Issue 4 November 2017 LiONS ROAR Lions Clubs International District 105EA - News and views including those of District Governor Derek Prior TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH DG Derek s Diary for November Wed 01-Nov Poppy Appeal Wed 01-Nov Chelmsford Lionesses CV Thu 02-Nov Poppy Appeal Thu 02-Nov Stowmarket CV Fri 03-Nov Poppy Appeal Sat 04-Nov Poppy Appeal Sun 05-Nov Poppy Appeal Sun 05-Nov Training @ Black Notley CGL / Club Branch Mon 06-Nov Poppy Appeal Mon 06-Nov North Walsham CV Tue 07-Nov Norwich North Alpha CV Wed 08-Nov Poppy Appeal Wed 08-Nov Attleborough 2013 CV Thu 09-Nov Poppy Appeal Thu 09-Nov Halesworth CV Fri 10-Nov Poppy Appeal Fri 10-Nov Chelmsford Lionesses and Lions CA Sat 11-Nov Clacton CA Sun 12-Nov Remembrance Parade at Cenotaph Mon 13-Nov Swaffham Lions CV Tue 14-Nov Peterborough Lions CV Fri 17-Nov New Century Quiz Night Sat 18-Nov New Century CV Sat 18-Nov New Century CA Sun 19-Nov Cabinet Sun 26-Nov Convention Agenda Meeting Mon 27-Nov Billericay Lions Fellowship VDG Mandy s Diary for November Sun 05-Nov Guiding Lion/Branch Club Workshop Sat 11-Nov Thetford Lions Disabled Swim Fri 17-Nov New Century Lions Quiz Sat 18-Nov New Century Lions Charter/ Cabinet Sun 26-Nov Dereham Lions Charter Tue 28-Nov Earsham Hall Car Parking 2VDG Ujjal s Diary for November Wed 08-Nov Zone meeting Mon 13-Nov Taverham & District meeting Tue 14-Nov Castle Point LC Visit Sun 19-Nov Cabinet meeting Sun 26-Nov Dereham LC Charter Lunch November 2017 1 The DG Team continues to visit clubs and meet the Lions of 105EA. We are all really impressed by the service the Lions family delivers, the money we raise and the fun we have doing it. This month I have had the great pleasure of being present at the opening of a couple of Centennial L e g a c y Projects. The T r e e t o p s S e n s o r y G a r d e n p r o j e c t i n v o l v i n g New Century Lions and a number of Sensory Garden Opening others clubs will provide a calming outdoor space for the residents and their carers. Another opening of a Centenary Project was the Woodland Path for the Riding for the Disabled at Barrow Farm, Chelmsford. Initially a project of Zone 5a, Chelmsford Lions and Lionesses joined in to make it possible. The riders can now enjoy an all weather track through the woods as well as the original indoor facilities. It has not all been work though. I spent a fun evening with Wisbech Lions at their Conker Championships, losing in the first round as I believe is traditional, and of course I attended a few charters. On recruitment, I spent a day with the Roadshow (if you don't know what this is, please ask) in Norwich recruiting for the University of East Anglia Club. Lots of names were given to us and a couple of follow up evenings have been arranged. Next month sees the Remembrance events and I will be proud to represent the District at the Cenotaph as a Lion and not in my usual Royal British Legion capacity. I will also be out collecting for the Poppy Appeal at Billericay station every morning and in the local Co-op supermarket after that. That's all for this month, and I look forward to meeting you on my travels. District Governor 105EA 2017-18
EA s District Convention is taking place in Norwich between 15th and 18th March 2018 details from http://lions105ea.com/convention-2018/ MD Convention is taking place in Basingstoke between 3rd and 6th May 2018 details from http://www.md105convention.uk/index.html Lions Roar Audio Version Do you have anyone in your Club who is visually impaired? The astute amongst the Lions Family may have noticed that, for some time, there has been an Audio version of The District Governor s Newsletter (Lions Roar) available on the District Website. www.lions105ea.com This came about via the Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper (W.A.T.N.), which was started by Lion Jim Cawte and members of Wymondham Lions Club when Lion Jim was President in 1998. W.A.T.N celebrates its 1000th edition of weekly news on 3rd November. One of the W.A.T.N. technicians, Heydon, kindly reads and records Lions Roar as it is published each month, and