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OVER 50 YEARS SERVING THE COMMUNITY
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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. |
or use this QR code |
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Devizes Lions Club (CIO) is a Registered Charity No.1185977
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For all the latest Club News and Events, |
or visit our Calendar for a full list of our forthcoming events
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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!
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:
Who are Devizes Lions?
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Please Support Devizes Lions |
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| Devizes Lions Club (CIO) is a Registered Charity No.1185977 | |
Who are Devizes Lions?
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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. Devizes Lions are part of the Lions Clubs International organisation with 1.4 million men and women dedicated to helping their communities all over the world. |
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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. Naturally, while working together in our joint endeavours, we form close and long-lasting friendships with other members and their families. |
Here are the Club's formally adopted fund-raising policy documents:
Public Benefit Statement
Grant Making Policy
Privacy Policy
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To find out more about Lions, download a copy of these publications: |
Step forward The Lions PR team has published a new resource, 'Step Forward - a report on the value of local community volunteering' You can read the on-line version here:
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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
So 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
A Brief History of Lions Clubs International
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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.
Devizes Lions' President 2020/21
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OUR PRESIDENT  |
Devizes Lions' new President, Jo Sheppard took over from former Lion President Jerry King at a handover celebration on 27 June 2021. Jo has the honour of becoming our first lady President. CONGRATULATIONS!
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30 Devizes Lions' members attended a Handover celebration on Sunday 27 June when Lion President Jerry King handed over the chain of office to our incoming President, Lion Jo Sheppard.
This is what she had to say:
I feel really honoured to be the first woman in Devizes Lions Club's history.
When I first joined the lions club , I never thought I would be hold this position.
As I reflect on our fifty year history , we all need to continue to promote what Devizes Lions Club does and can do for the local community.
I’m looking forward to the challenge of the next twelve months and we thank everybody for their continued support of the Club."
Enormous thanks are due to Jerry for a successful but challenging year and our Best Wishes go to Jo for her term of office. |
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Would you like to be part of the action? Click here: Find out more or Contact us. |
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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." Sue Ross
100 Years Serving the Community
Two members of DEVIZES LIONS Club have together amassed over 100 years of voluntary service to the local community. This milestone has been reached during the year in which the Club marks 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.
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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.
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John was President of the Club in 1977, and now lives in New Park Street. 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.
Both John and David remain active Club members preparing for the restart of the Club’s public activities and its next 50 years helping local individuals, families and groups in need of support.
Lions Clubs supply Message in a Bottle containers to people who have health and medical needs. The bottle is placed in your fridge and contains all the important information 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, ask the receptionist. In the unlikely event they have run out, please let us know so we can replenish the stocks.
We have a couple of short videos about it:
Click the picture below to watch the first:
and click on this picture to view the other:
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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. |
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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. |
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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: |
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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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| Please help Devizes Lions support the people of Ukraine by making a donation here: Donate | ||
Presentation Evening 14 June 2022
in the Town Hall
At the Devizes Lions’ Presentation Evening a total of almost £11000 was handed out on behalf of the Lions to thirty-five local groups by the Mayor, Councillor Peter Corbett. The event marked the approaching end of Lion Jo Sheppard’s year as Club President.
Recipients covered a wide range of organisations from sports and youth to the elderly and disabled. Representatives explained how the Lions’ donations would be used, with references to providing care, transport, essential facilities, meals or entertainment.
Lion Debbie Wilson, chair of the Club's Welfare Committee, explained that during the year many other grants had been made to local needy causes and a few overseas such as Ukraine refugees or major disasters. The generosity was made possible by the Club's year-long fund-raising activities culminating in the recent successful Lions on the Green classic car show.
The Mayor closed the evening by thanking the many groups present on their support for people throughout the town and local area, and he congratulated the Lions for their constant hard work to benefit others.
Devizes Lions Presentation Evening - June 2022Thirty-five local groups received Lions grants at the Devizes Lions’ Presentation Evening. Councillor Peter Corbett, the Mayor, handed them over and the representatives explained how they would be used.
Lions on the Green - Sunday 12 June 2022
This year's LIONS on the GREEN CLASSIC CARS and FAMILY FUN DAY RAISED OVER £6,000.
A great big THANK YOU to everyone who attended and supported this year's Lions on the Green event whether as an exhibitor, stall-holder or simply enjoying the event.
There were lots of lovely classic cars, stalls and thigs for the children to enjoy. The weather was kind, the turn-out was fantastic. We think it was a great success and we hope you do too!
Your generosity will enable Devizes Lions to continue to provide support to where it is needed in our community and beyond.
To find out more head over to our Lions on the Green page for details.
Click on the image above to view and download an A4 copy of the flyer.
