A SHED FULL OF HELP!

From Left to Right – Lion Phil Wright, Lion President Chris Eglington, Helping Hands Vice Chairman Nigel Bartram and Trevor Wisener.

Due to a very tragic and unforeseen situation a Beccles family suddenly found themselves in need of more storage space in their back garden. Beccles and District Lions Club were approached to see if they could offer any support or help.

After considering the situation and speaking with Beccles Helping Hands both organisations decided they wanted to provide the best solution they could to the situation, so with further support and assistance from Trevor Wisener, a past Lion, and Davey Sheds on Ellough Industrial Estate a spacious shed was provided.

Helping Hands Vice Chairman, Nigel Bartram said “When we heard about the situation this family found themselves in we had no hesitation in offering what help we could and thanks to all involved we have been able to offer a very positive outcome to the family.”

Lion Chris Eglington, Beccles and District Lions Club President added “We are approached by individuals and organisations for help with various things throughout the year. We look at each request very carefully and we always try to do what we can to help. Once we heard of the family’s dilemma we all felt the request of a storage shed was in the long term the best way forward. On behalf of the Club I would like to thank Beccles Helping Hands for their generous response to the request and of course a special thank you to Steve from Davey Sheds Ltd, Ellough Road, Beccles for the help and support they have provided to the request and to Trevor Wisener for all the hard work they have both done to ensure the shed was delivered and erected on time.”

WORLD SIGHT DAY 2022

Organised by the Lions Club of Beccles and Observatory the Opticians, the event aimed to draw attention to the challenges that blind and vision impaired people face and overcome every day.

Among those taking part was Beccles mayor Barry Darch, who said, “I was far more aware of the variety of surfaces and it’s easy to think that a pathway is flat but of course it’s not. It certainly gave me an insight into how difficult it is for blind people and people who are partially sighted, especially in an urban situation where it’s very difficult in terms of obstacles and people”.

The walk started and finished outside the optician’s practice at 1 Smallgate, travelling through the marketplace and returning via the King’s Head pub.

Optometrist at Observatory the Opticians, René Moor, said: “We do a blindfolded walk every year to raise awareness of the difficulties that visually impaired and blind people face as part of their everyday routines, such as entering shops, crossing roads, negotiating kerbs and shopping in busy high streets. There are over two million people living with significant sight loss in the UK and 340,000 people who are registered blind or partially sighted. Every day, 250 people start to lose their sight in the UK and at least half of all sight loss is avoidable. Having an eye test can detect serious health conditions before they start affecting your sight”.

World Sight Day’s theme for 2022 is #lLoveYourEyes. This means being aware of your own eye health, getting an eye test and recommending others do the same.

Observatory the Opticians employee Rachael Andrew also took part in the walk. She said, “It was an amazing experience although very daunting. You think you know the town pretty well, but when you can’t see anything, you realise that you don’t. I was surprised by the number of obstructions on the footpaths that most people don’t really notice”.

The walk was organised by the Beccles & District Lions Club, part of an international charity which supports the local community as well as humanitarian causes across the world. President Chris Eglington said, “This walk is to bring awareness to World Sight Day, which is sponsored by Lions International. We find the best way to do this is to blindfold people and walk around Beccles, experiencing things as a blind or visually impaired person would”.

L-R: Lions Malcolm Bardsley, Rachael (Observatory the Opticians), Lion Geoff Jones, Beccles Mayor Barry Darch, Jacqui (Observatory the Opticians), Lion President Chris Eglington, Rene (Observatory the Opticians), Lion Sandy Barr

L-R: Beccles Mayor Barry Darch with Lion President Chris Eglington. Behind is Rachael from Observatory the Opticians with Lion Geoff Jones.

BECCLES LIONS 4th DEFIBRILLATOR UNVEILED AT MAY CENTRE'S 40th ANNIVERSARY

Beccles Mayor - Councillor Barry Darch unveils the new Defibrillator watched by Beccle Lions President - Sandy Barr. (Photo: Beccles & District Lions)

Beccles Lions were proud to welcome Beccles recently elected Mayor - Councillor Barry Darch to his first public appearance - unveiling their fourth defibrillator.

Situated at the May Centre in Ken Markham Way, the event was also notable for the May Centre celebrating its 40th year of operation.

