2024

LIONS CLUB OF SIDMOUTH - SANTA'S ACTIVITIES 2024


PLEASE SEE DROPDOWN SUB-PAGE UNDER THIS 'LATEST NEWS' PAGE FOR FULL DETAILS OF SANTA'S SCHEDULE FOR THIS DECEMBER.


 All donations to the Lions, which will be gratefully received, will be used for Sidmouth Lions Club's community service and charity activities.

Sidmouth Lions are very grateful to Coastline Mobility for sponsoring the operating costs of the Santa sleigh; also to Central Garage, Sidford and Steve's Autos, Sidford, for their support.






SIDMOUTH LIONS CLUB - GREAT BOOK SALE 

SATURDAY 9th NOVEMBER - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm

in St Teresa's Church Hall at corner of Vicarage Road/Connaught Road, Sidmouth EX10 8TY.


MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THIS EVENT, WHICH RAISED £602 FOR LIONS CHARITY ACTIVITIES


Hundreds of good quality paperback books at bargain prices, plus 
Jigsaw puzzles, DVDs/CDs and a Cakes stall.  
A great opportunity for you to stock up for Winter entertainment!
Entrance £1 per person, included a free cup of coffee or tea.
All proceeds were in aid of the Lions Club's community service and charity activities.

St Teresa's Hall P1050179crop P1000264


LIONS 2024 DUCK DERBY RAISES £2,234 FOR CHARITY


Sidmouth Lions are delighted to announce that the net proceeds from their Duck Derby in The Byes on 21st July were £2,234and on 2nd September a 'big cheque' for £1,300 was presented to Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT), the balance of the proceeds being retained for Sidmouth Lions Club's charity and community services activities.  

The Devon Air Ambulance presentation took place outside the DAAT shop in Church Street, when Lion President Graham Rossiter, accompanied by Lions Trevor, Richard, Chris R, Chris H & Jim, handed over the 'big cheque' to Steffan Anderson-Thomas, Supporter Engagement Officer for Devon Air Ambulance. 

Small donations have also been made to 1st Sid Vale Scout Group (Explorers) and Sidmouth College (6th Form) in recognition of the invaluable physical help these youngsters provided during Duck Derby day. 



Sidmouth Lions - DAAT presentation 02.09.24 P1080241 CR

SUNDAY 21st JULY 2024 - SIDMOUTH LIONS DUCK DERBY 

On Sunday 21st July, glorious sunshine encouraged a sizeable crowd to attend Sidmouth Lions Club's annual Duck Derby event in the beautiful Byes parkland in Sidmouth.

The event commenced at 2.15 pm, when children and their parents gathered near the Byes Cycle Bridge for the Lions special 'Duck & Spoon' races. These fun races featured children in various age ranges from two to 11 years old, followed by races for mums, dads, and finally for fit grandparents. The races were all very competitive and the entrants were enthusiastically cheered on by family and friends.  One large family really got into the spirit of the event by all turning up in shirts covered in duck images! (See photo)

The main yellow Duck Race started at 3.00 pm from the Byes Cycle Bridge with a countdown and launching by the Lions of hundreds of little yellow ducks into the River Sid, watched by the crowd of children and adults on the river banks. A few of the ducks needed some 'egging on' by Sidmouth College students but, once mobilised, the leading ducks didn't take long to complete the river course downstream to the finish line,  just before the big weir.

 The yellow duck tickets cost £1 each and the 'owners' of the first nineteen winning ducks each get a monetary prize from a total of £900 of cash prizes.  See the accompanying list of the prize winners.

However, the biggest winners from this year's yellow ducks race will be the two nominated charities, namely Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Sidmouth Lions Club Charity account, which will each receive a share of the net proceeds from the event.

Sidmouth Lions are very grateful to all members of the public who have supported this year's Duck Derby by buying the duck tickets and hope those attending the event had an enjoyable afternoon. Taste ice-creams certainly proved to be a popular attraction!

Special thanks are also due to Coastline Mobility, Sidmouth Co-op and the local Lidl store for allowing the Lions to sell Duck tickets outside their premises; also to the proprietors of 'Paper Moon', 'Cards@ 83', 'Woolbrook News' and Devon Air Ambulance for selling the Duck tickets in their shops.  Particular thanks to Harrison Lavers & Potbury's estate agents for sponsoring this year's yellow Duck Race.

