A Telford woman has been honoured with the highest form of recognition by a worldwide organisation ‘to acknowledge an individual’s dedication to humanitarian service’.
June Softley, who lives in Stirchley with her husband, Norman, was made a Melvin Jones Fellow at the AGM of Ironbridge and Severn Gorge Lions on Thursday 9 April after being nominated by the President of Ironbridge Lions, Colin Thompson.
Speaking about the fellowship Mr Thompson said:
“June has made an enormous contribution over the years, both to the club and to Lions International. The Melvin Jones Fellowship is a well-deserved and absolutely appropriate way to recognise that contribution and for her friends and fellow Lions to say a very sincere ‘thank you’.”
The fellowship, which was created in 1973 as an honour rather than an award, takes its name from the founder of Lions Club International, Melvin Jones. Melvin Jones Fellows are said to be ‘patrons of humanity, possessed of a world view and performing deeds that outlast a lifetime’.
June Softley joined Ironbridge Lions in 2004 after attending a recruitment evening to attract new members to the club and almost immediately became engaged in the club’s fundraising and other activities. She was Club President in 2007 and again in 2014, holding the post of Secretary and organising endless activities and fundraising in between.
Responding to the many messages of congratulations on Ironbridge Lions Facebook page, June posted: “Thank you all so much. It’s one of the nicest things to have happened to me.”
Past President John Marsh said: “June’s efforts to support and lead the club have been tireless from the moment she joined and she was the main thrust in getting the name of Ironbridge Lions more widely known in the Gorge area.”
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