Eight organisations in the Harrogate district are set to benefit from a share of £94,000 provided courtesy of the Freemasons.
A total of 40 grants were distributed to organisations across Yorkshire, with many charitable organisations, including youth clubs, food banks, community groups and schools, receiving support to help them with essential costs or equipment upgrades.
Those Harrogate District organisations benefiting from the latest round of grant giving are:
- Artizan Café and Creative Space, Harrogate, £5,000
- Henshaw’s Society for Blind People, £3,395,
- Harrogate Hospital Radio, Harrogate, £3,000, for broadcasting software
- Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate, £2,748, for outdoor playground equipment
- Ripon’s Men’s Shed, Ripon, £2,000, for woodworking equipment
- Girlguiding Birk Crag Centre, Harrogate, £2,000, for shop storage, display units, seating and furniture
- Supporting Older People, Harrogate and Knaresborough, £1,586, for warm comfort packs
- Ripon YMCA, Ripon, £1,000, for branded clothing for staff and youth leaders
- Staveley Sports Association, Staveley, Knaresborough, £1,000, for football goal posts, nets and equipment
James H Newman, OBE, The Provincial Grand Master of The Province of Yorkshire West Riding, said:
“With these grants we are able to financially support 40 organisations, which are each integral to the local area in their own way, is something I am very proud of.
“Each year, we donate some £200,000 from this specific fund to good causes around the Province, with the money coming directly from our members, keen to help support the community they live and work in.
“These grants were a superb way to end 2022, and the money each of these 40 recipients is receiving will help them continue the work they do in their own individual communities.”
Based on the old West Riding, the Province, which has around 5,000 members meets in some 180 Lodges and reaches from Sheffield in the South to Ripon in the North, Goole in the East to Bentham in the West.
Further information about the Freemasons Province of Yorkshire West Riding is available from its website, https://www.yorkshirewestridingfreemasons.org.uk/
Freemasonry, with its rich traditions and enigmatic practices, has found a vibrant home in the historic spa town of Harrogate, England. The Harrogate Freemasons, operating from the Harrogate Masonic Hall, are a testament to the enduring legacy and contemporary relevance of this ancient fraternal order.
A Historical Venue with a Modern Purpose The Harrogate Masonic Hall, located on Station Avenue, is more than just a building; it’s a hub of Masonic activity and community engagement1. With its historical charm and modern facilities, the Hall serves as the perfect setting for the five Masonic Craft Lodges of Harrogate, including the esteemed Harrogate & Claro Lodge No. 10012.
Harrogate & Claro Lodge No. 1001: A Pillar of Freemasonry Established in 1864, Harrogate & Claro Lodge No. 1001 is a beacon of Masonic practice, boasting over 55 members dedicated to the craft2. The Lodge is part of the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding, which encompasses over 200 craft Lodges and 80 Royal Arch Chapters, with more than 7000 Brethren in the region2.
Doric Lodge 2695: Celebrating Tradition and Service Another notable Lodge is Doric Lodge No. 2695, consecrated on 23rd March 1898. Doric Lodge is renowned for its proud tradition of service to both its members and the wider Harrogate community3. Currently, the Lodge is celebrating 300 years of Masonry in England, marking a significant milestone in the history of Freemasonry3.
Freemasonry in Harrogate: Thriving and Inclusive Freemasonry in Harrogate is characterized by its thriving nature and welcoming spirit. The Lodges offer a space for Masonic brethren to gather, share knowledge, and contribute to society. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out and learn more about the craft and how they can become a part of this storied fraternity2.