45 Years of Service – a great achievement!

COG Lions were founded in 1978. Local Government Reorganisation had taken  place in 1974 and suddenly the area became Tandridge. Local folk of course immediately thought just of Tandridge Village, so it was decided we needed to call the Club, Caterham, Oxted & Godstone Lions Club, COGs for short. COGS also signified we were a small ‘cog’ in the bigger wheel of Lions Clubs International. A year after the Club formed a young bank auditor called Tony Gordon joined us. At a recent Monthly Business Meeting, Lion President Rita Reissland had the pleasure of presenting Lion Tony with his 45^th year membership chevron. Tony is only one of four members with over forty years’ service, so he joins a unique group.

Not all hard work

COGs members enjoy an interesting social time as well as fundraising. This year we have enjoyed cream teas at a member’s home, a visit to the theatre, a Christmas meal and a private tour of East Surrey Museum.

Each year we have a Charter Anniversary celebration which marks the anniversary of the formation of the Club in October 1978. At our last lunch in October 2025, we had the privilege of awarding Melvin Jones Fellowships to two former members of COGs for their relentless support of the Club. Jane and Rob McLeod had moved away from their home in Godstone but still returned to support our Christmas activities, quizzes and concerts. They are pictured receiving their award from Lion President Rita Reissland.