DG Blog 2024-25
Wednesday, 16th October
Afternoon with ROAR children making their prototypes for what they can do to solve a world problem. Great to see them fworking together as teams and cooperating with each other. Memories from teaching of having to find the end of the selotape and dodging glue and glitter!
Monday, 14th October
U3a visit to Salisbury Cathedral - it really is an amazing building. Didn't know much about The Magna Carter so bought a book to learn more.
After lunch wandered around Salisbury - not really explored it before. Came across this majestic beast!
Sunday, 13th October
Up at 7.00 and tip-toed out of brother's house just before 8.00. Drove to High Post for Cabinet. A good meeting with points raised I can take to council etc. but unfortunately not quorate due to some members having to pull out due to illness. Zoom meeting planned in November to vote on some decision. Got home, my home, at 18.00. Will be good to sleep in my own bed tonight.
Saturday, 12th October
After going to bed last night at midnight, chatting with Brian and Maggie got up and had breakfast in time for Second Saturday Swap. Lovely to see Lions from Abingdon, Basingstoke, Jersey and New Milton & District attending. It was good to share ideas and thoughts about service with each other - so often we can get stuck in our ways. Managed to get a walk in to Bradford-on-Avon in the afternoon. Then drove to Melksham for their 50th Charter. A lovely evening with excellent music. Great honour to present President Simon White with his 50th Charter member pin and certificate signed by the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Friday, 11th October
Took the 'bus' into Bath. I take my hat off to the bus drivers around here as so many narrow lanes. Arrived in one piece but then proceeded to trip over a kerb and graze both my knees! Trip to Mountain Warehouse to purchase new trousers - hole in old ones from the trip, and then bought some plasters.
Couldn't resist taking this picture - I believe they were queueing for a bus but every single person was looking at their phone! What is the world coming to?
Thursday, 10th October
Drove to Trowbridge for club visit. Lovely meeting with lots of money being spent to support families and individuals. A very active club who do a lot for their local community.
Short drive from Trowbridge to spend a few days with my brother.
Wednesday, 9th October
Christmas is a-coming! For the last few years I have helped out at Petersfield's Christmas Card Charity Shop. The morning was spent shifting and unpacking boxes in preparation for the opening this week. So many cute robin cards this year. Quick drive to Sheet Primary to support the children in their ROAR project - some good ideas developing to help solve problems in the world. Home and quick change to drive to Abingdon Lions for club visit. Had to phone the president as couldn't find the multi-storey car park and thankfully he came and rescued me. Badged up three new members. Good trip home but part of A34 closed - made sure I followed my SatNav.
Monday, 7th October
Petersfield Lions meeting.
Sunday, 6th October
Last day of the seminar. Eight of us shared a large taxi back to the airport. Flight took off on time and landed safely. Picked car up and got home at midnight.
Saturday, 5th October
What is it about hotel rooms - either too hot or too cold. Awake at 3.00 unable to go back to sleep probably due to eating late [ sadly the hotle was unable to cope with all the food orders we put in and took an hour and forty-five minutes from order to delivery. Heavy day ahead. Interesting to hear that ours is not the only district in Europe with similar issues to us but picked up some good ideas to bring home.
Friday, 4th October
Up at 4.15 and drove to Bramley to meet Di. Taxi to Heathrow and caught 10.35 plane which took off at 11.25 to Oslo. Got to hotel at about 16.00 hours and met with Lions from Scanidnavian Countries including our Icelandic group members. Weekend of discussions etc about membership. Hoping to come back inspired and with lots of ideas.
Thursday, 3rd October
I know how to spoil Clive on his birthday! Bus to Portsmouth Dockyard, boat across to Gosport, tour round HMS Alliance and museum, sandwich lunch in the dockyard and back home by bus!!!
A really interesting tour of the submarine. 65 men on board for up to a month with four toilets and two wash basins. No laundry - lived in the clothes they went on board with. Shared a bunk but had their own sleeping bag. Beer was kept in the rear torpedo shutes as there were no fridges. Daily allowance of rum. All the wires and pipework etc were exposed. Totally different to today's submarines.
Wednesday, 2nd October
Met a friend at Stansted and had a walk and coffee.
