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 2010

• For news 2009, click here.

• Carol Float

  Despite having to cancel 5 of our collecting sessions due to the extreme weather conditions, we were able collect £3,615, topping our collection of last year by £5.50!  Our thanks to all who were able to contribute towards this collection.  It will be going to good causes, locally nationally and internationally. Happy New Year to you all.

• Lions Christmas Supermarket Draw

  Lions worked wonders selling draw tickets for Radstock Co-operative Gift vouchers. Club members could be found in the store from Thursday 25th to Saturday 17th November. The first prize of £250 went to Mr Pickford of Chilcompton, second prize of £50 to Mrs Wight of PSJ and third prize of £25 to Mr Russ of MSN.  The consolation prize of £10 went to Mr Scott of Westfield. The club is grateful to the Co-op for allowing us to sell tickets and also for donating the consolation prize. Proceeds from the draw will be give to Lions Local and International Charities. Photo L to R: Lion Past President Derek Livsey, Julie Shearn, coffee shop supervisor, Martin Collins, Radstock Co-op Director, who made the draw and Lion Secretary, Alan Denham.

• Frome Show Stoppers, 13 November

  Something for everyone, Frome Show Stoppers presented an ensemble of nearly 60 artistes and soloists singing musicals from Broadway. Clearly singing for enjoyment and under the fine talent of Musical Directory, Keryyy Bishop, they opened with New York New York, a fine start for the evenings programme. Many other well known numbers from musicals followed into the evenings programme, concluding the first half with the Nabucco Chorus of the Hebrew slaves. The second half was as good as the first, opening with All that Jazz from Chicago, followed by songs from South Pacific, Phantom of the Opera and many others. Vice President, Lion Richard Munden thanked the ensemble, soloists, musical director, concert organist Lion Russell ford, the ladies of the church for the refreshments and St John Ambulance, who had a peaceful evening. Photo: MD Kerry Bishop (seated), soloists Lottie Hall and Tanya Stockting, Colin Parsons, Vice President Richard and organist Lion Russell.

• Business Meeting,  2nd November

  At long last, the club has a lady member! The club voted to accept lady members some few years ago, but now, in our 33rd year, we were delighted to welcome Mrs Margaret Small into the family of Lions. Margaret is a very active person, being Chairperson of Keynsham Sugar Craft and a member of the U3A.  Retired from nursing, she is a keen gardener and is always helping someone somewhere.  Margaret assures us she will contribute fully to our activities.  Introducing Margaret, Lion Barry spoke of her being an asset to the club.  We all look forward to working with her in the years to come. Come on you ladies, Margaret has broken the ice! Contact our membership chairperson, Lion Alan for more information.  Photo, Membership Chairpersion, Lion Alan Denham, Lion President, Geoff, Lion Margaret Small and Lion Barry Rogers.

• Rainbow 5th October

  At our business meeting, following our fashion show, we were pleased to present a cheque for £200 to Sarah Carlisle, who received on behalf of the Rainbow Centre. You can find out more about Rainbow here. Photo: Sarah receiving the cheque from Lion President Geoff, together with Alex Carlisle and welfare chairman, Russell Ford.

• Through the door

  Coleford resident, Paul Pattinson suffers from Multiple Sclerocis and has been confined to a wheel chair for the last three years.  The council have adapted his front door for wheel chair access, but were unable to do the same for his patio doors.  Mrs Moira Mallinson, treasurer of Coleford British Legion organised a collection, and Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions, came forward with a donation of £200 to complete the required funds.  Local retired builder, Henry Winter, provided his services free of charge. Photo: Paul with the cheque, organiser, Moira Mallinson, builder Henry Winter and Lion President Geoff.

• FASHION SHOW 13 September

  Another first for the club.  Margaret Briggs, wife of Past President, Robert Briggs, organised a fashion show.  Fifteen wonderful models, male and female, ranging from 5 to 75, modeled a range of clothes provided by M & Co of Midsomer Norton.  We charged a modest £3 for the event, and together with the supporting raffle, were able to realise £400.  We are grateful to Paulton Rovers Social Club for allowing us free use of the hall, the models for providing their services free of charge, and to M & Co for providing helpful professional advice and loaning the clothes, also free of charge.  M & Co also presented every attendee with a 10% discount voucher, and judging from the audience reaction, we are sure they will be put to good use!  Our special thanks goes of course to Margaret for the organisation. We had two additional stalls, greetings cards made by June Hobbs and jewelry from Janis Scane. Proceeds from this event are going to The Rainbow Centre.  The Rainbow Centre provides free and professional support to children and their families affected by bereavement, life threatening illness and cancer.  You can find out more about Rainbow here. Photo: one of our models, together with Lion President Geoff and Mrs Margaret Briggs, the organiser of the show.

• HIGH LITTLETON AND HALLATROW VILLAGE DAY 28 August

  Fine, if windy weather was the order of the day at the Village Day this year.  Your club was present with the Lions tombola and MIAB (Message in a Bottle).  This year, saw a first for the village, in the form of a Scruffs Dog Show.  Thank you to the people of High Littleton who enabled us to raise over £80 for our charity account. Photo: Lion Derek L, surrounded by lions. Courtesy Somerset Guardian, Will Nicol.

