Lions lend a hand at A&P show

"It takes a fair bit of planning to get everyone organised," says Henry Morton about co-ordinating the members of the Stratford Lions Club who will be at the A&P; show this weekend.

"We will be manning the stock gates, the cattle stop, the small gates and the car parking, as well as selling the last of the Christmas stocking tickets," says Robin Love, another Lions member involved in the event.

"We've been doing this for quite a few years now," Henry says. "It is somewhere around 20 years now, I believe."

Henry allocates the volunteers two-hour shifts at a time for the areas that need them, over the two days. He estimates there are more than 25 volunteers this year.

The parking in the field across the road from the main entrance to the A&P; showgrounds costs $2 a car. That money is shared between the A&P; Association and the Lions. Their share of the money, which Robin says will be "over a thousand dollars, going by previous years" goes back into the community in a variety of local projects. The Lions are also selling "Christmas stocking" tickets during the event. The tickets are $1 each, or $4 for a book of five. "The stocking is made up of goods donated to us by local businesses," says Robin. As with all Lions projects, the money raised goes back into the community through projects that run during the year.

Henry says the Lions' caravan will be parked "in a prime spot" for people wanting to buy a ticket.