Uckfield and District Lions Club
If you’ve lived in Uckfield for any length of time, you know the Lions are an ever present. Santa riding around in his sleigh in the run up to Christmas each year, creating memories every child growing up in the town keeps with them. We see their presence at a host of events in the town, constantly helping out wherever able.
Donations to good causes, defibrillators funded and placed at key locations such as the train station, the Library, the Belmont Centre, and the Rugby Club. Equipment to help organisations and charities, resources to schools.
They’re responsible for running diabetes testing and prostate cancer tests in the local area in drives to encourage people to get themselves checked, offering an easier alternative to that mental obstacle of visiting a surgery some can face.
Walked through Uckfield High Street and you’ve no doubt seen their bookshop at Olives Yard, an incredible resource for anyone who enjoys reading. Or maybe you’ve seen their minibus around, there for local community groups and charities to use.
I could continue this for some time. The Lions good work for the Uckfield community is extensive and has long since made them an integral part of our town.
At the time of writing, the pandemic is unfortunately still a part of all our lives, however it hasn’t stopped them from assisting in other ways, as several members have been helping to marshal at the Meads Covid injection programme. As recently as March they announced donations to crucial organisations, and a pledge to a new project, a Community Fridge, aiming at tackling food waste and at the same time supporting local residents.
And now that the country is returning slowly to some form of normality, The Lions second hand bookshop is re-opening on May 4th, Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm, with special measures in place to continue protecting visitors. Books are priced at £1.25 each, with an array of jigsaws at various prices. They are accepting donations, however these are limited to two carrier bags. Please call in to the bookshop to arrange for collections of larger volumes of book donations. Payment where possible should be made by card, as though cash is accepted they will not be giving change as a precaution.
Looking ahead, The Lions are hosting a car boot sale on June the 6th from 9am to 2pm at Luxford Field in the heart of the town. Having community events back is a most welcome addition back in our lives, and with luck it’ll be the first of many to come. And should you fancy participating as a seller, you can book a spot in advance for £8 (£10 on the day). Some forms to apply can be found in our Volunteer Centre in the high street.
If you would like information on any of the Lions activities please visit their website at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/uckfield/index.php where you can find the long list of their ongoing club projects.
If you’re interested in joining the Uckfield and District Lions Club to help with their fundraising activities and good work, please contact them via email at dajskinner@hotmail.com or by telephone on 01323 767656.
Written by Neil Sonsthagen