DG’s Message
Plymouth Lions
105 SW Diabetes
Budleigh Salterton Lions
South West UK Club
Fowey River Lions
Sendinglovetoukraine Insurance Update
Yeo Valley
Message from the editor
Blackmore Vale Lions
In Memoriam
Weymouth & Portland Lions
District Governor - Lion James Mathers
I was delighted to conclude my April engagements with an attendance at Plymouth Lions 60th Charter dinner, where Lion Gail and I were well looked after at an event that was well attended by fellow Lions and local groups with whom they have worked closely over many years. However, I didn’t do quite so well at their raffle, securing a voucher worth £20 towards a visit to their local coiffure establishment some 45 miles from home but fortunately I auctioned it off for £25 towards their charity account.
On 30th April, Lion Gail and I attended the funeral of Past District Governor Mark Lockie, where it was requested that attendees should wear bright clothing in celebration of his life. It was a lovely service and the presentation about him demonstrated that we had known so little about his and Stephanie’s wide-ranging life experiences.
The following day we attended Burnham-on-Sea Lions after their decision to close at the end of this current Lions year. It is very sad that a club with 19 members makes such a decision, primarily because of the reluctance of members to stand for office and a disinclination to approach District for assistance until it was too late. Fortunately, several members will be transferring to other clubs, including 105SW Virtual Club.
Immediately following that it was off to Weston-super-Mare for the final Council meeting of the year and MD Convention. It was great to have the event in the south west and a lot of assistance was provided by local Lions clubs coordinated
by Lion Sue Miller, whose efforts were much appreciated and justly recognised by Convention. Whilst there, I visited the Blind Bowls tournament supported by Weston-super-Mare Lions Club, which has taken a special interest in this event for some years.
The attached photograph records the presentation of an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation to Lion David Stott by the Immediate Past International Director Teresa Dineen, in company with a host of others.
As District Governor you do not get many opportunities to have a break, so when the opportunity arises you grab it with both hands. Consequently, after MD Convention, Lion Gail and I made for Bristol Airport, from where we flew to Malta where I celebrated my 70th birthday the day after we arrived. However, I didn’t miss the opportunity to contact Lions in Malta, and Lion Gail and I attended a fundraising wine- tasting event at a local vineyard and subsequently at their business meeting, which included an interesting presentation by a member of the Public Records Office and acceptance of their bannerette from their President Lion Karl Besinna.
Perhaps one significant message that arose from my visit was that currently the Lions Club in Malta does not have any links with Lions clubs in the UK, and it is looking to make connections. There are regular flights from Malta to Bristol, so clubs in that vicinity might like to form a bond and I can provide you with contact details if you are interested.
Back to the UK and it was hitting the ground running. Arriving back on Thursday afternoon, it was straight into the final Cabinet meeting on Saturday morning, followed by Camborne and Redruth Charter Dinner that evening and Exeter Lions Charter Lunch the following day.
At Camborne & Redruth’s Charter I was told that it was intended by their President to present to Lion Alan Hampton with an MJF award and he asked me if I would do the honours. What President Paul Bray was unaware
Lion James Mathers
of was that the Club wished me to present him with his own MJF, which was a total surprise and a great delight to everyone present, and the photograph shows each of them with their award.
Exeter Lions celebrated the 62nd anniversary of their Charter and it was a delightful lunch at an excellent venue at the Exminster Golf Centre, with beautiful views of the course bathed in brilliant sunshine. Lion President Stephan took the opportunity to present two certificates of appreciation: first to Mrs Thelma Brett who has allowed the club use of her garage for many years to store their regalia; and second, to Rachael King who, as manager of Plytech Ltd premises in Exeter, has provided facilities for storage of spectacles and items for Ukraine. Indeed, Rachael has been part of the convoy to Poland three times, and she rightly deserved the appreciation of Exeter Lions and the District.
Currently I have four more Charter celebrations to attend in June, including the 50th Charter of Launceston Lions on my very last day as District Governor so I anticipate that the next issue will be my last contribution to the South West Post in that capacity.
Presentation by District Governor Lion James Mathers to The Lions Club of Plymouth (TLCOP) President Bob Dight, a certificate of appreciation for 60 years’ Service to the Community of Plymouth and surrounding areas.
