It rained. It poured. We got soaked. But we didn't care.

Redditch Lions with the good old British spirit, held their 40th. Birthday with a 'Tea & Cup-Cake' party, in the rain in the market area of Redditch on the Queen's Jubilee Sunday.

The Lions together with the Redditch Council's Town Centre Partnership, had planned a day of festivities to take place between St. Stephen's Church and the Post Office. Farmers market stalls, Outdoor TV screen streaming in the River Thames pageant, The Alcester Silver Band, children's rides and free face painting and much more had been arranged for the day. As we all know now, rain put paid to a lot of these events. However, us Lions Club members carried on and defied the rain and gave out tea, coffee and cup-cakes to anyone passing or who felt cold, wanted shelter or just have a chat. All of this, free of charge.

The members of the Redditch Lions, having being in existence in the Town for 40 years, wanted to give something back to the people of Redditch and its surrounding areas and say a big thank you for giving them their support. Without this support, many of the projects we had taken on over this period would not have taken place and could easily have resulted in the Club failing.

Other pictures shows the Club's PR exhibition that highlighted the last 40 years. This display, set up by Lion Carole Andrews, was an independent display. It covered the Club's existence over the years, its highlights and achievements and a special feature of photos of current members who said, through speak bubbles, the reasons they joined Lions and what's it done for them. Many members of the public showed interest in the exhibition. (Although it may be said, they were only sheltering from the rain.)

Are we mad? We don't think so. The day proved just how much fun and comradeship we can have whilst helping others who sometimes need a bit of a helping hand.

We also took a shop window again in the Kingfisher shopping centre. This enabled us to advertise the event together with continual press coverage, from 4 weeks beforehand. Working with the local council and its Town Centre Partnership, really proved a worthwhile project. Something we aim to do in the future more often.

We are pretty sure we thanked everyone in the 'We Serve Spirit' and 'SMILE'. Yes... District Governor - We did listen to your message!!!

Phil Lawrence
Redditch Lions Club