Our History

More than 65 years of service in Hereford

Hereford Lions Club has been part of the local community since 1960, bringing people together to raise funds, support local causes and provide practical help throughout Hereford and Herefordshire.

How Hereford Lions Club began

The story of Hereford Lions Club began with Dennis Taylor, a manager with Royal Insurance who had already helped establish Lions Clubs in Harrogate and Gloucester.

After moving to Gloucester, Dennis persuaded fellow branch manager Ron Williams that Hereford should have a Lions Club of its own.

Ron then recruited his old army friend Howell Davies, a partner at Hereford solicitors T A Matthews. Howell became the first President of Hereford Lions Club when it was formed in 1960.

What began with a small group of local members would grow into more than six decades of community service across Herefordshire.

Our history through the decades

The 1960s

The beginning of Hereford Lions Club

The 1960s saw Hereford Lions Club grow from an idea into an established part of the local community. It was a decade of new members, ambitious fundraising and the beginnings of projects that would continue for many years.

1960

Hereford Lions Club is formed

The story began with Dennis Taylor, a manager with Royal Insurance. Dennis had helped form a Lions Club in Harrogate in 1955 and, after transferring to Gloucester, established a club there in 1959.

He soon persuaded fellow branch manager Ron Williams that Hereford needed a Lions Club too. Ron then recruited his old army friend Howell Davies, a partner at city solicitors T A Matthews, who became the new club’s first President.

Hereford Lions Club was born.

1961

Building the foundations

Jimmy Cottle became President, with his younger brother Peter later following in his footsteps.

Accountant Howell Haines took over as Secretary and went on to play an important role in the Lions movement for the next half-century, including serving as national treasurer.

1962

An idea begins to take shape

Hereford Lions Club was invited to send two local blind people to a newly opened holiday home for blind people in Great Yarmouth.

The experience planted an idea that would come to fruition just two years later, when the club established a holiday home of its own.

1963

The club rallies

The young club faced a difficult year when membership fell to just nine of the original 19 members.

A crisis meeting was held and the remaining members rallied. Eight new members were recruited, including Ralph Green and Peter Cottle, both of whom would go on to devote many years to the Lions movement.

1964

Our first holiday home

With Howell Haines as President, Hereford Lions Club purchased its first holiday home, a chalet at Clarach Bay near Aberystwyth.

The chalet provided free seaside holidays for local people who needed a break. It cost £1,200, with much of the purchase initially funded through a bank overdraft.

It marked the beginning of a commitment to providing holidays that would become an important part of the club’s community work.

1965

Community transport takes to the road

Hereford Lions Club launched its community transport service with a minibus costing £698.

The service would become one of the club’s long-running community projects, helping local people with their transport needs for decades.

The club also began providing live match reports from Hereford United games to patients in local hospitals, another service that continued for many years.

Bring on the dancing girls!

Fundraising wasn’t always a serious affair.

Lions staged a Polynesian Evening, complete with members of the local operatic society’s chorus line.

Pictured are Pam Pearson, Di Butler, Pennie Newton-Sealey and Sandra Harling, together with Lions Howell Haines, Joe Yeomans, Larry Farnham, Harold Rumsey and Geoff Lewis.

1966

The Hell Drivers come to Madley

Hereford Lions Club managed to create something rarely listed among the aims of a community organisation: a traffic jam stretching from Hereford towards Madley.

President Geoff Lewis organised a spectacular show at the former Madley airfield featuring the famous Canadian Hell Drivers.

The event proved enormously popular. Geoff would also go on to devote four decades to running the club’s community transport service.

1967

A helping hand for the holiday home

Duncan Heins became President.

As the owner of an auction room specialising in household furnishings and goods, Duncan was ideally placed to help the club’s holiday home. Good-quality items passing through his saleroom were used to help furnish the property.

1968

Responding to the Aberfan disaster

Following the devastating Aberfan disaster in South Wales, Hereford Lions Club responded quickly.

The day after the disaster, club President Peter Cottle travelled to Aberfan with a van full of toys donated by shops in Hereford for the surviving children.

According to the club’s records, Hereford Lions Club was the first voluntary organisation to reach the community with support.

1969

The Donkey Derby begins

President Ralph Green launched the first Hereford Lions Club Donkey Derby.

It became one of the city’s popular summer attractions and continued for the next 21 years.

Thousands of people in Hereford would enjoy a day at the races over the following two decades, making the Donkey Derby one of the best-remembered events in the club’s early history.

The 1970s

New traditions and ambitious projects

The 1970s brought some of Hereford Lions Club’s most ambitious fundraising ideas, alongside new traditions that would become familiar to generations of local people. The decade also saw friendships develop beyond Herefordshire through the wider Lions movement.

