By PAULINE DEAN
Special to the Advertiser
After four decades of service, memories and a presence in Buchans, the local Lionettes marked their last club meeting on Saturday.
Lionettes, including charter members and current members, had dinner to mark the occasion at the Boardwalk Bistro.
The charter was signed in 1970 in association with the Buchans Lions Club. Since then, most Lionettes clubs have become Lioness Club in association with Lions International.
“We weren’t affiliated with the Lions International,” says Hilda Budden, last president of the club. “Years ago, the Lionettes became Lionesses. We never did change…we just stayed as Lionettes and we’re the only Lionettes left in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We worked hand in hand with the Lions Club on projects and stuff,” she said. “We headed up the breakfast program for years. That came to an end because we didn’t have enough members and our membership was getting older and others were gone. We only had one or two meetings in the past two years. So we all got together and said it wasn’t worth trying to keep it going.”
Incoming King Lion Louis White expressed the Lions’ appreciation for the service the Lionettes have provided over the past 42 years. He and past King Lion John Budden Sr. were there to make special presentations.
“On behalf of the Lions Club, we would like to thank you for all your years of service, your dedication to your community, duties you perform in this town such as the breakfast program (at Lakeside Academy), assisting the Lions with community calendars, luncheons, the Christmas parade, holding card games, and various other activities,” said King Lion White. “We thank you again – your services and commitment will be greatly missed.”
Charter member Lionette Nina Walker was the second president of the club. She accepted a plaque on behalf of her fellow volunteers from Lion White. The plaque with the Lions International crest on the top read: “Presented to the Buchans Lionettes Club in recognition of 42 years of dedicated service to the Buchans Lions Club and to the community of Buchans.”
Lion Budden presented each of the women with a long stem red rose as well as a gift of pearl earrings as a token on the Lions’ appreciation.
“It’s too bad this happened,” said Lion Budden. “Maybe…down the road it may go back to the way it was before. You guys did a great job in this town – you made donations in this town that nobody…realizes. You were a great help not only to the community, but to the town itself.”
