Mr Ford was in attendance when the Tathra Lions Club signed its charter in 1974 and remains a member 40 years later.

The club will be marking its 40-year milestone with a community celebration later this year.

The Tathra Lions were formed on January 2, 1974, with a charter signed by 24 people.

In 2014, the club now boasts more than 40 members.

Tathra Lions president Peter Davis has acknowledged the work of Mr Ford, saying he is a “stalwart of the club”.

Mr Davis said Mr Ford’s roles included running the club’s calcutta on Melbourne Cup, researching history and providing jokes on the newsletter.

“Kevin is in his 70s and he was an original charter member,” Mr Davis said.

“He is retired now, but is involved in the club when possible.”

Mr Davis also paid tribute to Paul O’Brien for founding the Tathra Lions in 1974.

“The club was chartered due to Bemboka’s Paul O’Brien, who was looking to move to Tathra,” he said.

“Paul was a powerhouse behind the movement and instrumental in getting the Tathra club going.”

Mr Davis said the Tathra Lions had formed from “humble beginnings”.

“We want to promote the initial impact of how it started,” he said.

“The Tathra Lions formed from humble beginnings to what has been done now.

“It’s been extremely successful and we’ve been fortunate.”

The Tathra Lions will toast their 40th anniversary at Taylor Square, Tathra, on April 6.

The event will run from 10am until 2pm and will be a thank you gala day to the local community.

The Lions are also using the celebration as a membership drive.

Mr Davis joked that while the club has over 40 members, the average age is in the 70s.

Of the 24 people who chartered the Tathra Lions in 1974, Mr Davis said around a dozen were still alive.

“Eight or more have claimed they will be at the celebrations,” he said.