Community Activities
Shirley Carnival
Crowds defied the weather to turn out in force for last year's Shirley Carnival. Despite ominous clouds the rain stayed away from the event and we enjoyed one of the biggest turnouts yet. The Carnival held in Shirley Park on Saturday 11th July saw the public entertained by the Fencer's Guild, the Solihull Judo Group, J Js Dancers and of course Punch and Judy. Boys and girls alike showed their prowess in the traditional sack races whilst mums and dads tried their best at Welly Wanging and Handbag Hurling. The theme of the event was "Heroes and Villians" and a number of children joined in the theme to win a prize in the linked Fancy Dress Competition. Our beneficiary of the funds raised at the event was the County Air Ambulance who were duly presented with a cheque for £3,000.
Preparations are already underway for this year's Carnival which will be held on Saturday July 10th 2010 when the overall theme will be a "Musical Carnival" Attractions already booked include the Shirley Pipe Band and Solihull Theatretrain who will be performing their "Dracula Rock Show". Smooth Radio will also be in attendance with their roadshow and we hope to have one of their presenters as MC for the day. To apply for a stall please go to the "Carnival Stall Application Form" link on this page.
.jpg "Lion Gillian (aka the wicked witch of Shirley)")
Shirley Pensioner's New Year Party
Unfortunately this year's party on Saturday 9th January 2010 had to be cancelled because of the snow and ice but has now been rearranged for the Saturday 10th April when the sun will be shining. The format of the party is that things start off at 1.00 p.m. with a traditional fish and chips meal. Thereafter the entertainment commences. To give the performers a break a couple of games of Bingo are run during the intermission and the afternoon concludes with the drawing of the Grand Raffle at approximately 4.00 p.m. Numbers are limited to 200 elderly residents of Shirley and if you would like to attend please contact Lion Gillian Conlon on 0845 833 9547
Message in a Bottle
The Lions Message in a Bottle scheme is a simple idea designed to encourage people to keep their personal and medical deatils on a standard form and in a common location - the fridge. Whilst it is focused on vunerable people in our community, anyone can have an accident at home, so this scheme can benefit anyone, including you. Simply complete the details on the form, put it in the bottle and place in the door compartment of your fridge. The Emergency Services will know to look for it in the event of being called to your home as they will be alerted by the two special Green Emergency/Green Cross stickers on the fridge door and inside your front door. As at the beginning of February 22,000 bottles had been distributed throughout Solihull. For further information or to request a bottle please contact Lion Martin Wright on 0845 833 9547.
Used spectacles
Over the past 12 years Shirley Lions have collected in excess of 70,000 pairs of old, used or broken spectacles. These are repaired, sorted and graded before being shipped out to third world countries where they are able to make such a difference to someone's sight. For the current year July 2009 to February 2010 a further 3307 pairs have been added to this total. We are now extending this scheme by collecting old, used or broken hearing aids and so far have 11 ready for shipment. To donate your old spectacles or hearing aids please contact Lion Eric Morris on 0845 833 9547.
Medic Alert is the only non-profit making, registered charity providing a life-saving identification system for individuals with hidden medical conditions and allergies. This takes the form of body-worn bracelets or necklets (known as Medic Alert Emblems) bearing the Medic Alert symbol on the disc and supported by a 24-hour emergency telephone service. Each member receives an Emblem that is engraved with the wearer's main medical condition(s) or vital details, a personal ID number and a 24-hour emergency telephone number that can access their details from anywhere in the world in over 100 languages. Shirley Lions Club actively supports and promotes the organisation within the community and where possible provides people on limited income with sponsorship towards membership. For further information please contact Lion Eric Morris on 0845 833 9547.