The Lions are pleased to support this, and the other defibrillators at the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Railway Station and the Town Library and also to offer a token of their ongoing support for the May Centre and its work, by sponsoring the buffet lunch held in celebration of their anniversary.

It was also an opportunity to pay tribute to the late Lion Dermot Wesley-Smith by dedicating the life-saving apparatus to his memory. This was especially apt, with Dermot also having been actively involved in the operation of the May Centre. Dermot is greatly missed by both organisations.

The Mayor - Councillor Barry Darch with some of the Beccles & District Lions Club members. (Photo: Steve Wood)

The Beccles & District Lions Club are always happy to receive suggestions for placement of more defibrillators.

WE LOVE TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (and Businesses!)

The new flooring

We had a “call for help” from a local wheelchair user - who was having a problem with navigating their chair on the carpeted flooring in their accommodation.

It didn’t take long to realise that trying to steer and turn rubber wheels on a carpeted floor takes quite a bit of stamina - and for this particular person, it was getting to be a struggle.

So we consulted the friendly team at Beccles Carpet & Rug Centre who, in spite of their name are also experts at the various types of hard flooring.

Their advice and their prices were just what we - and our wheelchair user needed and we were pleased to fund the necessary laminate flooring to increase their mobility around their home.

Lion Sharon arranging for the flooring to be laid

Beccles & District Lions Club - it’s all in the name!

LIONS SUPPORT 2022 MARIE CURIE APPEAL

As in past years, Beccles and District Lions Club have once again lent their assistance to the Beccles Marie Curie fund raising group with regard to the 2022 Annual Daffodil Appeal.

Lions Sharon and Glyn at the Morrisons collection

Lion Chris and his wife Carolyn fully masked and hatted

Over three collection days, Beccles Lions Club members collected a total nearly £900. The Marie Curie Society would like to say a big thank you to the generous giving of the people of Beccles, as well as a thank you to the help and support of the volunteers over these collecting days.

Beccles Lions Club President, Lion Sandy Barr said “I am really pleased to say that all the Lions who offered their time to help on the collection days really engaged in the spirit of the event by being fully regaled in Marie Curie attire. It was equally rewarding to see such a fantastic amount of money being raised for such a worthwhile cause too. A big thank you to all of the Beccles Lions volunteers, as I believe it only highlights more the spirit of the Club wanting to always help within the local community where we can.”

If you would be interested in becoming a member of Beccles & District Lions Club, then please telephone our Membership Chair Lion Keith Moore on 07717 488719.

COUPLE 'ON TOP OF THE WORLD' (or at least on top of Beccles!)

The happy couple (2nd/3rd left) with Town Clerk Paul Cunningham and Lion President Sandy plus Lions Chris and Keith.

Beccles and District Lions Club were invited by Beccles Town Council to man the Town Bell Tower on 23rd December 2021 to enable a very special event to take place.

A son of the Town, Tom Hill, had asked to visit the Tower during a planned trip from Canada so that he could show the view over Beccles town to his girlfriend, Virginia Favreau. Whilst at the ‘top of the Town’, he also planned a surprise proposal!

Beccles Town Council and the Lions Club were delighted to help to facilitate this very special event.

Unfortunately on the day, the weather was unpromising with poor visibility limiting the view the couple would be able to enjoy. However, the Lions involved opened the Tower so that visitors could be admitted from 10 am.  As the Tower bells chimed - Tom and Virginia arrived and were greeted by Lion Chris Eglington. Lion President Sandy Barr escorted the couple up to the Belfry having given the pair the tour guide of the lower 3 floors.  From the Belfry the couple ascended to the roof where Lion Keith Moore welcomed them to the view over the town and its surrounds – and of course was witness to the proposal!

Meantime, the Hill family had gathered at the entrance to the tower, awaiting news or Virginia’s response and the arrival of the couple at ground level where the younger family members were waiting with balloons declaring ‘Congratulations’. Fortunately, Virginia had said ‘Yes! with Lion Keith confirming this via the walkie-talkies. 

The reception party, delighted and excited, eagerly awaited the sounds of footsteps in the second-floor bell ringing chamber and when that happened, they took up position to welcome the newly-betrothed couple.  Virginia, of course, had no idea that the family were there.  The expression of surprise on her face when she saw the welcoming group was priceless!  

