At the end of their 2010/2011 year the Ross Lions Club held their annual Handover event when a new President took over the reins to lead the club for the coming year. Around forty members and guests attended the Handover Lunch which took place at the Chasedale Hotel in Ross.
Following a lovely and enjoyable lunch the outgoing President, Lion Trevor Smith, made his final speech in which he said he had had a tough but successful year. He reminded the members and other guests that the Lions were a service organisation, but that they had raised over £12,000 during his year in office and given out donations of a similar amount; for which he was very proud. He thanked all the members for giving him all their support throughout the year especially his committee chairmen. Mentioning the Ross Young Lions, the Leos, he said he had attended their third Charter Evening and felt very proud at how they ran the club and the success they were having in raising funds in a happy comradely manner and helping the community with many donations. He then proceeded to present his Activities, Community Services Chairman and Vice President with an award for all the hard work they had carried out over the year.
Before taking over his new office the incoming President, Lion Sam Phillips, thanked Lion Trevor for all the effort he had put in during his year in office and presented him with a gift from the club.
Lion Sam Phillips is well known in the town, being greatly involved with the Ramblers, the Cycling club and the Betzdorf Twinning Association, among his many other activities. Outgoing President, Lion Trevor, then proceeded to hand over the Badge of Office to Lion Sam, wishing him all the best for the coming year. Sam accepted the promotion in his usual casual carefree way and vowed to do all he could to make the year successful. His main aims were to make the club stronger, both in numbers and work ethic, and to keep meetings as short as possible. Typical Sam. His officers would remain the same with Lion Bernard Fowkes being Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Lion Don Wood his Treasurer, and Lion Sue Wilding the Minutes Officer.
Ross-on-Wye Youth Lion Wins National Award
Ryan Green, a member of Ross-on-Wye LEO Club has been made the Lions Young Ambassador for Great Britain and Ireland. Facing stiff competition from 12 other fantastic young people from all parts of Britain and Ireland, Ryan had to tell the judges just what he did and how he helped in the community.
While studying for his `A` levels at John Kyrle High School, Ryan still found time for Sea Cadets, acts as secretary for the Ross LEO Club and has carried out charitable work for McMillan`s Nurses and St. Michael`s Hospice. However his greatest involvement is with Hope Support Services, where Ryan acts the Youth Chairman. Hope Support Services is a Ross-based charity whose aim is to support young people who have a close family member diagnosed with a life threatening illness. No other organisation does this.
A truly remarkable young man, Ryan fully deserves the accolade of being awarded the title of "Lions Young Ambassador for 2011". As well as bringing home four magnificent trophies (two for Ross Lions as sponsoring Lions Club), Ryan receives a generous bursary from Lions Clubs International towards his main project, Hope Support Srvices.
District 105W
Young Ambassador Competition – 2011.
Sunday the 16th January saw Young Ambassador entrants, family members, sponsoring Clubs, District Officers and judges arrive at the Holiday Inn Newport, for the annual Young Ambassador Competition.
Three entries were received this year, on the day, one had unfortunately withdrawn. Jake Smaje sponsored by Frome Lions Club and Ryan Green, sponsored by Ross on Wye Lions Club were then interviewed by three independent judges. The Judges having previously been given the entrants submissions to assess.
Following a slightly nervous wait while the judges considered the “evidence”, we reconvened to hear the result. In a very tight contest, Ryan Green was chosen by the judges to be this years District Young Ambassador. The main subject of Ryans submission is his work with supporting young people through a family health crisis. Additionally Ryan also helps with involving junior schools connect with the High school, MacMillan and is a founder member and secretary of the school Leo Club. Well done Ryan. As the District Youth Advisor, Chris Sheldon, said in her summary, they are both winners. To be recognised by the sponsoring clubs for their work in the community does, in itself, already make these young people winners.
At the presentation ceremony, DG Colin Duncan congratulated both entrants and sponsoring Clubs for all their effort and Chris Sheldon for all the work done in organising the event. As well certificates and personal trophies for the entrants, the winners sponsoring Club, Ross on Wye Lions, received the annual Shield and Ryan was also awarded the impressive annual Cup. He will now represent our District at the MD Competition at the end of February. Ross Lions also presented Ryan with a small gift in recognition of his community work.
