News from Fleet Lions
Latest Newsletter
Newsletter2021-03Covid-19 support: helping Hart residents
The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline is 0333 370 4000
A helpline is now available to provide information and advice, as well as practical support, to frail or vulnerable. All calls to this local call rate number will be handled by staff in the Hart District.
Christmas Carol Concert - Tuesday 10 Dec 2024
Would you or someone you know like to come along to Fleet Lions' 2024 Christmas Carol Concert? Fleet Lions are inviting older and more vulnerable people from the Fleet & Church Crookham area to their event at the Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath on 10 December. This Christmas Carol Concert is for the lonely, Alzheimer sufferers and those that rarely get out. Entry will be free but by invitation. Further details click here.
Urgent Appeal for laptops
Will you have an unwanted laptop after Christmas
(or even before!)?
Remember that if you are lucky enough to get a new laptop this Christmas, then think in turn of donating your old laptop to the Lions. All history is professionally cleansed prior to it being reprogramed for release to families in need. Contact: it@fleetlions.org.uk
Many thanks and Merry Christmas from Lion Santa and his helpers at the Lions IT Refurbishment Team.
Donations of working IT equipment are the foundation of our work. We've supplied over 2500 to schoolchildren and Ukrainian families. We are in urgent need of donations of working laptops currently fitted with Windows 7 / 8 / 10 or 11, plus PCs and monitors for us to fulfil current demand. Could your School or Business support us? Devices are wiped with professional software and reloaded with a fresh Microsoft Windows 10/11. Please contact us at it@fleetlions.org.uk.
Here's A GREAT CLIP that describes our project.
YOU CAN STILL GET YOUR TICKETS :
Fireworks Fiesta 2024 - 2 November
Please GET YOUR TICKETS NOW - THEY'RE GOING FAST. the weather's looking good. We're looking forward to putting on a great show and celebrating another year of serving Fleet. It'll be even better than last year's with £5500's of amazing fireworks + a few more tickets. Lots of good food and drinks and trinkets for the youngsters so you can enjoy your fireworks party with us. More details HERE.
It's advance ticket sales only and we've made some more available for this year.
We will not be able to take cash or cards on the entry gates on the night but you'll be able to scan a QR code on your phone to go to our ticketing web page..
Lions Beerfest 3 August - what a day!
Nearly 800 of you came to the Fleet Lions Beerfest at the Harlington in Fleet on 3 August. We had over 40 Real ales and Ciders and they drank us dry of that and the four craft ales! Gin bar by Fleet Ginfest was great as were burgers & hog roast & fresh pizzas from Arborfield Hogroast. The Farriers went down a storm at lunchtime as did Kindred Spirit in the evening. So we raised a pile of money for our prostate screening programme and other worthwhile local causes. Hampshire Search and Rescue helped out and we sent them home with a cheque for £500. More details of the event here.
So look forward to our next one on 2 August 2025
Advent Calendar - it's back!
We and Hart Lions start sales start sales of our advent calendar on 5 Oct in the Hart Shopping Centre. And we'll be there and outside Morrisons and Sainsburys during October and November. You can see when here. Over 70 prizes have generously been donated with a value of more than £4000. They include a wide variety of experiences, goods and discounts including vouchers for meals, fitness, gifts, clothing vouchers, afternoon tea and much much more, and on the final day the top prize is £100 IN CASH.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW:
Fireworks Fiesta 2024 - 2 November
TICKETS ON SALE FROM 23 SEPTEMBER
Please GET YOUR TICKETS NOW or add this date to your diary. We're looking forward to putting on a great show and celebrating another year of serving Fleet. It'll be even better than last year's with £5500's of amazing fireworks + a few more tickets. Lots of good food and drinks and trinkets for the youngsters so you can enjoy your fireworks party with us. More details HERE.
It'll be advance ticket sales only and we've made some more available for this year. But we sold out before the event last year so please don't come along if you don't have tickets as there will be no sales on the gate.
Help us run Fleet's main fireworks event. Can you spare a few hours on 2 November? Please drop Lion Arie an email: arie.vannieuwenhuijzen@fleetlions.org.uk. Help make this great event happen.
Prostate Cancer Screening
We are pleased to announce that the Prostate Cancer screening held on Saturday 31st August 2024 at the Key Centre, Elvetham Heath was fully subscribed. Everyone tested have now received their results.
YOU CAN ALSO GET A SPONSORED HOME SCREENING TEST, SEE BELOW.
Lions Beerfest 3 August - what a day!
Nearly 800 of you came to the Fleet Lions Beerfest at the Harlington in Fleet on 3 August. We had over 40 Real ales and Ciders and they drank us dry of that and the four craft ales! Gin bar by Fleet Ginfest was great as were burgers & hog roast & fresh pizzas from Arborfield Hogroast. The Farriers went down a storm at lunchtime as did Kindred Spirit in the evening. So we raised a pile of money for our prostate screening programme and other worthwhile local causes. Hampshire Search and Rescue helped out and we sent them home with a cheque for £500. More details of the event here.
So look forward to our next one on 2 August 2025
Lions' Funfest - 30 June, Yateley Manor School
Our Funfest was a fun packed day for people with disabilities or special educational needs, their families and helpers. There was no charge to attend and we were able to allow all those on the waiting list to attend too - so nearly 800 people came and we had our busiest day for years! We and all our guests had a lovely, if tiring day. And we had bouncy castles, roundabouts, steam train rides and plenty of sideshows and games and donkeys. The event was run by us, Farnborough/Aldershot, Hart, Hook and Odiham, Loddon Valley and Yateley Lions. We all contributed to the cost of staging the event.
Lions Beerfest 3 August - tickets now on sale
We're continuing to be glass-less to be more sustainable so please bring your own marked glasses.
We're still cash free so please get your tickets online and get to your first beer asap!
Fleet Lions Beerfest is back at the Harlington in Fleet on 3 August. We expect over 40 Real ales and Ciders and a Gin bar. It's looking very much like we'll be having some craft ales for the first time. The Farriers perform at lunchtime. Kindred Spirit in the evening. Burgers & hog roast & fresh pizzas. We're raising money for our prostate screening. More details here. So get your tickets here.
LATEST LIST OF BEERS & CIDERS HERE
Fleet Lions' Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours returned on 6 May 2024
Fleet Lions' 37th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours was back again at The Key Car Park, Elvetham Heath, Fleet, GU51 1HA. We had nearly 150 amazing bikes registered and so many turned up on an awfully wet day. They went on a very wet ride out at 11:00am before returning for judging by 2.15pm. We say a very big thank you to all the riders who came along and the public who supported the event. We're so grateful to you all.
Lions' Funfest - 30 June, Yateley Manor School
Our Funfest is a fun packed day for people with disabilities or special educational needs, their families and helpers. There is no charge to attend but those wishing to attend have to register. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENT IS NOW FULLY SUBSCRIBED BUT YOU CAN ADD YOUR NAME TO A WAITING LIST. The emphasis is on music and fun, for people of all ages and abilities: with bouncy castles, roundabouts, steam train rides and plenty of sideshows and games. The event is run by us, Aldershot, Farnborough, Hart, Hook and Odiham, Loddon Valley and Yateley Lions. We all contribute to the cost of staging the event.
Fleet Lions' Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours RETURNS on 6 May 2024
Fleet Lions' 37th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours will be back again at The Key Car Park, Elvetham Heath, Fleet, GU51 1HA. We expect to have several hundred amazing bikes and they all have a fabulous ride out at 11:00am before returning for judging by 2.15pm. So bring your bike along and join them. Or just come and have a look at them. Riders arrive between 9:30am and 10:30am. Hot rolls and drinks will be available. More details here.
Fuel and Utilities Project
We are trying to 'help' target where the annual Winter Fuel Allowance money can do the most good. So are your financial circumstances such that you could make a small donation or forego some or all of your annual Winter Fuel Allowance (you'll be getting £500 per household from the Government this year), knowing that by doing so you could help a local family that is suffering from fuel poverty or problems paying their water bill? Full or part Winter Fuel Allowance donations are held in a fund to pay charges for local families that are in debt to their energy suppliers or water utility. More details here.
Do you know of anyone struggling with Fuel or Utility Bills? Please let us know by emailing us at fuel@fleetlions.org.uk.
