Lions International Recognises Peter Ranson
Thu 28th July 2016
It was a huge surprise to Peter to be awarded Lions International Foundation’s highest honour, the Melvyn Jones Fellowship Award.
The award recognises dedication to humanitarian service of the highest degree. Peter has been a member of Beverley Lions for 19 years, twice as President and has only recently retired from the club due to health reasons.
Harry Burton presented Peter with his plaque, which now takes pride of place in the hall of the home which Peter shares with his wife, Carole. Harry paid tribute to Peter’s tireless fund-raising activities. Even though he has retired, this year Peter has engaged Acklam Coaches as the Club’s major sponsor and raised an additional £1200-worth of sponsorship for the Lions’ Golf Day.
Even though it is only August, Peter has already organised a school choir to sing at, and a Minister to conduct the Beverley Christmas Lights Switch-on!
Peter is a Beverlonian through and through. He was born at 3, Greyfriars Crescent (a house now inhabited by his friends, Paul and Diane Myers) and went to Beverley Wesleyan, St Mary’s and Longcroft Schools. He remembers the oranges which were handed out at the Wesleyan School as William Spencer, who was Master between 1828 and 1887 left money in Trust for every pupil to be given a piece of fruit every year.
He has been involved with Toll Gavel Church and Methodism all of his life, was a Grand Master of the Oddfellows and a Molescroft Parish Councillor for 8 years. Peter’s profession is that of compositor, but many will remember him from Waterside Filling Station and latterly from Bridge’s Coffee House in Lairgate. Melvyn Jones was the founder of Lions Club International Foundation which seeks to meet humanitarian needs locally and internationally.
Current projects include awareness of and relief of River Blindness, children’s education and drug awareness. Beverley Lion’s Harry Burton told Just Beverley: “Even though he has retired, Peter has said he will still help out. Peter has a very persuasive personality and never-say-die attitude.
He is a master at raffle-ticket selling, amongst other things and we would miss him enormously if he stepped away completely. But his health comes first, as does spending more time with his wife, Carole. But it is a great honour and pleasure to make this award and the recognition which comes with it.” Find out more about Lions Clubs International and Beverley Lions Club or get in touch at info@beverleylions.org.uk
