Over the past year, the charity has supported important causes, such as Prostate cancer testing, the Community Pantry at the Waypoint Hub, local families struggling in crisis and they funded a Fun Day at Marwell Zoo for disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children.
They also supported Abby’s Heroes, the International Disaster Relief Fund, Recycle for Sight (collecting old spectacles for reuse in deprived countries) and provided vital help to ambulance crews and paramedics with ‘Message in a bottle’ containers that allow important medical information to be accessed easily.
Sanjay Dave, Fundraiser for the Swanwick Lions Club said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Sir Joseph Paxton quiz night in support of the Swanwick Lions. Your generosity and enthusiasm will make a real difference. With your continued support, we hope to build on these achievements and help even more local people in the coming year.
A special thank you goes to landlord Dave Roseby and his wife, Vicki and the team at the Sir Joseph Paxton pub for kindly hosting the quiz - and lastly, to Gary Parker, our quiz master, for organising such a fantastic event. Thank you all, once again, for your support and commitment.”
Over 80 people came along and many for them tried their luck in the raffle. The evening ended with an auction for a 43” LG television TV, donated by a former Lions Club member which raised £150 towards the total.
The charity asked Gary Parker to host the event as his quizzes are very popular and he has raised over £46,000 for local charities, including Cash for Kids, Abby’s Heroes, George’s Rockstars, the Kirsty Louise Streek Foundation, Butterflies Bereavement Support. He also supported the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Gary said, “It was a pleasure to support Sanjay and the Swanwick Lions. As a small group, they work really hard to help their local community and I’m really pleased that we raised over £700 for them on Wednesday night.
The money will support the Community Pantry at the Waypoint Hub and the ROAR project – a competition for schools, encouraging children to think big and create world changing ideas. The food bank is in Hunts Pond Road, so it is close to the pub and families nearby who are struggling can pay just £5 and receive food and household items worth £25 or more. This is a great help when money is tight and especially during the school holidays when many children will not receive free school meals.”
Swanwick Lions Club has supported Hook-with-Warsash C of E Academy with the ROAR Project since 2023 and ideas include a Vac-Scooter (a scooter that collects rubbish as you go), innovative cup designs, a Heat Wig, a hologram watch and a fold up television.
Schools can enrol, with the help of their local Lions Club, from March onwards and will receive support from the organiser, 8billionideas. Teams with the ‘Winning Idea’ receive certificates, medals and wristbands and their idea is entered into a regional final. The ‘Overall District Winning Idea’ is chosen in December. Full details on https://page.8billionideas.com/roar-2026
The Swanwick Lions Club holds fundraising events throughout the year, including an annual Duck Race from Mansbridge to Woodmill on August Bank Holiday. This year’s event will be on Monday 31st August and is organised by the Eastleigh and Swanwick Lions Clubs. Find out about events and how to support Swanwick Lions on their website www.swanwicklions.org.uk and via their social media channels.
Gary Parker runs a digital marketing business and hosts a regular quiz at the Sir Joseph Paxton pub on Wednesday nights.
Phone 01489 571111 to book a table and you can contact him at [email protected]
1. Contributed
Gary Parker with Sanjay Dave, fundraiser for Swanwick Lions Photo: Submitted
