Festive News 2017 | Page 2

PAGE 2 • FESTIVE NEWS • DECEMBER 2016

Christmas Greetings from Lions President David Hartland

The first refugees from war ravaged Syria are now arriving in Hereford , a timely reminder as Christmas is just a few weeks away , of how lucky we are to live here in peace and harmony .

For them the Christmas festivities will seem strange , but after surviving the total devastation of their towns and villages and living in makeshift refugee camps , finding shelter and the chance of a new life away from the brutal bombing is more than they could have dreamt of .

Six families of the 16 Herefordshire Council will be caring for will have settled into new homes by the time we ourselves start celebrating what for them will be an alien festival . But that should not prevent us from sharing with them the peace and goodwill we all take for granted at this time of the year . Let us make them welcome and offer the hand of friendship . My fellow Lions will be giving each of the six families a £ 100 voucher to buy some of their basic needs after the long journey from the refugee camps as a token of that friendship .

Meanwhile , we all know it is close to Christmas when Lions Festive News drops through the letter box announcing yet again the visits of Santa ’ s Sleigh and the opening of

Santa ’ s Grotto , at Wyevale Garden Centre on November 12 , two community projects we are privileged to provide as part of the city ’ s Christmas festivities .

Christmas is a time for celebration so may I , on behalf of Lion s Club wish you and your families great joy as you share together the wonderful spirit of Christmas .

David Hartland President , Hereford Lions Club

MISSION STATEMENT OF LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL

WE SERVE

“ To empower volunteers to serve their communities , meet humanitarian needs , encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs

WE SERVE

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TAILOR MADE HOLIDAYS

Not only do we offer the widest range of “ Packaged ” Holidays , but are your local experts for “ Independent Travel ”

NEW LEADER FOR LIONS

The new president of Hereford Lions Club is David Hartland , a retired city businessman who also served in the role back in the new Millennium Year .

He grew up in Peterchurch , trained as an engineer at Hereford Technical College and in 1973 with his friend John James founded the RSS company , today one of the foremost refrigeration , sales and service firms in the region . He retired in 2003 .

He has been a Lion for 25 years and is committed to the ideals and dedication to community service which are the cornerstone of the international organisation which next year celebrates its 100th anniversary .

Mr Hartland has chosen during his year as club leader to support the work of the charity , MIND which provides vital help to those with mental health problems , and Lions will be raising funds for the charity to set up much needed new services .

Marley tries out his new machine

continued from page 1 where he plays in the wheelchair football team . His mum Vanessa said : “ Marley has faced a lot of operations and after the last one the consultant suggested riding a trike would help strengthen his leg muscles and more importantly give him some extra independence .” She added : “ Lions Club bought him a little trike when he was just four years old , but this gift is beyond our wildest dreams . We cannot thank them enough .” Lions Club president David Hartland said : “ Marley is a great and cheerful lad and it is our privilege to help him achieve one of his ambitions .”

HELP FOR HAITI

Lions Clubs International is one of the first to provide aid when natural disasters strike countries around the world , sending it direct to those in most need . It usually runs into millions of dollars from a special fund supported by individual clubs worldwide . The Lions fund was swift to respond when a hurricane devastated Haiti recently , leaving thousands homeless . Hereford Lions immediately sent £ 500 to the fund , which has already sent big supplies of water purification tablets to ensure the victims of the disaster have clean safe water to drink .

LIONS Festive News

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