Russell Homer was recently given a service award for dedicating 50 years of service to the Lawrence Lions.
Mr Homer was surprised to receive the recognition and had no idea until his friends showed up with the certificate and badge.
"I didn’t click on but it was a nice surprise," he said.
Mr Homer began his Lions journey in October 1974 when he was invited along by his neighbours to a meeting.
He joined the group soon after.
"It appealed as being a good social community thing, where people helped others.
"I thought I might as well join in."
Mr Homer was treasurer in 1978-79 and president in 1982.
He received the highest award given in the Lions clubs nationally, the Melvin Jones award in 2014. Then he was awarded a life membership in July 2021. He has been the attendance officer since 2017.
The group as he knows it has always mowed lawns, helped the elderly, assisted with local events and fundraised for charities near and far.
"We used to mow the cemetery gardens as well.
"I remember one of the members back in the day cut their leg once badly by falling off the lawnmower at a place we were mowing at. That was eventful."
He remembers having to chop firewood by hand back in the day; now they use a log-splitter.
"We put lots of work into getting firewood out to people."
When he joined the club there were about 20 members, which rose to about 40 at one stage. There are now more than 30 members in the club.
"It’s good being in a group that helps people out.
"It’s good getting out and about and knowing what is going on in the community, and helping where we can."
The group is always looking for more members.