Lion President Michel and Lion Rene of the Lions Club of Morlaix presented Lion President Bob with gifts on the 60th Charter Anniversary. We have been twinning with Morlaix Lions for 50 years, starting in 1974.
Warm greetings from the President and members of the Lions club of Plymouth for our 60th Charter Anniversary Dinner and from the Lions Club of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Lion Nuwan Fernando was a Lion in Sri Lanka and is now a Plymouth Lion.
Councillor Kathy Watkin the Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth and her Consort Councillor Dr John Mahoney recognised the contribution the Lions have made in Plymouth, supporting almost every local charity for over 60 years with donations or Lion members engaged in ‘hands-on’ support with the homeless. elderly, vulnerable, youth and the blind.
– log on at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start - 12 June 2024
You are invited to attend a diabetes presentation by Diabetes UK. Please register now to attend through the online Zoom link below: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdumhqj0pH9Ej8fDV5eMmnu7FpIl9nvJ#/registration.
You will then receive a Zoom link via email to join for 12 June. Topics to be covered are: Diabetes Officer – Zoom invitation
• Why is type 2 diabetes so prevalent?
• What are the risks for different ethnicities?
• Does the risk of type 2 diabetes vary between men and women?
• How do we check our own risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
• Does having type 2 diabetes significantly increase the risk of heart disease and cancer?
• Can we lower our risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
• Can you reverse type 2 diabetes? If so, how?
• Ten tips for leading a healthier lifestyle, including suggestions to improve our diet.
• What can your Lions club do to help?
On a dull, blustery Saturday 27th April, South West UK Club member Lion Paul Frampton abseiled 100 ft off the roof of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, to raise funds for the Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity. So far, his efforts have raised £750.
The charity has many activities supporting patients and their families, but this year a major project is to refurbish the child bereavement facilities for grieving parents in St Michael’s, Bristol, and Weston General Hospitals – these being the areas that staff have available to them for breaking the news to parents and to say goodbye to their lost child. Lion Paul said, “I am fortunate to have not been in this situation, but when I read how dire the current facilities were. I had to stop reading as I was crying too much!”
Since its formation nearly three years ago, South West UK Club has forged a close relationship with the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity and is pleased to continue with its support.
Fowey River Lions celebrated their 47th Anniversary in April with a delicious three-course lunch at the Carlyon Bay Hotel. This was a celebration of when Fowey River Lions club was founded in 1977 and of all our achievements during the past year. It was a very informal, friendly affair and we were delighted to be joined by fellow Lions from Newquay Towan Blystra and Budleigh Salterton. Presentations were made by the Vice District Governor, Lion Richard Allen, to Lion Terry MacAndrew for 35 years’ service and to Lion Martyn Crowle for 45 years’ service. President, Lion Steve Jones, said afterwards, “I truly hope that everyone enjoyed the day; it was certainly a memorable occasion for me, being my first Charter event as President. I really wanted to remember and honour the late Lion Tony Bartlett and Lion Alastair Barr, both of whom are irreplaceable.”
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
Since 2011 Yeo Valley Lions have used this path to run our Strawberry Lion Walk, inviting local groups, some of whom have benefited from Lion help over the years, to put in a team of walkers to raise sponsorship money for various causes.
This year we were blessed by the weather, just getting a little wet picking up two weary stragglers. Despite their extreme fatigue they felt they had to do a long walk to justify their £250 collection in sponsorship receipts! One of the dads walking in the Brownie group also raised £400, which was amazing. We hope to have raised around £1,500 for this year’s chosen charity.
Over 60 walkers took part, including two new charities, North Somerset People First which entered a team of 14, and North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together. Both groups support young people with learning difficulties.
Especial thanks to Yatton Girlguiding, who have supported us on every walk we’ve done so far.
On Thursday 2nd May, in somewhat trying conditions (visibility down to a few metres!) we held our Twelfth Charity Golf Day at Tall Pines Golf Course, adjacent to Bristol Airport. The weather prevented some of the 36 teams completing the full 18 holes.
That said, we had a great day and we ended up with a great atmosphere in the clubhouse, with some really good scores, given the disruption and conditions.
