RADSTOCK and MIDSOMER NORTON LIONS CLUB
		in Lions District 105W of Multiple Lions District 105 - British Isles and Ireland
		Radstock is in South West England HOME

Club NEWS

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• 19th April 2008: BLOG Concert.
  Bath Light Operatic Group (BLOG) comprising 40 artistes, both male and female, entertained a near capcity audience at the High Street Methodist Church, Midsomer Norton.  BLOG were led with great authority by Musical Director, Matthew Finch, their pianist, and aided by Master of Ceremonies, David tucker, who described the programme items in detail.  The show featured soloist from within the group, duets and full choral items.  The curtain came down with 42nd Street, Lullaby of Broadway and an unusual rendering of No Business like Showbusiness.  Thanks were given by Lion President Alan, Lion Barry for organising the show, Russell for the organ introduction, St John Ambulance and programme sponsors for their help and contributions.

• 7th April 2008: Skittles v Rotary, 2nd leg.
  We started the second leg of this match with a 7 point deficit, but by the end of the evening we had changed this to a win.  A most enjoyable, closely fought match which could have gone either way.  In the end, Rotary lost by a narrow margin and are now the custodian of the stuffed duck which Lion President Alan was pleased to present to Rotary President Peter.

• 5th April 2008: CLADS presentation.
  Chew Lake Association of Disabled Sailors were given four boat covers costing £750.  These will last at least five years.  Kath Allsop, Chair of the Association outlined the help from volunteers and sponsors that they had received during the last 15 years since their formation.  Kath thanked Lion President Alan and Lion Rob for the donation.  Their current venture is a pontoon costing £20,000, to help in the moveability of the boats, and are looking for sponsors.  For further information on CLADS, click here.

• 1st April 2008: Business Meeting:
  We were pleased to welcome Amy Llewellyn, Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Somerset.  Lion Alan said that he was proud to be a Lion and to have helped with our collecting for this charity for their annual Great Daffodil Appeal.  We had collected £926.34 over a two-day period.
  Amy then told us about Marie Curie, which provides both home nursing and hospice care.  They have 35 nurses in Somerset and help around 400 patients a year.  They also have ten hospices across the UK.  The amount we collected would provide about 50 hours of home nursing.

• 22nd March 2008: Water for Life. Collection for Water Aid
  World Water Day 2008 was celebrated by the UN on Thursday 20th March.
  Over a billion people don't have access to safe water and sanitation which is a basic human right.
  Water Aid's vision is a world when everyone has access to clean water.
  Without these basics, 5000 children die every day and communities are trapped in poverty and disease. 
  Would you like to be without these basics? 
  Click here for more information.
  Lions were braving the cold weather on Easter Saturday to collect for Water Aid.

• 16th  March 2008: Progressive Lunch
  Members enjoyed an interesting afternoon with the Progressive Lunch organised by Carol, Lion Richard's wife. 

• 14th March: Skittles v Rotary
  First leg of this annual match has left the club with a 7 point deficit.  We must do better if we are to relinquish the stuffed duck anti-prize!

• 7th - 9th March 2008: District Convention
  An enjoyable and interesting Convention.  There is an excellent report on the District Website. click here.

• 4th March 2008: Space to grow
  Past President, Lion Barry presented a cheque for £1,130 towards the £4.7Million that Forever Friends are raising for the pioneering Holistic Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.  For more info, click here.

• 20th February 2008: Paulton Scouts
  Paulton Scouts are raising £60,000 to improve their facilities.  They have collected £42,000 so far and the club donated a further £500 towards this appeal.  To make further headway, they are looking for a building and design officer.  If you can help, Mary Barnes (01761 418200) will be very pleased to hear from you.

• Easter Eggs, 2008
  This is the time of the year for Easter Eggs again, and the club has distributed some 50 eggs in the local area.
  We hope the winners, familes and friends will enjoy the chocolate with the proceeds going to local charities.