by the wonders of modern technology (and Lion David Large!) it is uploaded for us all to enjoy whilst on the move. The recording is also available on a USB stick and not only includes all the texts but very descriptive pictures. Lion Jim currently sends out two USB sticks to a Lion and Lioness, and will happily extend the service to any other members who need it. If the member is registered as having a Visual Impairment, postage of the special wallet containing the USB is free under the Royal Mail s Articles for the Blind postal service. The USB can be returned to W.A.T.N. in the same wallet, by reversing the address label and popping it in a Post Box. The USB can be listened to via a desk-top computer, a laptop or any other media device that has a USB port. If none of the above are accessible a portable speaker box can be supplied. This is essentially a free service from the Club but a suggested donation of 50 would be appreciated by W.A.T.N. to cover the cost of Speaker Box, Postal Wallet, USB and postage if necessary. donated another cheque to local charity, Artability, to support rebuilding their garden gazebo. Lion Past President Eric presented the money to organiser, Lyn, together with some of the service users who were keen to show off examples of their art work. If you need Greetings cards, Christmas cards or decorated trinkets, Artability has plenty. (Devised by VDG Mandy Hawksley) Answers on page 3 1. What is the date of EA s 2018 Convention? 2. What does CGL stand for? 3. What does OPAT stand for? 4. Which Club do we send spectacles to for recycling? 5. Who is our International President? 6. How many members are needed to start a Branch Club? 7. Who is the Editor of the Lions Roar? 8. Which PDG organises the District Fun Day? 9. Who is the GLT coordinator? 10. Who sends out the Weekly News? Vice President Carole, presents a cheque for 300 to Logan Giles. This is to support him in raising funds to go on a school trip to the Himalayas. Logan has raised most of the funds required by making and selling cakes. He sold some cakes to Southend Lions at the meeting! After his exciting adventure, he will return, and give a briefing to the club. New Members - September 2017 East Anglia Lioness Lions Leigh on Sea Norwich West Peterborough Wroxham & Hoveton Evelyn Crick Madeline Gasper Andrew Brewer Raymond Hill Rachel Spight November 2017 2
The held their Last Night of the Proms on Saturday 23rd September. 125 people came for a great night of nostalgia. The entertainment was provided by Dereham Brass Band, Norfolk Wherry Brass, the Heartland Delta Singers, Rockavox and soloist 16 year old Lauren Coates. It was wonderful to have all performers joining in the finale in true traditional Last Night fashion with lots of flag waving and singing. Dereham Lions are also grateful to sponsors/raffle providers for contributing to a brilliant evening. We are so pleased with how it all went there is good chance we will repeat it again next year. Watch this space! Over 700 was raised for local Centenary projects. This comes hard on the heel of a successful 80 s night raising 1700. As part of Centennial celebrations Dereham Lions have delivered 1400 mixed daffodil bulbs to 14 schools in the Dereham area, from infant to high schools for them to plant on their school gardens. Also Dereham Lions have donated 500 to a local charity PACT to purchase a bird aviary to house the stray birds that they receive. members took part recently in a local project called "Make Southend Sparkle". Southend Lions, with members of the public, took part in clearing up a beautiful secluded garden called Churchill Gardens. IPDG Nigel assures me that he was helping but in another part of the garden! Ed hosted a Musical Play, The Pedlar of Swaffham, at the Barn Theatre. A packed audience were enthralled by the players from Eyes Write Theatre group who put on a very amusing play about the well-known story of the Pedlar. With a cast of 18 and a dog, the story evolved through music and scenery changes much to the enjoyment of the audience. The playwright, Alan Huckle, approached the Lions earlier