Four Axminster charities have benefitted from a cash grant of £1,000 pounds from Axminster Freemasons.
On Tuesday, April 11, representatives from four Axminster charities, Nourish, Axminster Flamingo Pool, Axminster Carnvial and Axminster Food Bank were presented with cheques at a celebration dinner hosted by Lodge Virtue & Honor at The Masonic Hall in Axminster.
The money was raised by the members of the Lodge and presented by Mrs Donna Squire, wife of W Bro Simon Squire, Worshipful Master of Lodge Virtue & Honor 2019-2023.
The recipient charities are all well-known worthy local causes that are vital to the well-being of the people of Axminster.
Nourish (Axminster), whose volunteers teach cooking skills to local people in need, as well as providing vital support for local food banks. They were represented by Karen Taylor, founder and former winner of the Robin Cross Citizen of the Year Award, accompanied by Mary Darlow.
Flamingo Pool, a self-funding 25 metre swimming pool, built in 1988 and featuring the only publicly accessible hydrotherapy pool in the Southwest; represented by Mrs Karen Armstrong, Trustee of the Flamingo Pool. It is the Trustees’ aim for the pool to be carbon neutral within the next three years.
Axminster Carnival, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the East Devon Carnival circuit for over 100 years, was represented by Bryan Ball, John Jeffery, and Ron Jones.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, founded by Nina, Duchess of Hamilton, at the onset of the Second World War to look after pets while their owners were away a war and which continues ‘to provide a happy and safe place’ for animals. The sanctuary was represented by Emma Green.
Axminster Foodbank were also recipients of a charitable donation of £250 but were unable to attend the occasion on 11th April.
The collection and distribution of charitable donations was undertaken by the Lodge Charity Steward, W Bro Philip Male.
The charity delegates were hosted at a dinner – known by Freemasons as a Festive Board – which featured a toast to the King, a short speech by the current Worshipful Master, John Bellamy, and the presentation of the cheques. Each of the representatives thanked the members for the donations received and concluded with short but informative presentations about their respective charities. The guests were then given a short briefing about Freemasonry, and a guided tour of the Lodge, by the Lodge Secretary, Andrew Moulding. Members and guests then rounded the evening off with drinks in the bar.
John Jeffery, on behalf of Axminster Carnival, thanked the Freemason’s Lodge for its charitable donation, which will contribute greatly to the forthcoming Axminster Carnival to be held in September. All those who received funds on the evening, enjoyed an excellent meal and thanked Lodge Virtue & Honor for its generosity.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here