The History of Lionism In Barbados

The year was 1961 and a Lion with one year's experience in Lionism and as President of the Lions Club of Georgetown was on a visit to Barbados to form the first Lions Club at the urging of Lions International.

He was no stranger to Barbados having had the opportunity of visiting our country many times over with cricket and hockey teams, and having made close friends here. He turned to those friends to advise him who he should approach to form the nucleus of the first Lions Club in Barbados.

The names read like a National Who's Who - Teddy Jones, Jack Dear, Henry Forde, Bob Parravincino, Bob Peterkin, Darnley Lewis, Eric Storey, Louis Lynch and Tom McKenzie. The man behind the formation was Cecil DeCaries. The founder who never assumed the Presidency of the club in Barbados.

Lion Harry Niblock was elected to the Presidency of the Lions Club of Bridgetown and held the position for two years. After a year of house to house meetings Dr. Eric Storey gave the club use of his garage at Ventnor, Christ Church as the first DEN. By then the club had increased in membership from the original 18 to 28 and the First Charter Dinner was held in October 1961 at the Paradise Beach Club,

One of the earliest projects of the Bridgetown club was assistance to the Blind and Deaf Association. First one member, then by invitation a second member on their committee of Management. To this day the link with the association has been the club's paramount aim.

By 1966, the Bridgetown Club obtained offices in Spry Street, Bridgetown, through the Nurses Association and throughout the 1960's and 70's club presidents were always looking for a permanent Den.

The work of Lionism began to spread across the island and soon the Lions Club of Barbados North was formed on the 2nd of March 1974 under the sponsorship of the Bridgetown Lions Club. The first President was Lion Roy Ward with Lion Clyde Fields as 1st Vice President. The club took responsibility for community service in the northern parts of the island and the parishes of St. James, St. Peter, St. Lucy, St. Thomas and St. Andrew. The initial membership was 22, installed at a ceremony at the Sandridge Hotel, St. Peter. The club received its charter on Saturday 20th April, 1974.

Lions Club of Barbados South was also sponsored by the Bridgetown Lions Club and received its Charter on November 05, 1975 under the Presidency of Lion Charlie Ray, of the 18 charter members six (6) were transferred from the Bridgetown Club to form the nucleus of the young club.

Lions Club of Barbados Central was sponsored by the Bridgetown Club in March 1979 in an attempt to further decentralise the services of Lionism and provide better and more intimate relations with the parishes of St. George, St. John and St. Joseph. The club held its first General Meeting in 25th April 1979 at the Bridgetown Den, Spry Street with 18 members and seven(7) transferred from the Bridgetown club, Lions Charles (R.C) Springer was President and Dr. Samir Moussa as 1st Vice President.

Lions Club East followed in the family of Barbados Clubs, the Lions Club of Scotland District and finally the Lions of St. Michael.

The Leo Club Movement began in 1971 when the Bridgetown Leo Club was formed with its charter on August 4th 1971 with a roll of 14 members, the Leo Club of North with a Charter membership of 26 started 24th july 1976.

Ellerslie Leos can on stream for a while and made significant contribution before fading beacause of failure to recruit young replacements. Other Leo clubs on the scene are Leo Clubs South, Central and East.

Lioness Clubs were also with us until their merger into the existing Lions Clubs. Lioness Club North  the first in October 1975, Bridgetown following and the South Lionesses.

Today our Lions Club boundaries have been modified but the work goes on with great vigor.

 We have a great heritage, let us preserve it and add to it by our worthwhile contributions.

Adapted  from the Lions Club of Bridgetown Directory 2000-2001