In this Christmas hamper Enough said
Welcome to the December issue and once again I thank all of you who have contributed. Santa appears on the front cover because I suspect that many of you this coming month will be engaged in escorting Santa around your locality with the fun and fellowship which goes with it.
Almost without exception we are all concerned with increasing our membership so the article in Membership Matters is well worth reading. The obligation to attend meetings regularly can be an obstacle for some but clearly there are ways around this as demonstrated by Fowey River Lions who have gained a new affiliate member.
Your attention may be drawn to the article on Charities & Social media. Rather than repeat at length the advice provided by the Charity Commission links are provided that should take you to the relevant pages but you will have to use Ctrl + Click to reach them.
This month’s edition is a little briefer than last and the deadline for the January issue will be Christmas Day but I don’t expect to be processing the contributions immediately thereafter. However, I do need to give you advance notice that the deadline for the February issue will be the 20th January due to personal commitments although I will issue a reminder.
One of the club’s I visited recently was Fowey River and I had the great pleasure to witness first -hand how vibrant and enthusiastic its relatively small pride of Lions were. With membership now in double figures, this is a real lesson in how leadership, a plan and teamwork can make all the difference after there was a real danger of the club ceasing to exist when one of their longest serving members Lion Alastair Barr and the club president Tony Bartlett both passed to higher service in November and December last year. But Lion Steve Jones took up the challenge as president and with the active support of secretary and former president, Lynn Goold and the few remaining members of club, they succeeded over the next few months in inspiring local people to realise what they would be losing if this club, that was chartered in 1977, no longer existed. Steve’s letter in the local press, across com-
munity groups and social media was just one of the initiatives that made the difference. Their December meeting will see more new members badged and Steve recently told me the tally of new members for the past 12 months will probably hit ten in the new year with their total membership into the teens.
He didn’t see that coming
At Yeo Valley’s 56th Charter Celebration on Saturday 26th October our District Governor Kevin Moore was in for a surprise when his Club President Lion Roger Gibbins presented him with a Melvin Jones Fellowship award. Well done Kevin and welcome to the Club.
“I was caught completely offguard by this as I had not even heard a whisper.” Kevin said.
Pictured here Club President Roger with DG Kevin and his wife Catherine clearly celebrating what was clearly a delightful surprise.
Also there to congratulate Kevin were 1st Vice District Governor Richard Allen, 2nd Vice District Governor Phil Bunt and Past District Governor David Atkins and their partners together with visitors from Portishead and Weston S Mare Lions Clubs.
News from around the District –Truro Lions
On Thursday the 24th of October Truro Lions Club held their annual Dinner Meeting at Truro Golf Club, which was attended by Lions their partners and our special guests from Cornwall Air Ambulance.
In September Truro Lions held their annual Crystal Golf Competition which raised an amazing amount for our Principal Chosen Charity Cornwall Air Ambulance HELI2 Appeal and for other local good causes
Following the meal Lion President Mike Kalis gave a short speech introducing our guests, thanking everyone for attending, the Golf Club for providing us with lovely meals, and finally to Lion Bill Rudd for organising the evening .
Lion President Mike then presented the cheque for £7,504 which was gratefully received by our Guests:
Raising and Jen Morgan -Fund Raising Officer
Karen and Jen then spoke to explain the reasons for raising funds for a second Air Ambulance and how they operate 19 Hours a day and 365 days a year.
Karen Hurn- Cornwall Air ambulance Head of Fund-
Pictured above
Jen Morgan, Lion President Mike Kalis and Karen Hurn
LIONS ENVIRONMENTAL
PHOTO COMPETITION
The Lions Environmental Photo Competition provides a way for Lions to show their pride and commitment to improving, protecting and preserving, through a photography, the beauty of the environment.
