La Cala de Mijas Lions Celebrate their new President The Lions and their friends gathered at La Sierra Cerrado del Aguila Golf for a celebration evening of good food and entertainment at President’s Evening. The 100 guests were gathered for the first social event of the office of the new President, Brenda Meredith. Brenda opened the evening with a short introductory speech welcoming all to the event. Entertainment was provided by the musical duo Sweet Illusion and solo singer Cassie. John Sharples was the MC for the evening and was in top form with his unique manner and kept the evening running smoothly. A magnificent three course meal was served by Jeremy and his staff with wine glasses being topped up to keep the atmosphere very festive. During the meal Sweet Illusion provided music from the 60’s right through to date ensuring there was music for all tastes. Lions Julie and Sandie along with John Sharples went through the tables selling the raffle tickets along with the 100 board. The raffle table was laden with 11 magnificent prices along with the 10 extra special prices for the 100 board. Just before the close of the evening, President Brenda presented a gift to a special Lion, Anne Bowles, to thank her for all her help over the years and especially for her tireless work in running the Diabetic Support Group. The evening was a great success and Brenda was amazed that the event had raised over 2000€ which would go to further support those in need throughout the Mijas area. For further information about the Lions go to their their Charity Shops in Calle Torremolinos, La Cala de Mijas or tel: 637 185 533.

On a beautiful September evening, members of El Chapparal Golf Club held a Presentation on the terrace overlooking the golf course. The Captain, Joyce Toms chose La Cala de Mijas Lions to be her charity of choice for her year as Captain. The Lions and the golfers enjoyed the hospitality of the Green Label prior to the presentation of the cheques for 2937€, The cheque was presented by Joyce Toms and received by Brenda Meredith, the Lions President. The money will be used by the Lions in supporting deserving causes and organisations throughout the area. To date, the La Cala de Mijas Lions have donated over 1,300,00 euros to those in need.

They came laden with goods of all different shapes and sizes. From lucky stones to water colours, honey, cup cakes, personalised cushions, a donkey from Donkey Dreamland and much, much more. They are really our unsung heroes. The stall holders! Yes this band of ladies and men turn up at the various venues and tirelessly pitch their tables and goods in spite of the weather. Hot sun or windy days never puts them off. Sometimes they do well, sometimes not so well but they all agree they enjoy the days and they know they are helping the various charities with their donation. The Diabetic Support Group Bazaar was a great event and many thanks must go to all the Lions and Friends who helped make the day a success. 830 euros was raised and many thanks also to the team at Snack Attack and Bar Tuta for their great cooperation. We could never have done this without all your help. Special mention to the local media who kept the public informed due to our postponement because of crazy weather forecasts.

On a very warm lunchtime, La Cala Lions organised an event to thank their volunteers who work in their Charity shops. The event took place at the Times Bar in La Cala and 48 people enjoyed the buffet lunch and the entertainment supplied by John Sharples, an honorary Lion. Shop manager, Dave Greenwood thanked the volunteers for their efforts that have been rewarded by record sales. The Charity shops in Calle Torremolinos, La Cala de Mijas are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm are full of excellent items all donated by the public. Lions President, Brenda Meredith was asked to present awards to 9 volunteers who have worked in the Charity shops for over 5 years. The Melvin Jones awards are named after the founder of Lions International over 100 years ago; the recipients were, David Kay, Fiona Mackie, Begoňa Navarro, Svetlana Nijboer, Jana Stanford, Shirley Taylor, Jana Thorpe-Mason, Elizabeth Winspear, and Pauline Zac. La Cala de Mijas Lions has recently celebrated its formation, 25 years ago and has donated over 1.3 million euros to deserving individual cases and groups throughout the area. For further information regarding the Lions, please visit their website at https://lacalalions.org

Texas comes to the Riviera del Sol On a very warm July night, La Cala de Mijas Lions brought nearly a hundred people to the Village Inn for a Texas Theme BBQ. As the folk arrived, there were several who had turned up in cowboy and cowgirl costumes. The smells from the BBQ wafted in the air and the evening began with musical entertainment from the excellent Harvey James. The star of the evening was the person who had come dressed as a cowboy ridding a horse. An amazing costume, which on such a warm night must have been a challenge to keep on throughout the night. The call from the BBQ that the food was ready, saw a queue for the food snaking its way round the table. The chefs from the Village Inn had produced a great plateful of assorted meats along with a fine selection of salads. As the evening progressed the music encouraged many to dance the night away. A lull in proceedings, enable the raffle, with ten prizes to be drawn, followed by an auction of a voucher kindly donated by El Oceana, which raised an excellent 200€, with the raffle raising 700€. New Lions President, Brenda Meredith gave a thankyou speech to those who had ensured that the evening was a great success. A bottle raffle held by the Village Inn raised a further 145€. The whole evening raised a grand total of 1425€ for the Lions. For further information about the Lions or future events, visit their website www.lacalalions.org or visit the Lions Charity Shop in Calle Torremolinos in La Cala de Mijas.

