A BRIEF HISTORY
Started in 1964, the charter membership included 35 members and the total population of the villiage of Cochrane was 950 people. The 15 acre site of the 1st Rodeo is still the location of this year's event along 5th Avenue West in Cochrane. Lion Gerry Sinclair was the first President of the North Hill Lions club.

Meeting place was Cochrane Legion, a different location then to-day. Cochrane Lions Club First President was Lion Dave Longbotham and Secretart-Treasurer was Lion Jack McLeod and 32 members.

Each year following the club hosted a Chater night held in April, at the Cochrane Community Hall, with a banquet and dance. Lion members and wives, guests, District Governor and Cabinet Officers attended.

In 1981 Bragg Creek Lions Club and Cochrane Lioness Club had their first joint Charter night and this continued until 1987 when Bragg Creek Lions Club retired and 1988 the Cochrane Lioness Club and Cochrane Lions Club continued to have Charter nights until 1992 and again in 1999 when Cochrane Lions club celebrated 35 years and Cochrane Lioness Club 20 years joined together with a charter night at Cochrane Heritage Centre.

The first Rodeo to be help at the Lions Rodeo Grounds in Spetember 1968. Lion Bert Powlesland was President.

Lion Ed Daeons roasted beef on a large BBQ with briquettes and served Beef-On-A-Bun to a large crowd in attendance.

Rangeland Frollies (named by a former Lion Ken Ruby) has been held every year. Three special Rodeo's where July 2, 1973 Rodeo of Champions, sponsored by Calgarry Brewing and Malting Co. Ltd. and Aug 1986 Old Timers Rodeo and Parade and Silver Anniversay Rodeo and Parade Sept 1992.

Some of the activitied of the club in earlier years were Lions Club erected a Christmas Tree on Main Str, all decorated with lights. Lions members gave out condy bags to anyone that came along, mainly children. Lions had an evening where they made up the bags. Lion Don Smith always provided the tree from his farm. Any candy bags that were leftover were given to the Salvation Army.

Chuckwagon Races were were held at Griffen Park and horse racing with ParaMutuals.

Pony Chuckwagon races and Pony Chariot Races, Junior Barrel Races, Open Barrel Races, Calf Roping, Stake Races, Cochrane Beef Half Mile Race.

Pig Races, Catch the Rooster, and the Greased Pig Race, Media Pig Races were they had to lead the pig down the track also Mutton Bustin.

Money raising is nothing new for the Lions, built a $5000 playground in the east and of town near the former swimming pool and $3500 Banquet Room in the Cochrane Community Hall and also donated funds to be used for a new Community Centre. Lions Auction sales at Cochrane Community Hall, held for a number of years.

1977 the first Car Dinner Tickets $125, was held at the Cochrane Community Hall and were held for several years and some of the winners were Lion Tim Nowkin, R.E. Moore, Lion Harold Spiler all deceased and Lion Macey Sheriff, Cremona Lions Club. Many prizes were donated and a motorcycle was ewon by Lion Jimmy McArther of Cremona Lions Club and the Lions Club changed their format to a cash winner with $5000 prize won by Lion George McBain, Cochrane Beef and he donated it to the Cochrane Swimming Pool Fund, this continued until 1999 when it was discontinued and the last winner of $5000 was Bob Baptie, Cochrane.

Many functions have been held over the years and 1979 helped with the opening of Raneke Park

Lion Christmas parties and later joining in with Weedon Hall Christmas Party

Labies night parties, walkathon at Richards Ranch

April 1983-1987 Police Rodeo at Richards Ranch, Lions helped with Rodeo and Dinner accompanied by Cochrane Lioness to prepare and serve.

Banquets at Dog Pound Stampede Grounds hosted by Cremona Lions Club and all Clubs of District 37E there to join in all the funm was always well attended

Youth Camp opening at Cremona June 9, 1985

MLA Connie Osterman and Gasesnor Ross Yalland Heritage Lions Club preceded, Cochrane Lions Club are still instrumental in the caps well being

Swimming Pool - cochrane Lioness Pool Cochrane Lions Club raised $250,000 towards the cost of the pool, which opened April 7, 1990. Cochrane Lions were the main sponsor in this project and was build on land originally leased bu the cocrane Lions Club. Fundraising events were held by many organizations and private donations.

cochrane Lions Club were instrumental in building and operating the campground. It was build on the edoge of the Bow River and was named Rivers Edge Campground and was managed by Cochrane Lions Club and Lion Wayne Hilland acted as manager for years.

We now have a beautiful new campground next to the Spray Lakes Sports Centre and operated by Cochrane Lions Club and Rotary Club of Cochrane.