Would you like to be part of the action?

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

To find out more, click here: 
Who are Devizes Lions?

Devizes Lions are dedicated to helping the people of Devizes and those in the areas surrounding the town.  With the support of the local community we 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 the Club raises funds through a variety of events, sales, collections and concerts, that it distributes to benefit worthwhile causes, such as local individuals, families, groups and charities that have approached us when in need of support.

In addition, we enable groups to raise their own funds through our popular Sponsored Walk and Swimathon, and we provide around 500 local children with new sporting experiences over our Sports Coaching Weekend. 

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. 

STOP PRESS!

Hurricane Dorian was a category 5 hurricane when it landed on the Grand Bahama Island, with over 130 mile an hour winds and torrential rainfall. The hurricane devastated the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco where it has destroyed homes, flooded communities and impacted on countless families Lions Clubs International Foundation has awarded a $100,000 dollar Major Catastrophe Grant to local Lions to provide immediate relief to those families who are struggling following the devastation of this hurricane, and support the relief efforts in the Bahamas. Donations can be made by members of the public online at: http://lionsgiving.co.uk/international-appeals/lions-international-disaster-fund Photograph taken by US Coast Guard, Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Stenton

Welcome our New President for 2019-20

Devizes Lions new President, Chris Ellis took over from former Lion President Andy Sheppard at a handover tea party on 30 June 2019.  Click here for details: Our President.

Welcome to our Website

Lions are here to help society and each member of that society; our motto is "We Serve". Devizes Lions organise and participate in many community activities and with the support of the local community we have raised many thousands of pounds to help support local people and various charities.

Use this website to find out more about what we do.

For all the latest Club News and Events, 

scroll down this page or click one of these links:

or visit our Calendar for a full list of our forthcoming events

Would you like to be part of the action?

 

Who are Devizes Lions?

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, and distributes around £30,000 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 we provide around 500 local children with new sporting experiences over our Sports Coaching Weekend.

Here are the formally adopted Purposes of the Club:   Purposes

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.

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.

TO CONTINUE PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY WE NEED NEW MEMBERS TO HELP US 

So now is the time to take this opportunity. 

Find out more about becoming a Devizes Lion by contacting us now:

 Devizes Lions' President 2019/20 

OUR PRESIDENT CHRIS ELLIS   Devizes Lions' new President, Chris Ellis took over from former Lion President Andy Sheppard at a handover tea party on 30 June 2019.

Lion President Chris Ellis with District 105W Governor Lion Sally Marsh.

At the same event Past President Lion Andy Sheppard conferred Melvyn Jones Awards on Michael Gaiger and Nigel Grist for their long and invaluable support and service to Devizes Lions.

President Chris Ellis' key message for the year is that Devizes Lions should initiate, develop and improve.

And this is what he has to say to everyone:

 

Would you like to be part of the action? Click here: Find out more or Contact us.

What is being 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."  Sue Ross

Forthcoming Events

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Arts Coaching Day
26th October 2019 

Taster sessions for Primary School children in Year Groups 4, 5 & 6 from the Devizes area in various artistic activities.

 

Visit our Arts Coaching page for further details

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Christmas Fair
23rd November 2019 
Devizes Corn Exchange 9:00am to 2:30pm

Please note that collections cannot be arranged until
Monday 21 October

 

Last year Devizes Lions Christmas Fair raised over £9000 after expenses that has been used to help local charitable good causes.

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Visit our Calendar for a full list of our forthcoming events.
Calendar

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Recent Events

Presentation Evening 13th June 2019

Lions support for the local community

Cheques for a total of £10,600 were handed out by the Mayor, Councillor Judy Rose, to thirty-two local groups at Devizes Lions' Presentation Evening on 13th June.   The amounts were part of the end-of-year package of grants marking Lion Andy Sheppard's year as Club President.  An additional £1750 was donated to Lions projects in the UK and overseas.

