I AM not used to having to report bad news. Our president is seriously unwell and the members are rallying round to assist in any way they can. The appropriately designated vice has taken over for the time being.

To add to our woes, one of our newer members has resigned due to additional duties she felt obliged to take on with another charity that she was already supporting when she joined us. We shall really miss her bright wit and wisdom. But, she left on a high note. It was she who re-introduced us to the delights of the barn dance. It was a resounding success.

The music of Pitchfork was excellent and the caller, Mike, sorted us all out into sets and gave us nice clear instructions. The result was both great fun and absolutely hilarious. It is small wonder there are so many car crashes. At least 10 per cent of the population do not know there lefts from their rights (not to mention any other parts of their anatomies). It was wonderfully challenging and exhilarating and made £580 for our charities account. Well done Renée!

Community Assistance this month was mostly work in progress. Sounds daft, but the only money we spent was the purchase of a train ticket to Winchester for a youngster in distress. But, we did join forces with the Loddon Valley Lions and Rotary to help run the annual Disabled Sports at Cranbourne School. That is always an enlightening and lively experience. We also promoted World Sight Day with a stall in the town centre where we were able to advise on aspects of blindness and the help available. Continuing that theme we supported a “Dinner in the Dark” organised by the innovative charity Helping Hands for the Blind. We had to eat dinner blindfolded. You should try it – but don’t wear you best bib and tucker. It is not easy. But, effectively switching off one of your senses definitely enhances the others. The food tasted great. The real challenge was to clear your plate. Very interesting!

On November 29: The Apollo Big Band are appearing for us again at QMC. They were ecstatically received when they appeared for us last time.

They are a super group with a large repertoire drawing from such greats as Glenn Miller, Ted Heath, Billy Cotton etc. So, on this occasion we have decided to donate the entire proceeds from the event to the Basingstoke Multiple Sclerosis Society. It’s a really worthwhile charity so do come along and support it.

Tickets are available from the usual suspects by phoning 01256 325280 or 421867 or (email: jomolincoln@btinternet.com), or mauricehockley@hotmail.com) or from Toucan Travel at the Chineham Shopping Centre.

In the lead up to Christmas we’ll be out collecting at most of the major stores to enable us to bring a little extra cheer to those who might otherwise have little to celebrate. Please help if you can.

As always more details are available on our website www.basingstokelions.org.uk