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It's so important to keep in touch,
so here's our latest
news....
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| Laura with supporters after her win |
LIONS LAURA THE WINNER Cellist Laura Van Den Heijden
won the Lions SE District Music Competition held at the De la Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Sunday 15th January. Members COGS who sponsor
Laura were there with her parents to see her receive a cheque for £150 along with hearty congratulations from Lions
District Governor Frank Lees. Laura will now go on to the Multiple District stage of the competition which will be held in
Birmingham. For Sunday’s stage of the competition contestants had to play a compulsory piece which was Prelude from
suite No4 in E Flat Major BWV 1010 for Cello Solo by J S Bach which was to be followed by a piece of the contestants choice
from a list of 12. Laura chose Pezzo Capriccioso by Tchaikovsky. Laura, now aged 14, was born in England and is the youngest daughter of a Dutch father
and Swiss mother. They live in Sussex. Very early on it was clear that Laura had a strong relationship with music. She started
to play the recorder when she was four this was soon followed by the piano and when she was six she began to learn the cello.
Laura joined the junior department of the Royal College of Music when she was eight. At age 10 she passed her Grade 8 Associated
Board of the Royal School of Music exams for piano and cello.This very talented young lady has performed publicity many times and participated in
many competitions here in the UK as well as in Holland and Switzerland. In 2011 she was the winner of the Marjorie Humby competition
at the Royal School of Music and has now reached the televised stage of the BBC’s Young Musician competition which is
to be broadcast in May leading to the final on 13th May. COGS will be glued to their TV screens!
33rd CHARTER ANNIVERSARY
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| President Ken and his wife Lion Rita and Ken with TDC Chairman Brian Perkins and his wife, Sonia |
President Ken receives a plaque from District Governor
Frank Lees which was awarded to the Club in recognition of the number of Eye Camps the Club has funded down the years
On Saturday 22nd October
2011 the Club celebrated its 33rd Charter or birthday. The event was held at Nutfield Lodge and was well attended by
members and friends. Music during the meal and for the dancing afterwards was played by The Snow Band and very good they were
too! The Chairman of Tandrdige District Council Councillor Brian Perkins and his wife were the guests of honour along with
the District Governor Frank Lees and partner Judith. Charter evenings are to mark the number of years a Club has been in existance
and is a great opportunity to not only celebrate that but to look over what has been done by the Club during the year and
what is planned for the future. Other Lions from the District came from: Horley, Croydon, Haywards Heath, Arundel-Barnham
and Uckfield Clubs.
| Bob, John, Caroline & Andrea happy in the kitchen! |
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| Ken hands over the cheque to Louise |
QUIZ NIGHT AT THE WHITEHART BARN
On Saturday 1st October we held a Quiz Night at the White Hart Barn. The event was well attended and before the proceedings
started Lion President Ken handed a for £600 to Godstone Fete Committee Chairman Louise Chase. The money had been
raised at the Gostone Village Fete in August. Louise said that it would go towards local charities supported by the Committee.
The Quiz was won by the "Slash & Burn" Team led by Jean Jones and including Jane and Chris Turvey and Robert
and Hilary Clark, all members of the Gardening Club. Congratulations to them.
The questions were researched and asked
by Caroline Ballantyne whose husband John kept score. The delicious supper was served by Lion Bob Frost aand his wife Andrea.
| Alex with Lion President Ken and Peter Drysdale |
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A New Member
COGS
are delighted that their friend Alex Kirk has joined the Lions! Alex has already shown that he is a great team player. At
the Godstone Fete on August Bank Holiday he turned his hand to any task and became a real expert on the candy floss machine
in no time at all.
Alex who is a trainee solicitor with Tandridge District Council and who comes from Redcar was sponsored
by Peter Drysdale and was enrolled at the lat Business Meeting. Welcome Alex.
A Tiger with the Lions
This huge tiger was won by the Godwin family and Ian came to collect it at the end of Godstone Fete.
The tiger
was donated to the Club and was the prize for the person guessing the nearest mileage of the Club's minibus.
Before
guessing the mileage Mrs Godwin had offered to make a contribution to the Club and was persuaded instead to pay 50p to guess
how many miles the bus had done.....and she won! Well done.