Lions' Charity Advent Calendar
Fleet, Hart & Aldershot Lions hope you won some of our great prizes. And thanks to all the businesses that donated them.
Lions' Charity Advent Calendar
Fleet, Hart & Aldershot Lions hope you enjoyed seeing if you'd won some of our great prizes. The star prize of £250 was won by Nicola Perryman. Thanks to all of you who purchased a 'Lions' Charity Advent Calendar'. Particularly Amazon Filters Ltd in Frimley who bought 250 for their staff! And thanks to all the businesses that donated the prizes. Happy New Year.
LOTS OF PRIZES STILL HAVEN'T BEEN CLAIMED - SEE THE LIST HERE
Santa came to town in December 2023!
We did our Santa runs and statics this year as usual. Sorry if we didn't make it to your street but Fleet and Church Crookham are just too big for us to visit everyone now. Many thanks for your generous donations of nearly £8700 and YOU CAN STILL DONATE HERE. We were outside Morrisons and the Hart Shopping Centre in daylight hours too so many thanks to them. The money raised has gone towards the massive number of Christmas food parcels we provided for the needy.
The members of Fleet and Hart Lions hope you all had
a very happy Christmas and will have a prosperous New Year.
Christmas Concert, Tuesday 12 December 2023
We invited older and more vulnerable people from the Fleet & Church Crookham area to our 2023 Christmas Concert. And we had 200 guests.
This regular concert took place at the Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath. Entry was free and there was a wide range of seasonal entertainment. All Saints School Choir, Shuffletunes, the Cherry Pickers and the Resident Choir went down a storm. And the extended Lions' community sing-along at the end went down well too!
Lions' Charity Advent Calendar
Our local Lions Clubs (Fleet, Hart & Aldershot) were excited to launch their new fundraising initiative for this year: the 'Lions' Charity Advent Calendar'. The prizes are now being won thick and fast! Many thanks to all the businesses that donated them. Check out our website to see if you've won: www.lionsadvent.org.uk.
Santa comes to town from 1 December 2023!
We're planning to do our Santa runs and statics this year as usual - so you may get a knock on your door when we come down your street! AND YOU CAN DONATE HERE. We'll also be outside Morrisons and the Hart Shopping Centre in daylight. The money raised will go towards the massive number of Christmas food parcels we are providing for the needy. For the basic when and where of float routes click here. More details of the routes and a live tracker can be found by clicking here.
The members of Fleet and Hart Lions would like to wish you all
a very happy Christmas.
Christmas Concert, Tuesday 12 December 2023
We are inviting older and more vulnerable people from the Fleet & Church Crookham area to our 2023 Christmas Concert.
This regular concert will take place at the Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath. Entry is free but by invitation. There will be a wide range of seasonal entertainment and some great raffle prizes too. And the Lions community sing-along at the end. Refreshments will be provided during the evening. 6.45pm for a 7:00pm start. If you want to come along then contact concert@fleetlions.org.uk or ring 07714 002232 / 07503 178143.
Lions' Charity Advent Calendar
Our local Lions Clubs (Fleet, Hart & Aldershot) were excited to be launching their new fundraising initiative the 'Lions' Charity Advent Calendar'. They were on sale at £5 and there are multiple daily prizes to be won plus a cash prize on Christmas Eve. AND ONLY A DAY TO GO BEFORE THE FIRST PRIZE NUMBERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON 1 DEC. check out our website www.lionsadvent.org.uk.
Virtual balloon race - our 2nd one has finished
And what a close run thing it was! Many participants celebrated our 50th anniversary and joined in our second Virtual Balloon Race. It's now finished and Lynn Linn's Chewy was the winning balloon that won a £30 Amazon voucher. 50% of the profits will go to our Prostate Screening Programme and 50% will come to Fleet Lions Club. Go to: Environmentally friendly charity fundraising virtual Balloon Race More details @ Fleet Lions - serving the community since 1974 - Virtual Balloon Race
Fireworks Fiesta 2023 - 4 November
Thanks to those of you who came along to make this a sell-out crowd and 1000 more than last year. A great way to celebrate our 50th year of serving Fleet. We have made a tidy sum that we can use to help those who need it. And weren't we lucky with the weather, the fireworks team got soaked clearing up! A big thank you to all our volunteers without whom we couldn't have run this spectacular show. Thanks to Mike Carrington for some great photos on Aldershot, Farnham & Fleet Camera Club Facebook page.
Virtual balloon race - our 2nd one is off
Many participants are celebrating our 50th anniversary and have joined in our second Virtual Balloon Race that finishes on Sunday. 50% of the profits will go to our Prostate Screening Programme and 50% will come to Fleet Lions Club. The winning balloon will win a £30 Amazon voucher. Go to: Environmentally friendly charity fundraising virtual Balloon Race More details @ Fleet Lions - serving the community since 1974 - Virtual Balloon Race
Virtual balloon race - our 2nd one is off on 13 November - so get one ASAP!
Why not celebrate our 50th anniversary and join in our second Virtual Balloon Race? 50% of the profits will go to our Prostate Screening Programme and 50% will come to Fleet Lions Club. Buy your very own balloon TODAY - at the environmentally friendly price of £5 and the winning balloon will win a £30 Amazon voucher. Go to: Environmentally friendly charity fundraising virtual Balloon Race More details @ Fleet Lions - serving the community since 1974 - Virtual Balloon Race
Helping Ukrainian refugees
With your help we sent over £5000 through Lions International to help those refugees. Here's a video that shows how your money has helped those poor people.
We need to find young volunteers
Do you know, or are you a young person who's a leader or volunteer for a community project in Fleet or nearby? If so then we need to hear about them – NOW!
The Lions Young Ambassador competition is a chance for them to get acknowledgement for their efforts and also win £500 for their project in the regional finals and £1000 in the national finals. There's also a chance for a life-changing adventure at sea with the Jubilee Sailing Trust And we will cover any expenses.
So get in touch with laura.roberts@fleetlions.org.uk or mike.collen@fleetlions.org.uk ASAP.
Prostate Cancer Screening Session
SEE BELOW FOR HOME SCREENING TESTS THAT WE SPONSOR.
Fleet Lions are holding another PSA screening session ALL SLOTS NOW FILLED!
When - 28 October 2023, Time 10.00 – 1400hrs
Where - The Key Centre, The Keys, Elvetham Heath, GU51 1HA.
Home Prostate screening tests - find the missing men
We are sponsoring home testing kits for prostate cancer. Fleet Lions, working with the Graham Fulford Trust are offering Fleet men aged 40 to 70 a simple finger prick test that can be done at home. It'll take 5 mins to follow the simple instructions. Said Lion Brian Proctor, "with one man dying every hour from prostate cancer and 40,000 new cases every year, a home testing kit could be the best gift for life ever. Early detection and treatment may vastly increase chances of survival." To register for a test and Find out more...
Fireworks Fiesta 2023 - 4 November
TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE - they're going fast!
The weather might not be looking anything special at the moment but it won't stop the Lions fireworks team putting on an incredible display. And we're celebrating our 50th year of serving Fleet so it'll be a bit special for you and us. We'll have £5000's of amazing fireworks. Lots of good food and drinks and trinkets for the youngsters so you can enjoy your fireworks party with us. More details HERE. It'll be advance ticket sales only SO GET YOUR TICKETS HERE NOW. And please don't come along if you don't have tickets as there will be no sales on the gate.
Help us run Fleet's main fireworks event. Can you spare a few hours on 4 November? Please drop Lion Arie an email: arie.vannieuwenhuijzen@fleetlions.org.uk. Help make this great event happen.
Fireworks Fiesta 2023 - 4 November
TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE - they're going fast!
We're looking forward to putting on a great show and celebrating our 50th year of serving Fleet. It'll be a bit special for you and us. We'll have £5000's of amazing fireworks. Lots of good food and drinks and trinkets for the youngsters so you can enjoy your fireworks party with us. More details HERE.
It'll be advance ticket sales only SO GET YOUR TICKETS HERE NOW. And please don't come along if you don't have tickets as there will be no sales on the gate.