this year, following their success in putting on the Jeffery Holland play, to see if they would help put on the play in the home town of the Pedlar. The Barn Theatre was an ideal place and with the Lions connections in the town, the event turned out to be an outstanding success raising over 800 for Lions good causes. continue to support Sophie Burke and her family by taking her to hospital for appointments and fund raising with events. Sophie s mum, Jo, has told the Lions that Sophie has found a girl through social media who has a similar condition and is being treated by a specialist in the Midlands. It is early days but the family are researching to see if the specialist can review Sophie s case. There are also developments in the USA that may give hope of helping, if not curing the illness. In the meantime the Lions will give the family as much support as required. 1. 16/17/18 March; 2. Certified Guiding Lion; 3. Ordinary People Amazing Things; 4. Chichester; 5. Naresh Aggarwal; 6. 5; 7. Lion John Fox; 8. PDG David Woodruff; 9. PDG Derek Maguire; 10. Lion David Large. How did you get on? If you scored 5 or fewer - The District Handbook is available at http://lions105ea.com/district-handbook/ If you scored 6 or 7 - well done. If you scored 8 or 9 - wow! very well done If you scored 10 out of 10 - how were you cheating? November 2017 3
Centennial Success for the Clubs of EA Zone 5A and the Lions and Lionesses of Chelmsford Earlier this year Lion Stefan Sheriden, a member of Billericay, was made aware that Barrow Farm RDA, a riding school for the disabled, were in need of funding for a 250 metre all-weather bridle path. 4825 was needed to complete this work. Riders with disabilities, including those who are fully wheel chair bound, who use this school come from a wide area, particularly that covered by EA Zone 5A and the Chelmsford area. In view of this it was decided to seek the support of the local clubs and adopt it as a Centennial project, promoted by Zone Chairman Stuart Mackaness (Romford) during his club visits. This culminated in donations from all the clubs of the Zone ( ) as well as, meeting the full costs of the new path. A cheque was presented to Karen Lehner, Vice Chairman of the Trustees who, in a thank you letter, stated The path will really come into its own as winter comes on. It is especially important to our autistic riders who need to be able to enjoy their ride in the open air with all the extra stimulation that it provides. This little girl s smile says it all, taken in her wheelchair to the horse, lifted onto and seated into the saddle. All the thanks a Lion could wish for in return for all their work in generating funds for those in need. A big thank you to all the staff at Barrow Farm for the warm welcome we received and the superb spread of homemade cakes. November 2017 4 together with help from have created a sensory garden for residents at a Cephas Care supported living home located at Treetops, Claydon, near Ipswich, Suffolk. This major Centenary project with over 1000 hours worked was coordinated by Lion Chris Pearson of the New Century Lions Club. It has become a great example of the sharing, caring and helping attitude that being a Lion is all about. Raised beds and railings were painted in Lions colours of blue and gold, the Art room exterior was decorated with colourful flowers. Flower beds have been replanted with flowers for colour along with shrubs and herbs to touch and smell and even strawberry plants for something to eat. Pride of place is somewhere for the residents to sit and admire their new surroundings, a lovingly built from scratch arbour complete with celebration plaque and a clock. At the official opening ceremony District Governor of 105EA Lion Derek Prior was joined by David Finch MD of Cephas Care and Lion Chris Pearson of New Century Lions to cut the ribbon and unveil the plaque declaring the Sensory Garden open. New Century Lions President Mel Godefroy said she was so proud of what has been achieved by all concerned, it s a fantastic transformation that will mature and enhance Treetops for years to come.
