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 2014

December Business Meeting.

Long Service Awards: 1st Vice District Governor, Keith Wilding, visited the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club at the last business meeting, 1st Tuesday in December.  He congratulated the club on its achievements during the past year, including the Duck race, Carol Float, the Great Christmas Draw, Last Night of the Proms Concert, Ebola orphans, Medic Alert, Water Purification Tanks, used specs and Easter Eggs.  Long service awards were presented to Lions Tony Hill & Barry Rogers, both stalwarts of the club. Photo: Receiving the long service letters and milestone Chevron awards from VDG Keith Wilding, are Lion Tony Hill, 35 years and Barry Rogers 25 years, with Lion President Margaret Small joining in the congratulations.

December: Carol float.

Once again the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Carol Float is touring the area for the Christmas period.  We started on the first of December and will be finishing at Tesco on Christmas Eve.  Father Christmas will be in his rightfull place with carols and Christmas music on the decorated, illuminated float, giving sweets to the children in the district.  This year’s route is as follows: Mon 1 & Wed 2: Paulton. Thur 4:Staddlestones & Oliver Brooks. Fri 5: Hallatrow & Farrington Gurney. Sat 6: Midsomer Norton High Street Mon 8 & Tues 9: Welton. Wed 10 & Thur 11: Timsbury Fri 12, Mon 15, Tues 16 & Wed 17: Peasedown St John. Sat 13: Midsomer Norton High Street. Thurs 18: Dymborough Ave, Pinewood, & Underhill. Fri 19: Farrington Farm Shop. Sat 20: Midsomer Norton High Street. Mon 22: Withies Park & Riverside. Tuesday 23 & Wed 24: Tesco. The float will operate from 6:15 until 8:30 in the evenings but at Farrington Farm Shop, Midsomer Norton High Street and Tesco’s, Father Christmas will be found during the day. Photo: Father Christmas with his illuminated carol float complete with children’s sweets and music, setting off on his marathon tour of the district.

29 November 2014: Supermarket Draw.

Raffle prizes valued at £100, £50 and £25 for Christmas Goodies were drawn last Saturday at the Radstock Cooperative Store by the Store manager, Dave Meagor with Lion President Margaret Small assisting. The all-important result for the Cooperative Gift Vouchers: the Winners: £100: J. Seabrook, runners up £50: G. Hipwood and the consolation prize of £25: J. Rogers, have been informed of their good luck and winnings.  The proceeds will be donated to Lion’s local and international charities. Photo: L-R Lion Alan Denham, organiser, Lion President Margaret Small, Store Manager Dave Meagor selecting the winning tickets and Lion Derek Livsey, fundraiser.

18 October 2014: Last Night of the Proms.

Sherborne Town Brass Band gave a wonderful performance of Saturday 18th October of their “special entertainment” programme, for Lions at The Prospect Theatre, Writhlington School.  Under the baton of Musical Director, Steve Rovers, this 30 piece band excelled in their chosen musical programme.  The first half included Stars and Stripes, Puttin on the Ritz and Sweet Georgia Brown.  After refreshments, the programme included Bare Necessities, Sir Duke and Fantasy on British Sea Songs.  Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance brought the exciting concert to a close with thanks from Lion President Margaret Small to everyone for their help and contributions to making this evening memorable.  Sponsorship by local business was very much appreciated and the proceeds will be set aside to help local charities and deserving causes.  Photo: Natalia Miles, John Derrick (band sololists), Musical Director Steve Rogers, Lion President Margaret Small and organiser Lion Derek Livsey.

11 October 2014: Mells 10K in support of Clic Sargent.

In 2012, Ben Cruchely lost his fight for life.  His Parents, Nigel and Su, have decided to support the work of Clic Sargent, who helped Ben and them through Ben's last days.  To this end, they have pledged to raise £1,000,000 for the charity. Part of this fundraising effort, was a 10K ride/run/walk around the Mells Park Estate and this could well be the first of many. We were pleased to help Nigel & Su's cause by providing marshals for the event and were also pleased to donate £250 towards their efforts. Photo: Lions Russell, Trish, President Margaret, Tony, Richard and Trevor and Nigel Crutchley in the front with our £250 donation.

