Highworth & District Lions Club

My early years were on a mixed and dairy farm in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. I spent 20 years in UK food and dairy management, later moving into bread production and plant management. For over 20 years, I handled engineering integrity and non‑destructive testing in food manufacturing. I joined Penzance Lions in the mid‑1980s, then Highworth & District Lions in 2006, serving as President.

I joined the Lions over 11 years ago, moving to Highworth in December 2024. I’ve served as District Governor, Training Officer and Health & Safety Advisor, and now hold Club Secretary. After banking, I retrained in environmental engineering, joining the Scientific Civil Service in 1991. Via AEA Technology, Ricardo and now WSP, I manage national and international monitoring networks.

I was introduced to The Lions by my partner, Lions President Norman Little, 17 years ago – I supported him and volunteered for various activities. I worked in quality control in food manufacturing for 20 years, having previously worked in theatre and cinema management in London during my 20s. I became a Lions member in 2023 and now help at the Lions charity shop whenever needed.

Having lived in Highworth for over 40 years and originally hailing from Carlisle, I am a people person with a counselling background; my faith is central to my life as an active member of St Michael’s Church, and for the past year I have also been proud to join the Lions Club, enjoying being part of an organisation that gives back to our local community.

A Lions Club member for one year, he leads key initiatives including men’s prostate health testing and infant vision screening. Retired for 17 years and formerly with Intel, he brings skills in programme and people management, public relations, technical knowledge, and organisation. His background enables him to run projects well, support members, and deliver valuable service locally.

Born in 1943, I grew up in Southampton and studied at its Technical College. I joined the Royal Navy in 1960, reaching SNCO rank, and had a daughter in 1966. I spent 42 yrs in energy at Dounreay then BP, specialising in subsea systems. Widowed in 1981, I remarried in 1983 but was widowed again 30 years later. I moved to Highworth in 2025 to be near my daughter and joined the Lions later that year.

My Lions involvement began in 2024 as a volunteer minibus driver. I helped with vehicle admin, became a Lion in October 2024, and serve as Transport Manager.

I was Royal Mail’s electro-mechanical engineering lead for new sorting equipment projects until retiring in 2012.

I have supported RAF Air Cadets for 45 years: founded Highworth Squadron in 1991, now oversee units in Jersey and Guernsey.

Previously with Abingdon Lions, where I served as Membership Secretary, Treasurer, President, and Zone Chair, I joined Highworth Lions alongside my husband in 2024. I was warmly welcomed by the President and all members, settled in quickly, and recently took on the role of Treasurer. I am a part-qualified ACCA accountant: I initially worked in credit control at Abingdon and Witney College, and I am currently employed by a local healthcare group. Outside of work, I enjoy a good work–life balance through my involvement with the Lions, and by singing in choirs and an operatic group.

Ian is a retired medical practitioner specialising in neonatal care and family medicine, which he applies to supporting 21 children at a children’s home. He chairs trustee boards for Friends of Angels Orphanage, the BOOK PROJECT, and a Swindon asthma charity – where he also serves as medical advisor. Previously he worked at a brain injury charity. A qualified City & Guilds Fine Cabinet Maker, he now volunteers as an instructor at a mental health charity, and was its Chair of Trustees until recently

Ian joined the Highworth and District Lions in 2025 to continue his work supporting the community.

Marion Cook, who lives in Highworth, has dedicated 15 years to volunteering.

“I enjoy it and love working with children — it’s nice giving something back to the community,” she says.

Marion first helped at Ruskin Junior School, becoming a governor at Southfield Junior School in 2011. She also volunteered with NSPCC in Penhill, and briefly joined the Lions.

In early 2026, Lions president Norman Little asked her to rejoin and help set up youth projects in Highworth.

Hilary first joined the Highworth Lions in early 2023 and is a well-respected and long-serving community volunteer based in Highworth, Wiltshire.

She is a key figure within the Highworth & District Lions Club, where she coordinates local charitable events, is active with the Lions Charity shop and supports our local community programmes.

Her other interests are working closely with local therapeutic initiatives across the area, including regularly presenting achievement awards to participants at the Riding School for the Disabled in nearby Shrivenham.

Keith is well‑known in Highworth, Swindon, for his work in local volunteering, charities, and community publications.

He is a long‑standing member and trustee of Highworth & District Lions Club Charity Trust Fund, helping organise fundraisers and community projects. He also volunteers at Highworth Library Job Club, supporting job seekers with CVs and online searches.

Previously, he was associated with Keith Ratcliffe Limited — a Swindon trades and construction business operating for nearly 20 years until dissolved in July 2024.

I served with Thames Valley Police for 32 years, latterly with young offenders, before retiring as an Education Consultant with Oxfordshire County Council.

Keen to serve the community, I joined Abingdon Lions in early 1990, holding roles including President (multiple times), Secretary, and Fundraising & Social Chair – organising events like the Santa Sleigh, fetes, and shows.

In 2010 I was proud to receive the Lions Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian service. I transferred to Highworth & District Lions in 2024.