The community of St Columb Minor came out in force, as they basked in the sunshine during a special event at the Town’s Recreation Ground.

Organised by the St Columb Minor Residents Association, the event saw hundreds of people attend, who were treated to fun and activities. This included bouncy castles and games for the children, soccer skills workshops run by Newquay AFC, and also creatures big and small from Newquay Zoo.

The whole event was preceded by a special procession from the Church, led by St Newlyn East Band, and danced by children from St Columb Minor Blue School.

Other entertainment included the RAF cadets marching band, and singing from “In Dreams”. Stalls included a beer tent run by St Columb Minor Institute, a Pimms Tent run by The Farmers Arms, and much more besides.

There was also a special low fly-over by the crew of Cornwall Air Ambulance to wow and impress the crowds.

The lunchtime event and fundraiser was a re- sounding success as the upgraded facilities and new look clubroom were seen and used for the first time by club members and guests.

Pictured are (L to R) Lion Jill Bunt, NSLSC’s Wendy Harvey, Lion Andy Hannan, Elaine Skinner from Camellia Interiors, and Lion Barbara Hannan.

An amazing community effort is behind the re-opening as in the past the club has struggled to maintain and repair its premises under difficult circumstances as it receives no official funding.

Committee member and owner of Camellia Interiors, Elaine Skinner, had initially offered to donate a new colour scheme, paint and blinds but quickly realised it was a project which needed managing rather than a simple makeover. Approaching her regular team of tradespeople, enquiring about discounted materials and possibly free labour to assist with the project, Elaine says the response was overwhelming.

Brannans Builders provided all building materials and labour free of charge, Preserve Decorating donated their time and paints. Southwest Carpets resealed the floors and Howdens Kitchens supplied worktops at trade prices.

The club now has an upgraded kitchen, spacious changing rooms and more storage, plus indoor and outdoor seating areas.

“This renovation looks good now the building work has finished but the community support has ensured future maintenance and replacement costs will be kept to a minimum,” said Elaine.

During the celebrations certificates for many different competencies were presented to club members along with medals recently won in the Youth and Nipper National Stillwater Championships held at Millfield School and the Cornish Nipper Stillwater Championship held at St Ives.

“The club would like to congratulate everyone on their fantastic achievements. Well done to you all and keep up the good work,” said Wendy Harvey, the club chairman.

Newquay Towan Blystra Lions is proud to help support the Surf Lifesaving Club when it can, and recently presented the club with a new racing board.

Young Newquay Towan Blystra Leos Jo, Hannah and Grace, were surprised with a special Leos cake to share at a recent meeting.

All three had celebrated their birthdays in last few weeks.

The Leos, and Dandy Lion with Jim and Jenny Harle of Exeter, who were celebrating their 48th Wedding Anniversary

Newquay Towan Blystra Leo’s were helping visitors to the Hotel Victoria enjoy a special cream tea last Thursday (4 April) and they met up with one couple who had returned to the resort to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary.
Jim and Jenny Harle of Exeter (pictured with the Leos and Dandy Lion) came to the Sandy Lodge Hotel for their honeymoon and had just returned for a week where they were given the honeymoon suite to celebrate their special occasion.

Both enjoyed chatting about the youth group with Leo’s coordinator Dean Cook and Leo president Jake Blum, something of particular interest to Jim who is a retired school teacher who also ran a large youth club in Exeter for many years.

The event at the Hotel Victoria saw the proceeds from the cream teas being donated to the Leos group whose purpose is linked to that of their mother Lions Club in the town, to serve and support others through voluntary work and donations.

Screenshot of the Newquay Beer Festival Website – www.newquaybeerfestival.com

Newquay Towan Blystra Lions have revealed details of a large charity event, taking place later this year that encourages beer lovers to raise a glass to help raise cash.

The first ever Newquay Beer Festival will take place on Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st September 2013 at Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay.

The charity event will feature dozens of hand-picked real ales and ciders, from breweries both here in Cornwall, as well as further afield. There will be a good selection of offerings from larger breweries, right the way down to local microbreweries.

There will also be great entertainment throughout the two days, with local bands and artists offering a mix of music to cater for all tastes.

Matt Bunt from Newquay Towan Blystra Lions said: “We are really excited about the upcoming festival, and lots of work has already gone into the planning and organisation behind the scenes to make sure it’s a success.

“We’ve followed the suit of fellow Lions Clubs from across the UK, who have already established very successful beer festivals of their own. Our aim is to raise as much money as we can for local causes, and have a great time whilst doing it!

Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club are a voluntary group of men and women, who work together to help support good causes in Newquay and it’s surrounding communities. The money raised by the beer festival will go directly towards these.

Matt continued: “We must say a very big thank-you to Matt Way, and Hendra Holiday Park for their support and for allowing us to use the park for the festival.”

The beer festival runs over two days, in an outdoor purpose-built festival village, with discounted camping available on-site.

There are a limited number of festival tickets available. These cost £6 per day, and can be purchased online alongside discounted camping at www.newquaybeerfestival.com.

You can also keep up-to-date with the latest on the Newquay Beer Festival Facebook page.

(L-R) Brian and Jean Login of Newquay Rotary Club, Mayor of Newquay – Lion Kevin Towill, Lion Jill Bunt and Lion President Phil Bunt, Rose Knowlson (Mayor’s escort), Vice District Governor Lion Marianne Warren, Jenny and John Cuthill of Newquay Rowing Club

Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club held their annual Charter Night at the Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay last Saturday.

It was a very enjoyable and successful evening which 63 attended, including guests from as far afield as Rochdale and Dursley.

Lion President Phil Bunt said: “I had so many positive comments from people, especially about the food. Straw Dogs were an excellent band who had everyone up dancing. Our tombolla and auction of donated gifts brought in over £500.”

In addition to a number of presentations, including bannerettes to new visting clubs and the District Governor elect Marianne Warren, the President presented Lion Jodie Ward with an Appreciation Award for all she had done to develop the Leos Club since they were formed last year.

He also thanked Ann and Colin Ransley for their hard work in organising the night.

A special guest was John Cuthill, chairman of Newquay Rowing Club, who presented a bannerette from the club president of Lake Boga Lions Club in Australia, Dave Mark. The gift had been given to John to take back to Towan Blystra Lions while he was on a recent visit to Australia.

Members of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions show off the top awards at a recent meeting

Newquay Towan Blystra Lions are roaring with pride, as they scooped a total of three  top awards at the recent District Convention, which took place in Torquay.

The club were winners of this year’s Ray Hill Administration Award, as well as the SW Lions Environmental Award, and the Graham Lang 2012/13 District Website Trophy.

The administration award has been presented to Lions Clubs in the South West District since 1997 for their achievement in administration during the year. It was an idea brought about by Past District Governor Lion Ken Clarke during his year as District Governor after the demise of the District Treasurer Past District Governor Lion Ray Hill in 1997.

All the clubs are entered and gain points for completing Membership/ Activities Reports, sending List of Current members by a certain date, payment of all dues by set dates, returning certain forms by set dates, submitting accounts by set date, attending all 4 Zone meetings and various forums and conventions.

This is the third consecutive year that Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club have won this award.

The club also won the SW Lions Environmental Award, after club efforts helping Newquay in Bloom tidy up the gardens in the town centre, the Leos working on various projects and a beach clean on Fistral Beach.

For the first time, the club were also awarded the coveted Graham Lang District Website Trophy. The club’s website was judged against other club websites from across the South West – and ranked top under a number of criteria, including design and content.

Lion Lesley shakes hands with Lion President Phil Bunt

A Newquay Towan Blystra Lion has been voted to become District Governor for Lions Clubs across the South West.

President Phil Bunt from Newquay Towan Blystra Lions successfully nominated Lesley Clarke at the recent South West Lions Convention held in Torquay, to take over the position of Second Vice-District Govenor from July 1st.

Lion Phil said: Lesley will be our first member to take on the role and eventually become District Governor of the Lions Clubs in the South West.”

Lion Lesley said: “This will be the start of three busy years. I am looking forward to the challenge and happy to be bringing the role back to Cornwall.”

The Leos and Lions with local members of the community, and members from Newquay in Bloom

As part of LCI’s dedication to the environment, Leos and Lions from Newquay Towan Blystra Lions recently helped plant a selection of new trees in the resort.

The event was organised by Newquay In Bloom, and the Lions and Leos joined other members of the local community in planting the new trees, at Trenance Park.

This was the second Newquay in Bloom project the Leos have been involved with, and they all enjoyed the experience as well as earning hours for their “Young Leaders in Service” awards.

You can find out more about Newquay in Bloom on their website here.

Over 100 people attended the community lunch event, organised by Newquay Towan Blystra Lions which took place at the Sandy Lodge Hotel.

The cost of the event was subsidised by the club, and the Lions helped wait-on the diners, and look after the guests.

This was then followed by mince pies with tea/coffee, professional entertainment kindly donated by “In Dreams”, and prize bingo.