Hailsham Lions Club Celebrates 45 Years of Service

A local charity that has helped countless numbers of people in Hailsham and surrounding villages held a celebratory lunch to mark its 45th anniversary on Sunday [11 October].

Members of the local community attended the Hailsham Lions’ Club event held at Wellshurst Golf Club, including past and present members and guests of honour including the Deputy Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Amanda O’Rawe.

The toast of ‘Our Guests’ was proposed by the club’s President Keith Shonfeld MBE, after which Councillor O’Rawe delivered a response on behalf of Hailsham residents and organisations.

Since their establishment in 1970, Hailsham Lions Club members have worked on a variety of fundraising projects and events in the local community, donating all proceeds to local good causes. The group was chartered in September 1970 with the principal aim to help less fortunate people locally and regionally.

Over the past 45 years, the Hailsham Lions have raised vital funds for various local groups including Friends of Eastbourne Hospital, East Sussex Air Ambulance and Hailsham Gingerbread, as well as national and international causes such as the Tsunami Appeal, the Haiti Appeal and the Royal British Legion Wings Appeal.

Commenting on their efforts, Councillor O’Rawe said, “The goal of the Lions’ Club is to do whatever is necessary to help those who can’t help themselves and they are doing an excellent job.”

Councillor O’Rawe added, “As a true community in its own right, the Hailsham Lions’ Club has given hope and help to countless individuals and families through the years, and everyone who has been involved in the group’s various fundraising events should be applauded for this important work.”

“I’m delighted to have attended this important celebratory occasion and look forward to working with the Hailsham Lions’ Club well into the future.”