A snapshot history of our club
A snapshot history of Yateley and District Lions Club
Lions Club of Yateley & District was chartered on 23 June 1981. It is an autonomous club affiliated to Lions Club International (one of the largest volunteer organisations in the world). This was thanks to 25 like-minded individuals grouping together to support the community by providing activities and events.
The Club aimed to raise money to support those in need by organising community and fundraising events. They ran a town carnival, formed partnerships with Westfields Junior School to provide a fireworks fiesta, and assisted Sandhurst Joggers to marshal a series of 10k races. Both latter events still happen every year but the carnival sadly ended due to difficulties with obtaining lorries and insurance. However, shortly after the carnival’s demise, Yateley May Fayre was under threat so Yateley Lions stepped in to rescue it. Since then it has gone from strength to strength.
Other activities have evolved, both to raise funds and to support the community. We have had many years of ‘Wine and Wisdom’ . We have supported the council with Remembrance Day, Jubilee Celebrations, Coronation festivities and established a Christmas Market with the support of the council providing the tree and lights. We have also run a weekly bingo for the community on a Friday at Hedgecroft for approximately 20 years.
Whilst initially a men only club we have evolved, Lions clubs opened their doors to women many years ago and we welcomed our first female president in 1998.
Membership and Fundraising
All our administrative costs are covered by the members nominal monthly fees so after event costs every penny is spent supporting the community and wider afield.
Over the years we have made many donations to individuals in need, disaster relief following natural disasters, and community organisations (such as Yelabus, CAB, Yateley Industries for the Disabled). We have also planted trees and bulbs, provided benches, pond platform and bins.
Zone Projects
We have a local Zone comprising of five clubs, and we all team up and work together for some projects.
In recent years the local Zone has managed a computer refurbishment program which reached great heights during the pandemic and has supported Ukrainian refugees.
This Zone also fund and run the Lions Community Store, which accepts furniture and white goods to re-issue to those in need. This is also expanding and now has a baby bank supporting new parents.
Funfest
Our Zone also put on Funfest, a free day of fun for disabled and SEN children, their carers and families. We need to fundraise for this to ensure we keep this popular, invaluable event can continue to run in future years.
Recycling
On a national scale Lions recycle spectacles and hearing aids. In addition, we accept used bras, and used postage stamps.
Supporting Health
We ran a Prostate Screening session last year, with all costs funded by our club and this resulted in just under 100 men being screened over a morning which was successful and beneficial.
Fuel Poverty
A fuel poverty fund was set up a few years ago (named the Wenceslas project because of when it was started). We also accept monies from individuals willing to donate all or some of their winter fuel allowance which is then directed towards those suffering with fuel poverty (assessed by CAB or Social Services).
Membership
Membership is an ongoing struggle but, remaining positive, we are always encouraging new blood to ensure the club will continue to be a vital element of community life.
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