Member of Burgess Hill District Lions Club recognised for 50 years of serving community

Roger Stevens, who has been a member of the Burgess Hill Lions Club for six years, received a plaque from Dr Jung-Yul Choi, Lions International president, and a certificate of appreciation Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Roger said: “I originally joined the Haywards Heath Lions Club.

“In my 50 years I have been president four times and held the position of district office zone chairman twice.

“Lions clubs traditionally raise funds to spend in the community, and Burgess Hill is extremely fortunate to have the book den.”

At Christmas, Burgess Hill District Lions Club put together Christmas hampers for those in need, and is currently looking at funding laptops and iPads for schools.

Roger said: “The motto is ‘we serve’, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing all my Lions life, trying to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

“It’s something my family and I have all grown up to love because we like serving the community.

“One of the most unexpected moments was seeing the president of Haywards Heath Lions Club, on their 50th anniversary dinner, be presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship international award from the Lions club of Lyon West, in France.

“I was totally and utterly gobsmacked, I knew I would only see something like that happen once.”

Roger talked about how all Lions clubs are facing the same problems, with raising money becoming more difficult and the average age of members getting higher and higher.

He said: Despite this, I’m thoroughly proud of what we’ve done over the last 50 years and here’s to the next 25 - I’d love to reach 75 years of service.

“I think once you’re hooked on it you will do it for the rest of your life, and as long as I’m able to I will remain a member of the Lions.

“It’s a huge family, and I’m proud to be a Lion.

“I’m very glad I was invited to join all those years ago and I wouldn’t swap it for the world, I’m glad I’ve been able to serve the community.”

To find out more about Burgess Hill District Lions Club, visit http://www.bhdlions.co.uk