FREEMASONS in the Cotswolds have donated £600 to help people with disabilities, thanks to a match funding project.
Half the money came from the Prince of Wales Masonic Lodge, based at Stow-on-theWold, with the remainder coming from Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action (GMCA).
Charles Perkins, master of the Prince of Wales Lodge, handed over the cheque to Stow Disability Association to mark 300 years since the United Grand Lodge of England was established in 1717.
George Hill, the association’s chairman, said: “This donation will go a long way to ensure that we can continue to help the elderly and disabled people in the area through our weekly day centre activities and providing transport.
“Our day centre is the only place that some of our members can get to, by using our specially adapted minibus.
“Other organisations in the area that help elderly or disabled people also use our minibus, for going on trips or transport to meetings.”
Mr Perkins said he and his lodge colleague Ken Blowing, charity steward, were amazed to discover that there are more than 350 registered charities within a 10-mile radius of the Masonic Hall in Stow.
“We looked at all of these very carefully but very soon it became apparent that Stow Disability Association fulfilled the criteria for donations, both from the GMCA and our lodge’s own benevolent fund.
“Stow Disability Association does some really good work and is well respected.”
The donation from the Lodge was contributed by members.