Newcastle Lions Club’s president Beth Cairnduff is looking forward to a busy year in office. The local Lions Club recently elected Beth as their new president. She is taking over the reins from outgoing president John McDonagh.
Beth, who previously worked as a lecturer, retired after 37 years in Belfast and moved to live just outside Kilkeel to follow her passion for hill walking in the Mournes. She has been a Brownie leader for nearly 53 years and is currently in charge of 1st Mourne Brownies, who meet at Shimna Integrated College.
Beth has a real interest in helping young people and hopes during her year as president to start a Leo Club for local youth to get involved with. It is her hope that she can encourage younger adults to join the club and help continue the great work the Newcastle Lions Club has accomplished in its 40 years.
One of the club’s key activities is the management of 10 defibrillators in the town. Last week, one of those defibrillators was used to help someone.
John McDonagh has just completed his second term as president, having previously taken the chain of office in 2015. He will remain involved to provide assistance to Beth and the club, having taken up the role of vice-president. He has enjoyed his year in office, with many highlights including celebrating the club’s 40th birthday and the election of Marian McGreevy as district governor.
One of the events John saw great potential in for helping people in need was the annual recycling day, held beside Newcastle Community Cinema. Numerous bicycles, sewing machines, tools, and glasses were donated by the public to help others.
John would like to thank the public for their support and agrees with Beth about the need to increase membership of the club. This will allow the club to continue doing wonderful service activities and making donations to charity.
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