With final preparations under way, the planning for the annual Retford Lions Club Tour de Retford cycle event is almost complete. All abilities are welcome for the event on Sunday 16thApril and, as usual, the start will be in the Market Square at 9.00am. it is open to all, but children must be accompanied. Choose from two courses – 35 miles or 70 miles – around North Notts villages. All finishers receive a medal. Pre entry is best option – drop in at Bridgegate Cycles for more information.
This month saw the passing of one of Retford Lions’ most valued members, Bette Dobbie. Bette had been a member of the Club for many years and she will be missed by all.
The Big Help Out in Kings Park
Have you ever wanted to volunteer to help in your local community, but don’t know where to begin? Perhaps you have an hour free, or could commit to an afternoon, or maybe you have an hour or two on a regular basis. Why not attend ‘The Big Help Out’ and link up with a charity or organisation that needs your help?
Any time you offer will be appreciated. There is a local charity or volunteer-led organisation that needs you!
The Big Help Out initiative forms part of the Coronation celebration weekend on Bank Holiday Monday and is hoped to raise awareness of opportunities for people who would like to volunteer their time to help others.
King Charles’ wish is that the primary focus of the day will be to encourage volunteer hours rather than fundraising. The national organisers have announced that ‘together we have the opportunity to create one of the most significant moments for volunteer mobilisation this country has ever seen’.
Retford Lions Club, with Bassetlaw District Council approval, will manage The Big Help Out event in Kings Park in Retford on 8th May (the last day of the Coronation weekend). All charities and volunteer-led organisations are welcome to register free of charge with Retford Lions Club via retford.lions@gmail.com and bring a display presentation to the event in Kings Park.
Retford Lions are proud to be hosting their annual yellow and red duck races this year on the same day and priority booking is available to all nominated charities within the Coronation Red Duck Race.
It is hoped that the day will be an enjoyable, useful, interesting and informative experience for all the community.
Sales of the yellow ducks will begin shortly in town, so there should be plenty of opportunity to be in the race with a chance to win cash prizes.
Kings Park is quite important for the Coronation celebrations. The park was opened in June 1938 so this is the 85th anniversary.
It was originally declared to support the reign of King George V. That was suddenly cut short and the commemoration was switched to the coronation of King George VI. So it is very fitting that it is being used to on King Charles III’s coronation to mark his wish to highlight volunteering.