Tom Hill, who grew up in Beccles but now lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was visiting Beccles with his girl friend Virginia. Tom has been living in Canada for ten years now and works in hospitality there. Virginia works for the Canadian Pacific rail system, and this was her first trip to England. Tom and his twin brother Richard grew up together with their two older sisters in Beccles. All four attended the Sir John Leman High School.

Beccles and District Lions Club were delighted to be able to help Beccles Town Council host the event, and were honoured to participate in such a happy outcome for Tom and Virginia.  We wish the couple every happiness in their future together. 

LIONS GIFTS FOR CARE HOME RESIDENTS

Some Christmas day treats ready for Care Home Residents

Care Home Residents are always in the Lion’s thoughts at Christmas time and 2021 was no exception.

We were delighted to purchase various treats for the Residents of The White House and Wainford House Care Homes.

Whilst, due to socially distancing rules we were unable to present them personally, we made sure that the staff had them ready and waiting for ‘the big day’ and we hear that everyone was delighted.

Lion President Sandy Barr delivering the special parcels to The White House.

GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL FOR DONATING TO OUR TOYS & FOOD APPEALS

Just some of the food items donated by the generous people of Beccles

The generous local customers of our Supermarkets have once again come up ‘trumps’ - even during this difficult period, by responding wonderfully to our 2021 Food Appeal and in addition, the generosity of the people of Beccles created a ‘Santa’s Dream’ pile of Toys for our less fortunate local Children.

For the Food Appeal - each year we leave a shopping basket by the entrance to the local Supermarkets who have given us permission, with a sign asking for food donations and, once again the response was overwhelming.

This year we were able to distribute a record amount to needy individuals - of all sorts of food items and seasonal treats, to help make their Christmas much more enjoyable.

So generous were the donations that we were able to donate hampers to St Luke’s and St Michaels Churches for needy parishioners and to Beccles Primary Academy to help needy pupil’s families.

The Toy Appeal, with the cooperation of The Toy Box was once again a resounding success and brought wide smiles to the faces of many less fortunate local Children.

Both their - and Beccles Lions thanks go out to Tesco, Morrisons and Roys for their kind permission to collect for the Food Appeal in their stores. Plus thanks to The Toy Box for their usual kind help with our Toy appeal.

The response from the recipients was heartwarming - with many of the recipients close to tears when they received their unexpected gifts.

Well done to the People of Beccles!

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR LIONS LOCAL WELFARE

The Club President on his way to deliver another Mobility Scooter to a local recipient.

Our Welfare Team - whilst still having to work around the problems of Sheilding and Social Distancing are still very active in helping those local people who require help and assistance either in the home or with mobility.

Many grateful clients have received the free help which our team provides - which includes electrically operated riser chairs and beds.

One of several Riser Chairs supplied during 2021

Emergency assistance for single parents who have been re-housed is another area with which we help - by supplying the carpets and curtains needed for a ‘new home’ to make it warm and comfortable for both adults and their children.

Cooking ‘emergencies’ such as replacement Cookers and Refrigerators and Freezers are also on our agenda, as we are always delighted to be able to help many local people with items to make their life a little easier.

Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs and Walking Aids are another area where people often need help and we regularly collect unwanted items which we refurbish and store for when a local person cannot afford the cost themselves.

If you have any such needs or indeed have items for which you no longer have a use - please contact us using this web site.

One of many wheelchairs we have out on loan

WORLD SIGHT DAY 2021

The Mayor of Beccles with members of Beccles & District Lions Club and staff from Observatory the Opticians ready to set off on their blindfolded walk around Beccles.

A blindfolded walk took place through Beccles to mark World Sight Day

Organised by Beccles & District Lions and Observatory the Opticians, the event aimed to draw attention to the challenges that blind and vision impaired people face and overcome every day. 

Among those taking part were Beccles Mayor Richard Stubbings, who said, “I always like to help out for a worthy cause, and this is a very worthy cause. It’s fascinating. You’re led around the town and you don’t even know which direction you’re going. Unless your leader is telling you where you are, you’ve got no idea where you are. It’s always a very interesting day”.

The walk started and finished outside the optician’s practice at 1 Smallgate, travelling through the marketplace and returning via the King’s Head pub.