• DUCK RACE 21 August

  The club held its fourth annual duck race today, with many people watching and urging their ducks to win.  Starting at 11 am, President Geoff Moore released hundreds of ducks to float downstream towards Martins.  Winner was duck 313, Nick Stevens, with a prize of £50.  Second, 793, earned James Dunkerton £30 and third, 658 gained Sheridan Derrick £20.   Last past the post was Garry Wilcox's duck, netting him £5. This successful event was once again organised by Lion Dave Ingram with the proceeds going to the club's charity account.  Lion President Geoff thanks all those who supported the race, together with the many donations received from the public.

• PAKISTAN FLOODING 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. Photo: Left to Right: Lions Phil K, Phil H, and Rob with Alyson and her sons donating.

• 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. Photo: Left to Right: Sharron, Chris, Sheila, Simon and Daniel Jones.

• FROME TOWN SWING BAND 24 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. Photo: The saxophone leads the cornets and others in a weekly rehearsal.

• 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. Lion Derek congratulating Geoff, now wearing the chain of office.

• 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 24th 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. Past President, Lion Alan, and the participating teams.

• SWALLOW, 11 June

  SWALLOW: 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. Photo: Fundraising/Finance manager, Nicky Tew, receiving the cheque from Lion President Derek Livsey, supported by Welfare Chairman, Lion Russell together with staff and members of SWALLOW.

• 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. Photo: Lion Geoff, winners Kevin Sperry and Mike Hedges of the Farrington club and Lion President Derek.

• 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. Photo (Top): Gillian, Jean Jaques, Ann, Lucien, Francoise, Christian, Annick, Anne, Ray and Rex. Photo (bottom): Lion President Derek Livsey receiving the cheque from Lion President Lucien Aubert, President, Chateau Gontier accompanied by Jean-Jacques Prioux, International Officer, Chateau Gontier.

• 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. Photo: Lions Russell and Robert and young teenage cadets looking on as Lion President Derek presents the cheque to Flying Officer Peter.

• Sunday 18 April: Presentation of Bob Adams memorial seat:

  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.   Photo: Rear row, Bowls club member, Bowls club President Richard Jones, Lion President Derek Livsey, Lion Vice President, Geoff Moore, seated, Lion Robert Brigs, and Mrs Vera Adams.

• 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 Livsey.  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 recipents. Photo: Lion President Derek, DG Lion Martin, President Elect Geoff, Mrs Jenny Ruddle, Lion Tony Buchan, Christine Mills, Dinah Moore, Brenda Lawson and Lynne Livsey.

• 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. Photo: Paul, Cosh, Steve Rogers, President Elect Geoff, with the Smith family, Freya, Nicola, Kevin and Ethan.

• 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. photo: Juliet, Colin and Lion President Derek.

• 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. Photo: John Yabsley with his box of tricks.

• 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 June 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. Photo: Back row: Lions Terry, Russell, Jack and Rob. Front row: Lion Robert, Ethan, Nicola and Lion President Derek.

• 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 to collect £676 towards their funds.  More information on Marie Curie can be found here. Photo: L to R, Lion Tony, Bev (Tesco Customer Service Manager) and Lion Hilton.

• 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. Photo: L to R, Lions Dave I, Richard M, Alan D, Phil H & Jack C and in the front, Dave I & Russell F.

• 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. Photo: Beavers and leaders, with Lion President Derek.

• Easter 2010:

  Once again, our Large Chocolate Easter Eggs are appearing in pubs and shops around our area.  Some fifty raffles will be held over the next few weeks, with the winners families and friends enhoying the chocolate, knowing that proceeds will be going to local charities.  The White Hart in Midsomar Norton has for many hears supported this event and once again, Landlord Lucy Francis is participating. The event is organised by Lion Alan Denham.  We thank you for supporting us and hope that the winners enjoy the chocolate. Photo: Landlord of the White Hard, Lucy Francis, with her Easter Egg and Raffle Board.

• 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 fro the local St Chads Surgery.  Happily only one person needed to be referred to their GP, but severl 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.  Greatful thanks are extended to St Chads Surgery for their professional help, and to the Ladies of the Church for providing refreshements.  The Club has given over 150 people "peace of mind". Photo: Back row Lion Dave, Lion Russell and Lion President Derek, front row, Lion Hilton, Heather and Annette.

• Saturday 30 January: Meet the Lions:

  The club held a "Meet the Lions" morning at the Methodist Church Centre in Midsomer Norton. We displayed Message in a Bottle, door hangers, banners and more. This gave members of the public the opportunity to see more of the things that Lions do and also to see the video "Who are the Lions?". Photo: Ailyn, Lion President Derek and Tony.

• 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. Photo: Outside Tesco's store, Lions Geoff M, Phil H, Derek Y and Alan G with store manager Chris Chattwood.

• For news 2009, click here.