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Members 'devastated' over charity group's closure

John DevineWisbech
News imageJohn Devine/BBC Bill Batrick has grey hair with a slight quiff, he is wearing a blue and white checked shirt, with some beads around his neck.John Devine/BBC
Bill Batrick said the club regularly held raffles, tombolas and had stalls at local events such as Armed Forces Day and Wisbech's Rose Fair

A charity group in a town that formed in 1972 has announced it would be disbanding in June due to a lack of members.

The Wisbech Lions said it has annually raised about £10,000 for local community causes by holding raffles and tombolas and hosting stalls at events such as Armed Forces Day and the town's Rose Fair and Rock Festival.

Members said they were "devastated" and the group's demise would see "a hole in provisions for people in need".

The Lions Club International said: "It is a sad day when one of our clubs closes because it means less service and less kindness in a community, and this is especially true for our club in Cambridgeshire."

News imageJohn Devine/BBC Marilyn Batrick has short grey hair swept across her head. She is wearing a bobbly, woolly light pink fleece top, behind her is a front door and some pictures hanging on the wall.John Devine/BBC
Marilyn Batrick has been president of the Wisbech Lions twice, she feels there is "general apathy" and people just "don't want to get involved"

Marilyn Batrick, who has been president of the Wisbech Lions twice, felt "devastated" that the group was shutting down.

"I am really upset, my husband has been a Lion for over 30 years, he has done so much to help the community and I've tried to help and support.

"We actually pay out of our own pockets to be Lions, with a £40 yearly subscription, this makes sure that the monies we collect all go to the causes in need," she said.

She felt members were increasingly unable to commit to the voluntary role due to age, illness or moving away from the area.

"I really worry about who will help people when we are gone," she added.

News imageWISBECH LIONS Three men and three women on a sunny day smile at the camera as they are photographed outside. They are stood in front of a small gazebo with Wisbech Lions written on it a banners beside it.WISBECH LIONS
There were once more than 30 members of the Wisbech Lions, but now only 13 remain

Bill Batrick, who is married to Marilyn, has been president of the Wisbech Lions five times.

"People think it is a bit strange that we pay to volunteer, but it covers all our overheads and insurance costs, and it guarantees that any money we collect goes straight back into the community," he said.

News imageWisbech Lions A Santa sleigh complete with two cut-out reindeers and a live Santa sitting in the driver's seat. The main red vehicle is festooned in fairy lights and a second man is at the rearmaking some adjustments to it.Wisbech Lions
The Wisbech Lions are selling off items that they have acquired and have made over the years, including a hefty Santa's sleigh

Bill added that it was an "old fashioned" system "but has always been the way the Lions Club operates".

He added that at the club's height of popularity it had more than 30 members, but now it only has about 13.

News imageWISBECH LIONS A person wears a big lion's head and is giving a thumbs up to the camera. The lion has a blue T-shirt on and behind them are various stalls selling goods surrounding a church. WISBECH LIONS
The Wisbech Lions have been a staple on the charity scene in Fenland for more than 50 years

A spokesperson for Lions International added: "While we are saddened by the closing of the Wisbech Lions Club, we also celebrate the remarkable legacy it has left in its community over the past 50 years."

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