There are six categories
1 Native Trees / 2 Weather and Landscape
3 Native, non –flowering plants
4 Native Wild flowers
5 Invertebrates
/ 6 Vertebrates
The photograph can be black and white or coloured and must be original and unaltered and should depict the local environment of the community the Lions Clubs serves ie within the geographical area of MD105
The size must be 8” x 10”(20.3x25.4 cm )
There should be NO people in the photographs, no garden plants or domesticated animals
Each Lions Club can submit two photos in each category and send them to the District Officer.
The winning District photograph from each category will be entered into the Multiple District Competition
The impartial judging of the photos will focus on originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the
Please send your Club winning photos to:
Lion Veronica Whittle, 8 Hopcott Terrace, Hopcott Road, Minehead TA24 6DW by December 30 2024
Email: veronica_whittle@hotmail.com
tel: 01643 707277
This must be the original and NOT an attachment
News from around the District—Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton Lions Club have awarded their first Gold Young Leaders in Service Award!
First Vice District Governor Richard Allen said he was both honoured and delighted to present the Club's first gold 'Young Leaders in Service' award to Thomas Franklin who has provided over 100 hours of service to others over a 12 month period.
Thomas is a young environmentalist who has been studying the flora and fauna along the River Otter in East Devon for a number of years. Along with his parents he regularly helps to clear the river of litter, one of his top finds in the river recently was a bicycle! Other achievements include a film he made which was used by the charity 'Kids against plastic' to inspire its members to get their message across.
Earlier this year Thomas came to a Budleigh Salterton Lions Club meeting and gave a short presentation about the wildlife along the River Otter which included many of his own photographs.
Other regular activities include bell ringing every week at All Saints Church in the village of East Budleigh.
The Lions' 'Young Leaders in Service' award scheme is for 8-18 year olds.
Budleigh Lions Club currently has a number of local young people signed up to this scheme including students at Exmouth College, the Deaf Academy, St Peter's School, Drake's School, Scouts, Guides etc.
Some general information regarding 'YLiS'...........
The benefits for young people include:
• experience the rewards of community service
• becoming involved in their community and with a local Lions Club
• no cost to young people or parents/guardians
• enhancement of their curriculum vitae
The benefits for the Lions Club include:
• experience the rewards of supporting young people
• increase the profile of Lions in the community
• potentially attract more Lions Club members which means we can do more community service
On completion of their hours of service, the young people awarded will receive a certificate, a letter of congratulations from Lions Clubs International (MD105) British Isles, and a Young Leaders in Service pin. There are three levels of award:
Bronze: 25 - 49 hours of service
Silver: 50 - 99 hours of service
Gold: 100 + hours of service
The categories for the projects undertaken by the young people are:
service for the elderly service for children the environment safety training service to parents and family literacy and education disaster relief public health taking a leader's role community improvement helping a Lions Club any other service activity of your choice.
If you want to know more contact YLiS District Officer cmarsh@lions105sw.org.uk
NEW PHOTO COMPETITION SERVICE
Despite covid we have all done some community service this awful year.
Show others what you have achieved!
Send your photos of your club helping in the community Encourage other clubs, having fun, doing good things in your community.
Being LIONS
!
Send entries to: Lion Veronica Whittle
8 Hopcott Terrace, Hopcott Road, Minehead TA24 6DW by February 3, 2021. Winner to be announced at District Convention , 28 March 2025
News from around the District –St Austell Lions
St Austell Lions were out again helping those in need in Ukraine. Combining donations received from their regular monthly collection together with the generous contributions from a local surgery and from Cornwall Hospice Care two vehicles were filled to the brim.
Much needed children's clothes, nappies, and sanitary products were delivered to the Callington depot of Cornwall and Devon sending love to Ukraine together with a substantial supply of medical products.
Lion President Gail Mathers attends the Remembrance Parade at St Austell on Sunday 10th November with our wreath to remember them.
And the real reason he wanted to travel to Birmingham. Claims that he didn’t know that it had a Lego shop are disputed by some
Immediate PDG
James Mathers seen delivering spectacles to MDHQ
105 SW District Environmental Project Competition 2024-2025
Has your club promoted recycling initiatives?