Tuesday, 1st October
Whilst Clive got up early to go on a u3a coach tour to Chatham I had a lie in and then went on u3a walk from Rowlands Castle - fourteen of us and two dogs.
Sunday, 29th September
A day with nothing planned so Clive and I took ourselves off to Portsmouth Dockyard. Harbour trip of 45 minutes - very windy. Saw the new Virgin Cruise ship in - named after me?
After a quick bite to eat back on the water and across to Gosport to go round Explosion. It was rather choppy on the boat trip back but luckily it was a short trip across the harbour.
Saturday, 28th September
Chanting at The Green Door near Chichester - lovely energies - so uplifting.
Friday, 27th September
Met our club president at Tesco in Petersfield - shopping for social tonight. Had a lovely evening catching up with past Lions and new friends. Good to foster relationships.
Thursday, 26th September
Took mum to Portchester Crematorium - can't believe it's been two years since dad passed. Met a distant relative who had come over from Melbourne to scatter his grans's ashes. HIs gran had emigrated many many years ago and mum had written to her over the years. Heavy rain in the morning but the sun shone in the afternoon. Good to celebrate a life.
Chanting practice in the evening ready for Saturday.
Wednesday, 25th September
Must learn to breathe deeply - feeling very frustrated. Waited for plumber - third time he has rescheduled in the last eight days - who was due at 11.30 this morning. 12.00 messaged him - got back to me couldn't make today would Friday be okay? Wish I hadn't been so accommodating - said it would have to be but could I be the first call - so still no bathroom sink and Clive due back Thursday night from Corfu!! Does anyone know of a good plumber!!!! My tag line is sorely being tested - must work on being compassionate.
Finance Committee meeting via zoom tonight. After the meeting stayed on and chatted to Dave and Peter. Quick catch up with the other DGs on zoom then chilled for an hour.
Tuesday, 24th September
U3a walk along the shore near Fareham - no rain which was a bonus but our half way stop for coffee was shut.
Thursday, 19th September
U3a talk on 'The Weald Iron Industry'. Serving tea, coffee and biscuits to the members - and doing the washing up!
Wednesday, 18th September
Good zone chair meeting tonight where membership, leadership and service was discussed which included questions various clubs have asked. Lots of action points to sort out.
Tuesday, 17th September
Attended zone G meeting via zoom. Good to catch up and hear about what New Milton & District are going to do with 2000 ducks! Ringwood & Fordingbridge are also having an evening where the youth exchange participants share their experiences.
Monday, 16th September
Left home in the morning and drove to Monkey World. An amazing place but bitter sweet when you read the stories of where the animals came from - illegal smuggling, laboratories, family pets.
Apart from the chatter of the various monkeys the place was very peaceful. Walking along the woodland walk I turned a corner and came across this sika deer who was totally oblivious to me and this buddha which epitomised the feeling of the moment.
Strange to have a whole day just to myself, away from home, so was able to just amble around Monkey World, stop for lunch and afternoon coffee (and Dorset Apple Cake!). I'd taken a book with me so would walk, stop and read for a while and then carry on.
After Monkey World drove to Wareham for a club meeting with Wareham Lions. An active club who serve their community - driving people to hospital in their 'ambulance', taking part in Wareham Wednesday (an event that started when a shop owner said that Wareham was very busy at weekends but was quiet midweek). Wareham Lions have their stall every Wednesday in August and serve the community as well as raising funds. Their yearly swimathon is taking place in October.
A long drive home as SatNav picked up a road closure and sent me on a long detour but got home in the end!
Sunday, 15th September
On-line Council meeting starting at 5.30 pm.
Saturday, 14th September
First of 2nd Saturday Swaps - Brian Donovan talked us through Health and Safety and Risk Assessments. Useful snippets of information including having a note book at events where issues can be jotted down, taking photos when carrying out risk assessment of site. Really good matrix on how risk is measured.
Thursday, 12th September
Decided to have some me time. Parked car near Emsworth and walked along the shore to the town. Wandered around and had cheese scone and latte in my favourite cafe.
Stopped by the mill pond to watch some men having a race with their model yachts.