The Young Ambassador competition is one of the most worthwhile and rewarding ways of being involved with the youth of our District. It`s easy to do and everywhere you look there are young people doing good in the community. So why not put one forward from your Club?
Phoenix Singers Raise the Roof for Lions Christmas Dinner
Every year Ross Lions Club provide a Christmas Dinner for the Old Folks of Ross-on-Wye and the Phoenix Singers hold a Christmas concert. This year the Phoenix Singers held a collection in aid of The Lions Old Folks Christmas Lunch and raised the fine sum of £82. Ross-on-Wye Lions are very grateful to the Phoenix Singers for their very generous donation and wish them well in the future.
As always, The Phoenix Theatre Singers Christmas Concert was a sell out event. The show contained a mix of songs from the musicals, solos and readings. After the interval the audience having enjoyed complimentary mince pies were treated to a wide variety of seasonal numbers.
The Singers who now number 40+ are seeking male singers and musical director Mary Brigg (01989 564352) would love to hear from any men who would like to give it a try. In addition to staging two shows a year at The Phoenix Theatre the Singers undertake a number of charity events and before the Christmas event had raised in excess of £2k this year.
Special medal bonanza for Ross and Hereford
The Bob Cook Memorial Games were once again held at Swindon’s athletic ground on Sunday 8th May. The event is managed and organized by the Lions 105W organisation and this year Ross Lions helped a group of 39 athletes from local homes, clubs and organizations to compete. The games are now in their 22nd year and are designed for those adults, both young and old, who have disabilities or Special needs.
Four buses and coaches made their way from Ross and Hereford. The teams which went were those from Ross (Weir End, Woodpecker Lodge, Mill House, Ryefield Centre, Treann, Chepstow House and Ross Special Crew) and First Key from Hereford.
The day was again blessed with superb weather and ideal conditions for all the athletes. During the day athletes took part in several track and field events including 60m Walk/Run, 100m Walk/Run, 200 & 400m run, Relays, 4 x 100m Wheel-Chair Relays, Javelin/Shot/Discus/Welly Throwing and Crown Green Bowls.
After some intense limbering up, buckets of sweat, guts and immense effort the athletes from Herefordshire pushed themselves to a staggering total of 43 Golds, 34 Silver and 32 Bronze medals – an awesome achievement.
The effort put in by all those who participated was incredible and a joy to be seen. The over-riding observation from Ross Lions and the carers involved was how much enjoyment everyone had. Well done to everyone who took part– you did yourselves and all of us proud.
Special thanks must go to Chippenham and Highworth Lions for once again running the games. Particular thanks must also go to Ross Lions and especially Jim Swinson, Jim Hamilton, Mel Middlecote and Danny Lister. Those who also supported the day included PGL, Flying Colours, H&H Coaches, WRVS, Ryefield Centre and Ross Action (Rosemary & Tim). Ross Lions would also like to thank all the management and carers of the homes and organizations who made the day such a success. Most thanks though go to the athletes – brilliant & well done. See you next year!!!
If anyone else is interested in competing in next years games (Sunday 7th August 2011) please contact Lion Martin on 01989 568941.
Ross Carnival 2010 & Duck Race
Ross Lions and Ross Youth Lions had several stalls at this years town carnival which was good fun despite the rain.
New Member Joins Ross Lions Club
New member Lion Dan Lister gets badged up by Lion President Trever Smith, sponsor Lion Tony Little (centre)
Lions Support Hope for Tomorrow – Mobile Chemotherapy Unit
Ross Lions are again supporting the Mobile Chemotherapy Unit which treats local Ross patients as well as patients in the surrounding areas in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
Initial treatment is carried out at Main hospitals in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire but, as Chemotherapy treatment generally takes many months, the unit then provides treatment close to patients’ homes. This has obvious benefits to both patients and their families and carers at what can be a difficult and stressful time.