There were tied scores of 66 (1st and 2nd) and tied 64 (3rd and 4th), the eventual winners being the team from local estate agents Robin King. The most important thing, however, is that we managed to make a fantastic donation of £5,400 to the Alzheimer’s Society, which will be used to fund community projects for the local group. Thanks to everyone involved.
The date for next year’s diary is Thursday 1st May for our 13th Annual Charity Golf Day at Tall Pines Golf course.
A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this June 2024 edition of the South West Post. As with previous years, the June edition is, for some reason, always smaller than other months. I’m not sure why that is, but with everything else that has happened recently, I’m not complaining. A few weeks ago l informed District Governor James that l am going to stand down from my role as Editor of the South West Post at the end of this Lionistic year because of other, mainly club commitments, that l am responsible for. With the passing of PDG Mark Lockie l now have additional responsibilities regarding the club finances together with our treasurer, Lion Ryan Hope. When we changed status and became a CIO, l volunteered as an additional name on all our accounts and not thinking for a minute that l may need to step up. Well as we all know, a few months ago that situation did happen and we sadly lost Mark from the club and as our treasurer. So, l am having to drop a few non-club related responsibilities, including the South West Post. When Mark asked me to do the newsletter, he assured me that it would only be for one year, his year as District Governor. Well Lesley followed Mark and l agreed, James followed Lesley and l agreed again and l was quite happy to continue until Mark died. So sorry Kevin, l have too many things to do now.
I have agreed with James that next month’s July edition, will be my last. So, if anyone would like to step up and keep the newsletter going, contact James, Kevin Moore or myself. I am more than happy to share all of my templates with whoever takes it on and l will no doubt be forwarding on emails for some time to come. So if you agree that there is a place in 105SW for a more traditional way of communicating with members about what we are all up to, get in touch.
Lion Kevin Brookes, Weymouth & Portland Lions Club & Editor, South West Post.
Lion Tim Otter
On a very blustery day (Winnie the Pooh would have loved it!) back in February, over 370 participants braved some very strong winds to take part in the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon (BVHM) and Fun Run. Money collected from entry fees, refreshment sales and donations totalled over £7,000.00 for Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC) charities. BVLC had already decided that a significant proportion of the money raised, after expenses and donations to helper organizations, would be donated to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, since this was a charity any one of us who live in the area might need to use. Some already have. Many other charities benefit from BVLC support on a local, regional or national basis. The remainder of the money will go into the BVLC central charity fund for further useful donations.
Armed with a large cheque, BVLC members met counterparts from the Air Ambulance Team to present the cheque for £1,500.00. Many of us live close to “Peggy”, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Team’s helicopter, and their fast response vehicles, base at Henstridge Airfield, and often see Peggy scooting off to help someone in trouble. Many of us, the runners, our friends and families, have cause to be grateful for their presence. BVLC would like to say thank you to the all the runners and supporters. Most of the entrants were from Dorset and Somerset, but we were pleased to welcome people and clubs from Yorkshire, Northumbria, Worcestershire, Bristol, Hampshire, Devon and London, to mention a few others who supported the event and helped “Peggy”. To support the runners there were almost as many helpers and some very generous sponsors, and they all deserve the clubs’ and the charities’ gratitude. Please support the sponsors; a list of them is on the half marathon website: https://bvlhm.yolasite.com/. We look forward to seeing you all at the next BVHM on Sunday 2 February 2025.
Quote from Peter Oswick, President, BVLC: “Many of us have reason to be grateful to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance or know someone who is. We are immensely proud and possessive of what the Charity and Peggy the Helicopter represents and does for us and visitors to our counties. Raising this money has been a task Lions and
Lion Tim Otter
our supporters have willingly undertaken. Please do support our sponsors. Thank you to the whole Air Ambulance Team.”
Emma Jones, Fundraising Manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said:
“We are so grateful for the wonderful support shown by the Blackmore Vale Lions Club. Nominating us as one of their amazing charities is a very special gift to the charity. With no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery, we rely on donations just like this, to enable us to carry on our life-saving work. Each mission we are tasked to costs around £3,500, so these funds will go a significant way in helping us to save a person’s life. Thank you so much from us all.”