1971

Supporting the Lads Club

Ken Davies, whose family ran a photographic shop in Hereford, was elected President.

During his year in office, Hereford Lions Club purchased camping equipment for the Lads Club, helping local youngsters enjoy activities and experiences away from home.

1973

Friendships across the North Sea

Former Arsenal and Hereford United footballer Joe Wade became President of Hereford Lions Club.

During his presidency, the club established a twinning relationship with the Lions Club of Vianen in the Netherlands.

The partnership created many lasting friendships between members of the two clubs and would lead to further visits and projects in the years ahead.

1974

A bungalow, boxing and football

Hereford Lions Club launched what was then its biggest-ever raffle, with an extraordinary first prize: a brand-new bungalow in Fownhope worth £9,000.

The club needed to sell 600 tickets at £25 each. President Tony Cole later recalled:

“We had to sell 600 tickets at £25 a time. It was a hell of a risk, but in the end all tickets were sold, making a £6,000 profit.”

The bungalow was won by Mick Gullis.

It was also a busy year for new activities. The club launched its annual dinner and boxing tournament, while football trips to Holland for local youngsters also began.

1975

Santa takes to the streets

A Hereford Christmas tradition was born when the Lions Santa Sleigh made its first tour of the city.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Santa and Hereford Lions Club members travelled through streets across Hereford and the surrounding villages.

The Santa Sleigh became one of the club’s most recognisable community activities and a familiar part of Christmas for generations of local families.

1976

The year the ice cream melted

Anyone who remembers the summer of 1976 will remember the heat.

Hereford Lions Club certainly does.

A lorry load of ice cream was ordered for the annual Donkey Derby. Unfortunately, by the time the crowds arrived, the heatwave had done its work and the ice cream had melted.

Not every fundraising plan survives the British weather, even when the problem is unusually that it’s too hot.

1977

A new holiday home by the sea

With Fownhope garage owner Denzil Biggs as President, Hereford Lions Club embarked on one of the biggest projects in its history.

The club purchased a seafront house at Burnham-on-Sea for £30,000 to become its new holiday home.

The property provided free holidays for people from Hereford and the surrounding area who needed a break, continuing an idea that had begun with the club’s first holiday chalet at Clarach Bay in 1964.

And a Triumph for one lucky winner

The club’s fundraising prizes were becoming increasingly adventurous too.

Anthony Over of Ross won a Triumph motorcycle in the 1977 Lions raffle, one of the club’s early unusual raffle prizes.

It wouldn’t be the last. In later years, Hereford Lions Club would go on to raffle Hereford cattle and even a flock of sheep.

Pictured with the motorcycle are Graham Rivers, Denzil Biggs, Tom Barrow and Micky Bolt.

The 1980s

Fundraising, friendship and practical support

The 1980s saw Hereford Lions Club continue to find imaginative ways to raise money while investing in community transport, healthcare and practical support for local people. Some fundraising ideas were ambitious. Others were simply unforgettable.

1980

A special trip to Holland

Farmer Graham Powell led a project to organise and fund a holiday in Holland for 35 adults with disabilities from the Rockfield Road Adult Training Centre.

Hereford Lions Club’s friends at the Lions Club of Vianen helped make the visit special by arranging trips and activities for the group during their stay.

Back home, Hereford Lions Club also hosted the Lions District Convention at the Nell Gwynne Theatre. Visiting delegates received a particularly Herefordshire welcome, courtesy of a Hereford bull!

1982

A new minibus appeal begins

City businessman Graham Rivers decided it was time to replace the club’s community minibus.

Hereford Lions Club launched an ambitious three-year appeal to raise the £14,000 needed for a new vehicle, continuing a community transport service that had first taken to the road in 1965.

1983

Bullocks, barbecues and a new minibus

Hereford Lions Club reinforced its reputation for unusual fundraising ideas by raffling four bullocks.

The animals were later sold at Hereford cattle market, earning the lucky prize winner £1,000.

President Keith Martin also launched the Lions BBQ at Lucksall in Fownhope. It proved so popular that the event would continue for the next 26 years.

Another new fundraiser, Race Night, also began during the year.

Meanwhile, the club’s fundraising appeal reached its goal and a new £14,000 minibus was purchased for the community transport service.

1984

Bringing people together

As Hereford Lions Club approached its 25th anniversary, President and city photographer Derek Foster introduced the Silver Dining Clubs.

The idea was simple but important: give older people an opportunity to get out of the house, enjoy a meal and, just as importantly, enjoy the company of others.

