Over the past year, Manchester Freemasons have given £55,000 in donations to non-Masonic charitable organisations and on 3 May 2018 hosted a Giving Evening at Manchester Hall where cheques were presented to a number of exceptional organisations from Greater Manchester
The 109 attendees included Brethren, their guests and representatives from the good causes they have supported. The Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire, Sir David Trippier, and The Lord Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, were both in attendance.
Each of the organisations receiving donations had laid out a stand in the Goulburn Lodge Room and the evening began with the guests navigating their way around the room, learning about the amazing services they provide to the larger community, whilst enjoying the drinks reception and canapés.
The focus of the evening then turned to the Goulburn Dining Room, where the donations would be presented. As everyone made their way into the room, the Drum Corps of the Manchester Army Cadets demonstrated their new instruments that were bought for them earlier this year, with help from a grant from the East Lancashire Masonic Charity. This part of the evening was hosted by Stephen Thomson and Tony Stephenson, District Charity Stewards for the Manchester Districts.
The guests were formally welcomed by Chris Welton, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Manchester Districts, and then Sir David Trippier spoke about the commitment Manchester masons have to supporting their local community and commended the achievements attained, often voluntarily, by the organisations they aim to help as Freemasons.
Warren Smith was then introduced to the podium and, describing Manchester masons as philanthropists, praised the valuable contribution they make to the community. A number of representatives from the organisations that received donations gave short talks on the difference the money they have received has made on the lives of people in their area.
The lodges and chapters were then invited to present their cheques to their beneficiaries and the following donations were made to:
- Friendship Lodge No. 44 presented to Blythe House Hospice
- Arkscroll Lodge No. 6594 and Ark Menorah Chapter No. 6594 presented to Bury Hospice
- Ashbury Lodge No. 1459 presented to Centrepoint
- Arkscroll Lodge No. 6594 and Ark Menorah Chapter No. 6594 presented to The Christie
- Felicity Lodge No. 4365 presented to Day Trippers
- Arkscroll Lodge No. 6594, Ark Menorah Chapter No. 6594 and Zion Menorah Lodge No. 1798 presented to The Federation of Jewish Services
- Ashbury Lodge No. 1459 presented to Mustard Tree
- Felicity Lodge No. 4365 presented to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
- Friendship Lodge No. 44 presented to St Anne’s Hospice
- Zion Menorah Lodge No. 1798 and Ark Menorah Chapter No. 6594 presented to The Nicky Alliance Centre
- Ark Menorah Chapter No. 6594 presented to Wood Street Mission
Finally, two cheques were presented on behalf of Manchester Masons – first to Challenge 4 Change and the second to the Lord Lieutenant’s charity – The Duchy of Lancaster.
The evening was closed by Chris Welton, who declared it to have been a great success and commended the hard work and dedication displayed by Stephen Thomson and Tony Stephenson in delivering this momentous event.
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