Optometrist at Observatory the Opticians, René Moor, said: “The blindfolded walk may seem light-hearted, but there is, of course, a very serious reason why we are doing this. There are over two million people living with significant sight loss in the UK. Every day, 250 people start to lose their sight in the UK and at least half of all sight loss is avoidable. We want to raise awareness of the difficulties that visually impaired and blind people face as part of their everyday routines, such as entering shops, crossing roads, negotiating kerbs and shopping in busy high streets”. 

World Sight Day’s theme for 2021 is #lLoveYourEyes. This means being aware of your own eye health, getting a sight test and recommending others do the same.

Observatory the Opticians employee Jo Birtwistle also took part in the walk. She said, “I found it really interesting. You don’t realise what a blind or visually impaired person goes through on a day-to-day basis. There are so many obstructions. It was good to get a chance to experience that”.

LOVE FROM BECCLES TO EASTERN EUROPE

This year's magnificent pile of parcels waiting to impress, at the special service at Barsham Church.

From L to R: Lion Chris Eglington, Lions Welfare Chairman - Sharon Page, Lion President - Sandy Barr, Barsham Organiser Margaret Harris, Lion Glyn Page, Rev'd John Fellows .

Members of the Congregation of Barsham Church have for many years supported the Mustard Seed Relief Mission in their yearly appeal for shoe boxes filled with suitable gifts for children in Eastern Europe, who would otherwise be without any presents at all on Christmas Day.

Once again, members of the Beccles & District Lions Club and the Beccles "Red Hats" ladies group have given their support in creating and donating filled shoe boxes and these, along with a cheque from the Lions Club for £250 to help towards carriage and costs of shipping were presented to the Church prior to a Dedication Service on 24th October.

These much appreciated gestures of goodwill - or “Love Boxes” as they are generally called, which are delivered by road directly to the recipients always elicit a superb response from the individuals within both Beccles & District Lions Club and the 'Red Hats' group and at this year’s dedication service, it was revealed that the total donations - even during these difficult times were a magnificent 85 - with Lions Members contributing some 16 boxes, and the Red Hats an amazing 21 with Barsham’s congregation making up the rest.

Lion President Chris Sandy Barr commented - “Another fantastic result for 2021 - and our Members' personal contributions come on top of the £250 which the Lions were pleased to donate towards the carriage costs - both from Barsham to Mustard Seed’s depot and then by road container across Europe.

If you think that you would like to contribute “a little love” in a future year - for more details see https://www.msrm.org.uk or locally contact 01502 714558.

GET HELP WITH THE BECCLES & DISTRICT LIONS - THE COVID MONTHS!

There is a world-wide saying “where there is a need - there is a Lion” and to prove the point, the Beccles Lions have not let the present unpleasant difficulties stand in the way of them providing assistance to the local community when less fortunate and disadvantaged people reach out for their help.

Our Welfare Team has continued on throughout the last few months, bringing smiles to those desperate for help not available elsewhere and in return getting really gratifying heartfelt thanks.

As well as retaining a charity fund to use where necessary, Lions are expert facilitators. We maintain a storage facility for donated gifts (often from bereaved families), of many specialised furniture items - such as riser chairs and electrically operated beds, plus electric mobility scooters and indeed unwanted white goods. This enables us to help those desperate in our Community within a very short period of time of a request being received. 

We also work actively with other local charities - such as Beccles Rotary Club the Beccles Jubilee Trust and Beccles Helping Hands to offer a co-ordinated response to the larger requests for help.

Cases in point include supporting the Community centre at St Lukes Church who spent the recent lockdown storing and distributing food parcels within the Community and who were “running out of space” due to old furniture taking up too much room. We acted with Beccles Rotary to provide cash which, with other donations enabled the Church to buy modern fold up tables and chairs and releasing valuable space for their important food parcel project.

Fran Tuck from St Lukes with the new folding chairs (most in their rack) and one of the folding tables.

An individual approached the us for help as, due to restricted mobility, she was in urgent need of a Riser Chair and a Mobility Scooter. We had a Mobility Scooter donated from the previous Convent at Ditchingham which, with new batteries was ideal and in conjunction with both the Beccles Rotary Club and the Beccles Jubilee Trust provided the £1200 necessary to purchase the Riser Chair.

