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    OVER 50 YEARS SERVING THE COMMUNITY

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Devizes Lions Club (CIO) is a Registered Charity No.1185977

COME ALONG AND HELP US .....

Our Club Needs You!
If you would like to help us help others, don't delay, contact us now. 

WE NEED NEW PEOPLE WITH NEW IDEAS TO HELP US .....If you would like to find out about how you can help us, click here: 
About Lions

Who are Devizes Lions?

Please Support Devizes Lions
CLICK on the DONATE button and you will be taken to our Just Giving donation site where you can make a donation on line:

Devizes Lions Club (CIO) is a Registered Charity No.1185977

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About Lions 

Lions are like-minded men and women in your town who are committed to helping its citizens live better lives, and to help make your town a better place for those who live and work here.

Because we are local, we can serve the unique needs of our communities and because we are global, we can address challenges that go beyond our borders, and because of our numbers we can help to influence positive change around the globe. When it comes to meeting challenges, our response is simple:  "We Serve." It's something that unites Lions around the world.  We help wherever, whenever and however we can.

With almost 1.5 million volunteers, Lions is the largest humanitarian organization in the world. Lions aid the blind and visually impaired, support youth initiatives to build strong character and end bullying, feed the hungry, address global epidemics like diabetes, come the aid of communities when disaster strikes, and are committed to filling other community needs throughout the world.  

Lion Fabricio Oliveira is Lions International President for 2024-25

Devizes Lions welcome Lion Fabricio Oliveira of Paraiba, Brazil, as the incoming International President for the 2024-25 Lions year and he has chosen “Make your Mark” as his presidential theme.

In his inaugural address he said:

“As Lions we live out our mission of service and empower future generations to join our unwavering commitment to kindness.  I am looking forward to hearing how each and every one of you is making your mark in your community."

With a remarkable background in business administration, including a Post-Graduate Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), and a Degree in Administration, International President Fabrício brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

"There are countless ways to make a difference in communities all around the world and I am proud to belong to an organization that reaches people in need everywhere," said Oliveira. "My hope for this year serving as Lions International President is to inspire many more service-minded volunteers to join our wonderful organization."

Would you like to join us and Make your Mark, and change someone's life for the better?  Contact our membership team at: membership@devizeslions.org.uk

Her Royal Highness
Duchess of Edinburgh 
became Patron of the Lions Clubs of the British Isles in 2004

In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. Melvin Jones' group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed.

After contacting similar groups around the United States, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objectives and a code of ethics were approved and they elected Dr. William P. Woods of Indiana as their first President. 

It was thanks to the support of Canadian Lions and the intervention of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, that the first Lions club in London was founded in 1950.
And the rest is history.

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Devizes Lions are part of Lions International with almost 1.5 million men and women serving their communities all over the world.  

Devizes Lions are dedicated to helping the people of Devizes and those in the areas surrounding the town.

If you would like to join us in changing someone's life for the better contact our membership team at: membership@devizeslions.org.uk  

With the support of the local community Devizes Lions have raised many thousands of pounds to help support local people and various charities. Whether a group needing funds, a community action group or just someone seeking help, Devizes Lions try to make the problem smaller.

During a typical year Devizes Lions raise funds through a variety of events, sales, collections and concerts, which it distributes to worthwhile causes, including local individuals, families and groups that have approached us when in need of support.

In addition, we have enabled groups to raise their own funds through our popular Sponsored Walk and Swimathon, and provide local children with new sporting and artistic experiences over our Sports and Arts Coaching Weekends.

Naturally, while working together in our joint endeavours, we form close and long-lasting friendships with other members and their families.

To find out more, download these publications: 

Lions in your Community 

Step forward

LionsGetInvolved

Dora's Story

But it's not all hard work!
As well as fulfilling our charitable aims Devizes Lions Club is also a great social organisation where we enjoy fun and fellowship whilst supporting those that need our help.

Here are some Lions enjoying a planning meeting!

Devizes Lions' new President, Chris Ellis took over from former Lion President Debbie Wilson at a handover celebration on 30 June 2024 followed by a buffet lunch for members and guests.  This is the third time that Chris has held this office and we look forward to another enjoyable and successful year under his leadership. 

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"Chase LOVED seeing Santa last night again, thanks so much to the Lions Club for continuing such a wonderful tradition that I can share with my child, that I remember doing as a child myself! Keeping Xmas magical."  Cassie on our Facebook page.

"Big Thank You to Devizes Lions for organising the sponsored walk; we've managed to raise over £1400 (and still counting) for Victim Support"

"I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Devizes Lions again for their continued support for First Stages.  It means a great deal to us to know that our work is recognised, and we are very proud and grateful to have been among so many worthy recipients last week.  The support the Lions gives to the smaller local groups is so important.  Thank you!"   Carole Berry.