Ross Lion Martin presented a cheque of £1,000 to Barbara Watkins, Secretary & Joint Treasurer of Forest Dean Supporters Group. Also in attendance from the Supporters’ Group were Rosina Turner, Dave and Joan Atherley and Lions Bernard, Sam, Trevor, Mel, Tony and Keith.
Having access to a mobile chemotherapy unit is an invaluable service, especially in rural areas, and, following the tremendous success of the first unit, the fund raising continues to ensure this service continues as well as raising funds for a second unit in neighbouring Somerset.
Both the Supporters Group and the Ross Lions would like to thank the generosity of the general public who, despite the current difficult financial climate, continue to contribute to the causes supported by Ross Lions and thus support those most in need.
Lion Martin presents a cheque to Barbara Watkins with Lion Bernard, Sam & Trevor, Rosina & Joan of the Supporters Group, Lion Mel, Dave of the Supporters Group and Lion Tony.
Ross Lions Flower Box 2010
Our thanks to the Ross Garden Centre for the flowers & Lion Dan Lister for watering them
HAND OVER
We all enjoyed a Sunday Lunch at Ross Conservative Club to celebrate Lion Andrew Middlecote’s year as Lions President and all the good causes we have helped during 2009-10 and to hand over the presidency to Lion Trevor Smith who is going to carry on the good work.
ROSS LIONS PROVIDE TRIKE FOR JOSHUA FREEMAN
Joshua Freeman is a 6 year adorable little boy with Cerebral Palsy who attends Walford Primary School. Apart from his wheelchair his only other mode of ‘ambulation’ is his Tricycle, which allows him to join in with his friends during playtime in the playground at school.
When Ross Lions were approached to help fund a new trike for Joshua, they were keen to help as he had outgrown his current one. As a result the Lions were able to fund the new tomcat trike, which cost £1300.00.
The Tomcat Trike is specially designed for children and young adults with special needs and comes with a unique range of options to suit individual requirements. The custom-built Tomcat is available from approximately age 4 to adult, depending on size
Joshua’s mother, Lyuda Freeman, said ‘in addition to allowing him his independence, the tricycle also helps to strengthen the muscles of his lower limbs and improve his sense of position’. She and her husband Jim would like to express their sincere appreciation to Ross-on-Wye Lions Club, for funding the new tricycle.
Andrew Middlecote, President of Ross Lions, said ‘it was a pleasure to provide Joshua with his new trike, his smile said it all’.
SANTA HELPS LIONS CHARITY FUND RAISING - DECEMBER 09
December is an extremely busy time for Santa Claus but, despite his commitments, he still had time to visit the Pengethley Garden Centre’s Grotto and Restaurant to maintain his pledge to help the Ross Lions raise funds for local charitable causes. The number of young children visiting the Grotto is increasing year on year and the total for 2009 was over 500 and a grand total of £1,500 was raised for the Lions Charity Funds which will be spent on local causes. Around 184 people had breakfast with Santa in the Restaurant; a good number of them being young children.
All the children not only had a chat with Santa in his Grotto, but received a present which went down very well. It was a delight to see the look of wonder on the faces of the children when they were ushered into the presence of Father Christmas but mums, dads and grandparents seemed to enjoy it even more, knowing that their offspring`s were really excited and happy. One parent said they had taken their children to a Grotto in the Forest but it turned out to be a lady Santa and the children wanted to see a real Santa. To placate the children they continued on to Pengethley where their wish came true.
The ‘Breakfast with Santa’ is proving very popular as Santa visits all the tables, talking to the children and handing them presents. At one of the breakfasts there were three little Japanese girls, visiting their grandparents, who had never seen Santa before, and the look of sheer delight and wonder on their faces had to be seen to be believed. The youngest guest was not a visitor but Honor the daughter of Becky Watts, the Restaurant owner, about a year old, who was dressed up as a Reindeer. She went to three breakfasts and captivated everyone who saw her.