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| Ian with Trudy, Simon and the tiger |
Lions on The Green
The
Club had a very successful day at the Godstone Fete which is held every Bank Holiday Monday on the Green in Godstone. A lot
of members and partners turned out to cook burgers, sausages and bacon rolls. There was popcorn and candyfloss as well
as tea, cakes and cold drinks. A great asset was was Alex who hopes to become a member of the Club. He took his turn with
all the activities and turned out to be an expert with the candyfloss machine. Thanks Alex!
The Club raised £2,000
which will go towards those in need and deserving causes in the local area. We would like to thank all those who visited our
marquee and helped us raise the money we did.
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| Lion President Ken presents Alan with his award |
Alan gets his just award!
At the last Club meeting Alan Ingram received his 100% attendance award. It was presented to him on the same evening as
he sponsored Josie Barbara as a new member. Alan was also congratulated on having given Lions 25 years of unbroken service.
Congratulations Alan.
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| Josie with Lion Ken and Lion Alan Ingram her sponsor |
Josie joins the Lions
Josie
Barbara has joined COGS as an affilliate member. Josie is no stranger to the Club as her late husband Laurie was a member
for many years. She has always helped out at the Club's fundraising events and attended many social gatherings with Laurie
as well as going along to Conventions. She was enrolled at the last meeting by Lion President Ken Reissland. Everyone in the
Club was delighted to have her on board and very pleased that she has decided to join the gang. Welcome Josie.
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| John Quincey welcomes new President Ken Reissland |
 NEW PRESIDENT FOR COGS LIONS CLUB Ken Reissland is to be the Caterham, Oxted & Godstone (COGS) Lions
Club President for the Lions’ year 2011-2012. Ken is already well known in the area. For six years he has chaired
the Empowerment Board Meetings for people with disabilities in East Surrey. He is a member of Surrey Safeguarding Board and
is a member of Surrey Coalition for people with disabilities. He retired early in 1995 when he was a Principal Education Officer
dealing with educational problems in a large London borough. He was involved with child protection and was a qualified social
worker. As if that was not enough Ken still has time to enjoy his grand children, to do gardening and take care of a large
fish pond. He also has a full pilot’s licence. He has been with COGS for five years and gets a great deal of satisfaction
from being involved with Club activities, especially fund raising events and being the real Father Christmas visiting local
schools. He said: “I am delighted to be elected President and I look forward to the challenges ahead. Being
a member of a Lions Club is not just working for the community; it can be a lot of fun and brings with it good friendship”
Ken is married to Rita and lives in Warlingham.
HALLO
GOODBYE
The Club was very pleased to welcome an old member back into the fold at the last Business Meeting. Peter Reid, who is a
Past President of the Club, had had to leave some months ago due to family and other business pressures. Happily he is now
able to come back as an affiliate member and everyone is delighted to see him again. Sadly, another Lion, Alan Cridland who
joined COGS in 1978 has had to move on to another Club. Some years ago Alan moved to Crowborough but still came up to Godstone
for all our meetings and fund raising activities. He has joined his local Lions Club – Crowborough and now, instead
of having to drive some distance has a quick walk down the road for meetings. He will be greatly missed by all his chums in
COGS who wish him all the very best.
LION TOM PASSES TO HIGHER SERVICE
Tom Bannister who was very well known locally was a member of Caterham, Oxted & Godstone Lions, of Surrey Association
for Visual Impairment and was a former Chairman of the Lions Talking Newspaper died on Sunday 5th at St Helier's Hospital
after a long and courageous battle against illness which led to the amputation of both legs and finally renal failure.
Tom was born in 1941 in Godstone and on leaving school went to work at SEEBoard but due to a heredity eye disease
Tom went blind in 1973 and had to train for another profession so he trained as a piano tuner and with his wife Marie established
a business tuning pianos both privately and in many schools in East Surrey. Accompanied by a succession of trusty guide dogs,
he was a familiar and well loved figure with the schoolchildren.
Determined to lead as normal a life as possible
Tom pursued many hobbies, joined the Lions Club in 1986, was the Club President in 2004 and every year until 2009 was Father
Christmas on the Club's Christmas float.
He was a founder member of the Lions Talking Newspaper and was Chairman
for 15 years during which time he made many contributions to the Magazine Section. He broadcast descriptions of visits to many
landmarks and stately homes. He interviewed people of different faiths and once drove a double decker bus and with a navigator
in a sidecar drove a motorbike.
The last four years saw Tom's health deteriorate and his stamina reduce but
he never lost his sense of humour, his quick and often wicked wit and his uncomplaining determination to live life to the
full. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Marie, his two children
by his first marriage and his sister.