Swaffham & District Lions held their fourth Sight First Day on Thursday 5th October, in partnership with the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB). The NNAB team, led by ex-norwich City footballer, Jeremy Goss, was on hand with Lions to promote ideas and practical tips on eyesight care and what Lions do internationally to prevent eyesight threatening diseases such as measles. Since 1990 for example, it's estimated that that Lions International have made eye care accessible to 30milion people, so, improving or restoring the sight of those most at risk. honoured its long serving members at the club meeting with certificates and pins. Keith Mitchell, who joined the Lions in Oxfordshire, and Peter Young who is Swaffham Lions secretary, have both served for twenty five years, whilst Nicolas Ashford the Swaffham Lions treasurer joined ten years ago. Lion President, Pam Tallon, thanked them for their hard work and involvement over the past and hoped it would continue for many years to come. took part in the Health Forum along with thirty other groups in the Assembly Rooms. The main focus for the Lions was their Message in a Bottle scheme; it gives medical and other information about the householder to the emergency services and is held in a special container in the fridge. Despite the Lions promoting the scheme for many years, they find that it is still unknown to some people. Twenty bottles were distributed during the event to people who thought the scheme was a wonderful idea. had a busy week with Foodbank deliveries. A large number of Harvest Festivals have taken place in schools and churches with the surplus food being donated to the Foodbank. With the help of the Lions this was then collected and put into bread baskets ready for delivery, by the Lions volunteers, to Dereham. As there was such a high intake of food the Lions had to put on extra delivery runs to cope with the forty bread baskets full of food and household items. The Foodbank team had a stall at the Health Forum explaining the type of food and household items they were looking to be donated. held their Lion s Den at Swaffham Community Centre, with over forty people in the audience. The nine groups who applied for funding gave a presentation on why they required the funding to a panel of four Lions including Lion President Pam Tallon. After careful consideration the panel awarded Swaffham Scouts, who have forty members, 250 for benches and tables; Swaffham Guides, who have fifteen members with more joining at the end of the year, 250 for ovens for camp; Swaffham Brownies, who have 24 members, 300 to attend a regional summer camp; Wayland Carers Social Group, 24 carers who meet socially, 250 for outings; Swaffham Town Football and Social Club, who have fifty adults players, 200 to replace battery and pads for their defibrillator; Swaffham Cricket Club, who have two teams together with youth groups, 200 for benches; Swaffham Visually Impaired Peoples Society meets monthly with twenty four members required funding for room hire, 250; Friends of Swaffham Infants School required funding for a shed for children to use as a den for learning, 200; Necton Youth Football Club, with sixty two young players, 300 for running costs. There was a real buzz from the audience when the awards were announced. All the groups who benefited from the evening said that it would be a major help to them and thanked the Lions for holding the event. Each year the Lions hold events for Lions charities; this enables us to support events such as the Lion s Den where the total donated to local groups was 2,200. held their annual Trolley Dash at Tesco Store in Swaffham. The winning ticket holder was Doug Smith who asked his daughter, Julie Gibbs, to do the Dash for him. With the help of Lion President, Pam Tallon, Julie had a preview of the aisles to see which goods she would wish to put in the trolley. After ninety seconds of dashing she managed to fill a large trolley with loads of food and chocolate, dad Doug was over the moon with his daughter s efforts especially the chocolates. The proceeds from the Dash will go to the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. November 2017 5
Clacton on Sea Lions Club For many years at Club meetings, long term Clacton on Sea Lion members PDG George Gardner and Lion John Cross sat next to each other. Sadly, they have now both passed to higher service. A seat dedicated to George was placed on the top promenade, near George s home in Holland on Sea. With kind permission from Anne Gardner, another plaque was fitted recently with a remembrance to Lion John, after all, it seemed only appropriate that they should be together once again. After the successful Food Bank collections for both Clacton on Sea and Brightlingsea within the past year, have been busy collecting for another scheme in Harwich and Dovercourt. The towns, (albeit 18 miles away), fall within the Tendring District of which Clacton is the central core. There are several collection points for Spectacle re-cycling and Doctors surgeries for MIAB distribution. Unfortunately