Has your community benefitted from bulb or tree planting?
Has your club been involved with a litter pick or clean-up in the community?
Has your community an area which has benefitted from landscaping by your club? Your Environment needs you!
Get involved and show them that we CAN make a difference and that LIONS CARE!
Each year a trophy is awarded at Convention to the club who had been deemed to have carried out the best Environmental Project within the District.
Simply create a document of your project, preferably with pictures, and say how and why you did it. Explain how this has made a difference to your community.
Send this to: Lion Veronica Whittle, 8 Hopcott Terrace, Hopcott Road, Minehead TA24 6DW to arrive by 31st January 2025
tel: 01643 707277 email: veronca_whittle@hotmail.com
Membership Matters
Membership for everyone
All Lions clubs share a single mission: we serve. Yet, no two Lions are exactly alike. That’s what makes our service so strong. The same can be said of our clubs no two clubs are exactly alike. Lions Clubs International offer a variety of club models and membership types to meet the needs of all those looking to serve our communities.
Here we look at two different membership categories, firstly the 'Affiliate Member' category.
An Affiliate member is someone who is not able to fully participate as an active member of the club but desires to support the club and its community service initiatives and be affiliated with the club.
This may enable some people to join a Lions club who perhaps thought they couldn't because for whatever reason they are unable to attend regular meetings in the evening due to time or location constraints.
Most clubs have 'friends of Lions' who help at certain events and serve their community. Perhaps some could become affiliate members of your club?
It should be noted that an Affiliate Member may be eligible to vote on club matters at meetings where he/she is present in person, but may not represent the club as a delegate at district (single, sub, provisional, and/or multiple) or international conventions. He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district, multiple district or international committee assignment. An Affiliate Member shall be required to pay district, international and such dues as the local club may charge. This membership category shall be included in the club delegate formula calculation.
Some of the benefits of Affiliate membership in Lions Club include:
1. Flexible Involvement - Affiliate members can support their Lions Club without the same commitment levels required of full members. This flexibility allows them to stay connected to the club’s mission and activities even if they have limited time.
2. Access to Service Opportunities - Affiliate members can participate in service projects and community activities when they are available. This offers a way to make a positive impact in the community while balancing other personal or professional responsibilities.
3. Networking and Social Connections - Being part of
Lions Clubs as an affiliate member allows individuals to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about community service.
4. Pathway to Full Membership - If circumstances change affiliate members can transition to full membership.
5. Access to Club Resources and Events - Affiliate members receive updates on club activities, newsletters, and can attend club social events, training sessions, or workshops, which helps them stay informed and engaged with the Lions community.
6. Opportunities for Skill Development - Affiliate
members can still volunteer and take on roles in various projects, allowing them to develop or refine skills in areas such as project management, event planning, and community engagement.
7. Supporting Local and Global Causes - Affiliate members can contribute financially or through volunteer support, knowing they are part of a global organisation making a difference.
8. Enhanced Community Presence - Having affiliate members expands the reach and diversity of the club’s network, which can help raise awareness for Lions Clubs initiatives and attract new supporters who may eventually become full members.
9. Sense of Purpose and Fulfilment - By participating as an affiliate member, individuals can fulfil a desire to give back to their communities without the demands of full membership. This fosters a sense of
The second membership category we are looking at here is, 'Family Membership'.
By making clubs family friendly, you're giving more people an opportunity to be part of the incredible service you're doing. This means that you are able to make a difference while spending time with family members in a way that positively affects them and their community.
Getting families involved in service has never been easier!
Through the Family membership program, Lions who pay full dues can serve with up to four family members who live with them at a 50% discount on international dues for family members. Whether family members include a spouse, chil-
purpose and aligns with Lions Clubs’ motto 'We Serve'. Affiliate membership is a valuable option for individuals seeking to support and engage with Lions Clubs at their own pace, offering both personal and community benefits while advancing Lions’ mission. It should be noted that an Affiliate Member may be eligible to vote on club matters at meetings where he/she is present in person but may not represent the club as a delegate at district (single, sub, provisional, and/or multiple) or international conventions. He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district, multiple district or international committee assignment. An Affiliate Member shall be required to pay district, international and such dues as the local club may charge. This membership category shall be included in the club delegate formula calculation.
dren or extended family members they'll be able to expand your club's impact.
