Billingshurst Lions Club: Why I joined the Lions

Why I Joined the Lions

Following last month’s article encouraging men and women to consider supporting the Lions, current members of Billingshurst and District Lions Club were invited to comment on why they joined the Lions and what it means to them.

The dominant feature in all responses was that Lions provides the opportunity to help people and to make a worthwhile contribution to the local community. “I had previously worked professionally with charitable organisations and wanted to continue this involvement in retirement, using skills and experience for the benefit of others”.

Others felt the social side of Lions is important, especially to those new to the Billingshurst area, giving an immediate circle of contacts and new friends. “We particularly enjoy the varied programme of activities which helps us get to know people.”

Some relish the challenge of holding office on a committee, such as Community Service, Projects or Fundraising introducing new ideas and seeing them through to fruition; while others prefer to help in other ways. “I enjoy the practical side of being in the Lions, helping on projects with repairs, decorating, gardening, etc., with no wish to chair any committee”.

One member relates how he was fascinated seeing ‘Message in a Bottle’ (a plastic container with medical details kept in the fridge) at his local surgery. Making enquires, he learned about Lions over a pint and became a member.

At times members experienced personal problems and expressed gratitude for the kindness and support provided by the Club, helping them through difficult periods. It is clear from the responses that Lions means different things to different people, but as one member put it, “Being a Lion is about helping people in need and the contacts and friendships that come from being involved”. If you are new to Billingshurst, recently retired, or looking for a new challenge, learn more from Viv Diggens, tel: (01403) 752968, Mobile: 07767 221908 or e-mail: diggens2000@hotmail.com. (Regrettably we provided an incorrect contact telephone number last month and offer our sincere apologies to the person concerned.) Keep up to date with Billingshurst & District Lions Club on their Facebook page and on their new website www.billingshurstlions.org. Footnote: Santa needs an Amplifier This is an appeal from Santa to anyone who has an amplifier they no longer use and would be willing to either sell or donate it to the Lions to enable them to play his music this Christmas. Santa can be contacted at harveyholmes596@btinternet.com. Thank you. Harvey Holmes, Billingshurst & District Lions Club

Image: Leaflet available from Jengers Mead Bookshop

West Chiltington Floral Club

(Affiliated to NAFAS) Our next meeting will be our Annual General Meeting

on Tuesday 19th October, 7 for 7.30pm so do please come along. This is a great opportunity to meet up and to share ideas about future activities for our club. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are held at West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, West Chiltington RH20 2PZ. Visitors welcome £5. For more information, please contact Brenda Bull on (01798) 813712

Billingshurst Horticultural Society Buffet Supper

St Gabriel’s Hall Saturday 9th October, 6.30 for 7pm

(subject to any COVID restrictions) Members and friends only. £10

For further information and booking please contact Hon Sec Mrs B Barraclough (01403) 784599

TREE SURGERY

Climbing Sectional Dismantling Crown Reductions Felling Pruning STUMP GRINDING JONATHAN CARTER

NPTC City & Guilds Qualified Fully Insured 07732 668518

Halloween Spot the Difference

It’s Halloween on 31st October. Can you spot the 13 differences?

Solution on page 51

TITCHMARSH SERVICES

Tree Surgeons • Stump Removal Hedge Installation & Maintenance Garden Landscaping & Maintenance Fencing Supplied & Erected Rubbish Clearance Roof, Chimney & Gutter Repairs