food was provided by Michelle of “Passion & Smoke” who recently received an award for best outdoor caterer.

We are looking for more sponsors for 2024 and will be discussing arrangements with any businesses or trade stands that would like to attend. The date for 2024 will be the third weekend in May, so put it in your diary! Come along and join in the fun.

Lion Sylvia Cook

Lions are ready

And the dancing begins

The Westerners Guns at the ready

The stage is set

Encouraging the dancing

YOUNG LEADERS IN SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTED

Cheddar Vale Lions Clubs’ long association with the local guides culminated in being invited to their District Service 2023 held in St Andrews Church, Cheddar. The service was “A Celebration of Guiding in Cheddar”.

This was an opportunity to present several Young Leaders in Service Certificates as four of the older Ranger Guides had continued to complete their logbooks from September 2021 to May 2023, despite restrictions due to Covid. It was a pleasure for Lion President Sylvia to be able to present Certificates to the following young people and congratulate them on their achievements:

Megan Wilde Gold - Metal badge: 107 hours completed

Carys Walsh 2 Silver - metal and cloth badge: 56 & 52 hours completed

Elissa Walkling 2 Silver - Metal and cloth badge: 56 & 60 hours completed

Grace Cadwallader 1 Silver and 1 bronze - Metal badge(s): 58 & 44 hours completed.

Rebecca Moreman 1 Silver - Cloth Badge – To be awarded later: 50 hours completed

Cheddar Vale Lions Club’s Youth Officer, Lion Theresa Warrell, has worked hard to set up a relationship with youth organisations within the Cheddar Vale area and this has received excellent results. The Club appreciates her dedication and commitment to our young people with all the Lions Youth projects.

Lion Sylvia Cook

Lions Beach Clean

Worle Lions Club are up for a challenge.

This month we got members to carry out a beach clean on Weston-super-Mare seafront. Everyone had a great time. We covered about a mile of sandy beach a filled around 10 bags of rubbish

Aid for Ukraine

District Governor James Mathers and Lion Gail took a consignment of essential items to Callington Lions for onward transportation to Warsaw and then Ukraine. These items were collected by St Austell Lions, and it is hoped that they will be on the next convoy.

DG James was delighted to meet Darren, the taxi driver who started this initiative and the party were invited back for tea and cake and included Denise and Mike Banks from Crewkerne Lions who were also making a delivery.

Lion James said, “Everyone was impressed by the presentation made at 105SW Convention by Andy and Emma Burnard who now receive regular consignments from across the district. This will need to continue as there is no sign that hostilities will cease anytime soon.”

left behind over a busy weekend.

It was a big success and are arranging to do another in September.

We needed a license from North Somerset Council, which required some form filling and a risk assessment, together with proof of the Lions insurance cover.

The next trip will be leave Cornwall on the 18th September 2023. To donate please follow the link to the sendinglovetoukraine website.

https://sendinglovetoukraine.org

Lion John Christopher

Lion Roger Dovey

Lions Emma and Andy Burnard from Callington Lions receiving a consignment of aid for Ukraine from District Governor James and Lion Gail Mathers.

£1,300 Donation to Truro Foodbank

On Wednesday the 7th of June the Lions Club of Truro visited Truro Foodbank to make a cheque presentation of £1,300.

The Donation was made from the funds raised during our Easter Egg Draws having chosen the Foodbank as the main recipient.

We received a letter of thanks from Wendy Vincent, Secretary to the Trustees of Truro Foodbank thanking us for the donation which will be used to buy groceries and hygiene products for the needs of local families in food crisis.

On Monday the 17th of July Truro Lions did their annual stint on the Stithian’s Show manning the gates both in and out plus the member's pavilion.

The Club did their job superbly with grateful thanks from the Organisers and the great number attending the show.

Thankfully, the weather managed to stay dry!

Many thanks to all Lions and Partners who attended and worked very hard, especially Lion

the use of his Camper Van and Gazebo plus excellent cooking of the end of day BBQ by the two Alan’s and their assistants Mary and Angela.

The Club has received £1,350 into our Charity Account from the Stithian’s Show Committee reflecting our achievement.

Lion Geoff Kaye

Simon Fann from Truro Foodbank together with Lion President Geoff Kaye and Lions Mick Pawlak & Sue Gibbs Lion Geoff Kaye

Bill for his exceptional Organisation ably assisted by Lion Alan Chick for

Photos courtesy of Lesley Downie

THERE’S SILVER IN THEM THEIR BATTERIES

Button batteries contain a small amount of silver.