"The Monday Club would like to thank ... the Lions who have worked so hard to support us."  Jackie.

"The cheque given to us will help keep our club afloat and enable us to give our members some little pleasures." - Devizes PHAB. 

"It's all great news people! More then 500 kids took a part in sport weekend this year - I know, because I asked... I can see so many advantages, not only fun some of them will continue, for some of them it was perhaps the only opportunity to try some sports, more sport - better health! More 'inspired' kids - more 'sporty' adults in the future! All voluntary job by Lions Club, how amazing!" Asia K.

And recently posted on Facebook:

"My daughter has come back from a canoeing session, with Don Jones 's autograph!

Seriously, a huge thank you and well done to Devizes Lions for organising their sports weekend again. My girls have respectively canoed and played badminton. It's a fantastic opportunity for our youngsters to try their hand at something new, or at something that their parents might not otherwise be able to afford for them to do."  
Sue Ross

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Over 100 Years Serving the Community

Two members of DEVIZES LIONS Club together amassed over 100 years of voluntary service to the local community.  This milestone has been reached during the Lions' year 2020/21 in which the Club marked the 50th anniversary of its founding.

Soon after the Club formed in 1970 David Bousfield joined, and John Hurley did so a few months later.  Over the years they have helped to organise many Lions’ events, including assisting individuals and groups in need of practical or financial help as well as organising large scale events such as Gymkhanas and the May and Christmas Fayres.   

David was President of the Club in 1984 and again in 2014.  Like many of the Lions, David is well known in other fields.  He is a solicitor with Wansbroughs in Devizes and has lived in Potterne for many years, he is a former trustee of the Wiltshire Community Foundation and governor of Devizes School.  A keen sportsman, he was previously a county hockey player and remains a keen golfer.  

John joined Devizes Lions in 1971 and was President of the Club in 1977.  He was Engineer & Surveyor to the former Devizes Rural District Council and then Kennet District Council. With his late wife Beryl he was active in the establishment of the Wharf Theatre and they were also leading figures in the Wiltshire family history scene, transcribing and publishing many records and giving talks over much of the country.

Sadly, John passed to higher service on the 12th July at the age of 97.
John had been a Devizes member for a remarkable 53 years since joining in 1971, so almost a Charter member, and was President in 1977/78.  What service!  He will be sadly missed.

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Message in a Bottle

Lions Clubs throughout the country supply Message in a Bottle containers to people who have health and medical needs. The bottle is simply placed in your fridge and contains all the important information that might be needed in an emergency.

Devizes Lions have placed supplies of bottles in all local doctors' surgeries for you to take home and use. If you can't see them on display then ask the receptionist. In the unlikely event they have run out, please let us know at welfare@devizeslions.org.uk so we can replenish the stocks.

You will know there is a bottle in the fridge by the two labels, one is fixed on the inside of the front door or the main entrance and the other is on the door of the fridge.

Remember - Always Check the fridge!

 Click the picture to dowload a copy.

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SIGHT

World Sight Day 10 October 2024

World Sight Day, on 10 October 2024 will highlight the critical importance of prioritising child eye health.

“We all know that in children an uncorrected vision impairment can severely impact their education. Research tells us that children with access to and being prescribed spectacles can reduce failing rates by 44%. It is knowledge like this that has led us to make World Sight Day 2024 one for children around the world,” said Peter Holland, IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness) CEO. 

We need to raise awareness of the 450 million children globally who have a sight condition that needs treatment. 

Schools and organisations are encouraged to participate in the Global Challenge by screening the vision of children; carers and parents on behalf of their children are invited to make a #LoveYourEyes pledge; teachers are asked to access World Sight Day resources that inspire children to take care of their eyes now, and long into the future.  

Encouraging parents to have children’s eyesight tested can help those with reading problems to improve their learning – a benefit for the rest of their lives socially and financially. 

“IAPB has proven that when we work together, we create noise and an enthusiasm that is hard to ignore. Therefore, I am calling on everyone to work to ensure that children around the world have access to clear, healthy vision. We invite you to take ownership of the Love Your Eyes campaign, use our resources to be bold, have fun and create moments that cannot be overlooked,” encouraged Caroline Casey, President of IAPB. 

After the World Sight Day 2023 success of Love Your Eyes at Work, IAPB together with the International Labour Organization will continue campaigning on the importance of prioritising eye care in the workplace.   

In the United Kingdom there are well over 2 million people with sight loss, 80% of whom are over the age of retirement. It is estimated that over 50% of Lions Clubs members in the British Isles may have some level of sight loss which affects their way of life. Clubs should ensure that they are able to provide equal support to individual members with sight loss eg information in an accessible format and a volunteer driver/or guide to help them to meetings and activities. Increasing font size in documents is a simple way of helping people with visual impairment.