Other items supplied during the last few months include several lots of curtains, two lots of carpets, an electric bed, a settee, a fridge and a freezer, another electric scooter and members also cleared the garden for a gentleman who wanted it tidied to enable him to invite his Grandchildren to see him during social distancing.

Unfortunately though, like most other Charitable fund raising organisations the Covid Pandemic is giving The Beccles & District Lions Club a difficult time, with our usual fundraising capability curtailed by both social distancing difficulties within our community and indeed with many of our Members being subject to shielding.

In spite of the difficulties though, we, the Beccles & District Lions Club and the other local charitable organisations - in common with the NHS are definitely ‘open for business’. 

DONATION TO LIFE SAVING CANCER CHARITY

The Research facility at the Royal Marsden Hospital

There is little more devastating than a diagnosis of cancer - especially if that diagnosis is of a particularly rare type of that disease.

With the added concern attached to the lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the situation which one of our Members found themselves in recently.

In addition, it transpired that in spite of having world class cancer treatment available at our local Gorleston and Norwich Hospitals, this particular form of the disease required expertise only available at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Further investigation revealed that the research facilities at the ‘Royal Marsden’ spearhead our NHS’s efforts to gain further knowledge on the rarer types of cancer and many dozens of local people are referred there each year to benefit from the latest research results.

Once the best course of treatment is established - that knowledge can then be disseminated throughout our NHS and in many cases, once the specialist has prescribed the individual patient’s treatment plan, this is communicated to the appropriate local hospital to administer, to avoid travelling large distances on a regular basis.

The Research Facility at the Royal Marsden is funded entirely by Charitable donations and in common with most Charities, during the pandemic the donations essential to keep this life saving research going have dropped dramatically.

When it was suggested that Beccles & District Lions Club might make a donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, there was some hesitation and intense discussion as our policy is generally to support locally based causes.

However, bearing in mind the benefits which our local hospitals and patients accrue from the support given by the Royal Marsden’s world leading research, the Club decided that it was a very similar situation to that with the Air Ambulance Service donations, where our contributions on behalf of the people of Beccles were considered more than justified to assist in keeping an invaluable service available to all.

We were pleased therefore to send The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity a cheque for £500 to help with their work.

VITAL SCHOOL SHOP HELPED DURING PANDEMIC

Beccles and District Lions Club Members at the Beccles Primary Academy Shop – From Left to Right Academy Head Teacher, Heather Thorne; Club President Lion Chris Eglington; Immediate Past President Lion Chris Lambert: Welfare Officer Lion Sandy Barr.

Despite the Covid-19 Pandemic Beccles and District Lions Club has been able to help the Beccles Primary Academy by donating £250 so they could restock their ‘Shop.’

This unique shop has been operating for the past 12 months redistributing food, household, clothing and stationery items that had been donated to the School.

Over 30 local families have benefited from this valuable local Community Service.

However since the Covid-19 Pandemic the donations to the school shop have dwindled and with the school having been closed due to the lockdown, stocks eventually ran out causing the loss of this vital Service. 

Beccles and District Lions Club President, Lion Chris Eglington said “The club became aware of the Academy’s unique shop following a very informative visit to the school after donating some of the Toys the public had so kindly given us following our Christmas Toy Appeal.”

“The shop began through the Chair of Governors, Tracey Driscoll and the Head Teacher of Beccles Primary Academy, Heather Thorne seeing a need to offer help to local families who attend the school. From this very simple idea people started telling others and simply by word of mouth it has grown into such a major part of the local community. Therefore when we heard that the stocks were running out, we were only too happy to help.”

Lion Sandy Barr, the Club’s Welfare Officer, added “Once we were informed that the shop needed restocking urgently with the food and hygiene supplies having run out, we asked exactly what was needed and then the Club agreed to help.”

I contacted Sheryl Rumble, Morrisons Supermarket Community Champion, and arranged a £250 Morrisons Gift Card which was presented to the Academy enabling them to restock the shop and to get the Community Aid restarted.

Thus, even during the current lockdown situation Beccles and District Lions Club is still eager to help and serve within the local Community wherever we can.”

