‘Mile of Coins’ to benefit local play scheme & help save lives

ANYONE walking through Greyhound Walk, in Thame, on Saturday, would have found themselves stepping over a line of coins that grew steadily thoughout the day, and hopefully felt compelled to join in with Thame Lions Club’s annual ‘Mile of Coins’ to raise money for local charities.

This year’s proceeds, which amounted to £520, will be shared between Staying Alive Thame, and Lighthouse, Thame. Ken Bennell, who is this year’s Lions’ Vice President, explained: “The staying alive charity is organised by Patsy and Karen from the Barns centre and their aim is to have defibrillators at various locations around the town, and the Lighthouse charity provides a summer school for local children for one week during the school holidays.

Patsy Baker from the Barns Centre took along a demonstration defibrillator to explain how they work and how they save lives. Mike Hill, Chairman of Lighthouse Thame, also spent some time at the event, both he and Patsy answering further questions from passers by as to the activities of Staying Alive Thame and Lighthouse Thame. Ken Bennell, this year’s Vice President had the lovely, sticky task of removing the coins from the masking tape at the end of the day. He explained the aims the Thame Lions:

“Thame lions have been raising funds for mainly local charities for 35 years and over the years have helped many local causes, organised local events and helped the local community by providing manpower for events such as Music in the Park, as well as for the fair car parking and also the food festival car parking,” he said. “Discos for the disabled are a regular, yearly event and and also a barn dance is held each year.

“Recently a shed was provided for the Princes Centre in Princes Risborough. Over the years Thomley hall has benefited from our fundraising as well as Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, and Dogs for the Disabled, Bucks Vision and the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind have also benefited.

“The Lions, like a lot of organisations, are a bit short on manpower and welcome new members both male and female, who would like to give something back to the community. “

If you are interested in joining Thame Lions, or initialy attending one of the club’s twice monthly meetings, then contact Ken Bennell on 01844 261269.