Sidmouth Lions Club could really do with more members to put on events like this, so the Club is extremely grateful to all those who volunteered to help on Duck Derby day, especially the 1st Sid Vale Venture Scouts and Sidmouth College students, also the three St John Ambulance first-aiders.

For more information about helping or joining Sidmouth Lions Club, please visit its website: www.sidmouthlions.org.uk or call Chris on 01395 577450.

SIDMOUTH LIONS DUCK DERBY – DUCK RACE PRIZE WINNERS LIST - 2024

PLACE

PRIZE DUCK No. WINNER'S NAME  HOME TOWN & COUNTY
     
 
1st £300 2287 Mrs S. Bater (£100 donated back) Tipton St John
2nd £100 3631 Estelle Lagrouas   Paris, France
         
3rd £40 1606 Judy Greene Sidmouth
4th £40 0050 Diane Protheroe Romsey
5th £40 1985 Gary Woods Sidmouth
6th £40 2744 Graeme Bernard Sidmouth
7th £40 0796 Jonathan Graham Aberdeen
8th £40 3318 Poppy & Tommy Woodbury
9th £40 0366 Adele Salter Sidmouth
10th £40 1603 Jenny Gaisford Wiltshire
         
11th £20 1484 David Cook (£20 donated back) Weston
12th £20 2602 Jamie May Sidmouth
13th £20 2597 Mr E. Scot
Sidmouth
14th £20 2470 Judy Harrison (£20 donated back) Sidmouth
15th £20 3232 Louis ? Sidmouth
16th £20 0371 Clare Diffey Sidmouth
17th £20 0304 George Jarvis  Sidmouth
18th £20 1083 K. Ryall
Sidmouth
19th £20 1615 Mandy Tompkin Sidmouth


Duck Race - the launch KRIMG 2249A visiting family of duck fans - KRIMG 2232Ducks underway - CRP1020164


Duck catchers ready at the finiish KRIMG 2281Duck & Spoon - Dad's race KRIMG 2202Duck & Spoon - Grandparents race KRIMG 2217
Duck & Spoon - Mum's race KRIMG 2189Lions Sales & PR stand KRIMG 2152







SATURDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2024

SIDMOUTH TOWN BAND & GUEST MUSICIANS IN A CHARITY CONCERT

AT SIDMOUTH'S MANOR PAVILION THEATRE, EX10 8RP


"A great evening's musical entertainment, not to be missed!"

Tickets at £11 were available online at www.manorpavilion.com or from Box Office 01395 514413  

Sidmouth Town Band 18.02.23 CRP1010792crop Sidmouth Town Band - poster for 24.02.24

With its Musical Director Adrian Harvey, Sidmouth Town Band is now one of the leading bands in the South West. 

In addition to competing in contests throughout the year, it has weekly summer concerts in Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth and regularly performs at charity concerts and a variety of civic events.

Guest Musicians - Solarference

A talented duo formed by Nic Janaway, a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and sound designer, plus Sarah Owen, a versatile vocalist and singing coach, who leads several choirs locally. Together they performed traditional and original folk songs, with voice and harmony always at the heart of the music.


Solarference Pic Barnfield

2023

A BIG THANK-YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED SIDMOUTH LIONS SANTA ACTIVITIES IN DECEMBER 2023 AND HELPED US RAISE

over £2,100 net for our community service and charity activities

Select LATEST NEWS drop-down tab for details of the Santa Activities

Sidmouth Lions Santa sleigh 2021 P1010280crop

Sidmouth Lions thank Hall & Scott Estate Agents in Ottery St Mary, for sponsoring the operating costs of the Santa sleigh; Central Garage, Sidford, for providing the towing vehicle; also Steve's Autos.

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THURSDAY 30th NOVEMBER - CHARITY RACE NIGHT 

A fun evening at the Balfour Arms, 26 Woolbrook Road, Sidmouth EX10 9UZ.