CANDY AND POPCORN IN CATERHAM
The annual Caterham
Street Carnival took place on Sunday 29th May and COGS were there running a popular candyfloss and popcorn stall. Although
the weather was overcast the crowds came out to enjoy what was on offer up on the Hill. There was live music, not just pop
but some classical flute playing from Julie Groves who was sponsored a few years ago by COGS for the European Young Musician
Competition.
COGS stall soon had queues waiting for both popcorn and candyfloss but because the wind was strong it was
decided that putting the candyfloss on sticks might be a hazard for those trying to eat it, or worse it might have been carried
away by the wind. Instead it was put in bags but it didn't stop people buying it. There was a roaring trade in both the
candyfloss and the popcorn.
Takings were good in all about £500 all of which goes to local projects or for local
people in need. Thanks go to all those who helped make our day a success which helps us to help others.
BELFAST BASH
COGS
once again took to the road or sky to attend the Multiple District Convention in Belfast. A group of 16 made up of members
and their partners arrived the day before the Convention which started on 6th May. Apart from the business side of the trip
everyone took the opportunity to look round the City which is famous for building the Titanic, "She was
alright when she left here" they say. Bus tours which went to the Falls Road, Shankill Road and past the Crumlin Road
Jail also went out to Stormont and its beautiful grounds. The guides on the tours were all highly entertaining.
It is a fine City and all the Lions were made welcome wherever they went. The banquet and ball on the Saturday was a great
success with Belfast's High Sheriff giving a speech that was very amusing. On the Sunday evening COGS and partners
attended a dinner given in support of the next District Governor Frank Lees
| Lion President John quizzes the diners |
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St George's Supper
The Club celebrated St George's Day with a supper in the White Hart Barn in Godstone. The hall was decorated
in red and white with ribbon in the pattern of St George's cross laid across the tables. The food was simple, cottage
pie followed by apple pie and cream. Guests joined with members in the celebrations which included an unscheduled quiz. Not
too demanding but a lot of fun.
| The Magic of the Beatles |
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BEATLES MAKE US GLAD ALL OVER
On April 8th the Club held its annual fundraising concert which this year featured the tribute band The
Magic of the Beatles.
Over 200 hundred people attended the concert which was held at Caterham School in Harestone
Valley Road Caterham.
Young and old made up the audience which thoroughly enjoyed a trip back to the Swinging Sixties.
All those old favourites had people foot tapping, hand clapping and actually dancing in front of the band. "If you shut
your eyes" someone said "it was just like listening to the real thing."
The licenced bar did brisk business
as did the orders for interval drinks. The raffle was drawn before the concert began with winners later collecting their prizes.
In spite of having to change the date of the concert the hall was packed with enthusiastic supporters of the Club and a
total of £1,100 was raised which will go towards helping people in need in the Tandridge area.
COGS would like
to thank Caterham School for the use of their hall and would also like to thank all those who supported the event by buying
tickets.
Dancing with Lions
The
annual Barn Dance was held on 5th March at St Catherine's School Bletchingley. It was a great success and enjoyed by everyone.
Over 130 people of all ages attended and danced their socks off to the music of The Footnotes. The evening started at 7.30
and in no time the hall was packed with eager dancers. Everyone was really enthusiastic as the caller tried to get dancers
to follow the right steps and keep up with his instructions and the swinging music. There were plenty of mistakes in the footwork
but there was a lot of laughter and fun. A ploughmans supper was served halfway through the evening and there was a licensed
bar for those wishing to quench their thirst. This is proving to be a very popular event in our calendar and was a ssell out
again this year. The money raised was about £1100 which will go to local causes. It was a much needed boost to our charitible
funds which suffered as a result of the severe December weather which led to cancellations of our Santa visits in the neighbourhood.
A hearty thanks goes to all those who made the evening the great success it was!
40th Annual Convention District 105SE
| COGS at Eastbourne dinner |
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| Peter Drysdale receives his award |
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| Some of COGS in fancy dress |
Eight members
of the Club attended the annual District Convention in Eastbourne during the weekend of 11-13th February which was held at
the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne. The host Club organised a fun night on the Friday which was a 1920s night with a jazz
band playing the dance music. All those who attended were in 20s costumes and really entered into the spirit of the occasion.
