Promoting the Fraternity across the World
Since UGLE closed down masonic meetings until the lockdown is over and the nasty virus of Covid-19 is under some level of control. How does the fraternity of Freemasonry continue? Zoom meetings are becoming the way forward and Masonic brethren that usually tour Lodges and Chapters giving lectures now offering webinars to keep the Masonic spirit alive amongst the Brethern and Companions.
The lockdown which has taken place in recent weeks has caused worry and difficulties for many people – getting groceries and keeping the household in essential supplies has been of major concern and stress to many. Our meeting halls in Derbyshire also face difficulties – we have catering staff who rely on our meetings for their income.
Mr Hutchinson has been actively involved in Freemasons’ charities since 1988, when he joined the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys as a management trainee, working his way up the ranks to chief executive.
Tayside freemasons hand out food parcels and PPE during coronavirus lockdown
The 13th May 2020 was set to be a momentous occasion as the Temperantia Lodge No.4088 would meet to celebrate its centenary.
This was not to be, as the Covid-19 global pandemic did its very best to stop the Lodge from coming together for this milestone occasion. Temperantia Lodge, however, did not give in to the dreaded virus and made alternative plans to ensure that the celebration went ahead.
The Southport Masonic Group have donated £400 to the Southport Foodbank to assist their finances in helping local people in crisis during these difficult times. The money was part of surplus funds raised at the Southport Group Autumn Fayre late last year.
Mr Savage said: “The new heaters we now have installed mean that our facilities are much nicer for the children and they can focus on their activities to obtain their badges and #skillsforlife.
The meals are being distributed in partnership with B&NES Social Care teams and local charities, all of whom look after the neediest in the area via local centres. These include B&NES Child Support centres in Foxhill, Keynsham and Radstock, Bath City Farm and Southside Centre who cover Whiteway and Twerton, Sporting Family Change in Midsomer Norton and Mercy in Action on the Lower Bristol Road.
It all started when members of Crosby Lodge No 3714, Ron Elliot and Jake Huggett produced and delivered some simple wash packs, containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel and deodorant which weren’t available on the wards to staff and recovering patients at Aintree Hospital to enable them to freshen up. Many staff are unable to travel home and, in any event, the hours are long, and the work intense and demanding, so the packs were a welcome blessing.
Young volunteers at St John Ambulance in Chester-le-Street Cadet Unit will be able to learn how to use a lifesaving defibrillator, thanks to a donation from the Durham Mark Master Masons