The spirit of community service took centre stage at Hilden Oaks School last Wednesday, 28 January, as the Tonbridge Lions Club paid a special visit to share their mission with the next generation of volunteers.
President Phil Jesson and his wife Jo addressed a captivated whole-school assembly of over 100 pupils. The event, which was arranged by Deputy Head Mr Austen Hardwick following the school’s Harvest Festival in October, provided a platform for students to learn about the vital role the Lions play within the Tonbridge area.
A Roaring Success in the Assembly Hall
The assembly was far from a standard lecture. Five enthusiastic pupils joined President Phil at the front to spell out the word “LIONS,” which served as a springboard for him to explain the organisation’s global origins and local impact. The morning took a particularly lively turn when Jo Jesson made a surprise appearance as the club’s mascot, “Rory the Lion,” to the great delight of the children.
The pupils proved to be an inquisitive audience, posing a series of thoughtful questions regarding charity work, volunteering, and how the Lions support those in need.
Celebrating 75 Years of Service
This visit comes at a significant milestone for the Tonbridge Lions Club, which has been serving the town since 1950. President Phil took the opportunity to highlight their 75-year history and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hilden Oaks community for their ongoing generosity.
The school has been a steadfast supporter of Lions initiatives, recently contributing food donations to the Feast Food Bank during their Harvest Festival and supporting the annual Christmas Distribution project.
A Lasting Connection
To mark the occasion, every pupil received a “Thank You from Lions” sticker. The visit concluded with a formal presentation of a Club Pennant to the Head Girl, symbolising the strong bond between the school and the service club.
Headteacher Mrs Sharon Wade praised the visitors, noting that the assembly was both informative and engaging for the children. As the Tonbridge Lions continue their anniversary year, this collaboration serves as a heartening reminder of the town’s strong community ties.
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