Home on Lions Club of Bodmin

Bodmin Moor Ten Tors walk

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Ten Tors walk is a sponsored team walk of about 13 miles over moorland on Bodmin Moor. It is not a race. In 2026 we held our 43rd walk, with 83 teams and 276 walkers, and teams raised well over £20,000 for their chosen charities.

Who can enter

Walkers must be 12 or over.
Teams with 12 to 16-year-olds must include at least one adult.
Every team must be sponsored. You choose the charity, or raise money for your own club’s activities.
Please tell us how much you raise. A perpetual trophy goes to the highest-sponsored team.

How to enter

Entries open in January. Download the entry form from this page, fill it in on your device, save it, and email it to the address on the form. Please type your name in the signature box rather than printing and signing.

Father Christmas sleigh

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Every December we take our sleigh around the streets of Bodmin collecting for Lions and other charities. In December 2025 the people of Bodmin gave £5,183 — thank you.

2026 dates

Friday 27 November — Fore Street, outside Boots, for the Christmas lights switch-on.
From Monday 30 November — evening rounds, Monday to Friday, about 5:30pm to 8pm.
Saturdays — ASDA Bodmin (dates to be confirmed).

Route maps for each evening will be published here. On Thursdays and Fridays live updates are on our Facebook page. On Christmas Eve you can follow Father Christmas worldwide on the NORAD Santa Tracker.

Bodmin fireworks, Priory Park

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Bodmin Lions are part of the joint committee that organises the 5 November fireworks display in Priory Park. We think it’s the best Bonfire Night display in North Cornwall, at a great price.

Nobody on the committee, gate staff, helpers or marshals is paid. All profits are given each February to children’s and youth organisations in Bodmin and the surrounding villages.

2026 was the 30th display at Priory Park, set to music from 1996 and with a laser show. It is a ticketed event; tickets are sold in advance, including at Morrisons Bodmin in the days before. If you missed it, watch the drone video on YouTube.

St Piran's Day parade

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

St Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall and of tin miners. Legend says the 6th-century abbot discovered tin when a black stone in his fire melted and a white cross of tin ran out of it — the origin of St Piran’s flag, the flag of Cornwall.

Bodmin Lions have supported the parade for 15 years and sit on the Bodmin St Piran’s Day Committee. In 2026 more than 260 children from ten local primary schools paraded from the Old Library down Fore Street to Mount Folly, led by the Mayor. After speeches and dancing, everyone moved on to St Petroc’s Church to sing “Trelawny” — followed by a Cornish pasty for every child.

Recycle your old glasses

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Most of us have an old pair of glasses in a drawer. Give them to Lions instead and they can help someone see clearly again.

Where to drop them off in Bodmin

There are Lions collection boxes at:

Specsavers, Bodmin
Boots Opticians, Bodmin

The Lions Club of Bodmin looks after both boxes. We empty them regularly and send the glasses on to the Lions recycling centre. Just drop your glasses in during opening hours. You don’t need to ask.

Fireworks, Remembrance and the sleigh is coming

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What a busy few days.

Fireworks on the 5th then remembrance day on the 8th.

We are now starting to set up our Father Christmas Sleigh for our Christmas collections around Town.

The first outing will be at the Bodmin Christmas light switch on.

Friday 27th.

Fireworks night is nearly here

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Firework night is just around the corner Lions as part of the joint committee will be out in force both setting up and marshalling on the night.

Ticket details are on the fireworks page.

Helping at Gorsedh Kernow 2026

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Lions were out on Saturday helping with Gorsedh Kernow.

Gorsedh Kernow celebrates all things Cornish and Celtic. Watch a video of the ceremony:

Gorsedh Kernow 2026 Video

Handover night 2026, and thanks to East Cornwall Search & Rescue

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100

At our meeting on Monday we presented East Cornwall Search & Rescue Team with a cheque for providing help and advice at our Ten Tors event.

It’s a few days late but here are some photos taken at Lions handover night on Monday 6th July at Bodmin Rugby Club.

This night marks the end of one Lion Year and the start of the next.

Summer bunting goes up in Fore Street

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Bunting looking good for Heritage day

Lions were out in force in Fore Street last evening putting up Bunting to brighten up the summer seasons events,

shame we missed the pride event last weekend.

