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

Club NEWS 2017/2018

Tuesday 6 November, Business meeting

We were pleased to welcome the second Vice District Governor, Lion Ben Manluctao to the meeting. After addressing the meeting, he made a number of presentations.   To Lion Ray James, a 20 year service chevron To Lion President Rob Jamieson, DG Sally's mouse mat, To Lion Derek Livsey, a Lion figurine

Saturday, 20 October:

We were pleased to welcome returning Sherborne Town Band who performed their Last Night of the Proms concert at the Methodist Church Centre, Midsomer Norton.  Our concert was in support of Jessie May, Children’s Hospice @ Home. Doors opened at 7:00 pm with Lion Russell Ford performing on the Church Organ and at 7:30 pm, the band, led by resident conductor, Paul Slator, opened with Doyen.  There followed a varied program culminating in some Last Night of the Proms classics, the Fantasia on British Sea Songs, Jerusalem and finally, Pomp and Circumstance. We were also delighted to welcome our very own Somerset ‘Pam Ayres’, Hazel Williams, reciting some of her poetry, humorous, frivolous and finally serious, with two poems recounting the horrors of war.  Paul observed Hazel’s poem, ‘Poppies in the Wind’ was a good lead to the Band’s piece, ‘Children of the Regiment’.  Our thanks to all those who came and enjoyed the concert, without your support we would not be able to do what we, as Lions do, supporting those less fortunate than ourselves.  Our thanks also to our advertisers, Essence, Michael Gould, RoseCrafts, High Street DIY, Past & Present Upholstery, Jacarandas, S G Taylor and Edwards Opticians. Photo:Paul Slator, Conductor, Julie Bulgin, Flugel Horn Soloist, Lion President Rob Jamieson, Steve Rogers, Principle Cornet and Concert Organiser, Lion Derek Livsey.

Tuesday 18 September: Social:

Lions and friends had an excellent Fish & Chip Supper at the Haynes, High Littleton, on Tuesday.  After we had enjoyed the meal and the socialising, we were enthralled by a a talk by Mike Gilbert, who had been a milkman for many years.  He regaled us with stories of his experiences, starting from a very young age, when he played at delivering milk in his fathers yard, moving on to his experiences when he actually ran his own milk round. We also enjoyed the company of Kevin and Mary who are interested in our work and are considering joining us. Photo: Mike Gilbert, retired milkman. Mike gives around 6 talks a year on his experiences.

Saturday 15 July: Annual Duck Race:

Midsomer Norton Town Fayre last weekend started with the annual Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Duck Race. Having removed cans, glasses and bottles from the river, enough to fill three bin bags, the flow down the Somer was excellent and we had no problems with ducks getting stranded, in fact we had to be vigilant and captured 30 potential escapees! As the river is fairly narrow, we were unable to send all the ducks off in one go, so had a number of ‘heats’. The first 10 ducks from each heat then took their place for the final race. Joan won the duck race with the £50 first prize, Karen and Lucy collected the runners up prizes of £30 and £20. Our thanks to everyone for their support, we raised over £500 for Lions’ charity funds. Photo: Lion Tony catching the lead ducks of one of the heats, watched by an excited audience.

Sunday 15 April: We celebrate our 41st Charter Anniversary.

Last Sunday, we celebrated our 41st Birthday with a Sunday Lunch at Cameley Lodge.  We were joined by members from other clubs around our district, Ross-on-Wye, Keynsham, Chipping Sodbury, Calne and Bristol Brunel, not forgetting including our District Governor, Lion Steve Petty, a member of Calne Lions Club.  We also welcomed ex Rotarian, Terry Taylor as our guest of honour. Our hosts, John and Paula Harris provided a wide choice of dishes to their usual high standard.  Lion President Alan Denham, welcomed everyone and thanked them for sharing our Charter Lunch.  He thanked fellow Lions for their support during his year of office and proposed the toast to our organisation, Lions Clubs International.  Responding, Lion Steve congratulated our club on its achievements and brought greetings from our International President, Lion Naresh Aggarwal who comes from Delhi. Secretary, Lion Derek Livsey proposed the toast to our partners and guests and Terry Taylor responded, thanking the Lions for the good work they do in the community.   Master of Ceremonies, Lion Colin Marsh, conducted the proceedings with aplomb and dignity. Lion President Alan concluded the proceedings with a surprise presentation of a Melvin Jones Fellowship to our club member, Lion Sally Marsh.  Lion Sally is also Vice District Governor of our district, 105W, and she will have the distinction of becoming our first lady District Governor.  The Melvin Jones award, commemorating the founder of Lions, is the highest award given by Lions. Photo:District Governor, Lion Steve Petty, Vice District Governor, Lion Sally Marsh and Lion President Alan Denham presenting the Melvin Jones Award.

