Michelle is Lions president
Traditionally it was very much a man's club, but now the Lions are female friendly – just ask Black Country girl Michelle Bate who is the first female president of her branch. Traditionally it was very much a man's club, but now the Lions are female friendly – just ask Black Country girl Michelle Bate who is the first female president of her branch. The 25-year-old has just taken up the reigns as President of Bilston and Willenhall Lions Club. Lions originally consisted of an all-male membership, but women have been admitted in recent years. Now Michelle has made history at her branch of the voluntary community service organisation, as she is the first female to hold the President's title since it was formed 23 years ago. Michelle, a care co-ordinator for the elderly, is now looking for members from both sexes. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The 25-year-old has just taken up the reigns as President of Bilston and Willenhall Lions Club. Lions originally consisted of an all-male membership, but women have been admitted in recent years.
Now Michelle has made history at her branch of the voluntary community service organisation, as she is the first female to hold the President's title since it was formed 23 years ago.
Michelle, a care co-ordinator for the elderly, is now looking for members from both sexes.
Her father, Stuart Richmond, has been involved in the club for years as has her husband Chris, 32, as well as her brother and his partner. "With my dad being involved I was always keen to help out with charity fundraising events," said Michelle, of Bilston.
"I always admired the community work the club does and so I eventually started to go to meetings and became a member about four years ago. We've only got 20 members and five of those are female so I'm thrilled to take up the office of president," she said.
"Traditionally the organisation had a strong male membership, but times have changed. Our club members have been very supportive of me and I hope to have a successful year in office," she added.
Michelle has been involved in fundraising events for Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital, Bilston Scouts and Children In Need. "We raise around £4,000 a year and I hope to beat that this year. I certainly want to leave my mark," she said. The club meets at Springvale Sports Club in Bilston.
