Rye Lions celebrate year of fund raising

Some 40 members and guests celebrated with a Christmas dinner at the Hoe Anchor in Rye.

President, Malcolm McDonough, thanked the Lions for all their hard work over the last year, including the on-going Christmas collections at supermarkets at Peasmarsh, Rye and Hawkhurst.

Their Rye Raft Race and Fete last summer was one of their most successful ever and it is expected that they will have raised a record amount of money this year for donating to various charities and good causes, mostly local.

The Lions recently donated £300 to help The Music Well which provides music therapy to many groups. The Music Well also promotes health and wellbeing through music for the community.

Rye Lions have supported this group with annual donations since its establishment several years ago and this is their fifth donation, making a total of £1,600.

Other donations made recently by the Lions include £250 to Rye Preschool Playgroup, £250 to the Association of Carers, £250 to Rye Wurlitzer Academy and £200 to the Sturge Weber Foundation UK.

Malcolm McDonough, said “The Lions are only able to to make donations such as this due to the generosity of the public in supporting them The Lions next big fund-raising event is their Brass Band Concert on Burns Night, 25 January, at Beckley Village Centre. This event by Sussex Brass is always a sell-out and tickets should be bought as soon as possible at £6.50 each, which includes a welcoming refreshment. Tickets are available at Beckley Motors or by ringing 0845 833 2825. Any adult in Rye or nearby villages who is interested in having fun raising money and would enjoy a monthly social event should ring 01797 252382.