Sorry for any disruption but we tried to manage any traffic that needed to come up Fore Street as quickly as we could, we are limited by the speed of the hydraulic hoist

New Lions join the pride

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Pictured below are the latest Lions to join the pride

April round-up: Hugs, the Bodmin Beast and tents for scouts

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Bodmin Lions news round up

We have been out and about this month

A visit to Hugs to explore how we can help them develop their work supporting young people and adults with a range of additional needs.

They do this alongside rescuing and re-homing horses and ponies.

We helped as marshals for the annual Bodmin Beast Marathon which took the runners though Lanhydrock and the surrounding villages.

Last few places for Ten Tors 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Ten Tors Still a few places left so get your entries in.

Closing date for entries 30/04/26

March round-up: a new member, St Piran's Day and staying safe online

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Growing the club: Bodmin Lions welcomed new member Deborah Vosper. She was presented with her pin and certificate by our President Bill May

Donations: The Club was able to support 3rd Bodmin Scout Group with a donation towards their fund-raising campaign to acquire a new electric cooker for the scout hut. Ron, our club treasurer presented the cheque to their Group Lead Volunteer at one of their cub scout evenings.

Phil Wrixon celebrates 50 years as a Lion

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bill May, our President, was delighted to present Phil Wrixon with his 50-year membership award at our 2nd February meeting. Phil joined Lions in 1975, following in the footsteps of his father Ralph, who was a charter member of our club. He served as Club President in 2003–04.

The sleigh raised £5,183 — here's where it's going

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Lions Club of Bodmin

We had a busy December last year when our Bodmin Lions and volunteer helpers were out with the sleigh nearly every day for the first 3 weeks. We are now focusing on sharing our success with the Community of Bodmin. We raised an amazing £5183 and can’t thank the people of Bodmin enough for their generosity

On the 9th of January our Treasurer Ron Goodgame presented £1000 to Elaine Mundy’s Pioneer Ministry which works among some of the most vulnerable individuals in the community providing vital support to people facing a wide range of challenges — including the cost-of-living crisis, loneliness, poor mental health, and low income.

Happy New Year — Ten Tors planning begins

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Happy new year everyone.

We have started planning our annual Bodmin Moor Ten Tors walk, keep an eye on this site and our facebook for more information.

Father Christmas collections finished for 2025

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Lions Father Christmas collections have finished for 2025

More on the Father Christmas sleigh page.

Recycle for Sight: bring us your old glasses

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Watch the Lions Recycle for Sight video

Find out more at Lions Recycle for Sight.

Do you have spectacles you no longer use?

Bodmin Lions would love to have them. Lions clubs have been collecting and recycling unwanted glasses since 1967. What started as a single club activity is now a nationwide effort, with clubs across the UK collecting millions of pairs over the last 35 years.

Helping at the Priory Park summer event

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Three Lions taking a break while helping at Bodmin Councils Priory Park Summer event

Bunting goes up with Bodmin Town Council

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The evening of Tuesday 15 July saw some disruption in Fore Street.

The text below has been copied from Bodmin council Facebook page.

pictures by Lion Keith, more pictures on the council Facebook

The Lions Club Of Bodmin and Bodmin Town Council Community Services team came together to install bunting along Fore Street, getting the town ready for a fantastic season ahead.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave up their free time to make this possible:

Handover night 2025: Dave hands over to Bill

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

A few photos from our annual Handover evening Monday 7th July.

Photos by Lion Ron

Lion Chris Line receiving the Lions Appreciation Award & Recognition & dedicated Service as Secretary of Bodmin Lions Club

Lion Nigel Trudgeon receiving the Bodmin Lions Presidential Appreciation Award

Distinguished Service Plaque for Kevin Marshall

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

President Dave Truran presented past President Lion Kevin Marshall with a Distinguished Service Plaque. Kevin joined Bodmin Lions Club in 2003 and was President three times and held many roles over the years.

He was Chairman of the Christmas Fayre, Senior Citizens Party, and is currently Chairman of Bodmin St Pirans Day Committee. He also spent many years calling at our weekly bingo evenings and is our Health & Safety Officer

Lions ladies decorate a tree at St Petroc's

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bodmin Lions ladies have again decorated a tree in St Petroc’s Church for their tree festival.

Ten Tors 2025 entry forms available from January

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ten Tors entry forms available from January 2025

Three new members, and archery gold for Chloe Scott

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Bodmin Lions Club welcome our three new members,

They are: Rachael Williams, Sue Newman and Gilly Arnold.