At the last Lions meeting of President Wynson Beswick year in office, the inauguration of a new Lion Paul Harrison took place. Introduced by his wife as sponsor Paul is looking forward to being a Lion and helping them in their aim "to serve" those less fortunate. Paul was sworn in to Lionism by Anita Humphreys, membership secretary. The Lions meet at Olé Restaurant on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, further details can be obtained from the Secretary Sandra Tavendale, or from the Lions Charity Shop in Calle Torremolinos, La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas Lions celebrate 25 years in Lionism at their Charter Night The la Cala Lions celebrated their 25th Anniversary at The Green Label Restaurant organised by our social secretary Dave Greenwood. It was also their Charter Night when they acknowledge their Charter into the Lions Association and diners were able to hear some facts about Lions worldwide. Since their inauguration they have raised 1.4 million euros to donate to those in need here in Spain and worldwide. Wynson Beswick the current President is now finishing her very busy year and welcomed in the new President Brenda Meredith. Everyone agreed Wynson has been a great President - not only our oldest President but certainly one of our busiest. She will be a hard act to follow! She and Brenda were presented with beautiful bouquets crafted, together with all the table decorations, by Lion Julie Barry. All the Lions wish Wynson and Brenda much happiness in their new roles. Wynson’s closing speech was a great surprise for a very worthwhile organisation here on the Coast del Sol. "I would like to finish by acknowledging a local organisation that is doing some life enhancing work in our local community, explained Wynson. " Antonio and his wife Gisella, set up the wonderful organisation DRANG here in La Cala. Drang gives children the opportunity to connect with nature, to experience the sounds, the smells, the rhythm of nature and to explore and learn in a natural environment. Drang also gives children freedom to create and learn; to swing form a tree; or build a den out of branches; to jump in muddy puddles with no ramifications; to plant a seed and watch a sapling grow. Drang allows children to be children and is a very special organisation. Antonio and Gisella recently invited 10 children to attend Drang from a local school, all of whom have either mental or physical disabilities. This is now a weekly activity for these children that gets them out of the classroom and supports their emotional happiness. This has been such a positive experience, that Drang has expanded to also welcome the able-bodied children from the same school, so that they can play, learn and most importantly integrate together. Through Drang, the boundaries and segregation are being broken down and these children can be united and learn kindness, compassion and understanding. Obviously, this collaboration needs more assistants and resources and of course funding. At the end of my presidency, I am given the discretion to donate to a charity or organisation of my choice and I think you all might know where I have chosen to donate." Antonio and Gisella were delighted to accept the cheque for 5000 euros on behalf of the Lions to help them continue with the life enhancing work they are doing…"

La Cala de Mija Lions Club regret that we are cancelling our Spring Fayre and Fashion Show on Monday 29 th May We hope to organise a Fayre and Fashion Show later on in the year. Check the website and other places for information when available.

Childrens' Memory Day It was a really memorable day organised by the La Cala Lions for children affected by childhood cancer. They came in their droves, over 50 children who had childhood cancer plus their siblings and other family members too. They all came together to celebrate a day to remember organised by Wynson Beswick the Lions President together with other club members and volunteers. There was face-painting, tattooists, t-shirt painting, shuffle board games, fishing for ducks, name the Lion, a juggler and a little tepee to relax in with Max and her gentle exercises. There was so much going on, but everyone made time to enjoy the delicious paella and pizzas. The event was held in Miraflores Tennis Club and Sammy and Gerry hosted the day and being family orientated, this was right up their street, especially when they opened their freezer and everyone received a surprise ice cream. Later the two charities AECC and Foundation Olivares were delighted to receive cheques for 1,500 euros each from the La Cala de Mijas Lions, whilst all the children were given gift tokens from Primart as well as toys and books.

On a perfect May day, over 400 locals enjoyed a packed afternoon of fun and entertainment. The toast to the King with cava and delicious cakes was followed by the National anthem. Eleven entries for the Cake Bake Off were judged by Legends Show Bar Andrea and Paul. They featured a model of a castle - and a gin infused Union Flag!

