Walsall Lions Club held their 45th Charter Anniversary at the Beverley Hotel in Walsall on Saturday the 7th March 2020. Walsall Lions Club is (part of Lions Clubs International) a voluntary service organisation for ordinary men and women, that come together to serve their local communities, and to raise funds to support the welfare of individuals and causes in the community and internationally. One hundred percent of raised funds is available for those causes, as the Club supports itself administratively. The Club is well known for its Santa Float, travelling the streets bringing good cheer (and lollipops) to the children, unfortunately, having lasted over 40 years, the original float was retired in 2019, but a new version will be visiting Walsall again Christmas this year.

Walsall Lions Club was formed originally by members of Wolverhampton Lions Club, and in a similar vein Walsall Lions Club was able to form the extremely hard-working Aldridge Lions Club.

Individual Lions have set into train actions that have made great implications for peoples lives, e.g. a Walsall Lion, suggested and then commenced Radio Lions at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Burntwood Lions and Walsall Lions renovated the gardens of two Nursing Homes for the elderly.

The two Clubs, followed by Kingswinford and Stourbridge Lions Club, commenced a Spring Bedding Plant sale and distribution, raising funds, to purchase much needed Defibrillators in the areas.

Where there is a need there is a Lion.

But its not all business, the Lion’s pride themselves on excellent social activities, meals, shows, tours. Lion President Gary Porter said, “we are one big family, happy to support any of our Club members in need”.

Like many voluntary service organisations, membership numbers have fallen, from a high of mid 30’s in the 1980’s to just 8. Former President Lion John Austin said, “Lions Clubs are one of the country’s best kept secrets, we don’t seem to get the Public recognition”, and it may be that reason that many do not realise our predicament.

Many people have a little time, but don’t wish the ‘burden’ of being a ‘Member’, so save Walsall Lions Club on Facebook and Twitter and watch for our next activities, and if your free come along and say hello, give a hand when you can, and become a Friend of Walsall Lions Club. You never know you may even want to become a full member.

As well as our fund raising activities, we intend to be raising our Eco Profile in getting involved (hopefully with other Clubs in the area), in planting trees, to help to commence to offset the UKs Carbon Footprint, and to do a number of litter picking exercises to improve our community visually. Local children (and their parents) are very welcome to get involved.