Bodmin Lions Club at their handover meeting in July, Lion President, Dave Truran awarded the Sean Whitmore Shield to Chloe Scott for her achievements in her sport of archery.

Handover 2023: Norma hands over to Dave

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Norma handing the chain of office to Dave.

Dave’s vote of thanks to Norma for all her hard work during her year as first woman Lions President of Bodmin.

Dave then went on to present awards on behalf of the club

Our 40th Ten Tors walk is on 7 May 2023

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

** The 2023 walk, our 40th will be on Sunday 7th May.

Entry forms and more information are on the Ten Tors page.**

Norma becomes our first woman President

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Monday 4th July was a landmark day for Bodmin Lions.

We welcomed into office our first Lady President.

Lion president Daniel Brinson handing over the role of president to Lion Norma Fothergill . Thank you Daniel for all you have achieved as president. And congratulations to our new president Norma.

Ten Tors is back

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

TEN TORS IS BACK

See the Ten Tors page for information.

Season's greetings from Bodmin Lions

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Coming to the end of another very different year Lion President Daniel & all Bodmin Lions wish you a safe Christmas & Happier 2022.

Lion Rodney Copplestone

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

It’s with great sadness we announce the death of Lion Rodney Copplestone.

Rodney & his wife Barbara were the driving force behind the Lions weekly Bingo for many years.

We send our condolences to Barbara and family.

Helping with the TOB cycle ride, and roses in Higher Bore Street

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Lions are helping with the TOB cycle ride on Sun 5th Sept & will be getting our own events going again as soon as they can be done safely.

Leonides Floribunda spotted in Higher Bore Street.

Grown by Norma and the Gwel-an-Nan nurseries.

Transplanted by the Roy Whitehall garden centre.

Remembrance 2020

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Covid restrictions as we are all aware prevent us from meeting, however there

was a restricted Remembrance wreath laying ceremony and Lion President Daniel was very pleased

to represent the Lions Club of Bodmin.

Christmas Fair and Senior Citizens' Party cancelled

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

After long and careful consideration, Bodmin Lions have to regrettably announce that the Christmas fair and senior citizens party, due to take place on 28th and 29th November respectively, will not take place. Bodmin lions appreciate that this will cause disappointment for many, but given circumstances and the nature of both events, we cannot put the health of the public and our members at risk. In hope and prayers that the world will soon be a safer place, we hope that all lion’s events will soon resume. Bodmin Lions Christmas sleigh is still under consideration.

Thank you, Lionel

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100

With no presentation night due to Covid Dave didn’t have the opportunity thank people or give out awards. He managed to catch up with outgoing secretary Lionel to thank him and present an award for his years of service in the role.

Daniel takes over as President

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Daniel takes over, Past President Dave elbowed out.

I would like to be one of the first to congratulate the new President Daniel.

I wish you a great year and look forward to supporting you throughout your term.

Regards,

IPP, Dave Truran.

A message from President Dave

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Although things have been very quiet on the events front, there has been a section of the Lions that has been busy assisting with home deliveries, fetching and carrying and generally helping out where and when they can in a safe manner.

The offer was made to all the major stores within the Bodmin area to help with collection and deliveries if needed, and to other organizations with the same.

Happy 50th birthday, Bodmin Lions

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Happy 50th Birthday Lions Club of Bodmin

On the 28th April 1970 seventeen men of Bodmin met to form (Charter) the Lions Club of Bodmin.

They all put their names to the Charter document pictured below.

They then went forward to live the Lions motto of “we serve” & build the mixed gender club we have today.

Coronavirus: all events cancelled

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Bodmin Lions have had to take the decision cancel all events during the current crisis.

Ten Tors Cancelled: Refunds for entries received will be processed as soon as it is possible.

Weekly Bingo Cancelled: this will be reviewed as time goes on, it will be back as soon as it’s safe.

If you need help from Bodmin Lions they will do their best but many Lions are themselves vulnerable.

Keep Safe everyone see you soon.

Our flower bed in Higher Bore Street

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0100

Earlier this year Bodmin Lions adopted one of the Flower Beds in Higher Bore St.

Thanks to Plantsman Lion Roy & a few helpers it now in full bloom.

At the Bodmin Community Network Panel

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0100

Lions were delighted to attend the Bodmin Community Network Panel on 9th. April at Lanivet.

