Multiple District Convention was held in glorious sunshine from the 9th to the 11th May at Llandudno this year. With redistricting a few years ago we now measure our anniversary in single figures, but our MD has just celebrated its 75th birthday.
As expected there was a packed schedule at the Saturday business meeting but the three resolutions were all carried without debate but perhaps no surprise that the resolution that there would be no increase in MD dues passed unanimously!
called up to front only to be presented with the International
On his last lap
Many of us will recognise the expression “graveyard slot” as relating to the misfortune to be stuck with the slot immediately after lunch. Well IPIP Brian Sheehan was allocated just that but unlike the rest of us he must have rocket fuel flowing through his veins because there was no one in the hall who wanted to miss a moment of his spectacular performance which livened up the spirit of convention.
Later in the afternoon there was a surprise in store for Lion Tony Buchan of Frome Lions Club. He was standing down from his role as MD Physical and Learning Disabilities Officer which he has held for some years. Tony was
The Gala Dinner that evening went down well with a good quality meal but with the usual delay of seeing food on the table because SW is alphabetically at the end and consequently allocated the last tables to be served.
Another early start on Sunday where the highlight was the parade of District Governors and the team for next year.
Getting ready for the off
despite the contingent from SW being rather modest. Next year it is back to Newcastle upon Tyne.
Deadline for July issue will be Wednesday 25th June 2025
In our February meeting we were joined by Katrina a local girl guide and her mother. The pair shared their inspiring journey of fundraising for Katrina’s upcoming trip across Europe with the guides. Their commitment and effort truly paid off, as they had nearly reached their fundraising goal. The Lions were excited to help with this final step by making a £500 donation.
Weston-Super-Mare Lions Club
Earlier in the year the Mayor of Weston and Lion President Grant had the pleasure of presenting numerous donations to the charities who helped raise money last year at the Carnival. Without their support and the contributions from the general public, Weston Carnival would not have been able to run this year. Their tireless efforts and dedication to the community have ensured that this beloved event continues to bring joy and excitement to residents and visitors alike
At our March business meeting, it was a privilege for Lion President Grant to present Lion Kyle with a certificate for 10 years of service.
After weeks of preparation, the Mud Master was held on Sunday, 27th April at Puxton Park. The day welcomed teams, individuals and clubs to complete a 5k, 10k or 20k course with challenging obstacles throughout the circuit. The Lions and many other volunteers and charities all came together to marshal the event, supporting the runners and cheering them on. The money raised from this muddy weekend goes directly to nominated charities. This year’s main beneficiaries were Great Western Air Ambulance and Uncle Paul’s Chili Farm
Weston-Super-Mare Lions Club
Over the May bank holiday weekend, we held the Visually Impaired Bowls Tournament. The annual event was held at Clarence Park with the Mayor conducting our opening ceremony. We were spoilt by the amazing weather throughout the weekend. The tournament was concluded with the presentation of trophies and medals to the winning competitors.
Message in a Bottle
Some of our volunteers have been busy inspecting, preparing and labelling nearly 400 bottles. They have now been distributed to local pharmacies and doctor surgeries.
Torpoint & Rame Peninsula Lions
The Torpoint and Rame Peninsula Lions took part in the Black Prince event in Millbrook, Kingsand and Cawsand on Monday 4 May. They had a tombola at Venton House. They also collected with their buckets in Millbrook, Kingsand and Cawsand. All money raised will go towards local charities and the Lions would like to thank the Black Prince Committee for allowing them to participate in this event along with the public for their kind generosity.
Torpoint & Rame Peninsula Lions Club were delighted to be joined by 1st Vice District Governor Lion
Phil Bunt at their meeting last Tuesday.
Lion Phil Bunt was introduced by President Lion Steve Murray and addressed the meeting, speaking about the new cameras that will shortly be received by the District as part of Lions Eye Health program. Lions eye health programmes utilise vision screening cameras to detect potential vision problems in children and other populations. These cameras are used by Lions members who receive specialised training. The screenings can identify issues like the need for glasses, strabismus, and other eye conditions. The goal is to encourage early intervention and prevent further vision loss.
St Austell Lions Club
A Team of St Austell Lions were out to pick up the litter on a section of the busy A390 on Sunday 18th May. Lion President Gail Mathers (pictured left) said “We are proud to work with our local PL24
Community Association to keep our streets litter free as part of looking after our environment. [Pictured Lion President Gail; IPDG James and Lion Barbara Trenerry]
Blackmore Vale LionsClub
In what we think was a first for both organizations the Songbirds, a ladies choir from the Blackmore Vale, facilitated by Blackmore Vale Lion Club (BVLC) delivered a wonderful concert in Henstridge Church on Sat 10 May in aid of Future Roots. With singing from across several genres of music involving audience participation the concert lasted 2 hours and more and included an intermission for refreshments and a welcome chat amongst old friends and those in-
Future Roots, the educational charity is based at
continue doing so.
