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OVER 50 YEARS SERVING THE COMMUNITY |
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Quick page links:
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Please Support Devizes Lions |
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We are also able to accept To make a donation from your mobile, simply - text DEVIZESLIONS to 70450 to donate £2 Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message charge. |
or use this QR code |
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Devizes Lions Club (CIO) is a Registered Charity No.1185977
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To enable us to continue arranging fund raising events in the town and deliver much needed support to the community, COME ALONG AND HELP US .....
Our Club Needs You! 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:
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Forthcoming events see more
Santa's Sleigh 02 - 21 December 2024 Santa's Sleigh Routes CLICK HERE > 2024 Santa's Sleigh Routes Book Sale at St Mary's Church 9:30am to 1:30pm on Saturday 30 November For details, follow this link: Book Sale Lions Monthly Bingo Nights start on Tuesday 17 September and then on Tuesday 29 October, 26 November and 17 December.
For details, follow this link: Bingo! Spring Concert Saturday 15 March 2025 in the Corn Exchange Make a note of the date in your diary and wait for further details. Sports Coaching Weekend Saturday 05 and Sunday 06 April 2025 Make a note of the date and find out more here: Sports Coaching Joint Charity Golf Day in association with Devizes Rotary Club Thursday 08 May at North Wilts Golf Club Make a note of the date in your diary and wait for further details. Lions on the Green Sunday 08 June 2025, 10:00 am - 4:00pm Our annual classic vehicle and family fun day on Devizes Green. Find out more by visiting our Lions on the Green web page. Visit our Calendar for a full list of our forthcoming events. |
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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 |
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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 |
Our Patron is Her Royal Highness Duchess of Edinburgh
Her Royal Highness |
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A Brief History of Lions Clubs International |
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. |
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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. |
About Devizes Lions |
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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 your organisation or group is in need of help and you think we can assist, please visit our Contacts Page and get in touch now.
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: |
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But it's not all hard work! Here are some Lions enjoying a planning meeting! |
TO CONTINUE PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY WE NEED NEW MEMBERS TO HELP US
Now is the time to take this opportunity.
Find out more about becoming a Devizes Lion by contacting us now:
- phone us on 0345 833 6749
- e-mail us at Devizes Lions Club
- follow us on Facebook or Twitter
- visit our contact page for more options
Devizes Lions' President 2024/25 |
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OUR PRESIDENT CHRIS ELLIS | ||
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. CONGRATULATIONS!
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What has been said about Devizes Lions
"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." 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.
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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. |
We have a couple of short videos about it: Click the pictures below to watch them: |
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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:
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 |
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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Urchfont Scarecrow Festival Devizes Lions were delighted to have been given the opportunity to collect money to aid refugees from Ukraine at this year's Scarecrow Festival, raising a very worthwhile £800. This money will be used to assist in the provision of emergency help to refugees fleeing Ukraine and will be overseen by Lions on the ground, so you know where your money is going. Thanks to all of you that supported our appeal and thanks to the organisers for allowing us the opportunity. |
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. |
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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 |
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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.
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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. |
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Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine [🇺🇦]
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Forthcoming Events |
Santa's sleigh 02 - 21 December 2024
SANTA'S SLEIGH ROUTES
Devizes Lions will be out touring the town from Monday 2nd to Fiday 21st December with a cheery Santa, lights and music. We will be starting at 5:30pm each evening and finish by 7:45pm at the latest.
Here are the routes.........
Click on the text to view or download a copy >>>>>>>>> |
You will be able to follow Santa's route each evening in real time from our Facebook Page.
Santa's Sleigh will be in The Brittox on Thursday 5th and Thursday 12th December and at Morrisons' supermarket on Saturday 7th and Saturday 21st December.
Please Note:
Cul-de-sacs
The float will normally wait at the entrance to cul-de-sacs and Santa’s helpers will tell people where he is waiting to greet the children.
Times
The float will start at 5.30pm each evening and finish no later than 7:45pm
Weather
Devizes Lions cannot guarantee that they will be able to adhere to the published programme due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Here are some of last year's pictures:
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During November, Devizes Lions had been very busy helping Santa get his sleigh ready for his tour of the town in December with his merry band of helpers, clowns and elves, bringing lights, music and a cheery wave to the children.
If you need to contact the organisers, please e-mail santa@devizeslions.org.uk.