1985

Donkeys and football commentary

Ralph Green was President as the popular Lions Donkey Derby continued to attract local families, with admission costing just 50p.

Meanwhile, former Hereford United footballer Roy Williams was behind the microphone at Edgar Street, providing live match commentary for patients in local hospitals.

The service continued a tradition that Hereford Lions Club had first introduced 20 years earlier.

1986

Helping local people gain independence

Hereford Lions Club responded to the needs of local youngster Rebecca Field, who was born with severe disabilities and relied on a ventilator.

The club purchased a specially adapted electric wheelchair to give Rebecca greater independence.

That same year, Lions helped Brian Colburn, who had lost both his arms and legs, travel to Australia to visit his daughter.

The club also launched the Hereford Marathon in aid of St Michael’s Hospice, adding another major event to its fundraising calendar.

1987

The year Santa lost his trousers

Some moments in Hereford Lions Club history are memorable for reasons nobody could possibly have planned.

Club President John Goulding was playing Father Christmas and had joined the Mayor to switch on the festive lights at the Maylord Shopping Centre.

With hundreds of children and their families watching, John’s trousers suddenly fell to his ankles.

The assembled crowd found the incident considerably funnier than Santa did, and the story even reached the national press, where The Sun ran the memorable headline “St. Knickerless”.

John was reportedly left rather redder than his Santa suit.

1988

Supporting eye care in Hereford

Hereford Lions Club provided £20,000 for an important new eye surgery camera at Hereford Eye Hospital.

The new equipment replaced a camera the club had helped purchase 15 years earlier, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting local healthcare services.

1989

21 years of the Donkey Derby

The Lions Donkey Derby celebrated its 21st anniversary.

What had begun in 1969 had grown into one of the club’s best-known events, providing generations of Hereford families with summer entertainment while helping Lions raise money for community projects.

The 1990s

A decade of practical community support

Throughout the 1990s, Hereford Lions Club continued to respond to the needs of local people, schools, charities and community organisations. From specialist equipment and community transport to an international aid mission, members found practical ways to turn fundraising into support.

1990

Another new minibus

President John Weatherall decided it was time to replace the club’s community minibus once again.

Members quickly raised the £20,000 needed to purchase a new vehicle, continuing the community transport service that Hereford Lions Club had first launched in 1965.

1991

Taking vital supplies to Romania

Following political upheaval in Romania, the terrible conditions facing children living in some of the country’s orphanages became known around the world.

Hereford Lions Club responded by sending a lorry loaded with essential supplies to one of the orphanages.

Three club members volunteered to make the journey and deliver the supplies themselves, taking the club’s community spirit far beyond Herefordshire.

1992

Creating a specialist sensory room

With John Burgoyne as President, Hereford Lions Club provided £3,500 to equip a specialist sensory room at the St Owen Centre for adults with learning difficulties.

The project provided new facilities designed to support people using the centre.

1993

Lions Will Fix It

President George Thomas introduced Lions Will Fix It, a community project offering practical help to local charities and individuals.

The idea was to step in when someone needed help completing a project or achieving a personal goal but didn’t have the resources to make it happen alone.

It was another example of Lions members contributing their time and skills as well as raising money.

Pictured: George and Cassie in 1993.

1994

Supporting Shopmobility in Hereford

President Stuart Sheehan, whose pork butcher’s shop in Hereford Butter Market was a familiar local business, supported the city’s new Shopmobility scheme.

Hereford Lions Club purchased a new electric runabout costing £4,500, helping people with limited mobility get around the city more easily.

1995

Lions Festive News is launched

Hereford Lions Club launched Lions Festive News, which quickly became another successful club initiative.

1996

New computers for Hunderton School

Des Brooke organised the purchase of new computers for Hunderton School, helping provide pupils with access to technology that was becoming increasingly important in education.

1997

Specialist equipment for Hereford’s hospital

Hereford Lions Club purchased a specialist heart disease testing machine costing £8,000 for the city hospital.

It continued the club’s long history of helping to fund important medical equipment for healthcare services in Hereford.

1998

Helping Brendon regain some independence

At the age of 14, Brendon Feeley was paralysed after diving into the River Lugg and hitting his head on a rock.

Hereford Lions Club responded by purchasing a specially adapted electric wheelchair to give Brendon greater independence.

Three men in a boat

The annual Lions Canoe Rally had become another popular event by the 1990s.

Starting in 1988 when Reg Hughes was President, the rally saw hundreds of canoeists tackle the River Wye from Hereford to Ross-on-Wye while raising money for local community projects.

Among those brave enough to take to the water were Lions Keith Martin, Roy Williams and Alan Press, although photographic evidence suggests their technique may not always have inspired confidence!

