THE MASONIC PROVINCE OF YORKSHIRE WEST RIDING

NHS staff across the Province are to benefit from a £60,000 grant.
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The donation, from West Riding Masonic Charities Limited, will be used by 21 hospitals for a variety of projects including enhancing staff rest rooms, providing hospital ‘secret gardens’ and funding therapy sessions with Huskey dogs.
 
On Monday, 5 July, Freemasons across the Province will be playing their part in the first NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day, to celebrate all those who have worked so tirelessly to help the country through the Coronavirus crisis, and who continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in society.
 
Those hospitals to benefit from a share of the grant are:
 

• Bradford Royal Infirmary - £3,000 to fund items for staff to encourage breaks by supplying all staff kitchens and staff rest areas with hampers.
• St Luke’s Hospital, Bradford - £3,000 fund items for staff to encourage breaks by supplying all staff kitchens and staff rest areas with hampers
• Airedale General Hospital, - £3,000 To provide two new garden pods for staff to use during their rest breaks
• Calderdale Royal Infirmary, Halifax - £3,000 to purchase furniture and/or equipment to be used by the members of staff using the space provided for them
• Huddersfield Royal Infirmary - £3,000 to purchase furniture and/or equipment to be used by the members of staff using the space provided for them
• Castleberg Hospital, Giggleswick - £3,000 to provide new picnic benches for staff in an outside space and to purchase some new comfortable tub chair seating for the staff room
• Harrogate District Hospital - £3,000 to enhance the staff areas and staff rooms
• Ripon Community Hospital - £3,000 to enhance the staff areas and staff rooms
• Skipton General Hospital - £3,000 to enhance the staff areas and staff rooms. and to purchase new items such as replacement mugs, plates, cutlery, and water jugs for each of the staff rooms
• Barnsley Hospital - £3,000 to pay for therapy sessions for the staff.
• Doncaster Royal Infirmary - £3,000 to provide staff therapy. In addition, it is hoping to fund a new wellbeing hut, which will be based on the hospital grounds but in a much more calming environment where staff can go to benefit from these therapies and other wellbeing sessions.
• Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield - £3,000 to provide benches in the garden for staff.
• Northern General Hospital, Sheffield - £3,000 to help provide a ‘secret Garden’ for staff and patients.
• Rotherham Hospital - £3,000 towards the Rotherham NHS Superheroes appeal and to be used to provide treats to the staff, such as coffees and cakes etc.
• Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield - £3,000 to help provide a roof garden for staff and patients.
• Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds - £3,000 to provide funding to improve an outdoor courtyard staff garden.
• Leeds General Infirmary - £3,000 used to enhance staff spaces for the team by refreshing the furniture and introducing better lighting.
• St James’ University Hospital, Leeds - £3,000 to enhance a staff space for the theatre team by upgrading the furniture, redecoration and providing ambient lighting to create a more relaxing space
• Pontefract, Dewsbury and Pinderfields Hospitals - £6,000 to continue therapy sessions for staff using Therapy Husky Dog Wellbeing visits

 
David S Pratt, Provincial Grand Master, said, “I think we are all in agreement that the whole country owes our NHS staff and social care workers, a huge debt of gratitude for everything they have done since the start of the pandemic early last year.
 
Whilst Freemasons up and down the country, including those in our own area, will be marking this NHS Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day in a number of ways, we are delighted to be giving this donation of £60,000, which will benefit staff in 21 hospitals.
 
I'd also like to thank our members, who have also reacted brilliantly to the pandemic; from those who helped make PPE, to those helping out at vaccination centres and also going back into the medical profession to administer those all-important vaccinations.
 
Whilst Covid has been with us for a very short period of time, Freemasonry has been thriving within the Province of Yorkshire West Riding for more than 200 years. It is at the heart of many communities and with charity being a core theme, I’m proud to say it continues to play its part in supporting an ever increasing number of  charities and good causes with financial donations.”
 

​Following the annual general meeting held on 19 June 2021, the directors of West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd have elected a new Chairman.

Duncan R Kilbride of Tateshall Lodge No 7645 and Garforth Lodge No 9987 will use his skills and experience to drive 'Your Charity' forward; continuing the excellent work of those who have gone before him.

