A cold Sunday morning in winter is perhaps not the best time to be out and about with a spade and a tree to plant, but this does not deter the hardy souls of Retford Lions Club. Together with helpers, the team set out to plant some 40 trees of various species at Babworth Crematorium, which gave the Lions an area to the east of the main building. Included in the planting team were 7th Retford Scouts and Girl Guides. On Monday morning groups from local schools joined the project, planting their own trees. It is hoped that the project will continue in respect of Her Majesty the Queen’s platinum anniversary wish to plant one million trees.
This year the Lions again enlisted the help of Santa to attend the switching on of the Retford lights, and to set up a Grotto in the Town Hall with his helper elves. Many smiling faces proved testament to the success of the Grotto and left Santa with a long list of wishes for Christmas morning.
The Lions have been focusing on supporting mental health issues, with Vicki Waring trying to raise awareness and support of people and families who have suffered the suicide of a family member or friend. Part of this is working with author Jack Knowles, who has produced a book called ‘Positive Pea’. The book raises mental health issues and aims to show children that sometimes it is okay not to be okay. Copies of this book have been sponsored by Retford Lions and presented to schools in the local area. Lions President Stan Foster has started the process and hopes to complete the presentation early in the new year.