October 2014: Lions Awareness Week

At the beginning of the month, we ran a competition for the junior school children in Midsomer Norton.  We placed small cuddly lions in “shop” windows in Midsomer Norton High Street.  The children had a great deal of fun finding them.  At the time the lions were collected, many shop owners remarked on the obvious excitement of the children on spotting the lions.  We are grateful to BA3, Barons, Cando4you, Carewatch, Caswells, Coumbard Pet Shop, Dorothy House, Edwards Opticians, Eyetech, Geoffrey Smith, Jacaranda, Keith Ingram, K J Carpets, Martins, Midsomer Norton Beauty Salon, Midsomer Norton Pharmacy, Norad Travel, Norton Discounts, Norton Sports & Camping, Out of Asia, Petherick & Gillard, Prices Jewellers, Reflections, Rosecrafts, Solitaire Brides, Sue Ryder, The Barber Shop, The Library, The Town Hall and Waterhouse Finance for looking after our lions for the week.  All the lions were spotted, so our children have good observational skills! The winner, spotting 28 of the 30 lions placed, was Alexis from Welton Primary, winning a £25 book token, shown below with organiser, Lion Derek Livsey, President, Lion Margaret Small and Head Teacher, John Snell. There was a tie for second place, Ellie and Orin from St John’s both spotting 27 of the lions.  The Mayor, Paul Myers, judged the tie break question, awarding the second prize to Ellie, who “Would like a good youth club”.  Ellie received a £15 book token and Orin a £5 book token. Shown below, Ellie and Orin with Secretary, Lion Alan Denham, President Lion Margaret Small and Head Teacher, Carolyn Banfield. St John’s school also returned the highest proportion of the entry forms and their PTA received a cheque for £50. Our thanks to all who took part and we hope that you had a fun time searching for our lions.

5th August 2014: Presentation to Bath Cancer Unit Support Group:

At our business meeting we greeted John Carter, Chairman of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, together with Vivienne Derrick who works in the cancer unit at the RUH. John gave us a short talk on the history and aims of the Cancer Unit Support Group: Back in 1983, the RUH was faced with the prospect of not being able to provide cancer support, because it did not have a linear accelerator, necessary for cancer treatment. A group rapidly formed, and in 1984 was able to fund the linear accelerator. The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group then came into being. Since their formation, they have raised over £4 million pounds which has been spent on a wide range of facilities ranging from toilets and quiet rooms to X-ray equipment and a second linear accelerator. They are now engaged on their most ambitious project to date – the provision of a PET/CT scanner. This will cost £1.2 million and to date over £800 thousand has been raised. The PET/CT scanner has been ordered and will start operation by the middle of next year. So what is a PET/CT scanner and why is it so important? Many of us are familiar with CT (Computerised Tomograpy) scanners, either X-ray or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanners. These are excellent at producing images of the body, showing up bones and organs well. What they do not do is distinguish differences in soft tissue. For a PET scan, a patient is first given a drink of mildly radioactive glucose. This is absorbed by the body. Cancer cells, being a lot more active than normal cells, absorb more of the glucose. The radioactivity in the glucose generates positrons and the PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanner detects these emissions so that cancer cells and tumours shine like beacons! Combining the PET and CT scans, doctors can see exactly where the cancer cells are and how active they are. This not only improves diagnosis, but also treatment. It will enhance the Bath Cancer Unit’s operations no end. There are PET/CT scanners in use in the UK, but at present, they can only be found in teaching hospitals. The RUH will be the first non teaching hospital in the UK to run a PET/CT scanner. At our recent Seniors Golf tournament in June, organised by Lions Derek Yelling and Geoff Moore, we had earmarked the PET/CT project. We raised £1000 which was presented to John and Vivienne towards their provision of that scanner for the RUH cancer unit. We are very pleased to be able to assist with this. Photo: Lion President Margaret Small, Lion Derek Yelling, Vivienne Derrick, John Carter, Chairman of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group and Lion Geoff Moore with the cheque.

12th July 2014: Duck race:

Hundreds of yellow ducks floating down Midsomer Norton’s River Somer, was the spectacular opening for the Towns Fayre.  The winners were: 1st (£50) 701, Mrs Wendy Fitch, Midsomer Norton, 2nd (£30) 342, Mrs D Body, Paulton and 3rd (£20) 946, Miss Rachael Jennings, Bath.  The event raked in £670 and was once again organised by Lions Alan Denham and Dave Ingram. Lion President Margaret Small thanked all who sponsored this event. Photo: Lions Alan Denham, Past President Trevor, President Margaret, Dave, Rob, Tony, Derek and Hilton.

