Blyth Lions Club marks 80th anniversary, cuts ribbon on new sports pad

BY SHAWN LOUGHLIN

On a clear, albeit rather cool and windy Saturday, the Blyth Lions Club at once marked its 80th anniversary and officially opened, alongside its partner in the project, the Blyth Firefighters’ Association, a new sports pad at Blyth Lions Park, the site of the celebration.

 

The sports pad is home to basketball nets and can be used to play pickleball and road hockey as well. Furthermore, there are two commemorative benches alongside the pad, one to honour the Lions Club and another for the association.

 

Over the course of the day, the association was on site with a fire engine for demonstrations and other educational opportunities, while the Lions cooked hot dogs and opened the bar for the celebration. There was also a table set up with historical information for the club and gift bags provided by the Lions and the association for the young attendees that day, all culminating with a foam party, courtesy of the Blyth Kids Club, on site at the park.

 

After a group picture of the Lions Club members in attendance, there was a social time for about an hour before some dignitaries took to the microphone to speak.

 

President Joel Jenkins thanked all of the members of the club and their dedicated and supportive partners and families, as well as the community of Blyth for continuing to support the club, allowing it to do its work for the betterment of the village.
Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson spoke first, thanking the club and its members for their work over the years. She then presented Jenkins with a certificate from her office, as well as one from Lions Clubs International President Fabricio Oliveira marking the milestone. 

 

North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer and a representative from Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb’s office also addressed those in attendance and long-time Blyth Lion John Stewart, who recently marked 50 years of membership with the club, gave a detailed presentation about the history of the park, improvements and additions that have been made over the years and the prominent club members and presidents who helped make them happen.

 

Before he wrapped up the official portion of the presentation, Jenkins asked for anyone in attendance who had served as a president of the club to come forward and introduce themselves. More than 20 people gathered and spoke to those in attendance, soliciting a round of applause. 

 

Later in the day, the Lions and the association cut the ribbon on the new sports pad, ushering in a new era for the park, adding yet another attraction to the park, which has proven to be essential to children, families and residents for so many years.