• Marie Curie Cancer Care
  The club was collecting outside Tesco, Midsomer Norton, for Marie Curie, Cancer Care, a worthy cause which we were delighted to be able to help.
• 13th February: 1st Radstock Scouts
  Over the last couple of years, the Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Beavers of this Group have expanded considerably and are proud owners of a site in Radstock. Scout Group Chairman, Roger Lewis said " we see it as a duty of care to use it to benefit the youth of Radstock".  He thanked the Lions for their generous donation of £500 towards essential maintenance work.
  If you are interested in finding out more about Scouting and Guiding, contact John Mander (412007) or Janet Turner,  the Wansdyke District Commissioner (417374).
• 15th January: Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
  Chris James, area manager, gave us a most interesting illustrated presentation on the Air Ambulance.  
  It costs £3,500 per day, a staggering £1.2 million a year to run. It is run by a registered charity which receives no funding from either the NHS or National Lottery, and is totally dependent upon public support.  
  The helicopter is very versatile and in addition to the pilot and two paramedics can transport a stretchered patient and also a companion.  It is packed with life saving equipment and travelling at up to 180 mph can quickly reach any part of the two counties.  Patients can be delivered directly to hospitals and specialist units in the area.
  More information can be obtained direct from Chris James on 07768 778169 or 01823 351114.

• 10th & 11th January: NICU collection at TESCO 
  Royal United Hospital Bath need space to grow for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  Each year, this unit provides 24 hour care to around 500 premature or desperately ill newborn infants in cramped an noisy surroundings.  The RUH has no alternative development funding and needs help now, not in ten or fifteen years.  Thank you for your help in supporting this worthy cause.

• 11th December: Club Christmas Dinner
  The club enjoyed a festive dinner at Orchardleigh Golf Club, near Frome.

• 9th December: Annual Christmas Concert
  This year the club moved away from the traditional carol service.  We were entertained by Janine Veal's Avon Dance Academy tap dancers and also with magic from Giles Chiplin and his fine assistants.  The packed house enjoyed the entertainment and the collection realised £240 which will be doubled from our funds to provide water re-hydration tablets benefiting the third world.  Lion President Alan was MC for the evening organised by Lion Russell Ford and Heather Hill.  He thanked everyone for their support and help during his term and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

• 1st December: Radco Supermarket Draw
  The annual Supermarket Draw was completed at RADCO, being drawn by General Manager, Non-Food, Mr Nathan Steer.  Top prize, £250, was won by Gilliian Walter of Peasedown St John, with Debra Hudson of Paulton and Barry Rogers of Midsomer Norton winning the runner-up prizes of £25 each. 

•  22nd November: Paulton Army cadets 
  Paulton Platoon, (The Rifles) Somerset Army Cadets have been in existence for 25 years and celebrated their birthday recently.  Under the guidance of Sergeant Major Keith Kennedy, the 15 cadets comprising both boys and girls, are a very active unit, entering competitions and training camps.  August next year, they will be joined by 500 Somerset Cadets at Freminton Devon for inter platoon competitions.  The club presented Paulton Platoon with a cheque for £75 towards the purchase of equipment.

•  21st November:  Timsbury Primary, educational visit 
  Teachers and governors of St Mary's School, Timsbury have made a commitment to developing a creative and flexible curriculum that responds to pupils needs and is directly linked to real life experiences and events.  Educational visits and visitors to the school play a substantial role in bringing the curriculum to life, but these can be expensive.  To support the work of the school, the club has presented the school with a cheque for £205, which will be used to help fund a weeks residential visit to the Isle of Wight for 30 children next June. Accepting the cheque, Head teacher Sue Heal said "We are very grateful that the Lions have kindly agreed to support this residential visit.  Pupils always look forward to this trip and for many children this is their first opportunity to spend a week away from their families. The cost of such ventures puts a significant strain on families with lower incomes and donations from organisations means that no child is excluded for financial reasons."

• 11th November: Remembrance Day
  Lions were represented at services in our area, Timsbury, High Littleton, Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Stratton-on-the-Fosse.

• 7th October: Thanksgiving service 
  The annual thanksgiving service was held at St Mary's Church, Chippenham.  It was well attended and many clubs were represented.  The service was led by the Reverend Bob Kenway, Vicar of Calne and Blackland and an excellent address was delivered by the Reverend Roy Fowler, Minister of the Methodist Church in Calne.  We though he had come to the wrong service when he started talking about buffalos, but went on to link love, service and Lionism in a most thought provoking way.  DG Lion Ron read the Oath of Service, VDG Lion Surrinder read Wesley's exhortation and Lion Byron sang the solo, Panis Angelicus.

