Lion Tony Parris has been awarded with the Long Service Award, marking 35 years of being a member of Lions Club International.

On Thursday 22 October, Burgess Hill District Lions president John Todd presented Tony Parris with a special award for 35 years as a member of Lions Club International.

Tony joined Lions in 1991, initially in Croydon, then moved with his wife Val to Sussex. They both became members of Haywards Heath branch, later transferring to Burgess Hill District Lions Club.

Tony was involved in the running of the club and took on responsibilities of being secretary, welfare chairman and public relations officer. He became club president in 2000 and 2008.

Tony is pictured (left) receiving his award from John Todd (right) | Picture by Terri Stephens

placeholder image — Tony is pictured (left) receiving his award from John Todd (right) | Picture by Terri Stephens

He was particularly proud when, in 1999, Val became the first lady president of Burgess Hill District Lions

Locally, Tony became well known, and was instrumental in arranging special concerts for old age pensioners, known as SCOAP, and several concerts featuring Chicory Tip and the Burgess Hill Hillbillies. These always resulted in a sold-out Martlets Hall.

Once a year Tony used his special relationship with Santa Claus by being a very special Santa helper at grottos in Burgess Hill town centre and at Southdowns Garden Centre.

Tony has received several accolades and he is particularly proud of being awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship by the members of Burgess Hill District Lions Club, a Mid Sussex Community Award and a special award in July 2021 from Burgess Town Council for his community work.

Mr Todd said: “It gives me great pleasure to present this Chevron which recognizes 35 years of devoted service to Lions Club International and the wider community.”