A member of Southend Lions has the ability to extract this and dispose of the rest, environmentally safely.

One kilogram of batteries will yield £50 of silver at today’s prices. Please collect these from care homes, medical outlets, chemists, hearing aid providers or anywhere that will save them for you, and bring them to zone meetings, cabinet, or post them to Lesley Chudley.

All monies generated will go into the MD Vision Screening Programme.

SO we are helping the environment and vision in one go!

WIN! WIN!

Handover Lunch

On Sunday the 25th of June Truro Lions held their annual Handover at Penrose Kitchen to mark the start of the new Lions Year. Lions and their partners, sat down to enjoy a lovely Sunday Lunch

Outgoing President Geoff Kaye in his speech said he was very pleased that the Truro Team of members and partners utilising their outstanding talents did a great job with our various fund raising and service activities. The club raised about £22,000 over the last Lions year with our usual events such as Crystal Golf, Christmas Hampers, Easter Eggs, Used Book Sales, Cuddly Lions, and Stithians Show, The Turkey /Syria Earthquake Appeal. Geoff said he was particularly proud of the £4,000 raised for the Earthquake Appeal which once again showed the outstanding generosity of the public of Truro and surrounding areas and visitors to the City.

The club gave Approx 1000 hours of service to Marshalling at Little Harbour events and others plus helping at the Memory Cafe.

Continued on page 11…...

Lion Geoff Kaye

Truro Lions

Geoff said a big thank you to all Members, Partners, and Friends for all their efforts through the year and a special thanks to his wife Norma for all her help and support.

He then handed over the Presidents Chain of Office to VP Richard Moore and wished Richard and his Partner Beryl Devany all the very best for their year, from himself and Norma.

New President Richard Moore then said a few words of welcome to everyone present, especially wives of past Lions and those not well enough to attend and looked forward to receiving support from Members and Partners for his year of office.

Richard then handed the VP Chain to our new Vice President Mike Kalis before giving a gift of a rose to Norma. Geoff in turn then gave an Orchid to Beryl.

Lion Geoff Kaye

Incoming Truro President Lion Richard Moore with fellow Lions , Wives, Partners and guests

President Richard Moore welcoming new Vice President, Lion Mike Kallis

Golf Day

This year was our 11th year of running a charity golf day at Tall Pines Golf Club, each year we donate our entire profits to a nominated charity and this year we supported Ronald McDonald House Charity, which believes that when a child is sick, the entire family needs comfort and support. Ronald McDonald House Charities UK has been operating for 30 years since construction began on the first House in 1989. Their houses provide a place for families to stay whilst their seriously sick children are being treated in a partnering NHS hospital. Families staying with them can cook, play, rest and be together all the time knowing that they are only moments away from their child in hospital. They also run activities so families and children staying with them can have a break away from the hospital ward.

To stay in one of their Ronald McDonald

Houses, they must first ask the hospital to refer them. Upon receiving a room, the family will be able to stay for as long as needed. All their houses are situated a stone’s throw from the hospital and have everything you would expect to find in your own home; ensuite bedrooms with a phone line directly linked to the hospital, a kitchen, and communal areas, and some have outside space.

We were a little down on team entries this time but still managed to field 28 teams of four. Thanks to the participants, sponsors, supporters, and helpers on the day, we managed to raise a sum of £4,400 which was gratefully received by the charity.

Next year - 2024

We have already saved a date for next year’s golf day, which is Thursday 2nd May, so please save the date. If you would like to enter a team of 4, please visit our website for entry form details, or contact Derek White on 07973 640415 or email him on fscltd@aol.com. Book early as we are expecting a bumper year (entry forms will be available from 1st week of August, when we also announce the charity that will benefit)

Lion Val Dickens

Presidential Handover Luncheon

The Lions Club of Plymouth held their annual Presidential Handover Luncheon at St Elizabeth’s Plympton on Sunday 25th June 2023. The event was attended by 23 Club members and guests.

The Outgoing President Jill Owen welcomed the members and guests and thanked all members for their support with the fundraising projects and for their assistance throughout the year in the various activities involved in caring for the local Plymouth communities such as the soup-run and the collection of unsold food from various bakeries at the end of each working day and transporting to the homeless hostel in Milbay. Other activities have involved the donation of various items of

medical equipment plus the refurbishment of a room for expectant mothers at Derriford Hospital. She was proud of the achievements the club had made during her period as president.

