Sad passing of Lions Club icon

Afuneral service was held on Monday for Alan Bideleux, well known for his work with Cambridge Park Lions Club over many years. He passed away late last month after a battle with cancer.

Long-time friend and current President of Cambridge Park Lions, Jan Eaton, said he was passionate about the Lions and its community efforts.

“I personally have known Alan for 47 years, him being my first boss in Australia after I arrived in 1975. Both being Poms from Kent in England and both having a quirky sort of humour we got on well from the start,” she said.

“I was fortunate enough to accompany Alan to many different Lions’ events. Two that I distinctly remember are the annual ‘Banglasmile’ trivia nights at which we never did particularly well but had a good time trying and the other RDA’s (Riding for the Disabled) Christmas Party at which Alan was always Santa and I was Mrs Claus.

“I recall one occasion when I had the then Mayor of Penrith sitting on my knee whilst his daughter sat on Santa’s! They were always great times as were the dozens of occasions we helped at local barbecues and innumerable other fundraising activities.”

Bideleux became a Patron of the Cambridge Park Lions as a show of gratitude for the immense contribution he had made to the club.

“For quite a few years he ran the club almost singlehandedly being Secretary, Treasurer and President at one time plus always avidly looking for new members,” Eaton said.

“He has been presented with a number of awards from Lions including being a Melvin Jones recipient.

“I don’t know how many times he said to me ‘I’ve had enough. I’ll just finish this year then I’ll quit’ but strangely enough that year never seemed to end.”

Many in the community would have known Alan without even realising it –most Saturdays you could spot him at the famous Chocolate Wheel in Penrith.

“He instigated the ‘Larrikin of the Year’ contest, an interclub event to find the funniest amongst us which was enjoyed by many for quite a few years,” Eaton said.

“Alan embodied everything that is good about Lions plus he was the best friend you could ever ask for and he will be sorely missed. All I can say is that I hope they have Guinness on tap up there!”

Bideleux contributed extensively to the Weekender over the years, and we pass on our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.