Recipients included these diverse groups:

Age UK - Wiltshire, Alzheimer's Support, Arts Together, Budo Club, Canon's House, Carer Support Wiltshire, CUDS (Clean Up Devizes), Devizes & District Link, Devizes & District PHAB , Devizes Child Contact Centre, Devizes Hospital and Community Radio, Devizes & District Food Bank, Devizes Men's Shed/Devizes Men's Club, Devizes Opendoors, Devizes Over 50's Club, Friends of Erlestoke Prison, Home-Start Kennet, Kennet Gateway Club, KFR, Mid Wiltshire Relate, Monday Club, Nursteed Community  Centre, Samaritans, Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child, First Devizes Scout Group, The Tuesday Club, Victim Support Wiltshire, Waiblingen Way Residents' Association, Wiltshire Mind, Wiltshire Portage Service, Wiltshire Sight and Youth Action Wiltshire.

During the evening representatives explained the magnificent work of the various organisations and charities that were being supported and how the Lions’ donations would be used, with frequent references to tackling loneliness or isolation, providing transport that might not otherwise be affordable or providing facilities, meals and entertainment.

The Lions’ grants were part of the amount raised at various fund-raising events throughout the year that is used to support many local groups, families and individuals.

Picture:  Lions Presentation Evening - June 2019

Representatives of the thirty-two local groups that received grants at the Devizes Lions’ Presentation Evening.  Kneeling are Club President Lion Andy Sheppard (left) and the Lions Welfare Chairman Jerry King (right) with the Mayor of Devizes Councillor Judy Rose. 

 

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Jai's Bike

Back in December, Devizes Lions contributed £650 to help a local mum to reach the amount needed to order a very special bike. It will allow her to take out her son Jai who is severely limited in what he can do, but is able to enjoy being outside in the countryside. The other day a few of us went to see the bike, and one of our Lions, Speedy "Pedals" Seager wasted no time road testing it. Evidence attached.

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May Fair

Monday 6th May 2019

VISIT OUR MAY FAIR PAGE FOR DETAILS

 

Devizes Lions will again be holding its popular May Fair in Devizes Market Place and Corn Exchange on May 6th 2019.

The fair will be on similar lines as previous years, but enlhanced in a number of ways.
In addition to trades & charities, a new class of stall is being introduced - for artisans who produce goods for direct sale to the public. 

Full details of the Fair, including entertainments and other attractions, are being finalised and will be published here.

Booking forms for stalls will be available early in January. They will be sent automatically to those who have taken part in previous years, but if the address or person responsible has changed since then, please let us know.
Any other potential stallholder is invited to get details from:

Lion Chris Gillings, 5 Gaisford Chase, Worton, Devizes SN10 5RX, telephone 01380 725503.
Email: chris.gillings1945@gmail.com

 

VISIT OUR MAY FAIR PAGE FOR DETAILS

 

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Charity Golf Day at North Wilts Golf Club

8th May 2019 

Devizes Lions and Devizes Rotary's joint Charity Golf Day held on the 8th May 2019 raised £3736 after costs, to benefit Dorothy House Hospice Care. 

To find out more visit our Charity Golf Day web page

For more details of the event visit our Golf Day page

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Sports Coaching weekend 6th and 7th April 2019

On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2019 Devizes Lions held their popular Sports Coaching Weekend where children in school year groups 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are invited to try one of 22 different sports that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Tuition was all provided by qualified coaches.   We offered three new activities in 2019: Basketball, Squash and Target shooting, which all proved to be extremely popular. Visit our Sports Coaching page for details Download your poster here Last year's event details - click here

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Swimathon 2nd March 2019

The Swimathon at Devizes Leisure Centre on Saturday 2nd March went very well and raised at least £3677.00 which will benefit the many organisations that took part. The total mileage swum was nearly 50 miles!  Many thanks to Cllr Judy Rose (Mayor Elect) (right) who started the event off with very loud whistle.  A BIG WELL DONE to all of you that participated and very special thanks to all that sponsored them.

Can your Fund Raising Team swim for an hour? Devizes Lions annual Swimathon will take place on Saturday 02 March 2019 between 4pm and 10pm at Devizes Leisure Centre Pool. The Lions Club provide all the administration and forms for you to raise money for your own charity, organisation or group and claim any possible Gift Aid. Teams of 4 to 8 swimmers may enter, with only one swimmer in the water at any time. For more details and to sign up for sponsor forms, contact Lion Barry Mitchell on: 0345 833 6749 or by e-mail to admin@devizeslions.org.uk In 2018 Swimathon 2018 the organisations taking part raised over £5,000 for their various causes. WELL DONE!