The business of the Convention was the next day and was officially opened by the Worshipful Mayor of Eastbourne,
Councillor Carolyn Heaps. Other guest included International Director Gudrun Bjort Yngvadottir and Past International Governor
Jon Bjarni Thorsteinsson. District Governor Mike Howes held a very successful Convention which ran very smoothly and to time.
A witty and touching presentation of an appeal for St Duntans was given by Nigel Whiteley.
Towards the end of the day
the International Director, Gudrun Bjort Yngvadottir presented COGS member Peter Drysdale with an award for all the work he
had done down the years to promote international affairs. The picture shows Peter with the International Director and
the District Governor Mike Howes
| Alan gets his award from DG Mike Howes |
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District Governor Mike Howes visits COGS and hands
out awards
District Governor Mike Howes made an official visit to
the Club on 8th February. He chose a good night for his visit as the Club was to welcome its latest member who joined
that night. DG Mike guided Sue Hird-Jones through the inauguration proceedings which were witnessed by all those attending
the meeting.
As the meeting was drawing to a close and as DG Mike was giving his address to members he awarded Past President
Alan Turton with an Excellence Award in recognition of his fulfilment of all his duties during his year as Club President.
He then awarded a chevron to Lion President John Quincey as a token for the Club to keep and as a reminder of Lion Alan's
achievement.
Sue joins COGS
Sue Hird-Jones
became the latest member of the Club on Tuesday 8th February when she was inaugurated by the District Governor Mike Howes.
Sue is known to the Club as she has attened a lot of meetings during the past year and has also been a willing helper at the
many functions and events organised by the Club. Everyone wishes her welcome and hopes that she will have long and happy association
with the Club
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| Fiona Myall complete with trusty oboe |
Fiona's playing described
as 'outstanding'
Oboist Fiona Myall won second place in the south east stage
of the Lions European Music Competition in what was described as the 'closest of competitions'. After playing the
compulsory piece by J S Bach Fiona played the Sonata (1962) by F Poulenc which the adjudicator later described
as 'oustanding' and which she described as being the best played piece of the afternoon. Fiona, who comes from
Reigate has already gained a degree in music from Birmingham University and is now studying at the Guildhall School
of Music where she is doing an Artist Programme Performance which is an MA equivalent. Seven members of COGS and
their partners drove to Canterbury to support Fiona and her parents and although they were disappointed that she did not come
first they thought her playing was brilliant and are pleased that they can look forward to seeing and hearing her again in
June at the fundraising garden party.
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| The happy couple, Christmas Eve 2010 |
Newly Wed COG's
Congratulations to Jane Innes and Rob McLeod on their marriage on Christmas Eve 2010. Jane
and Rob have been members for over a year now and have been involved with both community service and fund raising activities.
All at COG's were thrilled at the news of their wedding which took place in Horsham followed by a reception in Lower Beeding.
The happy couple are spending a few days in the north west on honeymoon while looking forward to a warmer version in South
Africa later in the year.
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| Inspector Foot works out "who dun it!" |
Murder Mystery Night
On 13th November the actors of Dramatis Personae put on a production of
the murder mystery play The Willoughby Diamond to a hall packed with Lions and many guests. The event was held in
the White Hart Barn in Godstone. Most of those in the audience went to great efforts and turned up in some magnificent fancy
dress outfits in keeping with the period of the play the 1920s or in the Egyptian style - the Willoughby Diamond was an Egyptian
artefact. A meal of shepherds' pie followed by apple crumble and cream was served during the interval. The food had been
prepared by members of COGS or their partners and it all went down very well. Lesley Day (chairman of the Fundraising Committee),
husband Malcolm, Lion Jane (soon to be married) Innes and Paula Quincey, wife of Club President John worked incredibly
hard in the kitchen to make sure that everyone was well looked after and well fed. A paying bar was in operation throughout
the evening and there was a raffle to help towards raising funds. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and COGS were
most grateful of the support they got from all who attended. After all the expences were paid the funds raised came to about
£800. A great boost to the amount used by the Club to help towards Christmas food parcels for the elderly or needy
who live in the area.