When you bring new members into your club, you have the opportunity to share your experiences and knowledge about what it means to be a Lion. In turn, new members can offer new perspectives on service and fellowship among your members. They can also bring new skills that can help you better manage projects and communications. When experience is combined with new skills and fresh ideas, your entire club and the local community benefits.
Discounted members have all the same rights as an active member paying full dues, but do not count towards their club's delegate entitlement for district, multiple district or international conventions.
News from around the District –Fowey River Lions
A new member
Following our President, Steve Jones letter appealing for people to come and join Fowey River Lions, in local newsletters and on social media, we have been delighted with the interest in expanding our pride. We are grateful to all those who have shown interest and we look forward to them becoming members of Fowey River Lions in due course.
This month we are delighted to welcome Mike Francis to our club. On Saturday 9th November Steve Jones presented him with a Lions badge and a certificate of joining the Lions. We are all looking forward to working with Mike in the future. Mike is our first Affiliate Member and is keen to help us with fundraising
News from around the District—Radstock & Midsomer Norton
Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions got October off to a fun start by organising a quiz in aid of Great Western Air Ambulance at the Westhill Social Club. Lion Richard Munden was accomplished quiz master with his assistant / wife Frances and Lion Margaret Burdon marking the papers. Our President Lyn Haile got a raffle together and arranged for a buffet at half time, which was much appreciated. There was a good turn out and a lot of laughs. Both first and second winning teams donated their cash prizes back to the cause raising £350, which the club topped up to £500. Our thanks go to Terry and Annette who run the social club and are always so generous to help towards a good cause and all who took part.
Later in the Month in conjunction with Somerset Prostrate Support Association the club provided free screening for 240 local men on 26th October at the Methodist Hall in Midsomer Norton. This was made possible thanks to Keith Burchell (deceased) a charter member of our Lions club for the generous legacy that enabled us to put on this event that could potentially save men's lives. Screening is achieved by a simple blood test taken by a trained phlebotomist nurse. Out of the 240 men screened 24 had markers of protein specific antigen (PSA) with advice to follow up with their GP.
faultless, is currently the standard for checking for signs of PC, with the higher the level of PSA, the higher the likelihood of the disease. Currently in excess of 50,000 men are diagnosed with PC each year with more than 10,000 fatalities. As with all diseases, the sooner it is detected the more likelihood of a successful outcome.
The club provided the funding, hired the premises & gave assistance with the smooth running on the day. This is the second time that our Lions club has
With the news of Sir Chris Hoy Olympic cyclist having terminal cancer the event became even more meaningful to support local men. Sir Chris has called for men to be screened in their 40s by the NHS and urged men with a family history of prostrate cancer to see their GP for a blood test even if they are under 50.
The Somerset Prostate Support Association was set up in 2003 as a registered charity by a group of people who had already experienced problems with prostate cancer (PC), with the aim of supporting people who already had the disease or had just been diagnosed. The charity concentrates on holding PSA (prostate specific antigen) testing events where typically, between 150 to 250 men are offered free blood tests. This method although not
funded and supported the SPSA to put on a PSA event locally. SPSA also work with another charity, The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust who provide the online booking facilities, phlebotomists & laboratory testing. Results of the tests are confidential to each man, but we are aware that a number of lives have been saved by early diagnosis. SPSA aim to continue to provide this essential service that in no way seeks to undermine the local GP service but is an addition to it.'
November is all hands-on sleighs as we gear up for another December of taking out the Christmas float with Father Christmas. Our Secretary Derek Livsey has put the Rota out for volunteers, and we will be attending the local towns Christmas light switchon’s. Wreathes for Remembrance Sunday have been laid at the local war memorial sites and the peace posters from the local Fosseway school children will have been judged…it must be time for a mince pie.