LIONS CLUBS HELP JAMES PAGET HOSPITAL’S FIGHT AGAINST STAFF INFECTION

Lowestoft Lions President Lion John Swatton presents the £10,000 cheque from local Lions Clubs to Ann Filby Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs (JPUH) - watched by (L-R) Lion Stephen Pyzer - President of Norfolk Broads Lions Club, Julia Hunt Director of Infection Prevention & Control (JPUH) and Lion Janice Barr - President of Great Yarmouth Lions Club. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO OF THE MACHINE IN ACTION

Local Lions clubs have united to fund a piece of hospital equipment key in protecting workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Eight Lions clubs within the catchment area for the James Paget University Hospital funded the specialist equipment, which ensures face masks worn by NHS staff are fitted correctly and giving the best protection possible against Covid-19 and other highly infectious viruses.

The project, co-ordinated by John Swatton, President of the Lowestoft Lions Club, was supported by Lions Clubs in Beccles & District, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Broads, Lowestoft, Southwold, Halesworth, Bungay and Wroxham and Hoveton.

A James Paget spokesperson said: “Face fit testing is designed to provide workers with the best protection against the effects of hazardous materials, in this case Covid-19. It can ensure the best possible seal to the user’s face, reducing the chances of any dangerous particles entering the mask and being inhaled. Respiratory protective equipment is essential to reduce the risk of work-related illness and death. However, you can’t be sure of your mask’s effectiveness without it being tested.”

The equipment cost around £10,000. The Lions International Emergency Fund also provided a grant to support the local clubs’ efforts. The JPUH spokesperson said: “Quantitative fit testing or QNFT, provides a numerical measure of how well a facepiece seals against a wearer’s face. “QNFT is performed by collecting and analysing air samples from within the respiratory inlet cover of the respirator while it is worn by the intended user. “These tests give an objective measure of face fit.”

Beccles & District Lions President - Chris Eglington commented “In more normal times - we regularly co-operate with the Lowestoft Lions for fund raising activities - which this year have mostly been cancelled. When President John contacted us - we readily agreed to make a major contribution to this request for help from our Local major Hospital”.

A worldwide organisation, individual Lions Clubs are locally administered and members who come from all walks of life, fundraise and distribute the fruits of their efforts to deserving local causes and disadvantaged people.

SEE THE VIDEO OF THE EQUIPMENT IN ACTION

MUM WITH TWO CHILDREN GET FRIDGE & NEW FLOORING

The new, smart Flooring and Carpet for the Mum and two Children

Beccles & District Lions were alerted that a single parent with two children needed to improve their quality of life following a recent family bereavement. 

We found that Carpeting was required in the sitting room and a bedroom, and Vinyl Covering was needed in the hallway, plus we saw that their old refrigerator was well-worn and leaked.

The Club considered the situation and quickly approved helping this family. We immediately replaced the refrigerator with a unit from our stock, and sourced suitable floor covering . 

Within five weeks of being alerted, Beccles & District Lions had approved the expenditure, ordered the carpets and arranged a fitting date. 

The photograph(s) show the completed job and the family are delighted with the result and appreciate the quieter living space and the accompanying reduction of heat loss.

Beccles Lions would like to thank The Carpet Shop, Lowestoft, for their excellent co-operation and customer service in providing and fitting the carpets and vinyl for this project.

Presentation of Ivan Holmes Award

From Left to Right – Mandy Holmes, Beccles Lions Welfare Officer Dermot Wesley-Smith, Joyce Wilson 2019 Ivan Holmes Community Award recipient, Club President Lion Chris Lambert.

Ivan Holmes Community Award Presentation - 2019

The fourth annual Ivan Holmes Community Award was presented to Joyce Wilson by Mandy Holmes at the May Centre Anniversary Lunch in Beccles. 

Joyce, who was unable to attend our 50th Charter Night when the award was announced, has worked tirelessly for the May Centre in Beccles and has been the Manager for the past 7 years. Joyce has expanded her volunteer role to much more than just managing the day to day running of the Centre, she has become a valued member of the team. 

In recognition of this sterling work undertaken over these many years, she received the 2019 Ivan Holmes Community Award and Certificate. In addition to this Beccles & District Lions also presented her with a cheque for £250 to be donated to her nominated charity – which of course was the May Centre! 

