Book Fair roars back into town
Local Lions Maureen Taylor and Linda Batchelor are gearing up for their biggest Book Fair fundraiser yet. Photo: William Woodworth
Local Lions clubs are set to return with a roar as they help fundraise for the community with their popular annual book sale.
The Blenheim and Beavertown Lions clubs have been collectively running the Book Fair since the early 2010’s.
Their efforts have helped fund sizeable donations over the years, with large grants going to Marlborough branches of Riding for the Disabled and School Start First Impressions.
Beavertown Lion Maureen Taylor says work is well underway for the event.
“We’re already sorting books in preparation and will keep doing so as people drop books off around Blenheim until the 20ththen it’s all systems go for us from Thursday until Sunday for a massive few days,” she says.
As 2023 is the celebration of 60 years of Lion activities, the momentum in the group’s ranks is hopefully fuelling the largest fair yet, organisers say.
Alongside their fundraising, the Lions are always eager to see interesting books come through deliveries or drop points, at all major supermarkets as well as Mitre 10 Mega and Redwoodtown Pharmacy.
“We had a great evening to celebrate the anniversary with a few life members added, lovely speeches and the premiere of a short film by our former president Paul Davidson.
There was footage of the first ever Blenheim Lions fundraiser – and a touring circus elephant race down Market Street ridden by the Mayor and councillors of the time” laughs Blenheim Lion Linda Batchelor.
“They raised 206 pounds – we’re much happier to be doing a book fair, but glad to carry on the tradition.
“It’s also very interesting to see what we collect and then what goes the fastest at the fair because things you wouldn’t expect like dictionaries go fast.
“Part of our charitable service is when RSA workers want to send books home too so we live by the motto “We Serve” and help where we can”.
The Lions Book Fair is open from 9am to 4pm Thursday to Saturday and 9am to 3pm Sunday at Waterlea Racecourse, Blenheim from the 22 to 25 June. Entry is via Linton Street only.