CLUB PROJECTS

This page will be used to report on our fund-raising and welfare activities.  However, our three largest projects, the Bob Cook Games, The Carol Float Tour and the Cherrished Car and Family Fun Day have separate pages set aside for them.

Charter Presentations

Four of our members where honoured by the Lions organisation at our 38th Charter Anniversary Dinner this year.  Lions Surinder Malhotra and Byron Hughes both received The District Governor's Certificate of Appreciation for their work at District level and Lions Brian Hearn and Derek Angell were both awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship for their services locally.

Lions Surinder Malhotra and Byron Hughes are seen here receiving their District Governor's Certificate of Appreciation from DG Larry Pearce

Lions Derek Angell and Brian Hearn are seen here receiving their Mervyn Jones Fellowships from DG Larry Pearce and Lion Preseident Malcolm Burlow

Twinning Weekend

Twinning Weekend took place on 29 and 30 October this year in which Lions' members from La Fleche came over to meet us for a series of social events. This annual twinning has been going on for the last 25 years and the two clubs take it in turns to travel to each others towns.

The Group of Visitors and Hosts for the Weekend

The Two Presidents Phillip Dubois and Malcolm Burlow Greeting Each Other

Chippenham Fun Day

Chippenham Lions attended The Fun Day on Sunday 7 August in John Coles Park where we ran a Tombola for Cuddly Lions.  A day of mixed weather fortunes with rain in the morning then a good start to the events then torrential rain to bring an early end to the proceedings.

Cuddly Lions

For more pictures see http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/gazettepics/johncoles11/

An Honour for Club Member Byron

On 23 July 2011, the District Governor Colin Duncan, presented certificates of appreciation to fellow Lion members but was most pleased to be able to present the first Founders Medal to Sergeant at Arms, Lion Byron Hughes, Chippenham Lions Club.

Byron with DG Colin Duncan

For a full report see 

The 60's Music Night

Our May Ball this year was a 60's Evening to the sound of the 'Detours' - a group once active in and around Chippenham and now reactivated for the event.  The evening was set up as a fund raising event with fish 'n' chips repast and £1300 was raised for the Stroke Association and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.  Our thanks to all the revelers of Chippenham.

We were also lucky enough to have pictures taken by D & D Carrington and a full record of the evening can be found at: http://www.ddcarrington.co.uk/h60s.html  

The Detours and Dancers

Bucket Collection at Castle Combe Race Track

On 2 May 2011 when we were invited by Castle Combe Racing Circuit to do a bucket collection.  From this we were able to raise £540 for The Wiltshire Air Ambulance and other Lions charities.

The collecting teams at the mid-day changeover

Transport for the Disabled

Transport for The Disabled has been supported by Chippenham Lions for many years. Indeed, in the past it was operated by the Lions, but over the last few years, the day to day running has been done by Maureen Lloyd. Our Lion Vice President recently met with Maureen and learned that she is trying to raise £18,000 for a new vehicle to replace those that have worn out and which are becoming difficult and expensive to keep on the road. In view of the Lions' history with this project, and in recognition of the work that Maureen does in keeping such a vital life line going, Maureen was invited to attend a recent Lions' business meeting and the photograph shows her receiving a cheque for £1,000 from Joint Lion Presidents Tracey Gwinnell and Edwina Hutchison.

Maureen Lloyd receives a cheque for Transport for the Disabled from Joint Presidents Tracey Gwinnell (left) and Edwina Hutchison

The Gazette and Herald story can be found at:

www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/towns/chippenhamheadlines/9009933.What_a_grand_start_for_Chippenham/

 The Ribbon of Coins

On Saturday 19 March 2011 we made a collection by producing a Ribbon of Coins across Chippenham Bridge.  From this, we managed to raise over £400 for Alzheimer Research and other Lions' charities.  A big thank you to the people of Chippenham.

 Here, we see the early shift and a young contributor adding to the collection

Our Award to Maureen Lloyd

Maureen Lloyd receives the Melvin Jones Fellowship from our Joint Presidents - Edwina Hutchison (left) and Tracey Gwinnell

Maureen Lloyd was presented with our highest award - the Melvin Jones Award at the 37th Charter earlier in February 2011.  In the word of the presentation speech:

"This lady has worked tirelessly for the town of Chippenham and for local charities …….she could possibly be known as “Mrs. Charity” herself ! She has served as a town councillor , stood for Mayor twice , and is a great supporter of our Lions Club and is on innumerable committees. These include Transport for the Disabled, Chippenham Age concern, Autumn travel, the Folk festival …… the list is too long to mention here but just “ google “ it and you will see for yourself!

This is the first time that this award has been given to a non- lion member in this area and it gives us great pleasure to be able to do this in recognition for your work in the community

On behalf of Chippenham Lions Club, Mrs. Maureen Lloyd, we would like you to accept this Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.  Congratulations!!"

 to see The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald report visit:

www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/8846219.Former_Chippenham_mayor_s_award_honour/