A Potted History of Lions Clubs
Formed in 1917 by an American by the name of Melvin Jones the Lions Clubs organisation is today the largest Service Organisation in the World, with over 1.5 million members belonging to nearly 42,500 Lions Clubs in over 178 countries and geographical locations, with new clubs being formed more recently in Albania, Republic of Belarus and Russia.
England saw the first Lions Club being formed in London shortly after the war, which has now grown to almost 1,000 Clubs in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire comprising around 21,000 members, collectively known as Multiple District 105 (MD105) and split into Districts (this district being MD105C).
The Queen Mother is acknowledged as the catalyst for the introduction of Lions Clubs into this country, when in the war many Canadian servicemen visiting London were appalled by the way the children of the Blitz lived, with poor food, few clothes, frequent danger, Mums serving in the factories and Dads fighting overseas and so many homes destroyed. Some of these Canadians were members of Lions Clubs and they decided they wanted to help.
Funds were raised in Canada and at first it was thought that the money would be distributed by British Lions Clubs but there weren't any!
The Queen (now the Queen Mother) was at the time the patron of the Church of England's Children's Society and arranged for the Society to distribute the funds on behalf of the Canadian Lions.
After the War the Queen sent Lord Leconfield to Canada to thank the Lions for their help, he asked if there was anything he could do in return, to which he was invited to visit the Chicago Headquarters of Lions Clubs International, they wanted Lord Leconfield to see what Lionism meant and so impressed was he that shortly after his return a group of professional and business men got together and formed the first Lions Club known as the 'Host Club' in London.
Their Aim. To Help those in need and to spread Lionism throughout the British Isles, and although the needs of the community have changed since the Blitz, the Motto 'WE SERVE' holds as true today as it did then.
2000/2001 was the 50th anniversary of Lions Clubs in the United Kingdom.
Lions Clubs are open to anyone over 21 years of age and although originally Male only clubs these are now becoming mixed as more Ladies express a wish to help their Local Community through organisations like Lions Clubs International.
The Lions of Multiple District 105 are delighted to announce the appointment of HRH The Countess of Wessex as their Royal Patron.
More than half a century, 54 years to be precise, after Lions Clubs International was introduced to our shores at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, we have a Royal Patron.
Lions code of ETHICS and OBJECTS
Ethics
To Show my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.
To Seek success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due, but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part.
To Remember that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another's; to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself.
Whenever a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others, to resolve such doubt against myself.
To Hold friendship as an end and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists not on account of the service performed by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.
Always bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state and my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labour, and means.
To Aid others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.
To Be Careful with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.
Objects
To Create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
To Promote the principles of good government and good citizenship.
To Take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
To Unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
To Provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest, provided, however that the partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.
To Encourage service minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.