• 6th October: Great Western Chorus 
  Another excellent concert.  This Barber shop style choir delivered a wide ranging repertoire, much appreciated by the audience.

• 18th September: Radstock Museum, social visit
  The club enjoyed an informative evening, under the tutelage of Dennis Chedgy at the Museum. We also enjoyed the display of tapestries, currently being staged.

• 25th August: High Littleton Fete
  Excellent weather for this annual event.  Lions Russell, Derek L, Alan and Phil K were raffling Teddies and Lions and flying the flag for Lions.

• 25th August: Duck Race
  The club launched their first Duck Race with some 700 ducks taking part.
  We had good weather for the race and a good current flowing in the stream running along-side the High Street and at 11.00 hours these 700 ducks were released into the river at the back of the White Hart. It didn't take too long before the ducks appeared from under the culvert and at around 11:20 we had the first three ducks home.
  Winning duck No 163, owned by Mr. Horwood, 
  second No. 388, owned by Mr. Purnell, 
  third No. 85, owned by Mr. Kelly.
  Thanks to Lion Dave for organising the event.

• 7th August: Business meeting
  We were pleased to welcome two guests to our meeting.  Chris Banting, fund raiser for CLIC Sargent, and DG Lion Ron Clarke.
  CLIC Sargent had been IPP Lion Dave's charity for his year of office, and he presented Chris with a cheque for £2,532.
  Chris spoke to the club about the work of CLIC.
  DG Lion Ron spoke to the club on various subjects, but especially on the flooding in Gloucester. 
  He exchanged banners with Lion President Alan.

• 4th August: Duck race sales
  Prior to the first of many duck races we hope, members were in Midsomer Norton High Street, pre-selling ducks.  Dcuks are selling at £1 each, and the first prize will be £50, with £30 and £20 for second and third places.  Ducks start from the White Hart, and will race to the finishing line across the Somer, somewhere between the Library and Martins Newsagents.  The duck race is being organised by Immediate Past President, Dave.  Proceeds to the Gloucester Flood Relief Fund and RNLI. 

• 2nd August: Youth Exchange Farewell
  All good things come to an end!  
  Bath Lions hosted the farewell to our Youth Exchange Guests.
  Radstock and Midsomer Norton club hosted two guests, Martha from Mexico and Silja from Finland.  Mathilde (Denmark), Elvio (Italy), Levente (Hungary), Sophie (Austria) and Magnar (Norway) were hosted by other clubs in zone J.
  These young people then went to the Youth Camp at the University of Kent in Canterbury, organised by lions of MD105SE.

• 25th July: 
  It is with deep sadness that we announce that Lion Geoff Ridout, a charter member of the club, has passed to higher service.  In his years of service with the club, Lion Geoff was twice President.  He was instrumental in the the club twinning with Chateau Gontier.  His contribution to the club was recognised when he was made a  Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award in Lionisim.
  His passing is a great loss to the club and our deepest sympathy is extended to Blue, his wife for 10 days short of 50 years.

• 14th July: District Handover
  Lion President Alan, and Secretary and Zone Chairman, Derek, had a jolly good time at the Handover in Coleford, Forest of Dean.

• 14th July: Hallatrow NSPCC Fete
  We were in attendance with out Lions and Teddies.

• 8th July: Senior Citizens Garden Party
  Strawberry Jam, Clotted Cream, Fresh Scones, Tea and Coffee, 28 Musicians and Lions Ladies were the ingredients for our annual Garden Party. On a dry day in the beautiful garden of Sheila and Chris Jones, a very enjoyable afternoon was given to 80 enthusiastic seniors. Under the direction of Stewart Lewins, the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Silver Band played to a very high standard, a selection of popular music which everyone enjoyed. 
  The Lions Ladies once again, we don't say for how many years, provided the refreshments. 
  St John Ambulance were present, though thankfully, their expertise was not required.
  New President Alan Denham, thanked everyone for their attendance and especially thanked retiring Welfare Chairman, Lion Geoff Moore for his organisation of the event.
  Chris Jones was presented with a cheque for £250 towards the Jumbulance.  This is a local charity that runs an annual coach trip for the elderly and infirm to the shrine at Lourdes in France.
  Next years Garden Party on 6th July will be organised by the incoming Welfare Chairman, Lion Terry Porter.