4th July 2014: Handover

Lion President Trevor's "reign" has come to an end!  Members and partners enjoyed an excellent meal at The King William, in Tunley before Trevor passed the reins over to Margaret, our first Lady President (also our first Lady Member).  Before handing over, Lion Trevor performed the last act of his Presidency.  Much to his surprise, our Welfare Chairman, Russell Ford, was presented with a Melvin Jones Fellow award which he learned of through a poem, composed and read by Melvin Jones Fellow, Heather Hill.  Her poem summarised Russell's work for the club, culminating by "spilling the beans" and revealing the award. Margaret joined the club in November 2010 and has rapidly become an "involved" member of the club.  We wish her well in her tenure as club President.  Following tradition, Trevor was presented with a gift from club members, thanking him for his custody of the club over the past year. Photos: President Trevor presenting Russell with his much deserved Melvin Jones Fellow award and secondly, Trevor presenting Margaret with the chain of office.

Seniors' Golf Tournament, 2 June 2014

Excellent weather was experienced for our annual 4BBB Seniors' tournament, playing for the Cameron Wood Trophy. Our thanks to hole sponsors: 1: Opal Print 2: Assured Property Rentals 3: Paulton Post Office 4: Ian McDonald Insurance, Midsomer Norton 5: The Haynes, High Littleton 6: KJ Carpets, Midsomer Norton 7: Terry Taylor, Clockmaker, Paulton 8: E.M.Z Hairdressers, High Littleton 9: Pethericks & Gillard, Midsomer Norton 10: Cameley Lodge Hotel 11: Dando’s Stores, High Littleton 12: L J Developments, Radstock 13: Fourth Avenue Autos, Westfield 14: K Burchell Associates 15: Past & Present Upholstery 16: Davies & Way, Keynsham 17: Radstock & MSN Lions 18: Imaging Equipment, Chilcompton Putting: S.R.T. Marine Technology, Westfield.

27 - 29 May 2014, our twin club, Chateau Gontier visit

Chateau Gontier Lions Club which is twinned with Radstock and Midsomer Norton, visited the area last weekend and were hosted by the local club members. This annual event included an evening meal, sponsored by Twinning Officer, Lion Ray James with a visit to Sherborne Castle organised by Lion Rex Gregory on Saturday. The traditional dinner was held at the King William Inn, Tunley. On Sunday the clubs’ twinning meeting was held at Lion Trish’s to discuss the progress of the current joint project, which is to provide three patient Trolleys for a new teaching hospital being built at Korle Bu in Ghana. Each trolley, costs £1,200 and funds are being raised by the clubs over a three year period. The hospital is being built under the guidance of Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. The Lions Clubs International Charity Fund will be donating some £500,000 towards the total cost. Photo: Members and wives of both clubs come together for the visit to Sherbourne Castle.

iPad and Accessories for Morgan

We received a request from the “Sense” Charity for deaf/blind people, based in Kingswood, to purchase an iPad and Accessories for Morgan, Aged 7, living in Peasedown St John, who has severe Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and visual impairment. The iPad and Accessories would be a huge help and assist him in many ways to improve his daily life activities. As a result the club, in consultation with the “Sense” charity agreed to provide the equipment at a cost of £600.00. In addition, one of the club’s Giant Chocolate Easter Eggs has been given to Morgan to share with his friends at the Three Ways Special Needs School, Odd Down, Bath, which he attends. Photo: Lion members Welfare Chairman Russell Ford, Lion Trish Rouse and Lion President Trevor Hipwood with Morgan and his mum & Dad, Charlotte, Leon holding the cheque.

BLOG CONCERT, TABLE for TWO, Sat 26 April 2014

Bath Light Operatic Group (BLOG) returned to Midsomer Norton Methodist Church last Saturday for a Lions Charity Concert, raising funds for Great Western Air Ambulance. Organised by Lion Derek Livsey, this is the chosen charity of Lion President Trevor Hipwood for his year of office. BLOG are one of the top musical choirs in the area and were formed in 1948 to assist young people in the art of singing, drama and stage craft. Under the direction of Musical Director Matthew Finch, an accomplished musician, BLOG has attained a very high standard. This evening’s programme consisted of a selection of songs from the shows and musical pieces based on a restaurant and kitchen theme. Many of the songs were well known, the Jazz number, Ain’t Misbehaving, Razzel Dazzel, Night and Day, Some Enchanted Evening and You Do Something To Me. Many others, not so well known were sung by the company’s soloists and the thirty strong mixed company. Led by Matthew they were in fine voice for the thirty pieces involved programme. Audience appreciation was shown with applause at the end of each piece. President Trevor Hipwood thanked the company for their wonderful performance, the audience for turning out on a wet night, the advert sponsors for their support, St. John Ambulance and the Church Refreshment Ladies. Special thanks were extended to organist Lion Russell Ford for his introductory concert music. Photo: Lion Secretary Alan Denham, Lion president Trevor Hipwood, Concert Organiser Derek Livsey, Helen Feierabend Blog Chairman, Musical Director Matthew Finch and Lions Organist, Russell Ford.

