December 2024 update
Isabel's idea is a ROARing success!
It gives us great pleasure to recognise the amazing achievement of Isabel Rukas from Lowes Wong Junior School, who won the 2024 ROAR competition in our District. Dozens of schools from the District, which spans from Northern England to Essex, entered their best idea from hundreds of entries, and eight finalists made a presentation to a panel of judges, who decided that Isabel’s idea and presentation were so good that she came 1st in every category.
Lowes Wong has the best record of any school in the District in the ROAR competition.
Isabel’s ‘Cabinet of Care’ can be placed in appropriate places in towns, villages and cities where they would be easily found by a homeless person, who rings a central number for a code which will enable them to open up to three drawers containing items such as a tent, sleeping bag and food for themselves or a pet. Isabel was inspired by her policeman father, who told her about the plight of homeless people and how they need help, particularly during the cold of winter.
Southwell Lions pays the £170 fee for all the qualifying schools in our area to enter the ROAR competition, which encourages children to think big and to dream big with ideas that will benefit all of us in this ever changing world. If you would like to know more or to enter your school for the 2025 competition, contact us via our Contact Us page www.southwell-lions.org/contact-us.html.
Lowes Wong has the best record of any school in the District in the ROAR competition.
Isabel’s ‘Cabinet of Care’ can be placed in appropriate places in towns, villages and cities where they would be easily found by a homeless person, who rings a central number for a code which will enable them to open up to three drawers containing items such as a tent, sleeping bag and food for themselves or a pet. Isabel was inspired by her policeman father, who told her about the plight of homeless people and how they need help, particularly during the cold of winter.
Southwell Lions pays the £170 fee for all the qualifying schools in our area to enter the ROAR competition, which encourages children to think big and to dream big with ideas that will benefit all of us in this ever changing world. If you would like to know more or to enter your school for the 2025 competition, contact us via our Contact Us page www.southwell-lions.org/contact-us.html.
Carols for Everyone sings up a storm!
Over 300 people braved the stormy weather on 7th December to attend our popular Carols for Everyone festive family sing-a-long in the magnificent surroundings of Southwell Minster, where they sang their favourite Christmas carols and listened to wonderful music, all in aid of the amazing Reach Learning Disability.
We were especially pleased to welcome the Bleasby C of E Primary School Choir, which sang with gusto - and loved beating their drums during the 12 Days of Christmas! - and the Nottinghamshire Pipers, who almost blew the roof off The Minster with their stirring music, especially when they marched into the nave to the tune of Scotland the Brave!
The concert was led, as usual, by the great Nick Harding, who made sure the Minster rang out loudly with the sound of jingly bells at every opportunity. Music was provided by Southwell Orchestral Society, while Southwell Choral Society provided choral accompaniment, conducted by renowned baritone and conductor Marcus Farnsworth, including the first ever performance of a new carol, Polaris, created by Sam Meredith and based on the poem by poet laureate Simon Armitage. Tim Selman, the Organ Scholar, gave us a splendid performance of Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride.
Reach Learning Disability aims to enable adults with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire to achieve happier, healthier, more independent lives. 250 adults attend its five centres in Newark, Mansfield and Southwell, where they can undertake weekly courses such as cookery, art and gardening, while its award-winning Southwell accommodation is home to 12 tenants.
We were especially pleased to welcome the Bleasby C of E Primary School Choir, which sang with gusto - and loved beating their drums during the 12 Days of Christmas! - and the Nottinghamshire Pipers, who almost blew the roof off The Minster with their stirring music, especially when they marched into the nave to the tune of Scotland the Brave!
The concert was led, as usual, by the great Nick Harding, who made sure the Minster rang out loudly with the sound of jingly bells at every opportunity. Music was provided by Southwell Orchestral Society, while Southwell Choral Society provided choral accompaniment, conducted by renowned baritone and conductor Marcus Farnsworth, including the first ever performance of a new carol, Polaris, created by Sam Meredith and based on the poem by poet laureate Simon Armitage. Tim Selman, the Organ Scholar, gave us a splendid performance of Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride.
