Enjoy A Drink For Charity With Fleet Lions This Summer

Local fundraising organisation The Fleet Lions will be celebrating the Great British Summer this year with their fourth annual Beer Festival on August 14th.

Christened the Stone’s Throw Beerfest, due to the focus on local beers produced ‘just a stone’s throw away,’ the event will give drinkers the chance to soak in the sun and pamper their palettes with 28 different types of real ale and cider. A barbecue will also be available.

“We will be providing local beers for local people, and supporting local breweries,” explained Beerfest organiser and Lions member Jim Storey.

“With two sessions taking place, we’re hoping for over 500 people to come down on the day. Of course, the point of the day is to raise money for local use, and we hope people will show their support and enjoy themselves.”

 2009’s festival saw £3,000 raised for the Lions, with £1,000 being donated to the Riding for the Disabled Association, based in Epsom, Surrey.

Along with chapters in Yateley, Hook, Odiham, Farnborough and Hart, the Fleet Lions represent the world’s largest voluntary network in the local area.

Internationally, the Lions Club is estimated to have 1.35 million members in over 206 countries, making up around 45,000 clubs.

“One of the core values the Fleet Lions work to protect is sight,” continued Jim. “We work with sight charities and professionals internationally, raising money to combat cataracts and river blindness among the poor in rural areas. Wherever there’s a need, we try to contribute.”

Beerfest takes place at Ancell’s Farm Community Centre from 11am to 3pm and 5.30 to 9.30pm. Tickets are £5.50 in advance or £6.50 on the day (subject to availability).

In addition to the festival, the Lions will be taking part in a Fun Fest for the Disabled at Calthorpe Park School this Sunday. More information on these events and the work of the Fleet Lions is available from their website here.