Former president opens new club in village A FORMER Warrington Lions president has set up a new club in his village.

Syd Walker, aged 80, used to drink in his local, the Black Swan in Rixton, after club meetings and regulars would often quiz him about the Lions’ community work.

He said: “I’d sit in the pub with my uniform on and people would ask me what it was all about. There was so much interest.”

So Syd was inspired to get more residents involved.

More than 20 members, the number necessary to form a charter, were recruited within 10 days and Rixton-with-Glazebrook Lions Club was formed.

The club was recently featured on Radio 4’s You and Yours programme while members were taking part in the ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme.

Lions encourage residents to keep their medical details in a common location – the fridge – which can help save lives during emergencies.

Syd, of Warburton View, added: “It makes you feel so good when people come up to you and thank you for what you’re doing. It’s a great feeling.”

Across the world, there are 1.35 million Lions Club members who help their communities in 207 countries.

Syd, a Warrington Lion for 12 years, said: “We’ve done a lot for people who need help in Warrington from providing beds to wheelchairs and even swings in gardens. It’s all about the community.”

The new club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Black Swan and anyone interested in joining will be made welcome.

For more information, call Barry Collins on 485992.