Lions Richard Munden ( back) and Rob Jamieson (front )with the phlebotomists
World Diabetes Day
On Thursday 14th November, Budleigh Salterton Lions Club celebrated with an information stand at Tesco’s supermarket in Exmouth. Lions Tom and Colin did a fantastic job setting up the information stand and distributed DiabetesUk leaflets and InDependent Diabetes Trust booklets to increase people's awareness of the need to eat healthily, exercise regularly and improve their understanding of diabetes. Other information available included recipe cards which shoppers could take.
FVDG Lion Richard popped along as well to help for an hour! We also used the event to promote a diabetes self-help support group which will start in January 2025 on a monthly basis at Seachange in Budleigh. More details to follow!
November 14th is the birthday of Frederick Banting who with Charles Best discovered insulin in 1921. This date has become World Diabetes Day. Prior to the discovery of insulin, diabetics led a short life often starving to death. Today, insulin allows diabetics to lead normal lives, but it is important to be aware of a disease which affects 4.4million people in the UK in addition to 1.2million people living with Type 2 diabetes but yet to be diagnosed.
Crediton & District Lions Club also celebrated World Diabetes Day on Thursday 14th November when Ann Whitehouse, Presnt, and Bronwyn Nott, Secretary, spent several hours at Crediton Tesco’s supermarket. They distributed literature provided by Diabetes UK aimed at advising people about their risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes and tips on healthy eating and how to understand food labels and how to make healthy food choices.
Tesco supermarket had provided various foods such as baked beans, granulated sugar, crispbreads, tonic water, jelly in both normal form as well as sugar free or low-calorie versions. People were advised on the amount of ‘hidden’ sugar in everyday foods and how the alternative low-calorie versions helped re-
World Diabetes Day—Tom Miner—District Diabetes Officer
November 14th marked World Diabetes Day and Budleigh Salterton Lions and Crediton Lions celebrated the birthday of Frederick Banting who discovered insulin in 1921. The clubs organised stands distributing diabetes-related material at their local Tesco superstores.
At our latest Strides Walk (around the lower Otter estuary), I mentioned this to a lady who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, yet she knew nothing about World Diabetes Day. She said every day is diabetes day as far as she was concerned. Everyday she has to watch what she eats, everyday she has to inject with insulin.
So, with Christmas, just round the corner, do try and eat healthily, do try and avoid that extra helping, cut down on the sweet stuff and the booze. Then exercise, enjoy a brisk walk, not just for one day but every
day. Yep, boring stuff but everyday 400 more people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million people in the UK have diabetes but are unaware of it. You could be one. Check your risk at https:// riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start.
And spare a thought for those who see everyday as diabetes day and for whom the discovery of insulin has been a lifesaver.
Charities and social media
Trustees should understand how your legal duties are relevant to your charity’s use of social media.
That is the advice of the Charity Commission published in their guidance issued in September last year. Recognising that social media can be a powerful communication tool for charities to raise awareness and to reach a much wider audience, much more quickly, than traditional methods of communication the Charity Commission cautions that it can also introduce risks not least because:
• its fast pace can increase the risk of posting content that is inappropriate or harmful
• content, once posted, can be hard to undo
• professional and personal lives can overlap, and the line can become blurred
However, what may not be so obvious is that if a charity uses social media then the trustees are responsible for:
• agreeing and putting in place a social media policy so that you have internal controls that are ap-
propriate and proportionate for your charity’s needs and which are clear to everyone at the charity using social media
• ensuring your social media policy is regularly reviewed to check it is working effectively and fits your charity’s needs
• ensuring your charity’s social media use helps you achieve your charity’s purpose (what your charity was set up to do) and in a way that is in your charity’s best interests
• complying with relevant laws
• ensuring your processes help you keep people safe online including any extra considerations when dealing with vulnerable users. Read the “Operating online” section of our guidance on safeguarding
There is helpful advice on this subject and access to a checklist on what to consider in developing a social media policy which can be reached by pressing Ctrl and click on the link below
Charities and social media - GOV.UK
News from around the District—Tiverton Lions
For a number of years the Tiverton Lions Club have supported teenagers from the local High Schools to travel to Kenya and Uganda to attain knowledge and adventure. These trips are organised by the schools at a cost of some £3,000 but the student must to raise this sum by themself.