We were able to explain how we have benefited from the Community Chest Awards from our local councillors.

We were happy to show a sample of the new Bunting funded by an award, and used annually to decorate the Town. It was also a great opportunity to explore how we can all work together for the good of the town.

Helping Bodmin schools tackle ocean plastic

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Cornwall Council issued a press release on plastics in the ocean, supported by Lions Clubs in Cornwall.

Bodmin Lions have played a vital role in reaching primary schools in Bodmin and our surrounding villages with children’s books and teaching resources on ocean plastic. The books are written by Cornish based author and illustrator team Ellie Jackson and Laura Callwood and are true stories about the problem of ocean plastic which bring the issue to the children’s level. They follow three well-loved animals as they encounter plastic bags, balloons and fishing nets and each book is written in a positive and hopeful light to inspire the next generation to tackle the issues.

£500 for Mind Cornwall

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Bodmin Lions were so impressed by Mike’s efforts for Mind in the London Marathon, that they wanted to add to their support.

Dave Truran, Lion’s President, visited the shop in Fore Street and presented a cheque for £500 to Maureen Newman from Mind, Cornwall, watched by Mike and the volunteers in the shop.

Lion Graham Smith

Sat, 30 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100

It’s with great sadness we announce the death of Lion Graham Smith.

Graham has been fighting illness for some time but still turned up to help on days he felt able.

Melvin Jones Fellowship for Bill May

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100

At our recent 48th Charter Dinner, Lion President Derek Williamson presented a Melvin Jones Fellow award to long serving Lion Bill May in recognition of his service to the Lions and to the Bodmin Community.

Diabetes screening at the Royal Cornwall Show 2018

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Lions organised another diabetes awareness stand at the 2018 Royal Cornwall Show. 36 Lions from Cornwall clubs and 27 qualified nurses,(some are Lions too!) combined to offer free blood sugar measurements.

1472 visitors took advantage of the service and were given appropriate advice.

Below are a few victims of the finger prick test (Sorry, people being screened for blood sugar)

Charter member Ralph Wrixon

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

It’s with great sadness we have to announce the death, at 98, of Charter Member

Lion Ralph Wrixon MJF

Ralph joined The Lions Club of Bodmin right at the beginning in April 1970. He worked hard for Lions until old age stopped him. He remained a member for 47 years & kept in touch with all that was going on right to the end. Ralph served as Club President twice and was honoured by the Club presenting him with the MJF (Melvin Jones Fellowship) on his 90th birthday, sadly missed by all who knew him.

Message in a Wallet

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Message in a Wallet is a spin off from the message in a bottle. You fill in your information & keep it in your wallet

Handover 2017: awards from Kevin and Derek

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Lion President Derek, not to be outdone by past president Kevin had his own awards evening at the first meeting of his year.

He badged up new member Luke Winston, presented long service awards to Lion Dean & Lion Clive he presented retiring member

Dave Williams a friends of Bodmin Lions certificate after 43 years of service to the club.

Lions handed over to our new President, Derek Williamson, on 3 July.

Collecting for Marie Curie

Mon, 01 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Once again Lions turned out to help with the Marie Curie Collections on Sunday 13th

A small band of Lions turned out to collect on behalf of Marie Curie in a supermarket near you.

Pictured below are the pride, I’m not sure if it’s a before & after Lunch event!

Norma, our first woman member

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Monday March 6th 2017 saw our first Lady member join Bodmin Lions

Pictured Below Lion President Kevin congratulating Norma as our first lady member.

Bodmin Lions becomes a mixed club

Sat, 07 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

At our January meeting, Bodmin Lions decided to become a mixed gender club and admit women.

This is probably the biggest change in the clubs constitution since the club was formed 46 years ago.

We hope to badge up our first lady very soon & look forward to the new ideas that are bound to come from the female influence.

Lion Sean Whitmore

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

It’s with very great sadness we have to announce the death of one of our members,

Sean Whitmore.

From day one Sean had been fully involved with the activities of Bodmin Lions, we will miss his enthusiasm & dry comments at our meetings.

To quote Sean, He hadn’t known us long enough to dislike us.

A new mower for the community garden

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Pictured below is Lions President Kevin presenting a new mower to the project

After a quick inspection, it’s off

Honouring Town Crier Nick Prideaux

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Nick has served Bodmin as Town Crier for the last Forty, yes Forty years. During that time he has represented our town in many competitions both home & abroad & made many friends.