• 22nd June: Handover
  A good evening and a good meal at Camely Lodge.  Outgoing president Dave Ingram thanked all those who helped to make his year so successful.  He passed the chain of office to Lion Alan, who introduced his committee members for the forthcoming year.  Lion Alan said he had been congratulated by BaNES for the re-cycling that the club had managed this year.  It is Lion Alan's fourth term as President.
  Lion Alan badged up Mrs. Bernice O'Neill who had been elected an Honorary Lion at our last business meeting.  This means that Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions is now a mixed club!

• 5th June: Business meeting
  We were pleased to welcome John Commons into the fellowship of Lions.
  John was sponsored by Lion Robert Briggs.
  The induction ceremony included the Lions Code of Ethics, read by Lion Russell, and the Purposes, read by Membership Chairman, Lion Alan.

• 4th June: Seniors Golf Day
  68 Golfers from as far as Minehead to the Cotswolds took part in out annual charity golf tournament.  Playing for the Cameron Wood Trophy, C Standon and M Ashwin won the event with R Wright and C Robinson runners-up.  The putting competition was won by R Thain.  Enjoying fine weather, the event was organised by Lion Geoff Moore, raising approximately £2,000 for this year's charity, CLICK Sargent (Cancer and Leukaemia in Children).
  Grateful thanks are extended to Club president Dave Ingram, was assisted by Chris Banting, CLIC, in presenting the awards.  CLIC helps children affected by  cancer. 
  Grateful thanks are expressed to the Farrington Golf Club for again hosting this event and to the golfers for supporting the tournament, to the companies and individuals for their hole sponsorship and to fellow Lions for their help in running the event.

• 2nd June: "Can" collection at Tesco
  A number of Lions were to be seen outside Tesco on the Saturday, collecting for our Charity Funds.  Many thanks to the Public who contributed to our funds.

• 17th - 20th May: Chateau Gontier Lions Twinning visit.
  8 Lions from our twin club, Chateau Goniter, together with their wives and children, making a party of 22 in total, visited us for 3 days, arriving late Thursday.  We met at the Fosseway, then, after a short rest, visited the Poachers Pocket for skittles and supper.  An early start on Friday for an open top tour of Bath followed by a visit to the Roman Baths.  The traditional formal dinner was held in the evening at Cameley Lodge and was enjoyed by all.  Gifts were exchanged between President Dave Ingram and President Philippe Gohier.  Thank you to Paula and John for a wonderful dinner.  Saturday, we visited Longleat with a picnic being held in the grounds, dodging the showers!  A visit to Longleat would not be complete without a tour of the Safari Park.  Saturday evening saw a Beetle Drive which our guests entered into with enthusiasm.  Our guests departed Sunday morning, and we are looking forward to a return visit next year.

• 16th May: CONNECTIONS
  We contributed £750 towards the purchase of specially adapted bicycles.  
  North East Somerset Day Services Manager Debbie Patten, and the physiotherapy team arranged a cycle day supported by Wise Wheels who supply bicycles which have been adapted for disabled people.  In April, the team decided to start a campaign with the intention of raising £6,000.  Clients, staff, families and friends took part in a sponsored ride using the adapted cycles.  Debbie said that the project had really caught everybody's imagination and the target has been more than achieved, in fact it has been doubled.  Together with donations from the Hartfield Trust, and a generous £5,000 from Oval Homes, the clubs donation has enabled the purchase of two of these bicycles.

• 5th May: MD Annual Convention
  3 Lions from the club attended the convention which was held at the Rivera centre in Torquay.

• 1st May: Business meeting
  We were pleased to welcome Phil Kendon into the fellowship of Lionisim.  Phil was sponsored by Lion Rob.
  This increases our membership to 29.

• 4th April: Skittles v Rotary
  For the second year running, the club have won the duck - groan.  Severe training is being suggested to prevent this becoming a hat trick next year.  After the first leg we were 16 down, and at the end of the competition we were a massive 52 down.  Congratulations to Rotary.

• 3rd April: Business meeting
  Mike Spiring gave us a talk on his forthcoming Death Valley Run to raise funds for a vital signs monitor for the Bristol Children's Hospital.   We gave Mike our good wishes and have pledged £500 for this worthy cause.

