History of Chiredzi Lions Club
The Lions Club of Chiredzi was chartered on 5th November 1965. During this era, the Lions held their meetings at their club house (Lions Den) at the Saddle Club Polo Crosse field provided by Hippo Valley Estates. This area was 12 acres in size.
In 1966 the Lions Club of Chiredzi embarked on their first major project—the establishment of the Lowveld Agricultural Show and Trade Fair. The 12 acre area where we were housed became too small to build stands for the annual Show. Hippo Valley Estates provided the Lions a spacious 60 acre site in 1968 to enable construction of more exhibition stands. The 60 acre site is where the current Lions Den is presently situated and that is where the Show grounds are located today! The Lion President during this era was Lion Roger Nicholson.
The Lions Den was built by the Lions in 1977 with the premises made available by Mr. Smaler May. The President of the club then was Lion Ian Rule. The ‘new’ Lions den was officially opened by the then District 412 Governor Lion David Baskett on Sunday, 25th September 1977.
The Chiredzi Leos Club was chartered on 19th December 1978.
The following are some of the early projects championed by Chiredzi Lions Club;
- Lowveld Agricultural Show and Trade fair
- Barn dance (with proceeds given to school e.g. Chiredzi Junior School)
- Cub Scout Hall – built at Chiredzi Junior School
- Promotion of a Show society
- Exhibition Golf match
- Cub camp
- Promotion of a large area of land as Game Reserve (now known as Gonarezhou National Park)
- Raised 10,000 Pounds to establish the Gonarezhou ‘Save the Rhinos’ campaign
- Sight conservation – Braille machines & eye clinics
- National magazines for Guides and Brownies
- Development of the 22 acres of Chiredzi Hospital grounds (in conjunction with two other service clubs)
- Lions Dog Dip officially opened on the 3rd of December 1983
In 2015, Chiredzi Lions Club will celebrate 50 years of serving the community.
 Lowveld Show (1968) |
 Lowveld Show (1968) |
Chiredzi Lions Club Charter |
