Locally, this message is channeled through the Whitehaven and District Lions Club, a group of 18 community-minded folk who work tirelessly for the benefit of their hometown.
The annual Whitehaven Carnival – held on the first Saturday in July every year – is the Lions’ centrepiece event, and takes months of organisation to be the huge success that it proves every year.
However, the Lions are about more than the carnival alone, and members work year-round to raise funds that it then distributes to humanitarian causes, both local and international.
“You get an enormous sense of satisfaction that you are doing something to help others,” said David Ashworth, the Whitehaven Lions’ current president. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Founded in 1917 in Chicago by Melvin Jones, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organisation with 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 205 countries.
Exclusively for men at the time, the group found its way to the UK in 1950, initially to London, and spread to Cumbria around 10 years later with the formation of the Carlisle and West Cumberland clubs.
Fast-forward to today and membership has gone from strength to strength, with branches added in Whitehaven, Workington, Cockermouth, Maryport and Keswick among the 52 clubs in the North West and over 850 in the UK and Ireland. Its patron is Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.
Whitehaven formed in its own right having split from the West Cumberland club in 1973, and has permitted female members for over 20 years.
Current publicity officer Eric Urquhart has been a member since the outset.
He said: “How it has expanded over the years shows the strength of the organisation. It’s not a political or religious group, and community is the priority.
“You develop a good working relationship with friends and colleagues, all the while knowing that others less fortunate are benefiting greatly from the work that you do.”
Every penny raised by the Lions – from raffles, bucket– collections, Christmas events, social gatherings and the carnival – goes to good causes.
Between 90 and 95 per cent stays local, with the rest supporting international appeals and major disaster funds.
As well as everything from funding coach trips for the elderly and school projects to assisting individuals with fire and personal safety devices, recent donations have been given to Whitehaven Judo Club, Mayfield School and James Burns’ Wish to Walk, a campaign to help fund a life-changing operation for the 14-year-old.
Esther Clements, last year’s president and a Lion for 11 years, said: “Being part of an international organisation works very well.
“We support major appeals, following the recent Nepal earthquake for example, but we can also pull down some international funding for our bigger projects, such as when we have helped with households’ flood defences.”
The Lions have organised Whitehaven’s carnival for 22 consecutive years, having taken over the reins from the then Whitehaven Carnival Committee.
It’s a big fundraiser for the group – the street bucket collections alone this year raised £1,200 – and all proceeds go towards supporting the carnival, and the Lions, for future years.
Organisation, says Esther, starts the day after the previous carnival has ended!
She said: “It’s a real family event and it’s wonderful to see all the children getting involved and enjoying themselves.”
Eric added: “It’s a platform for members of the community to express themselves.
“Trends change and we have fewer floats and more walking and dancing groups nowadays, but I think this year’s carnival was one of the most colourful we’ve had.”
David said: “We’re extremely grateful for all those who support the carnival, and our events all year round, including The Chase Hotel and Whitehaven Conservative Club for use of their venues.”
Like any voluntary organisation, the Lions are on the look out for new blood and fresh ideas and will be holding a recruitment event in Whitehaven Market Place on Thursday, August 20.
David said: “Anyone over the age of 18 with a few hours to spare, and who has a willigness to help those less fortunate, would be made very welcome.”
Esther added: “It’s a very rewarding role, and is satisfying to get positive feedback from people the club has been able to help
“It brings it home what a difference you can make.”
For more information, visit www.whitehavenlions.org.uk.
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