Wednesday 28 February: Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

The Countess of Wessex, G.C.V.O. as Patron of Lions Clubs of the British Isles held a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, 28th February to celebrate a ‘Century of Service’. HRH has been our Patron since 2004. Hundreds of Lions members, including our own Lion Margaret from Peasedown St John, joined together for the 100th Birthday of Lions Clubs International to celebrate this landmark anniversary with the organisations’ partners. Lion Phil Nathan MBE, Chair of the Centenary Celebrations for Lions Clubs of the British Isles said “Let me begin by saying that during our 1st Century of service, Lions Clubs have touched millions of lives of people that needed us. 100 years of service to the community is a remarkable achievement, made possible by the selfless actions of many thousands of individual men and women, each of whom has sought to make ‘their’ community a better place. As we enter our 2nd Century, the cry for help from those in need will most certainly become louder and we as volunteers are ready to show that as Lions, We Care”. Lions Clubs International focusses through its Lions and Leos members upon major projects that address diabetes, youth, the environment, hunger relief, childhood cancer and sight issues affecting communities throughout the world.


Saturday 27 January 2018: Classics for Your Pleasure.

We presented the Bath and North East Somerset Schools Philharmonic Orchestra with Classics for your pleasure.  The excellent acoustics of the Methodist Church in Midsomer Norton, enabled the orchestra to shine with a varied program of pieces.  The Orchestra is led by conductor, Rainer Dolz and supported by assistant conductor, Samuel Warner who conducted the string section in his arrangement of ‘Tonight’ from West Side Story. The programme was much enjoyed by the audience, if you weren’t there, you missed an excellent evening.  Hopefully we will be presenting another concert from the Schools Music Service next year.  If you cannot wait that long, there will be another opportunity to hear the orchestra at a concert at the West Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon, on the 14th April, where they will be performing the entire Dvorak New World Symphony.  They will be joined at that event by the South Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra. The Schools Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Service is supported by Bath and North east Somerset Council and the Arts Council of England, Department for Education. Photo: Samuel Warner, Lion President Alan Denham and Rainer Dolz.


Saturday 8 July: Duck race.

As in past years, the duck race opened the Midsomer Norton Fayre.  Ducks raced down the river and the winners were: first, Evelyn from Radstock, second Sheila from Timsbury and third, Sheila from Paulton.

Sunday 28 May: Handover.

We held our Handover meal at Mendip Golf Club where outgoing president, Derek Livsey, handed the chain of office to Alan Denham the president for the coming year.  The club has been in existence for 40 years and we are looking forward to the next 40!  Our thanks to teetime catering for providing us with an excellent meal. Lion Derek was delighted to receive an engraved tankard.


Sunday 30 April: 40th Charter celebrations and twin club visit.

