CENTENARY OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

There has been a Lions Club in Wymondham for nearly 50 years but Lions Clubs International was founded as long ago as 1917. This year 1.3 million Lions in over 200 countries will be celebrating its centenary.

Among the Purposes of Lions Clubs are “to take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community” and “to encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward”. Partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.

Throughout the world, Lions Clubs have played major roles in improving the care of blind people, funding many thousands of cataract operations in Africa and Asia and sponsoring “talking newspapers” (including the Wymondham and Attleborough group). The Lions Clubs International Foundation was formed in 1968 since when it has channelled over £600 million to support the humanitarian work of Lions including huge donations for tsunami and earthquake relief. Lions Clubs International’s website is a mine of information about the organisation.

The Wymondham Club was formed in 1969 and has been raising funds and supporting local, regional, national and international good causes for nearly 50 years. In the last 10 years alone the club has raised and donated over £70,000. Beneficiaries include the Wymondham Dementia Group, East Anglia’s Childrens’ Hospices, The East Anglia Air Ambulance, Wymondham Music Festival, Star Throwers and hundreds of small donations to needy individuals and groups. For many years the Club ran the annual Dickensian Night just before Christmas and more recently organises Santa’s Grotto at the Christmas Fayre.

For the last 5 years the Mayor of Wymondham has been an honorary member and the Club has been pleased to cooperate with other local organisations to improve the quality of life for our citizens.

Every penny that the Wymondham Club raises from public events and collections goes to a charitable purpose. The Club’s running costs are small and are paid for by members’ subscriptions. It is a registered charity No 1050430.

Wymondham Lions Club members come from all walks of life. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to play a role in supporting the community. The club meets on the last Monday of the month at 7.30 in The Feathers. 01953 605311 will put you in touch with a Club member who will be pleased to provide further information.