St Austell Lions celebrate 54th Charter Anniversary Evening

Saturday 4th March saw members of the Lions Club of St Austell and their guests assemble at the Britannia Inn, Par, for their 54th Charter Anniversary Dinner and Dance. When all were present, Lion President Barbara Trenerry - the club’s first lady president - led in her top table guests which included Soroptimist President Jill Barnard and fellow Lions Past District Governor (PDG) David Fitzpatrick and 1st Vice District Governor James Mathers. Following the meal, a toast was made to ‘His Majesty the King’ and then Lion President Barbara proposed a toast to ‘Lions Club International’ during which she referred to the service given by Lion Mike Collins, a Charter Founder Member and four times President who passed to higher service earlier in the year. PDG David, in responding to the toast, praised the service given to the community by the St Austell Lions, referring to their fundraising annual Christmas Sleigh and store collection etc, the environmental work of litter-picks and maintenance of a cycle path, etc and help and support for individuals and groups in society. A final toast to ‘The Ladies and Guests’ was proposed by Lion Philip Snell and responded to by Soroptimist President Jill. safe and stimulating day once a week, when dementia sufferers, partners and carers can stay or take some time out for themselves, The group decided to ask a young 20-year-old Elvis impersonator, Emelio, from Bristol to visit. Myself and another member of the club were invited to share this event with them. It was both emotional and uplifting to see group members who had a job to remember their own names but were able to sing along; they knew every word, they danced, waved flags, and rolled back the clock, enjoying music they were familiar with. The carers and partners that joined us were very moved by the effect this music had, re-awakening long lost memories.

This was service with a smile and... a lump in your throat. Sue Miller and Frieda Pollock, Clevedon Lions.