Tonbridge Lions Club

“SERENADE OF MEMORIES”

On Saturday July 20th, Tonbridge Lions once again sponsored the delightful “Musical Memories” Sing-a-Long -Choir, entertaining a large audience at the Methodist Church.

It was a lovely afternoon of nostalgia for what is becoming a very popular and welcome annual event. The pleasure the choir and the audience get from this performance is palpable. The songs brought back wonderful memories and the audience simply wanted to join in, especially when brilliantly accompanied by Chris Coverly.

Diana Gibb’s rendition of ‘We’ll Gather Lilacs” was very moving, and the welcome contribution once again by the Hartlip Singers always brings a touch of class to the event. At the break a delicious afternoon cream tea was provided by the Ladies of Tonbridge Lions Club.

It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon and a big “Thank You” goes to all concerned, including the Tonbridge Friendly Dementia Community, and the Tonbridge Methodist Church. Same time same place next year!

The photograph is of the Musical Memories Choir, directed by Richard Hill.

WASTE PAPER COLLECTION

Every month Tonbridge Lions collect WASTE PAPER, as indicated below, that is sold for recycling to increase our charity funds.
The site of the Waste Paper container is in the Car Park of the 6-in-1 Club in Northwood Road, 2nd turning on the left off Trench Road. Post Code TN10 3HH.
It will be open on the 1st Saturday in the month from 9.30-11.00 am.
We can take any newspaper, magazines, brochures, directories, junk mail, books (hard covers removed) etc. We cannot take card, cardboard, greetings cards, wrapping paper, wallpaper, shredded paper,crisp packets, etc. or PLASTIC. No commercial waste.
Please do not leave your paper unless Lions are present.
Please ring Ken 01732 352935 for more details if you intend to come.

Future 2024 Collection dates:

August 3
September 7
October 5
November 2
December 7

The Tonbridge Lions Club Annual Diabetes Screening Day took place on Saturday the 13th July at River Walk by the Big Bridge, High Street, Tonbridge. Two qualified medical staff from EMATS, the Event Medical Ambulance and Training Group, undertook the readings. Photographed is the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling Borough, Cllr Steve Hammond chatting with Lion President Phil Jesson.

Nearly three hundred people of all ages were tested, many for the first time, some were given advice in respect of diet and seventeen were advised to refer to their GP for further testing.

The Tonbridge Lions Diabetes Screening Day has been taking place since the year 2000 and over 5,000 have been screened of which overall a small percentage have been advised to refer to their GP. The Chairman of the Tonbridge Lions Health Group, Lion Barrie Bromley said he was pleased with the numbers who had attended for a screening, despite heavy rain at the end, and would like to thank the medical staff who carried out the screening who had worked almost continuously on the day from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/5Ia2Lvf

Lions Community Service Award Youth Coordinator John Chapman presents Rory Dalton of Tonbridge School with the Tonbridge Lions Community Service Award for 2024.Rory was given his Award for his outstanding service to all Community and Charitable projects throughout his time at school. He particularly enjoyed helping with young re...

Tonbridge Lions Club recently bought a sofa in support of the Juvenile Arthritis Research (JAR) based in Cannon Lane, Tonbridge. The photograph shows Tonbridge Lions Vice President Keith Bourne with Richard Beesley who founded JAR in 2018.

The charity recognises the need to support the many children living with arthritis in the country. Around 15,000 children under 16 have been diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the UK. The charity focuses on researching and understanding the causes and impacts of the condition, raising awareness and supporting the children and their families.

Members of the LION`s sponsored "Musical Memories" are pleased to celebrate the 97th birthday of a long standing choir member, Ron Rogers. A retired butcher, Ron has been the core of the choir since it`s inception in 2019, with his wit and good humour, plus his musical abilities. Ron is pictured at a recent choir session with group leader Lion`s Lady Julie Hill.

Outgoing Lion President Gordon Hill presented long service awards at our Changeover luncheon.
Lion Ian McGill has completed 45 years of service to Tonbridge Lions Club and Lion Tom McHenry has achieved 50 years!

Today Phil Jesson was inaugurated as the 75th President of Tonbridge Lions Club. The Club celebrated the start of the new Lions’ year at the Nizels Golf & Country Club, Hildenborough, by welcoming Lion President Phil Jesson for the first of a two year period of presidency. Outgoing President, Gordon Hill, presented Phil with the chain of office at the event.

It is with regret that Tonbridge Lions Club has to advise that due to lack of interest it has made the difficult decision to cancel the Charity Walk due to take place on Sunday 7th July 2024 at Shipbourne Village Hall. The Club apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Reminder !
Photo competition open to 11 -18 year olds.
Show us your Tonbridge.

Around 100 students in 11 teams from seven local special needs establishments, were entertained on Friday 21 June at our It’s a Knockout Sports Day. All were put to the test in the Angel Centre Tonbridge with various games which included a sticky ball darts match, egg and spoon racing, duck fishing and quoits.
Overall winners were Team Acorns from Aspens. Winner of the best joker prize was “Blooming Carnations” from Tonbridge and Tunbridge WellsCommunity Service.

Following a recent group visit to the Scotts Project Trust to see how our donation helped their outdoor learning spaces, Lion President Gordon presented a certificate acknowledging our donation which they will display.

Tonbridge Lions Club Community Fete 2024

Tonbridge Lions Club held its annual Community Fete at Tonbridge Castle on Sunday June 9th.

This year the fete commenced at midday with a “Parade of Superheroes” led by the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band who were also kitted out in their Superhero costumes. The parade of local community groups and individuals commenced at River Walk, over Big Bridge along Castle Walk and up onto the Castle Lawn where the best individual and group costumes were judged by Lion Dame Kelly Holmes, the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling Councillor Steve Hammond and Tonbridge Lions President Gordon Hill.

