Post market collection do at Ian's

Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil and See no Evil; 3 Lions warming their vitals on Ian's hearth. We would have had something to eat and drink but we couldn't get up.

Scenes from the float '09

This is what it's all about!! Collect a bit of money and then stuff your face with mince pies at regular stops along the route. David's looking really guilty - so he should, he's just stuffed 3 pies into his mouth and John's almost caught him out. Marie is looking for yet another loo stop.

What do you call a gathering of Santas, a Claustraphobia, I've just made that up!! Nick doesn't fancy the pies and is kindly asking John if he has any warm nuts. Looking at where is hand's going, I think he's taking it a bit too far.

And then onto the pub to count up the money with yet more food and ale. In fact, is this whole fortnight just one big excuse for an elaborate pub crawl? Couldn't we extend this to last most of the year - then again perhaps not - we wouldn't survive. What's surprising though is that despite the fact that we have a retired banker, 3 tax men and other highly and more intelligent Lions, we have yet to add up the collection correctly.

Christmas Dance '09

Riemie and Annick as part of the 'welcome' committee demanding money for the raffle. Even poor Sue was not allowed to pass. However, they do look rather glamorous (I was made to add that), Riem's standing behind me with a hammer drill.


Here we've captured a very rare moment - dancing Lions. Mike and Mick are doing their version of 'dad dancing', better though than the lady in the background who is attempting to take off.



And the band generating all this enthusiasm is, and always has been, the Jimmy Willan band who have done sterling work for many a year. When he first came all of the Lions were still working and they could manage to dance for more than two numbers on the trot.

Senior Citizens' Concert Dec. '09

The Senior Citizens were welcomed by Ian (Rudolph) Robinson - he's already been given a place in one of the local homes for the deranged. However, even this did not deter over a 100 'Seniors' attending the concert.



Part of the Lion's choir augmented by some of our wives, partners or girlfriends (wishful thinking)!!
Unfortunately we do not have photos of the other excellent acts - 'The Palace Singers' and and a barber shop quartet 'Special Blend'. The audience had a great time apart from those who feinted and were whisked off by St. John's.


Proof that had good time was had by all. Sandwiches and refreshments provided by the Lions + a contribution of mince pies from the Coop.

firework display 2009

Fortunately the weather was perfect - no wind or rain. The entrance to the field looked like a fairy grotto, candle lit pumpkins lined the route, the smell of burgers and sausages whafted down from the BBQ and Roger's mushy peas gave a sensory experience which no punter could possibly resist.

And just to add to the appeal, we have two glamorous assistants, Kathy and Marion, who delicately served the cuisine with onions or ketchup. Roger's looking on and asking if anybody wants his 'mushy's'.


Graham, Tony and Nick waiting in anticipation for the hordes to descend. Tony being the chief pyrotechnic is looking most concerned. It's extremely important to to get the order of fireworks correct, nobody wants your 'Barrage Box' to go off before
we've seen the 'Sweet Dreams' or even the 'Swedish Delight'

This was a rather unkind picture. Not a nice way to describe fellow Lions. Whoever took this should be heavily fined. I thought Malcolm and Richard did a fine job although this was taken at 10pm when everyone else was in the pub

Everybody gets roped in - friends, family and partners and who knows, potential future Lions but don't mention it within their earshot.

This is where all the really hard work is done - Ian, John, Graham and Mike sweating over the burgers, sausages and onions. The public can be so demanding, wanting everything cooked thoroughly. We even managed 'flamegrilled' but only when it was getting cold.

Where's the Health and Safety when you want them? Roger is showing off his bandaged fingers - the first case that St. John's have had to deal with since the fireworks started in 1605. Somebody needs to tell him that it's better to use a ladle to put the peas into the cartons.

BBQ - August '09

On a rather damp and cool August evening the Lions brave the elements and hold their annual BBQ. This fine body of men are gathered around the coals more to keep warm than to practice their culinary arts.
Barry's holding a very impressive piece of equipment, Graham wondering what he's going to do with it and Mike, Joe, Richard and Vernon trying to stand downwind.


The 'Reindeer' provided all the equipment and food for which Tony is giving a well desrved round of applause. The more sensible Lions edge towards the pub.
A successful evening but next year could we not find a warmer venue - the Maldives perhaps or David Peel's conservatory.

STOP PRESS!!

Mike Broadley has kindly offered his recycled garden shed as a multi-purpose amenity for future Lions activities: Suggestions so far include - A Firework store, venue for sub committee meetings, the Presidents BBQ, a paint store for John.H., holiday chalet - £10/week for two sharing a camp bed - contents of chamber pot to be tipped over vegetables (ammonia is supposed to be very good for adding colour and size to your cucumbers), a quiet 'retreat' for all those tax officials and bankers who need to get away from constant abuse and finally a small but excusive drinking establishment - BYO alcohol, crisps and nuts - salad and fresh berries are available for free from the allotment.