SHIPLEY LIONS CLUB
District 105c Region 1 Zone B
Shipley Lions Club was chartered in 1966 as part of Lions Clubs International, and has taken pride of place in the local community for these past 33 years. The club has raised many thousands of pounds for charitable causes in that time as well offering its members a varied programme of social events.
Here we see the Shipley President for the 1999/2000 Lionistic year, Lion Andrew Craven with First Vice President Lion Barbara Craven. Andrew joined Lions in 1989 and after holding the Social Chairmans office numerous times decided to accept the Vice Presidents office for 1998/99. He takes over from Lion David Tolson (Pictured below).
Lion David Tolson seen here with the smile that says it all!, "I've had a brilliant year".
David stated, "As the now 'Immediate Past President' I must say that my year was both exciting and hard work, although with excellent support from club members we have grown from 16 to 19 members which is extremely satisfying. I believe that if Lions is to build and prosper we need to change our image and attract not just new members but younger members, only then will we move forward. With the modern trend of both partners working and family committments there seems at times little spare to devote to organisations such as the Lions, but a few hours every other week doing something different and the satisfaction it can give may be just the ticket. I wish Andrew all the best for his term of office and I am sure he will get a lot out of it".
Here you can see club members taken during Lion Davids' year in office.
The Lions Worldwide Organisation was started by Melvyn Jones in America in 1917 and has now become the largest service organisation in the world, to find out more about the history of Lions Clubs and how they were formed in this country see History of Lions.
With funds not only being used locally but also to help build Eye Clinics, Water Wells and other major projects in third world countries and disaster areas around the world, it falls on clubs like Shipley to raise money through local events and fundraising campaigns.
Shipley Lions organise a host of fundraising activities throughout the year, including a Bike Hike, Grand Jumble Sales Christmas Toy Appeals, Fun Casino Nights plus many others along with manning stalls at a number of Galas and Carnivals accross the district bordered by Bingley and Bradford Lions Clubs. All of which help organisations raise funds for themselves whilst allowing for Lions supported causes to be funded. Below can be seen the area covered by Shipley Lions which lies due north of Bradford and west of Leeds in West Yorkshire.
The Club recognises and promotes Youth Activities by supporting the:-
Lions International Youth Award Scheme
The scheme open to 15~19 year olds is aimed at recognising/encouraging and supporting community spirited young people with awards made at Club, Region, District and National Levels. In 1998 Shipley saw their candidate, Beth Otyehel make it into the National Finals and once again in 1999 candidate Imran Hafeez also made it through to the finals on February 28th in Birmingham, where he won £500.00 for his local club and causes he supports.
For more information about this annual event and how to nominate, sponsor or apply to enter click the link below and you will be taken to the Multiple District 105C site where District Youth Award Officer Lion Marek Pizon (a member of this club)will guide you through.
The photo on the right shows President Lion Andrew Craven with the District 105C Youth Award Officer Lion Marek Pizon demonstrating how 'young' and 'old?' can work in harmonious rhythm, or that they are very 'friendly' bunch in Shipley Lions......
Lions is not all about hard work raising and distributing funds within the community, we also have an active social calendar of fun activities such as Quiz Nights, Visiting other Clubs in the region, Ten-pin Bowling and Golfing Sessions plus a variety of other pursuits.
Among the ways we raise money for the community projects we support, is to go out and run Casino evenings for local groups and anyone who wants to book us. If you would like more details for your own event ring Lion Maureen Verity on 01274 493460.
If you have some free time and like good company along with the pleasure that comes from helping those who cannot help themselves then why not pay us a visit, we meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Conservative Club in Shipley at 8.00pm. Phone 07957 734482 for more details or e-mail using the link below.
Charter Night
Shipley Charter Anniversary Dinner was held on 16th October 1999 and shown below are a few photos taken on the evening.
President of Calder Valley Carol Wright (left) and Zone Chairman for 2B Lion Debbie Sharp 'Getting Down!'
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