Drove home via Petersfield to drop off a giant teddy we had on our stall. Met a lovely lady who won the teddy and found we had lots in common. Invited her to our social gathering we are having at the end of September.
Zoom Global Action Group meeting tonight. Good to catch up with the team.
Wednesday, 11th September
Launched ROAR at one of our local schools today - children were very excited. Guess this year I won't be able to take part in the judging.
Tuesday, 10th September
U3a walk at Soberton - lovely views from the top on the way back.
Drove to Highworth late afternoon for club visit with Highworth & District Lions. They may have a small membership but they run a charity shop, mini-bus and van. Had the privilege of welcoming a new member to the club. Finding lots of good causes in their district and nationally as well as supporting SightFirst and WaterAid.
My phone decided to play up on the way home - had to switch it off and pray to the internet gods that it would start again and show me the way home! Just about managed to stay calm and yes - it worked - only added an extra 30 minutes on to my journey home. Now have back up map of British Isles in the car.
Saturday, 7th September
Up early and packed car. Tombola stall in aid of Lions/Brain Tumour Research Appeal at Warsash Mind, Body, Spirit Fair. Raised £100 for the appeal.
Had to leave early as Clive and I were going to GMS's 45th Charter. An evening of celebration and fun.
The things I do for fun!
Friday, 6th September
Petersfield Lions bridge and afternoon tea event. 7 tables of 4 bridge players who paid for the privilege of playing and having an afternoon tea.
Thursday, 5th September
Used my bus pass to go to Gunwharf where I met up with a friend I hadn't seen in over four years. Sat and chatted in Pret a Manger for four hours and caught the bus home!
Zoom in the evening on the Global Membership Approach - missed the first half hour but discussion after the presentation was useful.
Wednesday, 4th September
What a day! Had to take my mother to the hospital for an eye check up. Then went to a garden centre to have a bite to eat. Decided to take the scenic route back to her place. Very busy road and car zooming towards me so pulled car over near the verge but the verge disappeared and 'bang' - blow out of front tyre. Pulled in and phoned breakdown who told us it could take an hour and a half to arrive so best to get out of the car. Told the lovely man on the end of the phone that Icouldn't get mum out as she has mobility problems and he put us a top priority. It was so scary sitting in the car as the other vehicles would not slow down! Upshot was I called my knight in shining armour - Clive - who came and rescued us as I had an appointment to get to. He stayed with my car and I took his. Breakdown man arrived as we were getting mum out. Managed to get her home, get to my appointment and then swap cars with Clive whilst the garage was fitting a new tyre. So glad I had chanting practice in the evening - I really needed it.
Tuesday, 3rd September
U3a walk from Petersfield. Couldn't resist taking a photo of this amazing tree!
It is rather cute - had many suggestions as to which animal - deer, bear .....
Monday, 2nd September
Back to my favourite place - Avebury. Unfortunately, I was unable to meet up with one friend as she was poorly so went to visit my favourite stone whilst waiting for another friend to turn up.
After saying goodbye to my friend, who is emigrating to New Zealand in a couple of weeks' time I met up with someone who was buying one of my instruments. He goes into care homes and hospitals and plays his instruments - lovely to connect with people who are passionate about supporting others.
Drove to Swindon and met up with some of Swindon Lions and had a meal with them. At their business meeting I was privileged to present Diane and Mark with MJFs.
Their sleigh is being retired but they are keeping Rudolph and aiming to turn a gazebo into a Christmas grotto - finding new ways to raise money in the community.
A good journey home - learning to trust my satnav. No roads closed which was a bonus.
Sunday, 1st September
Clive and I did a new walk in the morning. We were on country lanes - a lot of cars don't slow down when they see walkers. Long, long walk through a field of sweetcorn - and it was gradually uphill. Really struggled in the heat as not a lot of shade.
Evening phone call catching up with Ian from Jersey. Looking forward to their charter in November and spending a few days there.
Wednesday, 28th August
Petersfield in the afternoon for an activities meeting about bridge event and fashion show. Catch up with other DGs via zoom in the evening.
