Bloomin' Marvellous
between members and our Friends of Lions group, we were able to mobilise enough people to look after the four main entrances to the Carnival Field on the big day itself. This took a lot of pressure off the Carnival Committee and we hope that our involvement made life a little easier for them. It is amazing that so few committed individuals on the Carnival Committee were able to put on the show that they did, not just on Carnival Day but the Sunday too. It was fantastic and enjoyed by thousands on some of the nicest weather we have experienced this year.
Anyone visiting Olney can't help but be impressed by the hanging baskets which adorn the lampposts but I wonder how many give thought to how they actually got there?
Early one Sunday morning a group of individuals, some would say mad individuals, met up at the Market Place complete with ladders, hi-viz jackets, gloves and wire cutters and planned their job. Not a bunch of criminals looking for easy pickings, I hasten to add, but rather a sprinkling of individuals from The Olney Group, Lions Club and the Friends of Lions about to set out on the task of making the main thoroughfares of the town attractive in readiness of the judging of Britain in Bloom. Baskets are sponsored by businesses, town organisations, families or individuals and obviously as a service club with the motto "We Serve", Lions not only coughed up some cash but got our sleeves rolled up and helped hang the baskets too.
Newport Pagnell is very fortunate to have a Carnival Committee who are as dedicated to making the weekend such a success for their community and we, as Lions, were delighted to help out and begin a return to our roots serving both towns.
Lion Martin Ward was snapped at the top of the ladder not just hanging the basket but thanks to a 'conflict of interests' he was checking the contents of each, with more than a passing interest. As Head Groundsman with Olney Town Council, he will be responsible for ensuring they are watered and kept in peak condition throughout the summer so that when the big judging day cometh, we hope that Olney will pick up one of the prizes on offer.
Things are looking up in the club as we were delighted to welcome a new member to our group when Russell de Ville accepted our invitation to become a Lion.
Newport Pagnell Carnival
From a membership of around 11 we have seen a steady increase to our current 18. Add o u r ever growing Friends Group which has now reached 40 and we are optimistic about the future. Look out for our 'end of year' report to find out what we achieved in the past 'Lionistic' year.
A refreshed Newport Pagnell Carnival got under way at the beginning of July and the Lions Club were once again 'serving' the public of 'our other town' by helping out the Carnival Committee.
And a new member too!
Russell, who hails from Turvey, has been at a few of our recent meetings, liked what he saw and was quick to accept our invite. Five years ago our club was heading the same way as many community organisations who are no longer with us but not being too willing to shut up shop, we developed a last ditch strategy to see if we could 'stay the course'.
 Putting on a major event such as the carnival, involves a lot of people but in this day and age, not too many are willing to step forward and help out.
And Finally
With the Street Parade needing around 30 marshals and as many again to ensure the safety and security of the main field, things were looking ominous for the event. The Lions, recognising that we have to do more in the town after many years concentrating on developing our ties with Olney, made it known to the local organisations that we were 'opening for business' once again. The Carnival committee approached us to see if Lions could offer some help and
Are you recycling your old printer cartridges? If you don't, please start now and help swell our charity account at the same time - it costs you nothing but does add to our funds.
Freepost envelopes can be obtained from Barclays & Nat West Banks, LA Car Wash (Yardley Hastings), Sandwichland and Rosco's Coffee shop. We have now added Alban Hill Nursery to our list of outlets so next time you are picking plants for the garden, pick up some envelopes and join our recycling brigade - every penny helps.
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