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

• This news page does not show pictures.  Click here to show pictures .

• PAKISTAN FLOOD APPEAL 7 August: Lions International have allocated an initial $10,000 towards assisting relief work in Pakistan, following the deadliest flooding in 80 years.  Your local club was collecting in Midsomer Norton High Street and funds will be sent to LCIF for distribution through local clubs.  More information on our district website here.
• LIONS entertain FRIENDS TOGETHER 31 July: We entertained the “Friends together” club.  It was a lovely summer afternoon, in the delightful setting of Chris Jones’s garden in Midsomer Norton.  “Friends Together” recently celebrated 40 years of service to the community, helping those with difficulties.  Originally part of the nationwide Gateway organization, your local club meets Friday evenings, 19:30 to 21:30 in the St John Ambulance Hall, Radstock Road.  Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions have been ‘friends’ with the members and helpers alike and over the years have taken them to Longleat on two occasions, and attended some of the club meetings.  “Friends Together” have some 25 members at present.  We were pleased to be able to help them again.
  We took the opportunity to present Chris Jones with a cheque for £250 in support of his work with the HCPT Jumbulance, who run an annual trip taking disabled people and their helpers to Lourdes.
  Our grateful thanks to Chris and Shelia Jones for providing the use of their garden, and Simon and Sharron Jones for the catering.
• FROME TOWN SWING BAND, 24th July: The Frome Town Swing band came to the Coleford British Legion with their well know famous classics.  Under direction of Dick Batson, the famous sounds of yester year's big bands was produced - Glen Miller, Ted Heath, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and others.  An excellent finger buffet was provided by Suzanne Matthew, formerly of Tea and Trade.  The evening was much enjoyed with many couples gracing the dance floor.  The twenty strong band gave their services free of charge, and the Legion also made no charge for the use of the hall.  This enabled us to raise £870 for Dorothy House.
• HANDOVER, 9 July: Farrington Golf Club was the venue for our handover on Friday 9th July, a lovely summer evening.  Lion President Derek L thanked his committee chairpersons and club members for the support they had given him during his year of office.  He said he had enjoyed his year, and was looking forward to assuming a lower profile in the club and in the local press!
  Handing the chain of office to Geoff, he wished him success for the coming year.
• JUNIOR SCHOOLS’ PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION, 24 June: The Public Speaking Competition sponsored by Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions, was organised by Cathy Bush, Widcombe, on behalf of “Network Learning Bath”, and Lion Russell Ford.  The competition encourages children to develop their ability to research a subject of their own choice, and present it to an audience.  This year the competition was held at Widcombe Junior School Bath, last year’s winners, on Thursday 24^th June, with teams from St John, Midsomer Norton, Westfield, Oldfield Park, Widcombe and Paulton.  The competition presents a real challenge to all participants to speak in a convincing and interesting manner.  The subjects chosen were: Rugby, Ocean Litter, Eco Landscape, TV “Watershed” and Animal Testing, a diverse choice indeed.  Each school team has three members and this year, the team from Oldfield Park Junior School was the winner, with the team being presented with a £50 National Book Token for the school and a “Winners Shield” donated by Past President Lion Alan Denham.  They also received a £10 book token each.  All other participants received a £5 book token in recognition of their efforts.  The competition was judged by Lions Alan Denham and Terry Porter and Margaret Briggs.
• SWALLOW, 11 June: South Wandsyke Learning and Living Our Way, is a charity run for and by people with learning disabilities.  Since Sept 2007, SWALLOW has run a Work Skills Enterprise Scheme, giving candidates the skills to achieve work placements.  The aim is to help members work towards independence.  Developing a new Growth for Work project of horticulture, producing items for sale and subsequent income is proposed.  “We need to buy a shed for the equipment and tools” and this is where the local Lions came in, giving £250 to help with the project.
• Business meeting, 7 June: Prior to the business meeting, Margaret Briggs gave a presentation on "Life Education".  The Bristol based centre is a unique Health and Drug education charity visiting Primary Schools in a high tech mobile classroom, with qualified educators, delivering age appropriate sessions.  the classes teach children about themselves, raising self esteem, overcoming peer pressure, and the effects and risks of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse.  President Derek thanked Margaret and suggest the club considers sponsorship of this work.
• Seniors Golf Competition, 6 June: Perfect weather, not to hot, and much appreciated by the 78 participants.  Organised by Lion Geoff, incoming President, the event again took place at Farrington Golf course.  Our thanks to Farrington for permitting our use of the course. 
