Meet the new Burgess Hill District Lions Club president

Ken Saunders, who took over from John Rankin on July 1, after being elected by club members

His role includes taking business meetings when they can resume, and representing the club at various events, especially functions that Burgess Hill District Lions Club has helped and supported.

Ken shared more about his role in the club with the Middy and what he is looking forward to in his year as president.

What’s been happening recently with the club?

Burgess Hill District Lion Club recently celebrated its 65th anniversary.

It voted unanimously to match the £10,000 that Burgess Hill Town Council announced at the end of March they had put into a Covid-19 emergency fund.

This fund has been set up to assist local groups reacting to the effects of the pandemic on the local community at this time of need.

Burgess Hill District Lions Club is pleased to do this for the local community from monies raised by the sale of books in the Book Den in Church Walk.

The Book Den reopened on Thursday, July 9, and is currently open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between the hours of 9.30am to 4pm, with a half an hour closure from 12.30pm to 13.30pm.

How did you decide on this career?

When I retired I decided I wanted to do something completely different and find something that would help the community.

After considering various options I opted to join Burgess Hill District Lions Club as they seemed the most Community minded.

What have you been doing during the pandemic, have you still been supporting causes?

Yes the club have very active during the pandemic.

We donated £10,000 to the Burgess Hill Emergency Fund with another £15,000 put in reserve in case it was required and our treasurer is also on the funds committee.

We donated £10,000 to the Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance to help them through this very busy time for them.

We also donated £1486.50 towards a new wheelchair for a disabled young lady who had outgrown her old one.

We have given two donations to the rehabilitation wards at Princess Royal Hospital to buy games and gift bags for patients who are becoming very isolated owing to no visitors being allowed. These donations totalled £1180.10.

What gives you most job satisfaction?

To be able to help those in the community whether it be organisations or individuals and are unable to finance their requirements themselves.

Last weekend we helped the town council by paying for the Crazy Golf in the town centre and we also supplied manpower to help with marshalling.

Still as a working member of Burgess Hill District Lions Club, hopefully as a member of one of the committees and remaining very active in the club.