Freemasons from Newcastle in the south, Haltwhistle in the west, Newbiggin by the Sea in the east and Berwick in the north are looking forward to 2017 when they will be celebrating the organisation’s 300th birthday.
To mark the tercentenary of the United Grand Lodge of England, many celebratory events will be held across the region including thanksgiving services, gala dinners and a teddy bear’s picnic to celebrate the Teddies for Loving Care appeal.
Charity is at the heart of Freemasonry and locally, The Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland will be giving away £300,000 to local charities throughout 2017. The cash boosts will help worthwhile and deserving projects throughout the region by increasing the hugely positive effect they have on people’s lives within the community.
Alan Bell, chair of the Tercentenary Committee said;
“There are 27 lodge buildings all across North Tyneside and Northumberland. We are looking to donate money to charities close to each building so that we can really make a positive impact on local projects and causes near to where Masonry takes place.
“Anyone from a local charity who would like to be considered for a Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland donation, can apply online at http://northumberlandmasons.org.uk. It’s a simple online form and details will be passed to the local lodge members who will then take the application to the next stage.
“We want to help as many charities across the region as possible and I’d urge them to contact us as soon as possible.”
Nationally, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is dedicated to helping people in need, and has donated over £100 million since 1980.
Freemasons buildings can be found in:
Alnwick, Amble, Ashington, Bedlington, Bellingham, Berwick, Blyth, Byker, Cramlington, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Mickley, Morpeth, Newbiggin, Jesmond, Newcastle, North Shields, Ponteland, Seahouses, Seaton Delaval, Shiremoor, Throckley, Wallsend, Whitley Bay and Wylam.