In 1974 Ernest Baddley, President of the Colwyn Bay Lions met Joc ("Pepe") Rosado. Ernic" and his cousin Ray Smith encouraged him to start the I Lions International in Gibraltar. The first reaction from some quarters was "What another organisation? It won't work". Others were more enthusiasc. Joe started to form a group to start a club locally and several months later Adam Tredgest a UK Member of some experience joined the drive.
Originally the thinking was of a club which included as wide a cross-section of the community as possible. The inaugural dinner took place on Friday 27th may 1977 with His Excellency the Governor the Chief Minister and other dignatories present. Bert Mason, the Past International President from Britain also honoured the Club with his presence. In all there were 25 founder members.
The present membership includes professionals, civil servants, business and trades men, of different religious denominations and ages. The Lions Club of Gibraltar is now one of the most well known progressive local organisations. The motto "WE SERVE" has meant fund raising, giving free time, research, hard work and fun. The Lion ladies section was active from the start and now form an indispensable pillar of the club.
Thus a group of people who would otherwise rarely meet, formed themselves into a wonderful cohesive unit, warm hardworking, cheerful, caring, and above all ready to serve the community
HOW THE CLUB HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY, PAST AND PRESENT PROJECTS AND & FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES.
1. Major Projects.
1.1. Scanner Maternity Units @ St Bernards Hosp. fund-raising achieved £25,000
1.2. Ornamental Pond and Recreation Area constructed in Alameda Gardens
1.3. Garden and Ornamental Fountain constructed and installed at Gibraltar's Referendum Gates.
2. Help to Senior Citizens and under-privileged Members - in the Community
Redecoration of Homes.
Food hampers at Christmas
Annual Christmas Party for Handicapped Children
Installation of Refrigerators and Water Heaters
Annual Outing and Annual party for Senior Citizens.
Message in a Bottle.
3. Aid to St. Bernards Hospital
Provission of Oxygen Monitor for Paediatric Dept.
Provision of Operating Microscope.
Provision of Eye-Microscope for Eye Department.
Radio-controllod Hearing Aid for Audiology Dept
Provision of an Examination Couch and Orthopaedic Pillows
4. Aid to Mt. Alvernia Senior Citizens Home
Provision of Wheelchairs
Hotplate and Heated Trolley for Kitchen
Provision of an Ambu-Lift
Installation of Emergency Lighting System.
General painting, decorating, planting and garden-clearance.
5. Aid to King George V Psychiatric Hospital
Building of Outside Recreation Area and Barbecue
Provision of Special Beds
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