The Lions Club of Bletchley, Milton Keynes was founded in 1969 by Peter Smith, a local chemist. At present the club has 24 members, who come from all walks of life and backgrounds and unite in a common aim to help those less fortunate than themselves.

What do we do?
Every year the Lions Club of Bletchley, Milton Keynes donates funds to local, national and international causes, and also offers our services to help out in other events.

Local donations and activities
Recently we have donated over £8000 to local causes. These include:
Willen Hospice ; Association of Young People with ME (AYME); Milton Keynes Hospital Baby Unit (SCUBU); Toy Library of Pre-School Learning Alliance; MK Woman’s Aid; Special Needs Unit Gymnasium (SNUGS); ARK Charity, which helps homeless youngsters in Milton Keynes; Tools for Self Reliance; MK Kids with Diabetes; Macintyre Homes; Macmillan Nurses; MK Cardiac Care Group; Carers Association; St Mary’s Food Cupboard; replacement of a wheel chair.
A Bletchley Lions member records extracts from newspapers for Sound News Milton Keynes; we arranged for a party of disadvantaged children to visit Chessington World of Adventure; we helped out with marshalling at the Bletchley and MK Carnivals; and we took some senior citizens to a variety show and a celebration party.

National donations
Donations were made to a number of national organisations, including The Edwards Trust, The Fisherman’s Mission, Disability Sports England, Thrive, Libra Blood Research appeal, Aidis Trust, Vitalise, Guide Dogs for the Blind. We also supported Lions Projects such as Railway Chidren (similar purpose as ARK Charity), and the provision of sleeping bags for homeless children in London.

International donations
We have made donations towards: Student Education in Malawi; Besian Children’s Disaster Fund; a Dentaid project in Nepal; Hope for Children in Zimbabwe; Gift for Living – child care – Bosnia; and a Mini Bus Appeal in Malawi.

So where do we find the money?
The Musical Evening; Can Shakes; Quiz Nights; Race Nights; Selling Community Trust Raffle Tickets; Easter Egg Raffles in local pubs; Stalls at local fairs; The 300 Club.

Where do we meet?
We meet at The Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6HL twice a month. Through membership of Lions we not only help people in need, but also have opportunities to develop personal friendships, both within our own club and with other Lions clubs nationally and internationally