Lion President Chris Lambert said “This annual award is in memory of our late colleague Lion Ivan Holmes MJF, who was a member of the Beccles and District Lions Club for over 35 years. Throughout that time Ivan was an ever present figure within the Beccles Community, and, through this award Beccles Lions wanted to recognise those people who, like Joyce tirelessly serve their community by helping to improve the lives of others. 

Before presenting the award to Joyce, Mandy said “The intention of this award is to act as an inspirational and motivational legacy, to continue Ivan’s good work and Joyce has clearly demonstrated this with all the caring and kindness she shows to others within our community. I know the club receives lots of nominations each year, and I would therefore like to acknowledge this by thanking every other nominee for the work they do within the local area, which of course is all voluntary. So to all the volunteers, whether clubs, societies or individuals that help to improve our community - thank you.”      

In response Joyce said “I would like to thank Mandy and Beccles and District Lions Club for this lovely award. It is completely unexpected and I feel very honoured and moved to be receiving it. To even be considered for the award was a surprise, and in addition to be recognised by others for doing things that one enjoys is a great privilege and honour, which I really do appreciate it. There are so many dedicated volunteers in the community and without those who are committed to the May Centre I would not be able to manage the centre and provide our members with such a valuable resource. I will always treasure this award. Thank you.

The Ivan Holmes Community Award is an annual award presented by the Lions Club of Beccles & District and we are always pleased to receive nominations.  If you know of any individual, club, society, or group of people who you believe deserves recognition of this kind please don’t hesitate to let us know.

BECCLES CHARITIES GET TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SPECIAL BED

Beccles and District Lions Club together with the Beccles Diamond Jubilee in Sickness Fund, Beccles Helping Hands and Beccles Townlands Charity have all contributed to provide a special ‘user adjustable’ Bakare Bed for Mrs Sue Foster, needed because of her permanent ongoing health conditions. 

Mrs Sue Foster on the new Bed surrounded by representatives from Beccles & District Lions Club, Beccles Diamond Jubilee in Sickness Fund, Beccles Helping Hands and Beccles Townlands Charity who came together to provide it.

Sue Foster said “I cannot thank these organisations enough for this bed it has changed my whole life. As my illness is permanent and so debilitating I do need to rest as much as I can and before I received this bed I was merely surviving - with only little or no sleep at all. Now I am able to rest whenever necessary during the day - and also get a good night’s sleep without having to disturb my husband to ask him to help me move or adjust the pillows. With this wonderfully versatile bed I can make the relevant adjustments myself. It really has made such a difference - my life is so much easier now.”

Lion President Chris Lambert said “With the help of our friends from the other Beccles Charities it has been both a honour and a pleasure to be able to provide this Bakare Bed for Sue. She has suffered over many years with such courage and strength that we all felt that the least we could do was to help her where we could and clearly this Bed has proved a very good place to start.”    

Beccles Lions Welfare Officer, Lion Dermot Wesley-Smith added “Sue approached Beccles Lions Club asking if we could help. Naturally we wanted to and so we spoke with our friends in the other Charities. After finding out more information and discussing it further with Sue, we all felt it was a very worthwhile project.

It is at times like these that we have to acknowledge the very generous giving of the people of Beccles and others who attend our Fund Raising Events. Without such giving we are not able to help others and change their lives as this amazing Bed has done for Sue.”

Sue was very happy to demonstrate just how versatile the new Bed was to representatives from the Charities that had contributed to. They were Doctor Tony Bubb from Beccles Diamond Jubilee in Sickness Fund, Mr Gary Johnson from Beccles Helping Hands and Mrs Gillian Campbell from Beccles Townlands Charity

OUR 50th CHARTER ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Beccles Lion President Chris Lambert with his wife Carolyn enter the Waveney Suite after being ‘piped in’ by the Beccles Sea Cadets.

To celebrate our 50th Charter Anniversary, we organised a Celebration Dinner at the Waveney House Hotel on Saturday 11th May.

Over 100 people attended this memorable event - including the Mayor of Beccles - Councillor Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw, Peter Aldous MP (who is one of our members) plus representatives from 13 other East Anglian Lions Clubs and a large number of our friends from Beccles and District.

We had worked hard to ensure that this would be a very special evening and our Guests were welcomed by a guard of honour from the Beccles Sea Cadets, Rumpus Ukulele group and Trevor and Ian Shurmer who kindly photographed all our guests and presented them with a special copy.

