Sad News Christine Allen

The Late LION Christine Margaret Allen 21/08/42 – 08/06/21

LION Christine, known to many of us as Chris, was an incredible woman with a zest for life and commitment to the community for many years. A seasoned traveller, having visited Australia, Egypt, Israel, India, Africa, and the Caribbean, it is little wonder that she promoted the international side of Lionism. She joined the  Lions in 2005 and  her  mark.

She led our Club’s efforts, by example, she was known for seeking out bargains, necessary and fun items too for the numerous Belarus shoe boxes we filled with enthusiasm. It was also a chance for lions to get together informally and have a laugh whilst helping others less fortunate.

Before Covid, our Lions Club had many highlights of the year.  One of them is our Festival, which Chris, as a then Local Councillor, helped to create a few years ago by encouraging the local Council to have faith in Worthing Lions to safely organise the event. An event which has grown in strength year on year, enabling our local community to benefit.

Chris was a woman of action, never one to hold back and you could always rely on her to speak her mind, but in a principled manner, non- judgemental and fair, seeing both sides of the discussion.  She was often our social conscience, coming from her expert Social Worker ‘s point of view.

She was never one to forget the little but important things in life – she never forgot friends’ birthdays- overcoming her mobility issues and organising us all whether it be in the Club or where she used to live to enjoy the moment, often with something sparkling.

Chris worked hard at enjoying life, making a positive difference – a good life well lived, well-loved and remembered always.

These words from her service , sum up Chris..

“If I should go before the rest of you.
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone,
Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday Voice
But be as usual selves that I have known,
Weep if you must.
Parting is Hell,
But life goes on,
So sing as well”

Cllr Hazel Thorpe

(Worthing Lion Club President 2020- 2021)