Help us run Fleet's main fireworks event. Can you spare a few hours on 4 November? Please drop Lion Arie an email: arie.vannieuwenhuijzen@fleetlions.org.uk. Help make this great event happen.
Prostate Cancer Screening Session announced
NOT MANY SLOTS LEFT!
Fleet Lions will be holding another PSA screening session for men 40 to 80 years old.
When - 28 October 2023
Time 10.00 – 1400hrs
Where - The Key Centre, The Keys, Elvetham Heath, GU51 1HA.
NOTE – To Pre Register and book an appointment go to: www.fleetlions.org.uk/prostatescreening
FLEET NEEDS YOUR HELP!
The team who look after major event road closures are looking for more members. We have saved local events over £100k in the past 10 years! We support the Christmas Festival, Remembrance and many more smaller events. We were very busy at Jubilee and hope that we helped provide a very friendly service to motorists. We are setting up accredited training. Fancy being part of a valuable community team? Contact flttm@fleetlions.org.uk for more details.
Fireworks Fiesta 2023 - 4 November
TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE
Please add this to your diary. We're looking forward to putting on a great show and celebrating our 50th year of serving Fleet. It'll be a bit special for you and us. We'll have £5000's of amazing fireworks. Lots of good food and drinks and trinkets for the youngsters so you can enjoy your fireworks party with us. More details HERE in due course.
It'll be advance ticket sales only SO GET YOUR TICKETS HERE NOW. And please don't come along if you don't have tickets as there will be no sales on the gate.
Help us run Fleet's main fireworks event. Can you spare a few hours on 4 November? Please drop Lion Arie an email: arie.vannieuwenhuijzen@fleetlions.org.uk. Help make this great event happen.
Join our virtual balloon race
- the winner has landed!
Balloon race one is complete raising money for us and Fleet Phoenix. 43 balloons 'took off' and the winner is the balloon called "fly high my sweet" of Lisa Rennison and she'll be getting a £30 Amazon voucher.
Next month's race will be in aid of Lions Prostate Screening programme.
Lions Beerfest 5 August
We went glass-less to be more sustainable and most people did bring their own marked glasses. Thank you.
We were still trying to be cash free so nearly everyone got their tickets online so we could get them to their first beer asap!
Our Beerfest was back at the Harlington celebrating our 50th year of helping the local community. We had 36 different Real ales and 10 Ciders and a Gin bar. The Zone performed at lunchtime. Kindred Spirit in the evening. We had burgers & hog roast & fresh pizzas. We were supporting our prostate screening programme and the Lions Community Store. About the same number of people came along as last year and they drank virtually every drop of beer and cider! THANK YOU and also thank you to all our friends who helped us run the event!
Our fun quiz night
Sorry, due to lack of teams we have to cancel the quiz scheduled for the 9th of September at the Grange.
Our fun quiz night
Join us for a fun quiz evening on 9 September (note date change) at the Grange, Woodland Rise, Church Crookham, Fleet GU52 6QR. Some questions to get your brain cells up and running after a summer lazing by the pool! Teams of 6, prizes and a raffle. More details and registration here.
Join our virtual balloon race - our 1st one is off
Why not celebrate our 50th anniversary and join in our first Virtual Balloon Race? 50% of the profits will go to Fleet Phoenix and 50% will come to Fleet Lions Club. Buy your very own balloon TODAY - at the environmentally friendly price of £5 and the winning balloon will win a £30 Amazon voucher. Go to: https://www.balloonrace.net/flcw More details @ Fleet Lions - serving the community since 1974 - Virtual Balloon Race
Carnival procession on 1 July
The next year will see us celebrating our 50th Birthday! 50 glorious years of serving our local community. So we started our celebrations in the Carnival procession by illustrating the major events we organise for the people of Fleet ie the Fireworks, the Beerfest and our Santa float.
We also hid some fantastic stones, decorated by Fleet Rocks along the Carnival route and at Calthorpe Park. And the winning entries of our Butterfly Art Competition are now displayed in the empty unit next to Waitrose in the Shopping Centre. Thanks to Principle Care Homes for sponsoring this.
Lions' Funfest - 25 June, Yateley Manor School
Our Funfest saw us welcome 600 guests. It was a fun packed day for people with disabilities or special educational needs, their families and helpers. There was no charge to attend but those wishing to attend had to register. The emphasis was on music and fun, for people of all ages and abilities: with Barrel Train Rides, Pedal Go Carts, a Helter Skelter, Donkey Rides and Circus Skills Arena. Plus, of course, all your favourite Lions' sideshows. The event was run by us, Aldershot, Farnborough, Hart, Hook and Odiham, Loddon Valley and Yateley Lions. We all contribute to the cost of staging the event.
Lions Beerfest 5 August - tickets now on sale
We're going glass-less to be more sustainable so please bring your own marked glasses.
We are still cash free so please get your tickets online so we can get you to your first beer asap!
Fleet Lions Beerfest is back at the Harlington in Fleet on 5 August. We expect over 40 Real ales and Ciders and a Gin bar. The Zone perform at lunchtime. Kindred Spirit in the evening. Burgers & hog roast & fresh pizzas. Supporting our prostate screening programme and the Lions Community Store. So get your tickets here.
We honour Charlotte Tickner
Occasionally, if we believe someone has served their community in a significant way and for a significant amount of time then we make them a Melvin Jones Fellow. It is the highest honour Lions of the world can bestow on someone. We recently did this for Charlotte Tickner of Fleet Phoenix. She has done so much for the young people of Fleet and its surroundings. We are grateful to be able to support her efforts.
New Community Store vans needed
The Lions Community Store has helped many thousands of people with household goods and furniture as well as providing food parcels and toys at Christmas. And now we have a big issue. We need to to replace our vans. They've served us well but are coming to the end of their life and becoming expensive to maintain. We want to replace them and we've now raised enough to replace one of them - and have done so! We still need donations to help us get a second one so either donate here: 
or contact us us at treasurer@fleetlions.org.uk.
Can you find Lions' 50th stones on 1 July?
Can you believe Fleet Lions will be celebrating our 50th Birthday! 50 glorious years of serving our community! We are kicking off our celebrations with some fantastic stones, decorated by Fleet Rocks. These will be hidden along the Carnival route and at Calthorpe Park. Found stones should be brought to the Fleet Lions gazebo where you will be given a FREE children's entry to our Fireworks display in November, and be entered in the £50 grand draw!
Is your child's school taking part in our Butterfly Art Competition? Final entry date is 23 June. The winning entries will be displayed in the empty unit next to Waitrose in the Shopping Centre on Carnival Saturday 1 July. Thanks to Principle Care Homes for sponsoring this.
Lions' Funfest - 25 June, Yateley Manor School
Our Funfest is a fun packed day for people with disabilities or special educational needs, their families and helpers. There is no charge to attend but those wishing to attend have to register. The emphasis is on music and fun, for people of all ages and abilities: with Barrel Train Rides, Pedal Go Carts, a Helter Skelter, Donkey Rides and Circus Skills Arena. Plus, of course, all your favourite Lions' sideshows. The event is run by us, Aldershot, Farnborough, Hart, Hook and Odiham, Loddon Valley and Yateley Lions. We all contribute to the cost of staging the event.
Fabulous Coronation Celebrations
We had a fantastic day at Fleet's Coronation festivities on 7 May! Traffic Management Team, parade team, stall team, fireworks team, Aldershot Lions, Community store folks and lots of our friends all coming together. Serving Fleet Community for 50years. Thank you for your support!
New Year presents continue for the Lions
We welcomed another new member at our Club meeting on 8 Feb when Nigel Arthur joined Fleet Lions. Over the last few months we have been fortunate enough to have Darren Painter, Peter Dobson, Nicola Painter, Roy Fang and Andy Rennison join us. They had visited our committees and main Club meetings and got stuck into helping at our events. They liked what they saw and so decided to join the largest service organisation in the world. All our newer members are most welcome and we wish them all the best for their future in the Lions. If you'd like to think about being a part of what we do then please get in touch using our contact us facility.
TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
You can donate via The Disasters Emergency Committee to help save lives in this terrible disaster.