Past president Lion Jill proceeded to award the incoming president, Lion Bob Dight with the club’s presidential chain of office, newly purchased for the occasion of the club’s 60th Anniversary due within this presidential year.

Newly Appointed Lion President Bob Dight thanked Jill for her stewardship of the club through what has proved to be a very difficult period, mainly due to the after effects of the Covid pandemic and higher cost of living index. He indicated that he had been president on two occasions over the past twenty years of his membership of the club and is confident of the club’s future because each member has become a friend and he knows that we stand together and can be relied upon to help each other in times of need as well as serving the local community of Plymouth, as is the Lion motto ‘We Serve’

Lion Bob Dight receiving the Presidential chain from outgoing President Lion Jill Owen

Ryan back in charge of the Lions’ den…

Members of Weymouth & Portland Lions Club were out in force recently at Weymouth Golf Club to celebrate the handover of the club’s president and vice-president positions. Members and invited guests tucked into a menu of chicken chasseur and salmon before the formal part of the evening got under way.

Incoming Club

President Lion Ryan

Hope MJF then presented Lion Julie Storey with a large bouquet of flowers from the club as a thank you for her year as Club President.

During the handover President Lion Ryan thanked Immediate past President Julie Storey for her time as an effort as the club President over the last year.

Ryan then went on to inform club of his aspirations to try and get 12 new members in the next 12 months, he said " Our club has done fabulous work in our community and to support some of our most vulnerable residents, to continue this work as well as maintain its current activities such as Weymouth Beach Motocross & Christmas Day Harbour Swim its important that we find new Lions to join our club."

Lion Peter Crane MJF has become the new Vice-President. The club continue to hold monthly business meetings at the Moonfleet Bowls Club and organise dinner meetings as and when required.

Lion Kevin Brookes

President Ryan Hope MJF with Lion Julie Storey and new Vice President Lion Peter Crane MJF.

Weymouth & Portland Lions Club members

Lewie is 7 years old and he loves Lego! He got his first Lego set when he was 3 years old and has asked for Lego for every birthday and Christmas since.

Lewies love of Lego came from helping his Grampy build his massive Lego technic sets including an articulated dumper truck and container lorry.

Lewies Daddy Ryan has been a member of Weymouth and Portland Lions club since before Lewie was born. This means Lewie has grown up being a part of all of the lions fundraising events such as the Christmas day Harbour swim and Weymouth Beach Motocross. Lewie knows the money that is raised goes to help important local causes, so can normally be spotted at these events shaking a bucket!

Another event Lewie has enjoyed coming to almost every year has been Chickerell Steam fair. Lewies favorite part always being the model tent. Inspired by the other modelers Lewie asked for a Lego train for Christmas and a Lego train station for his birthday so he could bring them to display the steam fair. Everything on the table was built by Lewie, he just had a little help from mummy bringing it all together.

Lion Ryan Hope

Chickerell Steam & Vintage Fair

Over the weekend 1st 2nd July Weymouth & Portland Lions Club were given the opportunity, free of charge, to have a fundraising and information stall at the ever popular Chickerell Steam & Vintage Fair. This was the second year that the fair had been organised since Covid, and was a bigger even than last year. Spread over four fields, the fair was attended by thousands of people over the two days. Weymouth & Portland Lions had a soft toy tombola and information stand, and Lion Kevin Brookes was selling bric-a-brac, DVDs, CD’s and old radio control parts and assorted bits to fund his next trip to Poland with the volunteers from ‘sendinglovetoukraine’. Total funds raised was £648.38. Our thanks to Weymouth Pavilion Theatre who donated pantomime tickets, Chickerell Steam & Vintage Fair show committee, The Harbour Terrace, Custom House Café and Howley’s Toys for donating other raffle and tombola prizes. Lewie Hope raised £69.88 with his Lego for Lions display stand in the Model tent.

Lion Kevin Brookes

Lesley Chudley

2022-2023 Service Reporting Awards

The District Governor Team launched the Service recognition awards for clubs that complete regular monthly service reports in a timely manner.

At the end of June 2021 only 32% of clubs were submitting regular reports. This had increased to 61% by the end of June 2022, a magnificent improvement for which we thank you.

However, July 2022 dropped again to the lowest level ever: only 31%. Yet we know there are more clubs doing more things because of the amount of news in the South West Post.

Just think how much better our results would be if all clubs provided regular reports. We would be able to hold our heads high within the UK and be very proud of our achievements and be the envy of other districts, after all, we are the best.

This is the purpose of the awards is to reward individual clubs that achieve 70% and above. Bronze award 70%; Silver award 80%; Gold award 90%; Platinum award 100%.