Tuesday, 27th August
Clive and I drove to Kingston Lacy. We last visited four years ago when the kitchen garden wasn't open. As always I managed to find a few lions!
Went inside the house and learnt that in the library there were books that had belonged to Napoleon! Views outside were stunning and in my element with the trees!
After visiting Kingston Lacy we drove to Blandford Forum and wandered around the town and then went to meet up with Blandford & District Lions. A good meeting with lots of ideas being bandied about. I love it when Lions share ideas.
No hold ups on the drive home and was indoors by 23.00
Monday, 26th August
Walk at Stoughton with the u3a group. Sunny but windy. Clive was outnumbered ten to one!
Lots of long climb ups and not many downs! A welcome sit down and coffee in The Hare and Hounds - great to chill with friends.
Sunday, 25th August
Up early to get to Petersfield to set up our stall. Think my friend had had a rough night as saw him sitting on the bench looking the worse for wear!
Stayed on the stall until 10.00 when the second shift arrived.
Back to Petersfield at 1.30 for the afternoon - a lot of our Lions are on holiday. Lots of footfall in Petersfield and many happy people who won one of our wild animals. Took Teddy home with me - going to take him to a fair in a couple of weeks and will see who has won him (or her) by guessing the name. He's piled in the corner along with all the tombola prizes.
Saturday, 24th August
Rained all night. Looked out the window of the van and saw a great big puddle of water. Managed to get the van off the grass without churning it up too much. Left the site at 8.30 am and arrived home just before 10.30 - a good run back as the traffic was going west and not east like us!
Friday, 23rd August
Left the campsite and caught the train to Poole. Wandered down to The Quay and spent a couple of hours by the sea - so peaceful and relaxing. Bought some sandwiches and sat on The Quay watching the world go by. The gulls are incredibly well behaved and don't bombard you for food.
Back at the campsite sat outside and relaxed. The campsite was getting busy. Finished one of the books I bought yesterday. Two games of scrabble in the evening - we decided that whoever went first in the initial game would go second in the next game. Result - I wond the first game and Clive the second.
Thursday, 22nd August
Clive and I went off in the camper van to Moreton in Dorset. Stopped off at Ringwood as I'd left my kindle at home and needed books to read! Lovely to see so many posters and banners advertising Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions.
Sunday, 18th August
Another early start for the second day of MHFA England. The five of us passed the intense training. Managed not to get lost on the way home.
Saturday, 17th August
Early start as had to be near Reading at 8.30 for the first of two days' Mental Health First Aider. Can't believe it was three years ago that we trained. A full on day but really good to refresh our skills and knowledge. Driving home took a wrong turn and had to do a 7 mile detour to get back on track! Message to self - must concentrate more.
Friday, 16th August
Coffee with Past District Governor, Pat Nixon. It was good to catch up - like me she used to be a schoolteacher so we have that in common as well as being Lions.
Wednesday, 14th August
Visited Yateley & District Lions. Lots of fun and laughter as well as serious business. Two potential new members. Took away a couple of ideas - when non-Lions volunteered with them the club donated some money to a charity that the volunteer selected - what a lovely way to thank the volunteers. The club has also produced a tri-fold information pack entitled 'Seniors guide to services and organsiations in and around Yateley'.
The drive home was interesting - I now use Google Maps but it didn't show me that a road was closed. Luckily, a workman was on hand and gave me instructions of how to get out of there! Life is never dull when you are DG!!
Tuesday, 13th August
Thank goodness it was not as hot as yesterday! U3a walk at Compton - long climb up hills but amazing views from the top. 20 of us came which is probably the most we have had so we were very spread out.
After the walk we went to the tea room at Compton West Sussex which has just reopened. Sat outside and chatted to a motorcyclist who was having a rest.
Monday, 12th August
Zoom meeting with Autumn Forum planning team - coming together - the day will be a variety of sessions and those who come can actively participate.
Sunday, 11th August
Up early and drove to Swindon Football Club for my first ever visit to support Chippenham's Bob Cook Games. What a wonderful event! So good to see that it draws clubs in not just from our district but from districts near to us. The competitors were incredible - the event is open to disabled adults and some have been coming for years whilst for some it was the first time they had attended. Lucy, one of the competitors gave me the biggest of hugs and whispered in my ear - 'this is the first time I have been here and I am feeling very emotional'.
