A TEESDALE charity has paid tribute to all those who make its work possible and the community a better place.
From the driving force behind Barnard Castle’s festive lights to fundraising stalwarts, Teesdale Lions Club has been celebrating local heroes.
The one-off event, held at the Glaxo Sports and Social Club last week, was organised as part of the organisation’s centenary in 2017. The organisation, which has branches around the world, raises money to help local and international causes.
The Teesdale Lions also holds community events such as a regular quiz and free-fish-and-chips night for OAPS.
Bob Garton, president of the Teesdale Lions, said: “We were only supposed to hand out five awards or so but there are so many deserving people in the area who should be recognised – all the people here have helped us in different ways. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
The citations were read out by Graham and Sharron Walker, from the Lions. The certificates were signed by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, the organisation’s patron.
Barnard Castle councillor and stalwart volunteer Roger Peat, who was given the Lion’s International Centennial Trophy, was first up.
Mr Walker said: “Roger has always had the general appearance of the town close to his heart. No one can possibly doubt that Roger Peat makes a difference in the community because he does things and leads by example, from the front.”
His many roles include
organising the town’s fireworks and Christmas lights display.
Jim Chalmers received a certificate for helping with the club’s Burns’ supper and ceilidh.
Mrs Walker said: “The event is now a major contributor to club charity funds and has yielded over £5,000 since 1996. Jim has attended most of these events and his enthusiastic and animated ‘address to the haggis’ has become a highlight of the evening.”
Yvette Farren was hailed for her work organising Barnard Castle Town Council’s Christmas lights switch-on event, of which the Lions plays a major role.
“For her unselfish behind-the-scenes groundwork in ensuring a smooth and effortless night for Teesdale Lions Club, she is awarded a centennial appreciation certificate,” Mr Walker said.
Laura Oates and Sarah Hallimond, from Glaxo Sports and Social Club, were next.
Mr Walker said: “Ever since the year when we fell foul of raffling alcohol in the Methodist Church Hall and then when only 16 people came to The Bowes Museum for the first of our Christmas carol concerts, we have been lucky enough to have the use of the Glaxo Sports and Social Club’s concert hall.”
Barnard Castle Band were rewarded for working closely with the Lions on a number of events, including providing “a most excellent and always sell-out concert of festive music”.
Graham Smith, from Graham Smith Catering, was also featured for “pulling rabbits out of the hat” and providing a wonderful Burns’ supper for almost 20 years.
Town shop M&Co has hosted charity catwalk events organised by the Lions, including one last year for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity on behalf of Gainford boy Ryan Chidzey who was struck down with the illness. Mr Walker said: “The staff at M&Co were fantastic.”
Fish and Chips @149 received an award for working to make the fish and chip night for Teesdale Lions such a success.
“They have even worked with us on minimising the cost of the event by ‘portion control’,” said Mrs Walker.
Ian and Joyce Appleyard, who run Hayloft health food shop, have for many years provided hampers for the Lions to distribute at Christmas time for those in need.
“Not only did The Hayloft make up and decorate the most wonderful hampers – a task requiring many hours of effort – but also they actually enhanced them with small seasonal gifts of their own,” said Mrs Walker.
Andrew Nicholson, a long serving member of Barnard Castle Band, has put on “fantastic” quizzes for almost 30 years with proceeds always going to charity.
“For his all-round sense of community and fantastic fundraising efforts for other causes, we would like Andrew to receive an individual certificate of appreciation,” said Mrs Walker.
Kimberley Clark was praised for catering for the Lions’ open garden event “with the minimum of fuss and waste”.
The Teesdale Mercury’s editor, Trevor Brookes, was invited to receive an award on behalf of the paper, which covers events and helps to publicise activities.
Morrison’s, in Barnard Castle, was given a certificate for allowing the Lions to “rattle tins” in the store, collecting more than £9,000 for charity in the past ten years.
Charles Dickens Lodge residents were singled out for being great supporters of the Lions, attending events and raising money.
Also coming to the stage were Darlington Building Society, which has given help including providing corporate gifts and fundraising, and the GMB trade union for donating money.
Barnard Castle Surgery and Bayfields Opticians were last but not least.
Mr Walker said: “Lions Clubs International has a remit to improve eye health worldwide. Lions collect, clean, catalogue and upcycle old prescription glasses and hearing equipment for developing countries. Our club members Jeff and Glyn have facilitated the recycling of well over 1,000 pairs of specs a year and thousands of pounds of audio technology.”
Teesdale Lions, which was formed in 1984, has 20 members and meets regularly. For details, contact the club’s website, http://www.e-club
house.org/sites/teesdale/index.php
