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I’ve been asked to say a few words about our President Lion Cecil.

My mother introduced him to us – she had heard him talk to the W.I. and said, “This guy’s really interesting. I’m sure the Lions could help him.” So he came to talk to us and ended up staying.  It was my great privilege to be his sponsor when he was badged up in June 2005. 

5 years is not a long time in chronological terms and yet Cecil’s impact on the club was immediate. In his first year he was awarded the President’s Shield and earned the name ‘Duracell’ – he kept going. Now he is affectionately known as ‘the Vicar’.

The Lion’s Motto is “We Serve”.  Lion Cecil’s whole life has encompassed this ethic– long before he joined us. He, together with Val, gave loving foster homes to many children, including one with very special needs who had to be taught to walk at 4.

When Nicky was born, endless patience and encouragement went into ensuring she had a normal life (not that anyone could call Nicky normal!).  There are not many people as gifted with 2 hands as she is with 1 and this is a measure of her parents’ dedication. Cecil became involved with the Apollo Swimming Club for the Disabled over 40 years ago; fund raising, serving as Chairman and starting the canoe section on Sutton Bingham Reservoir – this required training as a placid water Canoe Instructor. For over 37 years Cecil and Val have taken parties of children to Woodlarks Camp for the Disabled; this year Cecil co-ordinated the entertainment whilst Val covered the First Aid. 

Cecil broke his back, leaving him unfit to work, but this was not going to stop Duracell. Local lads came to the house with their motorbikes for his help in mending them and getting them going – this did not make them popular with Val who forbade them to start their machines in her living room – no problem there – just push it out in the hall first!!

Through his love of motorbikes, Cecil got talking to a man called Gordon Freestone whilst at Woodlarks who was a member of Freewheelers E.V.S. in Stevenage – what a great way of helping young people in the area who are interested in bikes; promote safe riding and help the hospital with vital deliveries of blood and paperwork – and so Yeovil Freewheelers was born in 1978 and again with Cecil’s guidance and whole-hearted fund raising has grown into a vital service, by the way this service has now grown into a national organisation.

Among Cecil’s many other accomplishments are The Apollo Archery Group; Dapway Rehab for Stroke Victims; numerous difficult pupils at Stanchester School who were sent to Cecil to learn practical skills and came to find they had a value after all; helping at Fiveways School for pupils with Severe learning Difficulties.  He’s also a professional zip mender!  I could go on much longer about this amazing man but I know people want to get on and enjoy The Dreamcatchers, so I will sum it up with this. 

This year as President, Cecil’s health and that of Val have been a cause for great concern. He has worried he hasn’t done enough – Cecil, few Lions give as much as you have – Fred and I will always be grateful for your following us whilst we undertook the Kubota Run, spending the first 2 days totally alone whilst we drove at 30 miles an hour; keeping us safe and supplying us with refreshments when needed. 

In recognition of your entire life dedicated to serving others we have asked DG Lion Christine to present you with the highest award a Lion can receive – a M.J.F. – with our admiration, respect and deep affection.

Regional Chairman Lion Lesley Chudley

More Pictures to follow

Having the additional time to spend with the club they were amazed to discover that many members of Oxley and Sherwood Lions had originally come from the area around Crewkerne and indeed District105SW area in general. The two clubs also share several other attributes, they are about the same size in numbers, are roughly the same age range, the same sense of humour ( Warped!!:- webmaster) and even have similar social events, They have their Sausage Sizzlers, we have our hog roast's. In common with all Lions clubs they also provide service to the community.

This became even more personal to Nicky when due to a walking disability Nick had need of an electric mobility vehicle. Having no luck finding a suitable set of wheels, They rang the Lions asking if they knew of any where they could hire something. Within 24 hours they had a call the Lions had come up trumps, the widow of a club member still had her husbands wheels  and would be delighted to lend it to Nick. A quick trip to her sons workshop revealed the buggy under a dustsheet, a quick clean later and despite being laid up for a year the buggy worked. The question of hire fee was raised and in true Australian the reply was "... Dad would kill me if I took coin for this!..." They even delivered it for Nick, who spent the remaining days in Australia driving it all over Brisbane.

All in all the clubs have so much in common that it is proposed that they twin later this year.

Watch this space for more news later this year on this exciting new project.

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Kubota 2008 Pictures

Lion Rodney Dalwood rest his weary feet and enjoys a late lunch at the show.

Up and Over

Anyone for Breakfast?

On the 12 September 2009 Hazel Dalwood organised the 2nd  horse show on behalf of Crewkerne Lions. Hazel's husband Rodney is a member of  Crewkerne Lions club and for the past 2 years both have organised this very popular event in the local horse world. This year the event was attended by over 150 horses and their riders. To date it looks like the event has raised over £1500 pounds for Lions charities and is fast becoming the best fund raiser of the year for Crewkerne Lions.