Whilst in Africa they teach English and partake in simple construction projects. Year 2024 saw Herbie travel to Kenya where the attached photos were taken. Clearly he became very popular with both children and adults and on his return to Tiverton he gave a talk to the Club about his adventure and the benefits he has gained.
The band recently performed a concert in Christchurch, Nailsea to help raise funds for the church roof appeal. In front of a full house of 180 people they drew much applause and many compliments for their performance, which enabled a net £690 to be added to the roof fund.
It is encouraging that after the problems caused by the pandemic the band, with the support of Lions Clubs in District 105SW, is now once again able to perform concerts, with the benefit that brings both for the band and its individual members and also the valuable publicity it provides for Lionism and the support we give to youth projects.
LIONS BRASS 4 YOUTH—Graham Marshall
Environmental Initiatives in 105SW
I am pleased to confirm that, at the last Cabinet Meeting, the District approved funding to pay for the cost of an Environmental Banner for use as part of a pilot scheme in 105SW. The banner, for use at Lions Events, will provide a clear message about LCI’s commitment to environmental action by featuring the following:
1. A main heading such as "Protecting our Environment Together;"
2. A large image of Lions doing a 'clean-up' and/ or planting trees;
3. A brief list of LCI environmental initiatives; and,
4. The provision of a QR code linked to a LCI Environment Website Pages which (1) Provides information about how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint; (2) Offers several educational resources about environmental issues, and (3) Provides information about joining a local Lions Club.
Instigating awareness that climate change is happening now, and inviting individuals to adopt actions that can redress its worst effects, are fundamental elements in Lions Environmental Commitments so (1) Use of Energy; (2) What we Eat; (3) What we Wear; (4) How you look after our Gardens; (5) The Household Items we use; and, (5) The way we travel will all be addressed on the Website.
With the use of a QR code we will start to improve our use of social media and avoid printing leaflets –thank you Lion Marcus Chaplin for your useful article about using QR codes in the last issue of the Southwest Post.
Of course, the geography of SW105 makes one banner inadequate so if the initiative attracts enough interest then I will apply for a District and Club Community Impact Grant to cover the cost of additional banners.
Lions Club of Sylhet City District 315-B1 in Bangladesh
On Dr.Patti Hill’s Facebook Site for the Lions Clubs Internation Foundation https:// www.facebook.com/groups/lions4patti/ I read a message posted by our fellow Lions in the Sylhet City District Club in Bangladesh:
“Standing Proudly with Lions Clubs: Champions of Our Planet at Lions Clubs, we're driven by a shared commitment to safeguarding the environment. By supporting and advocating for environmental causes, we strive to leave a flourishing planet for generations to come. Join us in our journey to make a lasting impact through conservation, awareness, and sustainable actions. Together, we roar for a brighter, greener future!”
Few countries on Earth so exemplify the deep inequity of the climate crisis as Bangladesh, despite producing only 0.56% of the global emissions changing our climate, Bangladesh ranks seventh on the list of countries most vulnerable to climate devastation. Rising seas, floods, and intensifying cyclones are just a few of the impacts that make Bangladesh one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change.
Lions Clubs are part of a Global Fellowship, not just local community associations, thus part of our mission is to support the 11,000 Lion Members and 3,000 Leos in Bangladesh by taking our own actions for sustainability.
Lion Alan Sanderson MJF
Environmental Co-ordinator 105SW and Environmental Lead MD105
News from around the District—Blackmore Vale Lions
A while ago we posted a report about a gift to Stalbridge Primary School to support the construction of their outdoor Music Centre. Here is a follow up.