'REIGN' on Lions' Parade!! The only rain on the Lions Party in the Park was the toast to the new UK King, Charles III Reign!! On a perfect May day, over 400 locals enjoyed a packed afternoon of fun and entertainment. The toast to the King with cava and delicious cakes was followed by the National anthem. The stalls were numerous and varied and, like the park, were resplendent in red white and blue! La Cala favourites the Drang band heralded the start of the afternoon. Followed by 11 local bands and acts including Spice Girls tribute band Girl Power who belted out several hits!! Eleven entries for the Cake Bake Off were judged by Legends Show Bar Andrea and Paul. They featured a model of a castle - and a gin infused Union Flag! A lively feature was the inclusion of the Escuela de Danza NV. This Ukrainian dance troop travelled from Malaga to join us as a thank you for the Lions' immediate response last year, both financially and with an emergency consignment of warm clothing, at the beginning of the war. Lion, Sandie Tavendale, who organised the day, expressed her thanks to everyone who helped her make it such a Right Royal success!! The money raised by the Lions, 3000€, will enable them to continue their help to deserving causes in the area.

WONDER WHAT THE LIONS ARE UP TO? Well once again there was a lot of wonder around at the Village Inn recently. Over 80 diners had wonderful treatment from the staff with wonderful food and drink, wonderful dancing and wonderful music from Boogie Wonderland. This is not to mention all the wonderful people who once again supported our efforts and our wonderful sponsors with whom we could not continue to raise money for those in need, and our wonderful raffle. Wynson Beswick gave a wonderful speech thanking everyone and for the wonderful hard work of our social secretary Dave Greenwood who organised the event which raised 1265 euros

30th year for Easter Parade Eggstraviganza! Yes it certainly was a parade of the prettiest hats on Easter Sunday when over 70 fun-loving folk ventured out to Bar Tuta to experience the fun and games only John Sharples can supply and to partake of great food and service from all the staff. Held for the past 30 years by Anne Bowles and her late husband Frank as a charity event, today was in aid of the La Cala Lions Diabetic Support Group. There was so much going on - quizzes from Graham, Musical Bingo and jokes galore from our MC John and plenty of participants for the Easter Bonnet Competition - including three men and some dear little girls. Also helping to swell the funds was a raffle, an auction and guess the name of a massive Teddy bear. Everyone joined in and thanks to Avalon Funeral Plans for the welcome drinks and to Ibex Insurance for their kind donation too. Hot Cross Buns finished off the afternoon and nearly 700 euros was raised and special thanks to all who came and to those Lions and friends who helped to make the day a success. Congratulations to Jo who won the Ladies Prize and thanks to Wynson Beswick the Lions President for judging a very difficult competition.

The sun was out at Bridges bar today for the Lions Mr & Mrs competition in aid of children’s cancer awareness day. Congratulations to our lucky winners Heather and Terry Stone of Miraflores Bowls Club. Liz the owner of Bridges did us proud with a selection of hot food including Chicken Curry, Sausage casserole, Chilli con Carne, and Pasta all served with Rice and Sweet Potato Chips, thanks Liz, delicious. John Sharples did a fabulous job as usual hosting the event and entertaining us with his ready wit as well as the Mr & Mrs competition John also held a yes/no competition where you had to answer questions for one minute without saying yes or no or shaking and nodding your head. 3 people won a prize 2 by going the full minute and one who made it to 59 seconds. A raffle was held with some great prizes and the whole afternoon raised 1560 euro and.50 cents. This will be divided between a memory day for children in our region suffering from cancer and two charities who help children with cancer and their families. A massive thank you to Sandra Tavendale for organising the event, Liz from Bridges bar for allowing us to hold the event there, John Sharples for hosting the event and everyone for coming along to support the La Cala Lions with this worthwhile cause.

La Cala De Mijas Lions and some of their supporters enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of good food and wine served by manager Jeremy and his team at La Sierra restaurant at Cerrado de Aguila Golf on Wednesday afternoon 15th Feb. While tucking into a 3 course lunch accompanied with wine, beer or soft drinks the fabulous Mark Connor royally entertained us with his Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley tribute act. 450 euro was kindly donated to the La Cala De Mijas Lions Childrens Charity event by one of our sponsors PCC Wealth and the event raised a total of 1700 euro. Lions president Wynson Beswick thanked everyone for attending to support this great cause and gave a special thank you to PCC Wealth for their generous donation. She explained that the funds raised would be used to organise a special party and memory day for children with cancer in our area, also some of the funds will go to AECC who have 8 properties that they maintain near Malaga hospital where families of children with cancer who are in the hospital for treatment can stay and some of the money raised will go to Andreas Oliveras who have set up a special room called the white room in Malaga hospital where children who are waiting to see the oncologist can wait in a calm relaxing environment.

Yes once again Christmas is nearly here and the La Cala Lions Club do what they do best - hold their Christmas Party night to raise funds for all those in need. Together with their sponsors, friends and families, over 2000 euros - and still counting - was the result from the fabulous Party Night held at Green Label, El Chaparral Golf. 127 Lions and supporters attended and what fun was had by all. The food and service was great and Ricky Lavazza - the musical artist - kept nearly everyone dancing to midnight with his great ability to get a crowd moving with maximum fun. Wynson Beswick Lions President thanked everyone for coming and explained about the extra help La Cala Lions hope to offer over Christmas to families in need. Also thanks were given to Dave Greenwood the Social Secretary and his team for organising such a perfect evening, including a stunning array of generous raffle prizes beautifully wrapped by one of Dave’s team - Lions Vice President Sarah Montalbano.

