How Lions’ Den makes a difference

Stour Valley Lions distributed just over £7,600 to 15 organisations when successful applicants to its Lions’ Den were announced at the end of April. The scheme gives funds to deserving local organisations in the Stour Valley area using money raised from events such as Race Nights, Bingo Nights, Easter Egg Raffles and Film Nights.

Thanks to the Lions’ Den 2026:

Brailes Community Speedwatch will be able to create a School Safety Zone, with advisory 20 mph signage, to make it safer for children and other vulnerable road users to cross the road outside Brailes Village School.

Shipston Bookfest will hold five events during Shipston Bookfest to support literacy in Shipston Primary School and to promote creative careers to Shipston High School students.

Holiday at Home will be able to hire the Townsend Hall to alleviate loneliness and isolation in the elderly with four events a year that include refreshments, quizzes, crafts, a two-course
lunch and afternoon entertainment.

Talk Dementia will have extra funding for its support to families and dementia carers in South Warwickshire and the North Cotswolds, through six dementia cafes.

Riding for the Disabled has help with the ongoing costs of providing horse riding, and non-riding activities, for both adult and child riders of all disabilities at its stables in Compton Verney.

Ilmington Bowling Club will be able to replace the plastic sheeting which covers the changing, seating and viewing area.

Shipston Sports Bowls will have a more protective and secure unit for storing the maintenance equipment: the current storage facilities are no longer fit for purpose.

Shipston Angling Club will be able to purchase a heavy-duty gazebo which can be used at events such as The Duck Race and Fish and Frolics, along with lifebuoys and safety aids.

Shipston on Stour Residents’ Association will purchase a defibrillator for the Herdwick Gate and Herdwick Fold developments.

Carers 4 Carers will continue its carer wellbeing programme, with funding to cover the costs of meetings, a newsletter and support calls.

Long Compton Flood Action Group will be able to publish a newsletter to keep residents informed of the flooding issues and proposed solutions.

GLOSS will cover the costs of room hire, refreshments, speakers for its meetings that aim to help with women’s physical and mental health.

Blackwell Village Hall will have a new, undercounter fridge and two two-ring electric hobs.

Tredington Playground will have two goal posts, a penalty area and a basketball net.

Ilmington C of E Parent Teachers’ Association will have 15 balance bicycles and 15 helmets for the Early Years Class.