The President of BVLC praised Future Roots for their work in helping these youngsters giving them a foundation to put roots into, develop from this and flourish. He also thanked the audience for their generous support, the BVLC Organization Team (Peter Oswick, Bill Brown, Ian Simpson Julie Otter and John Chater ably assisted by Jean Oswick and Margaret Simpson) for laying it on, the Church for hosting the event but most of all the singing groups, The Songbirds, The Raucous Chorus and the Youth Choir under the energetic and enthusiastic leadership of Becky PeckoverMitchell.
The Choir flooding the church and mingling with the
Holnest, Nr Sherborne. Julie Plumley Future Roots’ CEO gave a short talk about the charity and its concept explaining it was all about helping youngsters who had struggled with the education system and holding a place in society. The youngsters learn and develop in an agricultural environment but also have to do conventional school type learning. They gain academic and other qualification to help with employment, life skills and most important of all life skills. The tutors and helpers, often retired farmers and agricultural workers, encourage and assist. They do not judge just help. BVLC have supported Future Roots in the past and hope to
audience in a rousing finale was an experience for all. A wonderful evening enjoyed by all.
Lions Brass 4 Youth
Following their very enjoyable and successful contribution to our District Convention at Croyde Bay, Lions Brass 4 Youth are now preparing for their annual Prize-giving Concert, details of which are shown below.
As ever all Lions, their partners and friends are warmly invited to join the band for this event which showcases the achievements of the players at their various levels and the real benefit of the support which the clubs in District 105SW provide. It does help with catering and other arrangements if tickets are purchased in advance, but you will also be very welcome if you wish to pay on the door.
The Band Manager and her team thank all the clubs who have made financial contributions this year and, as our year-end approaches, if any club still wishes to send a donation this can be done via the District Treasurer, in the usual way.
Weymouth Lions Club
Weymouth & Portland Lions Club Hosts Successful Charter Dinner at Weymouth Golf Club
Weymouth, 3rd May 2025 – Members of the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club gathered for their annual Charter Dinner at the picturesque Weymouth Golf Club, celebrating their commitment to community service and fellowship. The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Weymouth Town, Councillor John Orrel, 1st Vice District Governor Elect Lion Phil Bunt and his wife Lion Jill, as well as the President of Weymouth Rotary, Sasha Fancy. Past District Governors Lesley and Fred Broome travelled from Crewkerne to join in the festivities, adding to the evening’s camaraderie.
years owing to several changes of date, the atmosphere remained warm and enjoyable, filled with laughter and meaningful conversations among members and guests alike.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a £500 cheque to Mayor Orrel, raised through bucket collections during the annual Fireworks display. This generous contribution is designated for the Lantern Project, a vital local organization dedicated to assisting homeless individuals with advice on benefits, housing, and providing hot meals.
The Weymouth & Portland Lions Club remains committed to serving the community and looks forward to continuing their charitable efforts in the coming year.
Weymouth Town Council Expo Brings Together Community Organisations
Weymouth, 17th May The annual Weymouth Town Council Expo took place on the beautiful Weymouth Esplanade, showcasing a vibrant array of local charities and voluntary organisations. The weather was warm and sunny, with a gentle breeze that added to the pleasant atmosphere of the day.
President Ryan Hope expressed gratitude for the support of the attendees, particularly thanking Lion Phil Bunt and his wife Jill for their presence. As a token of appreciation, he presented them with a club bannerette, symbolising the strong bonds of service and friendship within the Lions community.
Weymouth & Portland Lions Club was proud to participate alongside over fifty other organizations, engaging with the community and fostering connections. The Expo provided an excellent opportunity for charities to network, share their missions, and con-
nect with local residents.
Weymouth Lions Club
Attendees enjoyed a day filled with informative discussions, learning about the valuable work being done across the region. The event highlighted the importance of community involvement and the vital role that local organisations play in enhancing the quality of life in Weymouth and Portland.
"We're thrilled to be here today, connecting with fellow charities and the community," said Club President Lion Ryan Hope. "Events like these are crucial for raising awareness about our causes and encouraging community support."
The Expo was a resounding success, demonstrating the strength and spirit of the Weymouth and Portland community. Thank you to everyone who participated and attended!