  A 4 ball better ball competition, with only 5 points separating the winners from eight place, however with 2 points clear of the second place, were Kevin Sperry and Mike Hedges with 52 points.  A well fought competition.
  The putting competition was won by Graham Towl.
  Lion President, Derek Livsey, praised the standard of play and the friendly atmosphere and assured all those involved that the event would continue for years to come.
  Proceeds of this years competition are going to Dorothy House Hospice Care.
• Twinning,  13 May - 16 May: Lions and partners from our twin club, Chateau Gontier in France, visited the club this weekend for fun and friendship.  The clubs were first twinned 20 years ago, and these annual visits have become a tradition.  On Friday, we visited Bradford-on-Avon and after walking around the town, took the Barbara McLellan for a trip on the canal, and then in the afternoon visited our local Radstock Museum where we were well entertained by Dennis Chedgy.  The day ended with an evening dinner at Cameley Lodge when President Aubert presented the club with a cheque for £1800, being their share of the twinning project.  These last three years, both clubs have been raising money for "A gift for Living", a Lions project in Bosnia, more information here.  Saturday we visited Wells for a walking tour of the city and the Bishop's Palace.  We visited Wookey Hole Caves in the afternoon and completed the day with a friendly game of skittles at the Britannia Inn.  Thanks to Lion Rex and Ann for the excellent organisation.
• Wednesday 28 April: Gardeners' Question Time: A first for the club, we presented a Gardeners' question time.  Organised by Margaret Briggs and Lion Alan D, we had a good turn-out, with gardeners asking a wide range of questions.  Lesley Irving of Tor Plants, John Tucker from Prior Park Gardens and Simon Pugh Jones of Writhlington School Orchid project, were the expert panel and their combined experience was not found lacking!  Thanks are due to Paulton Rovers Football Club for providing the venue and also to the panel for donating their time and experience, all at no charge.  Proceeds from this event have been donated to the Ethan Smith Trust fund.
• Thursday 22 April: Presentation to 2282 (Somer) ATC: Somer ATC meet in Midsomer Norton twice a week.  Consisting of 30 young men and women (13 - 18), they are taught teamwork, discipline, respect and communication skills and are offered the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.  They receive no financial support from the government and are currently raising funds to replace worn out equipment, and help fund less fortunate children who attend.  To this end they are able to assist win car parking duties presenting a professional image in their uniforms.  (If you can help, or need such services, please contact Flt. Lt. W. Stephens 07766 735450, or Flying Officer Peter Tatar 01761 232528.)  The Lions were pleased to present a cheque for £500 to assist them.
• Sunday 18 April: Bob Adams Memorial Bench: The club presented a memorial bench to the Fosseway Bowls Club.  Lion Bob Adams, had been a member of the club for 28 years, when he passed to higher service last year.  He had served the club in many roles, including President in 1992-93.  Apart from Lions, one of Bob's other passions, was bowling, so it was appropriate that the club presented this bench in his memory.
• Sunday 18 April: 33rd Charter Anniversary: Sunday Lunch at Cameley Lodge: Following last years successful lunch time dinner, this was repeated again this year.  An excellent meal was enjoyed by all, and we were treated to a beautiful sunny spring afternoon in glorious surroundings.
  Lion President Derek proposed the Loyal Toast, followed by the toast to Lions Clubs International and the Lions Club of Radstock and Midsomer Norton, District Governor, Lion Martin Ruddle, responded.  The toast to our Ladies and Guests was proposed by president elect Lion Geoff and the response was given by Christine Mills, founder of "Hope for Tomorrow"
  A cheque of £2000 for "Hope for Tomorrow" was presented to Christine, this charity being the President's charity for the year.
  Melvyn Jones awards were presented Lion Rex Gregory and Lion President Derek.  This award is the highest honour in Lionism, and three holders of this award, Lion Derek Yelling, Lion Barry Rogers and Mrs Heather Hill (with an excellent poem), gave witness to the worthiness of the recipients.
• Saturday 17 April: Sherborne Town Band Concert: Sherborne Town Band, newly promoted to the countries Championship section came to Midsomer Norton.  Led by Musical Director, Paul Cosh, they gave an entertaining and varied performance.  Featuring soloists Steve Rogers on Flugel and Jowhn Derrick on the E Flat Bass.
  The concert was run in aid of the Ethan Smith Trust.  Ethan suffers from Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia and will be travelling to the USA in June for a potentially life changing operation.
  President Elect Geoff thanked to our sponsors, John Martin Coaches, Paul Loader the Butcher, Channel 5 Video, Rose Crafts Florists, Dave Fowler's Garage, Courtyard Natural Therapy Centre, Edwards the Opticians and Norton Green Farm Nursery.  He also thanked St John Ambulance, the Church Ladies for refreshments, organist Lion Russel and the band for its fine performance.
• Thursday  15 April: Presentation to blind bowlers : Two visually-impaired bowlers from Midsomer Norton have been selected to play in an international competition for blind bowlers in Israel in May.
