A STAPLE organisation at the heart of Launceston’s community has been celebrating 50 years since its formation. 

The Lions Club of Launceston marked half a century of community support recently.  

The special occasion was celebrated with a 50th charter anniversary lunch at Trethorne Golf Club.

The event was attended by the mayor of Launceston and Lion Helen Bailey and her consort Adrian Bailey, the district governor Lion James Mathers and his wife Lion Gail. 

District governor Lion James presented the club with a signed certificate from the club’s royal patron, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. 

The Lions have carried out many hours of service during the past 50 years. This includes running the carnival, during its early days, which the members now help marshal.

Members have assisted with car parking at Launceston Show and other events. Several organisations and individuals in Launceston have benefitted from funding and polo shirts have been donated to the Launceston Rugby Colts and the town band juniors.

As well as this, local schools have benefitted from the group’s work, with donations of laptops and Wild Life Heroes books. 

The group also provides entertainment for residents, organising regular bingo sessions and coffee mornings which are enjoyed by local people.

It is not just local people who have benefitted from the group’s work over the last 50 years, as members also look to support those in other countries. 

The club collects unwanted spectacles which are sorted to go to undeveloped countries. Unwanted hearing aids are also collected. Used hearing aid batteries are collected and the silver extracted to pay for sight cameras for testing children’s eyes for problems. The club also has wheelchairs and walkers which can be loaned to local people in need. 

A spokesperson for the club said: “Of course the club is amazed by the kindness of local knitters who make Trauma Teds, which go to the MIU to bring comfort and distraction to young children in difficult circumstances. These are also much loved by dementia patients in the local care homes.”

For more information about the work of the Lions visit the website.