By Peter Drysdale
Our Father Christmas float managed its six scheduled outings (mostly in rain!) in Godstone, South Godstone, Bletchingley and Caterham Village in December, and we are so grateful to our Lions Friends – around 35 of them – who turned out to make the collection possible.
Additionally, there were static collections courtesy of Oxted Morrisons over the two weekends prior to Christmas, meaning our Christmas Appeal raised just over £4,000, with Gift Aid hopefully adding another £1,000 to that remarkable figure. Huge thanks go to those who gave so generously, despite the current financial hardships. All the money will go to worthy causes in the local area and wider Lions good causes.
The social side of Lions was not neglected amid all the work: 16 club members met at The Bletchingley Arms to enjoy a festive meal, exchange news and enjoy each other’s company.
A Lions activity of which you might not be aware is the collection and re-cycling of spectacles and hearing aids. There are Lions’ collection bins in doctors’ waiting rooms, opticians and churches all over Tandridge – in fact anywhere that people might find convenient to drop off their out-dated specs or hearing aids. These bins are emptied periodically and when there is a sufficient quantity gathered together, they are taken to Chichester Lions Club for sorting and onward processing. All the suitable lenses and glasses are cleaned and re-issued to people in the third world, enabling them to read and work. Broken or unsuitable frames are stripped of metal – often gold which can be melted down – nothing is wasted. If you’re wondering where your nearest bin is situated, give Lion John a ring on 01883 742680.
Looking ahead, we’ll be holding a quiz in Godstone’s White Hart Barn on 9 March, at 19:00 for 19.30. Tickets are priced at £15, to include supper. Book early – these events are always a sell-out – by ringing Lion Tony on 01883 335945.
And even further ahead is our Big Night at Caterham School: the return, by popular demand, of the tribute band Abba Chique. Tickets can be booked by contacting Tony or John as above.
To find out more about your local Lions club, visit our website or call Lion Tony on 01883 335945. We also have a minibus available for hire – contact Lion David on 01342 893353.
