The History of Fareham Lions
The idea of having a Lions Club in Fareham was first discussed on 26th November 1959 and Meetings were than held monthly until October 26th 1960. The club at that time consisted of 5 members who set to work with help from Portsmouth Lions who were the sponsors.
The first formal meeting was held on 16th November 1960 with 6 members. These 6 people started on their first project which was delivering logs to old people and providing parcels to the needy at Christmas.
The club took over from Portsmouth Lions the running of the firework display at St Edith's Children's home at Wallington which is now the Roundabout Hotel. This continued until the home was closed and then transferred to Fareham Town Football Stadium.
Bingo was held every Tuesday to raise funds from which the club was able to purchase a Guide Dog for the Blind and a scented garden at the Blind Home, Mansfield House, Lee on the Solent. These activities were being reported in the town and people started asking, "who are the Lions".
By November 1961 the number of members had grown to 16 so it was time to become a Chartered Club. The Charter presentation was held at the Tower Ballroom on the Pier at Lee on the Solent on 8th February 1962. This was a great occasion for the town and more people started to turn up at meetings and the Club was able to expand its activities.
Donations and help were given to Portchester Youth Club at Wicor. Fareham Youth club was being investigated and the club got involved in clearing ground with the help of young people.
Christmas arrived and the first sleigh was built, the club supplied the Christmas tree to go outside Westbury Manor, which was then the council offices, and the first street collections were started.
The club celebrated 50 years of service in 2012 and will continue to support the local community for as long as there are people who are prepared to become members.
One of Lions Clubs aims is to extend and Fareham has sponsored clubs in Gosport, Cosham, Meon Valley, Swanwick, Swanage, and most recently Crofton.
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