The next meeting of the Kingscliff Lions Club will have special significance, with the group celebrating a major milestone, with a little help from their friends.
“The meeting will be a social evening at the Kingscliff Fire Station where Brigade Captain, Brett Grey and his crew have invited us to a BBQ,” Lions member Euan Walker said.
“The Lions Club of Kingscliff was formed fifty-five years ago and Brett is delighted that we have chosen to celebrate our 55th Birthday at their BBQ.
“During the evening, a tree will be planted to remember the late Lion Charles Gilmont who passed away last year.
“From 1967 to 1990, Charles (affectionately known as Charlie) Gilmont served as a volunteer with the Kingscliff Volunteer Fire Brigade.
“In 1970 he was appointed Captain of the Brigade, and held the position for seventeen years until he decided to stand down in 1987.
“As the Brigade relied substantially on local financial support, Charlie organised and conducted raffles on a regular basis during his years with the service. It is estimated that he was responsible for raising approximately $36,000 and there is no doubt that his efforts ensured the continued survival of the volunteer brigade.”
Charles Gilmont’s outstand-ing services to the Brigade were recognised in 1982 when he was awarded the National Medal for Service.
Mr Walker said Charlies Gilmont was also a very valuable member of the Lions Club.
“Charlie also joined the Kingscliff Lions Club in 1982 and immediately became Fund-raising Chairman, a position he held until his death in 2011,” he said.
“Over the years, our Club has enjoyed a supportive and friendly relationship with the Brigade, no doubt through our connection to Charlie.
“His pet project as a Lion was ‘Saturday Pub Raffles’, an event he personally conducted from 1982 until his final days. Charlie was made a Life Member of our club and received several Lions Awards, including the Lions International Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
“Charlie’s selfless contrib-ution to the community for more than forty years was often the subject of discussion and admiration. I’m sure you will all agree that having ‘Charlie’s tree’ at the Fire Station is a fitting way for all of us to acknowledge his many years of service to our community, particularly through his work with both the Kingscliff Fire Brigade and Kingscliff Lions. As a Kingscliff Lion, Charles Gilmont certainly made a difference.”
