Lions Club of Penrith
Welcome to the
Lions Club of Penrith Website
Penrith is a historic market town in the Eden valley between the Pennines in the east and the Lake District hills in the west. Here the A66 trans pennine route crosses the M6 as it reaches north towards Scotland. It is a meeting place and Penrith Lions Club welcomes new members and visitors alike
It was here in 1975 that a group of local men formed the Lions Club of Penrith. From these small beginnings our club has grown to its present 34 members serving the people of Eden. We have fun and fellowship raising funds and distributing them both in Eden and further afield.
Have a look at our website to get a flavour of the things we do. You may even be inspired to come and join us.
Barbeque at Bill and Pams House
Thirty eight of us gathered together at Barton View for a very enjoyable barbecue. Weather conditions were much improved since the Carribean barbeque in July!
We also took the opportunity to present long service chevrons to three members. See the photographs in the Social gallery.
Football Club Nets £3000
President Ian Rae and past president Ian Edgar hand over a cheque for £3,000 to Peter Brookes the chairman of Wetheriggs United Football Club.
The money was raised at Penrith Lions annual May Day gala and will be used towards the extension of the club's Castletown community centre base.
Pride in our Town
Members of the Lions Club of Penrith volunteered to tidy up the area outside the Tourist Information Centre as their contribution to Vintage Penrith week. The area had been used as a builders compound during the renovation of Penrith museum in the winter and was a poor introduction to Penrith for the many visitors who came to the Tourist Information Centre.
Six members set about brushing the site clean and sanding down the three benches and the railings prior to panting them. The walls of the Information Centre were also washed down. The work took place over four days at the end of July and new tubs were planted up to give some colour to the area.
Come along and enjoy the surroundings and if you feel inclined pop some coins in the Lions Wishing Well so that we can help others less fortunate than ourselves.
Our thanks go to T W Relph & Sons, B & Q, Penrith and Nick Henderson from Agardendesign for donating flower tubs, flowers and compost for the project.
Carribean Barbeque
President Ian Rae and Lynn invited Lions and their wives to a Carribean barbeque at their home on Saturday 10th July. Everyone joined in the spirit of the evening and dressed accordingly(see the pictures in the social gallery).
Despite some heavy showers we enjoyed an excellent evening thanks in no small part to the barrel of fine ale donated by George McCrone!
Certificate of Appreciation
President Ian Edgar presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Gary and Diane Dalton from Lakeland Embroidery for their help to the Lions Club of Penrith throughout the year.
Change-Over at Llama Kharma Cafe
Saturday 26th June
A large number of Lions and their wives attended the change-over at the Llama Kharma Kafe on the A66 near Penrith where we enjoyed an excellent buffet provided by Mary Walker and her staff.
Following the official handover of the chain of office from Ian Edgar to Ian Rae we were shown the animals on site and we managed to have a photograph taken with two llamas. During the evening we were entertained by a gentleman from manchester playing the Pan Pipes.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a fitting end to Ian Edgar's year as president.
See more photographs in the social gallery.
Penrith Lions Club Charity Golf Day - Sunday 6th June 2010
A blanket of fog greeted us as we arrived at Penrith Golf Course at 6.30am. Would we be able to go ahead with the event? The first competitors set off from the tee at 7.10am looking into a sea of fog. Luckily a slight wind started to blow and visibility improved so that the event got off to a good start.
Eventually the sun shone and we had a perfect day for golf. The greens were in excellent condition and scores were very good.
The eventual winners were Alan Reading and Derek Jackson from Penrith who had a total of 47 points. They won in a card play off from D Holden and J Jacques also from Penrith.
Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, prize givers and competitors £3500 was raised for local charities.
Walk Round Hallin Fell
On a beautiful evening in mid May 11 of us ventured down to Howtown and up the Hause where we left our cars at the church. We then walked round Hallin Fell taking our time to take in the breathtaking views. There was no-one else around and it was so quiet. The only noise was that of the birds singing.
We finished off the evening with a very pleasant supper at the CrownHotel, Pooley Brdge.
Induction of new member
At the business meeting on Monday 17th May John Rogerson was inducted into Penrith Lions Club. The ceremony was conducted by President Ian Edgar and Zone Chairman Ian Scott presented John with his Lions badge.
Rainbow Club Birthday Party
President Ian and Anne and 3 members of the club joined members of the Rainbow Club for their birthday party at Penrith Cricket Club on Friday 15th May. We enjoyed an excellent buffet and a disco to round off the evening. The members of the Rainbow Club certainly know how to enjoy themselves!
May Day 2010
The sun shone on a bright but cold morning on Monday 3rd May. Could the weather hold out and give us a dry day? No such luck. There was a heavy shower of rain in the early afternoon but this did not dampen the spirits of those who had come to enjoy a good day out.
