Lions Rewarded for increasing success of Bell Tower openings

The Mayor of Beccles, Councillor Barry Darch presents a cheque for £2,696.63 to Beccles and District Lions Club President, Chris Eglington for the Club’s support and assistance in manning the Beccles Bell Tower for another successful summer period.

 Beccles Lions Club were initially asked by Beccles Town Council if they could help with the trial re-opening of the historic Beccles Bell Tower in 2021 as it had been closed during Covid. The re-opening was a success so this year, 2022, the Club were asked again to help by assisting with the manning of the Bell Tower. The Lions decided they would, because of the potential the Tower has to bring visitors to Beccles and promote its history and because the Club would be able to raise funds to help the town.

 The Mayor of Beccles, Councillor Barry Darch, said, “We would like to express our gratitude to Beccles Lions Club for their assistance with the opening of the Bell Tower. Last year’s trial opening on Fridays, in addition to the Saturday opening operated by the existing team of volunteers, demonstrated that the Bell Tower is certainly a popular attraction. This year, with the Lions also opening the Tower on Wednesdays, proved the point further. We are very grateful to everyone who takes part in the Tower opening.  Visitors appreciate learning about the building’s history as well as enjoying the splendid view from the top.”

 Beccles Lions Club President, Chris Eglington added “On behalf of Beccles Lions Club I’d like to thank Beccles Town Council for this very generous donation to the Club it will go a long way to help organisations and the people of Beccles. We have already donated to the Beccles Primary Academy, Beccles Museum, St Lukes Church, as well as individuals in Beccles, such as a special pushchair for an Autistic Child, a Mobility Scooter, an Electric Cooker, and organised a Disabled Toilet to be Repair. These are just a few ways in which Beccles Lions Club has been able to help the people of Beccles and we will continue to do so. It is an honour for the Club to help develop and promote the Bell Tower for all the visitors and people of Beccles. A big thank must also go to all of the volunteers, friends and members of Beccles Lions Club who gave up their time to man the Bell Tower throughout this year.”

Lion Geoff Moulton MJF 

 It is with much sadness that we report the news of the passing of fellow Beccles Lion - Geoff Moulton on 11th November 2022.

Geoff was a dedicated, popular and very active member of our club - latterly acting as Club Treasurer and he will be very much missed by all his friends in our organisation.

Sincere sympathies are extended to his wife Carolyn and his Family, from all at our Club.

Happily - earlier in 2022, the Club made the decision to honour his valued contribution to the Beccles Club by nominating him for the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award - the most prestigious award given to an individual Lions member.

The award is named after the Chicago businessman who created the first Lions Club in 1917.

 The award was presented by the then Beccles and District Lions Club President Lion Sandy Barr for Geoff’s “service and dedication to Beccles and District Lions Club as well as Lions Clubs International”.

 On presenting the MJF, Lion President, Sandy said “It is a great honour to present this award to Lion Geoff, in recognition of all the time and dedicated service he has given to Beccles and District Lions Club as well as to the people of Beccles. Individuals join the Lions in order to help others within their local community and Lion Geoff has certainly done that.”

 A delighted Lion Geoff added “What a surprise this is, I’m so overwhelmed and honoured to receive this Melvin Jones Fellowship. Over the years people’s time has become more precious and yet new members willingly join Lions and continue with the good work that all Lions Clubs do within their local community as well as around the world - helping others where they can and when it is needed. The thrill of helping others cannot be expressed in words, you have to experience it to truly understand the feeling of joy you get and joining the Lions has given me that.”

Those words are surely a fitting memorial to his memory.

Ivan Holmes Community Award Presentation - 2022

 The annual Ivan Holmes Community Award for 2022 was presented to Charlotte Moore by Mandy Holmes at the Beccles and District Lions Club 53rd Annual Charter Dinner.

 As well as being the Chair of the Beccles, Business and Tourism Association (BBTA) Charlotte has worked tirelessly within Beccles community over the years. In addition she has been very pro-active by encouraging fellow members of the association to consider new ventures that would raise the awareness of the BBTA and thus enabling more money to be raised so it too can be given back to those in need within the Beccles and surrounding area.

 In recognition of Charlotte’s sterling work and for her fantastic achievements within the local community, she received the 2022 Ivan Holmes Community Award. In addition Beccles and District Lions Club also presented her with a cheque for £250 to be donated to her nominated charity – which was to the Chedgrave MS Therapy Centre Ltd.

 Lion President Sandy Barr said “This annual award in memory of the late Lion Ivan Holmes MJF, who was a member of Beccles and District Lions Club for over 35 years. Throughout that time Ivan was an ever present figure within the Beccles Community, and, through this award the Club wanted to recognise those people who, like Charlotte tirelessly serve their community by helping to improve the lives of others.”

 Before presenting the award to Charlotte, Mandy Holmes said “The intention of this award is to act as an inspirational and motivational legacy, to continue Ivan’s good work and Charlotte has clearly demonstrated this with all the caring and kindness she shows to others within our community. Equally I know the club receives lots of nominations each year, and I would therefore like to acknowledge this by thanking every other nominee for the work they do within the local area, which of course is all voluntary. So to all the volunteers, whether clubs, societies or individuals that help to improve our community - thank you.”     

 In response Charlotte said “I would like to thank Mandy and Beccles and District Lions Club for this lovely award. It is completely unexpected and I feel very honoured to receive it. To even be considered for the award was a surprise, let alone to be recognised by others for doing things one enjoys is a great privilege and honour, which I really do appreciate and I will treasure this award, thank you.”

Lion Dermot Wesley-Smith PP MJF

It is with great sadness that Beccles and District Lions Club heard of the passing of their much loved member Lion Dermot Wesley-Smith PP. MJF.

Lion Dermot was diagnosed with an extremely rare Sarcoma and his condition rapidly declined over just a few weeks. He passed away on Monday 23rd November 2020 at 12 noon in Beccles and District War Memorial Hospital with his wife Christine by his bedside. 

Lion Dermot had been a member of the Beccles Club for over 40 years.

During this long period, he had served as the Club’s President, Social and Activities Chairman and for over 30 years until his illness - the Club’s Welfare Officer. 

Lion Dermot was also a Melvin Jones Fellow - the highest status awarded to members by Lions Clubs International and named after the founder of the Lions Club movement. 

Apart from his work with the Lions, Dermot was a well known figure in the Beccles area offering help and assistance to many people and organisations - latterly being an eager helper at The May Centre on a weekly basis.

His immense contribution to the Beccles Club and his compassion, wit, honour and integrity will be very much missed by all the Club’s members as will his delightful personalty at Club meetings and events.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Christine and their family.