Roar of approval for Lions Club Lifetime member

Sitting in the audience, Blenheim Lions Club member Stuart Tapp smiled as he heard someone was about to receive the organisation’s top honour.

He nodded as President Delphine Lees continued to talk, sure he knew which fellow member was to be recognised.

So, when he heard his name being called out to rapturous applause, he was stunned.

In front of a crowd of 76 people, Stuart was awarded a Lifetime Membership from the International Association of Lions Clubs.

Presenting the rare award at a special dinner at the Clubs of Marlborough last week, Delphine paid tribute to Stuart’s work.

“As a Life Member Stuart has given so many meaningful years to the community, to the Lions Association and who continues to make a difference,” Delphine says.

“One of the most important assets of a happy successful man is the lovely lady who is by his side always and for Stuart, Elaine has been exactly that lady.

“You are both very much appreciated and well thought of by all of us.”

She says Stuart was “totally surprised” by the award.

“He said to me that when I started the speech that he knew who I was talking about and was gob smacked when I said his name.”

Stuart started out at the Mania and Taranaki Lions Club before moving to Hokitika in June 1973.

He enjoyed his work with the association so much that on moving to Blenheim in May 1998 transferred his membership.

He started the hugely successful book fair fundraiser which has raised $24,000 and the wood fixtures on Wither Road which are stocked with firewood every day.

Fellow Blenheim Lions Club member and friend Lindsay Moir says Stuart is always on hand to help.

“He’s very hands on and has been involved ever since I knew him and has played lots of roles, from president to treasurer and has the passion and drive to be involved.”

The Blenheim Club has about 60 members and raises money for the community.

Being a member is about making new friends and giving back, Delphine says.

“Our role in life is to help people and to make money to give back to people.

‘You couldn’t meet a finer lot of people. We all like to help out and yes, we have a laugh.”

The Club meets twice a month and enjoys fortnightly meals together.

‘We are one of the larger clubs in Blenheim, but we are always looking for new members,” Delphine says.

To find out more about the Blenheim Lions Club and becoming a member, contact Delphine on 029 942 5004 or email her at [email protected]