Charter Anniversary Luncheon

I do hope you can join us at our Charter Anniversary lunch in the impressive Great Hall in Farnham Castle on Sunday 20th September.

It has been a busy year for the Lions Club of Fleet with a mix of fundraising activity and social events. 

Despite the damp conditions in November a hardy crowd of spectators enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display, warmed by burgers, hot dogs and Gluhwien.

The Gluhwien Stall at the Fleet festivities was busy from the moment it opened at 6pm to the moment it closed at the end of the evening - with over 500 cups of Gluhwien and Spiced Apple being sold.

At the beginning of December more than 150 elderley people from the Fleet area were transported to the Civic Hall for a very enjoyable evening of songs and carols.

We raised over £8,000 for local good causes with our Christmas float collection.

The 2009 motorcycle rally held at the beginning of May was a record breaker with over 250 bikes taking part!

HYPE (formerly SNAP) has been busy during the year with good attendance by the local 11-16 age group.

We've also been busy with other activities including conservation work at Fleet Pond, helping at the Community Store, a Quiz night...

Do join us to share our celebration of a great club!

Lion Tom Sayers, President

 The south face of Farnham Castle  

  
The Keep                                             The Norman Chapel                       The Great Hall
All image credits: www.farnhamcastle.com

Farnham Castle

Farnham Castle, a Normal motte and bailey, was originally built in the first half of the 12th Century by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester.

History
Much of the castle was demolished in 1155 by Henry II and was rebuilt in the late 12th and early 13th century.  It was damaged again during the Civil War when the upper walls of the keep were destroyed and so it was abandonned, however the rest of the palace remained intact and in use. 

The castle remained a residence (a palace) of the Bishops of Winchester until1927 when it was trasferred to the new see of Guildford. The building is still owned by the Church Commissioners who lease it to the Centre for International Briefing as a training and conference centre.  The remains of the keep is looked after by English Heritage.

The buildings
The Great Hall was remodelled by Bishop Morley (1662-84) and the residential buildings modernised.  He also created the Bishops Chapel which contains beautifully carved pews and pannelling.

The Norman Chapel has changed least since being built in the 12th Century.

Ghosts
There are numerous sightings of ghosts including a monk,  mischievious children and even Bishop Morley.

The Lions Club of Fleet 
are the organisers of
Lions District 105D
Convention 2010
19-21 March
Wokefield Park, Reading
www.diamondconvention.org.uk