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

 

2012...................................

Last year was a really busy year for the Club- take a look below at the items for 2011. We started off this year with our presentation to the Rainbow Centre:-

Presentation of cheque to the Rainbow Centre- January

Club President  Lion Ivor, & Fund Raising chairwoman Lion Helen, presented our cheque for £2,000 at a social dinner in the Elm Tree pub. The money was raised from the donations received during our Christmas Sleigh collections in December.

2011...................................

Santas Tea Party- 19th December:

We held a childrens 'Tea with Santa' party at the Lockswood  Community  Centre.  Cakes and goodies in abundance, a Bouncy Caste and songs and games all made the afternoon a great success. Thanks to all those who helped, with special thanks to the Warsash Sea Cadets.

Christmas Sleigh- December:

Santas sleigh was out over a period of 3 weeks, with all donations going to the Rainbow Centre in Fareham.  In comparison to last years bitterly cold December temperatures, the weather was kinder to Santa and his helpers this year.  A cheque for £2,000 was presented to the Rainbow Centre.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who donated, and  those who helped with our collections. Many thanks also to the managemennt and staff of  Makro Segensworth, Tesco Whietely, the Co-operative Locks Heath, and the management of the Lockswood Shopping Centre.

Solent & Swanwick Lions Duck Race- Bank Holiday Monday- August 29th

The 2,500 plastic ducks were launched into the River Itchen from the old briidge at Mansbridge at the usual time of 2:30 pm.  Crowds lined the bank for the countdown, and the canoists helped to ensure that ducks were not caught in weeds.The happy winner collected a cheque for £250 pounds. The winning duck name for the 'Guess the Duck Name' competition for a Fluffy toy duck was 'Frank', and the 'winning time' prize was a cake.

The Lions Clubs thank all who purchased tickets, and who donated prizes. All proceeds will be used by Lions for local charity suppport. 

Warsash Fete- Saturday 2nd July

A beautiful warm sunny day drew good crowds- the Lions BBQ was sold out by mid- afternoon.  The Birnie Boozle Band played to the accompaniment of the sizzling burgers !!!!

Sarisbury Green Fete - Saturday June 11th

We had several stalls, a BBQ  and a Band , at this annual fete organised by Sarisbury Green Community Centre. a great day out for the community, and the weather held fine..

Lions Day- Sunday 5th June.

Held in St Marys' Church Halll, Warsash, an afternoon of entertainment, tea and snacks, with over 40 local senior residents attending as our Guests. The theme was based on the anniversary of the British Legion, and singer 'Teri' provided flags during her performance of wartime songs.  

St Georges' Day fete,, Stubbington - Saturday 23rd April.

Once again this Crofton Lions organised Fete was a great success, with fine weather, many stalls, Archery, Punch & Judy, and Acrobats. Swanwick Lions provided 2 stalls,and the Birnie Boozle Band performed throughout the afternoon.  We raised a total of £250, for the KIDS charity in Fareham.

Giant Chocolate Easter Egg raffle.

Many thanks to all who purchased numbers over the several weeks leading up to Easter. We raised over £800, and Club funds increased this to £1,000 to present a cheque to the St Dunstans' Appeal..

Spring Craft Fair- Saturday 2nd April.

Another succesful event organised by Swanwick Lions, and held at Lockswood Community Centre.

Leisure & Pleasure Exhibition- Saturday 26th February.

This was our second year of running this Exhibition, and once again it proved to be succesful. Around 300 members of the public visited the exhibition, and the various clubs and organisations who exhibited were pleased with the result. This is an interesting way of providing  information on local activities, and an opportunity to meet people who can explain exactly what each organisation is involved in.

Our Organiser Lion Brian Baker, now has a large portfolio of organisations who have exhibited over the 2 events.

'Friends of Swanwick Lions' supper evening- Saturday 29th January.

This was a convivial evening given as a 'thankyou' to people who have supported our Club events throughout the last year.  We provided a simple 'fish & chip' supper, followed by a Quiz, a free entry raffle, and music by a quartet playing Counrty, Skiffle, and tradiitional songs.

Without our 'friends' support, we would be unable to provide some of the events we organise, and consequently our service to the area could be reduced.

Our December Christmas Sleigh collection was in support of the Countess Mountbatten Hospice, and during the evening we presented our cheque for £2,000 to a representative of the Hospice.

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

Santa sleigh run- in aid of the Countess Mountbatten Hospice

.Santa was out on his sleigh from December 2nd to the 23rd, at various locations in our community, and donations will be presented to the Countess Mountbatten Hospice to support their many needs.  Many thanks to all the collectors who turned out regardless of the bitterly cold weather.

Solent & Swanwick Lions Duck Race- August Bank holiday Monday

Another succesful event!!!  The crowd of spectators counted down the last 10 seconds to 2:30 pm, the cables were released from the net, the 2,500 yellow plastic ducks dropped into the river  from the old bridge at Mansbridge in one huge splash and floated diown-river to the finish line. The first duck over the line took the £250 prize, with several other prizes for the next few over the line.

Many thanks to all the friends of  Lions who helped on the day, to the businesses who provided the prizes, and to everyone who bought duck tickets.

Swanmore Fete- Saturday 10th July

This excellent fete, organised by Meon Valley Lions Club, attracted over 1,500 adults and children. Beautiful weather, classic cars and motorbikes, displays in the central arena, and many varied stalls, made for an enjoyable day out for all.  Swanwick Lions  had two marquees providing games and articles for sale, and the Birnie Boozle Band played at the tea-tent.

Parachute Jump- Friday 25th June

One of our new lady members completed a tandem parachute jump in aid of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.  Take a look at the photographs in the Lions in Action section..

Donations would still be gratefully accepted, either by using the 'paypal' DONATE button on these pages, or by contacting us by email, swanwicklions@aol.com,  or by telephone *0845 8334359*

Sarisbury Green Fete- Sat June 12th

Swanwick Lions had several stalls, and the BBQ was once again sold out by mid afternoon!!  A beautiful pleasantly warm day, and we presented a cheque for £3,500 to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

It had been planned for the Helicopter to make an overflight of the Green, at the time of the presentation, but  the crew were called out to an emergency. 

St Georges Fete- Stubbington Sat april 24th. (Crofton Lions event)

A warm day ,and an excellent fete, with many different attractions and stalls. Swanwick Lons had 2  stalls, and were supported by the Birnie Boozle Band..

Giant chocolate Easter Egg Raffle

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

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