Appeal for laptops
or for monetary donations towards hardware then please click here
Your local Lions clubs have now provided over 2500 laptops/desktops to enable students to continue their education since start of lockdowns and to support other deserving parts of the community. We are hoping to provide equipment to Ukrainian refugees who will be hosted locally BUT we are still in urgent need of equipment! We are running out of stock so do you have a spare laptop running Windows 7 or above that we could have to refurbish? We also need to buy quite a bit of hardware to make sure the machines are a good standard. Here's A GREAT CLIP that describes our project. Please contact it@fleetlions.org.uk where we can have a chat.
Fleet Lions want you to help our insect population.
Saturday 18 March we'll be at Fleet Market giving away re-wilding seeds to help our very important pollinating friends. Just find a bare patch of ground around 15 square metres and get permission to sow, it's the growing season. Let's help our Environment. You can also get free spikeys.
Our fun quiz night
70 chums joined us for a fun quiz evening at the Grange on 10 Feb. They certainly dusted off those winter cobwebs and got their brain cells up and running. And we raised a nice sum to put to use in helping others. We'd like to thank all our guests for coming along.
Lions' Funfest - 25 June, Yateley Manor School
Our Funfest is a fun packed day for people with disabilities or special educational needs, their families and helpers. There is no charge to attend but those wishing to attend have to register. The emphasis is on music and fun, for people of all ages and abilities: with Barrel Train Rides, Pedal Go Carts, a Helter Skelter, Donkey Rides and Circus Skills Arena. Plus, of course, all your favourite Lions' sideshows. The event is run by us, Aldershot, Farnborough, Hart, Hook and Odiham, Lodden Valley and Yateley Lions. We all contribute to the cost of staging the event.
Christmas Concert, Tuesday 13 December
It was great to welcome nearly 150 of our older citizens to our 2022 Christmas Concert.
They were entertained by the All Saints Junior School Choir, the Midnight Songbirds, the Fleet U3A Ukulele Band, the Rock Choir and the Church on the Heath Choir and Band. What a fabulous selection and we'd like to thank them all - as well as everyone who came along on such a bitterly cold night. The Lions also did a couple of carols - but was that entertainment!!! We'd also like to say a big thank you to Principle Care Homes who helped with the costs of the event. And also Carol, Morrisons' Community Champion, who made sure we had somewhere to park and not get a parking ticket!
Santa came to town from 2 December!
We did our Santa runs and statics this year a bit more like usual. You were very generous and donated £7840. Thank you. AND YOU CAN STILL DONATE HERE. Half that that money raised went towards more than 600 Christmas food parcels that were provided for the needy. We have lots of other projects to use what we have collected. You didn't see our chums in Fleet Rotary but it was good to see the Santa Express out with the Men's Shed. We'd like to thank Hart Shopping Centre and Morrisons for hosting our statics.
The members of Fleet and Hart Lions hope you all had a very happy Christmas and we wish you a Prosperous New Year.
Join us for a fun quiz evening at the Grange, Woodland Rise, Church Crookham, Fleet GU52 6QR. Dust off those winter cobwebs with some questions to get your brain cells up and running. Teams of 6, prizes and a raffle. More details and registration here.
Santa comes to town from 2 December 2022!
We're planning to do our Santa runs and statics this year a bit more like usual - so you may get a knock on your door when we come down your street! AND YOU CAN DONATE HERE. The money raised will go towards the massive number of Christmas food parcels we are providing for the needy. For the basic when and where of float routes click here. More details of the routes and a live tracker can be found by clicking here. You won't be seeing so much of Santa and his helpers this year as sadly our chums in Fleet Rotary are no longer around. You may still see the Santa Express though when it's out with the Men's Shed.
The members of Fleet and Hart Lions would like to wish you all
a very happy Christmas.
Christmas Concert, Tuesday 13 December 2022
We are inviting seniors from the Fleet & Church Crookham area to our 2022 Christmas Concert.
This regular concert will take place at the Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath. Entry is free but by invitation. There will be a wide range of seasonal entertainment, refreshments and some great raffle prizes too. And the Lions and community sing-along at the end. Refreshments will be provided during the evening and we have some great raffle prizes too. 7pm for a 7:15 start. We may be able to arrange transport if you can't get there by yourself. If you want to come along then contact concert@fleetlions.org.uk or ring 07714 002232 / 07503 178143.
Wearing a face mask making your ears sore?
Are you a carer, healthcare provider or essential business? Do you know someone who is? We have been busy making face-mask ear reliever straps. Let us know if you need some. Email info@fleetlions.org.uk.
Fuel and Utilities Project
Do you know of anyone struggling with Fuel or Utility Bills? Please let us know by emailing us at fuel@fleetlions.org.uk.
Are your financial circumstances such that you could make a small donation or forego your annual Winter Fuel Allowance (you'll be getting £500 per household from the Government this year), knowing that by doing so you could help a local family that is suffering from fuel poverty or problems paying their water bill? Full or part Winter Fuel Allowance donations are held in a fund to pay charges for local families that are in debt to their energy suppliers or water utility. More details here.
Fireworks Fiesta 2022 - a soggy but great evening
Sorry to those of you who couldn't get tickets but there's a limit on how many people we can host. Many thanks to those of you who came along. Despite the rain making it very tricky for our fireworks team they managed to set most of them off! And a big thanks to all our volunteer helpers - we couldn't have done it without you. Particularly local Scouts and Hampshire Search and Rescue.
Fireworks Fiesta 2022 - ALL TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD
Sorry, no ticket - no entry.
Well that's it folks, we're now sold out of advance tickets. PLEASE DON'T COME ALONG IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TICKET AS THERE WILL BE NO SALES ON THE GATE.
We're looking forward to putting on a great show for those of you coming. It will culminate with a massive 150 fireworks going off for each of the last ten seconds. That's £50 a second!
There will be lots of good food and drinks and trinkets for the youngsters so you can enjoy your fireworks party with us.
Oktoberfest Spooktacular - Saturday 29 October 2022
Church Crookham Community Centre
What a fantastic evening of German themed entertainment. The Bettesteiner Footstompers Oompah Band didn't disappoint. Neither did those who filled the hall in spooky or Oktoberfest outfits - or both! Many thanks to Church Crookham Parish Council for the use of some great facilities. And to Muncheon Luncheon for the grub. Morrisons gave us some good raffle prizes to which everyone was very generous so we made a pile of dosh with which to help those in need.
Prostate Cancer Screening Session 22 October 2022
We held a PSA screening session for 250 men. How many lives saved? Action required for 7 of them and 6 to monitor in the future. Next session will be Autumn 2023. In the meantime you can still request a home test. Many thanks to the phlebotomists from the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust who drove down from the Midlands to help the men of Fleet. And to Elvetham Heath Parish Council who let us use the Key Centre. Donations towards the £5500 cost of the event very welcome. And now we've had one - a very welcome £3000 from the Friends of Fleet Hospital. Very generous of them.
Lions Beerfest 6 August 2022
Best beer of the Lion's 2022 Fleet Beer festival is…. drum roll....
Captain B by Irving & Co Brewers Ltd
What a fabulous Beerfest. Numbers were down on 2019 but 750 of you joined us on the day. Hopefully we've done pretty well for our charitable funds and have already donated £500 to Hampshire Search and Rescue and £1500 to local scouts and guides, all of whom helped us run the event. So many thanks to all guests, helpers, bands, gin, food and sponsors. Enjoy the Zone. And we're all ready for the next one on 5 August 2023. THIS YEAR'S BEERS AND CIDERS. Some photos from this year.
Kindred Spirit perform: The Phoenix Fleet Beer Festival - YouTube
And the Zone: The Zone live at Fleet Lions Beer Festival 2022 - Just What I Needed - YouTube
Prostate Cancer Screening Session announced
Fleet Lions are pleased to announce that we are to hold another PSA screening session.
When - 22nd October 2022
Time 10.00 – 1400hrs
Where - The Key Centre, The Keys, Elvetham Heath, GU51 1HA.
NOTE – To Pre Register and book an appointment go to: www.fleetlions.org.uk/prostatescreening
Fleet Lions Volunteer Team
We organise some of the biggest events for the people of Fleet and neighbouring towns to enjoy. And quite a few of them need numbers on the day beyond the members of our Club e.g. it takes 120 people to put on the fireworks event. We have a group of people we can call upon to help us - and join in the fun too. So we call them the Fleet Lions Volunteer Team and we'll give people any training that they need. We'd also like to make sure everyone also has a bit of play - not just work. So let us know if you're interested by using our contact us facility. Our Branch Club in Aldershot are also keen to find people who'd like to help them at their events. So please contact them too if you'd like to do that: Aldershot Lions' website.
