BEING part of a worldwide organisation is an ‘amazing’ fellowship, but it is important to have a local focus to get the funds to where they are needed, according to the president of one of the area’s charitable groups.
Southborough and District Lions Club are part of the Lions Club International organisation, but need members to achieve their aims, president Christine Forbes told the Times.
“Lions Club International has a membership of over one and a quarter million, in over 180 countries, and Southborough Lions are part of that amazing group of people,” she said.
“We always welcome new members to our small Club and cover a large area which receives our help.”
The club covers Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms, Speldhurst, Bidborough, Pembury and Langton Green.
“All we ask is that you are over 18 and join us for three meetings so you can meet the rest of the members and we can meet you,” she added.
The local club’s fundraising events include an annual Gala Day, pub darts competition, an August Bank holiday art and craft weekend, and Christmas Santa collections.
“Our Welfare Committee organise help at Community Larders, buy items for individuals in need and make donations to good causes such as the Air Ambulance and other local charities,” stressed Mrs Forbes.
Most recently, Southborough Lions received a year’s prize monies from a darts team to help the local community over Christmas.
The Friday Night Darts Team at Southborough Men’s Club, which has both men and women members, gave the local Lions £1,000 raised from matches over the last year.
Receiving the cheque in December, Mrs Forbes presented the team members with a Certificate of Appreciation.
She said: “The money presented to the Lions went towards helping local people over Christmas, providing some much-needed festive cheer for those in need of a little help during these financially difficult times.”
“A huge thank you to Tracey Skilton, Sam West, Wendy Littlechild, Sophie Stacey and Anna Parffitt and the team for their wonderful donation,” she added.
“Over the past 10 years they have donated similar amounts to various local charities.”
Readers interested in joining the Lions can contact membership secretary Sylvia at 01892 527893 or fuller.sylvia@googlemail.com
