The clocks have gone back and the memories of summer holidays on the Costas are fading rapidly. It's dark at 4pm, and it heralds the busiest time of the year for Wymondham Lions. Not by any means idle during the summer - helping at the Royal Norfolk and Wayland Shows, running a BBQ at the Jazz Picnic were some of the highlights.

We started the winter period with a very successful quiz at Central Hall. A big thank you to everyone who supported us and raised a pleasing sum. All that we raise at our events goes into our charity account and is used to help others.

November brings a flurry of activities. A Club dinner early in the month is followed by 2 days collecting in Waitrose and two grottoes at the Heritage Museum. The money from the collection will go towards buying Christmas presents for the residents of four Wymondham care homes.

We have managed to secure a block booking for Santa to deliver Christmas cheer! He will be with us at his Museum grotto and again at the December 7th Wymondham Light switch-on. His grotto will be in the courtyard at the rear of Money Properties. We also keep Santa busy with 3 days of delivering presents in the care homes while the Lions and choristers from South Norfolk District Choir entertain the residents with a selection of traditional carols. Events are always very much appreciated by the staff and residents alike. He will also visit a grotto at Wymondham Garden Centre on Saturday 13th.

We then draw breath to enjoy Christmas with our families before gearing up for the annual Burns Supper and Ceilidh on January 23rd - this being a joint venture with Wymondham Rotary Club. This will be followed by collecting for Marie Curie in Morrisons.

We must say a big thank you to the staff of Waitrose, Money Properties, the Museum and the Garden Centre for their assistance in these events. Any money raised is used to help verified people or groups in need of assistance. Mostly local. In the past 12 months, we have given over £3000 to local charities and good causes. Lions give their time voluntarily. We are always on the lookout for new members or people who will help out on an ad hoc basis, such as shaking a collecting tin for an hour. If you need any more information, please ask any Lion, or email wymondhamlions@gmail.com or ring 0345 833 5749.