Our annual Handover dinner took place at the Old Lodge Hotel in Malton. The dinner is an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved this year, and to look ahead. New President Lindsay Wrightson has lots of ideas and we will soon see her influence on the club.
In the last Lions year we have held our Summer Lunch in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, delivered subsidised fish and chips to housebound and older people in Malton and Norton, organised a steam train trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for Ryedale Special Families, took Ryedale Young Carers to North Yorkshire Water Park for climbing and zip line activities, arranged a trip for older residents to the Pantomime and to see the Daffodils in Farndale plus the Over 65’s party.
We have also helped countless local people with requests for welfare support. Over 20 start-up packs have been distributed. These go to young people leaving care, and to people fleeing domestic abuse and include basic items such as bedding, cutlery, crockery and pans. The Lions also distribute furniture and white goods that are donated by the public. Much of the money spent is raised from our Santa’s sleigh collections at Christmas, and from our Burns Night Supper and Ceilidh. In May we also handed out 16 grants to local organisations and charities working in our area.
During the evening, outgoing President Pauline Lowry handed over the reins to Lindsay, who is well known in the area for her involvement in both Malton Community Fridge and The Library of Things. Pauline said, ‘Lindsay will make a fantastic President, she is so proactive. If a job needs doing she just gets on and does it. The word ‘Procrastinate’ doesn’t exist in her dictionary’. Pauline also paid tribute to Lions Di Keal and Nick Simpson, Secretary Lion Ian Dewhurst, and Lion Treasurer Russ Grimshaw for their significant contributions this year.
Lindsay also handed over her Vice President chain to Lion James Lowry. Jim is married to Pauline and will support Lindsay in her role this year.
