Lions Australia multiple district council chairman Phillip Johnson and his wife Ann, and District 201V2 district governor Wayne Oakes and Lion Judi Oakes were among the dozens who celebrated the milestone at Horsham Golf Club.

Horsham Mayor Mark Radford and his wife Anne, past Horsham Lions Club members, and members of other service organisations in the Horsham and district area also attended.

Charter anniversary committee chairman Rod Smith said people travelled from places including Mildura, Goroke, Jeparit and Murtoa.

He said the night included a tribute to deceased members, which Mr Johnson led.

“We wanted to honour these members for the service they gave to Lions not only in Horsham, but in other communities as well,” he said.

Mr Smith said there were also a number of award presentations.

“Awards were presented to club members by acting president David Chilver,” he said.

“Mr Johnson presented a district governor’s appreciation award to Graeme Wakefield for his work in the Wartook Valley after devastating bushfires and floods.”

Mr Smith said the night also served as the club’s changeover dinner.

“Lion Luke O’Connor was installed as the new club president for 2015-16,” he said.

“Luke’s grandfather Kevin O’Connor was a charter member of the club and had a perfect attendance for 38 years.

“He was also a club life member.”

A group of Lions women gathered on numerous occasions leading up to the event to make flower arrangements for the night, some of which were given as raffle prizes.

The flowers were created with the Lions club’s colours of purple and yellow.

Mr Smith said the event was a wonderful celebration.

“We had seven months of putting it together and it was well worth it,” he said.