In fact, the club's den is accommodated in one of the old coaches that used to transport train passengers over long distances for many years. The club's intention, amongst others, is to set aside one of the coaches and convert it into a kitchen, where food can be prepared for charity purposes. According to Lions President Barbara Haywood, the recent official opening of their clubhouse heralds a new era for the Lions in George.
"For too long," she said in her speech, "service organisations were to be avoided when out doing street collections. We at Eden Lions have made it our mission from the time of our charter two and a half years ago, to change not only the way we are seen by the general public, but also to change the interaction and unity between the different service clubs. I can proudly say that we have been very successful so far."
Among the guests of honour who attended the function were Lions District Governor Francis Searle, Past District Governors, the Mayor of George Charles Standers and representatives of various service organisations in George.
"Made up of a group of working individuals who volunteer their spare time to help the less fortunate," she said, "we have made it our mission to let the people of George know who we are and what we stand for. We also would encourage any individuals who feel they have a similar desire, to contact us and find out how to become an active member.
"Regarding our work, there are projects that merely require our time - like spending an afternoon with a group of elderly people playing bingo or just reading to sick patients in a hospital bed. But there is much more to it than that and unfortunately much of what we do requires money.
"That's where most of you have come in at some stage or another. It is with your donations, sponsorhips and gifts that we have been able to accomplish so much." Haywood said that there are a number of areas where assistance and sponsorship is needed. "We have a desperate need to fix up our kitchen. Not only as a fundraising tool to prepare meals for fundraising functions, but as a place where food can be prepared that we can then deliver to areas of great need.
"Also, our newly formed Alert team has been very active recently, while working side by side with the emergency services as volunteer assistants. "Another big project is our Charity Box. Everybody has a need to clear out cupboards or rooms from time to time: we are able to redistribute any conceivable household - items including clothing, bedding or furniture - to people who are battling without the most basic of items.
"We also have our Feed Me Campaign to help alleviate hunger - one plate at a time, our crèche and school assistance to help promote the quality of education, and our medical assistance to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
"This is only a few of our very long list of projects, but I think it is quite clear how great our need is and how much easier a simple donation makes our work.
"I would also like to mention that, as important as our work in the community is, so too is our mission and commitment to train up the next generation of Lions. Over the last two years we chartered two school-based Leo clubs, one at Glenwood College and the other at Holy Cross primary school. This year we are planning on getting a third Leo club off the ground, but with no ties ties to any school. We will be inviting any interested service-minded children between the ages of 12 and 18 to contact us, and be included in this programme."
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The Excecutive Mayor of George Charles Standers, with Lions President Barbara Haywood and the Club PRO Carl van Blerk (second from left), as well as two councillors who are also members of the Eden Lions Club, cllr Gert Niehaus (left) and cllr Daniel Maritz(right). Picture: Jannie Meyer.