Weymouth & Portland Lions Club Supports Competitor at Jurassic Ultra Challenge
of former Weymouth & Portland Lion Peter Crane, was competing to raise awareness and funds for this important cause. The Lions Club had previously contributed £100 to Matthew’s fundraising efforts, demonstrating their commitment to supporting local initiatives and charitable causes. Additionally, a £20 donation was made by Lesley and Fred Broome at
Weymouth, 17th May 2025 – Following a successful day at the Weymouth Community Expo, members of the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club, including Lions Ryan Hope, Trevor Stratton, John Davis, and Kevin the Lion, made their way to the finishing line of the 100kms Jurassic Ultra Challenge. There, they had the opportunity to meet and support one of the competitors, Matthew Roberts, who was running in aid of The Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) in memory of his sister, Rebecca Roberts.
Matthew, a dedicated participant and the son in law
During a brief water and food stop, the Lions took the opportunity
to present their donation to Matthew, showing their encouragement and solidarity as he pushed through the challenging course. The event not only highlighted the spirit of community and charity but also the dedication of individuals like Matthew, who strive to make a difference in the lives of others affected by multiple sclerosis.
the Club s recent Charter Dinner, further supporting Matthew’s endeavour.
Truro Lions Club
In the early part of March Truro Lions Club started their 2025 Giant Easter Egg campaign in the Pannier Market plus 20 locations (mainly Pubs) in Truro and surrounding areas plus two Easter Store Collections at Tesco.
This year we chose St.Petrocs as the main recipient of the funds raised and an amount for other local good causes
We are proud to announce that after concluding the draws at the Easter Weekend, we have raised an excellent total of £2,395 which is for all the Easter Egg locations and the two Tesco Collections.
the public of Truro and surrounding areas, especially in these continuing difficult times. We are extremely grateful to all who entered the draws and gave cash at Tesco.
We would like to express our appreciation to the management teams of the Pannier Market and Joe at E Cigs R Us , who allowed us to locate there and sell our lines, and to all the Patrons of the other 20 locations who actively promoted our Giant Eggs with their customers. Also, many thanks to Tesco allowing us to do two Store Collections.
Frome Lions Club
Following their successful Charity Sporting Dinner held in February which raised the magnificent sum £26,000 for the Dorset & Somerset Air ambulance, Frome Lions were invited to a personal visit at Henstridge airfield to meet the Staff and crew and see close up for themselves the helicopter and the vital equipment it carries.
The Air Ambulance provides life-saving critical care and rapid transfers for the most seriously ill and injured people across the region. The expert teams of consultant level doctors and specialist practitioners deliver hospital-level treatment, directly at the scene of an incident. They are tasked by a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medica Service (HEMS) desk in the ambulance service control centre to the most serious patients in the region.
For patients experiencing catastrophic blood loss, the crews carry and administer blood products at scene and en-route to hospital. This can be the
Frome Lions Club
difference between life and death, stabilising patients and giving them a fighting chance of survival.
During the visit, the Helicopter received a call for help and the Lions saw at close range it taking off on its mission. Shortly afterwards as the Lions were leaving it was stood down and returned to base. Earlier during the visit, the Pilot had said that the policy was always for the air ambulance to launch as soon as possible after getting a call and if circumstances changed then they would abort the flight.
Camborne & Redruth Lions Club
Each year, in February, Camborne/Redruth Lions Club organise a Darts Marathon in aid of a local charity chosen by the club. Participating teams are asked to go around the dart board on the doubles as many times as they can in 2 hours. The result is a frantic, noisy, very competitive frenzy of
ship from their supporters/ home base/ pub/ social club in aid of the chosen charity. This year the
chosen charity was the Chestnut Appeal which enables support for Prostate Cancer patients in the local area.
The result of this activity was a magnificent £3000 donation to the Chestnut Appeal which was presented in late April. The teams achieving the most doubles and raising the most sponsorship are presented with new dartboards and suitable trophies to remember the fun of participation.
President Deb Reeve presenting the cheque to Chestnut Appeal
President Deb With Darts league organiser Sue Shepherd
Diabetes
I thought I would spare you all from a recipe this month. But if any Lion has attempted one of the previous recipes, your thoughts would be welcome.
The 26th May to 1st June is Type 2: Diabetes Prevention Week, and 9th June to 14th June is Diabetes Awareness Week. If you think you are at risk, and these are only a few of the issues that increase the risk, then you need to seek medical advice.