All the Lions who helped truly epitomised what Lions is about - serving the community and making a difference.
The date is already in my diary for next year!
Oh, and guess who I saw there trying to outthrow me in the javeline?
It was a warm day but everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I was so impressed with the organisation - it is such a well run event including making over 300 packed lunches for the competitors and helpers.
Clive picked me up at 4.00 - he had spent the day in Cirencester and then went to look at the source of the Thames (don't ask!). Long journey back as there had been a car fire on the M4 and we did 6 miles in about an hour. Just hope the people in the car were okay.
Saturday, 10th August
Clive and I set of in the camper van early in the morning and visited Mottisfont - National Trust. Sadly the roses were finished but there was some colour in the walled garden.
After lunch we drove to Calne to a campsite on a farm - only two caravans and us there. My brother and his partner, Maggie drove over from Bradford-on-Avon to spend the afternoon with us - Brian bringing his amazing sponge cake he makes.
Beautiful sunset in the evening - pinks and blues - and two games of scrabble - I won the toss - Clive can't understand why the one who wins the toss gets the advantage of having a double word score - still I wasn't complaining.
Thursday, 8th August
U3a outing to Watts Gallery Artists' Village in Compton Surrey. I'd never heard of George Watts (called England's Michaelangelo) and his wife Mary. An amazing place to visit and learn about their life. Mary designed the chapel where we had a guided talk.
Part of the 'village' was the home they had built in the 1890s called Limnerlease. Well worth a visit and their tea cake was delicious! As well as being a painter George Watts was also a sculpter. His model of Tennyson was awesome - the bronze one apparently stands outside Lincoln Cathedral.
Was going to Poole boat trip this evening but the weather was not good and with an hour and a half journey to get to Poole before the boat trip Clive and I made the sad decision to pull out - also I am not a particularly good sailor and if it is windy who knows what I might feel like!
Wednesdy, 7th August
Met a couple of friends to go on a walk. They don't know many walks around Hambledon so I asked Clive to give me one that he has done many times. 'It's easy' he said - 'just one tricky bit'. Guess what? Yes, that tricky bit was very tricky and we ended up in a field we had crossed already so instead of doing a circular walk we retraced our steps. Found a lovely tea room in the village and had a cheese scone and coffee - they were really friendly - a place where mum and I can go when I take her out.
Monday, 5th August
U3a walk in our beautiful countryside. Stopped beside the River Meon and at the end of the walk we had refreshments in St Wilfred's Church Droxford. The weather was perfect for walking - must admit I did start off wearing a fleece but after the first incline had to remove it!
Drove to Henley-on-Thames for a club visit. Lovely meeting and presented two chevrons for 10 year and 45 year service. President Wendy kept us well fed with home made cookies. Good drive home - much better now I am using Google Maps rather than my satnav!
Sunday, 4th August
Spent the day in the community centre at Emsworth selling crystals for Tim Whild. Tim is an inspirational speaker and has followers from across the world. At his talk today there were people from America and Amsterdam. Dashed home to have a zoom link with a lockdown friend who is emigrating to New Zealand.
Saturday, 3rd August
Lunch with a couple of friends who also happen to be Lions - three hours of fun and laughter.
Thursday, 1st August
Met up with ex work colleagues at our usual garden centre. Place was not as busy as usual due to the hot, hot weather.
Wednesday, 31st July
Clive and I had a rare day when both of us had nothing planned. Instead of doing an overnighter in our van (would be incredibly hot!) we decided to use our bus passes. Caught bus to The Hard, Portsmouth and got the Fast Cat to Ryde. Three buses later arrived at Osbourne House (should only have been two but realised we'd got on the wrong bus so leapt off and flagged down the one behind us!). Spent a few hours there - loved the flower chandelier in one of the rooms - and Clive bought me an ice cream by Queen Victoria's bathing station. Managed to get back to Ryde using only one bus and Fast Cat to Portsmouth and bus back home. It all fell into place with no hanging around.
Dubai or Portsmouth?
