About Us
PAIGNTON LIONS CLUB received it’s Charter (official recognition within the Association) on the 24th November 1971 and it’s first recorded event was taking a group of the Over 65’s to a pantomime at the Palace Avenue Theatre, Paignton, followed by a meal at the local Methodist Church Hall.
Over the years Internationally, Nationally and in local areas Lions have become recognised as fundraisers, so successfully at times that it often overshadows our Code’ “to aid others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak and my substance to the needy”.
Paignton club’s first recorded event to raise funds, 26th April 1972, was a Fashion Show, in association with Torquay Lions and sponsored by Marks & Spencer. The proceeds were donated to the Torbay Society for Mentally Handicapped Children. Programmes were sold for 20 pence and a total of £1000 was raised – a substantial sum in the 1970’s. The publicity quoted the club’s object to “assist those who are in need in our community” and “the emphasis is on personal service”.
On the 13th January 1974, Paignton Lions Club formally registered a “Declaration of Trust”, establishing and applying an account exclusively for charitable purposes. In other words an account registered with the Charity Commission – No. 269745. The Lions Club itself is not a charity. Our Trustees are Lions
4th August 1978. Members of the Club formally entered in to a thirty-year lease from Torbay Council, for The Old Monastery Chapel,
Over the years members have shown their commitment to help and at the same time been mindful of the need for fun and fellowship. Many of our events have included a strong fun factor – It’s a Knockout, “The Great Paignton Knit-in”, Charity Variety Show, Pirate and Vikings Invasions beachof the local, Pantomime Horse Races, Roman Chariots, Floats in various town carnivals, etc.
Hands-on service has been provided to benefit individuals and local groups in need of help. To assist in this work substantial sums of money have been raised and distributed within the community. Administrative costs are minimal and we are able to maximise the financial support we receive from the general public.
The Club has made contributions to major projects within the South-West, e.g. Rowcroft Hospice, the Plymouth Cavitron Appeal, Children’s Hospice South-West, breathing monitors for babies in the care of Torbay Hospital Paediatric Unit, the Psoriasis Unit at
We have also made donations to Lions’ initiatives, e.g. Lions International Blood Research Appeal (LIBRA), Medic-Alert Foundation, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), The Gift for Living Appeal, Student Education in
Following the Asian Tsunami Disaster 26th December 2004 we made an immediate club grant to the Disaster Emergency Committee. We became aware of a
A number of our “service” (meeting a need) projects have a high profile and attract publicity which aids members’ efforts. However there have been a great many smaller projects, just as worthwhile, which have been handled with empathy and discretion.
In addition to the day-to-day work, the Club has provided many members during its 30 years to assist the Associations administration requirements at Zone, District and National levels.