50 years a lion for Vic

Adderbury man is congratulated for 50 years of volunteering

A volunteer who has spent 50 years raising huge amounts of money for local charities has been officially thanked by his fellow club members.   Vic Ince joined Banbury Lions on 1 June 1970 and has played a huge role in organising many local events since then.

Mr Ince, who lives with his wife Carol in Adderbury, has been a familiar face at many popular North Oxfordshire activities, often playing a key part in getting them up and running.   These include the Horse Rides at Broughton Castle, the annual ‘Children Singing for Children’ concert, a Son et Lumiere at Broughton Castle, several Banbury Marathons and a full half marathon.

Banbury’s Old Time Music Hall ran from 1971 until the 1980’s. and here Mr Ince volunteered both on stage and behind the scenes.    He also organised the Diabetes Awareness Programme lectures which were held at the former Banbury Moat House Hotel.

Mr Ince was never shy to champion the work of the Banbury Lions abroad with early twinning visits to the Montdidier Club in France.

In 2000 Mr Ince produced the concert at St Mary’s Church called ‘Millennium Festival of Voices’ – a single choir with children from a large number of local schools to welcome the new Millennium.   The event coincided with Mr Ince’s year as president from 1999 to 2000.

Lions current president Graham Raven said ” I moved to Banbury Lions three years ago but in this short time have appreciated Vic’s undimmed enthusiasm and wise council in taking things forward. The Lions motto is ‘we serve’ and along with all our members I congratulate Vic on his service over an astonishing 50 years. We look forward to celebrating with Vic and his wife Carol in person as soon as possible.”

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Published: 02/06/2020 08:38am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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