Book Sale at St Mary's Church 9:30am to 1:30pm on Saturday 30 November
Lions Bingo Nights - starting 7:30pm on Tuesday 17 September at the Conservative Club Come along with your friends and enjoy the first of our monthly BINGO NIGHTS at the Conservative Club, 30 Long Street, Devizes, starting on Tuesday 17 September, then on the last Tuesday of each month apart from December which will be on Tuesday 17th. Doors open 7.30 pm. Eyes down 8 pm prompt. Net proceeds to Devizes Lions Club (CIO) Registered Charity No. 1185977. Sports Coaching Weekend Saturday 05 and Sunday 06 April 2025
Our next Sports Coaching Weekend will be on 05 and 06 April 2025 Make a note of the date and find out more here: Sports Coaching
Our next Lions on the Green
Head over to our Lions on the Green page for more details. Or visit our Calendar for a full list of our forthcoming events.
On Sunday 10 November, a number of Lions manned the road closures for the Remembrance Day parade and President Chris Ellis represented Devizes Lions alongside Victoria Warren, President of Devizes Rotary at the Remembrance Day service laying a wreath in memory of all of those who sacrificed themselves for us. On Thursday 07 November Devizes Lions were pleased to help the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal again this year by manning their stall in Morrisons. We have been told that very nearly £400 was raised that day. That's a splendid result indeed and a big thank you to all who donated from the Devizes branch of the Royal British Legion and from Devizes Lions.
The Dad "N" Daughter Line Dancing Group raised over £1500 for Devizes Lions.
THANK YOU! Ladies Fashion Show - 7:30pm on Saturday 14 September at the Conservative Club
Devizes Lions Club brings you an exciting evening of fashion and fun hosted by Colours Fundraising Fashion Shows, at Devizes Conservative Club on Saturday 14 September.
Pre-event details: Doors open at 7pm and the show starts 7.30pm. A LADIES' NIGHT WITH A DIFFERENCE! As well as a live CATWALK SHOW, there will be ample time to try on and buy this season's High Street & Branded fashions at the Pop up Shop. ALL AT BARGAIN PRICES - 50% OFF or MORE! There will also be a raffle with FABULOUS prizes to be won. Tickets are £8 and must be purchased in advance from Devizes Books or TicketSource using this link: www.ticketsource.co.uk/devizes-lions-club-cio/t-nozamqr For more information please contact: fashionshow@devizeslions.org.uk Our last Fashion Show was a great success - Take a look before you book: .... Fashion show 2023 The Lions' bookcase has been in place in the Condado Lounge since April with a great range of books which people can take for a small donation. In the first four months, it has raised over £100 for Devizes Lions' charity. In November we placed a second bookcase in Cafe Nero. A big thank you to the team at Condado Lounge for allowing us to place our bookcase there and to all their customers who have purchased books from the bookshelf. Lions Presentation Evening 12 June 2024 It has become a tradition for Devizes Lions to hold a Presentation Evening as one of the last events of the Lions’ year. This year is no exception and on Wednesday 12 June a number of selected local groups were invited to the Town Hall where the Mayor, Cllr Ian Hopkins presented donations totalling nearly £9,000 on behalf of Lion President Debbie Wilson and all Devizes Lions to more than 30 local charities and organizations to help them continue their vital work in the community. Each organisation was then given the opportunity to share a brief description of the work it does with those present. Devizes Lions offer their sincere thanks to all those organisations for all the work they do in the community.
Here is a group photo of the recipients with the Mayor seated in the front centre and Lion President Debbie Wilson standing at the far right. These are the groups that we made donations to this Year:
Sponsored Walk Sunday 12 May 2024
Charity Golf Day at North Wilts Golf Club on Thursday 09 May 2024 The annual Charity Golf Day run by Devizes Lions and Devizes Rotary took place on Thursday May 9th at North Wilts Golf Club. The sun shone brightly on the teams taking part in this year's Charity Golf Day. THANK YOU, EVERYBODY! Devizes Lions and Devizes Rotary are pleased to be running their Joint Charity Golf Day again this year on Thursday May 9th at North Wilts Golf Club. All monies raised will be donated to Canons House in Devizes. They offer short break care to children and young people with profound learning difficulties and complex health and care needs. Last year the weather was kind, there were lots of teams participating and the event raised £3500 for the Devizes Lions' and Devizes Rotary's Charities. Full details of the event and how to apply can be found on the Application Form which can be downloaded here: 2024 Golf Day Application Form. If you have any queries, please e-mail: golfday@devizeslions.org.uk Our next Charity Golf Day will be on Thursday 08 May 2025. Watch this space for further updates. Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2024 Head over to our Sports Coaching page for further details. Our next Sports Coaching Weekend will be on 05 and 06 April 2025. Make a note of those dates and watch our Sports Coaching page for further details. Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal
Other past events |
You can find out about many of the other events that Devizes Lions has organised by visiting our Club Projects Page: Club Projects
Devizes Lions are part of Lions International which is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs, in more than 200 countries and geographical areas, all serving their communities throughout the world. Devizes Lions Club (CIO) is a Registered Charity No.1185977
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Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.