LYNNE and David Hateley-James are proud members of the Lions Club of Australia, with a difference.
Their club is the Australian Motorhoming Lions Club and they enjoy the freedom of travelling around the country, adapting their Lions ethics as they go.
In the lead-up to Christmas, the retired couple arrived in Clare on the latest leg of their six-year epic adventure.
David, 81, has been a Lion for 46 years and admits he never tires of meeting new people and helping the communities they decide to spend time with.
Shortly after arriving in Clare with their 8-metre long motorhome, the couple helped at a BBQ at the Clare Valley Children’s Centre.
They have also assisted at the Clare Lions Furniture Shed in Harriett Street and plan to be on duty as Covid Marshalls at The Christmas Pageant and Parade on December 3.
Lynne, 71, met David through the Western Australian Lions Club and they have been married for 14 years.
“When I retired from the coal mine in Queensland, we decided we wanted to travel around Australia and that is what we have been doing,” Lynne said.
Before South Australia, the couple had 11 months in Western Australia, spending time with the Collie, Geraldton, Jarahdale/Serepentine and Albany Lions clubs.
“We serve is the Lions motto and that is ideal for us,” said David, who has travelled to South Korea and Hong Kong on official Lions Club business when he was District Governor of half of WA, from Perth to Kununurra.
“I have loved being part of the Lions since day one. After all, it’s where Lynne and I met.”
When they leave Clare, the couple will head to Geelong to spend Christmas with son Michael and their two grandchildren.
Then they plan to hit the road again, with Coober Pedy and Alice Springs on the itinerary.