Pictured: Keith Martin, Roy Williams and Alan Press setting off on the River Wye.

1999

Community service at the heart of the club

David Hartland, who ran a refrigeration business, led the club’s community service work during 1999.

And, as the original club history rather nicely puts it, the refrigeration man proved he had a warm heart when it came to supporting his local community.

The 2000s

Fundraising that supported vital local services

The new millennium saw Hereford Lions Club continue its long tradition of responding to needs within the community. Healthcare, children’s services, disability support and community transport all benefited, while the club’s popular car draws raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.

2000

Lifesaving equipment for the children’s ward

During one of his festive Santa visits to the children’s ward at Hereford hospital, Tony Sandford discovered that the ward did not have its own lifesaving resuscitation equipment.

Hereford Lions Club responded by providing a new resuscitation trolley costing £12,000.

2001

Taking on the Kielder Challenge

Retired headteacher David Mathias helped ensure that a group of young people with disabilities from Bishops School could take part in the annual Kielder Challenge.

The event gave the youngsters an opportunity to participate in an outdoor challenge alongside other teams.

2002

£34,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice

One of the club’s car draws raised an impressive £34,000 for the new Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The fundraiser continued Hereford Lions Club’s strong tradition of using ambitious prize draws to generate substantial sums for good causes.

2003

Supporting the County Air Ambulance

Another successful car draw enabled Hereford Lions Club to donate £10,000 to the County Air Ambulance.

Pictured: Colin Smith presenting the £10,000 donation.

2004

£22,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief

The cars kept coming, and so did the fundraising.

Another car draw, organised by President Mike Hughes, raised £22,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Across just three years, the car draws of 2002, 2003 and 2004 raised a combined £66,000 for these three causes.

2005

Helping Hereford’s MS Therapy Centre

Hereford Lions Club stepped in when the MS Therapy Centre in Mostyn Street faced an unexpected £2,000 cost associated with an inspection required under new legislation.

Martin Exell helped arrange the club’s support, enabling the centre to meet the cost and continue its important work.

2006

A new horse for Riding for the Disabled

Hereford Lions Club provided £5,000 to purchase a horse for Riding for the Disabled.

It was another example of the club supporting organisations that provide opportunities and greater independence for people with disabilities.

2007

Supporting cancer care and community transport

With John von Anrep leading the club, Hereford Lions Club donated £20,000 to the Macmillan/Renton appeal to help build a new cancer unit at Hereford Hospital.

Once again, the money was raised through a successful car raffle.

The year also saw another major investment in the club’s long-running community transport service, with a new minibus costing £48,000.

2008

£8,000 for two local organisations

Martin Forder arranged for two Hereford organisations to share £8,000 for new equipment.

Headway, which supports people affected by brain injury, and a Ledbury Road facility supporting young people with learning difficulties both benefited from the funding.

2009

Supporting people affected by dementia

Hereford Lions Club contributed £15,000 to help the local Alzheimer’s Society establish a new Information and Advice Centre in Hereford city centre.

The project was designed as an internet café-style drop-in centre, run by volunteers with professional support from a dementia support worker. It would provide a central and accessible place where people living with dementia, their families and carers could find information, advice and support.

At the time, around 2,700 people in Herefordshire were reported to be living with dementia.

John Oldman, Immediate Past President of Hereford Lions Club, welcomed the project:

“I am delighted that Lions Club is able to provide the financial backing to get this much needed new community service up and running.”

The club also donated four riser-recliner chairs costing £2,500 to St Michael’s Hospice, marking the hospice’s silver jubilee.

I think that’s better than dropping the quote entirely. It gives the entry a human voice and explains why Hereford Lions Club considered the project important, rather than simply recording another £15,000 donation.

I’d also keep the wording “At the time, around 2,700…” because that figure is historical. We don’t want visitors interpreting it as a current 2026 statistic.

Our story continues

For more than 65 years, Hereford Lions Club members have given their time, skills and enthusiasm to support people and good causes across Hereford and Herefordshire.

The projects may have changed since 1960, but the spirit behind them remains the same. Today, we’re still bringing people together, raising funds and finding practical ways to support our local community.

HEREFORD LIONS CLUB

HEREFORD LIONS CLUB

Our History

How Hereford Lions Club began

Our history through the decades

The 1960s

The beginning of Hereford Lions Club

The 1970s

New traditions and ambitious projects

The 1980s

Fundraising, friendship and practical support

The 1990s

A decade of practical community support

The 2000s

Fundraising that supported vital local services

Our story continues

HEREFORD LIONS CLUB