.....see the 'Calendar' for upcoming events
----for more information and photographs on these events, see 'Lions in Action'

2010......................................................................

Giant chocolate Easter Egg Raffle

Our collections have started for this annual rafffle,and all proceeds will be donated to our Presidents charity for this year, the 'Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance'.

Leisure & Pleasure Exhibition- March 27th

This very successful event was organised by Swanwick Lions, to promote the various clubs and organisations in the community,  to inform the public of forthcoming events, and to help to generate new membership for the organisation represented. Over 20 local clubs participated, and 365 members of the public attended. We also had the excellent girls choir from Brookfield School who sang two songs from their African 'Global Choices'  repertoire. The public who attended enjoyed the information presented by the clubs, and we hope to organise a similar event next year.

2009......................................................................

JDRF Volunteer Award- November 18th

At an evening function,  the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation presented Swanwick Lons with a Volunteer Award in recognition of services at the Walk for Junior Diabetes, held in September. Three Swanwick Lions members attended the award function, and  Lion Alan Ketchell accepted the award on behalf of the Club.

Big Band evening at Sarisbury Green- November

The Sarisbury Green Big Band, conducted by Tony Linford, played to a packed hall at Sarisbury Green Community Centre on November 7th.  A ploughmans' supper was served at the interval, and our thanks to all who helped.

Wallk for Junior Diabetes- September

Swanwick Lions support this major annual fund raising event, organised by the JDRF, by providing the required manpower to distribute the breakfast and lunch sandwiches and  drinks.

Duck Race- August Bank Holiday Monday

This annual event,  jointly run by Solent Lions and Swanwick Lions, was as popular as ever.  The crowds turned out on a beautiful warm August afternoon to watch the several thousand yellow plastic ducks dropped into the river at Mansbridge!!!

Swanmore Fete Sat 11th July

This excellent annual Carnival and Fete is organised by Meon Valley Lions, and features a Carnival Parade and Classic car and motorbike  rally. The weather this year was very disappointing, with heavy drizzle starting early in the afternnon, and continuing throughout the day. However, local people turned out to support the fete, and most stallholders had a good day. The Tea and Bar tents did not do so well in the inclement weather, as all the outside table and chairs were soaking wet!!!!

Swanwick Lions provided two tents of games and goodies to purchase, and the Birnie Boozle Band played their reels, jigs and waltzes to liven up the dreary day.

Sarisbury Fete Sat 13th June

Another glorious Sarisbury Fete day!!!!! The sun shone, the temperature rose, and local residents filled the Green by early afternoon. Swanwick Lions had several stalls, and many thanks to the Friends of Lions who helped us set up the various marquees, and to the Birnie Boozle Band for playing throughout.the afternoon.

The BBQ tent, manned by Lion President Barry and his team, was sold out of hamburgers by 3pm. 

A highlight of the Fete was the presentation of a £5,000 cheque from Swanwick Lions to the Guide Dogs for The Blind Association- see Lions in Action for photographs.

Lions Day Sunday 7th June 

Swanwick Lions provided an afternoon of entertainment and light refreshments to elderly ladies and gentlemen of our community. The day was well attended, with Lions transporting guests to and from their homes.

A three piece Band played a number of melodies, finishing with a 'singalong' of wartime songs, to celebrate the D-Day anniversary.

 

 

2008......................................................................

 

July 2008

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-

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

 

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.

 

PRIDE IN THE COMMUNITY