Reach Learning Disability aims to enable adults with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire to achieve happier, healthier, more independent lives. 250 adults attend its five centres in Newark, Mansfield and Southwell, where they can undertake weekly courses such as cookery, art and gardening, while its award-winning Southwell accommodation is home to 12 tenants.
Santa Clause thrills the Westgate Group
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Members of Southwell's Westgate Group were thrilled to be visited by a very special guest at the annual Christmas Party, hosted by Southwell Lions. Following a sumpious tea, Santa Claus made a surprise entrance, accompanied, not by Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but Leo, the friendly, white tummied Lion. Santa came laden with gifts for the Westgate Group members, who each received their own present. After Santa left to continue making final preparations for his world-wide tour on Christmas Eve, everyone enjoyed a loud sing-song of favourite carols, accompanied on the piano by Marion Turner.
Everyone's thanks go to Rama Nanda for the excellent tea, to Marion and to the Roman Catholic diocese for letting us use the Our Lady of Victories Church Hall. |
Christmas Tree festival at Southwell Methodist Church
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We were very pleased to repay the support that Southwell's Methodist Church gives to us by once again, joining in the annual Christmas Tree festival from 5th to 7th December.
As usual, our tree was decorated with images that reflect our service to the community and our global causes. In addition, we displayed our 'Message in a Bottle', which are used by vulnerable people to inform emergency services of vital information, should they need to attend their home when they are alone in their home. |
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November 2024 update
Helping First Responders stay warm and dry
Southwell's First Responders are now able to stay warm and dry when they attend emergencies, thanks to their new protective jackets provided by Southwell Lions.
First Responders provide a fast response service prior to the arrival of ambulances from either Newark, Mansfield or Nottingham. We have a long history of supporting the First Responders, having helped, among other items, to install defibrillators around the town and purchase oxygen equipment, so we were very keen to help with this latest donation.
The local team has undergone a number of changes in personnel recently, so they now have a core team of two experienced First Responders and two newly qualified recruits, but are seeking to recruit more volunteers.
Although the First Responders are controlled and managed by East Midlands Ambulance Service, they are solely dependent on donations to provide the necessary medical equipment such as defibrillators as well as, masks, oxygen and other medical equipment. For heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrests, falls and catastrophic bleeds, time is of the essence and, with ambulance response times now increasing with the pressures on the NHS, it is even more imperative that the local community should have access to this service. The First Responders also maintain and service the many defibrillators now in place around town (some of which we paid for) and provide training courses for the public to learn how to make use of these effectively.
The high vis jackets have EMAS and NHS logos and large lettered identifiers on the back with cubby holes for r/t, mobile, torch etc.
First Responders provide a fast response service prior to the arrival of ambulances from either Newark, Mansfield or Nottingham. We have a long history of supporting the First Responders, having helped, among other items, to install defibrillators around the town and purchase oxygen equipment, so we were very keen to help with this latest donation.
The local team has undergone a number of changes in personnel recently, so they now have a core team of two experienced First Responders and two newly qualified recruits, but are seeking to recruit more volunteers.
Although the First Responders are controlled and managed by East Midlands Ambulance Service, they are solely dependent on donations to provide the necessary medical equipment such as defibrillators as well as, masks, oxygen and other medical equipment. For heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrests, falls and catastrophic bleeds, time is of the essence and, with ambulance response times now increasing with the pressures on the NHS, it is even more imperative that the local community should have access to this service. The First Responders also maintain and service the many defibrillators now in place around town (some of which we paid for) and provide training courses for the public to learn how to make use of these effectively.
The high vis jackets have EMAS and NHS logos and large lettered identifiers on the back with cubby holes for r/t, mobile, torch etc.