Helicopter represents and does for us and visitors to our counties. Raising this money has been a task Lions and our supporters have willingly undertaken. Please do support our sponsors. Thank you to the whole Air Ambulance Team.”
Emma Jones, Fundraising Manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said:
“We are so grateful for the wonderful support shown by the Blackmore Vale Lions Club. Nominating us as one of their amazing charities is a very special gift to the charity. With no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery, we rely on donations just like this, to enable us to carry on our life-saving work. Each mission we are tasked to costs around £3,500, so these funds will go a significant way in helping us to save a person’s life. Thank you so much from us all.”
Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC) is the local club belonging to Lions International. Lions’ motto is “We Serve”, and as one of the largest charitable service organizations in the world, we seek to do good by raising money for charity and distributing it to those deserving and needy groups and individuals who need help or assistance on a worldwide, regional/national or local basis.
Lions’ mission is to empower LIONS clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. Lions fulfil it every day, everywhere we serve.
On a routine basis, BVLC: helps fight diabetes and poor sight, promotes youth development and dental care, supports local people with social and health needs and works with other charitable and community support organizations. Thank you for your help, donations and generosity.
Since March 2000, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has been there for critically ill and injured people when they need us the most. The enhanced skills of our team, specialist equipment and drugs that we carry, along with the speed of our response, can make the difference between life and death.
Our team of highly skilled pilots, critical care practitioners and doctors are operational for 19 hours a day (7.00 am-2.00 am), 365 days a year;
Lion Tim Otter
together they work tirelessly to save lives.
Our pilots use their incredible flying skills to reach patients in the local community, often in remote locations, by the roadside, in a park or on a beach. Our clinical team provide complex and life-saving interventions to stabilise and treat patients at the scene of the incident. Together, our clinical and aviation team essentially bring the hospital to the patient wherever they may be, giving them the best possible chance of survival.
Once patients reach the hospital, our patient and family liaison nurses are swiftly on hand to provide support during the hardest time of their lives. Their work is a crucial part of the clinical care and support we provide to patients and their families.
The service we provide is 95% funded by charitable giving; by people like you. Last year, we were tasked to 2,424 incidents, with each mission costing approximately £3,500.
Together, with your support, we can be there for patients today, tomorrow and in the future.
More information on our life-saving work can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk.
Over 350 runners took part in the Blackmore Vale Lions Half Marathon back in February, facilitated by several scores of helpers and sponsors. Their combined efforts, including the infamous "last mile", allowed Blackmore Vale to donate £1,500.00 to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
On Wednesday 15th May, two Budleigh Salterton Lions Club members visited the ‘Exmouth Ecos’to donate a set of the WildTribe Heroes books and talk about the Lions Young Leaders in Service scheme for young volunteers.
Mrs Oakes-Ash from Exmouth Community College said “Thank you to Budleigh Salterton Lions Club for the donation of the brilliant Wild Tribe books. The Exmouth Ecos at Exmouth Community College are very grateful and look forward to sharing them within the library with other students and the younger people in our community.”
Exmouth Ecos formed in 2019 and currently consists of a team of students who are all extremely passionate about protecting the environment and looking after the town, beach and wider community.
Their mission is proactively to inspire the young people in the community to think about their part in reducing the damage to the environment.
In 2022 they completed the rigorous application process to become a Plastic Free School as part of Surfers Against Sewage.
Lion Peter Rowe
On Saturday 18th May, Lions, Kevin Brookes, Club President Ryan Hope, John Davies and Trevor Stratton all braved the wet, and windy weather to take part in Weymouth Town Council’s Expo 2024. This is the third year for this event and the second to be held on Weymouth Esplanade. Always a tricky event to pull off at this time of the year, however the main aim is to bring together voluntary groups and charities from the local area and a great opportunity to network and to talk to each other. For Weymouth & Portland Lions Club it wasn’t about shaking a yellow bucket raising cash or for promoting one of our events, it was about being visible, even through the wind and rain!
Air FM 107.2. Cut and past the kink into your computers browser, https://fb.watch/spmr5Mdhp4/
Then out of the gloom came an angel in the form of Sally, from The Mayfair Guest House who was offering free tea and coffee for the stall holders.
