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

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).

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. 

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

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!

Swimathon
21st April 2018

24 teams of swimmers swam a total of 1539 lengths (nearly 40km) in Devizes Leisure Centre pool and through their own sponsorship raised over £5400.
  
Swimmers were aged from 4 upwards with up to eight to a team; younger members did a couple of lengths while one scout managed  over 80. They represented a wide variety of clubs and charities from Devizes area and this gallant effort will give a much needed boost to their funds.

Devizes Lions encourage local youth groups to be financially independent by providing an opportunity to raise their own money. This year the Swimathon together with the Lions Sponsored Walk helped local groups raise well in excess of £12000 totally independent of grants and handouts.

This year the organisations taking part have raised about £5,000 for their various causes. WELL DONE!

Re-scheduled for 21st April 2018