The Lions Club of Hampton Park recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, which also marked the cessation of the group.
After four decades of serving the Hampton Park community, the group has decided to disband.
The anniversary event was held at Trios Cranbourne on 30 May, exactly 40 years to the day from when the club first chartered.
The prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship was awarded to club President Russell Barnes, Graham Trapnell and Jeff Evans.
Lifetime membership was awarded to Robert Rayner.
A life member is a Lion who has maintained active membership for at least 20 years, or at least 15 years if the member has reached age 70.
“I’m proud to have been the President at Hampton Park Lions Club,” Mr Barnes said.
Mr Barnes said the group made the decision to disband as memberships were “dwindling” and there was “not much enthusiasm”.
After 37 years of membership, Mr Barnes made the choice to step down after his wife fell ill.
“Most of the members are in their late 70s to 80s now,” he said.
“We all decided it was time to close.”
Mr Barnes handed back the Lions Club of Hampton Park charter to Post District Governor Norma Barnard.
The club’s funds have been donated to the Hampton Park Carols, assistance towards a blanket warming cabinet and Casey hospital.
The lions donated their BBQ trailer and marquee to the Lions Need for Feed project, helping farmers in need.
The club has helped a number of causes over the years and built strong partnerships within the community.
They have held relationships with Aspire Church, who run the Hampton Park Christmas Carols, The Hampton Park Men’s Shed and the Hampton Park Progress Association.