Download your own copy of the poster here: Swimathon Poster

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Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal. 
Devizes Lions collected £470 at Morrison's on Thursday 28 February for the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal. Here are two of us in our silly hats helping this wonderful cause.

 

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Charity Concert
featuring the Ynysowen Male Voice Choir
Saturday 16th February 2019

Ynysowen Male Choir was formed in the wake of the Aberfan disaster as a way of saying thank you to the world for the support it had shown Aberfan in its darkest hour through song. This 30 strong choir has performed at various venues across the UK and abroad, from churches to village halls, concert halls to marquees they have sung for small crowds and thousands of people. The event is supported by performers from local schools. The event, promoted by Devizes Lions raised £2000 to support the Devizes Opportunity Centre who provide a world of opportunities for children with special needs and their families through high quality Early Years Education, therapeutic care and ongoing support.

Click here to download the poster:  Spring Concert Poster

 

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Seasonal Events in the run-up to Christmas

 

Saturday 1st to Saturday 22nd December Santa's Sleigh SANTA'S SLEIGH   A really BIG THANK YOU to everyone that supported us this year on our tour of the town with Santa on his sleigh. In the run-up to Christmas Devizes Lions' Santa's sleigh toured the town from 1st to 22 December with lights, music and Santa to entertain the children, hand out sweets and raise money for local charitable causes.

After expenses, about £5500 was raised for the Lions Charity Account. Thank you all for your wonderful generosity.

If you missed Santa, you can still donate on line here just by clicking the donate button:

 

 

 

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Saturday 24 November 
Christmas Fair in the Corn Exchange 

Devizes Lions Christmas Fair on Saturday 24th November raised over £9,000 after expenses that will be used to help local charitable good causes.

AN ENORMOUS THANK YOU to everyone who supported the event whether by donating items to sell or by coming along and buying them.

 

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Thursday 15 November BBC Children in need​collection Devizes Lions were out in the Brittox with their buckets and dressed as clowns on Thursday 15th November  encouraging people to donate to the BBC Children in Need appeal. The collection raised £357 which is being sent to the BBC's appeal. THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED US.

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Lecture and Book Signing 13th November 2018

James Holland is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. The author of the bestselling Fortress Malta, Battle of Britain, and Dam Busters, he has also written nine works of  historical fiction, five of which feature the heroic Jack Tanner, a soldier of the Second World War. He is writing a three-volume new history of the Second World War in the West and a book about the Defence of the Admin Box in Burma. Big Week is the knife-edged story of bomber against flak gun and fighter, but also, crucially, fighter against fighter, as the stakes rose higher and higher. Following the fortunes of pilots, aircrew and civilians from both sides, this is a blistering narrative of one of the most critical periods of the entire war, one that culminated in the largest air battle ever witnessed. It is also one that has been largely forgotten, but which has been brilliantly brought back to life by James Holland. It has just been published this August. During the third week of February 1944, the combined Allied air forces based in Britain and Italy launched their first-ever round-the-clock bomber offensive against Germany. The aim was to smash the main factories and production centres of the Luftwaffe and at the same time draw the German fighter force up into the air and into battle. Officially called Operation ARGUMENT, this monumental air assault was very quickly became known simply as Big Week.

In the six months up to its launch the bomber offensive was not turning out as planned by the Allies,. Raids by the US Eighth Air Force and the RAF deep into Germany were being decimated and falling far short of their intended purpose. With D-Day drawing ever-closer, that was a massive problem. The Allies needed clear skies to invade - the clock was ticking inexorably. Yet the Luftwaffe was also in crisis. Short of resources, of fuel, and on properly trained pilots, the strain on those still flying was immense, their losses severe. Despite the chaos of their leadership, they were achieving far more than should have been reasonably expected against the superior numbers of the Allied planes. James regularly appears on television and radio, and has written and presented the BAFTA shortlisted documentaries, Battle of Britain and Dam Busters for the BBC, as well as the Battle for Malta, Cold War, Hot Jets, and Normandy 44. Co-founder and Programme Director of the hugely successful Chalke Valley History Festival, he has his own collection at the Imperial War Museum, and is Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He is also an avid cricketer, and plays for both Chalke Valley CC and the Authors CC. Last but not least he drives a left hand drive Citroen Legere (equivalent to the Slough built Light 15).

