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Lions Clubs International - District 105M - Midland News

Ordinary People doing Amazing Things


 



Another Roaring Success For Lions 

 

 

Sunshine and showers were the order of the day when the Aldridge & District Lions held their 17th Annual Aldridge Fayre.

Despite the showers, there was a full day of entertainment to please the thousands of people who attended the Fayre. Youth and energy were in abundance with displays from the children of Cooper and Jordan school, the Ukulele Band from the Music Club at Leighswood and Aldridge Schools and the Jo Leigh School of Dance.



 

This was balanced by a magnificent display of relaxing Tai Chi from Dave Fisher and his Aldridge Tai Chi group. Skill and expertise were displayed by the Panthers Judo Club and from the award winning Walsall Royal Marines Cadets who gave a first class display of precision marching.



 

A touch of the exotic was shown from the Khalgani Tribal Belly Dance group whilst the crowds just wanted to march along to the music from the Cannock Chase Drum Corps and the Walsall Junior Coronets.

Lions Club President, Clyde Redfern, said, “Each year we seem to build on our previous experience and have a community event for the people of Aldridge and surrounding areas which not only helps the many charities who attend the Fayre but gives a great day of entertainment for the visitors.”

In opening the event, the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Garry Perry, said, “We do recognise the benefit we have from the many volunteers who help with charities and organise events such as this for the community.” Over 40 different charities attend the Aldridge Fayre and each raise funds for their own cause.

Mid afternoon saw a fly past of a Douglas Dakota C47 (DC3) from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) accompanied by rousing military music. Banking over surrounding countryside, the aircraft made three passes over the Fayre much to the appreciation of all on the ground. This aircraft, built in 1942, saw service with both the United States Army Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force before transferring to the Royal Aircraft Establishment in the UK. Today it has been fully refurbished and restored by the BBMF and is used for both displays and parachute drops.

Fayre co-ordinator, John Hand, said, “We have had another great Fayre this year which has been appreciated by the many charities who attend. We must thank the many businesses and organisations who support us in this event with donations for our raffle, having trade stalls at the show and in many other ways. Particular thanks this year should go to Walsall Council for their help and in providing and manning the use of the climbing tower which has proved to be such a great attraction.”

Lions President Clyde also added his thanks to the many people who attended the Fayre and supported the charities involved.


 
  Each year the Aldridge Lions have nominated charities who benefit from the raffle income. During the afternoon a total of £1200 was presented to the Marie Curie Trust and two arthritis charities - Walsall Arthritis Care and Walsall Arthritis Support Group. Mayor Garry Perry, who stayed for over four hours at the Fayre, was only too pleased to make the cheque presentations of behalf of the Lions. In return he also received a cheque for £100 towards his own chosen charities for his year in office.

Announced at the Fayre were the chosen charities for the Lions incoming President. These are to be the British Lung Foundation Breathe Easy group and Walsall Heart Care.

Aldridge and District Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International and has raised many thousands of pounds over the years. In addition to some individual programmes of help, recent beneficiaries of donations from the Club include Cancer Research, Help for Heroes, RNLI, Aldridge Youth Theatre, Parkinson’s Disease Society and local Scouts and Guides. During the last financial year nearly thirty different organisations and individuals benefited from over £8000 of donations from the Club.



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