The East Midland Chapter has recently been distributing money that was raised at their annual National Rally. This is a weekend hosted by a different Chapter each year. It was our honour to co-host with the West Midlands Chapter last July. The Rally is a weekend event where members from across the UK, and even from abroad get together and party. In total, this event raised £18,000. East Midlands are distributing half and West Midlands the other half.
They identified a number of good causes, that they wanted to help, and wanted to support for local charities that help the homeless, children and the disadvantaged.
Before the Covid19 lock down a few of their members visited the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stamford Hall, near East Leake, Nottinghamshire. This brand new facility provides medical care to service personnel that have brain injuries and have lost limbs. The £300 million facility was recently opened by the Prince of Wales. A cheque for £1000 was presented to the DMRC Benevolent Fund.
Whilst the public purse provides for most of the conventional therapies and medical treatments, DMRC Stanford Hall relies on The DMRC Benevolent Fund to support holistic, occupational and social integration initiatives and activities that contribute to the patients’ successful outcomes.
Apparently, the Benevolent Fund struggles to attract donations as there is a misconception that the MOD provide the required cash. It was therefore great to help them with their cause, and the Widows Sons look forward to joining them on some of their future events.
Brian ‘George’ Dent & Nicola Norville provided the five members of the Widows Sons with a guided tour of the Centre and explained that they are employed full time the DMRC and work on a voluntary basis for the Benevolent Fund in their spare time.
Other charities that have received donations are:
Canaan Trust – £500
Doorways Derby – £1000
Cope Children’s Trust – £500
Peter Le Marchant Trust – £500
Wishes 4 Kids – £500
Go Make a Difference – £500
Send a Child to Hucklow – £700
Once I was a Soldier – £500
These donations will be a great help in these troubled times when charities are experiencing a downturn in funding. Fantastic that we can help local charities but of course this was a national effort from the WSMBA.
They have associate membership for non-masons, friends, family, partners etc. We like to be inclusive.
Nationally there are about 1300 Widows Sons members, and we are regionally divided into Chapters. Nottinghamshire is covered by the East Midlands Chapter, which also includes, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire & Leicestershire & Rutland.