A good year for Westbury Lions

WESTBURY Lions’ President Jarvis Macdonald reports on another good year for Westbury Lions.

“The year kicked off with the annual Easter egg hunt at Easter-time, much to the delight of the 100 plus children taking part.

“In May we celebrated Westbury Lions’ 42nd birthday with a charter dinner which was attended by many dignitaries, friends and other Lions club members from around the region. We also hosted our annual old folks party at the Paragon Hall where nearly 100 elderly Westbury residents were wined and dined and entertained with music, poetry and a lot of laughs.

“May also saw all the Lions clubs in the region host a day out at Paulton’s Park for 4,000 children and their families who would normally not get the chance to attend. We were blessed with sunshine which made it a little warm for both myself and fellow club member Gaboor as we were dressed in full furry Lions outfits!

“The Donkey Derby held in June was a great success with new attractions such as the old Wild West cowboy show, attracting more people than ever. It helped of course that we were blessed with sunshine on the day.

“Numerous social activities were held in the year such as skittles, coffee mornings, and dinners including one where the men cooked for the ladies.

“As we have reported throughout the year we have increased the number of members to 42 which makes us one of the largest Lions clubs in the UK, a great feat when you think of the population of Westbury. We have also formed a Leos club at Matravers School, which has caused great excitement within the Lions organisation as this was the only new one formed this year. The Leos club allows younger members to get involved with fund raising and helping in the community with the assistance of the main Lions club.

“As I write this, we are in the middle of our carol float collections which, despite the weather whereby Father Christmas is constantly having to dry out his uniform by the fire most nights, is proving to be as successful as previous years.

“It has become an institution now with crowds of children waiting eagerly for Father Christmas to come down their street. Father Christmas reports that many of the children are taking advantage of the letter boxes on the carol float and posting their letters to Santa Claus.

“Of course none of the Lions activities could take place without the help of my fellow Lion members and friends of the club who give up their time voluntarily to both collect monies and offer services to the community of Westbury; so a big thank you to you guys. We have a number of sponsors who donate both money, equipment and other items, so a big thank you to you guys for your continuing support, and of course the good people of Westbury whose generosity never fails to astonish me.

“So from the Westbury Lions a Merry Christmas & a happy New Year to all.”