Tony Parris given 35 Year Long Service Award with Burgess Hill Lions
See the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world
On Thursday 22 October, Burgess Hill District Lions President John Todd presented Lion Tony Parris with his Long Service 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 running the Club and took on the roles of Secretary, Welfare Chairman, and Public Relations Officer. He became Club President in 2000 and 2008.
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 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.
Lion President John Todd said, “ It gives me great pleasure to present this Chevron, which recognises 35 years of devoted service to Lions Club International and the wider community.