I am a Charter Member, and was involved with the formation of the
Club which Chartered in 1968 and still a member, although after 38years,
I am not so involved with events I am still a keen supporter of the
Club.
In 1967 I was introduced to the formation team of Crawley Lions, who
had decided to start a Club in East Grinstead, because I was considered
to be a suitable member, with a young family, and eager to become
involved locally whilst enjoying ourselves.
A number of prospective members met once a fortnight in local hostelries
to learn from members of Crawley Club what was expected of us to form
a Club. We needed to know the extent of our commitment financially,
time wise, administration and many other queries needed to be answered
to enable us to decide whether we should pursue membership.
To form a Lions Club we needed to enrol a minimum of twenty potential
members before we could Charter. Frequently we almost reached the
numbers but then someone would decide to move away or their situations
changed and made it impossible for them to continue with membership.
However, in October 1968, we were Chartered and held a super Charter
dinner with families, friends, supporters, members of other Lions
Clubs, and local dignatories. These Charter dinners continue to this
day and in 2008 we celebrate our 40th anniversary;
We were a very happy club and attendance at functions was always well
supported. In those early days we were all young men with families,
lots of commitments and “ mortgaged up to the armpits”
This didn’t deter the enthusiasm and certain members were always
known as the “ideas Persons” or the “doers”
Nobody was regarded as a liability because what one wasn’t able
to achieve, another found it their forte.
Our families were always involved, especially the wives, without feeling
that they had an obligation. Everything was treated with an atmosphere
of fun and to this day my family count many of the Lions Club members
and their families as special friends.
Business meetings are held once a month and restricted to members
and potential members. Our wives do not have a commitment to the Club
but their views are always considered and they do meet occasionally
as a band of generous supporters with their own opinions and fund
raising activities.
Our business meetings are always good fun although it is a truly democratic
club where members reach amicable decisions and act accordingly with
great respect.
Given my time again, I certainly consider the Lions Club to have provided
me with friendship, understanding, tolerance and the ability to recognise
the plight of those less fortunate, with the will to help where appropriate
and possible.
I feel very honoured to have been associated with the founding of
the Club and would encourage any Public spirited individual to seek
information about the organisation. Then if you think it appeals to
you attend a couple of meetings to meet the boys!
You won’t regret it – I certainly don’t
Membership
is by invitation only but if you would like to join us contact the
Club Secretary -