At our first Lions on the Green in 2021, hundreds of people enjoyed the sunshine and came along and see a huge display of about 100 classic cars along with entertainment, food, artizan and charity stalls, all on the Large Green by Devizes School entrance.
The 2022 event will be bigger and better.
To find out more head over to our Lions on the Green page for full details.
Joint Charity Golf Day at North Wilts Golf Club
Thursday 12 May 2022
Devizes Lions and Devizes Rotary were pleased to be running their Joint Charity Golf Day again this year. The weather was kind, there were lots of teams participating and this year's event raised £3760 for the Devizes Lion's and Devizes Rotary's Charities.
We thank everyone that contibuted to this success whether by participating, donating prizes or organsing the event with special thanks to North Wilts Golf Club for providing the facilities.
Next Year's event will be on Thursday 11 May 2023
Watch this space for further updates.
Sports Coaching Weekend
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April 2022
Our Sports Coaching Weekend is over for another year. Over 250 children took part and to see the smiles on their faces when they finished their sessions made all the months of hard work worthwhile.
Here are just a couple of the comments we have received:
Hi
Just wanted to say a big thank you to the coaches and volunteers who helped with the sports coaching weekend. My son really loved the athletics. It must have taken a lot of time to organise it all.
Many thanks
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for the sports coaching weekend. My son is year 6 and it was his first time due to lockdown and then being away last year. He absolutely loved the canoeing. My husband said he had the biggest smile on his face that he has ever seen. My year 4 daughter loved gymnastics and is so pleased that she has managed to learn how to do a handstand against the wall. It was fantastic for both of them so thank you so much for all the effort that must go into organising it.
Thanks to the coaches and volunteers and everyone who supported the event that helped make it such a success.
Thank you all
Head over to our Sports Coaching Page for more details and to download copies of the poster, application form and the PowerPoint presentation.
Rock into Spring - Saturday 19 March 2022
7:30pm at St Mary's Church, Devizes.
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LATEST UPDATE
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Devizes Lions' annual concert is back! This time supporting Wiltshire Mind with music to suit every age. Join us for a Musical Evening in aid of Wiltshire Mind, featuring Steve Marano from Reading, Andrew Hurst from Devizes and local band Burbank.
Click the image on the right to download a copy of the poster >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> |
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LAST MINUTE UPDATE Devizes Lions are delighted to be welcoming STEVE MORANO, a singer and songwriter from Reading and ANDREW HURST from Devizes who will be performing for the first half of the concert in place of the Steeple Rocks Choir which has been forced to withdraw due to an unfortunate Covid outbreak affecting members of the choir. Thank you both for stepping in at short notice. |
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| Local duo Luke Gittins & Ashley Smith, aka Burbank, are touring again with their eclectic catalogue of covers and original material, showing off their great harmonies and song-writing skills "... likened to Lennon & McCartney and Simon & Garfunkel". |  |
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STEVE plays a mix of music that falls somewhere under the labels of Americana, Country & Folk. Here's a sample of his music:
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ANDREW’s varied musicality includes composing and performing music for theatre, presenting solo recitals in a variety of venues – with music including mediaeval and renaissance lutes, archlute, classical guitar, and steel-strung 12 string guitarplays a mix of music that falls somewhere under the labels of Americana, Country & Folk. |
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Wiltshire Mind is an independent charity that for almost thirty years has been supporting people in Wiltshire experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress. Their services are accessible for everybody in our community with one-to-one counselling support. During the pandemic, they continued to provide help remotely to those facing isolation and loneliness. Tickets £15 (including a drink) from: |
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Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal
Friday 04 March in Morrisons
| Devizes Lions were out supporting the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal by manning the collection in Morrisons all day. Thanks to all for giving so generously and helping us help Marie Curie Cancer Care. |  |
Santa's Sleigh 01 - 21 December
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A BIG THANK YOU from Devizes Lions to all that supported us by making donations as we toured the town with Santa and his sleigh, at our Christmas collections at Lidl, in the Brittox and at Morrisons. The gross takings have exceeded £3,600 which is a magnificent result. THANK YOU ALL. Devizes Lions were out touring the town from Wednesday 1st to Monday 20th December with a cheery Santa, lights and music. We started at 5:30pm each evening and finished by 7:30pm at the latest.
The public was able to follow Santa's route each evening in real time from our Facebook Page @devizeslions
Click here for details of the Routes Ho, Ho, Ho!!! Here we Go!!! |
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Children in Need Street Collection
Thursday 18 November 2021
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Pudsey is very happy that Devizes Lions' street collection in the Brittox for the BBC Children in Need Appeal raised over £300. A really big THANK YOU to everyone who supported us. |
Devizes MS Society Presentation
Friday 29 October 2021
Lion President Jo (standing) visited the Devizes MS Society on Friday 29 October to present them with 15 yoga mats and 15 packs of yoga bands.