The Lions International In👁Sight Programme embraces the Lions Eye Health Programme and has four key components:

• Eye Health and Care – nutrition, take up of regular eye tests, advice to stop smoking, and reduce computer eye strain
• Service and Support -Talking newspapers, low vision exhibitions, and healthy vision campaigns
• Partnership – local-led alliances with sight-related organisations, and national organisations eg Lions Sight Savers Trust and Blind Veterans. Devizes Lions support Wiltshire Sight.
• Lions Clubs’ take action to prevent/reduce sight loss, and accessibility to screening and treatment in our communities.

Recycle used spectacles, for use in Third World

Contact Lions National Headquarters on 0121 441 4544 for a leaflet/poster

Screening. 

Eye tests are often how diabetes, glaucoma, cataract, and other treatable problems are found, before the person tested knows they have a problem

Most causes of impaired vision, and blindness, are preventable or curable.

This includes the common and devastating causes of blindness in Third world countries, including cataract and glaucoma, as well as trachoma and river blindness (onchocerciasis). 

Lions International promotes action to prevent and reduce impaired vision and blindness throughout the world

Recycling Spectacles 

Lions Clubs throughout the country collect used spectacles.  They are sent to Lions Headquarters in Birmingham or to Chichester Lions Club where about one million pairs a year are processed by club members and other volunteers. They use their considerable experience built up over 35 years, to select the items that are suitable for recycling and to sort them in preparation for onward transmission to the Ukraine and Medico France in Le Havre. Medico France has the necessary equipment to clean and grade the spectacles ready for use in eye camps in Africa, India and Eastern Europe.

If you have any, you can drop them off in SpecSavers or Haines and Smith.

Visit https://lionsrecycling.co.uk/how-to-donate/ to find out more. This public website explains what, where and why to donate spectacles. The 'where' contains a map showing drop-off points for spectacle donations.

Here is Devizes Lions' Welfare chair adding a couple of boxes of used spectacles that have been collected in town, to a pile that is being sent for recycling.

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Devizes Lions have made an initial grant of £1,000 to LCIF (Lions Clubs International Foundation) to assist in the provision of emergency help to refugees fleeing Ukraine.

We are keeping the situation under review and will offer further assistance when needed, whether it be local, national or international.

Please help Devizes Lions support the people of Ukraine by making a donation here: Donate

The conflict in Ukraine unfortunately continues with millions of people affected in this crisis. Lions Clubs International (LCIF) our foundation, are continuing to support these people through the awarding of grants to Lions Clubs in the areas of need. These grants are to provide the immediate relief needs to those who are desperate for assistance.

Through Lions to Lions grants, support is being provided to refugees who have been displaced from their homes. These grants are providing essential resources to address the critical needs of people who remain and who have crossed the borders into other countries.

So far, LCIF has awarded grants totalling almost $650,000 supporting an estimated 83,000 people.  Of that, $95,000 has been awarded to provide relief for internally displaced persons in Ukraine itself and a further $550,000 for refugee relief outside Ukraine.

For a full list of grants awarded visit LCIF - Ukraine

A massive thank you to Clubs and individuals who have responded to the call for help. 

Remember that grants are overseen by Lions on the ground, so we know where your money is going.

Here are just a few of the relief efforts Lions are providing:

Dr. Igor Hrytsiuk is a Lion with Lviv Lions Club , and at the same time a doctor at the Western Ukraine Specialized Children's Medical Center in Lvów. This is a local medical facility providing specialist medical care. On February 15th, they were so proud that they were opening the most modern Clinic of pediatric oncology and bone spur transplantation in this part of Ukraine - the only one who performed such treatments. They probably didn't allow that in a few weeks, not hypermodern devices for treating children, but generators for power in shelters, window tinting paper during bombing, flashlights and batteries will be the peak of dreams. We support the fight of Ihora Hrytsiuk, Roman Monastirsky, Iwana Festkiva, - our Lion friends, we support all Ukrainians and we are proud to be part of the international wave of help for the brave Ukrainian nation. Proud to be a part of Lions Clubs International. 

Serving from a bomb shelter, the Lions of Ukraine with a LCIF grant are providing food, medicine, and hygiene products for those displaced in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and Zhytomyr. Your donation to LCIF’s Refugees and Displaced Persons fund will help ensure that Lions are there to help them find the safety and security they desperately need. 

Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine [🇺🇦]
Today one of 4 ambulances arrived from the UK Lions Clubs International at our warehouse in Poland.
Love and respect to all involved, you are saving lives in Ukraine.

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Forthcoming Events
Watch this space for details of our Forthcoming Events

Click on the text to view or download a copy

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Book Sale at St Mary's Church 9:30am to 1:30pm on Saturday 30 November