Lions Peter Brooker, Peter Bird and Ian Robinson pictured with the Southwell First Responders with their new protective gear.
On duty on Remembrance Sunday
On 10th November, we carried out our usual duties on Remembrance Sunday, acting as marshalls at the Burgage and other points around town to ensure the Remembrance Day service and parade passed off smoothly.
October 2024 update
Help new charity to support vulnerable mums and their newborn babies to a better start in life.
In October, we were invited to the launch of the Newark branch of Baby Basics at Southwell Methodist Church following our recent donation. Baby Basics provides some of the basics needed for life for vulnerable families with a newborn.
The new Newark branch works with midwives from Kings Mill Hospital to provide starter packs - Moses Baskets filled with everything that a vulnerable/needy new mum and her baby require for birth and the next few weeks - for those in need from across the area, who include teenage mothers, families on low income and women fleeing domestic abuse and trafficking.
Baby Basics works solely and strictly on a referral basis from front line health care professionals such as Midwives at Kings Mill and social workers to make sure that help gets to those who need it the most. These professionals work closely with their clients, build trusting relationships with them and understand their individual circumstances. Feedback from the professionals is that such gifts have the power to restore a little bit of dignity and relieve a small part of the worry and burden of financial hardship for a highly vulnerable new mother.
While much of the baby’s needs can be preloved, some, such as the mattress, have to be new, as do the toiletries provided for mum and baby, so we donated funds to provide the needs for up to ten packs – some of which have already been given out on the recommendation of the midwives at Kings Mill, one of whom we were delighted to meet at the launch.
The new Newark branch works with midwives from Kings Mill Hospital to provide starter packs - Moses Baskets filled with everything that a vulnerable/needy new mum and her baby require for birth and the next few weeks - for those in need from across the area, who include teenage mothers, families on low income and women fleeing domestic abuse and trafficking.
Baby Basics works solely and strictly on a referral basis from front line health care professionals such as Midwives at Kings Mill and social workers to make sure that help gets to those who need it the most. These professionals work closely with their clients, build trusting relationships with them and understand their individual circumstances. Feedback from the professionals is that such gifts have the power to restore a little bit of dignity and relieve a small part of the worry and burden of financial hardship for a highly vulnerable new mother.
While much of the baby’s needs can be preloved, some, such as the mattress, have to be new, as do the toiletries provided for mum and baby, so we donated funds to provide the needs for up to ten packs – some of which have already been given out on the recommendation of the midwives at Kings Mill, one of whom we were delighted to meet at the launch.
September 2024 update
World first for Southwell Guides!
We were delighted to present Lions Challenge Badges to 23 Guides from the Southwell group in September – the first Guides in the world to achieve the Lions Challenge Badge.
The Lions Challenge Badge was the brainchild of and developed by Southwell Lion Verdun Webley in association with the Scouting Association. It was launched initially in local Scout troops but it is now awarded globally.
The Challenge is designed to teach and encourage participants in five ‘Areas of Excellence’ – Creative, Community, Communications, Environment and Safety. Participants undertake tasks and learn new skills appropriate to their age group over a period of several weeks. The Badge joins the many others that Guides work to earn during their guiding career.
The Badges were given out by Lion Verdun Webley at a special presentation at which the Guides had even baked a special Lion cake to celebrate the Guides’ achievements.
The Lions Challenge Badge was the brainchild of and developed by Southwell Lion Verdun Webley in association with the Scouting Association. It was launched initially in local Scout troops but it is now awarded globally.
The Challenge is designed to teach and encourage participants in five ‘Areas of Excellence’ – Creative, Community, Communications, Environment and Safety. Participants undertake tasks and learn new skills appropriate to their age group over a period of several weeks. The Badge joins the many others that Guides work to earn during their guiding career.
The Badges were given out by Lion Verdun Webley at a special presentation at which the Guides had even baked a special Lion cake to celebrate the Guides’ achievements.