Leeds Weekend Care Association has received a grant of £15,000, over three years, from the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
An example of the donations from Brethren, returning to benefit Charities within the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding.
​A copy of a letter of appreciation, received from the Association, is posted below.
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This latest newsletter gives details of grants awarded during May, to charities and organisations across the Province.  Its aim is to ensure that all Brethren and their families within Yorkshire, West Riding are aware of how their contributions are being used and the work that WRMCL is doing, on their behalf, to support those within our communities. 
 
Since the previous update, the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund has made grants, to the total value of £22,872, to nine community organisations, where it is hoped there will be the biggest impact in terms of community benefit:
 
City of Bradford Brass Band Organisation
 
The Organisation consists of three bands, having members with different abilities; from raw beginners to semi-professional musicians. They describe themselves as a ‘family’ of bands, in that many members, once joined, stay with the organisation for many years.

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Instruments are loaned to up and coming young musicians, unable to afford to buy them.
 
To raise funds to purchase instruments, the Organisation would normally run a series of concerts throughout the year, along with other fundraising events, none of which have taken place recently, due to the pandemic.
 
The grant of £2,549 will enable the purchase of a Flugel Horn; sponsored by Lodge of Hope No 302, Bradford.
 
Spen Valley District Scouts
 
Serving the young people of the Spen Valley District, the District Scout Council has 9 Scout Groups in the area, covering the communities of Cleckheaton, Gomersal, Scholes, Hightown, Liversedge, Birkenshaw and Hunsworth

​The District has its own Activity Centre and Campsite situated at Fanwood, Gomersal, with a resident Warden on site, which they propose to make available to as many young people as possible, encouraging outdoor activities, exercise, leisure and general mental wellbeing.
 
It is intended to provide outdoor tables, with seating, made from recycled plastic with a timber effect finish, to fit in with the woodland setting.
 
The grant of £1,360 will enable the purchase of two tables; sponsored by Lodge of Friendship No 750, Cleckheaton.
 
SELFA
 
SELFA is a charity that supports children and families experiencing vulnerabilities, to build resilience, thrive and achieve.
 
Set-up in 2007 as ‘Skipton Extended Learning for All’, the Charity provided an inclusive holiday club and some holiday workshops for primary-aged children. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and now supports over 400 children and young people aged 4 to 19.
 
A range of health and wellbeing programmes, peer support groups, targeted holiday workshops, trips and residential breaks are now provided. 

​Activities are delivered from a former school premises and funds are needed to create an outdoor play area, replacing unsafe equipment.
                               
The grant, of £1,900 will make a substantial contribution to the overall cost; sponsored by Mawsis Lodge No 4644, Skipton.
 
Friends of Woodseats Playground
 
The ‘Friends’ work closely with the community to raise money through local and national fundraising, to regenerate Woodseats playground in Graves Park, Sheffield.
 
The aim is to make the playground more inclusive and appealing to families and children of all ages.  To date the group have delivered over £60k worth of improvements to the landscape, playground equipment and benches. 

There is a need for a new climbing frame, to challenge older children and teenagers, to make them feel welcome within the playground and a part of the wider community. They have, to date, raised £20,141 towards the cost of the equipment.
 
The grant of £4,959 will make up the remainder of the total, allowing the equipment to be purchased; sponsored by Welcome Lodge No 3779, Sheffield.

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Eve Merton's Dreams Trust (Eves Trust)

The Doncaster based charity raises money to help create a Dream or grant a wish for terminally ill or seriously ill Cancer sufferers of all ages, within the local area.
 
Fulfilling a dream provides a positive focus, empowering both patient and their families with new enthusiasm and strength to deal with ongoing daily struggles of the illness.
 
One example of their work is to invite patients and their families to a holiday caravan for respite or a family break.  The caravan is well used and now quite worn and in need of refurbishment. 
 
The charity was awarded a grant of £2,500 to refurbish the caravan; sponsored by Bawtry Lodge No 5174.

Army Cadet Force 

Army Cadet Force C Company, manage 9 Army Cadet detachments across Doncaster and Dearne Valley. The organisation is run by volunteers and sponsored by the MOD, to teach life skills to young people aged 12 to 18, based on military principles.
 
