A WIDE range of people came together in Aberystwyth last week to mark 100 years since the formation of the Lions Club International.

On 7 June, 1917, a group of businessmen from various organisation met at Hotel La Salle in Chicago, Illinois, in the USA, and paved the way for the formation of the Lions Clubs International.

Exactly 100 years later, on 7 June, a simple but meaningful celebration in commemoration of the Centennial Foundation of the Lions Clubs International was held at the Salvation Army offices in Alexandra Road, Aberystwyth.

It was a joint venture of all Lions members of the different clubs in 105W Zone A, comprising of Lions Clubs in Aberystwyth, Fishguard and Goodwick, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, and Tenby.

The celebration was spearheaded by Benjamin Manluctao, the zone chairperson, former president of Aberystwyth Lions Club, and owner of the Central Fish Restaurant, Aberystwyth.

The activity brought together community members with varying degrees of impaired vision, and also those who have suffered physical and medical problems such as heart attack, stroke, hip and knee replacements, particularly the elderly, and disadvantaged members of communities within the zone.

The programme commenced with the introduction by Ben of the one and only remaining Charter member of the Aberystwyth Lions Club, John Davies.

Mr Davies, who has now dedicated 42 years of continuous service to Aberystwyth Lions Club, spoke of his motivations for joining and being a Charter Member of the Aberystwyth Lions Club.

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