Lions help to send a Guide to Iceland
One of the Lions key objectives is to help young people with their personal development. We recently received an application from a member of Southwell Guides for help towards the cost of a Guides camp in Iceland in 2025.
Having applied for a place on an international Girlguiding camp in Iceland, Emily, a member of Girlguiding since joining as a Rainbow at the age of 5, had to attend a selection camp, during which all the applicants played a series of games to show they can work well with others, including some international themed orienteering. On this week-long trip, the Guides will be camping under canvas at a Guide and Scout campsite, experiencing firsthand the power of the earth by spending time at one of Iceland’s geothermal springs, whale watching, learning about Icelandic culture and history on a trip to Reykjavik, as well as undertaking some community service within the local area.
Emily is raising additional funds through a variety of activities, including busking in Southwell (she plays the flute), an Easyfundraising account so friends and family can support her through their online purchases, baby-sitting, car washing, dog walking, a bake sale and a sponsored 16 mile walk with another Guide from the Iceland selection camp.
Southwell Lions were delighted to contribute £250 towards Emily's trip and look forward to hearing all about it next year.
Having applied for a place on an international Girlguiding camp in Iceland, Emily, a member of Girlguiding since joining as a Rainbow at the age of 5, had to attend a selection camp, during which all the applicants played a series of games to show they can work well with others, including some international themed orienteering. On this week-long trip, the Guides will be camping under canvas at a Guide and Scout campsite, experiencing firsthand the power of the earth by spending time at one of Iceland’s geothermal springs, whale watching, learning about Icelandic culture and history on a trip to Reykjavik, as well as undertaking some community service within the local area.
Emily is raising additional funds through a variety of activities, including busking in Southwell (she plays the flute), an Easyfundraising account so friends and family can support her through their online purchases, baby-sitting, car washing, dog walking, a bake sale and a sponsored 16 mile walk with another Guide from the Iceland selection camp.
Southwell Lions were delighted to contribute £250 towards Emily's trip and look forward to hearing all about it next year.
Lions meet dragons - and hit it off!
The rain held off (well, mostly) for the Dragon Boat Racing in Newark on 15th September. Organised by Beaumond House Hospice Care and the Newark Childrens Bereavement Centre, the Dragon Boat racing has become a regular and very popular date in the Newark calendar and the Lions were, as usual, on hand to manage the Arena car park, which is set aside for competitors and performers.
This year, there were some new special guests at the festival - some actual dragons! But, just like Southwell Lions, these dragons were very friendly and proved to be a great hit with young and old alike.
This year, there were some new special guests at the festival - some actual dragons! But, just like Southwell Lions, these dragons were very friendly and proved to be a great hit with young and old alike.
Lions help Tour of Britain on its way through Southwell
There was a great atmosphere on 6th September in Southwell as the Tour of Britain came through town and we were very pleased to be able to help by providing marshalls at road closures and the potentially tricky junction of Queen Street and King Street. Luckily, the competitors all took it (and the potholes) in their stride. Well done Southwell Town Council for organising it at such short notice.
August 2024 update
Teeing off for Rainbows Childrens Hospice
We were very pleased to support Rainbows Childrens Hospice at its recent golf day by sponsoring one of the holes at Norwood Park Golf Club. It was a lovely sunny day and a great day was had by everyone taking part, raising lots of money for this incredible place.
Rainbows provides care and support for babies, children and young people with serious and terminal conditions, and their whole family, across the East Midlands.
The Golf Day was well supported by teams from across the region and the day included an auction of many items donated by individuals and businesses, all of which went towards the £8 million they need to raise every year to keep going.
Rainbows provides care and support for babies, children and young people with serious and terminal conditions, and their whole family, across the East Midlands.
The Golf Day was well supported by teams from across the region and the day included an auction of many items donated by individuals and businesses, all of which went towards the £8 million they need to raise every year to keep going.
