The Billingshurst & District Lions Club is an active and dedicated community organisation that undertakes a variety of projects falling into three main categories: fundraising, services, and donations. Through their efforts, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and groups in need within the local community.

Fundraising

The Lions Club organizes a diverse range of fundraising events and activities, harnessing the support and generosity of the local community. From charity galas and sponsored walks to fun runs and auctions, the Lions Club strives to maximize their fundraising efforts to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and groups in need. Through their tireless dedication and collaboration with sponsors and donors, the Lions Club consistently raises funds to support their community projects and extend a helping hand to those who require assistance.

We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences, to help us do more in supporting our village communities Joining the Lions is an ideal way for men and women, of all ages, to meet new friends, whilst making a worthwhile contribution as a real force for good in the local community.

Billingshurst & District Lions Club prides itself in being a locally independent club, friendly and welcoming – active and still young at heart after 50 years, with links to the world wide Lions Club International, but dedicated to serving the people of Billingshurst and the surrounding villages.

Check out our latest fundraising events with Billingshurst Lions here.

Lions Roar Competition – Children Changing the World

Primary school children being judged for their Lions Roar competition entries.

This year pupils from Loxwood, Rudgwick, Plaistow and Kirdford, William Penn and Ingfield Manor schools are taking part. Each school sets its own timetable but the work takes place between September and November. We wish them all success.

The Lions Roar Competition is an inspirational and fun learning experience, run in partnership with the education company, 8billionideas. The competition allows children to discover how to use their imagination in exciting new ways. Children gain all important life skills from taking part in the competition. Aimed at 7-11 year olds, children learn how to work together in teams, develop their communication and presentation skills, whilst boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem.

There are around 27,000 pupils taking part in over 130 schools sponsored by Lions Clubs from across the British Isles. If you would like to know more about the Lions Roar competition, please view the website www.lions-roar.com.

Men’s Shed

Men’s Sheds provide community spaces where men can come together to connect, engage in conversations, and engage in creative pursuits. These spaces offer activities akin to those typically found in garden sheds, but with the added benefit of fostering camaraderie among groups of men. Beyond simply combating loneliness and isolation, Men’s Sheds prioritize the element of enjoyment, ensuring that participants have a fun and fulfilling experience while pursuing shared interests. These spaces create an environment where men can form meaningful connections, support one another, and find a sense of belonging within a supportive community.

To find out more about ‘Men’s Sheds’ you can look at the associations’s website

The Men's Shed in Billingshurst nearing it's completion.

School’s Book Giveaways

Primary school children selecting books from a table of books accompanied by two Billingshurst Lions members.

Children’s love of books and interest in reading is such an important part of their education and a vital skill for the whole of their life.

The Lions bookshop in Jengers Mead, Billingshurst has allowed the Billingshurst and District Lions to help every child in our community to enjoy books and to love reading.

A big thank you goes to everyone who donates books to the Lions, we could not help our local children without you.

Over the past 10 years the Lions have given books away in all our ten local Primary Schools (Billingshurst, St Mary’s in Pulborough, Shipley, Barns Green, William Penn in Coolham, Loxwood, Rudgwick, Slinfold, Wisborough Green, and Plaistow and Kirdford).

At any one time there are 2,500 children at our primary schools and each school has a book giveaway every two years, so all children will be involved with three giveaways while at primary school.

The Lions sort the children’s books into four different age groups, then arrange a day with the school for their book giveaway. They set up a display of the books and the teachers bring the children in class by class. The children’s excitement and involvement is wonderful to see and the teachers, knowing the children, help to direct them towards the right books. A great day is had by everyone, and the children are always very appreciative with a loud ‘thank you’!

The Lions Bookshop always has a wide selection of children’s books and they are priced at 5 for £1 as we really want to encourage an early love of reading.

Message in a Bottle

This is a Billingshurst & District Lions Club voluntary scheme for anyone living at home, who might be reassured to know that essential information would be readily available to the Emergency Services.

Lions Club Messeage in a bottle

The “Message in a Bottle” program by the Billingshurst & District Lions Club is an initiative aimed at promoting personal safety and well-being within our community. It involves placing a small bottle, containing important medical and emergency information, in a visible and easily accessible location in one’s home.

The program is simple yet effective. Members of the Lions Club provide specially designed bottles that contain forms to be filled out with essential medical details, such as current medications, allergies, and emergency contacts. Once completed, the form is placed inside the bottle, which is then stored in the refrigerator door, clearly marked with a sticker indicating its presence.

The “Message in a Bottle” program is open to anyone within our community, regardless of age or medical condition. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic illnesses, seniors living alone, or those with specific medical needs.

To receive a “Message in a Bottle,” you can contact the Billingshurst & District Lions Club through our contact page or reach out to our dedicated members directly. We will gladly provide you with the necessary information and arrange for the delivery of a bottle.

No, there is no cost involved in participating in the “Message in a Bottle” program. The Billingshurst & District Lions Club is committed to serving the community and providing these bottles as a free service to promote the well-being of our residents.

Emergency responders, such as paramedics and first responders, are trained to look for the “Message in a Bottle” sticker, which indicates the presence of vital medical information. They can quickly access the details within the bottle, enabling them to provide appropriate and timely care during emergencies.

Yes, you can update the information in the bottle as needed. It is essential to keep the details accurate and up to date. If there are any changes to your medical condition, medications, or emergency contacts, please ensure that you update the information in the bottle accordingly.

Absolutely! We encourage community members to spread the word and share the benefits of the “Message in a Bottle” program with their loved ones and neighbours. You can request additional bottles for family members, friends, or neighbours who could benefit from having one.

Mobility Scooter Service

The Billingshurst & District Lions Club takes pride in offering a valuable service to the community by providing mobility scooters for loan to individuals in need. Currently, we have three mobility scooters that are being utilized by residents in our district, assisting them in maintaining their independence and enhancing their mobility.

These scooters have proven to be invaluable for individuals with mobility challenges, allowing them to navigate their surroundings with ease and participate more actively in their daily lives. While the scooters may be in use at the moment, they do become available from time to time as loan periods expire or when they are temporarily not required. Therefore, if you find yourself in need of a mobility scooter, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can assess your requirements and determine how we can best support you.

A blue mobility scooter in front of a leafy hedge.

Donations

At the Billingshurst & District Lions Club, our fundraising efforts are ongoing throughout the year. We deeply appreciate the generosity of our supporters, and any donations they graciously contribute are warmly welcomed. Whether it’s a small or substantial amount, every contribution is highly valued and plays a significant role in enabling us to make a positive impact within our community. It’s essential to note that transparency and accountability are fundamental to our operations. Rest assured, every penny donated is carefully tracked and allocated exclusively to individuals or organizations that are most in need.

We express our sincere gratitude to all those who support us in our mission to serve and uplift our community. Together, we can make a difference.

Make a donation

Click here to learn more about how we spend the money we raise.