Tom Miner District Diabetes Officer
Deadline for July issue will be Wednesday 25th June 2025
Bunty’s Story
After starting my training with Newquay Road Runners last October, and managing to get up to training runs of around 22 miles, when the big day came I found the heat managed to slow me down a lot in the second half of the race but the massive crowds and shouts of ‘Come on BUNTY’ kept me going! I ended up getting a ‘Good for Age’
time of 4 hours 48 minutes in the '70 to 75 year olds category’ which means I am entitled to apply for a place for the 2026 event when the ‘good for age 'entries open in October.
I ran the marathon with a charity place for Brain Tumour Research and through Just Giving donations that went direct to the charity, I raised £4,470 which exceeded my target of £3,500 I needed to raise to justify my place. However, through other activities I also raised a further £665 that has been paid into our Lions account to go towards the Lions Brain Tumour Research Appeal making a grand total (so far) of £5,135 for this important charity. A massive ’Thank You’ to everyone who supported me.
One of the best parts of the event by far was when I heard someone shout to me after I’d passed the 16 mile point and looked over to see, not only our youngest son from Dubai, but my other two sons and one daughter law, all of whom had conspired with my cunning wife, Lion Jill, to make the trip to the capital to support me. Absolutely brilliant. Thanks Jill.
First Vice District Governor Elect, Phil Bunt, was a high ranked Police Officer before he retired and as he says
“As part of our Membership Matters monthly meetings I was tasked to identify ways of getting the Lions message out there to the retired and soon to be retired police community. Having had little interest from the local force, I asked NARPO if they may be able to help and they suggested I write an 800 word article that could go into the May edition of NARPO News as one of their 'Life after the Job' features. So I sent them some photos and words and this is how it's appeared in this month's magazine - I think they have done a great job in raising the profile of Lions so maybe, if you retired from an organisation that has regular contact with its retired members, you could ask if they would consider doing something similar.”
Unfortunately, for copyright reasons, the Editor (who is also the MD Compliance Officer) decided that it would be unwise to reproduce the article that was published but endorses the sentiment that Lion Phil has indicated above.
City of Wells Lions
The Lawrence Centre provides day care for the elderly of Wells. In recognition of that Wells Lions made a presentation of £200 to them. Photo attached. Names from left to right Eve Loring, Mary Ellis, Ann Ray Steve Abbot, Tracey Sage (Peter Douglas), Maggie Charlesworth.
We are now looking for entries to the Wells Moat Boat races on August bank holiday Monday! It’s only £26 per team of up to 6! This is our biggest event of the year, raising money for local charities! We are also appealing for manpower to help run the event, as we are quite a small club now!
Strawberry Lion Charity Walk 2025
The Strawberry Line is a cycle/walking track on the old railway line from Cheddar to Yatton (lots of strawberries sent from Cheddar to London in the day!).
We had a lovely day on the Strawberry Line yesterday, over 70 walkers took part. It was good to see old friends like Yatton WI, Yatton Girlguiding and 1st Yatton Brownies. Our designated Beneficiary North Somerset People First fielded a strong team and we were delighted to welcome the team from Cleeve Tennis Club for the first time, also a team from Yatton Rugby Club. So good to have such support from our local organisations.
Yeo Valley Lions
Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2025
Together As One’
There is still time to contact your local schools and youth groups to encourage them to take part in the 2025-26 Peace Poster Contest.
Peace Poster Kits are available from MDHQ (until October)
(£14 each + pp)
Lions Clubs International – British Isles
Tavistock Lions Club
On Thursday 8th May, the centre of Tavistock was awash with red, white and blue flags and bunting when the town celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day. There was musical entertainment from local groups and school choirs and a display of vintage vehicles.
At the request of Tavistock Town Council and BID Tavistock, the Lions Club ran the BBQ and a wine and beer tent with three barrels of Jail Ale kindly donated by Dartmoor Brewery. After a slow start in the morning, there was a brisk trade after lunch and into the early evening and the Club was delighted to have made
The photos show the BBQ team, Lion Angela Hill serving some young cadets and Lions Paul Rimmer and Sue Uglow enjoying the fruits of their
For several years now, the Club has been responsible for the maintenance of a long traffic island on the road to Plymouth just on the outskirts of the town. On a monthly basis, a team of three Lions rise early on a Sunday morning to trim, weed and sweep the island so as to keep it looking clean and tidy. This month it was the turn of Lion President Alan Wroath and Lions John Dawson and Steve Grummitt and the photo show Alan and John at the end of the tidy up. A job well done!
