All the latest News!!!
.....see the 'Calendar' for upcoming events
----for more information and photographs on these events, see 'Lions in Action'
2008......................................................................
July 2008
- Warsash Fete 5th July
Warsash Festival occurs once every two years, and Swanwick Lions always support this large event. The weather started very doubtful after early morning rain, but the clouds were soon dispersed by a very serious south easterly breeze, and a warm but very windy afternoon attracted many people to the various stalls and main events.
We had three stalls including our famous BBQ, and Lion President Barry Woolcott spent the day flipping burgers and sausages, selling out of burgers by 3.30 pm. Many thanks to Barry and his able team.
We also had 'bric-brac' and ' name the teddy' stalls, and the Birnie Boozle Band.
June 2008
June is traditionally one of our busiest months, and this year was no exception-
- Sarisbury Fete- 14th June.
Swanwick Lions were well represented at Sarisbury Fete on the 14th June. It was a glorious day, and we had several stalls- BBQ / Teddy Bear competition / Cards / Bric-a Brac / Human one Armed bandit. Our BBQ did the usual roaring trade, being sold out of hamburgers by 2.30 pm !!! We were supported once again by the Birnie Boozle Band, who played traditional melodies throughout the afternoon.
Many thanks to the Friends of Lions who came along early to help us erect the tents, and to those who manned the stalls
- Our annual changeover of Club Officers took place on the 13th of June, at the Fairthorn Manor Golf Club.
- On the 11th June, Swanwick Lions President Vic Smith, accompanied by Lions Barry Woolcott and Pat Couch, presented a set of Picnic Tables to Titchfield Primary School.
- The Club President and several members attended the funeral of Lion Robert Barham, of Crofton Lions.
- At our Business meeting, Lion President Vic Smith presented a Cheque for £2,500 to the Smile4Rich campaign.
May 2008
A new member was inducted to the Club at our May Business meeting
March 2008
Past International Director Lion Terry Graham visited Swanwick Lions at our business meeting. During a short address, he congratulated the Club on our many and varied activities, and emphasised the need for Lions Clubs to remember that Service activities are as important to Lionism as Fund raising activities
January 2008
Burns Supper 19th jan
Our annual Burns Supper was held at Fairthorn Manor Golf Club. An excellent social evening, and we did due tribute to the Bard, with songs poems and dancing. Our thanks to the Piper, the Chef, and the Band. See Lions in action for details.
Friends of Lions 'Thank you' supper 12th jan
Ths supper and quiz evening was held to thank our Friends who helped Santa with his Christmas Sleigh collections during December.
2007------------------------------------------------------------
December 2007
Tea with Santa at Lockswood Community Centre
Swanwick Lons supported this event organised by the Centre, and the Children all had a great time.
Christmas Sleigh
Santa Claus was out with his Sleigh on several week nights throughout December, and also on Saturdays.at Park Gate, Lockswood Shopping Centre, Tesco Whiteley, and Garsons Garden Centre.
Many thanks to the Park Gate Butchers', Lockswood Co-op, Tescos', and Garsons, and to all who helped Santa.
All monies collected will go a long way towards helping the Lions help the Community in 2008.
November 2007
Craft Fair at Lockswood Community Hall
This annual event, organised by Swanwick Lions, was again succesful, attracting a wide range of stallholders. Thanks to all who particiapted, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
September 2007
Walk for Diabetes at Itchin Valley Country Park
Swanwick Lions supported this annual event by manning the Tea Tent.
Family BBQ
The Lions held a BBQ at Manor Farm Country Park on September 9th.
Charter Night ist September
The annual celebration Dinner & Ball was held at the Broook House in Botley.
August 2007
Solent Lions Duck Race
Swanwick Lions supported the popular Solent Lions Annual Duck Race at Mansbridge.
July 2007
Changeover of Officers- 14th July:-
At an informal dinner on Saturday 25th, the Presidents' 'gong' was formally handed over to Lion Vic Smith, by outgoing Lion President Fred, and President Vic 'badged up' the new officers.
Two Swanwick Lions members were awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award, bringing to five the total number of our members holding this award. Photographs will be published in the 'Lions in Action' section.
Swanmore Fete Saturday 14th:-
We supported Meon Valley Lions at this excellent Fete with our Human Fruit Machine, and SightFirst II information. The Birnie Boozle Band, arranged by Swanwick Lions, also played as the floats arrived at the Village Hall, and later all afternoon at the Fete.
The weather was warm and sunny, which was fortunate given the recent spell of inclement weather.
June 2007
'Gift of Sight' - 21st June:-
At an informal dinner on 21st June, Swanwick Lions presented a cheque for £2,000 to Prof Lotery for the 'Gift of Sight' Eye Research Centre at Southampton General Hospital. Prof Lotery is the founder of 'Gift of Sight', which is making significant progress towards cures for sight threatening diseases such as age related macular degeneration.
Dinner, with a 1940s theme, was prepared by Swanwick Lions Social Chairman Barry Woolcott and his 'helpers'. After dinner, Lion President Fred Mitchell presented the cheque to Prof Lotery, who was assisted on the evening by Angela Cree. The Professor then gave a short synopsis of the work of the 'Gift of Sight' appeal.
'Lions' members have a particular interest in Eye problems, since Helen Keller, in 1925, challenged Lions International to be Knights of the Blind. The present Lions Sightfirst Campaign is a major worldwide appeal, and we are pleased to have been able to raise sufficient funds to also support the 'Gift of Sight' appeal.
Swanwick Lions would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards our fund raising events this year.
Sarisbury Green Fete- Saturday 9th:-
Another beautiful hot and calm day. Swanwick had our Human fruit Machine, bric-a brac, football game, BBQ marquee, and the Birnie Boozle Band supported us by playing a selection of traditional melodies. Our BBQ did a roaring trade, selling out by half past four.
The Fete was well attended, with many new attractions, and we had a successful and enjoyable day.
Lions Day at Sarisbury Green Community Centre:-Sunday 3rd-
Swanwick Lions provided afternoon refreshments and entertainment to 80 local elderly people. We had an opening act of traditional and folk songs from our Club President, and the stars of the afternoon, the Retired Policemans' Male Voice Choir, sang for an hour an a half.
Many thanks to the Lions ladies for providing the catering.
May 2007
Saturday 26th- SightFirst II event at Lockswood Shopping Centre:-
We set up our SightFirst 'EYE', and collecting tubes, each tube representing the cost of eye treatment in a particular coinage. We also had the 'Birnie Boozle Band' playing a selection of traditional music throughout the afternoon. A very successful day, and thanks to all who contributed.
A special thankyou to the site Manager, and Co-op Manager, for their kind assistance.