Hard-working charity fundraisers at Honiton and District Lions Club have issued an appeal for new members to bolster their ranks and help them support more community projects.
Brian Richards, club president, said that because of the pandemic the club’s fundraising had come to a halt but they were planning their popular classic car show on July 31 at the Honiton Market Charter Day at Allhallows field in Honiton.
Honiton and District Lions Club was formed in May 1977 with 20 members from all walks of life. Their sponsorship was from Axminster Lions Club, with the late Lion Cliff Walton being their guiding Lion.
It is part of Lions Clubs International, which was formed in America in 1917 by a gentleman called Melvin Jones. Lions means, Liberty, Intelligence, and Our Nation’s Safety. Their motto is “We Serve”.
Each Lions club has several officers, the main officers being president, secretary and treasurer. Officers are elected by club members and serve one year terms although some do longer terms if re elected.
Brian said: “Club members are encouraged to attend all club activities and meetings if possible. They can and our eligible, to attend our local convention in 105 SW as well as our multiple district convention MD105, although this is not compulsory. There is also an International convention held in different countries throughout the world.
“The Honiton Lions over the last 43 years have raised approximately £400,000 for mainly local as well as some international good causes. The money is raised by fundraising projects such as – in the past – firework displays, duck races, sponsored cycle rides, barn dances, books, jumble sales, concerts and coach trips to the theatre. And there have been many more.
“Because of the pandemic our fundraising has come to a halt, although at the time of writing we are planning our classic car show on July 31 at the Honiton Market Charter Day at Allhallows field in Honiton.
“Once the money has been raised members decide which charities and organisations will be supported. In the past we have, amongst others, supported Clic Sargent, Devon Freewheelers, Children’s Hospice South West, Honiton’s Admiral Nurse, Millwater School, ATC and Army Cadets, Headway, 55+ Club and Random Kitchen – as well as local children who have a need.”
Brian added: “Over the last few months we have been pleased to support Motor Neurone Disease, Hospiscare, TRIP, Honiton food bank and Devon Air Ambulance and the total donations have been £6,500.
“We will also be running a draw in aid of community care charities. This is to replace this year’s duck race.
“Also, we have supported the Honiton Litter Pickers by covering the cost of their public liability insurance. We enjoyed meeting them on their launch day earlier this month.
We were also pleased to supply the materials for the shelter at Vernon Corner at the Millennium Green in Honiton. A total of over a thousand pounds was required for this project.
Community projects still ongoing are Message in a Bottle and spectacle collections, which go to third world countries. Collection points are at various shops and the doctors’ surgery when open.”
All the money raised by the Lions goes to charity. Their admin costs are covered by subscriptions paid by members.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Lion please give Brian the Lion a call on 01404 43738.