The Leo Club members continued to meet at break times in D4 and lunch times in D6 on every Tuesday in the Summer term.
PRIDE OF ST. EDMUND’S (LEO CLUB)
Updated June 2008
27th April 2008
18 pupils were accompanied by Gwyneth Davies-Gale (Cosham Lyons) and Mrs Sage for their annual day out at Paulton’s Park. (Thanks to Mrs Wood with whom 4 pupils travelled!) It rained heavily on the journey to Southampton but it stopped raining by the time we arrived and the sun came out in the afternoon. Because the day had started off wet, the park was nearly empty and Leo Club members went on ride after ride without queueing. The day was a great success – and Leo Club members are looking forward to the 2009 event!
  
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5th May 2008
Bank Holiday Monday – St. Mary’s Church Fair
Gwyneth had a Lions Club stall and much appreciated the help of Chloe Everett and Cydney Nixon. They worked hard all day and helped to raise money for the ‘Sight Savers’ cause.
13th May 2008
Portsmouth Lion Nicole Lawrence took 4 Leos to the Guildhall to watch the new Lord Mayor’s Induction. This is a grand occasion with processing City Councillors, bands, flowers and hats! The pupils behaved in an exemplary manner (as we expect) and Nicole praised their interest and enthusiastic involvement.
18th May 2008
Lions Club International Charity Walk round Langstone Harbour. This was Tim McGonagle’s last effort as President of the Leo Club. He walked the 15 miles in record time and raised a considerable amount of money for his chosen charity. Shane Malloy also took part in the walk, as did Cydney and Erin who enjoyed the company of parents and dog!
The group continues to meet in D4 at Tuesday break-time (informal chat and picnic spot!) and at lunch time when the Lions, Nicole, Dave and Gwyneth come to oversee the sessions. Congratulations to Shane Malloy who has taken over as President with Mason Thompson as Vice-President. Bailey Heydon has been appointed Secretary; Erin Wood is Treasurer and Beth Toulmin will be in charge of keeping the photographic scrapbook up-to-date.
There will be another induction before the end of term to welcome 3 new members.
If you are interested, just come along to D4 on Tuesdays: but, be warned, it takes commitment and a real interest in other people to be a Leo Club member.
PRIDE OF ST. EDMUND’S (LEO CLUB)
Presentation made recently to Lions Club International
Convention at Hayling Island - Tim McGonagle and Mrs Sage
Original idea
Pat Nixon came into school early in 2006 with Peter Barker. Mrs Sage was invited to meet them in the Head’s office. We were excited by the possibilities of a Leo Club and advertised it to all tutor groups.
Inauguration Ceremony
Held in the school hall on 18th May 2006 in front of Year 7 pupils. Invited guests included the District Governor, Jeff Byers, and the District Governor Elect, Godwin Micallef. Grace King was the first President, the Treasurer was Sam Smith and Secretary Ellis Wheatley.
Early fund-raising activities included
(This is Crumble)
Guide Dogs for the Blind
First Responders
MacMillan’s Cancer Research
First Christmas Fair December 2006
Special activities
First outing to Canoe Lake with picnic (Summer 2006). Many pupils had never played French Cricket before!
The Lions Club annual walk around Langstone Harbour 2006 and 2007
Mason shows off the fluorescent jackets which pupils are encouraged to wear.
And …..
several Leo Club members attended the 50th Charter Anniversary Service on 14th October 2006 at St. Thomas’ Cathedral.
April 2007 and 2008 - opportunity to go to Paulton’s Park at a reduced (Lions Club) rate.
2008 Calendar was not a commercial success but provides an attractive summary of events so far.
Current situation
Informal gatherings at break-time on Tuesdays
Formal meetings on Tuesday lunchtimes – regularly around 20 pupils in attendance
Recently voted to support the Ark at Stubbington – old blankets, animal food, money raised through cake sales, ‘guess the number of balls’, guess the weight of the Easter egg.
Children come and go! So there have been induction ceremonies towards the end of each term. The chocolate fountain is now an essential part of Leo Club Induction Ceremonies!
The future …..
Tim McGonagle is President. (He leaves in May 2008.)
Shane Malloy is Treasurer.
Cameron Foster has been Secretary: currently undertaken on rota basis
Other pupils volunteer for opportunities that arise!
Tim receives his President’s badge
Twinned?
The Leo Club is currently awaiting an invitation to write to Leo Club members in an English School in Alicante (Spain).
Leo Club members are hoping that it will be possible to visit Alicante in the near future!
Finally, we must thank …..
Pat, John, Peter and Eric who came on a weekly basis to lead the Leo Club in its first year.
Nicole, Dave and Gwyneth who provide excellent support for the Leos now.
And Portsmouth and Cosham Lions for their financial and organisational support.
 
On 10th July 2007, 5 more pupils were inducted into the Leo Club: Cameron, Joaquim, Frankie, and to Grace King’s surprise, she was given a framed certificate marking her period of office as the first President of ‘The Pride of St. Edmund’s’.
The President of Portsmouth’s Lions presented the award and spoke to the pupils about their importance as the next generation of Lions.
Tim McGonagle, the current President and Shane Malloy (Treasurer) can be seen listening carefully.
Tim (Deputy Head Boy) has taken part in numerous Lions Club activities and was recently taken to a special presentation ceremony at the House of Commons.
Shane organised a raffle at the end of term to raise funds to add to the Leo Club’s bank balance. (Sadly for the pupils, both bars of chocolate were won by members of staff!) The Leo Club have donated money to help finance a Guide Dog for a local blind person and they have also contributed towards a life-saving scheme initiated by the Lions Club International.
The Leo Club looks forward to welcoming new Year 7 pupils from September – although pupils from across the school are always welcome to join. Meetings will continue to be held on Tuesdays – now in D4, the Food Technology room.
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