Provincial News
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
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.
- Written by: Andy Henry
At Northampton General Hospital on Thursday 2 April 2015, WBros Les Robjohns and Stephen Hardy were delighted to present a cheque for £1,500 to NGH Chemotherapy Suite Appeal on behalf of England’s Centre Lodge 2555.
The department, which cares for people receiving treatment for all types of cancer, plans to rejuvenate the whole suite as part of a £350,000 project.
Fundraisers have so far raised almost £200,000 towards the significant alteration works required for this busy department which treats over 450 day patients each month.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Our Provincial Team visited Whytewell Chapter in Wellingborough on Tuesday 7th April to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the inaugural meeting of this very fine Chapter, a truly remarkable evening of Royal Arch Masonry was enjoyed by all. Our congratulations and best wishes go to newest member Comp Matthew Horton who was Exalted into this supreme Order in the most exemplary manner. This very special evening was supported by nineteen Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter, all of whom were most appreciative of the very kind hospitality received throughout the evening.
- Written by: Michael Genner
For the first time Waynflete Lodge held its festival in Bournemouth. Festivals have usually been held locally but this time the WM WBro Kevin Rush PPGSwdB received direction from higher authority. Mrs Alison Rush had her wishes fulfilled and a weekend away to remember as did all the families, guests and brethren.
£800 was raised for breast cancer and S.A.N.D.S (Still birth and neonatal deaths) charities and a brother in the real spirit of Masonry won a weekend break in Bournemouth auction and immediately donated it to a family who were not able attend this festival.