THE proud history of Swindon Lions Club was celebrated at a 50th anniversary party.

Members and supporters of the group enjoyed a party at Marsh Farm on March 15. Guests included Mayor Teresa Page and Robert Buckland, MP for south Swindon.

Launching in 1965, Swindon Lions Club, is part of The Lions Club International Organisation, which has groups in 200 countries. Down the years, they have raised £350,000, with much of the money being spent on good causes in the town.

Maurice Watson, from the group, said: “The celebration went very well. It was great to mark the milestone and we are delighted by the amount of money that we have raised during our existence.”

Representatives from Swindon’s twinned club, Les Anderleys in Normandy, also attended the party to recognise the fact that the Lions group works to support and promote good causes around the world.

In Swindon, their many fundraising events include fairs, Easter egg raffles and Christmas collections at supermarkets, with their biggest event being the annual fireworks display at the Polo Ground, which they’ve organised for more than 30 years.

They’ve also been fully supportive in donating money to disasters, notably in Japan, Haiti, Pakistan and the Philippines.

The group meets at the Village De Vere Hotel, in West Swindon, at 8pm every first and third Monday of each month.

Swindon Lions Club would be pleased to welcome new members to join their current number of 22.

“We are very keen to find new members and help raise awareness of the work we do,” said Maurice.

“Currently, we have a good mixed group of members aged between 30 and 80 who fundraise, support charities and enjoy a full social calendar. We are looking for people who like to have fun and enjoy fundraising.”

Their social calendar includes days out, boat trips, quizzes, dances, dinners and a weekend break.

For more information visit www.swindonlions.org or email www.mauricewatson44@yahoo.co.uk.