Way back in the summer “The Songbirds a Stalbridge Based Singing Group entertained the Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC) and our Guests at our Charter Lunch. “The Songbirds” generously donated their fee to Stalbridge Church of England Primary School Outdoor Music Area, a cause BVLC have also supported for some time.
The two organizations thought it would be a nice idea for the LIONS to present a cheque for the fees to “The Songbirds” and they could immediately pass it on to the school to celebrate the opening of the Music Area. Thus, we all met up in November at the School to hand over the cheque and hear and see classes 4 and 5 perform and sing a short musical piece
Not long before this presentation during the Paralympics BVLC members were glued to their TV sets. Why? Because Hannah Moore recently of Stalbridge now of Wincanton was competing in the Women’s Triathlon. Hannah was leading until the very endGold Medal in sight but on the very last stretch she ran out of steam and was overhauled by two other competitors and took bronze position 150m behind Gold. Why was this of interest to BVLC members? Well back in 2016 Hannah had her lower leg amputated and asked BVLC is they could fund the purchase of a racing triathlon wheelchair. Some images are attached. We hope to do an interview with Hannah when she recovers from her very busy season.
It was an activity to fund someone at the other end of the Youth Spectrum from our young musicians and we are pleased as punch with the results of both donations.
LIONS President Peter Oswick (On R with arm in sling) Presents the cheque to Becky Peckover-Mitchell from the Songbirds who hands it via LIONS Julie Otter and Bill Brown to Head Teacher Mr Simon Elledge (On L) who stands behind the pre-school class who also raised money for the centre
Years 4 and 5 Accompanied by Sam Hurst on guitar sing
Footnote At the time LION Ray Hall worked for the firm that provided the bearings. The quality of which is key to sporting wheelchairs.
Hannah inspects and tries out her wheelchair back in 2016
News from across the District—Tavistock Lions Club
November was a relatively quiet month for Tavistock Lions with only two events for the Club. The first was its annual firework display when an estimated 1,500 people attended the event at Tavistock Community Football Club. The Club have been staging its fireworks display for around thirty plus years but sixteen years ago it decided to leave the pyrotechnics and all the risks involved to a professional company namely Two Tigers Fireworks and Richard Cranmer and his team have been providing the display since 2009. With an outlay for the event of around £6,500, it is a risk as its success is very weather dependant but fortunately it was a dry evening and with the proceeds from a very busy BBQ, it resulted in a profit of around £4,000! This year's display was probably the best yet with spectators describing it as fantastic, phenomenal and brilliant!
a mark of their appreciation, Club President Alan Wroath was presented at the beginning of service with a Certificate of Appreciation by Chris Smeardon, the chairman of the RBL.
The other event with which the Club was involved was the annual Remem-
aged the road closures around town centre war memorial ensuring the safety of those attending and traffic free silence for the two minutes at 11am. The Club have carried out this task for several years now for the local branch of the Royal British Legion and as
But it wasn't all play, as a few Club members plus partners had a social visit the Tamar Bridge Visitor Centre and the bridge itself followed by lunch at the Hook and Line fish restaurant in the Royal William Yard.
The Club is now gearing up for a very busy December with its Trees Of Light on the front of the Town Hall, its BBQ on Dickensian Evening, accompanying Santa to local schools delivering Christmas presents and its Christmas postal service where members will deliver
The Two Tigers Fireworks Team
ARE YOU COMING TO NATIONAL HQ IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS – OR IF NOT COULD YOU HELP ANYWAY?
At Lions Clubs HQ we have had an urgent request for men’s and ladies winter gloves and hats and socks. This cold snap has taken its toll on the Ukrainian refugees that we support locally via HQ – if you have anything lying around that you could send or deliver such as gloves - hats or socks-particularly if you are coming in for meetings or delivering spectacles this side of Christmas, then we would be really grateful.
We have just delivered to them 5 bags of fleeces donated to us but they are in need of the items mentioned.
