Caterham Oxted and Godstone Lions (COGs) once again organised a fund raising Swimathon - it is been many years since their last one. Six teams took part in the event which was held at the pool at de Stafford School. As well as two from COGs, teams came from the Bletchingley Skill Centre, 1st Caterham Scouts, Rayners Estate Agents and The Pond Loaches; all threw themselves whole heartedly into the challenge. Each team had 25 minutes to swim as many lengths as they could. Rayners did an amazing 52, 1st Caterham Scouts swam 41 lengths as did COGs ‘A’ team and the Pond Loaches. COGs ‘B’ team swam 38 and an outstanding 20 lengths were completed by the Skill Centre. They were brilliant.

The event was part of Lions Centennial celebrations. Up to half of teams’ sponsorship money was to be donated to a good cause of their choice with the other half going to Lions Club local charities. It is not known at this time just how much money was raised but it is thought to be over £800. It was lots of fun for everyone including Lion Tony Carter who, in spite of getting rather hot in the Lion costume, still managed to enjoy the day! The Club are most grateful to those who took part and to De Stafford for allowing the use of their pool.

As part of the Centennial celebrations the Club also donated cuddly lion toys to help comfort children who are being treated by ambulance crews. The ‘trauma lions’ were presented to Shaun Belcher, Operational Team Leader at South Godstone ambulance station.

The Club also took part in the Caterham Carnival and set up a centennial balloon bedecked stall which displayed a number of Lions activities including our Message in a Bottle, some of the little Trauma Lions and information about The Talking Newspaper.

There was also a little fundraising with a guess the name of the dog and a guess how many sweets in there are in the jar. The dog was called RAFA and the prize was one by Cameron whose grandparents live in Court Road in Caterham. As the weather was fine and sunny it brought out the crowds. Those members who were manning the stall took the opportunity to chat to people

Work is ongoing in helping the Caterham flood victims. Some people who had to leave their homes are now returning and the Club is helping with funding for new carpets and other domestic requirements such as washing machines.