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Lions' Den
Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 7:00pm in Devizes Town Hall
"There is nothing to fear and everything to gain in The Devizes Lions’ Den!"
The Devizes Lions’ Den heard encouraging stories from people providing a wide range support in the community on Tuesday 16th June in the Devizes Town Hall.
Five very different local groups pitched for the main award of £2,000 to help fund their activities.
The judging panel consisted of Lion President Andy Wilson, Lions Sue Lauder and Don Jones with guest judges Alex Scott CEO of T H White Holdings Ltd and BBC broadcaster James Threlfall.
They heard from the following:
Sarah Cardy of Age UK Wiltshire which needs funds to run day-time discos in the Corn Exchange for people over 55 with their carers providing a supportive environment during the day time. Her presentation was well illustrated with music and coloured wands were handed to the judges who entered into the spirit of disco dancing.
Graham Dixon of Devizes Rugby Football Club Juniors was looking for funds to help ensure that young players were not held back by lack of the appropriate kit. Emphasis was placed on the growing number of under 12 girls who had taken up the sport.
Karen Monk of Wiltshire Sight made a case for funding Sight Workshops in the Devizes area, the aim of which are to ensure that those with challenging sight issues were aware of items that would help them in their daily lives.
Chris Monk from Devizes Canoe Club explained how a grant from the Den would go towards the purchase of replacement canoes for club members. He explained the differences in canoe profiles as a paddler went from beginner to national class competitor.
Bryan Riley told the judges his reason for creating the TAG garden at Omaru Way at his own expense in memory of his parents and brother, and naming it with their initials. He planted the area to ensure it would be sustainable in the long term and hopes that it continues to be enjoyed by all for many years. He has been helped by others as they saw him working quietly away.
The judges retired to the Town Council Chamber to discuss their individual thoughts whilst the finalists chatted amongst themselves and the Lions present.
The judges unanimously agreed that the TAG garden should receive the main prize in recognition of the work done by Bryan Riley and help him to enhance this wonderful space for the benefit of many other people.
The money awarded to the other four finalists was doubled by a generous donation from T H White so that each received £750.
Alex Scott said,
“It was great to be introduced to 5 good causes all in one evening! They were all extremely well presented."
Winner Bryan said that the award would make a huge difference. Some would go towards new benches to allow even more local residents to enjoy the TAG Garden.
BBC Presenter James Threlfall MBE who was one of the judges said,
"It was brilliant to hear the amazing work the five organisations are doing to benefit the town. All had really compelling stories to share on how their work was positively impacting the local community, which made picking a winner of the main award a real challenge! It was clear that these organisations all make every pound go a long way, so I really look forward to seeing the impact the money they've received has."
Den finalists: Connor, Karen West, Jenny Jones, Chris Jones from Devizes Canoe Club; Bryan Riley for TAG Garden; Karen Monk of Wiltshire Sight; Graham Dixon of Devizes RFC Juniors; Steve Gerish and Sarah Cardy from Age UK.
Den judges: Lions Sue Lauder and Don Jones; James Threlfall, BBC broadcaster; Lion President Andy Wilson and Alex Scott, CEO of T H White Holdings Ltd.
TAG Garden - quiet corner alongside Oamaru Way
TAG Garden - Pathway
TAG Garden - with its creators Bryan & Gill Riley
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In the run-up to the event.
Local deserving causes have an opportunity to win a share of £3,500 by braving the Devizes Lions Den on 16 June.
The substantial giveaway will be awarded to organisations or individuals involved in activities that benefit the local community. The Club's aim is to help people “make a difference” in what they do.
The money could be used to get an idea off the ground, improve or develop an existing project, but most importantly they have to demonstrate that what they’re going to do will be of value to people in and around the Devizes area.
Potential candidates are invited to make their case for the funding via an application form available to download here:
2026 Lions' Den Application Form
or by emailing lionsden@devizeslions.org.uk
Please register your interest as soon as possible.
The closing date for completed applications is the 01 May 2026.
The top five applicants will be invited into the Den where they will have eight minutes to pitch their bids in front of a panel of judges – Lions members will be joined by Alex Scott, CEO of T H White and James Threlfall, BBC presenter and ambassador for mental health charity CALM – at Devizes Town Hall.
The cause they judge to be the most deserving will receive £2,000 with the balance of the money being allocated to the other finalists.
Download the presentation guidance notes here:
2026 Lions' Den Guidance Notes.
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Here is a summary of the Den finalists over the years showing the wide range of projects helped in the past.
Click on the image to download a copy (pdf) >>>> |
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This is what we did at our last Lions' Den held in 2020 when COVID rstrictions were in place: 2020 Lions' Den
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