December 2021 update
Lowe's Wong Junior School pupils ROAR to success!
Chloe MacDonald and Holly Clarke show off their winning entry and certificates.
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Two Year 5 students from Southwell's Lowes Wong Junior School came 3rd in the 105CE District final in this year's ROAR competition. Chloe MacDonald and Holly Clarke designed the Zita Checker to help young people with dyslexia or are hard of hearing or visually impaired with their writing. When stuck for a word, you just ask Zita how to spell it, either verbally or using a screen on the side of the pencil or pen. Zita Checker comes with a volume button, headphones and a charger - and it can even be programmed with different languages. Local judges, Lions Peter Brooker and Verdun Webley, were blown away with the enthusiasm, engagement and sheer ingenuity of all the entries from the school's Year 5 students - and the judges nationally were obviously just as impressed with Chloe and Holly's unique idea.
Congratulations to Chloe and Holly! |
Planting for the future
Over two days in early December, our members have been clearing undergrowth and planting trees and a hedgerow to tidy up the border between Squires Pond and the adjoining field. Along with other volunteers and Southwell Town Councillors, and organised by Nottinghamshire Treeplanters, we planted a range of Tall Trees, including oak, silver birch, green birch, hornbeam and common alder, and wildlife trees, including hawthorn, grey willow, dog rose, hazel and dogwood. Hopefully, it will give people walking in the area pleasure to watch the trees and hedgerow grow over the coming years.
Over two days in early December, our members have been clearing undergrowth and planting trees and a hedgerow to tidy up the border between Squires Pond and the adjoining field. Along with other volunteers and Southwell Town Councillors, and organised by Nottinghamshire Treeplanters, we planted a range of Tall Trees, including oak, silver birch, green birch, hornbeam and common alder, and wildlife trees, including hawthorn, grey willow, dog rose, hazel and dogwood. Hopefully, it will give people walking in the area pleasure to watch the trees and hedgerow grow over the coming years.
Westgate Group party
We held our annual party for the Westgate Group in early December. The Westgate Group is a support group for young adults with learning difficulties and, after missing out in 2020, both the Lions and the Westgate Group were delighted to be back together this year. Around 20 members plus carers and/or parents were treated to an excellent tea, followed by a visit from Father Christmas, who handed out presents to all the members. The evening was rounded off with a rousing sing-song of popular Christmas carols, at which both Westgate Group members and Lions were in fine voice.
We held our annual party for the Westgate Group in early December. The Westgate Group is a support group for young adults with learning difficulties and, after missing out in 2020, both the Lions and the Westgate Group were delighted to be back together this year. Around 20 members plus carers and/or parents were treated to an excellent tea, followed by a visit from Father Christmas, who handed out presents to all the members. The evening was rounded off with a rousing sing-song of popular Christmas carols, at which both Westgate Group members and Lions were in fine voice.
November 2021 update
Saving the planet!
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As befits our Environmental Champion, Lion Keith Hobbs (on right) was out marshalling on Saturday, 6th November, at Southwell's 'Listen to the Leaves' Climate March, helping to make sure that all the marchers stayed safe. Several other Lions joined the march, organised by Green Southwell and the Minster Environmental Action Group. |
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New library books for Holy Trinity Voluntary Academy, Newark
We gave £250 to help restock the school's library with non-fiction books. After 18 months of disrupted education and little opportunity for the PTA to fundraise, the school was able to purchase some new age appropriate fiction books to enthuse and engage the pupils but they lacked non-fiction books, which the children really enjoy thanks to the combination of facts and illustrations that excite them and make them want to pick up a book. Southwell Lions were delighted to step in to provide some additional funding for the books.
October 2021 update
Helping hands at Newark Foodbank
Lions Verdun Webley & Steve Scall met Lesley Marshall at the Newark Foodbank on 13th October. Southwell & District Lions have been serving local communities for the past 40 years and none more so than now as the Lions deliver food donated by the good people of Newark and surrounding areas, to families who have been greatly affected by the pandemic.
Thanks to all involved!!
Thanks to all involved!!
Support for East Midlands Immediate Care Service
At October's business meeting, the Lions voted to donate £300 to the East Midlands Immediate Care Service (EMICS) . EMICS is a network of volunteer doctors with specialist training in pre-hospital emergency medicine who assist East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene of life threatening emergencies. EMICS doctors provide advanced specialist skills - beyond the usual 999 response capabilities - at the point of accident or injury, where they are needed most. Their volunteer doctors turn out at all hours, in all weather conditions, 365 days a year, all on a voluntary basis, responding from home in their own vehicles, around normal work commitments. The doctors carry their own kit and medications, funded entirely by the charity.
