As I make my official visits I realise how hard the Lions of the South West are working to help those less fortunate than themselves.  We are in the middle of Summer and already the meetings are organising Christmas parties for Senior Citizens, Pantomime trips and building Santa Sleighs for carol singing.  It makes me feel proud to be just a small part of this hard working band of members.

Many Lions have been asking about the flood appeals and at the Council of Governors meeting at the end of July it was agreed to launch a Multiple District 105 Disaster Fund. 
Any Clubs wishing to make donations should send them to the District Treasurer, Lion Geoff Bland, with 'flood appeal' marked on the back of the cheque.  These donations will in turn be sent to the MD Treasurer and Clubs and Districts affected by floods will be able to apply for funding.  There will be press release in the next edition of the Lion magazine. The five Districts affected by the flooding have all had LCIF Emergency Grants and in the case of District C, they have secured two grants.

Autumn Forum will soon be upon us, Sunday 7^th October, and the MERL Team are working hard to making sure that you have an interesting and exciting day.  It is an opportunity to meet friends old and new. Also a great number of District Officers have offered to give presentations during the morning sessions.  Why not take the opportunity to ask some of the questions that perhaps go unanswered during Club meetings?  I ask that you return the purple form, which was in the July mail drop, to Lion Malcolm Hill by the due date.

I know that several Clubs in the South West have 0845 contact numbers but if there are still others wishing to use this facility please contact Multiple District Headquarters for details.

It is very disappointing when Clubs lose members but we still have to look on the positive side that there are plenty of people needing our help and plenty of potential Lions out there, so try to make every event an opportunity to 'fly the flag' of Lionism.  If you as a Club feel that you know any area which may benefit from a Club Branch please contact the MERL team with your suggestions.

PDG Dave Rosson is on the hunt for Leos; this could be another avenue for a Club to encourage new members who as the years go by will become Lions.

I was fortunate to attend the Lions Youth Brass Band concert in Clevedon and had the added bonus of meeting the Youth Exchange Students who were staying in our District; what a lively bunch of young people.  If you feel that it is a project in which your Club could get involved then make a call or email DO Lion Clive Cooper for more details.  You will make friendships around the world that could last a life time.

It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of two people well known to the Lions in the South West.  Firstly Past International President Bert Mason OBE died on the 26^th July. His family have asked that any Club wishing to make sympathy donations should make the monies payable to Campaign Sight First 2 and sent to PID Phil Nathan at his home.  The second person is Ann Carey wife of PDG Eddie Carey who died after a long struggle with cancer, I have written to both PIP Bert's widow, Beryl, and to PDG Eddie giving the condolences of the District.

Enjoy the fellowship and friendship that comes from Lionism while bringing a smile to someone's face.

Brenda