LODDON Valley Lions Club’s (LVLC) first female president is making a bid for more members.

Vanessa Tolson will officially take over the role of president of the charity on July 7 and is looking for more people to get involved.

The charity raises money to support a number of community projects in Tadley and the surrounding areas.

One of its showcase events is the Tadley Treacle Fair, which this year is on June 2.

Vanessa said that she hopes to see more people join the current crop of 32 LVLC members.

She said: “Our group raises around £25,000 per year from our fundraising and it is given to worthy causes in our local area, a small percentage is given to disasters abroad as Lions are an international group.”

Vanessa, who is currently the vice-president of the club, joined LVLC in February 2017.

She added: “I joined the Lions with my husband and we joined to be able to feel useful in our local community and felt we had both time and skills to share for the good of others.

“Sadly, my husband Peter died in 2018 very suddenly and unexpectedly.

“I carried on as a Lion, even transporting a family to Paulton’s Park just 10 days after Peter’s death, because I had committed to do this and didn’t want to let them down.

“I carried on with my Lions commitments, helping with many events, it actually gave me a purpose. So, then I was unanimously voted in as vice president.”

As part of the club’s work, it helps pay for tickets for a day at Paulton’s Park for children and their parents or carers who would not normally be able to afford such a day out.

This year the visit to the theme park will be on June 16.

For more information on how to become a member, go to

loddonvalleylions.org/about/howtobecomeamember.html

.