September 2021 update
Hi! Ho! Hi! Ho! It's off to glean we go!
On a sunny day in late September, Lions Verdun, Roger E, Ian E and Steve S gleaned 56 kilos of apples, 12 kilos of pears and 7 kilos of rhubarb from David & Rosemarie Peel's garden in Southwell in under an hour. A quantity will be taken by Beaumond House and the rest has been delivered to the Flower Pod in Southwell. The Flower Pod has a fruit press and will be making fruit juice on site. Thank you to David and Rosemarie for allowing us to harvest their produce!
On a sunny day in late September, Lions Verdun, Roger E, Ian E and Steve S gleaned 56 kilos of apples, 12 kilos of pears and 7 kilos of rhubarb from David & Rosemarie Peel's garden in Southwell in under an hour. A quantity will be taken by Beaumond House and the rest has been delivered to the Flower Pod in Southwell. The Flower Pod has a fruit press and will be making fruit juice on site. Thank you to David and Rosemarie for allowing us to harvest their produce!
We're always on the look-out for further opportunities to glean. If you have excess produce you'd like to see go to a good home, please contact us and we'll take it off your hands!
Southwell Lions have helped Beaumond House hospice at its annual Dragon Boat racing on the River Trent in Newark for several years and, after it was cancelled last year, we were delighted to be able to help out again this year. This year, on 19th September, the event also raised funds for the Newark Child Bereavement Centre. We took on several jobs, including car park marshalls, river spotters and riverside marshalls, ensuring that no-one fell in the river - except the competitors. A great day of entertainment for hundreds of people, including the 33 teams taking part and their supporters.
August 2021 update
Helping to raise funds for 'Jonathan's Voice' at one of the Southwell Music Festival Fringe events. This one was the Worksop College Bert's Jazz Band entertaining the public on Wednesday afternoon, 25th August.
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A few days later, on Saturday, 28th August, we helped Jonathan's Voice to raise funds at another fringe event, featuring the wonderful Cecilian Singers.
July 2021 Update
Southwell Rugby Club Junior Team selected as this year's benefactors for the annual 'Pluck a Duck' event.
STOP PRESS: OVER £600 Raised for Juniors
The Junior Rugby Team were selected to be the benfactors of the Southwell and District Lions Club's 'Pluck a Duck' event which is usually held during the Town's annual Fun Day. Unfortunately due to COVID this year's Fun Day was cancelled; however, this did not stop both the Rugby Club and the Lions from selling the Ducks for the annual pluck! The Rugby Club sold in excess of 400 tickets while the Lions manned a stall at the Saturday Market and sold in excess of 240 tickets. The finale to the event was held at the Southwell Rugby Club on Saturday 24 July 2021 and member of the Juniors plucked the Ducks and revealed this Year's winners. a great afternoon was had by all, especially the winners!
STOP PRESS: OVER £600 Raised for Juniors
The Junior Rugby Team were selected to be the benfactors of the Southwell and District Lions Club's 'Pluck a Duck' event which is usually held during the Town's annual Fun Day. Unfortunately due to COVID this year's Fun Day was cancelled; however, this did not stop both the Rugby Club and the Lions from selling the Ducks for the annual pluck! The Rugby Club sold in excess of 400 tickets while the Lions manned a stall at the Saturday Market and sold in excess of 240 tickets. The finale to the event was held at the Southwell Rugby Club on Saturday 24 July 2021 and member of the Juniors plucked the Ducks and revealed this Year's winners. a great afternoon was had by all, especially the winners!
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Literacy Volunteers receive 'Book Boxes' for pupils at Lowe's Wong Infants
Once the Road Map for lifting of Covid restrictions was published, Southwell & District Lions set about helping local charities and other good causes prepare for when they would be able to restart their operations. For Literacy Volunteers, who assist young people from 4 to 11 years old with their literacy, communication and social skills by providing schools with trained volunteers who make reading and communicating more enjoyable, the Lions were able to purchase 10 'Book Boxes' for pupils at Lowe's Wong Infants School. Each box contains a wealth of learning materials, games and exercises for the children to learn to engage with reading, even creating their own stories. They also receive a choice of favourite books, including The Gruffalo, We're Going on a Bear Hunt and The Everywhere Bear. Literacy Volunteers is looking for more volunteers to help in schools around Nottinghamshire, where, after so many months of disrupted education, the need has never been greater - go to https://www.literacyvolunteers.org.uk/ for more information on how to volunteer.
