Catherine TurnerThe Garforth & District Lions Club has marked the 53rd anniversary of its charter with a celebration at Garforth Golf Club, bringing together long-standing members, the District Governor, neighbouring Lions clubs and family members.
Founded in 1972, the club has grown into a key charitable organisation supporting communities across Garforth, Kippax, Swillington, Scholes, Barwick, Aberford, Micklefield, Great and Little Preston, Allerton Bywater, Ledston and Ledsham. Its work ranges from festive fundraising and youth support to health screenings and international aid – all under the Lions’ motto, “We Serve.”
Over the years, the Lions have:
- Raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local and global causes
- Brought Christmas magic to generations of children through their much-loved Santa Sleigh
- Offered practical support, from mobility aids to festive food parcels for older residents
- Partnered with schools, care homes and community groups
Each chapter of their 53-year history has featured galas, beer festivals and bonfire events that have helped knit the local community together.
As part of Lions Clubs International – the world’s largest voluntary service organisation with over 50,000 clubs and 1.4 million members – the Garforth & District Lions continue to play an important role in this global network of service.
Garforth resident and city councillor Mark Dobson (61) has served the club in multiple roles, including three terms as President. He is also chief operating officer at Wetherby in Support of the Elderly.
Speaking to East Side Story, Mark reflected on the friendships he has built through the Lions and the personal experiences that shaped his commitment to helping others.
He said he has been part of the club for 22 years, during which time members have delivered a wide range of community-focused events and supported other groups with activities throughout the year. He noted that the club is best known locally for its Christmas collection, which has delighted children for decades.
“When I was a kid, if you wanted to see Santa, your parents had to take you to a grotto, but we bring Santa to the doorstep!” ge said, adding: “ I still have fond memories of visiting the old Leeds department store, Lewis’s, to see Santa well over fifty years ago, so I know we are creating memories for children right now that are going to last for decades.
“It is also our biggest fundraiser and, being a club of members that pay for our own administration, every penny you give us goes to our charitable worthy causes, which makes us quite unique.
“Yes, with an aging membership and fewer members than previously, every year it is getting harder – but it is still a thrill and a pleasure to walk around the streets of Garforth and our area bringing the magic of Christmas to local children.”
The club will publish this year’s Santa street-collection schedule soon, with updates on their social media channels.
Elsewhere in Garforth…
The Garforth Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Friday 21 November, starting at 5:30pm, with the lights switched on at 7:00pm on Main Street.
Organised by Garforth and Swillington Independents, the event will feature stage entertainment, a festive farm, Garforth Brass, children from Strawberry Fields Primary, rides, food stalls, mulled wine – and a visit from Santa.
A Christmas market with local traders and festive food will run alongside the event from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Lord Gascoigne on Aberford Road.
