Melksham Lions have welcomed a new president, founding member Simon White, who took over from Phil Gaskell at a presidential handover meal last month.
One of the new president’s first tasks was to welcome a new member, Carol Turner.
The Lions will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and various events have been planned to celebrate.
There will be a Spot the Golden Lion competition throughout the town centre shops, which will be running through the summer. Brochures containing the competition will be available in selected shops over the holidays.
The club will be holding a Picnic in the Park on Saturday 14th September at King George V Playing Fields.
“Our birthday events conclude on 12th October where guests who have supported us over the last 50 years can dance the night away!” said member Paul Carter.
The club has seen a successful year of fundraising, raising just over £13,000, including £6,000 from Christmas activities, £4,000 from Easter activities, £2,000 from various other events such as the Food and River Festival and £1,000 from other donations.
The principal beneficiaries were Wiltshire Air Ambulance, FreeWheelers, Julia’s House, Melksham Food Bank, Books for Schools, Wiltshire Mind, Melksham Christmas Lights, Brain Tumour Research and the Youth Adventure Trust. Other beneficiaries were made up of smaller requests from individuals and organisations.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last twelve months,” said Paul Carter.
“If you would like to join us in our fundraising work, we meet every second Monday at the Kings Arms at 7.15pm. We’d love to see you there!”