A man who has been a member of the March Lions for 41 years has been awarded the organisation’s highest award.

Cambs Times: Outgoing March Lions president Ian Groome hands over to new president Lion Richard Martin.Outgoing March Lions president Ian Groome hands over to new president Lion Richard Martin. (Image: Archant)

Trevor Quince was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award by the district governor Derek Prior at March Lions 41st charter at The Oliver Cromwell Hotel.

Lion Alexander Groome said: “The award, which is named after the founder of Lions Club International, is awarded to Lions that have given their all to Lions and their community over a number of years.

“Trevor is our only surviving charter member, so it is his 41st year in the Lions. He has held every office and position in the club, having been president three times.

“He has done many things during his membership and has always been the first to volunteer for anything.

“He was one of the first Lions to start taking aid to Romania, all those years ago and ended up leading a number of trips over a ten-year period.

“He was instrumental in re-starting the March Gala 20 years ago, and it is still going strong.”

In other March Lions news, outgoing president Lion Ian Groome stepped down from his role and handed the presidency over to Lion Richard Martin at the group’s latest meeting.

“This is Richard’s first time being president following what is now a family tradition,” said Lion Alexander Groome.

“Richard is the fifth person in the family to become president following his father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife.

“Richard is confident that he can lead the club to a great year and is hopeful that he is going to be able to increase membership as well as continuing to improve the way March Lions serve the community.

“If you would like any information about our club or would like to join us this year, contact Derek Rutter by emailing derek@rutter.force9.co.uk”

The Lions Club of March, which was chartered in 1976, meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 8pm at The Oliver Cromwell Hotel, High Street, March.

According to its Facebook page, the club’s aims include “community service, fundraising to help the less fortunate within the community and further afield, and have fun and fellowship whilst doing it”.