Message from the President of Glantawe Lions Club

I write to you as President of Glantawe Lions, I do not intend writing to you of the history of Lions International, only to tell you that it is the largest service organisation in the world with over 4600 Clubs spread over 200 countries. We collect monies locally and return about 80% of the money raised to local causes. When you give to Lions, every penny you donate is used for charitable purposes; no administration costs are taken out of these funds as members of Lions Club cover these costs themselves through their membership fees.

What I enjoy is the fun we have amongst ourselves when we are at fund raising events. I cannot stress enough the fun we have while we take part in the serious matter of raising monies for our Charitable funds. Why not join us at one our business meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month, the venue is the New Inn Between Clydach and Craig Cefn Parc. Come along and see us at work; if you like what you see then you might like to join our Club where you would be most welcome. Bring along your partner, wife or soul mate as well. I hope that I will have the opportunity to extend my hand to you if you do decide to come along.

Alan Davies, President Glantawe Lions Club, 2007-08

Glantawe Lions Club was formed in 1973 when it received its Charter from Lions Clubs International. So Glantawe Lions has been providing practical and financial aid to individuals and groups in the Swansea Valley and further afield for nearly thirty five years.

Although Glantawe Lions, in common with Lions throughout the World, like to enjoy themselves and not become too bogged down with stuffy meetings, we are only too aware that the business of raising money, receiving and assessing requests for help and the disbursement of money raised has to be taken seriously.

The Club therefore meets once a month at a formal 'Business Meeting' when these topics are deliberated upon by the members and decisions are made. In order to cover the necessary business in a reasonable time, Glantawe Lions Club appoints a number of sub-Committees that also meet monthly to deal with such topics as Community Service, Youth and Fund Raising activities in some detail. They then report back to the Business meetings with recommendations. The Business Meetings are held at The New Inn, Clydach on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.

Every year Lions Clubs elect a President and one or two Vice Presidents; the First Vice President deputises for the President in his/her absence. The President chairs the Club's Business Meetings and provides guidance to the Club when necessary. The President appoints a Club Secretary, Hon Treasurer and the chairpersons of the various sub-Committees. However, it is usually the case that the President's appointments are strongly influenced by Club opinions and, of course by the preferences of individual Lions.

As we noted above, Lions do like to have a good time so every month there is a 'Dinner Meeting' which is also attended by partners and friends or, indeed, anybody who has an interest in what we do. Dinner Meetings are most definitely not formal affairs and need not necessarily involve a dinner in the usual sense of the word although food is involved!