the Harwich Lions club folded several years ago, but Clacton Lions still fly the flag within their local community. It was an extremely busy Friday for when they held their annual Macmillan Coffee Morning in the nearby village of Great Bentley. Despite inclement weather, there was an excellent response and support from the local residents and small companies saw that over 560 was collected. Judging by some of the culinary skills of some Clacton Lion members, they had been taking instructions from all the cookery programmes seen on TV. Later that day, other members collected Food hampers created by the parents and children of Holland Park Primary School. Over 140 parcels were distributed to the elderly and those in need within the local community. The Clacton on Sea Lions have been assisting with this project with the school for over 30 years. A large notice board in the centre of Clacton had seen better days and had become beyond repair. The board had been maintained by community members of Pier Ward and due to insufficient funds they were unable to replace it. were able to donate the monies required and a new one was purchased and fitted in less than a fortnight. President Peter Luckhurst was on hand along with councillors from Pier Ward and Tendring District Council for the unveiling ceremony. Members and friends of the gathered at their storage facility and sorted through their collected re-cycled items. In just the space of 2 months about 7,000 spectacles and sunglasses, 250 assorted batteries, several hearing aids and mobile phones had been dropped into the twenty-nine Lions re-cycle bins that can be found at various locations within the Tendring area. Pam Tallon, President of, was presented with a handmade carpet by Ray Buckley-Stevens to commemorate 100 years of Lions Clubs International. Ray, a former Paramedic, has Parkinson s and has always been interested in hand crafts, he used to do fine work with needlepoint and crochet, but since his illness he has taken up carpet making which he finds therapeutic and easier to hold the needles. The rug took over four months to complete and used approximately forty balls of wool. To all Lions Family Clubs in EA :~ Please remember that EA s Lions Roar is here for you to spread the word about your successes, difficulties, etc. If you don t send in the info it won t get published and the District won t know. Sharing is good! Ed November 2017 6
To raise awareness of World Sight Day, Southend Lions Club organized a blindfold assisted walk for the Mayor of Southend Cllr Fay Evans. IPDG Lion Nigel guided her through Southend s High Street, through The Last Post, a local store, Ravens, and back. During the tour they were accompanied by Kevin and his guide dog "Tel". Southend Lions gave out flyers, showing the collection places in Southend for used specs. Three new members, Christina, Teresa and Imran, have been inducted into the following a special effort to attract new and existing students to become involved in the Lions organisation. All three of these members were sponsored by District Global Membership Team Leader PDG Paul Martin and VDG Mandy conducted the induction ceremony. EA Lioness News has had plenty going on over the last month. We have had a visit from our District Governor, Lion Derek Prior, who attended our October meeting. The DG s Lady s chosen Charity this year is Breast Reconstruction Awareness, which we will no doubt be supporting in some way during the year. Some of us went to the Cromer Pier Show and had a very enjoyable day. We also went to see the Pedlar of Swaffham Musical, a fund-raiser sponsored by the Swaffham Lions Club, which was a good evening s entertainment. Our President Christine and others went to the Thetford Lioness Club Anniversary Lunch held at Thetford Golf Club, always good food and good company. Christine also attended the AGM at the Merle Boddy Centre, which is her chosen Charity to support for this Lionistic year. THURSDAY 16th NOVEMBER will be our CHILDREN IN NEED BINGO NIGHT which will be held at the Conservative Club at 7.30pm. All are welcome to join in and there are lots of lovely prizes to be won. Felixstowe Lioness Club For their October meeting had a visit from Heather Bentley, a member of the management team for Walton Parish nurses, based in Felixstowe. Heather gave a very interesting presentation outlining the work undertaken by the Parish Nurses. This can be very varied, from washing feet to carer relief. Trained staff give up their time voluntarily to help people in need in the Walton Community running drop in centres, exercise classes, helping people make sense of their medical information (very important) as well as prayer support. Felixstowe Lionesses presented a cheque for 200 towards funding the work. Articles for the next issue of the LiONS ROAR should be with the editor before the 20th of the Month Send to (Email preferred): John Fox, Lions Roar, 19 Beech Road, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9PH Tel: 01366 382963 E-Mail: lionsroar@lions105ea.com November 2017 7 QR Code for www.lions105ea.com