Lions can claim gold

THE London Olympics are yet to start, but Lions can already claim several gold medals.

At the combined changeover dinner for the Ballina, East Ballina and Lennox Head clubs, State Member for Ballina Don Page told the gathering about two firsts.

He said the New South Wales Parliamentary Lions club, of which he is a member, was the first of its kind, and the Commonwealth Lions club was the first club for a Federal parliament.

And Lion Don said Lions existed in more countries than competed in the Olympic Games.

But in what could only be described as a gold medal-winning performance, the 65 or so members of the three clubs were able to donate a total of about $87,000 to the community and Lions projects.

The three new presidents - John Grant (Ballina), Bob Morgan (East Ballina) and Graham Shaw (Lennox Head) - all congratulated their fellow Lions for the work they had done, and looked forward to the year ahead.

Lion Graham said he wanted to encourage younger people to join Lions.

Ballina Lions Club this year marks its 60th anniversary.