Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club
The Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club operates as part of a global network under Lions Clubs International, which began in the United States over a century ago. This local branch started in the early 1970s, focusing on the areas around Ringwood and Fordingbridge in Hampshire.
Members come from various walks of life, meeting regularly to plan and carry out initiatives that address local needs. The club’s ethos centres on practical help, summed up in the phrase “Where there is a need, there is a Lion.” This drives their work in supporting vulnerable groups, from young people to those facing health challenges.
Fundraising forms a core part of their operations. Throughout the year, the club organises car boot sales, bookstalls, raffles, and stalls at community shows. These activities generate funds for a range of causes.
For instance, they collect old spectacles and hearing aids for recycling, with a dedicated drop-off point in Ringwood’s Gateway Building.
The recycled items help provide affordable eyewear and hearing devices to people in developing countries through Lions International programmes. Another ongoing effort involves donating soft toys to the local ambulance service, which paramedics use to comfort children during emergencies.
The club also engages in international relief work. They have supported aid convoys to regions in crisis, including supplies like food, clothing, and medical equipment. Closer to home, donations have helped families with specific requirements, such as adapted buggies for outdoor access in the New Forest. Health awareness features prominently too, with resources shared on issues like prostate cancer.
Youth development is another key area. The club facilitates international exchanges and camps, allowing young locals to travel abroad and host visitors in return. These programmes foster cultural understanding and personal growth, often sponsored by club funds.
Participants have described these experiences as memorable, building lasting connections. Additionally, the club runs art competitions for schools, encouraging creativity around themes like peace and aspiration.
Membership is open to anyone interested in volunteering. Meetings take place monthly at the Trinity Centre in Ringwood, providing a space to discuss projects and welcome new faces. Those curious can attend open sessions held periodically at venues like the Meeting House, where details on involvement are shared. Contact comes via email or phone, with details available on their website.
The club recognises long-serving members through awards, honouring decades of commitment. They also acknowledge external contributors who align with their goals, such as those leading aid efforts. As a registered charity, the organisation ensures funds are directed transparently to welfare activities.
Seasonal traditions include community gatherings with festive figures, drawing families together for fun and fundraising. Environmental projects have seen the club place in national contests for innovative ideas. Overall, their work strengthens local ties while contributing to broader humanitarian aims.