In March the local Lions Club held its annual Barn Dance at Bletchingley Village School (formally St Catherine’s). This event has been held for sixteen years and as usual the gathering was entertained by The Footnotes Band who this year brought along a new caller in the shape of Mick Scott who not only put everyone through their paces but also entertained them with what were described as “awful jokes”!

Members of COGS prepared their usual sumptuous ploughman’s supper followed by an ice cream which served to stop the dancing for a little while and give everyone a rest. There was also a licenced bar. The dance floor was full all the time and in spite of numbers being a bit down on last year a very enjoyable time was had by all.

On behalf of COGs President Maria Coyle, who was at home with her new baby Dominique, Immediate Past President, Lesley Day, gave a vote of thanks to all those who made the evening go so well. Proceeds from the raffle and bar added to the evenings fund raising purpose and in all just over £600 was raised for Lions work in the local area and further afield.

One of our other big fundraising events will be held on Saturday 8th April when Motown Soul will be performing at Caterham School. Always a popular event the doors will open at 7pm, the concert starts at 8pm and as usual there will be a licenced bar. Tickets are £19.50 each and can be obtained from Bob Frost on 01293 227851 or John Quincey on 0188374 2680.

As part of our Centennial celebrations we are organising a Swimathon on Saturday 20th May at De Stafford School in Caterham. Scouts and various other organisations are being asked if they would like to take part. Up to half of a team’s sponsorship money can be donated to a good cause of their choice with the other half going to Lions Club charities. If you would like to take part or would just like further details please contact Ian Macaulay at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Thanks have gone to Rayners of Godstone for their generous donation to the Swimathon.