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| Laura - mid performance |
LAURA IS NO 2 IN ALL OF EUROPE
Laura Snowden, classical guitarist from East Grinstead, sponsored by this Club and representative
of the British Isles and Ireland was given €2,000 in prize money for coming runner-up in a Europe wide competition
for young musicians. She beat 15 finalists, coming a very close second to the winner - a young lad from France. Seventeen
young people under 24 years of age and from all over Europe including Russia, Estonia and Israel competed to be the best in
Europe. A panel of judges, headed by the Director of Music at the Conservatoire in Bolgona had a tough job choosing the top
three and apparently Laura was only beaten by one mark. The competition took two days with each musician having to play a
set piece followed by a piece of their choice. The standard was very high but we knew that Laura would make a top spot and
of course we thought she should have come first! A group of Lions from COGS and their partners flew out to Bologna to support
Laura and to cheer her on at every round of the finals. In the evening following the end of the competition those musicians
and supporters who wished to go attended a fine dinner in the old town. This gave all the competitors the chance to discuss
with the judges what they thought of their performances. It gave the rest of us a chance to wind down and reflect on how brilliantly
our girl had done. We were all very proud of her. All this happened during the Europa Forum in Bologna and on the last
day Laura, who intends to put her prize money towards future music studies, was presented with her prize by International
President Sid Scruggs III. Well done Laura. Laura is pictured above playing her last number in the final.
A group of members of COGS and partners enjoy
a meal together in Florence a few days after celebrating Laura's success in the European finals for Young Musicians.
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| Lion Peter receives his award from Lion Jens Schulz |
A very special Charter
Anniversary Dinner
Long standing club member Lion Peter Drysdale has been given the highest
of Lions International awards. On the night of our 32nd Charter Anniversary Dinner Lion Dr Jens Schulz from Germany,
who had flown in especially to do the honours, gave Lion Peter a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship award.This,
as all Lions know, is given to outstanding Lions in recognition of the exceptional work that has been done and service
given by the recipient. Lion Peter, who already has a Melvin Jones Fellowship award, was given this additional
one at the combined suggestion of German District 111MN and UK's District 105SE in acknowledgement of the years of hard
work and dedication he put in to the twinning of the two Districts and for his years of service as International Relations
Officer.
Other service awards were given to Lion Steve Harley for 35 years service, Lion David Annenberg for five
years perfect attendance, LionTony Gordon for 30 years service and Lions Fran and Iain Pavely for 10 years service.
The dinner was a huge success with a record number of Lions , partners, friends and family attending. The guests were
piped into the dining room by 13 year old Sally Morritt, the Gatwick Caledonian Pipe Bands youngest and only female piper.
It was a happy evening with much to celebrate.
| President John Quincey with the Councillors |
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Not quite the blind leading
the blind...........
On Saturday 16th October distinguished politicians were to be seen
being led blindfolded through Church Walk in Caterham by members of COGS. They all wore Lions tabards and red blindfolds as
they were guided through the shopping centre watched by interested and slightly bemused shoppers. It was all part of Lions
World Sight Day. The event also gave the club the opportunity to draw attention to what is done locally to help the visually
impaired. The members of COGS who were to lead the willing councillors were first given a talk by Diana Drysdale, wife of
Lion Peter, on the techniques used by those in the know.
County Councillors Sally Marks, Tony Elias and John Orrick and
District Councillors Nick Childs, Jules Gasgoine and Rose Thorn, all pictured with Lion President John Quincey were happy
to help COGS with this project.
Afterwards tea, coffee and homemade cakes were served in St John's Church Hall with
those members of the public who wished to come along joining in. Local journalist Brian Haran who was also led blindfolded
through the streets said he found the experience extremely interesting if very disorientating.
| Lion Simon Terry with Councillor Nick Childs |
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| Rosalie with her award |
DR ARTHUR SAMBLES AWARD
Lion President John Quincey attended Oxted School's Prize Giving Evening on 23 September. In front
of a hall packed with students, governors and teachers 17 year old Rosalie Verges was presented with the Dr Arthur Sambles
Memorial Prize. This award is given in memory of Lion Arthur Sambles to a member of the 6th Form who has excelled
in mathematics during the year.
Rosalie who lives in Oxted is off to Bath University on 25 September to start a four
year course on a mathematics related degree. COGS wish her well
Godstone Fete Success
The
Club had a very successful day at the Village Fete on August Bank Holiday Monday. We sold burgers, bangers and bacon butties
as well as candy floss and hot and cold drinks. There were homemade cakes for sale as well which proved very popular. The
good weather brought out the crowds and in all the Club made just over £1,000. Next to the main marquee was a publicity
tent which also proved popular and which gave information on the Club's past activities and future ones.
A little dog visits the Lions' Den
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| Baxter with Adam and John |
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