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5th Southwell Brownies get funding for new Standard
Earlier this year the Lions were treated, during one of their Zoom meetings, to brilliant presentation from Charlie Cook, the Brown Owl who explained to members that the Pack needed a new Standard and asked if the Lions would be able to support this. Charlie then explained that it was very difficult to try and keep the Pack going durning COVID but that with a lot of support that Pack was thriving. The Lions were so impressed that they decided not only to cover the cost of the new standard but they would also give some extra funding for equipment and so donated £250.00 to the Pack.
Earlier this year the Lions were treated, during one of their Zoom meetings, to brilliant presentation from Charlie Cook, the Brown Owl who explained to members that the Pack needed a new Standard and asked if the Lions would be able to support this. Charlie then explained that it was very difficult to try and keep the Pack going durning COVID but that with a lot of support that Pack was thriving. The Lions were so impressed that they decided not only to cover the cost of the new standard but they would also give some extra funding for equipment and so donated £250.00 to the Pack.
June 2021 Update
The Big Spring Clean Continues in Southwell
Green Southwell in conjunction with Southwell and District Lions Club carried out a Litter Pick in and around Southwell on 5 June 2021 and as you can see from the photographs below there was a sight more than litter collected!
The Lions nationally are trying to collect 2022 bags of litter before the start of the 2022 Commonwealth Games that are to be held in Birmingham. They will be displayed at the opening ceremony; its aim is to highlight the need to look after the environment.
A number of Lions and their long suffering partners took part in the pick and collected quite a number of sacks of rubbish which will be added to the National total, well done to all who took part
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Ian was very tyred after hauling these out of the ditch where they had been dumped!
May 2021 Update
The Big Spring Clean
Farnsfield Community Spaces in conjunction with Southwell and District Lions Club carried out a Litter Pick in Farnsfield on 29 May 2021. The aim is to assist the village in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all the residents. Members of both organisations enjoyed the joint venture and all definitely had fun in doing so!
Farnsfield Community Spaces in conjunction with Southwell and District Lions Club carried out a Litter Pick in Farnsfield on 29 May 2021. The aim is to assist the village in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all the residents. Members of both organisations enjoyed the joint venture and all definitely had fun in doing so!
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Southwell is Back in Bloom
Southwell & District Lions have been out in force working hard to bring the town planters back to life. It will be nice to see the fruits of our work later in the summer when they are in full bloom.
Southwell & District Lions have been out in force working hard to bring the town planters back to life. It will be nice to see the fruits of our work later in the summer when they are in full bloom.
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Printer cartridge recycling at local schools
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The Ink Bin is an exciting initiative for schools to give their pupils practical experience of recycling. We bought six Ink Bins for participating local schools - Lowes Wong Junior School, Lowes Wong Infants, Holy Trinity Infant School (Southwell), Bleasby Primary School, Lowdham Primary School and Farnsfield St Michaels Primary School. Pupils and teachers bring used cartridges from home to recycle in the Ink Bin, which accepts all home-use ink cartridges and pays the school between 50p and £1.05 for certain cartridges. Certainly beats throwing them in the rubbish at home for landfill! Two pupils from Lowes Wong Junior School show Lion Peter Brooker how they recycle used printer cartridges in the school's new Ink Bin.
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April 2021 Update
The Lion Meets the Lions
Southwell rugby club new coach Andy Powell a former Wales International and British and Irish Lion receives a cheque at the club from Ian Edwards, President of Southwell and District Lions. Ian explains that the Lions are very aware that the COVID epidemic has denied access to team sports for many local young people and are pleased to be able to assist in the re-opening of the very successful junior section at the club. We wish Andy and the senior squad a successful season as senior rugby returns in the autumn.
Southwell rugby club new coach Andy Powell a former Wales International and British and Irish Lion receives a cheque at the club from Ian Edwards, President of Southwell and District Lions. Ian explains that the Lions are very aware that the COVID epidemic has denied access to team sports for many local young people and are pleased to be able to assist in the re-opening of the very successful junior section at the club. We wish Andy and the senior squad a successful season as senior rugby returns in the autumn.