We will not publish individual clubs’ percentages but will publish the overall percentage figure monthly, with our overall target of achieving 70%.

We finished the year with 69% of clubs reporting albeit not as regularly as hoped. We thank all Clubs for all your efforts to provide service to your communities this year.

So now to the Awards.

Platinum Awards: Launceston - St Austell

Gold Awards: Budleigh Salterton – Callington - Cheddar Vale - Minehead

Silver Awards: Axminster – Crewkerne – Paignton – Penzance

Bronze Awards: Glastonbury & Street – Newquay Towan Blystra – Radstock & Midsomer Norton –Seaton - Worle

Lion

Lion Lesley Chudley

Lion Lesley Chudley

Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions club celebrated their annual handover in July bringing in a new President. Outgoing President Sarah Oughton who had stepped in following the sad loss of the clubs President Alan Denham at the beginning of the year. The chain was handed over to the incoming President Rob Jamieson. Rob was also awarded from Lions Club International ‘The Chevron Award’ named after the chevron symbol indicating the rank and length of service achieved after 25 years of serving as a Lion, recognising his achievements and that he has touched the lives of many being a Lion.

Rob has also been the clubs Treasurer for the last three years and will continue this year as well as being President for the club. The ceremony was attended by fellow Lions and their loved ones enjoying supper at the Haynes Fish and Chip restaurant in High Littleton. An informal general meeting took place between the meal followed by the 50-club draw. The 50 club raises money for the clubs’ good causes and costs £5.00 a month to join and is

St Austell Lion leads the way

On Tuesday 11th July, James Mathers, a member of St Austell Lions Club, was appointed District Governor for the South West District and is pictured here with the incoming International President Dr Patti Hill. The South West District, which stretches from Penzance to Weymouth and north to just short of Bristol, has 55 Clubs with approximately 1,000 members and is part of the world’s largest service organisation. Lion James said, “It is a great privilege to lead an excellent band of caring people who join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better,” He added “Across the District we have countless projects helping those in need and we also work internationally including helping those from Ukraine and earthquake victims in Turkey.”

drawn twice a year with the summer draw winning 1st £200, 2nd £100 and 3rd prize £50. The Christmas draw wins 1st £450, 2nd £150 and 3rd £100. There are only 50 numbered balls drawn randomly making a win more likely. The club has spare numbers for anyone wanting to support good causes locally and wanting a chance in the draw. You’ve got to be in it to win it as the saying goes if you want to be in it please contact Rob at president@rmnlions.org.uk

Lion Sarah Oughton

Lion Roger Dovey

District Handover took place at Buckfast Abbey Convention centre on Sunday 16th July with more than 60 Lions attending. Outgoing District Governor Lesley Chudley thanked everyone who had assisted her throughout the year before presenting Lion Eric Parkes with his 45-year chevron and distributing certificates commemorating those clubs who had consistently reported their service activities. Launceston and St Austell received the top Platinum award for reporting every month. Before handing over to incoming District Governor Lion James Mathers, Lesley told the audience that Callington Lions had brought with them a plaque (pictured) made in Ukraine containing a commemorative inscription thanking Lions from 105SW for all their support for the people in Ukraine. District Governor James Mathers thanked Lesley for her stewardship and presented her with a Past District Governor’s pin. James then presented Lion Kevin Moore with his First VDG pin and gong wishing him luck before thanking PDG John Sims who was conducting his final session as Sergeant at Arms.

Lion James concluded by mapping out what may be expected during the forthcoming year including the need to rebuild after Covid with greater marketing of what we do through social media, renewed training for Officers, the new Lions Portal and health and safety training in order to secure more comprehensive insurance cover than is currently offered by Lion Club International.

DG - Lion James Mathers

Mill Water is a Specialist School for children and young people who have complex, severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties. The school educates 121 learners between 3 and 19 years.

The Lions were there to present the school with a set of Wild Tribe Heroes books by Ellie Jackson. They were met by Georgia White and Charlotte (who takes the lead on literacy) Georgia White, school fundraising and marketing lead, said: "Thank you to the Budleigh Lions for their continued support. These books are fantastic and fit perfectly with the learning that our pupils do about the environment."

The day before, Lion Richard presented the latest book in the Wild Tribe Heroes series, 'Ziggy's Frightening Flight', to children at St Peter's School in Budleigh. Lion Richard said, "Some time ago we purchased sets of six books for St Peter's School, Otterton School and Drake's School and we now have the opportunity to buy copies of the latest book in the series for them about Ziggy the Bee."

