THE CLUB IN 2009/10
The current membership stands at 60 and meets twice per month, a business and dinner meeting, in addition to both the wide a varied programme of service, fund raising and social activities. These range from running one of the largest horse shows in the county, a nationally recognized triathlon and the town carnival to Christmas barrel organ collections, a fun day for the disabled, quiz nights and numerous other events.
The new President of the Tonbridge Lions Club is Mr Malcolm Bates (Bunny) seen here with his wife Anne. originally from Dover, they moved to Tonbridge in 1968 when he transferred to the local branch of the then Westminster Bank. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. Lion "Bunny" said he feels honoured and privileged to be the President inthe Club's Diamond Jubilee year and is sure it will continue to serve the community for many years to come.
Lion President Bunny Bates and Lion Gordon Hill with our newest and 60th member, Bob Maddison, in this our Diamond Jubilee year.
Board of Directors 2009/2010
| President | Lion Bunny Bates |
| Secretary | Lion Graham Rapley |
| Treasurer | Lion Steve Harvey |
| Greeter | Lion John Cox |
| First Vice President | Lion Mike Edwards |
| Second Vice President | Lion Allan Mort |
| Third Vice President | Lion Mike Stout |
| Minutes Secretary | Lion Barrie Bromley |
| Director (2 year) | Lion Ian Kury |
| Director (2 year) | Lion Mike Hayden |
| Activites Chairman | Lion Dixon Hawkins |
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| OTHER CLUB OFFICERS | |
| Tail Twister | Lion John Ruck |
| Lion Tamer | Lion Gareth May |
| Activities Secretary | lion Gordon Hill |
THE EARLY DAYS
The summer of 1949 saw the beginnings of Tonbridge Lions Club.
During the 1939/45 war a Tonbridge hairdresser CWH Addy was often in touch with servicemen from the United States and Canada. He heard many stories about the Lions and the aims and objectives of Lions Clubs, and decided he would try to organize a club in Tonbridge.
In 1947 he wrote to the headquarters office of Lions International for advice and as a consequence was able to advise that office in 1949 that he was in contact with enough interested men in Tonbridge to form a Lions Club.
The official formation of Tonbridge Lions Club followed on the 9th February 1950, though it had been operating as a club for some months prior to that date.
