July seemed like a month when not very much happened (except dreadful weather this year) but Caterham, Oxted and Godstone Lions weren’t idle, planning future activities.

Members were thrilled to be invited to visit the wonderful new premises under construction for St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley. The Club has been a regular supporter and the new building will provide 24 beds for inpatients and better facilities for day patients. The whole building is state of the art and eco-friendly, has a wonderful garden and will continue the valuable work of the Hospice helping patients and their families through end-of-life care. A new and innovative feature – the only part actually completed at the present time – is the Coffee Shop & Community Hub. It is open to the public, visitors and patients, and the idea is to try to remove the fear and trepidation some people feel at the mention of the word ‘hospice’. All profits will go to the Hospice, which should be up and running by Christmas. 

In October COG Lions will celebrate its 45th birthday…known as the Charter Anniversary - the anniversary of being chartered by Lions Clubs International. This year it will be a Lunch, an opportunity to put on glad rags, invite friends to come along too, joining in the celebration and hearing what’s been done during the year. There’s another opportunity to join in our social and fundraising activities - 18th November will be a three course Italian themed evening with cabaret provided by Nat Rhodes…..see poster. Lion Secretary reminds us that it’s never too early to think about our grand Father Christmas Collection round the villages, door to door. We have a band of ‘friends of Lions’ who help out but would welcome a few more to spread the load of this major and much enjoyed fund raising effort. The children adore coming out to speak to Santa on his sleigh……..it’s various early evenings throughout December. For more information phone Lion Secretary John on 01883 742680. The end of September sees our second Fundraising Trivia Quiz of the year – all tickets sold out a month in advance. We must be doing something right…people like to support good causes and have fun while doing it…that really sums up Lionism in a nutshell!