Uckfield & District Lions held their 54th Charter Anniversary today at Wellshurst Golf Club. It was attended by clubs from across Sussex and our special guests were the High Sheriff of East Sussex and the Mayor of Uckfield.

During the Charter three of Uckfield Lions, Graham Baldwin, Lynne Ireland and Chris Macve , were recognised for outstanding humanitarian service to the community with Melvin Jones Fellow awards, one of the highest awards in the Lions organisation.

A huge thank you to everyone involved and for the wider Uckfield community that support the work of Uckfield Lions all year round.

CITATION FOR MELVYN JONES FELLOWSHIP AWARD -CHRIS MACVE

Chris has been an enthusiastic and hard-working member of Uckfield and District Lions Club for over 40 years. He has raised the profile of the Uckfield Club locally and created good social relationships with Lions in other Clubs. He has been very active over many years in providing practical service to the local community becoming extremely well known and providing Uckfield Lions and Lions organization with excellent PR. These principles are exemplified with his work as a local councillor as well as being Chairman of the Luxford Centre and the Uckfield Hospital league of friends.  

Chris is also well known for his bell ringing skills at Holy Cross church in Uckfield.

For 20 years Chris has organized our large and well-recognized Veteran car rally which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities and Uckfield Lions are proud to award him a Melvyn Jones fellowship.

CITATION for MELVYN JONES FELLOWSHIP AWARD -GRAHAM BALDWIN

Graham first joined Heathfield Lions and was a member for 12 years holding the office of President and Treasurer. He was involved with Wealden Talking Newspaper at an early stage and became a Trustee whilst also serving as a copier and a reader. When Heathfield Lions Club closed, he arranged for a permanent transfer of Trusteeship to his new Club Uckfield and District Lions.

Graham has been our President twice, Zone Chairman and District Officer for Insurance while at while at Uckfield Club and is now Service Chairman. He is also the Club caterer having cooked burgers and curries for everyone.

Graham has been an exemplary Lion in every aspect of his activities both in Lions and in his work with the British Legion and Uckfield Lions are proud to award him this Melvyn Jones Fellowship in recognition of his service.

CITATION for MELVYN JONES FELLOWSHIP AWARD-LYNNE IRELAND

Lynne has followed Lions principles from a young age being a founder member, then President, of the LEO Club set up in 1980s. She was the first female member of Uckfield Lions and has done much for the development of women in Lions and is very active in the community in many ways including the Uckfield Bonfire Society. Lynne has been Lions President and Zone Chairman and has ably supported the Club as Club Secretary for many years. Lynne has also supported our District by being at one time the minutes secretary and, for several years, Assistant Chair to the Convention Organising Committee.

Lynne has shown dedication and Leadership in everything that she does, and Uckfield Lions are proud to award her this Melvyn Jones Fellowship.