Henley Lions funded two outings on the River Thames for the members of The Memory Cafe on the specially adapted boat the Rivertime. Each of the two groups reportedly had a very enjoyable trip on the river in beautiful sunny weather. The Memory Cafe meets at the Christchurch Centre and helps those with dementia and their carers. Henley Lions have sponsored these trips for this group, formally known as Bluebells, for a number of years.
The Vivian Morris Music Award for 2018 was presented to two outstanding students from Gillotts School at the final school assembly. The head of the music department nominated Madeleine Bourne and Ella Davies for the award which is given in the name of one of the founder members of the Lions Club of Henley-on-Thames. The nomination attests to the fact that both girls thoroughly deserved to be recognised. The nomination stated “Maddie and Ella were the Music Captains whilst they were in Year 11. They also took Music at GCSE. They were incredibly helpful in Choir, guiding and leading the younger years and setting a good example to them. They also showed their own wonderful talents through singing a number of duets over the year, most notably starting the whole of our Carol Service at St Mary’s Church in December 2017 and singing a duet alongside a dance piece in the Gillotts Spectacular. I have chosen them for this award for their commitment to Music over the past two years and for all of the positive and lovely conversations we had!’ Each of the girls received a certificate and a cheque in the amount of £100. This was the 13th year that the award was presented to Gillotts students.
Dingley’s Promise in Reading is a centre that provides life changing support to families with children under 5 who have additional needs and disabilities. Specialist care and learning is provided through play, family support and training and advice to mainstream settings.
Henley Lions Club is delighted to have been able to respond to a recent request for a donation and support and as the result of discussions and visits were able to buy two pieces of wooden specialist play equipment for children at the centre. It was decided to present the cheque when Lions Club members could enjoy seeing children play very happily on their new equipment and we were not disappointed! The smiles on the faces of the children said it all. It was a most enjoyable and rewarding time for everyone
concerned. A big thank you to Dingley’s Promise staff for enabling this happy occasion and making Henley Lions welcome.
The Henley Lions Club annual Swimarathon, held on 24 March 2018, proved hugely successful raising nearly £6,000 for local charities. One hundred thirty swimmers in twenty three teams from nine separate organisations took part. Teams ranged in size from 4 to 7 swimmers with adults as well as youngsters taking part. Five local schools plus the 1st Henley Brownies, Henley Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets and members of MENCAP swam for 40 minutes completing as many lengths of the 25 meter pool as possible. A team from Gillotts calling themselves the Dicey Dolphins achieved 103 lengths in the time allotted. The funds raised are split 50/50 between the teams’ charities and the Lions charities though the 1st Henley Brownies are donating all of their sponsorship to Lions charities. Each of the organisations taking part were presented with a special trophy in recognition of the centenary of Lions Clubs International.