A welcome donation
We were selected by Waitrose & Partners Fleet to be supported through their "Give a little love scheme" for our support of youth activities through the summer. Our friend Debbie from the store gave us a cheque for £500 today!
Lions Beerfest 6 August
We normally sell quite a few tickets on the day of the Beerfest. BUT we are now cash free and it's better for all if you please get your tickets online so we can get you to your first beer asap! We'll probably switch online sales off at midnight on 5 August.
And don't worry if you're concerned about not buying your tickets too far in advance because of Covid. Our event will definitely still be going ahead and you can pop in during the day on the Saturday and buy real paper tickets by card for the evening. That's if we haven't sold out.
Fleet Lions Beerfest is back at the Harlington in Fleet on 6 August. 40 Real ales and Ciders and a Gin bar. The Zone performing lunchtime. Kindred Spirit in the evening. Burgers and hog roast. Supporting local #Scouts and #Guides.
Seniors Jubilee Picnic in the Park - Saturday 4th June
We had 120 guests celebrate the Jubilee with Afternoon Tea and entertainment at Church Crookham Community Centre on Saturday 4th June. Fabulous songs to join in with from Marcus Boll and also the Midnight Songbirds. Many thanks to our sponsors Principle Care Homes and Hart District Council.
We were involved in many of the Town's Jubilee Events
We were involved in lots of things over the Jubilee. THURSDAY: Pimm's/gin at Calthorpe Park and we lit the beacon followed by fireworks (thanks Fleet TC). FRIDAY: games at Calthorpe Park + soft drinks. SATURDAY: the parade + Pimm's/gin at Calthorpe Park. SUNDAY: Pimm's/gin for the big lunch on the High Street. We also marshalled Sat/Sun.
Lions Jubilee Bluebell Walk - Sunday 15th May 2022
It was looking good with lovely bluebells as well as some orchids for over 60 walkers who raised a few hundred pounds for charity between them. The highland cattle were very handsome too! Sadly the drizzle got heavier so some of the later starts got rather soggy. Unlike us Lions who just got soaked! Never mind it was a good way to start celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, while helping people in need. More info including photo comp winner.
The walk was at Naishes Lane SANG, off Naishes Lane, Church Crookham. Nearest Postcode: GU52 8TJ.
Our quiz on 23 April 2022
ALL FUNDS RAISED ARE GOING TO THE LIONS' UKRAINE APPEAL
Over 100 chums joined us for a fun quiz evening and raised over £700. Lions Laura and Lisa did great job on the questions and answers. It was a lively, informal get-together. There was a great raffle and prizes for the winners too. And that was 'Trivia Newton John'. Church Crookham Community Centre proved to be a nice venue. Want to join in the fun? The next one will probably be in 6 month's time.
Lions Jubilee Bluebell Walk - Sunday 15th May 2022
We've just (7 May) checked out the route and it's looking good with lovely bluebells as well as some orchids. The highland cattle were looking very handsome! The weather is looking good too so do come and join us on this lovely walk to see the beautiful bluebells and celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, while helping people in need.
Fleet Lions are organising this walk in this natural, recreational space of over 200 acres. Do come and join us as we learn about all of the wildlife on the edge of Fleet.
The walk is at Naishes Lane SANG, off Naishes Lane, Church Crookham. Nearest Postcode: GU52 8TJ. More details and registration here.
Enter your historic vehicles in Fleet's Jubilee procession
Do you have a car you'd like to enter in an historic vehicle procession down Fleet's High Street on June 4, 2022? The procession will reflect all 70 years of Her Majesty's reign with 70 cars, 10 for each decade. If so then contact henry@uccs.co.uk with a short description, 3 pics and registration date. More details here.
Register for our quiz on 23 April
ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL GO TO THE LIONS' UKRAINE APPEAL
Join us for a fun quiz evening. Just an informal get-together with a few questions to get your brain cells up and running. Teams of 6 - bring your own drinks and nibbles and glasses. Raffle and prizes. 7pm for 7:15pm start, Church Crookham Community Centre, Boyce Rd, Church Crookham, GU52 8AQ. Want to join in the fun? Register in advance and pay on the night Register now
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FIND DETAILS of where you can pick up and plant a tree on 26/27 March.
The sponsorship form to raise funds for your school is there too.
Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours 2 May 2022 : for various reasons this will not be going ahead this year
Our 37th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours will be again at The Key Car Park, Elvetham Heath, Fleet, GU51 1HA. We should have got several hundred amazing bikes and they all have a fabulous ride out at 11:00am before returning for judging by 2.15pm. So bring your bike along and join them. Or just come and have a look at them. Riders arrive between 9:30am and 10:30am. Hot rolls and drinks will be available. More details here.
Santa came to town!
Many thanks for your friendly welcomes & the smiling faces of all your lovely children. Santa had a great time and is looking forward to seeing you all again next year. You generously gave us over £6900. We've already put some of your donations to good use and distributed Christmas food parcels to those who need them. So you've made their Christmas a bit more special. And a very big thank you to Carol at Johnsons Cleaners in Fleet for cleaning our Fleet Lions Club's Santa outfits, all ready now for next year's tour of the town on our Christmas Float.
Santa will be coming to town from 9 December!
We're planning to do our Santa runs and statics this year and in a Covid-safe, socially distanced way. More details here. AND YOU CAN DONATE HERE. For the basic when and where of float routes click here. More details of the routes and a live tracker can be found by clicking here. The members of Fleet Lions would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Fireworks Fiesta 6 November
Thank you to everyone who supported us on this evening. We hope you enjoyed the great display. Thank you for coming along! We would have liked to have had a bigger crowd but sadly that's a consequence of these Covid times. We look forward to seeing you again next year when hopefully things will be back to normal. We are so sorry that a poor signal gave scanner issues at Merrivale and contactless payments fell over due to poor comms from our provider. We did put a lot of effort into trying to minimise the problems that might occur. And contactless payments were forced on us when our friends at HSBC closed their branch in Fleet.
Help us boost our fundraising
You may feel you'd like to continue supporting us in the work we do and make a donation. You can do so by using JustGiving which may allow us to claim Gift Aid.
Due to the rules/concerns over Covid-19 all our major fundraising events for 2020 and up to Autumn 2021 had to be cancelled. The Fireworks Fiesta was our first major fundraiser for 18 months. Our reserves have allowed us to continue helping our local community especially where Covid has increased their needs. We've been particularly careful to make sure the funds we've spent have given really good benefits to local people and organisations. We have continued this with our Christmas food parcels but the existing funds won't last for ever.
Glasgow Climate Change Conference explained
Lions care about the environment, and the biggest issue that faces us all is climate change. On 1 to 12 November 2021, Britain will host a meeting of global leaders, called COP26. They'll talk about what ALL countries need to do to reduce the risks of climate change for us and future generations. So we've attached a document from WWF that explains the issues they'll be talking about and what actions governments – AND YOU - can take to help. Download the presentation here.
Another new member for Fleet Lions
James Nelmes was recently inducted into Lions at our September Club meeting. He had visited committees and Club meetings on Zoom and finally got to help at some of our live events and activities. President Lisa was very pleased to welcome him and he was sponsored by Lion Mark Cooper MJF (on the left) after he was contacted by James initially. It was great to also have our new District Governor Brian Donovan present in the background too (not like him!).
Fireworks Fiesta - UPDATE : Sorry all tickets are now sold out PLEASE DO NOT COME ALONG IF YOU DON'T HAVE TICKETS
We will have a great display on 6 November at Calthorpe Park, Reading Road North. And do all we can to keep you safe in these uncertain times. We won't have the large number of food & drink stalls we normally have and entry will ONLY be by tickets bought online IN ADVANCE. We will restrict tickets sales to 4,200 so the crowd will not be as big as it has been in the past & you will be able to distance yourselves from others more easily. There are more details on our Fireworks Fiesta page, particularly about keeping you safe and how to get your tickets.