On the castle lawn the crowds were entertained throughout the afternoon by a variety of entertainment including the West Kent Soul Singers, Kent Academy of Irish Dance, family entertainer Niki Naki Noo, Stage Coach Performing Arts, 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band, Tonbridge Community Singers and the group Jump & Jive.
The crowds also enjoyed a variety of stalls from the usual tombola’s and other sideshows including the coconut shy, Soak your Dad in the stocks and lots of activities for children in Kiddies Corner. There were also stalls selling cakes, books and toys and the Lions inimitable cream teas

Lofty Bunyon of the Lions Club said: “We are extremely pleased with the way the day went. The “Parade of Superheroes” was a great success and we have had a very positive feedback from the local community.”

Tonbridge Lions Club would like to thank everyone for their support especially Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Tonbridge Air Cadets for their help during the day, the main sponsors Brampton Windows Ltd and all of the local businesses who advertised in the programme.

All proceeds from the Fete will benefit local charities and good causes.

DIABETES SCREENING TONBRIDGE
Following on from the successful PSA testing in May, the Tonbridge Lions annual free diabetes screening day, is to be held this year on Saturday 13th July and as last year will be at River Walk by the Big Bridge in the High Street
It is always a very well attended occasion with each year many hundreds of people having their blood sugar level tested.
The test which is free will be carried out by a medical team from EMATS the Event Medical Ambulance and Training Services Group regulated by the Care Quality Commission and consists of a finger pin prick blood test taking only a few minutes.
The result of the test is noted on a record slip to be given to each client enabling them to make comparison with any previous years and on a few occasions advised to contact their GP for a follow up test.

Another opportunity to enjoy the Musical Memories Choir.

DOLL’S WARDROBE
This dolls wardrobe was purchased at the Community Fete, but not collected. Please contact Richard Hill (07914812068) to arrange delivery.

We're so excited to be back again this year, bigger than ever!

Community Fete and Parade of Superheroes.
Seems a good time was had by all !
A selection of photos from various contributors.

1. The winner of the Best Individual with Kelly
2. The 17th Scout and Guide Band in disguise
3. The winner of the Best Group - FEAST
4. Mayor Steve Hammond, Leo, Kelly, Peggy and Mayor's es**rt Penny Dyson
5. Kelly with Babon's Heidi, Tracy and Douglas Spickernell
6. Kelly announcing the winners
7. Meeting the competitors

A kaleidoscope of colour and fun at the Tonbridge Lions Club Community Fête and Parade of Superheroes.

And, we won first group prize 😃in the parade for our food waste hero costumes, with a presentation from Dame Kelly Holmes and Cllr Steve Hammond, Mayor of Tonbridge.

More photos to follow, but thank you to all those who supported our tombola and hook-a-duck, to our volunteers (young and old), and to Tonbridge Lions Club for a great day.

Don’t miss the fun TOMORROW!

Tonbridge Lions President Gordon Hill presents a laptop to Helen Genty, the Founding Director of Kith 'n' Kin. The computer is among IT equipment bought by Kith 'n' Kin with a donation of £600 from Tonbridge Lions and will be used to support the administration of the volunteer network.

Kith 'n' Kin provides emotional and practical support for parents of children with behavioural problems in the Tonbridge area. With Helen and Gordon in the photograph are supporters Sarah Bird and Tracy Weiner.

Community Fete and Parade of Superheroes
9 June 2024
Full details at https://www.tonbridgelions.org/carnival-fate
Who better to help judge the parade of superheroes than our local sporting hero, Honorary Lion Dame Kelly Holmes ?
While the Parade forms up and then parades up onto the Castle lawn, Kelly will be part of the judging team along with Lion President, The Mayor and their partners.
There will be a prize for the best group and the best individual.

A Certificate of appreciation was presented to Sandra, the manageress of the Grape Tree in Angel Walk, Tonbridge by Lion President Gordon Hill. The Grape Tree provided all the water for the Triathlon goodie bags , discounted energy bars and a personal contribution from Sandra herself. All were very gratefully received and appreciated.

Lion President Gordon Hill was delighted to present a long service certificate for 55 years dedicated to the Tonbridge community to Lion Michael Adams at his home. Lion Michael served as Club President in 1983 and later as an International District Governor. For many years he was a Trustee of LIBRA, the Lions International Blood Research Appeal at King’s College Hospital in London.

Just to let you know we are almost full! If you wish to participate better get a move on !

REMINDER !!
We still have spaces on our Classic Car Tour which will be on Sunday 28 July 2024
Starting and ending at Tonbridge School with lunch at Howfield Manor Hotel, Chartham Hatch.
Full details at https://www.tonbridgelions.org/classic-car-tour

Come along and hear our Festive Barrel Organ music as we start our collecting at Tonbridge Farmers Market on Sunday.
We'll try to be there in hi-viz and in colour this time !!

At our Business Meeting on 20 November the winner of The Maurice Gilham Memorial Photography Competition, Evan Bettles was presented with his prize. Maurice’s son, Andy Gilham, presented the framed certificate and Lion President Gordon Hill gave the £50 prize. Evan was accompanied by his mother, Mrs Tracey Bettles and Andy brought Maurice’s granddaughter, Emma.

TONBRIGE FIREWORKS IS DEFINITELY ON!

BUY TICKETS HERE 👇👇👇👇

https://events.liveit.io/tonbridge-roundtable/tonbridge-round-table-charity-fireworks-2023/

The big puddle is no more (any small ones left will be fenced off)

Weather from her on in is also good! and forecast to be dry for the event.

5pm Gates open
5.45 Warmup show
6.30 Main display
7pm event closes

Get your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment as we have a crowd limit.