Appeal for help to get the Newark Lions club roaring again
Efforts are being made to re-establish a Lions Club in Newark.
Lions are a global network of groups whose members give their time, skills and effort to help others in need in their communities, nationally and internationally.
Southwell and District Lions celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021 after being set up by the then Newark Lions.
The Newark club has since closed while Southwell and District Lions has gone from strength to strength, with over 30 members at present.
Given their origin in Newark, Southwell Lions continue to support individuals, charities and good causes in Newark.
Nick Parr, the group’s current president, said: “We support a huge range of good causes. Sometimes this is with donations from the funds we raise ourselves. But we also give our time, for example by marshalling at the Dragon Boat Race, putting on a Christmas party for families with disabled children or helping to sort and pack vital supplies for Ukrainian refugees.
“Our activity in Newark over the last couple of years has included donations to the Children’s Bereavement Centre, Newark Womens’ Aid and Holy Trinity R.C. Academy, while our volunteers deliver food parcels for Newark Food Bank. We also have a long history of supporting Beaumond House with fundraising events as well as donations from our own funds.”
Some of the Southwell and District members have been Lions for over 30 years while many are new to the organisation.
Southwell Lions are now trying to re-establish a Lions Club in Newark.
Nick said: “We would really encourage anyone who would like to come together with others — men and women, young and old — to make a difference to their community.
“Being a Lion is incredibly rewarding but it isn’t all hard work and fundraising. Lions is very social too, and our club members also meet regularly to eat, drink and play among friends.
“Being a Lion offers a volunteering opportunity that fits your lifestyle, allowing you to help change lives, even if you don’t have a lot of spare time.”
Southwell Lions will act as the sponsoring club so that anyone establishing a new club is helped and guided all the way until they are ready to stand on their own.
Anyone interested in setting up a Lions Club in Newark should email lionsouthwell@gmail.com or contact the Southwell club via its website.