Lived across the water near Portsmouth for most of my life and this was the first time I had visited Osbourne House.
They get everywhere!
Monday, 29th July
Managed to walk with our u3a walking group - Clive went to London to take photos (guess where I would sooner be on the hottest day of the year so far!) Spent the afternoon catching up on Lions work - including writing this blog - and getting ready for own club visit tonight.
Club visit at Petersfield - deciding which charity to raise money for with our 2nd fashion show in October. Kings Arms was chosen - so good to support young carers and children who struggle at school.
Sunday, 28th July
9.00 start again with many topics being covered including PR and marketing, Convention and membership. Kav kept us on track to finish by 12.00 when we all said our goodbyes and set off home. Di and I had a clear run but some of the others had two hour delays etc on motorways.
Saturday, 27th July
First Council meeting with all the District Governors, 1st Vice District Governors, Council Chair Kav, Past International Directors, Multiple District Secretary and Treasurer ...... 9.00 start and finished at 4.30. Good meeting with lots of discussion and decisions being made.
Friday, 26th July
Drove up to Basingstoke to pick Di, 1st VDG up. Long drive to Redditch as stop/start traffic. Met up with Council.
Wednesday, 24th July
Petersfield Lions activity committee meeting this afternoon to discuss two big events - Bridge Afternoon and Fashion Show. After the meeting drove to Farnborough and met Carol who took me to Farnborough & Aldershot Lions Club meeting - lots of roads closed due to the air show and she thought I might have difficulty getting there - she knows me too well!
Such a privilege to attend their first ever meeting as the two clubs merged at the end of last year. I also had the honour of badging up their first ever recruit - Lion Joe. Came away on a high.
Tuesday, 23rd July
Lovely day with my mum - managed to get her out to the shops. Home in time for tea and then a zoom meeting with Convention team. Di and I continued the zoom going through Council reports in readiness for the weekend.
Monday, 22nd July
Up early and left the campsite at 7.30 in the morning. Good journey back which took about seven hours. Unpacked our van and then popped out to get some food. Trustee meeting at 19.00 in Petersfield.
Sunday, 21st July
Caught the bus into Skipton and then met up with Clive's sister, brother-in-law, niece and her family. BBQ in the back garden. Most of the campers had left the campsite today so the place was a lot quieter.
Amazing views and so much greenery around. Photos do not do justice to the place.
Saturday, 20th July
Walked along the canal from Cononley to Skipton.
Along the way saw a mad cow who had decided to have a paddle in the canal!
Caught the bus back for Confest (a music festival at the campsite). Unlike last year the rain managed to keep away until about 5.30 pm. Spent the afternoon with Clive's relatives from Skipton - some are camping over the weekend at the campsite.
Friday, 19th July
Clive and I took our camper van to Skipton - eight hour journey as the traffic was start/stop!
Monday, 15th July
Visited Sheet Primary School in Petersfield with fellow Lion, Jackie. The headteacher has said yes to taking part in ROAR which is great news. Jackie and I will be supporting them in September - a chance to utilise my teaching skills! We will also be presenting the school with a set of Wild Tribe Heroes books.
Sunday, 14th July
Another walk - this time with Clive. Hook in Warsash - along the coast.
Watched the gentlemen's finals on television.
Saturday, 13th July
Went for a five mile walk with South East Hants Ramblers - beautiful weather and lovely views. Fortunate to live in such a lovely part of the country - woodland and sea views!
Wednesday, 10th July
Met up with a couple of friends for another walk and then coffee in the local garden centre.
Tuesday, 9th July
Need to get back to walking! Managed a walk with local u3a group although at one time we had to retrace our steps as came across a fallen tree we couldn't go over or around. Good job Clive has a 'live' map! We all ended up like drowned rats as it started to rain half way through. Still good to get out in the open air.
Sunday, 7th July
Big day for me! Cabinet and then handover. Great table decorations including some cute koalas. Presented with flowers from Alton Lions. Love the colours and they matched the ones on our tables. Dave Ebsworth was presented with an award by Geoff Leeder. It was good to celebrate the outgoing year and welcome in the new officers for this forthcoming year.
Looking forward to supporting all the clubs in our district.