There was a magnificent display of art and hanwriting produced by the pupils of the local infant and junior schools in St Andrews Parish rooms. Many visitors took the opportunity of resting their legs and partaking of tea and coffee and delicious food provided by the Lions Ladies in the tearoom.
Lagre crowds thronged the streets to watch the entertainment and spend their money at the stalls and at the funfair. The grand parade was led by Morpeth Pipe band resplendent in their kilts and May Queen Charlotte Thompson was transported in a carriage provided by George Bowman and his magnificent team of horses. There were nine excellent floats together with classic cars, vintage tractors and Honda Goldwing motorcycles.
The 30th May Day Carnival, although very busy for the Lions, was a great success and a substantial cheque will be presented to the Wetheriggs United Community Centre Appeal.
Progressive Supper
12 members and their wives onjoyed a very pleasant evening on 24th April visiting each others homes for a progressive supper and finished the evening off with drinks at the Presidents house.
Bernard Wood and the social committee had meticulously planned the evening so the each couple hosted one of the courses. It all went like clockwork and everyone arrived at Ian and Annes house at 10.45pm and the last guests stumbled out of the door at 2.30am!
Bunting was to be erected in the town centre at 9.00am the next day in preparation for May Day. Some of us made it!
Whitehaven Charter
President Ian and Anne, Bill Miller and Pam and John Westgarth and Jacqueline attended Whitehven Charter Anniversary at Hunday Manor Hotel, Workington on 23rd April. We enjoyed an excellent meal, the speeches were short and the company was excellent. A most enjoyable evening. Bill and Pam certainly enjoyed it!
District Football Final
The District Final of the under 14 trophy between St Annes and Castletown was finally played at Penrith Leisure Centre on Easter Monday. The match had been called off the previous Tuesday evening due to a flooded pitch and the venue was rearranged twice on Monday morning because of the extremely wet weather. It was finally played on the all weather pitch at the Leisure Centre.
The game was played at a very fast pace and the very strong wind did not help the control of the football. Despite some good football Castletown lost 5-1 to a very strong St Annes team.
The trophy and medals were presented by District Governor Harry Hawksworth at the end of the game. Both teams then retired to the Leisure Centre for some well earned refreshments provided by the Lions Ladies.
Melvin Jones Fellows and 35 year chevrons
At the business meeting at North Lakes Hotel on Monday 15th March President Ian had the privilege of presenting Melvin Jones Fellowships to David Fleming and Don Lord. He also presented 35 year chevrons to Ian Proud, Derek Oldham, Lawrence Titterington, David Fleming and Don Lord.
35th Charter
Members and guests celebrated their 35th Charter at Roundthorn Country House Hotel on Friday 5th March. The photo shows President Ian and Anne cutting the cake.
Following the speeches District Governor Harry Hawksworth presented Melvin Jones Fellowships to Ian Proud, Derek Oldham and Lawrence Titterington to mark their 35 years of service to the club. Two further Fellowships will be presented at the clubs next business meeting.
District Convention
Three members and their wives spent a very pleasant week end at Barton Grange Hotel, Preston for the 27th Annual District Convention. Friday night was 'Flower Power' a nostalgic look back at the sights and sounds of the 60's. There were certainly many eye catching outfits on display. A superb buffet was followed by dancing.
The business session on Saturday norning began with the Flag Ceremony, always a highlight of the weekend. The highlights of the afternoon was the presentation given by Alice Whitehead our Young Ambassador and the recital on the classical guitar given by Stephen Hickey.
In the evening everyone dressed up in their finest and attended the District Goveror's Banquet and Ball. A most enjoyable and very tiring weekend!
Charity Windscreen Wash - Saturday 13th February
Members braved the elements at Tebay Services South to offer a windscreen cleaning service to drivers on the M6. We offered to clean all windows on cars for a donation to our charity account. The money was split between our local Flood Appeal and our own local charitable work. We manned the site in two shifts and enjoyed tremendous cameraderie while cleaning the cars.
We received many complimentary comments from grateful drivers and there were a substantial numbers number of £5 and £10 notes in the bucket at the end of the day. We raised £333 on the day and we will consider doing another screen wash at a future date. Our grateful thanks go to Westmorland Servises for allowing us access to the site.
Lions Youth Football
On Sunday 7th February Penrith Lions Club hosted the first round of the above competiton at Frenchfield. Castletown under 14 team took on Seedfield from Bury. Both teams produced entertaining football and Castletown eventually won 2-1. Following the game the teams tucked into an excellent buffet provided by the Lions Ladies.
