In Memoriam
5th December 2025
Lion John Edwards
Windsor Lions Club
John was a very active member of Burnham Lions Club prior to its closure. At Burnham Club John was VP in July 2017 to June 2019, during which time he was also Events Chair; He became President July 2019 to June 2020. He was also Treasurer from July 2022 to the closure of our club in July 2024. He was also:
Press Relations Officer July 2001 to June 2004,
Webmaster, Social Secretary and Tail Twister from 2019 to the club closure.
He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship by the club in April 2024.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
23rd November 2025
Lion Ian Robins
Jersey Lions Club
Ian was a Past Club President and also a Zone Chair. He will be greatly missed.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
28th October 2025
Lion Byron Hughes
Chippenham Lions Club
I regret to advise you that Lion Byron Hughes passed away on Sunday 28th October. He was just 3 months short of achieving 50 years of service, all within Chippenham Club.
He had been club President on 5 occasions and chaired all committees over the years.
He had been Twinning Officer ever since the club twinned with the Lions Club of Durtal/La Fleche in 1981.
He was a Melvin Jones Fellow and the Organiser and Sergeant in Arms for the District Convention in District 105W for many years.
He had stood in as Tailtwister at the club's meeting just a few days before his passing and was on his usual good form fining members for misdemeanors real or imaginary, but always with a laugh and smile.
He had a great singing voice and as a Bass Baritone, he had been a soloist for Treorchy, Dowlais and Maesteg Male Voice choirs over the years. If there was any singing, you could always hear Byron's magnificent voice rising above all others!
He will be greatly missed by the members and partners of Chippenham Club for many years to come.
I know that he received a further award which I believe was a Bert Mason Humanitarian Award but this was before computerisation of International records and I cannot confirm this.
Lion Derek Angell
President Chippenham Lions Club
13th October 2025
Lion Pete Ingamells
Hook, Odiham & Hartley Wintney Lions Club
Pete passed away following a long and hard battle with a brain tumour. He was an excellent Lion and will be sorely missed.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
3rd September 2025
Lion Graham Blake
Romsey and Waterside Lions Club
Although Graham hadn't been a lion for very long he had become a firm club favourite with his is quick wit and positive attitude always to the fore. He was the life and soul of every event and the first to volunteer to help.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
6th July 2025
Lion Harold Brown
Poole Lions Club
We have to report the sad news that Lion Harold Brown passed away yesterday in Poole Hospital. Harold has been a member of Poole Lions Club since 1982 and served the club several times as President and most notably ran our Swimathon for 18 years.
Diana has confirmed that Lion Harold's funeral has been arranged for Monday 21st July at 6:30pm at the Harbour View, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6AN.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
13th June 2025
Lion Frank Fortey
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club
Frank had been a Lion for over 45 years and the club is really going to miss him. He was the current Welfare Chairman and Treasurer so his passing leaves an enormous void.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
29th May 2025
Lion John Drago
Westbury Lions Club
It is with great sadness that I must share the news of the passing of our dear friend, past President and honorary member of Westbury Lions, John Drago.
John had been receiving support at Watersmead Care Home and passed away peacefully on Thursday 29th May following a brief illness, with care staff supporting him. He was 81.
A treasured friend to so many of us over the years, John's sharp wit, infectious sense of humour, and boundless enthusiasm for life left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His tireless dedication to the Lions, his lifelong passion for Scouting, and of course, his love of trains were just a few of the many ways in which he brought joy, inspiration, and connection to those around him.
John’s unwavering commitment to service, to friendship, and most of all to his beloved wife Anita, defined the man he was. Whether he was organising an event for club or district, lending a helping hand to a good cause, or simply sharing a story and a laugh, John gave freely and wholeheartedly of his time and energy. His warmth, wisdom, and generosity of spirit enriched the lives of all who knew him.
His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and in the fond memories and stories that will no doubt be shared for years to come among those who were fortunate enough to be close to him and Anita.
John should be remembered with deep affection, admiration, and gratitude. He worked tirelessly for Lions at Westbury and in the District, and was respected by his peers much further afield than at Westbury alone.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
19th May 2025
Lion Ken Munson
Marlborough and District Lions Club
Ken was a dedicated member of the club until recently and a Melvyn Jones Fellow (2018)
He was president twice - in 1996/97 and 2001/02
He was Treasurer from 2003 to 2014
I can't tell from the new system when he actually joined the club but he was known by the members as one of the "founder" members. He joined after seeing the Teddy
Bear stall in the High Street., The club was founded in 1976 and it was probably not much longer after that he joined
He was very proud of being a Lion and very active until his health prevented him from being so.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
1st May 2025
Mike Hendy
Bracknell Forest Lions Club
Mike was DG in 105A 2000 - 2001 and also DG in 105D (now SC) in 2014 - 2015. He left Bracknell Forest Lions in 2019.
Mike's funeral will take place on Saturday 10th May at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 23 Old Road, Bromyard HR7 4BQ
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
6th April 2025
Jenny Foan
Loddon Valley Lions Club
Loddon Valley Lions are deeply saddened to report the passing to higher service of Jenny Foan, wife of our President, Lion Geoff and good friend to all members of Loddon Valley and many longer serving Lions and partners in District 105SC.
Jenny had undergone major heart surgery in London and sadly, during her recovery, her lungs failed her. Loddon Valley Lions send their sincere condolences to Lion Geoff at this sad time.
John Goodchild
Secretary
4th April 2025
Lion Ian Gilbert
Chippenham Lions Club
Ian Gilbert, 1946 - 2025
We bring you the sad news of the recent death of Chippenham Lions Club member, Ian Gilbert.
His legacy is the Cherished Vehicle Show which he started 13 years ago. It was a big undertaking and with Ian’s enthusiasm and leadership the club embraced the idea.
It was Ian who chaired that team year after year, passing the baton over only on years when he served as our President.
Ian joined us from the Paddock Wood Lions Club. Energetic and hard working, he will be sadly missed after serving as our President twice and Chair of Fundraising many, many times. He leaves behind Fran, three sons and a gap which will be impossible to fill.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
31st March 2025
Frieda Cox
Highworth and District Lions Club
Highworth and District Lions club have the sad news that Lion Frieda Christina Cox has passed to Higher Service at the end of March.
Lion Frieda joined Lions in July 1996, serving nearly 29 years.
Born in April 1925 Frieda was close to completing her 100th year.
Freida had an active life in Lions, being club President in 2004/5, and was District 105W's District Peace Poster Officer from 2007 to 2010.
Of late Frieda has been an Honorary Member of the club, and will be missed.
Brian Donovan
PDG
List
Lion John Edwards - Windsor Lions Club
Lion Ian Robins - Jersey Lions Club
Lion Byron Hughes - Chippenham Lions Club
Lion Pete Ingamells - Hook, Odiham & Hartley Wintney Lions Club
Lion Graham Blake - Romsey and Waterside Lions Club
Lion Harold Brown - Poole Lions Club
Lion Frank Fortey - Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club
Lion John Drago - Westbury Lions Club
Lion Ken Munson - Marlborough and District Lions Club
Mike Hendy - Bracknell Forest Lions Club
Jenny Foan - Loddon Valley Lions Club
Lion Ian Gilbert - Chippenham Lions Club
Frieda Cox - Highworth and District Lions Club
