Since the last newsletter Ruislip Lions have moved from one Lionistic year to the next. My name is Mac McArtney and I have taken over as President for the Year 2011/12. The committees have changed slightly, and over this and the next three issues the chair of each committee will provide a brief outline as to what their committee does.  Over the summer months the Club attends many fetes and fun days with our ‘Cross Bows’ and next month we shall be at the Medieval
Festival in the Manor Farm Complex where we will also have our stocks and PRO stall.  Come along and see us.
In this issue we will be looking at the Concert Committee of which Lion Phil Stovell is the chairman.  I hope you will find these committee reports interesting and perhaps they will give you the inclination to get in touch with a view to finding out more about Lions and maybe joining us.

Lion President Mac McArtney

Concerts - Without a doubt, the member of the Ruislip Lions who came up with the idea of promoting concerts was inspirational! These performances have contributed hugely to the funds that allow us to support both local and occasionally, national charities. I hesitate to put a figure on it, but certainly in recent times, the sum of £5000 per year cannot be far off the mark!  Add to that the higher profile that has been a spin off from all the banners and promotions  that we  have produced  to advertise  our concerts,  and over  the years Ruislip Lions  have evolved  to become  a very  well known club in the area.   We enjoy  an enviable standing within the community  that has been  built up by  years of dedication  and hard  work by current and past members.

So you may well ask just what does a concerts committee need to do if things tick over smoothly with the benefit of years of experience – and to be fair, I asked the same question before I was signed up for the committee! I thought that all I need do was to get a haircut, turn up on the night, look smart and smile at everyone –Oh Boy, was I wrong!  Certainly our two most popular concerts, namely ‘The Last Night of The Proms’ and ‘Christmas Show’ do to a large extent sell themselves, whilst with the spring concert, we haven’t yet quite found the magic formula that guarantees a full house (we are still working on that!). However, it is necessary to produce the promotional literature and banners for them all, arrange first aid and insurance cover, organise the box office, the theatre and performers - all within a very tight budget, and then enlist the help of members of our club to ensure that the evening goes without a hitch.

Our open air shows in August, are also very popular, and where once again we do all the above, and then spent a great deal of time hoping and praying that the weather will be kind to us. Thus far, we have been very fortunate!!!  Tickets are still available for ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ on the 6th August, have you got yours yet, if not phone our Box Office on 07806 766993 or just turn up on the night with your picnic (No tables).

However, we can put in as much effort as we like, but it is our regular and supportive audience base that is the key to our success. Without them, the show would certainly NOT go on, so on behalf of all the members of Ruislip Lions, and the concerts committee in particular; I would like to say a very big thank you to each and every one of you who has supported us over the years.  I look forward to seeing you all at our next concert. 

Lion Phil Stovell
Concert Committee Chairman

To find out more about Ruislip Lions telephone Keith Arnold, our Membership Chairman, on 01895 672987 or visit our Website:  www.ruisliplions.org.uk

2011/2