MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
The Lions Message in a Bottle Scheme is well supported by Birchwood Lions. We have distributed over 4000 bottles within our Community and the scheme is proving to be saving lives.
The Bottle which contains information which would be of use to the emergency services is placed in the fridge of the householder. A sticker is placed on the inside of the front door and the outside of the fridge. The information covers, allergies, medical conditions, next of kin, medication, pets in the home and a whole lot more. It is used as a helpful guide by the emergency services. The scheme is now running nationwide and various PCT's have awarded grants to Lions Clubs to sponsor the project.
SPECTACLE COLLECTION
The Birchwood Club have collected thousands of pairs of used spectacles over the last few years. Special boxes are provided by Lion Elaine Ives and are placed in opticians and other locations in the Birchwood area. The glasses are then sent to Chichester Lions and they are graded and despatched to third world countries. Parcel Force piovides it's services free of charge for shipping.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
Birchwood Lions were partners in a project which saw the erection of a Birchwood Cenotaph and flagmast at the Birchwood Shopping Mall. Each year the Club arranges a memorial service and it is attended by Civic Dignitaries, local schools, youth organisations, armed services, emergency services and the Birchwood Community Band. This year over 300 people attended, some of whom had lost loved ones in recent conflicts.
SANTA AND HIS SLEIGH
OUT AND ABOUT WITH SANTA AND HIS SLEIGH
The Birchwood Santa has been really busy this Season and has been out on 23 occasions bringing joy and excitement to both young and old.
At Christchurch Primary he spoke to 80 children and parked his sleigh in the School grounds for the children to sit on and have their photographs taken. They also had the chance to ring Santa's bell and sound his siren. He was given hotdogs and chips and his tummy was very full at the end of the night! Rudolph had a carrot or two!
Hundreds of shoppers were treated to the music and lights on Santa's Sleigh at IKEA on five occasions and lots of money was donated towards our charities. Santa's helpers were treated to free breakfasts and lunches by the management who very much appreciated our presence as it added to the Christmas atmosphere.
Santa also attended Children's Christmas parties at the Cinnamon Brow Community Centre and handed out lots of presents. Whilst there he also popped into the 'Young at Heart' senior citizens party and handed out 40 boxes of chocolates to the delight of all present. These were a gift from Birchwood Lions Club.It also has to be reported that Santa actually kissed every single (or married) lady in the room and afterwards stated that he felt like a 'TOYBOY!!'
Next Santa was off the a childrens party at Poulton Park Golf Club. The sleigh sped along a narrow track through the woods with lights blazing and music playing. It emerged at the entrance to the Golf Club minus it's towing car. It was pushed into position and the children could not believe their eyes when they saw the sleigh. Even the 10 years olds stopped to think! Santa spent an hour with the children and gave out presents to each child before setting off back through the woods and on to his next destination.
Santa attended Foxwood School for disabled children. This was a wonderful and moving experience for us all. The sleigh was placed on the footpath outside the assembly hall double glass doors and all the children were mesmerised by the brightly lit sleigh.
Santa was then off with the Sleigh to carry on with his many visits and good work.
Footnote: Santa (aka Lion Charlie) has very much got into role this season and it will be a difficult job to convince him that he is still Charlie not Nicholas!!!!
EVERY PENNY WE COLLECT GOES TO NEEDY CAUSES; MANY OF THEM IN THE BIRCHWOOD AREA.
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