Charter Lunch, Sun 6 April 2014

Celebrating their 37th Charter Anniversary, Lions of Radstock and Midsomer Norton Club were joined by their friends, District Officials and members of other clubs, with a dinner at Cameley Lodge. Served with seasonal food, owners John and Paula Harris are to be congratulated with their very high standard. Lion President Trevor who welcomed fellow Lions, their guests and visitors and thanked everyone for sharing our Charter Lunch and his fellow Lions and ladies for their support during his year as President. Responding, Lion John Mounty, District Governor 105W congratulated the club on its achievements which were recognised internationally. The toast to our partners and guests was proposed by Vice President Margaret Small and responded to by Penny Lawrence of Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA) who spoke of the work undertaken by GWAA and expressed her appreciation of donations given to this self-funding organisation. Master of Ceremonies, Lion Alan Denham, conducted the proceeding with his usual dignity. Photo1: Top table guests, Rotary President, Honorary Lion, Rob Porter, Vice President Margaret Small, President Trevor Hipwood, District Governor John Mounty, Ladies Tianna Cowan, and Penny Lawrence, GWAA. Photo1:  Lion President Trevor Hipwood presenting the cheque for £2000.00 to Penny Lawrence and Tianna Cowan of GWAA, the proceeds from many Lions events.

Marie Curie Cancer Care Great Daffodil Appeal 2014:

Marie Curie Cancer Care Great Daffodil Appeal is a nationwide fundraising event for cancer care.  Standing outside Tesco’s, your local Lions Club members raised many hundreds of pounds for this Cancer Care organisation.  Employing many nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, they will provide care for people with cancer but also care for people with other life limiting illnesses.  The charity is best known for its Network of Marie Curie Nurses working in the community to provide end of life care for patients in their own homes.  Most of their income comes from the generous support of thousands of individuals like Tesco’s customers, organisations and businesses, with the balance of funds coming from the NHS.  They also depend on an army of volunteers to support their work in both care and fundraising which is where your local Lions Club helped.  Last weekend, Lions collected at Tesco’s Supermarket, who supported the event and our grateful thanks are extended for your donations amounting to £855. Photo: Tesco’s duty managers Natalie May and Zoe Bevan with Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Dave Ingram and Derek Livsey, accepting your gifts for the great daffodil appeal.

Easter eggs 2014:

Easter is approaching and once again we have circulated the Clubs, Pubs and Hotels in the area with Giant Chocolate Easter Eggs.  Designed for the family, these very special eggs will be raffled with the proceeds donated to the club’s local charity fund.  Organised by Lion Alan Denham, we thank you for your support – helping others not so fortunate as ourselves.  Photo: The George Inn, Gurney Slade, Landlady Liz and bar assistant Rowan admire their egg and are ready to congratulate the draw's lucky winner

Saturday 15 February 2014:

Following our appeal for clothing last week, we did a bucket collection to help disadvantaged peoples on the Somerset Levels.  We collected in Midsomer Norton high street, and thanks to the wonderful generosity of local people, we now have £422.25 to forward to Lions clubs in the area.  Thanks to Lions Alan, Derek L, Derek Y, Geoff, Ray, Tony and President Trevor who helped with the collection. Photo: Lion Alan with “helper”.

Tuesday 4 February 2014:

Photo: Lion Barry in his PRO mode taking a photo of Lion Derek and Lion President Trevor.

Tuesday 7 January, 2014: Lion Derek Yelling, Long Service Award

We were pleased to meet a prospective new member, Maureen, from Peasedown St John and we were delighted when Lion President Trevor Hipwood, presented Lion Derek Yelling with his 40 year service award.  Lion Derek joined Lions 2 years before the Radstock and Midsomer Norton club was formed.  He assisted in the formation of the club and transferred to us in 1984.  He has worked on many projects for Lions Charities and has served on all the committees.  He is currently the clubs visiting officer and organiser of the annual golf tournament.  His proudest moment was in 2006 when he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest award available to Lions.  This reflects his work done to meet humanitarian needs in our area.  Respected by all, he is one of Lions ‘ “do-ers” serving others less fortunate than ourselves, without recognition or reward.  His wife, Val, is of great support and the firm foundation of his service to the community. Congratulations Derek.   Photo: Lion Derek receiving his 40 year long service award.

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