On August 5 1978, Lion John Skelton - President of the Grenfell Lions Club received its Charter from Past District Governor Lion Jim Millar.  The Club, which was sponsored by Cowra Lions Club, was founded in 1977.

Lion Rob Maslin who was chairman for the evening welcomed the guests who included Lions 201N4 2nd Vice District Governor Anthony and LL Judy Smith from Cowra, Past District Governor John and LL Diane Skelton, representing the Grenfell Town Band and the Weddin Shire Councillor Paul Best and his wife Natasha, Rhodes Scholar Angus Taylor, candidate for the seat of Hume.

Members from Cowra, West Wyalong, Boorowa and Young Lions Clubs were in attendance as well as local visitors and representatives from The Rotary and Probus Clubs of Grenfell.

Other special guests in attendance were Leo President Toby Anderson, Leo Ebony Meier and her mother Juanita Meier and Andrew Hooper, Leo Brooke Brown and her mother Carly and Leo Georgia Robinson and her parents Andrew and Donna, Honorary Lion Nancy Logan, The Principal of The Henry Lawson High School Margaret Carey and her partner Mark Shortis, Meg and Max Makin and Alan, Robert, Lisa and Ian Bernard.

Councillor Paul Best responded on behalf of all visitors to the welcome.

Angus Taylor proposed the toast to Lions International to which the 2nd Vice District Governor Anthony Smith suitably responded.

Secretary Terry Carroll delivered an abbreviated club report.

The Club achieved a milestone and was pleased and proud to be able to form a Leo Alpha Club at The Henry Lawson High School earlier in the year. The Leos have been very active in the community since receiving their Charter in March, assisting the Lions with Clean up Australia, The Red Cross Doorknock, Market Days, The Henry Lawson Festival and Guinea Pig Races and assisting with the jumping castle at numerous events.

Special thanks to Caroline Baker, a teacher at the Henry Lawson High School for her ongoing commitment to the Leo Club.

The new playground at the Railway Station Complex is now in operation and this together with the covered barbecue shelter and the amenities block built by the Lions prove to be a popular stop off for locals and visitors.

The Lions Mini Lotto and Friday night raffles are a great fundraiser for the club. Thank you to Lion Jack Dykhoff for his outstanding work with the Mini Lotto.

Lions Mints and Christmas Cakes are a great fundraiser for the Club and we thank the business houses of Grenfell for selling these in their stores.

The Lion Jumping Castle and Merry Go Round are in demand all year round – thank you to those dedicated few who assist and run these at the various functions.

Lions attended changeovers in the district, the District Convention and the Multiple District Convention in Canberra as well as the Rotary Changeover in Grenfell.

The Club welcomed DG Barbara Andrews and Zone Chairman Tony Smith on their respective visits and attended Zone meetings and Incoming Officer’s Trainings.

Hailee Byrne a teacher at The Henry Lawson represented the Club in the Henry Lawson Festival Queen competition and was crowned Festival Charity Queen raising $10135.

Thank you to all members and families and all who assisted with the fundraising for Hailee.

A total of 3173 Service hours was recorded by the members and their partners (I am sure there were more but sometimes members do not always record them).

Our donations to local and Lions Charities totalled $36761.64.

Secretary Terry thanked Rodney O’Neill for stepping back into the President’s Chair, following the transfer of President Ted Pickwell to the Lions on Oz Club.

Two presentations were then made;

A very surprised Alan Bernard, who thought he was going out to dinner with his family, was awarded the prestigious Grenfell Lions Club Citizen of the Year Award, and the Grenfell Lions Club Lion of the Year was presented to Terry Carroll. This award is voted upon by all members of the club. 

Following the presentation of awards, 2nd Vice District Governor Anthony Smith inducted the new office bearers who will serve on the board for the next twelve months. 

The executive positions are: President – Barry Franklin,, 1st Vice President – Tony Fenech, Secretary- Terry Carroll, Treasurer – Jack Dykhoff, Tail Twister – Keith Engelsman, Lion Tamer – Rodney O’Neill, One Year Directors – David Thiel and Tony Fenech, Two Year Directors, Keith Engelsman and Rod Harveyson,  Publicity Officer – Peter Stephens, Bulletin Editor John Skelton and Safety Officer – Barry Franklin.

Newly inducted President Lion Barry Franklin said in his acceptance speech

“I would like to thank my fellow Lions for entrusting me with leading them.

Apart from the many usual doings in the club, meat raffles, mini lotto etc, I would like to bring more fun and fellowship back with regular outings and trips.