Who are we?
The concept of a Lions club in Godalming dates back to 1980 when Roger Dawe – who at that time was President of Guildford Lions – was asked to investigate the viability of a club in the environs of Godalming. A great deal of publicity ensued in order to raise awareness and drum up custom. Slowly, the members came forward and, with the transfer of four members from the Guildford club, the prerequisite number was reached to form Godalming Lions with the late John Roake being chosen as Charter President. The inaugural meeting took place at the Crown Inn in Chiddingfold in January 1984 when the charter from the Lions International headquarters in the USA was presented to Charter President John Roake .
Lion members always worked cooperatively with other organisations to fundraise - as they still do. The Club had the idea of making Christmas collections in the surrounding villages and a Christmas float was made. This has continued to be a very popular Christmas activity to this present day. The first charter dinner was held in May 1984 at the then Farncombe Manor and an annual celebratory dinner has been held at around the same time ever since. Members have come and gone over the years but the number of members has increased overall and we are proud that three of the original charter members remain. It is with regret that we are ceasing in June 2020 due to the inability to recruit new, younger members.
