Burnham on sea Lions
President - Doug Plume
Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world. There are more than 1.3 million members in 45,000 across 205 countries, making us the world’s largest service organisation. Although we come from different backgrounds we share a core belief – community.
Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better. That’s because we help where help is needed, in our own communities and around the world, with unmatched integrity and energy.
Burnham-on-Sea & District Lions Club was Charted in 1976 and it’s first fund raising event was to raffle a car in 1977. Since then the club has raised nearly £200,000 for local and international projects.
When the floods came to Burnham-on-Sea, the Lions were there to provide funds and assistance to help with the clearing up. We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with the Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea Carnival and for many years have been responsible for the Carnival Collection. In 2009 we took on the organisation of the Carnival Queen and Princess’s competition.
15 years ago we started what has become an annual event, the Quantock Walk. This event has raised in excess of £22,000 for Children’s Hospice South West. Other annual events include the Lions Duck Race and the Lions Fun Day. These, together with many other activities provide fun, enjoyment and fellowship for the members involved as well as raising the funds necessary to carry out our projects.
Recently the Club supported the local Carers Group, Somerset Young Carers, the Highbridge Dream Scheme, Highbridge Festival of Arts, Burnham Community Centre and each year we provide 2 disadvantaged families with a holiday.
Donations were made to other local organisations including; Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy, Avalon Children’s Camp, B-o-S Disabled Swimming Club,
B-o-S Sounds and Voices, and B-o-S Scouts.
Last year we formed a Youth Committee to find ways of identifying and supporting youth projects. Working with the Youth Town Council we organised and ran the Youthfest to showcase youth activities available in the district. This was a great success and will run again this year with more clubs and organisations involved. The committee has now extended its brief to work with the Youth Town Council, the Bay Centre, the Highbridge Dream Scheme and the police.
The Club also assists in the international community by helping to conquer blindness, provide youth with opportunities and respond to disasters. We recently contributed to the US$4.2 million Lions Hope for Haiti Appeal.
Interested in membership?
The time members give to Lions depends on their own personal circumstances and the community services activities the Club undertakes. We organise a variety of social activities for members and their partners, which are great opportunities for fun and developing friendships. Lions membership offers extensive scope for the kind of volunteer experience you desire to suit your life style.
Every pound raised by Lions Clubs International goes directly to charity, no percentage is taken for administration. As a Lion you will make life better for others while enriching your own life in the process.
Want to attend a meeting or service project to learn more? Give us a call and join over one million volunteers worldwide to become part of the pride.
Contact Claire on 07882 612515