Once our Guests were seated, the Beccles Sea Cadets ‘piped in’ the Top Table Guests and as the Hotel Staff served the meals, Phil Perry the Magician moved around the tables astonishing everyone with his dexterity.

Our Top Table: (L-R) Lion Paul Martin PDG, Lions District Governor - Lion Mandy Hawksley, Lion President Chris Lambert, Mrs Carolyn Lambert, Mayor of Beccles - Councillor Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw, Mr David Brambley-Crawshaw, Lion Peter Aldous MP.

Following the meal, the formal part of the evening included toasts and responses to Her Majesty the Queen, “Absent Friends”, Lions Clubs International and “Our Partners, Guests and the Town of Beccles”.

Lions International District Governor for East Anglia - Lion Mandy Hawkesley presenting the 50th Anniversary Certificate of Appreciation from Lions International to Beccles Lion President - Chris Lambert.

The annual Ivan Holmes Community Award - presented by Mrs Mandy Holmes in memory of our late Past President - Lion Ivan, was awarded this year to Mrs Joyce Wilson for her work at The May Centre.

A video of our longest serving and founder member - Norman Garrod receiving Lionism’s highest honour - The Melvin Jones Fellowship award was shown. Unfortunately, being over 90 years of age, Norman was unable to join us in person.

The most surprised person of the evening was Lion Keith Moore who was similarly honoured with a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Keith became a Lion some 30 years ago and was active and indeed President of the Lowestoft Lions Club before moving to Beccles where he has served in the same position. The large contingent who had joined us from the Lowestoft Club were as delighted at this award as the Beccles Lions.

Lion Keith Moore (left) receiving the commemorative ‘MJF’ plaque from Lion President Chris Lambert.

The 50th Anniversary Cake made by Mrs Sue Moore and featuring the head of our Club Mascot - Sid the Lion, being cut by our newest member - Lion Sharon Page and longest serving active member - Lion Dermot Wesley-Smith PP.

Entertainment was provided by Tosh.

Melvin Jones founded the first Lions Club in Chicago, Illinois in 1917.

Now, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organisation with 46,000 Clubs around the world and some 1.8 million members.

In the British Isles, Ireland, and the rest of Europe, Lions donate over 5.7 million hours work and £88 million to humanitarian causes each year.

ANOTHER DEFIBRILLATOR - THIS TIME AT THE LIBRARY

The new Defibrillator officially accepted by the Mayor Elfrede Bramley-Crawshaw on 30th March 2019

Gifted to the Town by Mr Tony Clarey in memory of his parents Derrick & Stella Clarey this new defibrillator is at the rear of the Community Library - who have volunteered to check and manage this life saving facility. It is easily accessible from Roy’s Car Park.

Tony Clarey - whose life was saved by the use of a defibrillator approached Beccles & District Lions Club, who, with money raised by local people, have previously arranged for placement of a machine at the CAB in the Town Centre and another at Beccles Railway Station.

Beccles Mayor Councillor Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw with Lion President Chris Lambert

The new Defibrillator was officially accepted by the Mayor, Councillor Elfrede Bramley-Crawshaw. The Mayor said “We do really appreciate all the hard work that Beccles Lions Club do for the town of Beccles and the surrounding community and it is with great pleasure I accept this, their 3rd Defibrillator, on behalf of the people of Beccles,

Lion President Chris Lambert added “Because of the very generous gift by Mr Tony Clarey and the support of Beccles Community Library we were able to provide our 3rd Defibrillator earlier than planned, which is great news for Beccles. Also it is fitting that in our 50th year as a Lions Club in Beccles we should see such wonderful appreciation and support from the people of Beccles. A special thank you must go to Mr Tony Clarey for enabling this to happen.” 

The Mayor being shown the new Defibrillator

Lion Dermot Wesley-Smith, the club’s Welfare Chairman, added “As previously we have been working closely with The Community Heartbeat Trust who supplied the first Defibrillator. Everyone involved deserves a very big thank you, from the Beccles Community Library Manager Annaliese Matheron-Avery for her support in offering assistance to maintain the Defibrillator and of course to Mr Tony Clarey for his very generous gift that has enabled us to provide this, our 3rd Defibrillator to the people of Beccles.”