Lion President Andrea Etheridge hosted a Dinner and Dance at the Highwoods Golf Club to celebrate the Club’s 48th Charter anniversary.
Andrea had chosen “masquerade” as her theme and 95 guests arrived wearing a wonderful array of masks.
Master of ceremonies Lion David Burstow welcomed the guests of honour; The Mayor Councillor Kathy Hamer accompanied by her husband George and District Governor David Butler OBE and his wife Judith.
Following an excellent meal, Andrea gave a short but entertaining speech thanking Members and Friends of Bexhill Lions for their hard work and commitment over the past year, especially their community work. She added that Lions put the FUN into FUNdraising to raise money for many good causes and that they also enjoyed many varied social events.
Andrea then presented a number of long service awards: Clare Kersley and Sue Cassell( each with 5 years), June Hough (10 years), David Burstow (20 years), Rick Hough (30 years) and Brian Mewett for 40 years service.
District Governor David Butler OBE then talked about the work of Lions Clubs International and congratulated Bexhill Lions on their achievements over the past year, especially their community service activities.
David then spoke about Lion Brian Mewett, saying that over the 40 years he had been a Lion he never wanted to take on any Club Officer role, preferring to be “a grafter.” He presented Brian with a Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest honour a member can receive. Brian returned to his seat to a standing ovation.
Vice President Simon Edwards then formally welcomed all the guests; Andrea’s family and members of her rambling club, the President of Bexhill Rotary Club Patrick Donaldson and his wife Amanda, Past President of Loughborough Rotary Club Klaus Kaiser and his wife Rosemarie, Lions and partners from Hastings, Rye, Battle, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Uckfield, Crowborough, East Grinstead and Horley.
Master of Ceremonies David Burstow then introduced The Mayor Cllr. Kathy Harmer who thanked the Lions for all their support of local, National and International good causes. She went on to say how impressed she was by the range of activities undertaken by members which made a real difference to individuals as well as charities and other community groups.
The Mayor was joined by Lion David Butler to judge and present the prizes for the best masks. The ladies being won by Barbara Burstow and the mens by Lion Brian Drayson.
Andrea ended the formal part of the evening by thanking; Lion Val Mewett for the beautiful flower arrangements on the tables, Lion Clare for running the successful raffle, Lions David and Richard for organising the evening and all the staff of Highwoods Golf Club for making it such a successful celebration.
The evening rounded off with dancing to the popular “1 Night Only”
For more information about the Lions call Lion Rick on 0345 833 9591