Dave Hurrell has finally left the stage
We said our final goodbyes to Dave at his funeral earlier this year. It was packed out with so many people he'd touched over the years. 'Elvis' had done so much for charities in the local area. And he entertained us all so well and so many times. Dave performed his Elvis Presley appreciation act at dozens of venues for the benefit of numerous local causes including our own FunFest. He raised thousands of pounds for charities in North Hampshire and Surrey. We honoured him when we presented him with a Melvin Jones Fellowship – the highest award within the Lions Clubs International movement. Elvis has left the building - but not our hearts!
Charity Walk - come and discover the beauty of nature on your doorstep while helping people in need - Sunday 22 August.
Fleet Lions organised our first Charity Walk in this lovely natural, recreational space of over 200 acres. Nearly 100 adults, children, dogs and one unicorn came and joined us and learnt about all of the plants and wildlife on the edge of Fleet. Many commented that the SANG was a new place for them and they would return to enjoy it again.
The walk was at Naishes Lane SANG, off Naishes Lane, Church Crookham. Nearest Postcode: GU52 8TJ
More details here.
Lions' Summer Fun Day - 15 August, Yateley Manor School
The Summer Fun Day was a fun packed day for people with disabilities or special educational needs, their families and helpers. There was no charge to attend but those wishing to attend had to register. The emphasis was on music and fun, for people of all ages and abilities: with bouncy castles, roundabouts, steam train rides, face painting and plenty of sideshows and games. Around 600 people came along and had a great time in the sun. And Victoria BeeBee had them on their feet dancing to her great songs. The event was run by us, Aldershot, Farnborough, Hart, Hook and Odiham, Lodden Valley and Yateley Lions. We all contributed to the cost of staging the event.
A new year and a new President
So a new year begins for us on 1 July. And we have our first lady President, Lisa Rust. She's done a great podcast about Lions with Fleet Community Life. Lisa has been with us for three years now having started with our road closure activities. She helps at the Lions Community Store, coordinates the Lions 'Message in a Bottle' scheme in Fleet and collects 1000s of used spectacles from Fleet's opticians for the 'Third World'. She's done lots to help during the pandemic and would like to see Fleet Lions continue to help our local community come out of the other side of Covid 19. We hope to run projects within the local schools as the children are our next generation of volunteers. We're looking at running projects that help our environment. And Lisa hopes we will also find time for friendship and having fun too! We're all looking forward to a great year under Lisa's watchful eye and steady hand.
An Honour for Sue Vincent
Our President Bill presented Sue Vincent from Hart Voluntary Action with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award at the vaccination clinic today. It's the highest award we can give and extremely well deserved for all her fantastic work for the community, especially the Covid hub and vaccination centres.
And an MJF for Lions Graham Drayton, Mark Cooper and Mike Collen too
These guys have done so much for the local community, particularly during the pandemic. So it is only right we should have given them the highest Lions honour possible, an MJF.
See their surprise here: https://youtu.be/YQ9lkZLUAXg
A new member for a new year
Robert Norris (RHS) was recently inducted into Fleet Lions by President Bill as his year came to an end. Robert was sponsored by Lion Graham MJF (LHS) who is one of the leading lights in our IT recycling project as that's how Robert became involved in Lions' activities.
14th Beerfest Sadly Cancelled
We heard that a delay of 4 weeks for Stage 4 relaxation of rules will be announced on 14th June. And of course it could be longer. We feel the odds are against us so decided we're sadly going to cancel the Lions Beerfest this year. Under current rules it just isn't viable enough. We need the rules relaxed as promised for Stage 4.
Home Prostate screening tests - find the missing men
There has been a massive fall in the number of men being referred by GPs for diagnostic tests during the pandemic. So we are sponsoring home testing kits for prostate cancer. Fleet Lions, working with the Graham Fulford Trust are offering Fleet men aged 40 to 70 a simple finger prick test that can be done at home. It'll take 5 mins to follow the simple instructions. Said Lion Brian Proctor, "with one man dying every hour from prostate cancer and 40,000 new cases every year, a home testing kit could be the best gift for life ever. Early detection and treatment may vastly increase chances of survival." To register for a test and Find out more...
Our 2nd on-line quiz on 15 May
We had a good few entries join our 2nd online quiz and some even worked as virtual teams across several households! We asked for a donation via our Virgin Money Giving page, just click here & raised a nice sum for our charitable activities. Lots of favourite tipples & nibbles & curries from the comfort of their own home. Lion Laura hosted a great night. Hopefully our next quiz evening will be face to face.
Register for our 2nd on-line quiz on 15 May
Join us for a fun quiz evening - no prizes, just an informal get-together with a few questions to get your brain cells back in action as we come out of lock-down. This is our second online Quiz. Just register and Zoom log-in details will be sent nearer the time. Only one person per household need register. We are asking for a donation via our Virgin Money Giving page, just click here. Get yourself lots of favourite tipples & nibbles & curries and Lion Laura will host a great night from the comfort of your own home.
Please welcome our newest Lion to our pride, Marcel.
Yes - it was our first on-line quiz
We had over 20 entries join our first online quiz last night and some even worked as virtual teams across several households! We asked for a donation & raised a nice sum for our charitable activities. Lots of favourite tipples & nibbles & curries from the comfort of their own home. Lion Laura hosted a great night.
Community Store open again
The community store is now open again (24/2/21). Donations cannot currently be accepted without booking, Please email admin@communitystore.org.uk to book a timed slot Tues-Thurs between 10am and 12 to drop off smaller items. Thank you for your support.
Santa's visit to Fleet
It was different for us but we hope you got to see Santa this year. All your donations were very welcome and have gone towards the 140 food parcels the Lions Community Store distributed for us this year. And thanks for all the entries in our colouring competition. The winners were:
We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year in which you can come along to some of our events.
Home Prostate screening tests - calling all men aged 40 to 70
With one man every hour dying from prostate cancer and 40,000 new cases every year and no national screening available, we aim to provide a PSA blood test to as many men between 40 and 70 as possible. It's well proven that early detection and treatment may vastly increase your chances of survival.
Home Prostate screening tests available
Based on the success of our previous Prostate Cancer Awareness days, Fleet Lions are working with the Graham Fulford Trust to offer men a simple finger prick test that can be done at home. It'll take you 5 mins to follow the simple instructions.
Make a donation and leave a Christmas message
Click here to leave a Christmas message and help us to continue helping others
Santa will be coming to town from 8 December!
We're planning to do our Santa runs and statics this year and in a Covid-safe, socially distanced way. Donations will be very welcome. We're also having a Christmas Colouring Competition where where you can win a 92 piece art set. Just download and colour in your favourite picture and deliver to Father Christmas on the Lions Christmas float. For more details of float routes and to download pictures click here. The members of Fleet Lions would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Denis joins us
We were very pleased that Denis Rees-Clark has decided to join us. He's been around at many of our events over the past few years so knows what's involved and has joined us for our recent Club and committee Zoom meetings. We badged him up in a socially distant way and then shared the simple ceremony with our Club members by video.
Lions Community Store Christmas toys appeal
The Store is now collecting brand new toys and Christmas themed sweets/chocolate for distribution for Christmas. If you want to donate something please email the Store @ admin@communitystore.org.uk or message Fleet Lions on our Facebook page.
4 Nov 2020: For the latest period of national lockdown the Store is no longer accepting donations and all assistance requests should be made to admin@communitystore.org.uk
Wearing a face mask making your ears sore?
Fleet & Aldershot Lions come to the rescue making straps to relieve pressure on the ears of our wonderful medical staff & care workers, who may have to wear masks all day. Watch our 3d Printer creating these using time-lapse to speed up from 2.5 hours to just over a minute!
Our New President
1st of July and the start of Fleet Lions' year and with that we have a new President for 2020/21, Lion Bill Petley. Congratulations Bill, may you have a great year!
Our thanks to the outgoing President Lion Mark Cooper who has successfully kept us all sane during this very difficult period.
Top Lions Honour for David Millen
We were recently very proud to present Lions International's highest recognition award to David Millen. David has been recognised by Fleet Lions for his outstanding commitment to serving his community both locally and further afield.
