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 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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. https://sendinglovetoukraine.org

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.