In March last year, the kitchen in the Bath Masonic Hall closed when the Hall was shut in accordance with Government directives.

In mid-April it reopened for the preparation and supply of two-course ready meals for daily distribution, free of charge, to shielding over-65s, those with serious care issues, and families lacking the resources to feed themselves adequately without the provision of school meals. So far, the project has delivered more than 22,500 meals in Bath and surrounding towns.

The original intention was to run the project during the first lockdown. However, with the situation continually changing during this crisis, the project was extended. This was funded by the generosity of the Members of Freemasons Lodges, with additional support from other external sources.

Connaught Freemasons Lodge in Midsomer Norton readily donated £500, and the appeal quickly raised over £50,000, which is sufficient to keep the project going as intended.

The in-house chef and his team cook the meals that are then frozen ready for distribution through the Childrens’ Centres in Bath, Keynsham and Radstock, and two local charities; Mercy in Action and Sporting Family Change in Midsomer Norton.