One of Colchester's best-known charity fundraising groups could fold if it can't attract more mem- bers.
Colchester Lions' Club should be celebrating its 30th birthday this year but it may be the last if new members don't come forward soon.
President Peter Betts described the situation as "desperate" and said there was a real threat the town could be left without a Lions' club by the end of the year.
Since the club was formed in 1973, members have raised thousands of pounds for charities in the town and Mr Betts said there will be a lot of groups that will suffer if new people don't come forward.
At the moment, there are just nine members. Due to ill-health and work commitments, the vast majority of the work falls on about five of them.
Mr Betts said the task is getting harder and harder as they get older and new blood was needed to take some of the strain.
He said: "It would be such a shame for a place the size of Colchester to be without a Lions' club.
"When I think of all the money we have raised over the years, it would be such a shame. I'm afraid it is desperate. If we don't have more members I can see it folding this year."
The club has organised hundreds of events over the years, including It's A Knockout competitions in the Castle Park and classic car rallies.
If anybody would like to join the Lions' club or find out more about its activities, they can contact Mr Betts on 01206 573227 or membership secretary Geoff Wilcox on 01206 545083.
Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003
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