Race Night at Balfour Arms - 30.11.2023

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SATURDAY 14th OCTOBER 2023 

SIDMOUTH LIONS CLUB's BOOK SALE at St Teresa's Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Sidmouth EX10 8TW, from 9.30am to 12.00 noon.

THIS EVENT RAISED £640 FOR CHARITY SO MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED IT. All proceeds were in aid of the Lions Club charity activities.

St Teresa's Hall P1050179crop P1000264

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SIDMOUTH LIONS DUCK DERBY - 16th JULY 2023

Lions Duck Race 2023 - Dad's Duck & Spoon race IMG 1962Lions Duck Race 2023 - Duck launch A IMG 2022Lions Duck Race 2023 - Duck helpers IMG 2050

LITTLE DUCKS HELP SIDMOUTH LIONS RAISE OVER £2,000 FOR CHARITY

The event commenced at 2.15 pm, when children and their parents gathered near the Byes Cycle Bridge for the Lions special 'Duck & Spoon' races. These fun races featured children in various age ranges from two to 11 years old, followed by races for mums, dads, and finally for fit grandparents. The races were very competitive and the entrants were enthusiastically cheered on by family and friends!   

The main yellow Duck Race started at 3.00 pm from the Byes Cycle Bridge with a countdown and launching by the Lions of several thousand little yellow ducks into the River Sid, watched by the crowd of children and adults on the river banks. A few of the ducks needed some 'egging on' by Sidmouth College students and Sid Vale Scouts helpers but, once mobilised, the leading ducks didn't take very long to complete the river course downstream to the finish line,  just before the big weir by Salcombe Road bridge.

 The yellow duck tickets cost £1 each and gave the 'owners' of the winning ducks the chance of a prize from over £1,000 of cash prizes.

However the biggest winners at Sidmouth Lions Duck Derby are the charities that receive donations from the net proceeds of the main yellow Duck Race. This year the two charities were The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which received a cheque for £1,300, and Sidmouth Lions Club Charity account which received the balance of the net proceeds. The Guide Dogs cheque was presented by Lion President Graham Rossiter, accompanied by Lions Chris & Trevor, to Krissie Isaac, the Guide Dogs South West representative, who was accompanied by several local Guide Dog volunteers and guide dogs.

Sidmouth Lions have thanked supporters of this year's Duck Derby, especially the local Co-op store, Coastline Mobility and local Lidl store for allowing the Lions to sell Duck tickets outside their premises; also the proprietors of 'Paper Moon', 'Cards@ 83' and 'Woolbrook News' for selling the Duck tickets in their shops.

Thanks also to those who helped on Duck Derby day, especially Sidmouth College students, Sid Vale Scouts and the two St John Ambulance first-aiders.  The Taste of Sidmouth ice-creams proved popular, and Taste kindly donated their net proceeds to the charities . 


Lions Duck Race 2023 -Lions presentation to Guide Dogs A IMG 2068

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SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY 2023

SIDMOUTH TOWN BAND & SPECIAL GUEST MUSICIAN CHARITY CONCERT

AT SIDMOUTH'S MANOR PAVILION THEATRE, EX10 8RP
We shook off the the Winter blues and enjoyed a lively and delightful evening of popular, traditional and classical instrumental music, performed by Sidmouth Town Band's superb award winning musicians, under the direction of MD Adrian Harvey. Special guest was acclaimed musician, composer and singer Chris Hoban.


Sidmouth Town Band at Manor Pavilion Theatre 25.02.22


This concert was in aid of Sidmouth Town Band and Sidmouth Lions Club's charities.  




2022


SIDMOUTH LIONS SANTA ACTIVITIES - CHRISTMAS 2022

From 2nd to 21st December, between 5pm and 8pm, Santa with his splendid sleigh and team of Sidmouth Lions helpers, toured Sidmouth, Sidford and Newton Poppleford and to see lots of children with their parents.
Santa and a Sidmouth Lion helper also visited Waitrose store in Sidmouth from 12th-16th December.

We are very grateful to all those who kindly donated money during these activities and all the proceeds will be used for Sidmouth Lions Club's community service and charity activities.