March 2021 Update
Marie Curie
As many of you will know Lions clubs have worked with Marie Curie to help with their fund raising efforts. Selling the famous Marie Curie daffodils has not been possible this year. So Southwell & District Lions sold 200 hundred football scratch card teams and raised £1000. Two lucky winners each won a £100 each but more importantly Marie Curie was the recipient of £800. A fun way to raise awareness of this awesome charity and to raise much needed money. Thanks to all who took part you contribution is highly appreciated. Thanks to Lion Dr Jaswant Bilkhu who is a patron of Marie Curie for Nottinghamshire for his assistance. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing many of our friends soon.”
As many of you will know Lions clubs have worked with Marie Curie to help with their fund raising efforts. Selling the famous Marie Curie daffodils has not been possible this year. So Southwell & District Lions sold 200 hundred football scratch card teams and raised £1000. Two lucky winners each won a £100 each but more importantly Marie Curie was the recipient of £800. A fun way to raise awareness of this awesome charity and to raise much needed money. Thanks to all who took part you contribution is highly appreciated. Thanks to Lion Dr Jaswant Bilkhu who is a patron of Marie Curie for Nottinghamshire for his assistance. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing many of our friends soon.”
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Revealing the winner of the 1st Scratch Card
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Revealing the winner of the 2nd Scratch Card
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More News
We are only temporary custodians of any donations kindly made by you all and so I feel it is appropriate to pass on how some of the funds have used so far this year. To date we have helped the Minster Junior School, and have donated £500 to the Fraser Ward staff area at City Hospital and the Kings Mill Treatment centre outdoor space. We have also donated £500 to 'Jonathan's Voice' a very local project helping with mental health and well being in the workplace and beyond. More details are in
Bramley
We are only temporary custodians of any donations kindly made by you all and so I feel it is appropriate to pass on how some of the funds have used so far this year. To date we have helped the Minster Junior School, and have donated £500 to the Fraser Ward staff area at City Hospital and the Kings Mill Treatment centre outdoor space. We have also donated £500 to 'Jonathan's Voice' a very local project helping with mental health and well being in the workplace and beyond. More details are in
Bramley
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February 2021 update
Another Defibrillator for Southwell
Another defibrillator has been purchased and fitted in Southwell, bringing the total to seven. Spread throughout the town the defibrillators are designed to be used in emergencies by members of the public in the event of a resident suffering a heart attack. The most recent defib has been fitted outside the Court House on the Burgage, meaning that every area of the town is now covered.
Southwell Lions co-ordinated the purchase and installation, donating £300 and obtaining a further £300 from London Hearts. Local First Responder, Mario Stankovic, who has led the successful campaign to install the defibrillators throughout the town, secured an additional £1,000 funding from Southwell Town Council.
If any residents should need to use the defibrillator, they need to phone 999 to receive the code to unlock the casing in the defib closest to the casualty. The devices are clearly labelled, straightforward to use and can help to save a life.
Another defibrillator has been purchased and fitted in Southwell, bringing the total to seven. Spread throughout the town the defibrillators are designed to be used in emergencies by members of the public in the event of a resident suffering a heart attack. The most recent defib has been fitted outside the Court House on the Burgage, meaning that every area of the town is now covered.
Southwell Lions co-ordinated the purchase and installation, donating £300 and obtaining a further £300 from London Hearts. Local First Responder, Mario Stankovic, who has led the successful campaign to install the defibrillators throughout the town, secured an additional £1,000 funding from Southwell Town Council.
If any residents should need to use the defibrillator, they need to phone 999 to receive the code to unlock the casing in the defib closest to the casualty. The devices are clearly labelled, straightforward to use and can help to save a life.
January 2021 update
£300 to Minster Junior School - to enable them to purchase some outdoor play equipment for the young people, to encourage more physical outdoor time.
£200 to Bethlehem Lions club Christmas appeal to help relieve the suffering of local people in their area.
£1,000 earmarked for Sherwood Forest Hospital Trust & Nottingham Hospitals Charity to help them make life a bit easier for staff and patients.
£1000: £500 to each of REACH and MHA (Live at Home Scheme)
Photo below is of our Community Services Chair, Peter Brooker, volunteering as a marshall at a local vaccination centre
£200 to Bethlehem Lions club Christmas appeal to help relieve the suffering of local people in their area.
£1,000 earmarked for Sherwood Forest Hospital Trust & Nottingham Hospitals Charity to help them make life a bit easier for staff and patients.
£1000: £500 to each of REACH and MHA (Live at Home Scheme)
Photo below is of our Community Services Chair, Peter Brooker, volunteering as a marshall at a local vaccination centre