Ilminster Lions Club
We are very pleased to introduce Lion-L, who is our new mascot. Lion-L is very much looking forward to meeting members of the public at our events and helping with our wellbeing projects, particularly Lions International Sight Projects, he said that his great, great, great uncle Clarence would be proud of his in-
happens when the dogs are about 2 years old. Once a match is identified the selected handler goes to the training centre for the day to be assessed with the dog. If all goes well, the dog and handler continue training together. Once a dog reaches 7 years of age an extra eye is kept on them to ensure that they are still OK to work. Dogs do not work beyond the age of 11.
L wasted no time in getting on with his duties, in no time at all he welcomed Ruth, Gary, and Truffle, from Canine Partners to the monthly meeting.
The average cost of training a dog is £30K. Lion Presy the variety of help service dogs can provide, hearing about them was so interesting and it is such a worthwhile
cause she was delighted to be able to present Canine Partners UK with a cheque.
FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE
Gary and Ruth advised the Lions of the amazing support that the dogs give to their handlers which can include getting the washing out of the washing machine; helping their owners get their socks on; and picking products off low shelves in supermarkets. They also provide psychological and social benefits, including increased confidence, social interaction, and self-esteem.
The dogs usually enter advanced training at about 18 months old. During this time, the trainers keep a watchful eye on them to see who (on the waiting list) they think would be a good match. The matching
Lions love to fundraise and rise to a challenge. This month we had the unusual opportunity to do some compost moving in order to raise some funds. Well done to Lindsey and Mike (the only Lions available on that day!) who moved two and a quarter dumpy bags of compost mix from the front of a house to the rear garden to form 4 newly constructed raised beds. As well as raising funds for the club they were rewarded with freshly cooked ginger cake and banana and wal-
Ilminster Lions Club
SOCIALS
Our socials this month involved a little exercise in addition to the usual eating!
With grateful thanks to Jane and Alan, we had a lovely bluebell walk in Wayford Woods, followed by a delightful cream tea. Mike was a little camera shy whilst doing the manual work above, but not so on the swing! We also spent a bit of time catching up and enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Barleymow. There is no photographic evidence, but be assured we did!
FINAL FAREWELL
We said goodbye to long standing Lion Helen, who we sadly lost a couple of months ago. Helen had supported the club in many ways, including being secretary. Her passing came as somewhat of a shock, but many happy times had been spent which we all enjoyed recapping at the afternoon tea arranged by her family. Our thanks go to her family for allowing us to reflect and for their generous donation.
Budleigh Salterton Lions Club
Budleigh Gala Week 2025 is here
The annual Gala Week has begun, bringing a week of fun, educational and rewarding activities and This year, there’s Budleigh Salterton Lions Clubs’ biggest ever programme of events with many local charities involved.
A tremendous amount of work has gone into organising Gala Week and big thanks goes to the Service Chairman Lion Gavin March and all the Lions Club Team.
On offer from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June are everything from pebble building competitions to dog shoes, organised walks and art exhibitions. Following the success of last year, people can take advantage of the Lions Diabetes checks.
There’ll be full coverage of all the activities in next month’s SW news. Why not be a part of it and join in the fun if you’re passing Budleigh over the next few days?
Budleigh Salterton Lions Club
Striding out for diabetes
As part of Lions Clubs Internationals’ global Strides initiative, Budleigh Salterton Lions Club regularly organises soclal walks in the area to help raise awareness of diabetes, reduce its prevalence and improve the lives of those living with the condition.
May was no exception, with Strides giving over 15 walkers the chance to get their steps up with the Lions. The walks welcome people living with or without diabetes and is a friendly way to discover the beautiful walks and wildlife-spotting opportunities on offer in and around the Otter estuary.
"We started Strides and its monthly walks around the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve to encourage people to exercise," says organiser, Thomas Miner. "Walking reduces blood glucose levels, which can help manage Type 2 diabetes."
Local school helps Lions turn tide on littering
This month, Budleigh Salterton Lions Club members joined Cedar Class from St Peter's School Budleigh Salterton for their annual beach clean at Budleigh Beach.
Together, they explored the beach and showed the children areas where pebbles have cracked from the intense heat from beach fires. The class did a fantastic job collecting polystyrene fragments, old fishing gear, and other plastic waste - playing their part in protecting our beautiful coastline.
Supporting the environment and empowering young people are both global causes championed by Lions Clubs International and May’s clean-up was a perfect blend of both.
Lions on air in Devon
Budleigh Lions next President Gavin March took to the airwaves in May on DevonAir Radio (with a bit of help from Lion Tony Alton) thanks to a kind invite from DJ Howard James to tell the listeners of Devon all about Budleigh Salterton Lions - and the forthcoming Gala Week. You can listen again to Gavin's poptastic performance with Howard on Sunday Evening Chat here.
Deadline for July issue will be Wednesday 25th June 2025