He has been a major driving force within the scouting movement and Royal British Legion, running the ever growing popular Remembrance parades. Fleet is very lucky to have such a dedicated resident with incredible energy who is always on hand to support community projects such as Carnival, Christmas Festival, Beerfest, Fireworks and numerous other projects with Road Closures and Marshalling.
Lions 14th Beerfest: Postponed to 13 February 2021
We've postponed our August Beerfest to 13 February 2021. We guess this won't come as a surprise to you. The Government's plans to come out of lockdown are not going to allow an event such as ours to be held at the Harlington on 1 August. So we have booked a slot for when we hope a lot of the current, necessary restrictions will have been eased. We'd guess tickets will be on sale towards the end of the year.
Supporting Brain Tumour Research
Lions 
Clubs in the UK are working in partnership with Brain Tumour Research to raise £1 million over four years to help fund game-changing research and raise awareness of the impact of brain tumours. Brain tumours are indiscriminate. They can affect anyone at any age.
More details here. Make a donation here.
Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours 8 May 2020
SORRY THIS HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED
Hopefully see you on 3 May 2021
HAVE A LOOK AT OUR EVENT A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK.
Lions COVID-19 support in Fleet
Do you need help?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – helping Hart residents most in need
A helpline is now available to provide information and advice, as well as practical support, to frail or vulnerable Hampshire residents during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline is 0333 370 4000
The helpline is available 7 days a week, from 9am to 5pm, and is for vulnerable people who do not have support from families, friends or their local community, and who need urgent assistance with practical issues such as essential food/household supplies or collection of medication, or who are at risk of loneliness. Hart residents who contact the helpline will be directed to appropriate support within the local community, including services and support being provided through the newly formed Hart Response Hub. The Hub is jointly managed by Hart District Council and Hart Voluntary Action, working in partnership with established voluntary groups such as Fleet & Hart Lions, Churches Together in Fleet and Hart Foodbank, and local volunteers.
Do you want to help?
Just fill in the form here and let us know your details. Hart Voluntary Action are currently working through the kind offers they have received so far.
Lions Community Store Needs Your Help
The Lions Community Store is in desperate need of household goods and appliances in reasonable condition to support needy families and individuals in our area. They urgently need more furniture (especially small settees and chests of drawers), bedding, "white goods" (washing machines, fridges, fridge/freezers) and small electrical goods (toasters, kettles, microwaves, TVs, lamps, vacuum cleaners). If you have any suitable items they will collect them at a time to suit you. Please contact the Store by phone (01252 616998) or e-mail (admin@communitystore.org.uk).
Find out about the Store's work at www.communitystore.org.uk
To contact the Store or for full details of what they do and how they can help you please go to their independent web site here. Fleet Lions are not involved in day-to-day operations and may not pass-on your messages!
Recycled Computers
Fleet Lions have teamed up with other Lions Clubs in the area and as part of the Microsoft Registered Refurbisher scheme are now refurbishing PCs and laptops and donating them with preinstalled Microsoft software to local non-profit organisations, charities, preschools and families in need. Each PC is loaded with an official copy of Windows 10 Pro and a range of free software, including Libre Office. Contact it@fleetlions.org.uk
Lions' Den
This was cancelled due to the coronavirus
DOES YOUR COMMUNITY PROJECT NEED SUPPORT?
DARE YOU ENTER THE LIONS' DEN on 22 May?
THE big chance for individuals or voluntary and community organisations to present their ideas to a panel of Dragons organised by Fleet Lions – with a chance of winning financial or other support. More details here.
Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours 8 May 2020
This was cancelled due to the coronavirus
Hopefully see you on 3 May 2021
Our 37th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours would have been again at The Key Car Park, Elvetham Heath, Fleet, GU51 1HA. We would have got several hundred amazing bikes and they all have a fabulous ride out at 11:00am before returning for judging by 2.15pm. So bring your bike along and join them. Or just come and have a look at them. Riders arrive between 9:30am and 10:30am. Hot rolls and drinks will be available. More details here.
Very sad news
It is with deep sadness that we have to announce the passing of Beverley Allardice MBE, MJF. The manager and stalwart of the hugely successful Lions Community Store since 1995, she was appointed MBE by the Queen in 2002 for her outstanding contribution to the local community and was honoured in 2008 with the Lions MJF award. Often said in these circumstances but never meant more passionately: Bev will be very greatly missed. We're sure you will all join with us in condolences to her family and loved ones.
Wenceslas Project
At this time of year of Good Will to All Men, are your financial circumstances such that you could forego your annual Winter Fuel Allowance, knowing that by doing so you could help a local family that is suffering from Fuel Poverty? You donate your Winter Fuel Allowances – in full or partial payments – we hold them in a fund to pay fuel charges for local families that are in debt to their energy suppliers. For more details click here.
Diabetes Screening Event
Are you at risk of Diabetes? Invest 10 minutes of your time with Fleet Lions on 1 February in the Hart Shopping Centre and find out. 90 of you did the screening which showed that half of you needed to take action. A few of you were referred to your GP. And we had some nice chats too!
We were there between 10am and 3:30pm; the free screening didn't involve taking blood samples and you didn't need an appointment. More...
Christmas Float
We and Hart Lions toured Fleet and Church Crookham with our Christmas Float during December. We were also at the Hart Shopping Centre and outside Morrisons. You generously donated just under £7,000 to help those less fortunate. Very many thanks, we'll use it wisely and started by providing seasonal food parcels to people identified through the Lions Community Store. A special thanks to elves Dennis Rees-Clark, Simon Rust and Phill Gower for providing their own reindeer!
Christmas Carol Concert - Wednesday 4th December
Our annual Christmas Carol Concert for elderly citizens took place at the Church on the Heath, Elvetham Heath. Home Instead Farnborough kindly sponsored this year's event. It was our pleasure to welcome nearly 200 guests. Beginners on Stage, Stagecoach Performing Arts and Shuffletunes did a marvellous job entertaining everyone. So a big thanks to them. And of course the Lions finished things off with a rousing song too!
Bavarian Evening - Saturday 23 November
Zebon Community Centre, Danvers Drive, Church Crookham GU52 0ZE
Loads of you joined us for a fantastic evening of German themed entertainment from the Bettesteiner Footstompers Oompah Band. It was all a bit crazy and you raised a tidy sum that we will use to help others. Thanks for coming. And ta to the Verne chippy for the grub! And next year's will be 24 Oktober, 2020.
Fleet Lions Firework Fiesta - 2 November 2019
WE DIDN'T LET A DROP OF RAIN SPOIL OUR FABULOUS SHOW but it made it hard work for us!
Thanks folks for turning out to our fireworks on such a manky night. Over 4000 of you did. The weather gave us a lot of problems so apologies for a late start. And also for the funny ending of the display – the wind broke our 'goodnight' to you. Hopefully better weather next year and we'll see you then.
Prostate Cancer Screening
250 of you came along and had a PSA test carried out on 19 September 2019. Hopefully we will have saved some lives. The event costs around £20 pp to put on and donations through our website or by sending us a cheque will be used to fund further screening events. Click here for some very personal feedback about why this project is so important.
Across the country the Lions have now tested 136,000 men!
Fleet Lions 13th Beerfest
Saturday 3rd August 2019
Thanx to all of you who came along ... and thanx to all our helpers too. What a great job the bands and food franchises and gin bar did. We all had a great time and made best part of £11k for good causes like RNIB, the Macular Society and Hampshire Search & Rescue. See you on 1 August 2020! And thanks to fleethants.com for their video to give you a flavour of the day. Sadly we've lost our sponsor, the Hammerpot Brewery, as they're closing. They've been good friends to us for many years so we wish everyone who's worked there all the best for their future.
Diabetes: Know Your Risk
we did detailed checks without blood tests at the Fleet Food Festival on 22 & 23 June at the Views. Click here for more details about diabetes.
36th Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours
Monday 6th May 2019 - Key Car Park, Elvetham Heath, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 1HA.
240 bikes came along! Many thanks to you all and the public who came too. More details here...
Prostate Screening Event
Thursday 2nd May 2019 - Aldershot Centre for Health, Hospital Hill, Aldershot GU11 1AY.