  Maureen Gorringe and Colin Moore, both registered blind, will be attending the event with visually impaired bowlers from Canada, South Africa, Israel and Scotland.
  They both play for the Bath Visually Impaired Bowls Club, indoors at the South Wansdyke Leisure Centre during the winter months and the Bloomfield club during the summer.
  Maureen and Colin will each be assisted by a helper, Maureen by Carol Hamblin and Colin by his wife Juliet.
  Both have achieved considerable success in regional and national competitions and are delighted to be involved in the international event.
  They have been chosen from the best players in visually impaired bowls clubs across the country, and they have to find whatever financial support they can.  Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions are pleased to be able to help them and presented a cheque for £100 last Thursday.  We wish them both the best for the coming competition.
• Tuesday 13 April: RNLI: The club was treated to an entertaining and informative talk by John Yabsley, of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The RNLI (more information here) does much more than run lifeboats around the coast of Great Britain and Eire. (In common with Lions, they embrace both major islands in one organisation). They also are very active providing beach lifeguards around our coasts and in promoting education in schools. (more information here).  The RNLI receives no funds from the government and is entirely funded by voluntary contributions.  Many thanks to Lion Derek Yelling for organising this talk.
• Tuesday 6 April: Ethan Smith Trust: At our business meeting, we presented Nicola and Ethan Smith, with a cheque for £1,000.  This is to help Ethan's recovery from Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia.  He is going to the USA for life changing SDR surgery in early Jane and we wish him well.  The ultimate goal is to have him walking independently and his parents feel this surgery will give him the best chance.  The money has been raised through recent events held by Lions and our thanks go to the public who have supported those events.
• Monday 22 March: Great Daffodil Appeal: Once again we collected for Marie Curie Cancer Care for their annual Great Daffodil Appeal.  Marie Curie assist many terminally ill cancer patients by providing care so that they can stay in their own homes.  This year we were pleased tocollect over £676 towards their funds.  More information on Marie Curie can be found here.
• Thursday 11 March: Stuffed Duck competition (Skittles V Rotary): First leg of our annual skittles match with Rotary at the Poachers Pocket, Doulting, ended with the Lions scoring 302 points, a mere 10 ahead of Rotary.  The second leg will be played shortly, and the losers will then have to tend to the duck for the following year.  The duck put in an appearance, and has been well tended by Rotary.  Lions hope to avoid taking up this onerous duty by defeating Rotary overall, after the second leg - watch this space!
• Friday 5 March, Saturday 6 March, Saturday 13 March: Chile Earthquake appeal: Following the second major earthquake this year, Lions were out in force collecting to provide assistance to Chile.  We are grateful to Tesco for allowing us to collect at their store on the 13th, at very short notice.  We raised a total of £400 which will be sent to LCIF for distribution.
• Friday 5 March: Beavers aid Haiti appeal: On Friday 29 Jan, the 1st Midsomer Norton Beaver Scouts held a bring and buy sale of toys, books and cakes, to raise money for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal.  The Beavers are working towards gaining their "Global Challenge Badge", where they are learning about other countries, the environment and the world.  Young Leader, Stephen Josham, gave a power point presentation about the earthquake and life in Haiti and it was his idea to hold the sale which raised a magnificent £76.  Stephen looked for a effective way to donate this and was pleased to present it to the Lions for distribution by Lions in Haiti by way of the LCIF.
• Saturday 27 February: Diabetic Screening:Diabetic screening tests were run at the Methodist Church Hall, and over 150 people had a finger prick test, undertaken by two specialist nurses, Annette Crowther and Heather Richards from the local St Chads Surgery.  Happily only one person needed to be referred to their GP, but several border line cases were also found.  Organised by Welfare Chairman, Lion Russell Ford and PRO Lion Barry Rogers, the event, sponsored by John and Paula Harris of Cameley Lodge, was a great success.  Grateful thanks are extended to St Chads Surgery for their professional help, and to the Ladies of the Church for providing refreshments.  The Club has given over 150 people "peace of mind".

• Saturday 16 January: Collection for HAITI earthquake: Club members were out in force, collecting for the recent earthquake in Haiti.  Our grateful thanks to Tesco for allowing us to collect at their store in Old Mills.  The public of Midsomer Norton and also those visiting the area, responded extremely well, and we collected £2,160, which is on its way to LCIF for their relief work in Haiti. 
  Internationally, the "Lions Hope for Haiti" appeal has already raised $350,000. More information here.

• For news 2009, click here.

• For news 2008, click here.

• For news 2007, click here.

• For news 2006, click here.

• For news 2005, click here.

• For news 2004, click here.