News from Loddon Valley Lions 2022
Another Successful Charity Golf Day
Loddon Valley Lions held their 27th Annual Charity Golf Day at Bishopswood Golf Club on Monday 5 September 2022. The afternoon threatened to be a washout, but the rain slowly eased to provide excellent conditions for our four ball better ball competition and the thirty contestants enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon of Golf in superb conditions. As well as the basic competition, there were prizes for 'Nearest the Pin' at the fifth, which was won by Chris Dudley and for the longest drive at the seventh hole, which was won by Kevin Fleet. There was also a 'Sin Bin' on the fifth hole, where golfers whose tee shot did not end up on the green, were invited to put a pound in the bucket that was waiting for them there! This raised about £45. The overall winners of the competition, Brett Vickers and Loddon Valley Lions member Nick Avery are pictured with Loddon Valley Lions President Jane Saunders, who presented them with the Dave Petrie Trophy. This Trophy is named after the late Dave Petrie, a former Secretary of Loddon Valley Lions and great lover of golf. As a result of this event, Loddon Valley Lions were able to donate £1,500 to St Michael's Hospice in Basingstoke. Our sincere thanks to the Staff and Management of Bishopswood Golf Course and all our sponsors, Please Click Here for details, for helping to make the day a success.
Loddon Valley Lions Founding Member passes to Higher Service
Lion David Fowler, MJF., the founding member of Loddon Valley Lions Club, passed peacefully away at home in the presence of his family on 23 June 2022, in the presence of his family.
David had previously been a member of Basingstoke Lions Club for three years before setting up Loddon Valley Lions Club in October 1975. He provided much of the impetus for the growth and development of the Club, particularly in the early years. He served the Club with distinction for 47 years, served as President for three terms and attended his final meeting in May 2022.
Loddon Valley Lions extend their deepest sympathy to David's Widow, Pat and to all members of his family.
World Earth Day
According to Wikipedia, Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2022 is Invest In Our Planet. Loddon Valley Lions celebrated World Earth Day on 22 April by carrying out a litter pick. Seven members of the Club were joined by a member of the Hook and Odiham Lions Club and 5 members of the public to remove litter from various streets and footpaths in Tadley.
One of our pictures (right) shows just some of the litter collected. Similar piles were left in other locations in Tadley, by prior arrangement with Tadley Town Council, for their transport to collect and dispose of. As well as plastic and glass an horrendous number of cigarette ends were collected, which had been discarded by thoughtless car drivers and others - many in areas where litter bins had been provided! These take between five and seven years to biodegrade. One member of our group commented, "If you can't be bothered to dispose of them properly, then don't bother to smoke them".
A job well done and an excellent way to celebrate World Earth Day, but with just a little consideration from everyone in the community a job which shouldn't have to be done! Another fine example of 'Ordinary People Amazing Things'
Easter Egg Raffles
In the run up to Easter, Loddon Valley Lions held a series of raffles for giant Easter Eggs and Easter Bunnies in various Pubs, Clubs and other outlets throughout our area. We would like to thank all the venues who joined with us in this venture, namely: Aldermaston Recreational Society (Rec Soc), Badgers Wood, Baughurst, Bishopswood Golf Club, The Calleva, Silchester, The Crown, Kingsclere, The Pelican, Pamber Heath and Sherborne St John Social Club. On Saturdays 9 and 16 April we also set up a table in Sainsbury's Supermarket in Tadley to inform the public about the activities of Loddon Valley Lions and while there, we also took the opportunity to raffle three of our eggs and bunnies. The Sainsbury's event alone raised over £640 and we sincerely thank their Tadley Store Manager and his staff for their help and assistance and for permitting us to carry out the activity. We are also most grateful to the other outlets named above for their participation in the event.