May 2024 update
A floral welcome to Southwell
Spring is well and truly here - which means it's time for the Lions to renew the planters that greet us when we enter Southwell. A small group of Lions planted a variety of plants, very kindly donated by Southwell Garden Centre, in the planters on the roads into Southwell from Kirklington, Halam, Oxton, Lowdham and Upton. We hope you enjoy seeing them grow and flower over the next few weeks.
April 2024 update
Connecting patients and families at John Eastwood Hospice
In April, we were approached by the John Eastwood Hospice in Mansfield for help to buy a Digital Activity Table (ActiveTouch by Lifesize) that would greatly benefit their patients and enhance their quality of life. We regularly support Beaumond House Hospice in Newark, which works closely with John Eastwood Hospice, often providing beds, facilities and services to each other’s patients that the other might be unable to provide at any time, so we jumped at the chance to help.
A few weeks later, we visited the hospice to see the new Digital Activity Table find out more about the hospice. The table is already having a significant impact on their patients and their families by:-
· keeping their minds active, playing online games to improve their memory and other cognitive skills;
· staying connected with their loved ones, through e-mail, messaging and video apps;
· adapting to visual and hearing impairments which some may find hard on smaller screens;
· helping upper body movement – an opportunity to be more active by reaching to touch content without realising the benefit;
· providing sensory stimulation;
· enabling them to reminisce over happy times by showing 3D options to take them to special places, such as a seaside resort, to recall happy times, sights and activities.
The table’s integrated camera means patients can easily take and share snapshots to catch special moments, while its easy portability means it can be shared amongst service users and taken bedside when patients are too ill to be moved.
Lisa (behind the camera), Michelle and another Lisa welcomed us to John Eastwood Hospice, showing us some of the facilities and demonstrating the benefits of the new Digital Activity Table. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the hospice in the future, beginning with a delivery next month of Messages in a Bottle (MIAB) for their home-based patients.
A few weeks later, we visited the hospice to see the new Digital Activity Table find out more about the hospice. The table is already having a significant impact on their patients and their families by:-
· keeping their minds active, playing online games to improve their memory and other cognitive skills;
· staying connected with their loved ones, through e-mail, messaging and video apps;
· adapting to visual and hearing impairments which some may find hard on smaller screens;
· helping upper body movement – an opportunity to be more active by reaching to touch content without realising the benefit;
· providing sensory stimulation;
· enabling them to reminisce over happy times by showing 3D options to take them to special places, such as a seaside resort, to recall happy times, sights and activities.
The table’s integrated camera means patients can easily take and share snapshots to catch special moments, while its easy portability means it can be shared amongst service users and taken bedside when patients are too ill to be moved.
Lisa (behind the camera), Michelle and another Lisa welcomed us to John Eastwood Hospice, showing us some of the facilities and demonstrating the benefits of the new Digital Activity Table. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the hospice in the future, beginning with a delivery next month of Messages in a Bottle (MIAB) for their home-based patients.
The heat is on at Scout HQ!
Last winter, the combi boiler at the Scout HQ on Bishop’s Drive was found to be faulty beyond repair and decommissioned. The cost of a replacement boiler had to be funded from reserves, which are used to support scouts who may not be able to afford termly subscriptions and support, as well as replacing and renewing equipment such as tents, cookers and so on.
The Scout Group is very active in Southwell, with 160 young people, aged between 5 and 18 years old, enrolled in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer units. They are supported by 40 adults who volunteer to lead these units each week. Members of the group take an active part in general Scouting activities, the Duke of Edinburgh programme and important events in the town, helping them to develop a sense of belonging, commitment and contribution within our society. The Scout HQ is also used by a host of fitness and well being classes, providing benefit to local residents.
So we were very pleased to be able to step in with a donation of £750 towards the boiler replacement, so some of the reserves could go back to their rightful purpose of benefitting the members of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer units.
