Affiliates

DARLINGTON LIONS CLUB Darlington Hospital Radio is pleased to be associated with Darlington Lions Club. The Darlington division of the international charity was instrumental in the initial funding and setting up of Radio Skerne, back in 1985. Darlington Lions Club has been running for more than 40 years, raising money for local charities through various fund raising efforts. The 26 members give up their spare time to help the organisation and the community and with almost no administration costs nearly all the money raised by the volunteers is handed over to good causes. As well as fund raising events, the Lions Club has a second-hand bookshop that can be found on Blackwellgate Mews in Darlington town centre (near to the Binns department store). The shop sells a wide range of books and records, all of which have been donated to the organisation by members of the public. With prices starting as little as 50p, there are many bargains to be found. The shop is run by volunteers and is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9am – 4pm. Anyone wishing to donate books or records should drop into the shop and speak to one of the members to arrange delivery or a pick-up time for the items. One of the major events held by the organisation over the past five years has been a charity walk in the Reeth area. The walk is aimed at all levels of ability and ages, from short routes for the beginner to longer distance walks for the more experienced. Lion John Cluee, Public Relations Officer for Darlington Lions Club said: “The 2002 walk was particularly successful. With superb weather with the largest number of participants to date, including many families.” Entry forms for the 2003 walk will be sent out in January, but latecomers can enter on the day (in early May) at the Lions Club caravan and desk, situated on the Green in Reeth. Mr Cluee says this yearly event raises lots of money: “In 2002 the Lions raised £750 from entries, but as many walkers were also privately sponsored for their personal charities, much more was raised for good causes by this one event.” With the help of various supermarkets, Darlington Lions Club also hold collection days in November and December each year. As well as money, donations of food are used to make up food parcels for local senior citizens and the needy for Christmas.

Darlington Lions Club serving the community and part of the International Lions.