The Lions are making a noise in Witney. No, not the hairy sort with big teeth. The Witney Lions Club, a charity, is part of Lions Clubs International.

Witney is regarded as a prosperous area, nevertheless there are people who find themselves in need of assistance. For more than 42 years, the Witney Lions Club has been considering requests, and endeavours to help in all areas of the local community. This is made possible by their fundraising, with events such as the Witney Carnival, Christmas float street collections, car boot sales and many other events.

The club distributes more than 100 family and individual food parcels each Christmas to those who have been identified as being most in need. From the responses the club receives, the food parcels are really appreciated.

The Lions receive requests from individuals and care organisations where basic household items are required, such as a washing machine, which most of us take for granted. They work closely with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, and other local organisations. The club has also supported local sport and amenity clubs with equipment for use by young and old alike within the community.

Contributions have also been made by Witney Lions Club to young people to assist them on overseas trips to developing countries, where they have taken part in health, educational and community projects.

Working within the Lions International Organisation, the club makes donations to help people around the world to improve their quality of life, for example through Water Aid and health programmes, where a small amount of money can help hundreds of people.

What the club does need to continue this amazing work is new members. If you have some spare time, the Lions can give you the chance to become involved in local fundraising initiatives and then later progress to running one of their clubs’ committees.

The choice of what and how much you do is down to you.

But it’s not all work; the Witney Lions have a great social programme, including skittles and quiz nights, dining out and weekends away.

To find out more about the club, visit www.witneylions.org.uk, or telephone Rod Attewell, publicity and recruiting officer on 07527 559 020.