Kenilworth store renamed in honour of Lion, John Price

At a well-attended public ceremony that took place on Saturday, the President of the Lions, Patrick Murphy, unveiled the new name over the entrance.

Mr Price’s wife, Kathleen Price, with whom he had two daughters, Caroline and Alison, said: “I am very touched that so many have turned out to honour the memory of John.

“He would have been very proud.”

Mr Price, who died in July aged 78, helped established the Farmer Ward Road store in 1990 after seeing the popularity of the Lions’ biannual jumble sale.

Although considered ambitious when the idea for the store was first mooted, his hands-on approach took it from strength to strength.

The store’s success meant almost half a million pounds was raised for good causes across the community and enabled furniture to be supplied to many people in need.

Just four months ago he was presented with a certificate of appreciation by his fellow Lions for all the work he had put into the store in those 25 years.

At the time, Mr Price remained modest about the store’s success: “In a large part, the huge success of the store is down to the incredibly generous people of Kenilworth.

“Without their donations and purchases there would be no store and we thank them very much.

He added: “It has been the Kenilworth Lions’ good fortune to have been involved with such a successful project.

“It is hard work, but also a lot of fun and through our donors and customers we have made many good friends in the local community.”

Store regular Jo Bloom paid tribute to Mr Price’s personality.

She said: “I’ve been coming to the Furniture Store for over eight years, and in that time got to know John very well.

“He was a great character, very kind, generous and fair.”

Although the store relies on the support of every Lions member, fellow Lion Ted Curtis, the new Chairman of the Furniture Store, made it clear that Mr Price played the biggest role in its success.

He said: “John made the store what it is today.

“It is fitting that it now carries his name, a memorial to a remarkable man, one we miss dearly.”