Members of the Ross Leos Club were joined by members of Ross Lions Club, relatives, friends and school representatives to mark their 10th annversary. Leo Advisor, Keith Wilding, explained that the Ross Leos began in John Kyrle High School 10 years ago. Since then, Keith, now assisted by Lion Jenny Symington, has seen more that 70 young people pass through the Leo Club and take part in Service Activities and fundraising of over £10,000.

This Charter Celebration was attended by Lions District Governor Sally Marsh, who presented the Leo President, Megan with a Certificate of Appreciation for all the Leos have done over the years. Sally also presented Leos, Adam and Natalie with Young Leaders in Service Certificates, acknowledging the hours they have given to helping others.

Although most of the original Leos have moved away from Ross to study and follow careers elsewhere, one former Leo, Greg now lives and works in the town and has joined the Lions Club. Lions also form Clubs at Universities and so Greg was able to talk to former President Adam about how he could be a founder member of a Campus Lions Club when he goes to University in September.

Several organisations were present at the Charter Celebration to receive cheque donations. The Leos make their own decisions about who and how to help and this time they were helping a local hospice, Cave Rescue and mental health for young people charities. As well as this they had decided to support the UNICEF ‘school in a box’ scheme which are special boxes containing materials for teaching children in war-torn or disaster areas. The Leos have donated enough for the purchase of two boxes which will educate 80 children for a year.

No celebration is complete without a cake and, thanks to Sandra, the Leos were able to blow out the candles on an iced chocolate cake – complete with a little Lion. The celebration ended with food for all and a quick game of skittles – won by Lion Nick who himself was a Leo many years ago.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here