They were thrilled!
You can find out more about the MS Sociey in our area here: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/local-support/local-groups/salisbury-district-group
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The Autumn Fair at Devizes Corn Exchange on
Saturday 30 October 2021 was CANCELLED
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DEVIZES LIONS PAUSE FOR COVID Devizes Lions have spent over a month collecting goods donated for the Autumn Fair due on 30th October but the rising Covid risk has brought us to a halt and we have cancelled the event. |
These are just a few of the toys that you have so kindly donated. |
Our last similar event was the 2019 Christmas Fair. You can find details of that event here: Christmas Fair
Nick's LEJOG
02 to 25 June 2021
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To find out more, head over to |
75 year old Devizes Lion Nick Seager has successfully completed his epic bike ride from Land's End to John O'Groats raising £6400 for Devizes Lions' Charity funds.
| AWARD FOR LION NICK SEAGER |
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At a short ceremony at Devizes Lions' July meeting, Past President Jerry King awarded a much coveted Melvin Jones Fellowship award to Lion Nick Seager for his sterling effort in raising a total of £6,400 for the Club's charity funds by cycling from Lands’ End to John O’Groats - and all through his own effort. The Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) Award is named after our founder and is the highest recognition from the Lions Clubs International Foundation given to members who have rendered outstanding community services. |
WELL DONE, NICK |
Devizes Lion Nick Seager said:
"I am cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats because I'm nuts and I want to!
At 75 perhaps I should be thinking about taking it easy. Right?
Errr....No!
I'm an active member of Devizes Lions, a vibrant local charity that raises funds to help support both needy individuals and local charities.
Fund raising for charities has been a massive challenge for over a year now. I feel that I can help by raising money through this challenge.
Please donate whatever you can. 100% of the money
raised (including gift aid) will be used to support local charities. I shall personally cover all my ride expenses.
Originally planned for May 2020 I'm now scheduled for a June 2nd start from Land’s End arriving in John O’Groats on June 25th. I will mostly be cycling on my own and be self-supporting because of the times in which we’re living. I'm OK for that challenge but your charitable contributions would definitely give me a boost!
Here's his route - 998 miles and 52,572 feet of climbing. That's kill or cure isn't it?!"
Head over to Nick's LeJog web page and from there you’ll be able to follow his ride on his JustGiving page where there are daily map updates together with photos and comments.
Please donate whatever you can.
Thank you for your support.
Lions on the Green Sunday 13 June 2021
10:00am to 4:00pm
On June 13th, Devizes Lions held a brand new fund raising event: Lions on the Green.
Hundreds of people enjoyed the sunshine and came along and see a huge display of about 100 classic cars along with entertainment, food, artizan and charity stalls, all on the Large Green by Devizes School entrance.
Full details of this event are on the Lions on the Green web page.
| This event has been made possible by the generous support of Grist Environmental |  |
Sports Coaching weekend
05 and 06 June 2021
Regretfully, the 2020 weekend had to be cancelled at the last minute......
But Here's the Good News:
This Year's Sports Coaching Weekend was held on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June 2021.
Once again, the weekend has provided special experiences for 250 local children who could each could try an activity that they might not normally encounter. This year the event was slimmed down to take account of Covid restrictions, but the children aged eight to eleven could still choose between golf, volleyball, athletics, canoeing, archery, adventurous activities, poolside diving, and synchronised swimming.
Devizes Lions acknowledge the generous support given by the Devizes Area Board of Wiltshire Council towards this event.
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Books and Bits Sale There is an interesting article about the Lions Books and Bits Sale we held in St Mary’s Church in the on line edition of the Gazette and Herald: Devizes Lions host fundraiser in historic church The sale was a successful event, raising a much-needed £380 for our charitable work in the community. A big Thank You to all of you that supported the event. There were about 2,000 books to choose from – all fiction titles are sorted by author, A to Z, and non-fiction sorted by topic, just as done in the past at the Lion’s Christmas Fair. All the recent books are in good condition, plus a number of collectables. The Bits element included the classic bric-a-brac items donated to Lions over the last months, together with children’s toys and games including a child’s pull along cart and trailer, a Subbuteo game and many more. It was well timed to get your reading matter ready for the summer holiday and support your local Lions Club at the same time. THANK YOU
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Click on the image to download a flyer
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Thanks to Lions in Devizes, Melksham and Chippenham almost 30 devices were delivered to Wiltshire Digital Drive at their Priority IT HQ in Westbury.
Within a working week, they will be wiped clean, the memories destroyed and replaced, reconfigured, and distributed to needy schoolchildren in the county.
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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
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Please Support Devizes Lions |
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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.