A wonderful day had by all who attended raising just over 1,800 euros. A fabulous selection of stalls that tempted many to buy their products. The La Cala Lions de Mijas Charity Shop stalls in addition to the Christmas decorations and handmade cakes on sale that we had on offer also did extremely well . A lovely tapas lunch followed by the fashion show, which everyone enjoyed. A great selection of raffle prizes were won together with the additional surprise of our "Blue Star" winners who received a beautiful Christmas floral table arrangement, chocolates and wine as a gift from us. We also made a donation to the British Legion Club for 1000 euros to support the hard work they provide to those in need. We wish to thank everyone for joining this beautiful event and enabling us to continue to support our community, who really needs us.

Wow! What an amazing evening we had at our “Taste of India” night at The Connoisseur Restaurant, Riviera del Sol. Fantastic atmosphere with authentic music being played all evening. Food was exceptionally flavoursome with generous portions, as well as impeccable service. The raffle prizes were brilliant! A thoroughly enjoyable night had by all. Thank you so much to everyone who attended, continuing to support us enabling La Cala de Mijas Lions Club to help people in our community. We couldn’t do it without you! Our thanks to you all Sarah Montalbano Vice President

Walking to save lives. What a wonderful turnout for the 4th Diabetic Awareness Sponsored Walk. Organised by the La Cala Lions Diabetic Support Group nearly 300 attended the day and there were many generous donations to sponsor the walkers. Herbalife Nutrition handed out sport energy drinks and T-Shirts were given to all the walkers thanks to the kindness of Danny Foster of Inspired Fragrances who encouraged his many friends and colleagues to help towards the costs. His daughter, Alilah, a happy and energetic 7 year old, has been diabetic since just before her 2nd birthday and she received a little medal on the day as our champion fundraiser having managed to persuade all her school friends and family to help her raise nearly 1000.00 euros! MC Sandie excelled herself taking the warm-up in her Lions costume. On a really hot summer-like day this was no mean feat! Bohurt Zona Sur - the Medieval fighters were there in all their armour, Mijas Fencing, the Drang band of drummers and other entertainers including flamenco dancers and Costa Soul Singers made it a great day. There were plenty of stall holders too for early Christmas shopping. Saving lives is our aim and our nurses tested nearly 100 of the visitors for glucose levels and found at least 10 % were too high - and most of these did not know they may have diabetes. Although we are still counting we are sure we will exceed 3000.00 euros for our fight against diabetes. On this auspicious day Remembrance Sunday, because of the large crowd, those who wished were invited to hold their own personal minutes of silence to remember those who died fighting for our freedom. Please help us in our fight for the lives of all diabetics.

We are pleased to announce that we recently raised an amazing 1,190 euros at our latest event at The Village Inn, 60’s and 70’s night with Mama Cath and the Soul Sisters. It was a wonderful evening and great fun! A huge thank you to all that attended and supported us, allowing us to continue to help our community.

La Cala Lions Welcome Our New President Last year’s President David Kay has been succeeded by Wynson Beswick. Wynson has been a member of the Lions for 10 years and has been fully involved in many aspects of the Lions activities. Wynson spent several years in charge of the Lions Charity shop in La Cala which raises many thousands of euros for local needy causes. Prior to joining the Lions Wynson had also been a Lions volunteer for several years. Wynson moved to La Cala from the UK eleven years ago, to join one of her three daughters. A second daughter has since moved to Spain to join them. There is a third daughter living in France who visits La Cala regularly. Wynson is also blessed with 4 grandchildren. During her year a President Wynson is intending to promote the Lions with an increasing social media presence and is also producing a video of Lions activities, which will be shown at various events. Wynson intends to promote both friendship and harmony through the Lions involvement in the local community and to raise public awareness of the work that the Lions do. Some readers may not be aware that the Lions is an International organisation with over 1.2 million members world -wide. Wynson said “If at the end of the year I have facilitated people to participate in Lions events, I will consider my year to have achieved one of my main objectives.” Wynson has several other interests, which include running a Rummikub club- a very interesting board game. This is the announcement with photo of the event. We are delighted to announce that we raised an amazing total of 7,832.62 euros at the President’s Evening at Grace Restaurant on 10th September. A huge thank you to everyone that attended and shared this fantastic event. We could not have done this without all the support that we have received and we are so grateful to you all! Thank you for helping us to help others within our community.