• 28th March: Junior School Public Speaking Competition 
  Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club sponsored and judged this competition at St.Nicholas, School, Radstock, on behalf of " Network Learning Bath "
  A total of eight schools participated in the competition, three pupils from each school.
  The children selected the subject they wished to speak on, which varied from "The Simpsons " to "Cruelty to Children and Animals".
  The Lion Judges, Bob, Barry R and Russell, agreed the Team from Westfield Primary School, were the winners. 
  They were presented with National Book Tokens to the value of £30.00 and a Lions Certificate.
  Each child that entered the competition was also presented with a £5.00 National Book Token, and Lions Certificate.
  Lion Russell assisted in the presentation of the prizes, and also delivered a brief speech explaining the origin and purposes of the Lions. ( With the help of notes provided by Lion Alan.) 
  Lion Russell Ford.

• 23rd March: 30th Charter Anniversary
  Lion Phil Hathway ably managed proceedings for the evening, starting by introducing our top table guests and then asking Lion Russell Ford to say grace.  Lion President Dave Ingram proposed the Loyal toast and Lions Clubs international and went on to detail the clubs activities and achievements during the year.  District Governor, Lion Adrian Hicks responded and thanked the club for their efforts.  Vice President, Lion Alan Denham proposed the toast to our ladies and guests with a special welcome to Roger Winsley, Rotary President and his wife, Jayne. No evening would be complete without humour and laughter, and Friend of Lions and Midsomer Norton's Town Crier, Adrian Dando duly obliged.  His personality shone through for some 20 minutes keeping the company in stitches. 

• 17th March: Vocal Works Gospel Choir Concert
  Those who missed this concert, missed a treat.  First time for this choir in Midsomer Norton.
  The choir are based in Bath and were ably led by their musical director, Tim King, assisted by Steve Jobbins on drums and Alastair Stewart on Bass.  Choreography was by Tracy King.
  Only formed three years ago, VWGC performed an uplifting, powerful and inspiring rendition of their repertoire of gospel, soul and R & B music.  Sometimes loud and sometimes quiet, the programme contained many well known pieces (too many to call) and concluded with the rousing and popular "Oh Happy Days".  Soloists Tracy King and Catherine Foxwell performed well with their delightful singing and movement.
  Lion President Dave thanked the choir for the wonderful performance, St John Ambulance for their attendance and Lion Russell for his introduction and organ music, the Church Lasdies for their interval refreshments, Activities Chairman, Barry C for organising the event and lastly the audience for their attendance.
  For more information on the choir click here.

• 10th March: 105W Convention, Swindon
  4 Lions from the club attended the convention which was held at the DeVere Hotel in Swindon.
  Report on the convention is on the District website, click here.

• 6th March: Business meeting
  Lion Bob was presented with his 25 year service chevron by Lion President Dave.

• 20th February: Beetle Drive
  Club members enjoyed a Beetle Drive, organised by Lions Rex and Rob. This enjoyable social event was also a fund raiser for twinning.  Our French twin club, Chateau Gontier, will be visiting us in May.

• 16th February: Visit to CHSW, Charlton Farm, Wraxall
  Club members visited the new children's Hospice at Wraxall.
  The Hospice will be opening in April of this year.  Lions have contributed towards the sensory rooms.
  This new hospice, along with the existing hospice at Little Bridge House, will give a much needed boost to capacity.
  For more information on Children's Hospice, click here. For information on Charlton farm, click here.

• 6th February: Business meeting
  Lions Phil and Geoff were presented with their 30 year service chevrons by Lion President Dave.
  Both Lions Phil and Geoff are much valued charter members of the club.

  3rd February: Diabetic Screening Clinic.
  Lions were out in force in Midsomer Norton shepherding people into a Diabetic Screening Clinic run by Lloyds Chemist.
  83 people were screened and 15 were referred for further tests.
  Lions thanked Manager, Trevor Phillips for allowing the club to assist in this way.

• 12th January: Skittles evening.
  Club members enjoyed a social evening at Tuckers Grave.  Sue, (Lion President Dave's wife) won the ladies best skittler prize, while ex President Robert won the mans.  Sue proved it was not a fluke by also winning the post buffet killer competition!

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