The Ross Lions Club is very grateful to Santa for including them in his very busy schedule and also Chris Taylor of the Pengethley Garden Centre who, with his staff, organised and provided the Grotto.
Special medal bonanza for Ross and Hereford
The athletes from Herefordshire pushed themselves to a staggering total of 43 Golds, 34 Silver and 32 Bronze medals – an awesome achievement.
The effort put in by all those who participated was incredible and a joy to be seen. The over-riding observation from Ross Lions and the carers involved was how much enjoyment everyone had. Well done to everyone who took part– you did yourselves and all of us The Bob Cook Memorial Games were once again held at Swindon’s athletic ground on Sunday 8th May. The event is managed and organized by the Lions 105W organisation and this year Ross Lions helped a group of 39 athletes from local homes, clubs and organizations to compete. The games are now in their 22nd year and are designed for those adults, both young and old, who have disabilities or Special needs.
Four buses and coaches made their way from Ross and Hereford. The teams which went were those from Ross (Weir End, Woodpecker Lodge, Mill House, Ryefield Centre, Treann, Chepstow House and Ross Special Crew) and First Key from Hereford.
The day was again blessed with superb weather and ideal conditions for all the athletes. During the day athletes took part in several track and field events including 60m Walk/Run, 100m Walk/Run, 200 & 400m run, Relays, 4 x 100m Wheel-Chair Relays, Javelin/Shot/Discus/Welly Throwing and Crown Green Bowls.
After some intense limbering up, buckets of sweat, guts and immense effort tproud.
Special thanks must go to Chippenham and Highworth Lions for once again running the games. Particular thanks must also go to Ross Lions and especially Jim Swinson, Jim Hamilton, Mel Middlecote and Danny Lister. Those who also supported the day included PGL, Flying Colours, H&H Coaches, WRVS, Ryefield Centre and Ross Action (Rosemary & Tim). Ross Lions would also like to thank all the management and carers of the homes and organizations who made the day such a success. Most thanks though go to the athletes – brilliant & well done. See you next year!!!
If anyone else is interested in competing in next years games (Sunday 7th August 2011) please contact Lion Martin on 01989 568941 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01989 568941end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Special medal bonanza for Ross and Hereford
The Bob Cook Memorial Games were once again held at Swindon’s athletic ground on Sunday 8th May. The event is managed and organized by the Lions 105W organisation and this year Ross Lions helped a group of 39 athletes from local homes, clubs and organizations to compete. The games are now in their 22nd year and are designed for those adults, both young and old, who have disabilities or Special needs.
Four buses and coaches made their way from Ross and Hereford. The teams which went were those from Ross (Weir End, Woodpecker Lodge, Mill House, Ryefield Centre, Treann, Chepstow House and Ross Special Crew) and First Key from Hereford.
The day was again blessed with superb weather and ideal conditions for all the athletes. During the day athletes took part in several track and field events including 60m Walk/Run, 100m Walk/Run, 200 & 400m run, Relays, 4 x 100m Wheel-Chair Relays, Javelin/Shot/Discus/Welly Throwing and Crown Green Bowls.
After some intense limbering up, buckets of sweat, guts and immense effort the athletes from Herefordshire pushed themselves to a staggering total of 43 Golds, 34 Silver and 32 Bronze medals – an awesome achievement.
The effort put in by all those who participated was incredible and a joy to be seen. The over-riding observation from Ross Lions and the carers involved was how much enjoyment everyone had. Well done to everyone who took part– you did yourselves and all of us proud.
Special thanks must go to Chippenham and Highworth Lions for once again running the games. Particular thanks must also go to Ross Lions and especially Jim Swinson, Jim Hamilton, Mel Middlecote and Danny Lister. Those who also supported the day included PGL, Flying Colours, H&H Coaches, WRVS, Ryefield Centre and Ross Action (Rosemary & Tim). Ross Lions would also like to thank all the management and carers of the homes and organizations who made the day such a success. Most thanks though go to the athletes – brilliant & well done. See you next year!!!
If anyone else is interested in competing in next years games (Sunday 7th August 2011) please contact Lion Martin on 01989 568941.
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