Nick has always supported Lions & Town events, with his trusty bell & smiling face he’s made any necessary announcements.

Plants for Greenfield school

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100

When our local special school needed extra plants to replace those lost in bad weather, Bodmin Lions were delighted to help out.

Bodmin Lions need you

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Interested? See how to join or volunteer.

About Bodmin Lions

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Our history

The Lions Club of Bodmin was chartered on 28 April 1970 with 15 members. Lions was still quite new to Cornwall then, and those first members worked hard to build the reputation the club has today. One of them is still with us.

Until early 2018 we were an all-male club. We are now a mixed club of around 26 members, aged from their 20s to their 90s, and in 2022 Norma became our first woman president.

Accessibility

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

We want everyone to be able to use this website. It aims to meet WCAG 2.2 level AA. You should be able to:

zoom to 400% without content being cut off
use the whole site with a keyboard
use it with a screen reader
read it in light or dark mode

Known issues: some older PDF forms aren’t fully accessible. If you need any information in a different format, email bodmin.lions@outlook.com and we’ll help.

Apply for a grant

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

We can only make grants that fit our charitable aims, and we mainly help people and groups in Bodmin and the surrounding villages. Requests are considered at our monthly meeting.

Your application comes to the club by email. It takes about 15 minutes. Have the costs to hand before you start.

Prefer paper? Download the PDF form instead.

Ask us for help

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Bodmin Lions support local groups and individuals in the Bodmin area. Recent examples include tents for an explorer scout group’s international camp, a new cooker for 3rd Bodmin Scouts, and donations to Bodmin Age Concern.

What we can help with

Any grant we make has to fit the club’s charitable aims. Areas we have supported in the past include:

Local charities: youth groups, groups working with older people, residential and nursing homes, and individual appeals.
Children and young people: sports groups and individuals, Scouts and Guides, youth clubs, and young people going overseas to volunteer or work.
The community: relief of hardship for vulnerable people and families, local projects, community group initiatives, and improving the local environment.
Health and disability: encouraging healthier lifestyles, and supporting people with disabilities or other life-affecting conditions.

What to tell us

Give us as much information as you can, so we can judge the request and make sure a grant fits our charitable aims. Your application should:

Contact us

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Email: bodmin.lions@outlook.com

Meetings: monthly on the first Monday at 7:30pm, at the Hole in the Wall, Bodmin (map). Visitors are welcome — please email first so we can look out for you.

Facebook: Bodmin Lions and Bodmin Fireworks

Press: please email with “Press” in the subject line.

Join us or volunteer

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

We’re ordinary local people doing extraordinary things together. We give our time, support our community, make friends and have a good laugh along the way. You don’t need special skills or loads of spare time to start a conversation about joining us.

You don’t have to become a member to help. Many people start by giving a couple of hours to one event.

Volunteer for an event

Father Christmas sleigh (December) — we need new elves! Collectors and drivers for a couple of evenings on Father Christmas’s rounds across Bodmin. More about the sleigh.
Ten Tors walk (May) — marshals and checkpoint helpers on Bodmin Moor.
Fireworks (5 November) — set-up, gate staff and marshals in Priory Park.
St Piran’s Day (5 March) — marshalling the schools’ parade down Fore Street.

Become a Lion

Members meet once a month, help run events, decide together where the money goes, and get to know people across Bodmin. We welcome everyone over 18, whatever your age or background. Members pay a modest annual subscription to cover club running costs.

Privacy

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Bodmin Lions Club (a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, charity number 1178036) is responsible for the personal information described here.

This website

This website does not use cookies, analytics or tracking. It is hosted by Cloudflare, which handles visitors’ IP addresses and keeps short-lived technical logs so it can deliver the site and protect it from attack. We don’t use these to identify anyone.

If you email us

We use your details only to reply and to organise the activity you asked about. We don’t share them with anyone else.

Useful links

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Lions Clubs International — the international headquarters.
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) — co-ordinates large Lions aid projects.
Lions Clubs British Isles — the UK and Ireland headquarters.
Lions District 105SW — Lions in the South West.
Message in a Bottle — the free Lions scheme that helps emergency services find your medical details at home. Ask us for a bottle.
Bodmin Town Council

What's on

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Dates for events we run or help with. Past dates drop off automatically.