In appreciation of the care given to two Connaught Freemasons, the charities Blind Veterans UK and Dorothy House Hospice received donations during a special presentation evening on Friday, 24th November.

Sarah Barnes, a Community Support Worker with Blind Veterans UK explained the work of the charity and how they give life changing assistance after sight loss. Although mainly giving help at home the charity also has two residential centres for assessments, respite care and where veterans can meet each other and find mutual support. Lodge member Rod Hartnell, a Royal Navy veteran who saw action in the Falklands, and who lost his sight several years ago acknowledged the invaluable support Sarah has given him from the very first day he contacted the charity.

This was followed by Paul Hewitt, a volunteer with Dorothy House who spoke about the formation and the work of the Hospice for patients, their families and carers, and that the majority of patients receive palliative care at home. Paul and his wife Bernie are two of the one thousand volunteers working for the Hospice in many different capacities, all with the aim of fundraising to supplement the income from the NHS. Margaret Gould, widow of Gerald Gould, a long serving and highly respected member of the Lodge who was cared for by the Hospice before his death back in the summer, gave a very moving tribute for all the help and support the Hospice had given.

Steve Collins, Assistant Charity Steward for the Province of Somerset, which is the governing body of the 3000 Freemasons in Somerset, gave an interesting presentation about the charitable work of Freemasonry in Somerset, and the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is the charitable arm of our Grand Lodge, the Headquarters of Freemasonry in England and Wales. Part of Steve’s role is to recognise the work of individual Freemasons Lodges in Somerset for their generosity in donating to their local charities, by adding to those donations from the Provincial Charity Fund.

The evening concluded with Connaught Lodge’s Worshipful Master Alastair Slade presenting £600 to Blind Veterans UK and £500 to Dorothey House, following which Steve Collins was pleased to present a further £125 to each of the charities.

If interested in joining Connaught Lodge, email [email protected] or see www.connaughtlodge.org.

Chris James, 
Connaught Lodge 
Charity Steward