Our Twin Club--Frankenberg Lions, Germany
- One of the objectives of Lions Clubs International is "To create and foster a spirit of understanding amongst the peoples of the world".
- To this end, Lions Clubs throughout the world communicate and co-operate with each other whenever possible. The Farnham Lions Club falls into an administrative area of Lions Clubs International called District 105SE, and just over 25 years ago, this District formed a twinning arrangement with German Lions in District 111MN
- Over the last 25 years, representatives of our two Districts have attended each other's Annual Conventions and paid social visits each to the other. But perhaps more importantly in many ways, we have always organised joint projects together. Sometimes these projects have been of a cultural nature, such as Youth Exchange, but for the last five years or so, have been service projects, to help the less fortunate in 2nd or 3rd world countries.
- We are currently engaged in providing computer and other equipment for schools in Gomel, Belarus. One of the aims of this District Twinning, is to introduce Lions Clubs here to Lions Clubs in Germany, so that they can get to know each other, work together, and perhaps form Club-to-Club twinning.
- Through this facility, it was that Farnham Lions Club was introduced to a Lions Club in Frankenberg, in Germany, about two hours drive north of Frankfurt. The introduction was made in 1988, when Howard Lee, of the Farnham Club, was serving as our District Governor, and met Dr Rolf Bluttner, a member of Frankenberg Club, and District Governor of his District at the same time. They have been firm friends ever since, and so have our two Clubs.
Farnham Lions in Dresden Frankenberg Lions in Alice Holt
Frankenberg Lions visit Farnham
11 Members of our twin club from Frankenberg in Germany visited Farnham over the weekend of the 14th-16th October . Splendid weather greeted them as most of them touched down at Heathrow mid morning on the Friday. An informal lunch was taken at the Shepherd and Flock after which they settled in to their host family homes. The evening was marked by a number of dinners held amongst Farnham LIon's homes when we were able to catch up on eachothers' news.
Saturday was in two halves. The first a visit to Gunwharf Quays when, after a short time spent shopping, the group ascended the Spinnaker Tower for magnificent views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent. After a splendid tapas lunch at the Quays the group spend a most enjoyable harbour cruise seeing many current and redundant naval vessels including the de-commissioned Ark Royal and two new frigates for the a middle eastern navy.
The evening was spent in competitive (friendly) skittles at the recently acquired Chilli Pad (formerly The Jolly Miller) at North Warnborough. After a long and energetic eveningn narrowly won by Farnham Lions, it was and for more socialising.
On Sunday a tour of Farnham was provided with a stop Gostrey Meadows to inspect the two flower beds of roses donated by Farnham Lions in 2005 and still looking their best, thanks to the gardening team from Farnham Town Council.
Some of our visitors left for Heathrow before lunch whilst others enjoyed a traditional Sunday Lunch at The Nelson in Castle Street.
Three days went in a flash after one of the most enjoyable weekend exchanges in recent years.
