Lions' picnic celebrates centenary

Sleaford Lions Picnic in the Park to mark centenary. L-R President of Sleaford and District Lions Club, Paul Whitworth with club member Stephen Hill. EMN-171206-125132001

Lions International was established in 1917 by a group of businessmen in Chicago to help the less fortunate in the city.

It has since grown to become the largest service club organisation in the world.

On Sunday the Sleaford and District Lions Club held a Picnic in the Park event on Boston Road Recreation Ground to mark the centenary.

Sleaford Lions Picnic in the Park to mark centenary. Tiffany Smith 7 of Sleaford with Luna the Barn Owl. EMN-171206-125229001

Bob Coxhead from the club said: “We decided, as the people of Sleaford have been so good to us since we were formed in 1974, it would be nice to put on something for them.”

The free event offered face painting and skittles, a display of birds of prey by Raptor Rescue, hot dog stall and the William Alvey School choir and buskers performed several songs, with friends and family swelling the numbers that attended yet further.

Club president Paul Whitworth said the day went brilliantly, adding: “It was going to be a one-off event, but I have been in touch with the school and members and they are all keen to do it again next year.”