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

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.

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."

£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!"