They focus on adventurous training, promoting community activities, teaching skills such as Navigation and First Aid and delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
 
With a newly qualified Paddlesport Instructor, cadets will have the opportunity to undertake new, exciting and challenging opportunities to complete the Award.
 
Facilities are available to undertake British Canoeing Start and Discover awards but in order to offer river and coastal trips, resulting in the completion of the Explorer award, further equipment is required.
 
The grant of £2,500 will contribute towards the cost of acquiring this; sponsored by Hall Cross Lodge No 5744, Doncaster.

Major Darren T Baker, Officer Commanding C Company, expressed his gratitude and said that the equipment will be enjoyed by all cadets and adults within the ACF.
 
 
Halton in Bloom   
 
Since 2013, Halton in Bloom has been making Halton, Leeds a more attractive place to live and shop.

Residents work with local businesses and Temple Moor High School, in designing and organising planting sessions. They involve local children’s groups; guides, rainbows etc. and the local pre-school nursery. They continually maintain the planters and the established flower beds in the area.
 
The organisation wishes to convert a piece of land, between the local library and Dial House, making the communal area more user friendly, by adding benches, raised planting beds and a living wall.  

The whole community will benefit greatly from having a nice area to rest and meet others
 
The grant of £3,300 will cover the full cost of the project; sponsored by Tectonic Lodge No 9407, Ripon.
 
The Judean Club for Boys and Girls – ‘The Zone’
Over the last decade The Zone has developed into one of the country’s leading community youth projects, offering state of the art facilities and activities led by our quality team of youth workers, volunteers and leadership participants. 
 
The Zone is a 2nd home for many of the Jewish Community in Leeds. It offers a range of activities, projects and events; to engage young people, from an early age and from all backgrounds, irrespective of physical or mental ability, to learn new skills, hobbies and develop a sense of self-worth.  
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​Good citizenship is promoted in all areas of club life. As the doors open, all social, economic and religious barriers are broken down creating a harmonious, cohesive community of youth.
Tolerance and understanding are furthered by interfaith and educational programmes.
 
Zone members have the opportunity to embrace their rich and wonderful heritage through a diverse range of activities, including cookery, art, music, science, philanthropy, humour, community and sport.
 
Activities focus on the positive mental health and wellbeing of young people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds and include those with no religious affiliation. The Zone’s Youth Support Service is open to all young people in need.
 
The grant of £2.067 will fund a Child Protection Online Monitoring System for a year, set up a safe space for young people to access resources, guidance and support relating to mental health and wellbeing, including the purchase of laptops/computers to create a digital library;
sponsored by Lodge of Dawn No 6511, Leeds.

Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

​Established in 1922 at Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, the Choir is a fine male voice choir with a prestigious history in choral competition and performance. They bring together ordinary voices and ordinary men, from around the Colne Valley community, to make extraordinary music.
 
They have sung at garden parties, amplified on sports grounds, in small community halls and in large concert halls, at corporate events and in charity concerts. They normally do about a dozen events a year; mostly in Yorkshire and with the prospect of coming out of Covid restrictions, are looking to replace old and tired equipment, particularly a portable stage piano and accessories.
 
The grant of £1,737 will cover the total cost of piano and accessories; sponsored by Iuventutis Lodge No 9338, Castleford. 

Joseph Stones, Chairman, expressed the choir's sincere thanks and said not only will it benefit the choir but also, the Colne valley Boys Choir. "Next year is the CVMVC's centenary and the equipment will be a huge help", he said. 

The Lodge of Dawn No 6511, Leeds secured a Major Grant of £24,700 from the Provincial Grand Master's Fund for Chapeltown Youth Development Centre on Scott Hall Road.

A letter of appreciation has been received and is copied below:

To whom it may concern,
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My name is Jake Boyd and I am writing to you on behalf of CFYDC (CHANCE).
Words can not describe the appreciation and gratitude that we have for your
incredible donation to the charity. We have been engaging with young people
through sports and other projects locally since 2002. The organisation has been
in desperate need for the Multi-Use Games Area to be redeveloped, which you
have contributed enormously towards. The redevelopment will benefit 1000’s of
children for the foreseeable future, through football, rugby, boxing, holiday camps
and disability groups.

