The 500 inhabitants of Kikenyi, a rural village in the Iganga province of Uganda, have recently been provided with a continuous supply of clean water.
This is all thanks to G&L Lions Past President Keith Ford’s awareness of the problems that these people, and many just like them, face daily. The Kikenyi water supply improvement funded as part of Lion Keith’s Special Project during his year as President, was a project of the Charity Water For Kids.
It was considered a high priority as the original water source was dirty and contaminated giving rise to huge health concerns. Additionally access to the water was hazardous and there were fears that children collecting water were in danger of falling in and even drowning.
The construction of a retaining dam allowed installation of steps giving safe access to the water supply pipe. Here clean water became obtainable thanks to a filtration system being incorporated in the design.
He told us that the local Kikenyi village headman, Samuel Kakaire says… ‘The villagers are so thankful for the protection of their water supply. We’ve been using the unprotected water hole as our only supply of water within close proximity of the village for many years, more than I can remember, and to have a clean protected water source for the first time is a gift from God. In addition the risk of drowning by children or adults, in the dirty pond
of water is no longer present.’
Kikenyi water source before protection. Children were at risk of falling in when climbing down to collect water – and even at risk of drowning.
The water source has been dug out and a brick wall / dam constructed, then covered with concrete for a strong waterproof finish to make collection safer.
The mason has finished building the steps down to the water collection pipe. The hole behind the wall will be filled with rocks, stones and sand to filter the water before it feeds through the pipe.
A girl is collecting water from the protected water source. A second tap with a lock has been put in lower down for when the water level is low in the dry season.
MARIA FRANKS centre was overjoyed to receive from Liion President DAVID GRAVES (right) and Lion TOM LAKING, Christmas Fayre for the enjoyment of visitors to 'The Forge'.
The task of helping those in need takes on a new dimension at Christmas and, thanks to Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club, staff at ‘The Forge’ have been able to provide a sumptious Christmas Dinner for many of underprivileged people in our area.
With the generous support of the White Heather (Caenby Corner) on Christmas Eve the Lions delivered all the ingredients to ensure that on Christmas Day a ‘Dinner fit for Kings’ was enjoyed by those dependent on ‘The Forge’ for much needed help.
MARIA FRANKS, Manager at The Forge told the Evening Telegraph… ‘We are so grateful to Glanford and Lindsey Lions and the White Heather, not only for their support during this festive period but for their continuous efforts throughout the year. Without support like this we would be unable to keep the centre open and provide the much needed services to so many vulnerable people in our community’.
Lion President DAVID GRAVES said. ‘ This is the type of service that Lions Clubs around the World are noted for. It’s a pleasure for us to be able to help in just a small way and to ensure that a little pleasure is brought into people’s lives at Christmas time.’
Adverse weather conditions over the past two weeks have prevented Santa from making his hugely popular annual visits to a number of villages in the area to the South and East of Scunthorpe. Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club members have been making huge efforts to overcome the problems but it seems that conditions will remain too dangerous.
For many years the visit of Santa’s Sleigh to villages such as Scotter, Messingham, Hibaldstow, Kirton and others has been a popular festive feature in the run up to Christmas. The gratitude of residents in these areas has been evident by the generous donations collected and the Santa’s Sleigh runs have become one of the Lions’ main fund raising activities. The loss of these donations will impact on the level of support Lions can provide to deserving causes and individuals. However, plans are already being made to arrange alternative fund raising events to meet the deficit.
A Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club spokesman said… ‘The sleigh is still snowbound in its shed and we’ve been unable to dig it out. Even so the conditions of side roads and footpaths in the villages we visit with Santa are still covered in compacted snow and ice and it’s far too risky to undertake our usual visits’. We are extremely sorry that we’ve so far been able to take Santa to meet the many children in the area who we know are extremely disappointed‘.
He went on to add, ’We should make it clear that the sleigh we use for these runs is not the sleigh Santa will use on Christmas Eve. This is safely locked away and being prepared for Santa’s mammoth task. It will definitely cope with any weather conditions Santa is likely to meet so we want to assure all children that Santa will make his deliveries on Christmas Eve as usual’.
What happens when 150 Scouts and Guides turn up for a burger and hotdog?
When the going get tough the Glanford & Lindsey Lions get cooking!
150 burgers, 150 hotdogs, 300 buns, 12 litres of soup and 20 kilos of onions later and the young people had their appetites quenched.
Lions Keith and Denis braved the smoking BBQ to cook all the burgers and sausages and our lady Lions worked gallantly to keep up with demand at the serving tables.
At the Club’s Annual Changeover Dinner held at The White Heather (thanks again to Lions Jonathon and Amy) everyone agreed that Bob had performed brilliantly throughout his year as President. He said that he hoped the year ahead would be as enjoyable and rewarding for everyone. Bob referred to the special support that had been possible during his time as President.
Many organisations and individuals have benefited from the help that Glanford and Lindsey Lions have given’. Bob also praised Lorna for the encouragement and understanding she had given him during his busy year. Bob and Lorna were presented with a set of Crystal Wine Glasses as a ‘thank you’ memento of such a good year… WELL DONE BOB!
