Lions clubs in Havant and Petersfield welcome new presidents to support community through coronavirus

Havant Lions and Petersfield Lions have both welcomed new leaders at unusual changeover ceremonies, which had to take place over Zoom due to government guidelines preventing the usual event.

Over the past year, these two clubs - along with Hayling Island Lions - have provided more than £50,000 to individuals and groups needing some support.

Normally, Havant Lions would hold a changeover lunch at the Brookfield Hotel in Emsworth, but instead they raised a toast at their online meeting to incoming president Ian Ranscombe.

Ian said: ‘This is clearly going to be a challenging year. We obviously still have some coronavirus problems to deal with, but I would like to look beyond that during the year and also focus on building stronger links with the community and helping those in need.’

Joanne Walters, the new Petersfield Lions president, said she intends to work hard to ensure that any locals in need know that the group is there for them.

She added: ‘There will be even more need for food banks and winter fuel post lockdown and where there is a need there is a Lion.’

Hayling Island Lions, the largest club in the area, decided to re-elect their president Neil Veck for a second year, giving continuity for the club.

Neil said: ‘Fundraising is continuing on a smaller scale than usual during coronavirus, but we are still here to help our local residents in whatever way we can.’

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