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Devizes Lions Donate £6000 to the GWH Brighter Futures Appeal

On Thursday 08 November 2018, the Lions Clubs of Devizes, Chippenham and Highworth presented cheques totalling £10,000 to the Brighter Futures appeal to contribute to the £2.9 million target which will be used towards the purchase of important clinical equipment within the new radiotherapy centre. Devizes Lion, Dr Michael Green, said that the Devizes Lions' contribution of £6,000 was the result of two very generous donations, of £5,000 from a member who had to travel for his cancer treatment, and £1,000, prompted by our President choosing the Appeal as his Project for the Year.  Chippenham and Highworth Clubs each donated £2,000 to the Appeal; a Chippenham Lion has recently been travelling to Oxford for radiotherapy, reinforcing the importance of this Appeal to our Communities.  Click here to view Chippenham Lions' press release: Chippenham Press Release This latest substantial donation is in addition to money already donated by other local Lions Clubs, Highworth, Lechlade, Marlborough and Swindon Lions Clubs, totalling £8600. Catherine Newman, Head of Brighter Futures, said, "We are absolutely delighted to receive this extremely generous donation from the Lions Clubs. This donation will take us that bit closer to achieving our appeal target and we are very grateful to the Lions for their on-going support." BACKGROUND NOTE: In partnership with the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), a new radiotherapy satellite centre is to be built at the Great Western Hospital (GWH) site in Swindon. Swindon and many areas within Wiltshire are one of the very few parts of the country which currently do not have access to radiotherapy services within a 45 minute travel time. At the moment around 700 patients a year make the 70 mile round-trip journey to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford for radiotherapy. Treatment usually lasts for a period of 4-7 weeks, made up of daily visits. Lions generously meet the needs of local communities and with each club knowing someone who has had to make the journey to Oxford to receive radiotherapy treatment they have chosen to support the Radiotherapy Appeal so that people in the future can be treated closer to home.

Lion President Andy Sheppard and Lion Dr Michael Green present the £6,000 cheque to Lisa Utting, Donor Development Manager of the Brighter Futures Fundraising Team. Chippenham Lions' presentation Highworth Lions' presentation The group presentatiion

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Sponsored Walk 14th October 2018

On Sunday, Mayor Andy Geddes, umbrella in hand, talked to many of the walkers taking part the Lions of Devizes annual sponsored walk before starting them off at 9.15.
 

The Mayor and some of the intrepid walkers ready for the "Off"

Starting from Devizes Wharf, the route around Roundway hill takes about two hours to complete. 

	Organiser Lion Chris Gillings (pictured right) said, "The rain was relentless throughout but that didn't dampen the spirits of the 75 participants who between them raised about £2000 for their chosen charities."
	Without a doubt all who took part thoroughly enjoyed the event but some groups had a little extra bubble, like Chirton Pips Manager Sarah Jones and her team of Helen Edwards, Penny Dakin, Lisa Bridewell, together with Claire, Kevin, and Amelia.​
Some of the walkers, such as Scout leader Scott Coleman, aged 28, was there with cubs Theo Sharpe and Isabella Hughes. Scott said that he first took part in this walk 20 years ago when he also was a Cub"	Refreshments provided for all - the Mayor included!

Congratulations to all that completed the walk and raised so much money, with a special thanks to the Mayor of Devizes, Councillor Andy Geddes who was there to encourage them and start them on their way.

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Sports Coaching weekend
24th and 25th March 2018

She really did, as you can see from the photograph. Thank you again."

And an amusing tweet from Kristy:

" @Devizes_Lions, a big thank you for another amazing sports weekend. Table tennis was a hit!!!!

And from Devizes Bowmen:

"Devizes Bowmen introduced and coached over 80 young people in Archery, at the  Devizes Lions Sports Coaching Weekend on the 24th - 25th March. Big thanks to the Lions for organising this each year and to all those members who gave up their time to organise and coach this community event.... looking good in the clubs Wadworth sponsored shirts."

Other past events

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