Picture courtesy of Fred Wilson
Rory Stewart presents cheque
Rory Stewart, prospective conservative candidate for Eden, presents a cheque for £600 to President Ian Edgar with Malcolm Temple in attendance. The money was raised during his walk through Eden and is to be used by the Lions to help victims of the November floods in the Penrith area.
picture courtesy of Fred Wilson
Burns Supper
A very successful Burns Supper was held at the George Hotel on Saturday 23rd January. The haggis was piped in by Lyndsay Mowbray and it was addressed by George McCrone. Following an excellent meal Ian Edgar proposed the Immortal Memory and George McCrone proposed a toast to 'The Lassies'. George, much to the amusement of the audience, then recited Holy Willies Prayer dressed in a nightshirt!
A very enjoyable evening was concluded when the Arthur Atkinson Duo played music for dancing.
Pub Collection
On Black Eye Friday eleven members took to the streets and their cars to visit hostelries in Penrith and surrounding villages for their annual charity collection. This year funds raised were split between the 'Pride of Cumbria' Air Ambulance and local families that had been affected by the November floods. A total of £720 was raised on the evening.
Christmas Card Delivery
During the month of December Lions collected, sorted and delivered over 9500 Christmas cards in Penrith. Collection points were Style-line, Cowpers Chemist and Penrith Co-op and the cards were sorted in a room at the Conservative Club. During the week prior to Christmas members delivered the cards in Penrith Town.
A number of cards could not be delivered because they did not have an address and a number were addressed wrongly.
Santa's Sleigh
As usual this year Penrith Lions Club transported Santa round the estates in Penrith on his sleigh. Unfortunately there was rather a lot of snow on Sunday evening and Santa had to cancel his trip round Scaws and Pategill on Monday and Tuesday evenings due to the adverse weather conditions.
Santa is extremely sorry to have missed the children but he will make every effort to bring their presents by Christmas.
Santa Dash and Penrith Lights Switch on
Penrith Lions Club was in evidence at this event on Sunday 29th November. We erected our stage in atrocious weather conditions on the morning of the event. Luckily the weather improved for the Santa Dash organised by Hospice at Home. Lions marshalled the route and then helped marshall the spectacular parade of lanterns culminating in the Switch On.
Young Ambassador of 21st Century
Penrith Lions Clubs Young Ambassador for this year is Lauren Johnstone. Lauren visited Garstang Hotel and Country Club on Sunday 22nd November to participate in the District Final of the competition. Lauren was competing against five other girls for the District title.
Unfortunately she did not win the title but she thoroughly enjoyed her day and had a fantastic time with the other competitors. Lauren received a Certificate of Appreciation from District Governor Harry Hawksworth. The girls all combined to sing a song to entertain those at the event.
Next autumn we will be looking for another entrant for the competition so if you know of anyone who is involved in community service and who might represent our club please contact our secretary Bill Miller
Children in Need Saturday 21st November
On a wet and windy day members of the club took to the streets of Penrith to collect for Children in Need. Due to the amazing generosity of the people of Penrith £1880 was collected and will be sent to the charity.
Floods Hit Eamont Bridge
On Friday 20th November severe flooding in Eamont Bridge meant a hurried evacuation for a number of families. Some were found temporary bed and breakfast accomodation in Penrith. President Ian Edgar and Lion Malcolm Temple met some of the displaced people and found out that they needed toiletries and nightclothes as they had to leave their houses in a hurry. Vera Temple and Anne Edgar, their wives, were dispatched to purchase the required items and these were given to the families.
In the evening the families were invited by Luca and Antonio from Gianni's Pizzeria for a meal where they told us of the problems they were likely to face in the future.
Remembrance Day Parade
President Ian Edgar and 5 members of the club attended the Remembrance Day parade on Sunday afternoon to St Andrews church. President Ian Edgar laid a wreath on behalf of members of the club.
Picture courtesy of Fred Wilson
Firework Display
We held a Firework Display in conjunction with Stoneybeck Inn on Sunday 1st November. Despite exceptionally heavy rain on the Sunday morning we decided that the display go ahead. 350 people attended the event and despite some rain and wind we managed to put on a good display.
Senior Citizens Outing
On our latest venture the Lions took 90 senior citizens for a drive followed by afternoon tea at the Inn on The Lake, Glenridding. See more picture in the welfare gallery
Social Event with Keswick Lions
On Saturday 24th August members and their partners joined with our fellow members of Keswick Lions Club to celebrate their 21st birthday.
We enjoyed a sail on Derwentwater in flat calm conditions and then had a barbeque at a local cafe where we socialised for the rest of the evening. Following the cutting of the birthday cake Penrith President Ian Edgar presented a framed embroidered picture of the Lions logo to mark the occasion.
