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.
W Bro Steve Jones ( Past APGM of Derbyshire ) from Freemasons Hall Chesterfield and W Bro Malcolm Prentice of Burton on Trent has stepped up to the mark and organised a “ square meals “ delivery service.
They are utilising the catering facilities at both locations to provide the best fresh, chilled food to isolated members and their families in need. A team is making all deliveries of 30 Freemasons who have volunteered to help.
The catering staff, who are not Masons, share the organisation’s values of kindness, integrity and care for those less fortunate than themselves and as a result, are working tirelessly to prepare food for those in need.
With the kitchens producing high-quality meals at very affordable prices (£6 – £7 for two courses) the initiative has proved a great success. It has been very well received with over 800 meals already delivered in the last two weeks since the scheme started. There’s a right choice of menu, and the Halls at both Chesterfield serving the north of the Province and Burton on Trent in the South are now extending the service to the broader community and adjoining Provinces if required.
A member of a Buxton Lodge commented: “ I would just like thank you for first three days meals which my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed. We found them to be of generous portions and a varied menu very well prepared. Many thanks for looking after us. “
Steve Jones said “ We are pleased to be able to provide this service and meet local needs in difficult circumstances while at the same time supporting the staff at our halls who would otherwise have no source of income – by delivering ready-made meals straight to the door we are helping people to self-isolate and stay safe “