Lion Richard Allen

On the 21st of June President of Budleigh Salterton Lions Club Richard Allen and Lion Lorraine Ralph visited Mill Water School, Bicton near East Budleigh.

£500 Donation to Seachange

On Tuesday 4th July members of the Budleigh Salterton Lions Club presented a cheque for £500 to Seachange to help fund the creation of a new Sensory Garden. Several of the lions have also been volunteering members of the working party clearing and preparing the ground in the community garden at Seachange.

Katheryn Hope (Activity and Volunteer Coordinator) said "Seachange are delighted to receive a donation of £500 from Budleigh Lions to develop a sensory garden at the Seachange Community Garden. The garden will provide a space for peace for those using the facilities at Seachange including the memory café and activity club, as well as the local community. Engagement with gardening is well known to improve health and wellbeing and the sensory garden will provide a tranquil space for people to sit and enjoy nature around them. Watch this space for news of the opening of the sensory garden by Budleigh Lions later in the year!"

Lion Richard Allen

The Cheque was received by Katheryn Hope (Activity and Volunteer Coordinator) and Marc Jobson (Manager) at Seachange from Club President Richard Allen and members of Budleigh Salterton Lions Club

Lion Richard Allen

Lion Richard Allen

Lion Richard Allen

Lorraine Ralph. Member of Budleigh Salterton Lions Club. One of 500 volunteers Coronation Champions. The Awards were launched by the Royal Voluntary Service and supported by Her Majesty The Queen. Lorraine was Invited to the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert. See the full feature in the June edition of the South West Post.

LITTLE

DUCKS

HELP SIDMOUTH LIONS RAISE

OVER £2,000 FOR CHARITY

On Sunday 16th July, despite the unpredictable weather and clashing with major sports events, a sizeable crowd attended Sidmouth Lions Club’s annual Duck Derby in the beautiful Byes parkland in Sidmouth.

The event commenced at 2.15 pm, when children and their parents gathered near the Byes Cycle Bridge for the Lions special ‘Duck & Spoon’ races. These fun races featured children in various age ranges from two to 11 years old, followed by races for mums, dads, and finally for fit grandparents. The races were very competitive, and the entrants were enthusiastically cheered on by family and friends!

Lion Chris Rignall

The main yellow Duck Race started at 3.00 pm from the Byes Cycle Bridge with a countdown and launching by the Lions of several thousand little yellow ducks into the river Sid, watched by the crowd of children and adults on the river banks. A few of the ducks needed some ‘egging on’ by Sidmouth College students and Sid Vale Scouts helpers but, once mobilised, the leading ducks didn’t take very long to complete the river course downstream to the finish line, just before the big weir by Salcombe Road bridge.

of the winning ducks the chance of a prize from over £1,000 of cash prizes.

However, the biggest winners at Sidmouth Lions Duck Derby are the charities that receive donations from the net proceeds of the main yellow Duck Race. This year the two charities were The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which received a cheque for £1,300, and Sidmouth Lions Club Charity account which received the balance of the net proceeds. The Guide Dogs cheque was presented by Lion President Graham Rossiter, accompanied by Lions Chris & Trevor, to Krissie Isaac, the Guide Dogs South West representative, who was accompanied by several local Guide Dog volunteers and guide dogs.

Sidmouth Lions have thanked supporters of this year’s Duck Derby, especially the local Co-op store, Coastline Mobility, and local Lidl store for allowing the Lions to sell Duck tickets outside their premises; also, the proprietors of ‘Paper Moon’, ‘Cards@

and Woolbrook News’ for selling the Duck tickets in their shops.

Thanks also to those who helped on Duck Derby Day, especially Sidmouth College students, Sid Vale Scouts, and the two St John Ambulance first-aiders. The Taste of Sidmouth ice-creams proved popular, and Taste kindly donated their net proceeds to the charities.

Lion Chris Rignall

More Aid for Ukraine

Over the last wo weeks Lion Kevin Brookes has collected approx. 80 pairs of crutches, six commodes and assorted walking frames and seats from the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapists team at Dorset County Hospital. (DCH). Thanks Emma, they will be in Ukraine in September. A box of unwanted medical supplies was also donated by and collected from the Wyke Regis Health Centre.

Lion Kevin Brookes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing to Higher Service of Lion Chris Waight Dorchester

There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they have gone

Until then...

Lion Peter Rowe

Lion Kevin Brookes