On Friday 16 Jan 2015 WBro Andy Moore, the Worshipful Master of Schola Regia No 9105, initiated his youngest son, William and William’s lifetime friend Alexander Langford-Pollard in a double ceremony at Ellindon Masonic Hall, Peterborough.  Alexander’s father, WBro Langford Smith, is also a Lodge member. 

Both initiates are 18 years old university students.  William is the youngest person ever to be initiated in the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire at 18 years and 5 months.  Alexander is 18 years and 9 months old.  

They are certainly the youngest Lewis's to be initiated together in double ceremony in this Province - and possibly in the country.

Both are both all-round sportsmen and play rugby for their respective universities and Peterborough Lions RUFC.  They are excellent examples of young, active men who appreciate the importance of Freemasonry and are keen to identify a place for it in their busy lives.

The Caring and Sharing Trust Charity works with people who have learning disabilities, their families, carers, and care professionals.

On March 10th WBros Albert Wynne & John James presented a cheque for £1,500 to the Trust on behalf of The England’s Centre Lodge and Province.

They also took part with Caroline Scattergood and her team of helpers along with day centre members in cutting the first sod in the creation of a peace garden.

The Trust is based in the Northamptonshire Countryside and best known for pioneering work in the use of arts-based therapy programmes and a range of complimentary services.

An acclaimed Day Centre provides a whole range of therapy programmes for adults with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and complex emotional needs.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, has received £35,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity. This grant will fund the salary of a Development Coordinator who will manage the Shine40Plus project.

Shine40Plus will allow people over 40 to share their experiences; providing daily social interaction, comfort, and vital information about managing their condition and looking after themselves. This is the first group of people experiencing spina bifida and hydrocephalus to reach their later years and the creation of this network will enable them to share their knowledge and experience with one another, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and anxiety.

At Ellindon Masonic Hall, Peterborough, on Friday 10 April 2015 VWBro Dr Viv Thomas, DPGM, presented the cheque to Tom Scott, Shine’s Fundraising and Communications Manger who was accompanied by Jason Merrill.

The DPGM said: “It is wonderful to be able to help bring people together, ensuring they receive the guidance and support they need to move into the next stage of their lives with happiness and a sense of belonging. Helping vulnerable people in our community is central to Freemasonry and we wish this project every success.”  

Speaking about the donation, Jackie Bland, Chief Executive of Shine said, “We are extremely grateful for the support given by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity. This generous £35,000 grant will fund the post of a Development Coordinator for the Shine40Plus network for one year. This network is the first of its kind in the country to support older survivors of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Today, for the first time in history, adults with these once life limiting conditions are living to the age of 40 and beyond, which is wonderful to know.

However, their futures are uncertain, and many now have other health problems as a result of ageing, on top of the many challenges with mobility, communication and isolation they already experience through spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Through the events, online forums, hobby groups and health checks that the Shine40Plus network will provide, hundreds of people will feel more connected, supported and confident about their futures.”

The Major Grants Scheme is just one of the initiatives driven by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity which donates over £2 million to national charities every year.