Burgess Hill District Lions’ pride in 60 years helping the community

Since April 1, 1955, the Lions have raised money for vital causes, such as charities and defibrillators, with concerts, dinners, tombolas, Christmas collections, bike rides, a Santa’s grotto and the Book Den, among others.

President Chris Muschamp said: “The spirit of ‘pride in our community’ embraces our club perfectly.

“We are proud to have helped our community in many ways. In particular, we support the youth, the elderly and those with special needs in our community.”

The Lions work with The Respect Youth Club, The Hurstpierpoint Gym Club and The Burgess Hill Marching Youth.

“We are especially pleased to have developed an ongoing programme to supply Defibrillators to many local public places, railway stations, schools, clubs and churches and have been recognised by the Sudden Arrhythmic Death Charity,” Chris said.

The club maintains close working relationships with the Southdown Garden Centre and the Steve Willis Training Centre.

This year BHDL aimed to raise £60,000 in their 60th year, and are £9,000 away from their target.

Last month the Lions donated a £15,000 motorbike to Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers, who deliver blood from London hospitals to Burgess Hill throughout the night.

Last year BHDL paid for half of a bus to provide hot meals to elderly housebound residents in Hassocks.

The club supports Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club, Burgess Hill Youth, Respect Youth Club and Burgess Hill Marching Youth by providing new uniforms.

BHDL saved the community hall at Leyland Park, Burgess Hill which was failing to meet hygiene standards. The club helped provide a new toilet, disabled toilet and kitchen from 2011-2012.

BHDL also donated to Guide Hall in Burgess Hill, to help build a conservatory, toilets and showers.

In addition money was donated to renovate the Guide Hut onSelmey Road, Hassocks, which is used by 150 Brownies, Guides and Rangers.

The hut was unusable due to a drainage problem in 2007.

BHDL have worked with Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome UK (SADS UK) and the Mid Sussex Community First Responders to provide defibrillators in eight schools and six other strategic locations. The Lions still search for other locations to donate defibrillators. One os planned for Ditchling.

In 2012 the Lions joined other clubs in south east England to plan to raise £250,000 in ten years to purchase flying equiptment.

In 2013 a new helicopter was purchased for Redhill Aerodrome.

The Lions helped purchase seven iPads at Woodlands Meed School.

It has donated to Help for Heroes, Hounds for Heroes and organised concerts for OAPs.

On its 50th anniversary, BHDL donated a van for disbled transport to Chailey Heritage Clinical Services.

BHDL have provided 576 Trauma Teddies to comfort young children travelling to hospital in ambulances.

The Lions have donated money to buy food for Christmas hampers to those without food, and donated to food banks.

The club has paid for equipment, toys and a dedicated sensory room at Windmills Opportunity Playgroup, which caters for children with autism, ADHD, special language delay, behavioural problems and epilepsy.