The club celebrated its 40th Charter anniversary (birthday) on Sunday 30 April with a lunch at Cameley Lodge.  As ever, the meal was excellent.  Our grateful thanks to Cameley Lodge for their service and the quality of the food.  The lunch was attended by representatives from other clubs, Keynsham, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, Newbury, Frome (our mother club), Chateau Gontier (our twin club in France) and from Bridgend, the District Governor, Lion Godfrey Morris.  We also had in attendance, Lion Keith Burchell and Mike Clay, both charter members of the club and the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Paul Myers and Claudia Hicklin, Senior Fundraiser with RUH Forever friends. The proceedings started with a minutes silence in memory of a stalwart member of the club Lion Barry Rogers MJF who had passed to higher service the previous Monday.  After the usual speeches, Claudia gave a presentation on the present position of Forever Friends fundraising toward the new cancer centre.  They are now only £500,000 short of their target of £8,500,000.  Lion President Derek presented Claudia with a cheque for £2,000, Forever Friends being his nominated charity for his year as President.  (Every little helps!) We were most surprised and grateful to receive a sculpture from Chateau Gontier depicting "Peace around the World". The twinning visit continued in the evening with an introduction to Indoor Bowls at the Purnell Bowls Club. The following day we took them to Lacock Abbey and village and then in the evening to the Waldegrave Arms in Chewton Mendip.  Dieting begins on Tuesday! We wished them well as they departed on Tuesday for a short tour of England before returning to France. We look forward to visiting them in France to celebrate their 50th Charter Anniversary in 2019. Photo: Twinning officer Lion Trevor Hipwood, Michel Guerin CG (Chateau Gontier), Lion President Derek Livsey, Christian Renault CG, Lion Bill O'Neil, President Bristol Brunel, Guy Michel CG and Jean-Jacques Prioux CG with the sculpture, hands around the world.


Tuesday 25 April: Fashion Show.

This evening, M&CO put on a fashion show for us, It was much enjoyed by the people who attended.  Lions Colin, Sally and President Derek and his wife Lynne were amongst the models, together with the "royalty" from the Carnival Club.  A very enjoyable time was had by both the models and the audience.  Our thanks to M&CO for organising this excellent event. Photo: Lion Colin, Lion Sally, Lion President Derek and his wife, Lynne.


Saturday 1 April: UFO seen in Midsomer Norton.

Last Saturday the Ukulele Funhouse Orchestra performed in the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton. An outrageous performance with tunes we knew and words we didn’t! The orchestra featured 14 ukuleles and a percussion section, impersonating Dad’s Army and the Wrens originating from Walmington on Severn (wherever that is). Not only could they play their ukuleles but they could also sing and they performed a series of songs. They told the story of a thwarted threat from a one man German Submarine, intent on destroying Temple Meads! The intimate atmosphere of the Town Hall lent itself well to their performance. Judging from the audience participation, the event was much enjoyed by all. We look forward to a return performance.

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  Saturday 25 February: Brass Tacks & Cantilena Concert.

  Loud applause from a near capacity audience emphasised the appreciation for a brilliant performance by 65 teenagers.  Bath and North East Somerset Music Service presented Brass Tacks, the Schools Brass Band and Cantelina Choir in our concert, Saturday 25th February, at the Methodist Church Centre, Midsomer Norton.  Brass Tacks presented some well-known pieces, including Amarillo and “The Blue and the Gray” from the American Civil War Suite.  Cantelina performed extracts from Fauré’s requiem and finished up with “His Last Breath” by Katy P Rothimer.  Conductors Timothy Parker (Cantelina) and Sue Avison (Brass Tacks) performed with fine control of the large number of students who have committed to practice and rehearsal in addition to their other school work.  The evening’s performances were excellent and enjoyed by all.  We hope to repeat it in 2018! Lion President Derek Livsey extended thanks to Bath & North East Somerset Music Service, St John Ambulance, The Methodist Church Center and to the programme sponsors: Andy Payne; Radstock Carpet & Bed Centre; Allen Estate Agents; LJ Developments; Norton Sports & Camping; Castello Restaurant; Jacarandas; SG Taylor and Mitchard & Sons. The proceeds will be divided between Bath & North East Somerset Music Service and Lions local charities. Photo: Lion President Derek Livsey, Cantilena Soloists and Cantilena Director, Tim Parker.

  
  Friday 1 January 2017: Carol float is put to bed.

• Well, that is it for another year (11 months to be more precise), the carol float is put to bed.  Our thanks to members of the public who help swell our funds by donating over £4000 during the month of December Photo: Carol float, a shadow of its former self.

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