This year is special in the Lions Club calendar as it is the 100th anniversary of the global organisation which was started by businessman Melvin Jones in Chicago for like-minded individuals who wanted to carry out community service.
Given that this event happened during The Great War, it is interesting to discover that the acronym “LIONS” actually stood for Liberty, Integrity – Our Nations Safety, and is nothing to do with rugby. The modern day objectives of the organisation are saving sight, serving youth, disaster relief and meeting humanitarian needs.
Between the wars, the famous Helen Keller challenged the organisation very early in its life to become “Knights of the Blind” and for much of its history, the Lions has focused on sight-related issues worldwide.
Lions Clubs first came to the UK in 1950, endorsed by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother to provide help to the war damaged areas of London and other UK cities.
The Teesdale and District Club was formed in 1984, and two founding members, Paul Beere and Jeff Dobson are active today.
Worldwide, there are more than 1.4 million Lions in 46,000 clubs, in 210 countries, making Lions Clubs International the largest community service group in the world.
In the UK alone, there are more than 17,000 members in 900 clubs.
Over the years, the organisation claims to have prevented serious loss of vision in 30million cases and provided in excess of 153 million treatments for river blindness, with 615 eye clinics and hospitals built. Additionally, Lions clubs have engaged with 13 million students and 600,000 educators via its Youth Development programmes.
In the last fiscal year, more than seven million people were helped by Lions Clubs aid, and $6.6 million of measles/rubella vaccinations were funded.
Teesdale and District Lions Club continues to support the global organisation, but the majority of efforts are still spent on local community initiatives.
Last year was no exception, with the club hosting two of its famous bingo with fish and chips events, and the usual Christmas music concert for Teesdale’s senior citizens. Christmas activities in town were supported, with Santa and his sleigh making appearances at the turning on of the Christmas lights, The Witham and GSK Club parties. The club continues to support Barnard Castle Athletics Club, Barnard Castle Band, Barnard Castle Rotary club (Veg Out in Barney scheme), Butterwick Hospice, The Castle Players, Marie Curie, Teesdale Lunch Clubs, The Witham and Charles Dickens Lodge, as well as a host of others on a one-off basis.
Money has also been donated to help buy defibrillators in Woodland and Copley.
During the year, almost £5,000 was raised and spent by the club on charitable activities. All money raised goes back into the community, with subscriptions to the global organisation paid by the members, meaning that the club has, effectively, no overheads.
The garden games, as always, were used to good effect over the summer, at the Barnard Castle 1940s weekend, Barningham Fete, and Montalbo and Staindrop schools. Members continue to play active roles in the higher governance of the organisation with both Nick and Sue Barron holding cabinet posts in the North East England and Scotland District.
As part of the Lions International Centenary, the club has initiated two legacy activities co-ordinated by 2016/7 president, Jeff Dobson.
Firstly, in a venture with the Friends of the North Pennines Trust, a new inscribed gate is to be installed on The Pennine Way route close to Widdybank Farm, in upper Teesdale.
Secondly, in partnership with Barnard Castle Town Council and the Friends of The Demesnes, a sum of money has been donated to help with a proposed wild flower planting scheme and other general maintenance.
Handing over the presidency, Mr Dobson thanked the club and partners for their support during the year and hoped that incoming president Graham Walker would enjoy his first year in office.
In a slight change, the Lions Club will now meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, at 8pm in the GSK Club.
Bob Garton
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.