The Scout Group is very active in Southwell, with 160 young people, aged between 5 and 18 years old, enrolled in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer units. They are supported by 40 adults who volunteer to lead these units each week. Members of the group take an active part in general Scouting activities, the Duke of Edinburgh programme and important events in the town, helping them to develop a sense of belonging, commitment and contribution within our society. The Scout HQ is also used by a host of fitness and well being classes, providing benefit to local residents.
So we were very pleased to be able to step in with a donation of £750 towards the boiler replacement, so some of the reserves could go back to their rightful purpose of benefitting the members of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer units.
February 2024 update
New outdoor equipment for Prebend Preschool
Earlier this year, we gave Southwell's Prebend Preschool the funds to buy some new outdoor play equipment for the children. When we visited the Preschool to see the new equipment, a few of the children showed us how much the are already enjoying playing on it.
As a charity, so not for profit, Prebend relies heavily on fundraising to enable it to continue to provide a high quality environment for local children, so we were delighted to help by providing the new play equipment. Located in the Methodist Church Hall, they offer spaces for children aged two to five years old as well as supporting local Ukrainian and Afghan families and a number of children with various special educational needs and disabilities
Their new updated outdoor equipment - which will move to their garden and woodland area when the weather improves – will enable the children to develop their physical strength and balance, and learn to take and manage reasonable risks. The equipment will be enjoyed by all children who attend the pre-school but will be especially beneficial for children with delayed physical development, encouraging their progression and helping to bridge the gap between them and their peers.
As a charity, so not for profit, Prebend relies heavily on fundraising to enable it to continue to provide a high quality environment for local children, so we were delighted to help by providing the new play equipment. Located in the Methodist Church Hall, they offer spaces for children aged two to five years old as well as supporting local Ukrainian and Afghan families and a number of children with various special educational needs and disabilities
Their new updated outdoor equipment - which will move to their garden and woodland area when the weather improves – will enable the children to develop their physical strength and balance, and learn to take and manage reasonable risks. The equipment will be enjoyed by all children who attend the pre-school but will be especially beneficial for children with delayed physical development, encouraging their progression and helping to bridge the gap between them and their peers.
January 2024 update
Showing our support for Maggie's Centre
The beneficiary of our Carols for Everyone concert in December 2024 was Maggie's Centre in Nottingham. The concert raised £2,500 after expenses, so a group of Lions visited Maggie's Centre, at the heart of Nottingham City Hospital, to meet the team and present a cheque for our donation. Many thanks for Mollie and her colleagues for their hospitality but, more importantly, for the fabulous work they do.
Maggie’s provides a warm and welcoming space for people to go for shelter from the clinical, sometimes stressful environment of the hospital after their own cancer diagnosis or that of a family member or a friend. Understanding every person’s individual circumstances is central to what they do, so they can guide them to the support that will help the most.
Many of us will have been touched by cancer during our lives, so we were delighted to support this marvelous facility, which is funded entirely from charitable donations, including bequests. Further donations can be made here: https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-nottingham/
Maggie’s provides a warm and welcoming space for people to go for shelter from the clinical, sometimes stressful environment of the hospital after their own cancer diagnosis or that of a family member or a friend. Understanding every person’s individual circumstances is central to what they do, so they can guide them to the support that will help the most.
Many of us will have been touched by cancer during our lives, so we were delighted to support this marvelous facility, which is funded entirely from charitable donations, including bequests. Further donations can be made here: https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-nottingham/
Tools at the ready for Beaumond House!
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Beaumond House's charity shop in Southwell closed for refurbishment in early January and the Lions were on hand to help remove all the furnishings and fittings. Southwell Lions have a long and proud history of supporting Beaumond House, which provides an invaluable service to hundreds of people every year, both in the community and at their hospice in Newark.
The Lions were so quick that the walls were bare before anyone had time to get out their camera! |
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