I would like to thank all who took part in helping us receive this funding, including
Michael Rose and Raymond Diamond. Who I would like to give a special
mention, they took their time to make this happen and without their support it
would have been impossible.

We will do our best to make sure that you all receive the credit and press that you
deserve, you have been fantastic with us. You are a kind group of people and we
want people to know that.

Again, thank you to everyone for your efforts. We will keep you all posted
throughout the redevelopment.
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Regards,
Jake Boyd - CFYDC (CHANCE).

t


​With the £2,200 donation from the Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding, we were able to purchase a new Oska Series 5 V4L mattress.
 

​These mattresses are known as lateral tilt pressure care mattress and offer our patients ultimate comfort and lateral tilt therapy. giving an alternating air and foam combination which provides exceptional comfort and support, they are suitable as an aid in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

An important message for all members of West Riding Masonic Charities Limited.

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​You will have read, in the New Year edition of White Rose Masonic News, that the main fund-raiser for the Association of Friends of Connaught Court, the annual Summer fair, was unfortunately cancelled last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd, on your behalf, made a donation of £5,000 to the Association to assist in the fantastic work they do for the residents of the RMBI Home, Fulford, York.

The Chair of the Association, Mark Payne, sent the below letter to WRMCL.

THE ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF CONNAUGHT COURT
email: chairman@friendsofconnaughtcourt.org.uk
Website: www.friendsofconnaughtcourt.org.uk

On behalf of myself the Association of Friends of Connaught Court and the residents I am writing to thank yourself and the West Riding Masonic Charities Board for your kind donation of £5000.
I was invited to address the AGM of the Board a number of years ago and know the tremendous support you have given to Connaught Court over the years. In these most difficult times the money will ensure that we can continue to improve life in the home for our residents
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Kind regards
                                                   
Mark Payne 
Chairman A.F.O.C.C

The Association of Friends of Connaught Court, established in 1973, is a registered charity entirely independent of the RMBI and consists of Freemasons from the Provinces of Yorkshire West Riding, Yorkshire North and East Ridings and Lincolnshire, together with representatives from Castlegate Ladies.

If you wish to support the Association individually, you may do so by becoming a Life Member, paying a one-off fee (currently a minimum of £10). Each Masonic Hall has an Ambassador for the Association, who will be only too pleased to help with your application.

​A grant of £3,000 from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund in February, helped the creation of a social enterprise in Leeds.

The retail outlet, ‘Hidden Owls’ in Armley, offers high end ‘pre-loved’ items for sale and at the same time, provides training and work experience opportunities for individuals who are, or have recently been, homeless in the Leeds and Kirklees areas.
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​The grant was sponsored by the Lodge of Friendship No 750 and Craig McIntosh, Master accompanied by John Harrison, charity steward, visited the newly renovated premises, where they met with Andy Howarth, staff and volunteers.
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Following the visit, the Brethren said, “The accounts of current and former clients were very moving to listen to and it is gratifying to know that we have been able to contribute to this venture, which will do so much to help the charity achieve its aims and support individuals who benefit from its support.”

​In March, a Major Grant was awarded in the amount of £29,148 from the PGM’s Fund and as the restrictions on public gatherings were lifted, the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro David S Pratt was able to make a formal presentation to Sharon Milner, Chief Executive of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF).

​Proud grandfather Carl Woodier (pictured centre with granddaughter Bella), of the sponsoring Lodge, Chevin No 6848, was present to witness the occasion.
Sharon Milner is pictured, front left, with David S Pratt, front right
The Grant has helped to support upgraded accommodation, for parents to stay with children who are undergoing heart operations, making this a much less distressing experience for all concerned.
David S Pratt PGM said, “It is a privilege for us, as Freemasons, to be able to support such a worthy cause and many of us have experienced the world class leading support of the NHS in this particular specialist area and from our truly excellent NHS staff, nurses and doctors, throughout all of our lives.”
Sharon Milner, Chief Executive of the CHSF said, “The charitable generosity of Freemasons is very much appreciated and the grant has made an immediate impact. The results can be seen already in the upgraded accommodation.”

Read more about this on the FMT web site - ​https://www.freemasonrytoday.com/more-news/provinces-districts-a-groups/freemasons-prove-they-are-all-heart-with-29-000-hospital-donation