Tonbridge Lions Club brought a couple of thousand people to the banks of the River Medway on Sunday 6th September for the 13th annual Tonbridge Lions Dragon Boat Race, one of the club's biggest events of the year. Held alongside the Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival, the day saw 30 teams from schools, charities, businesses and community groups race down the Medway in glorious sunshine, each crew battling through three heats before the fastest went through to the final. It was a

On the 19th of July the annual Tonbridge Lions car tour took place, this year with 44 cars taking part. The weather was perfect – no rain for the open cars, not too hot for the closed ones. As usual, the entrants gathered in the quad at Tonbridge School where the library was used to gather for refreshments, meeting friends, old and new, and getting the final briefing. Our generous sponsors (Hadlow Stair Garage in Tonbridge and Sevens and Classics at Brands Hatch) not only con

The Tonbridge Lions Club Community Fete, held at Tonbridge School for the first time, on Sunday 26th July 2026, was a great success. The fete was attended by over 800 people, including many local children and their families. The theme of the Fete was ‘Sport for All’ and began with a Parade from River Walk, up the High Street to Tonbridge School featuring among others, footballers, and cheerleaders, with a Fire Engine and the Samba Band, Bloco Fogo leading the way! Arena event

The Tonbridge Lions‑sponsored Musical Memories Dementia Choir once again drew a full house for its annual Summer Concert, filling the Methodist Church in Higham Lane with music and laughter. Organised and supported by Tonbridge Lions, with Lion President Richard Hill leading the event, the much‑loved concert offered a joyful mix of sing‑alongs ranging from Cabaret to South Pacific. The programme also featured poetry, opera, monologues and standout solo performances from choir

It’s just one week to go until the Lions Community Fete and Parade this Sunday — and we’re excited to welcome everyone for a brilliant community day. Parking: In the Tonbridge School Sports Centre Pedestrian access: From the High Street through Tonbridge School Quad Map info: The black lines show the routes leading directly to the Fete Come along, bring friends and family, and enjoy a fantastic community celebration.

Tonbridge Lions gathered at the end of June for a successful and enjoyable Changeover Lunch at the Plough Pub and Restaurant in Leigh — the annual occasion where the Club formally passes leadership from one President to the next. During the event, outgoing President Lion Phil Jesson officially handed over the Chain of Office to incoming President Lion Richard Hill, marking the start of a new Lions year and fresh responsibilities for the team. Flowers were presented to Jo Jess

Tonbridge Lions Club’s IPP Phil Jesson has proudly presented Lion Ken Thomas with a Certificate of Appreciation from Lions Clubs International marking his remarkable 50 years of dedicated service to the Club and the community. The Certificate was signed by the Patron of the UK Lions Club, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh. The presentation took place in the garden of Lion Ken and Mary Thomas, where Lions Lady Jo, Lion Ian and Jane Marshall, and their daughter Rebec

On Wednesday 8 July 2026, Tonbridge Lions Club was delighted to present a Community Service Award to Anna Clews, a student at Tonbridge Grammar School, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the local community. Anna has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping others, giving her time and energy to support activities that make a real difference in and around Tonbridge. Her dedication, reliability, and positive attitude embody the spirit of community service that

Tonbridge Lions Club has donated £200 to the 1st Tonbridge Brownie Unit to help improve the storage and organisation of resources used by the group. Immediate Past President Phil Jesson presented the cheque to Unit Leader Natasha Phillpott during a visit to the Brownies' headquarters at Christ Church Hall, Tonbridge, on Tuesday 7 July. The funding will enable the Brownie Unit to purchase a range of "Really Useful" storage and accessory boxes, providing secure and practical st

Tonbridge Lions Club was proud to attend Tonbridge School's annual Skinners' Day celebrations on Saturday 4 July, where the Club's Service to the Community Award was presented to an outstanding young fundraiser. VP Tom Simmons and his wife Vanessa represented the Club at the prize-giving ceremony, which marked both the end of the school year and the founding of Tonbridge School in 1553. Around 500 guests, including pupils, parents, staff, members of the Skinners' Company and

Members of Tonbridge Lions Club visited Hilden Grange School on Monday 15 June to deliver two engaging assemblies showcasing the Club's work within the local community. Lion John Withers, Immediate Past President Phil Jesson and Rory (Lions Lady Jo Jesson) presented "A Year in the Life of Tonbridge Lions Club" to approximately 300 pupils across two assemblies. The first session was attended by pupils aged 8–13, followed by a presentation for the nursery through to Year 3 chil

Tonbridge Lions Club was thrilled to present the annual Maurice Gilham Trophies for Abstract Photography at the Tonbridge Camera Club annual awards night These trophies were created in memory of Maurice Gilham, a dedicated Lion since 1968 and the Club's official photographer for many years. Congratulations to the brilliant winners of the Maurice Gilham Awards - Nicola King & Philip Smithers (Joint Winners) for the Abstract PDI category and Philip Easom for the Abstract Print

Sunday 26th July 12pm–3:30pm Tonbridge School Grounds The Tonbridge Lions Fete returns with arena entertainment, sports activities, charity stalls, games, refreshments, and fun for all ages. You can view the full programme here: Tonbridge Lions Fete Programme Come and join us for a great community day out supporting Lions projects across Tonbridge. Entrance is free but bring some old-fashioned cash for the many fun activities!

There is still time to book a space on the car tour this year. If you have a classic or sports car and would enjoy a Sunday meander through the Kent countryside to our lunch venue in the beautiful surroundings of Gusbourne Vineyard near Rye please come and join us Go To Car Tour Page

Tonbridge Lions partnered with the Prostate Cancer Support Organisation (PCaSO) on 16 May to deliver a free prostate screening event for local men. Thanks to donations from community supporters, President Phil Jesson presented a £6,000 cheque to PCaSO to help fund its awareness and testing work. Event Impact: 636 men received PSA blood tests. 54 men recorded Red results requiring urgent GP follow‑up. An estimated 20 men may have prostate cancer, enabling earlier diagnosis. 39

The Tonbridge Lions Triathlon was held on the early May Bank Holiday, 4th May 2026. Nearly 340 competitors took part, about 90 more than 2025. Unlike the previous couple of years the weather was kind and the event took place in cool dry conditions, perfect for the competitors. This year we were also host to the South East Seniors Team competition for those taking part in the open Sprint event. More than 50 volunteers from the Tonbridge Lions, Ladies and friends with some help

Lion President Phil and Jo had the great pleasure of being invited to the Weald of Kent Grammar School Year 13 Prize Giving Award Ceremony to present the Club’s Community Service prize. The recipient was Amelia Penfold who is the Community Senior Prefect for the current academic year. She has been instrumental in developing a new, and improved, School Council with particular focus on improvement on a specific school project. This year theemphasis has been directed towards the

Through theirYoung Carers Service, in 2024/25 Imago supported 1,191children and young people aged 5–18 in Tonbridge, all of whom help care for a family member affected by illness, disability, mental health challenges or substance misuse. Imago provide vital one-to-one support, group sessions and respite opportunities to give young carers a break, build confidence and connect with others facing similar challenges. Thanks to the support of Tonbridge Lions, who have funded £350

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