New Lions president promotes Message in a Bottle scheme

THE end of June was the start of a new year for the Lions Club of Newbury as a new president took over.

Retiring president Peter Wood handed over the reins to Judith Colby and a new team of officers.

Mrs Colby said: “It is a great honour to serve as president of Newbury Lions Club and I am looking forward to the year ahead.

“Newbury Lions have been serving the local community for 50 years and we continue to do so despite these strange times.

“Although we have had to cancel all our fundraising activities, including our annual fireworks display at Newbury Racecourse, we will continue to support those in need wherever we can.”

One of the club’s key initiatives this year is its ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme, especially for those who are vulnerable and may live alone.

The kit includes a form, where personal and medical information is detailed and placed in the distinctive bottle which is stored in the fridge.

Two stickers are provided, one for the fridge door and the other for inside the front door of the premises.

Paramedics, police, firefighters and social services support this Lions life-saving initiative and know to look in the fridge when they see the Message in a Bottle stickers.

If anyone is interested in receiving one of these kits, get in touch via the club’s Facebook page – Lions Club of Newbury, on the club’s Twitter account @LionsNewbury or email president@ newburylions.org.uk

THE Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre café has reopened for takeaway food and drink.

The centre itself will remain closed, but food and drinks will be served using an ordering and pick up system on the patio area, and will be available between 10am and 5pm, from Wednesday to Sunday.

The outside toilets will be open during business hours, including the accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.