Born in Sheffield in the late 40's John came to Wetherby after a short spell in Ossett and is still there today.  He joined Wetherby District Lions Club in August 1987 after moving to Wetherby town two years earlier.  He has spent the many years as a Lion helping and supporting the local and regional community.

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Recently Lion John was been awarded the 'Melvin Jones Fellowship' for outstanding service to both the Lions International organisation and the community in which he operates.

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Lion Past President Tim said of Lion John, "This is a well deserved recognition of the contribution that he has made to the people of Wetherby and the wider community of Yorkshire.  He is one of those people who shuns the limelight and prefers to work away in the background, ensuring success for projects organised by the Lions and other groups with which the Lions are supporters.  He has served by taking on a number of senior roles in the Club, including Lion President in 1993/94, Health and Safety Officer and currently acting as Club Treasurer.  It has taken a lot of arm twisting for him to allow me to mention his accomplishments but I consider his achievements worthy of greater acknowledgement".

 

Lion Past President Tim went on to say, "Projects where Lion John has been a major force include the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, which has raised nearly £3 million pounds for Yorkshire charities over three decades, Wetherby Christmas festivities including the Christmas Themed Market and Santa's sleigh and the now defunct (due to his own health and safety concerns) the Wetherby Pram Race.  In partnership with Yorkshire Electricity John was instrumental in the creation of the incredibly popular and the now well used 'Harland Way' cycle path between Wetherby and Spofforth which other cycling organisations have now developed to add further facilities enjoyed by both local Wetherby cyclists and many visitors.  I look forward to many more productive years working alongside John and his like minded colleagues in the Lions; carrying out the motto of Lions International, We Serve".

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Lion John looks to 'move forward' for many more years with the Lions organisation.