Sidmouth Lions Santa sleigh 2021 P1010280crop

Sidmouth Lions santa sleigh with elf 2021 P1010283crop

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SIDMOUTH LIONS CLUB'S GREAT DUCK DERBY RAISED OVER £4,400 THIS YEAR FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

OUT OF RESPECT FOR HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II, SIDMOUTH LIONS CLUB'S 2022 DUCK DERBY EVENT WAS POSTPONED TO 16th OCTOBER 

This event had been due to take place on Sunday 18th September 2022, i.e. the day before the State Funeral.


It's raining ducks 1

As usual, the Duck Derby event took place in The Byes, Sidmouth, with thousands of little yellow and red ducks racing down the River Sid from the Lawn Vista Cycle Bridge to the finish near the big weir by the Salcombe Road entrance to The Byes. The two duck races were preceded by our traditional Children's Duck & Spoon races, which started 2.00 pm.


The Corporate Duck Race, which features little red ducks, started at 2.45 pm.
The main (yellow) Duck Race, started at 2.45 pm and was primarily in aid ofChildren's Hospice South West and Devon Freewheelers and these two charities each received donations of £1,300.
The Corporate Duck Race's little red ducks are sponsored by local business organisations for a minimum donation of £5 per duck. The 'owners' of the three winning red ducks are each invited to choose a local, humanitarian charity to receive their winnings. 
This year's  £1,000 1st prize was won by Branscombe Campsite, whose proprietors chose to give £500 to Devon Air Ambulance Trust and £500 to SSAFA, the service families support charity. The 2nd prize of £500 was won by Willow Framing who chose Sidmouth Hospice at Home to receive its winnings;  3rd prize winner Sid Valley Country Hotel also chose Sidmouth Hospice at Home to receive its £300 prize money. 

Lions Corporate Duck 1st prize winner Branscombe C&A A P1010637crop

Lions Corporate Duck 3rd & 2nd prizewinners with cheques A P1010636


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UKRAINE REFUGEE CRISIS APPEAL

ON SATURDAY 28th MAY SIDMOUTH LIONS held a 'COFFEE & CAKES' at the Methodist Church Hall in Sidmouth High Street. This event was in aid of Sidmouth Lions Ukraine Crisis Appeal and donations can still be made by cash/cheque or you can boost the value of your donation by 25% by using the GiftAid facility on Sidmouth Lions JustGiving webpage:

 www.justgiving.com/sidmouthlions 


Sidmouth Lions Appeal



FRIDAY 6th MAY 2022 - A.J.'s BIG BAND MADE A WELCOME RETURN TO SIDMOUTH


A.J's Big Band

This special concert featured the ever popular A.J's 17-piece band playing a packed two-set programme of classic arrangements from the golden years of the big bands. The show also introduced the band's exciting new vocalist Jaqs Price-Hughes, with memorable songs of that era. A superb musical event from the South West's premier big band, now into it's thirty-fifth year, with all proceeds going to Sidmouth Lions charity activities. Many thanks to all who supported this event and enjoyed the brilliant music making!




peace posters Lions Club Competition.001



P1000148 Sidmouth Lions Club Legacy Pledge

In 2016 to mark their 40th Anniversary, the Sidmouth Lions Club launched a Sidmouth College Annual Pledge to donate around £1000 each year towards activities to improve the personal development of students.
In the recent past, the College has used the pledge to reward 50 students in Year 9, who achieved the highest number of praise points, with a trip to Haven Banks in Exeter. As part of the day, youngsters learn about team building and leaderships skills through a series of activities including archery and raft building. They have also competed in dragon boat races down the River Exe.
On receiving the Lions donation in 2019, College Vice Principal Jim Ingham-Hill said: "As a college, we are delighted and honoured to have had the chance to work alongside the Lions Club for a third year in a row as part of the Legacy project. We hope this partnership will continue and ensure that hundreds of Sidmouth College students are given the opportunity to take part in an exciting enrichment opportunity."
Alex Blyth, Sidmouth Lions Club President for that year, said: "Since its inception Sidmouth Lions Club has favoured supporting worthwhile youth projects. This Legacy project has clearly demonstrated how young people can be incentivised and benefit from the project." College Principal Sarah Parsons said: "It is such a fantastic community link that the College has with the Lions Club, I would like to thank them for their continued support."