Christmas with the Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club

Members of Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club got into the Christmas spirit early this year on November 22^nd with a Christmas Open Evening at Canterbury Garden Centre in Herne.  The Lions were there with free craft activities for the children whilst other visitors enjoyed the complimentary mulled wine, mince pies, music from the choir, carol singing by the local Brownies, and of course, Father Christmas. No-one really expected to see a large lion, but he joined in the fun too.

There will also be a grotto at the Garden Centre, manned by the Lions, every Saturday and Sunday from November 24^th until 23rd December, from 10.00am to 4pm on Saturdays and 10.30am to 3.30pm on Sundays.

The Lions also welcome local nursery children who come to visit Santa each year and enjoy a Christmas story, drinks and cake, before leaving to catch the bus home, with a small gift for each child. The children always wear their reflective jackets, also funded by a donation from the Lions, in order to improve visibility and safety whenever they are out and about.

This year the Lions will be helping Father Christmas again when he visits SNAAP, a local organisation which provides an extensive range of services to children with every kind of disability, aged from 0-19 years. They will also be at the Punch Tavern for breakfast with Father Christmas on Saturday 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd December when families can meet Father Christmas who will have a gift for each child.

Christmas is a time when Lions members are particularly busy with collections at local supermarkets.  Father Christmas can often be spotted, sometimes accompanied by Rudolf and a Christmas tree, or even that lion! The generosity of local people at these collections means that the Lions are able to provide additional support at Christmas to those in need in the local community.

Mike Shaw, Club President, said, ‘’The support of local people means a great deal to us. I would like to thank them all and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Lions respond to requests for help throughout the year. If you know anyone in need, please get in touch. We cannot always help but will certainly do what we can.   Just call 01227 906047, or see our website, www.whitstablelionsclub.org.uk ‘’

If you would like to know more about joining the Lions, please give Eddy Warn a call, 077544 38079.

Alwyn Lindley 01227 792032, Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions

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