I arrived in Kent in 1979, and despite subtle hints from friends and colleagues i am still here! I am a teacher of the deaf and have three grown-up daughters, My husband Malcolm has been a Maidstone Lion or many years, but it was not until we had moved into Swale that is occurred to me that lions might actually be for me too! I wanted to find a way to contribute usefully within my new community.

Swale lions proved to be exactly what i was looking for, with the added bonus of meeting and getting to know lovely people dedicated to working for others with their invaluable help and commitment i hope that Swale Lions Club will continue to increase in membership and establish positive ‘youth’ links, enabling us to assist and support out local and global communities even more effectively.

Although born in Gravesend I have spent the greater part of my life in Sittingbourne, having moved here with my wife Jean when, we married in 1968 and it was through her late stepfather (a Charter Member of Northfleet Lions Club), that I first became aware of the work of Lions Clubs.

 However three growing children, now very decidedly adults, led me in a different direction, into voluntary youth work as a local youth club leader. My “Serious” interest in fundraising for charity also manifested itself during this time and resulted in a 20 year involvement with an annual Pantomime, hamming it up to raise money for NCH (now Action for Children)

 As I entered my late Fifties I decided that such activities where best left to those of less mature years, and my interest in Lions was rekindled. 

As a club we can be justifiably proud of the many things we have achieved throughout the years and during my year as president I hope I will be able to help the club achieve even more and to further enhance its reputation.

I consider it a huge honour to be following such an accomplished and charismatic President as Margaret and would like to thank her for the legacy which she leaves.

I would also like to acknowledge the past service of George Cronk and Kevin Hunt, both of whom have left the club during the last year.

I have been a member of Swale Lions Club for some twenty years and during this time, apart from being a 'grass roots' member have held several offices within the Club including being President twice. Currently I am club Treasurer. I have also held a number of District posts including Zone Chairman on three occasions and District P.R.O.