Prostate cancer is one of the biggest killers of men over 45 in the UK. One man dies every hour in the UK and early treatment saves lives. We ran this event in conjunction with Aldershot Lions Club and screened nearly 150 men.
Diabetes: Know Your Risk
We saw nearly 100 of you at the Hart Shopping Centre on 9 February & did some detailed checks without testing bloods. Quite a few people fell into the moderate and high risk groups & were given referral letters for their GP for more detailed medical assessment. Everyone was given leaflets targeted at their risk profile on what actions they should and could do to reduce the chances of developing this crippling condition. Click here for more details about diabetes.
Good King Wenceslas Project 2018/19
Use your annual Winter Fuel Allowance to help a local family in fuel poverty. We will hold it in a fund, vet & pay fuel charges for local families that are in debt to their energy supplier suppliers. More details here. Click here for how to make your donation.
Santa's visit to Fleet
We met some lovely people when we were out and about helping Santa this year. Apologies to those of you who thought Santa and his Lion Snowmen would be visiting you on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 Dec when his sleigh was bust!. Thanks to Elf Phill Gower for fixing it. And thanks for your understanding and generosity.
Carol Concert, Wednesday 5th December
We entertained over 200 older folks at our event this year. We had some amazing entertainment from BEGINNERS ON STAGE - a fabulous group of young people from our local drama school, SHUFFLE TUNES - who were much, much more than a choir & the ELVETHAM COMMUNITY CHOIR were brilliant too. And many thanks to MORRISONS for letting us use their overflow car park.
Bavarian Evening, Friday 23rd November
And a fabulous night was had by all!. The brilliant Bettesteiner Footstompers Oompah Band were back with us again and certainly made things go with ein voller Erfolg sein.
Thanks for coming to our Firework Fiesta
Over 7000 of you joined us to enjoy over £6000 of fireworks, lots of good food and drinks, and had your fireworks party with us. The Star Wars guys had a great time too!
It was great to meet you!
Arie and Richard were ready for a chat. If you didn't catch them then send us an email to membership@fleetlions.org.uk
Meet (and join?) the volunteers of Fleet
Do you enjoy being part of this great community? Want to know more how to help keep it great ? Join Fleet Lions and HVA and so many local groups from community service, scouts, environment etc. who rely on volunteers to make the town a great place to live.
Come and talk to the Lions. We'd like to find more members but also people who just want to help at the events we organise for the people of Fleet.
12th Night Beerfest on Saturday 4th August
What a fabulous day! Over 900 of you came and drank over 3500 pints of 44 beers + ciders. That has raised over £10,000 for charitable purposes. Silent Pool gin seemed to slip down well too. + great music and food. So Sebastian's Action Trust & Hampshire Search & Rescue went home with a nice cheque.
No.13 WILL BE ON 3 AUGUST 2019, SO PUT IT IN YOUR DIARIES.
Prostate Screening
We organised another screening event on 17 July at Fleet Hospital. It was for men over 45 who have not had a PSA test before. We screened 247 men. Thanks to those who helped and those who came along.
Donations towards the next event can be made at : mydonate
Lions Den : 2018 Successful Applicants
The successful applicants to this year's Lions' Den received donations totalling £9,645. Pictured are some of the grant winners with 2017/18 Fleet Lions President, Lion James Powell. They included the 101st Scout Group, Hart Voluntary Action, four local scouts, the Live at Home Scheme, Fleet and Church Crookham Community First Responders, CLIC Sargent, Church Crookham and Fleet Mens' Shed, local person proposing to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, Basingbourne Park, Fleet Town Football Club. We congratulate them all.
35th Motorcycle Run and Concours : May 7th 2018
What a fabulous day we all had - and over 250 amazing machines to be admired. Thanks for coming and allowing us to raise funds for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and Fleet & Church Crookham First Responders. See some photos from the day taken by Lion Paulo Silva.
Fleet Lions celebrates a 'Century of Service' at Buckingham Palace
The Countess of Wessex G.C.V.O. as Patron of Lions Clubs of the British Isles held a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, 28th February to celebrate a 'Century of Service'. HRH has been its Patron since 2004.
Our President James Powell joined in the 100th Birthday celebrations with hundreds of volunteers who came together with the organisations' partners for this special occasion.
Lion Phil Nathan MBE, Chair of the Centenary Celebrations for Lions Clubs of the British Isles said "Let me begin by saying that during our 1st Century of service, Lions Clubs have touched millions of lives of people that needed us. 100 years of service to the community is a remarkable achievement, made possible by the selfless actions of many thousands of individual men and women, each of whom has sought to make 'their' community a better place. As we enter our 2nd Century, the cry for help from those in need will most certainly become louder and we as volunteers are ready to show as Lions, We Care".
Lions Clubs International focusses through its Lions and Leos members upon major projects that address diabetes, youth, the environment, hunger relief, childhood cancer and sight issues affecting communities throughout the world. And of course Fleet Lions do our best to serve our local community too.
Library display of our history
Fleet Lions go public! A big thank you to Fleet and Crookham Local History Group for letting us use their display cabinets on the top floor of the Library. Particularly to Colin for making it all look very professional. A chance to find out a bit about the history of Fleet Lions, why we serve, what we do, artefacts, awards and how to get involved. Do take a look!
[Photo by Lion Jim Storey shows Lion Pete Pickett, prospective Lion Marilyn and Lion
Graham Drayton]
An MJF for Elvis
At a recent luncheon, the Lions Club of Fleet surprised 'Elvis' by honouring him for his years of charity work in the local area. It was a total surprise for Dave Hurrell aka Dale Fontaine when the Lions presented him with a Melvin Jones Fellowship – the highest award within the Lions Clubs International movement. For decades, Dave has performed his Elvis Presley appreciation act at dozens of venues for the benefit of numerous local causes including our own FunFest. He's raised thousands of pounds for charities in North Hampshire and Surrey.
Santa has put his feet up for another year!
In December our Christmas Float toured the streets of Fleet and Church Crookham and gave pleasure to hundreds of young and old alike. And the amazing news is that our generous residents donated the best part of £7000 that we and our friends from Hart Lions can use to help others. Our thanks also go to a number of cheerful 'Friends of Fleet Lions' without whom we would not have been able to operate. A particularly big thank you too to our Vice President Kevin who stabled, fed and watered our reindeer every night!
Christmas food parcels
This year we had a lively morning in the storeroom at Morrisons where we packed 120 food parcels. They have all been delivered now and hopefully will help some local people have a bit better Christmas. A big thanks to all the staff at Morrisons for managing to avoid being tripped up by us!
Christmas Concert
What a fabulous evening we and 300 of our older residents had on 6 December at the Church on the Heath. We were all entertained by choirs from the Grey House School, Hartley Wintney, the Elvetham Community Choir, the Church on the Heath Gospel choir; as well as bubbles of fun with Caroline, Jenny and Sarah who are "Champagne at the Blitz". See some photos from the event
21st August 2014
Fair winds for the Lion Ian Imray MBE
Sailability's new boat at Frensham Pond has been named in honour of a dear departed Fleet Lion, Past District Governor Lion Ian Imray MBE.
Members of the Imray family, led by Ian's widow Joy, gathered at Frensham Pond, Surrey to launch the new sailing dingy named Lion Ian Imray MBE. The Hansa 303 was bought with funds raised by Fleet Lions and will be used by disabled people who wish to sail.
Sailability's Chair, Kate Richardson opened the ceremony and thanked Fleet Lions for their generous donation and went on to explain Sailability's aims. "Through the Royal Yachting Association's Sailability, over 40,000 young people and adults with disabilities are introduced to sailing each year and many go on to sail on a regular basis. Sailing is one of the few sports in which able-bodied and disabled sailors can participate on equal terms."
Fleet's 2013-14 President Lion Julian Behmber was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition and joined this year's Fleet President Lion Paul Doughty in paying tribute to PDG Lion Ian Imray MBE. Paul explained that PDG Ian had been a keen sailor in Zimbabwe where he and Joy and their family had lived until 2006.
Joy blessed the boat with a bottle of bubbly and it was then launched to much applause. Joy was especially delighted that her 7 year old Great Grandson Evan was the first to sail her thanks to Bridget one of Sailability's instructors.
See some more photos on our Gallery...
For more information see the RYA Sailability website.
