The climax of the 2019 Provincial Grand Master’s “Initiative”, took place at a ‘Presentation Event and Banquet’ held at the Shepherds Inn, Carlisle, following the annual general meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, on Thursday, 17th October, 2019.
Three local charities nominated to receive matched funding donations in the South Westmorland Group, each received a cheque for £2000. They were thrilled and overwhelmed at the generosity of the brethren. They all expressed their deep gratitude at even being considered and to be included in the presentation and afterwards to join in with 500 freemasons, at their annual banquet. The three local charities nominated by the South Westmorland Group were;
1. Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool, Sandylands Road, Kendal, LA9 6JG
The Pool was built in 1977 through donations received through public subscription for the children and adults in the community who have mental and physical health problems.
Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool offers a unique service to the population of Cumbria, the benefits of hydrotherapy have been well known for many years. The Pool offers these benefits to swimmers and non-swimmers alike in a supportive, non-competitive environment that affords privacy. Key benefits for Pool users include the ability to: Move more easily, relax your body, regain fitness following an operation or accident, ease pain, perform gentle all body exercises, improve circulation and breathing, and build self-confidence. For more information about what they do and how to access the facilities at the Pool, visit their website at www.sandgatehydrotherapypool.org
2. Cancer Care North West & South Cumbria, Kendal Centre, Blackhall Road, Kendal, LA9 6ST
They provide a wide range of free professional therapies for people affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. The therapies are delivered by qualified and highly experienced practitioners who will help you and your family to come to terms with, and manage, the challenges of a serious health condition.
Help is just a click or a call away so if you need advice or help please just drop them a line or give them a ring.
Facing cancer or a life-limiting condition is more than just a physical issue. At Cancer Care they understand that living with the impact of a serious health condition can be a life-changing experience for everyone involved. You might: have received a recent diagnosis; be a carer; relative or friend of someone who is ill; be receiving ongoing medical treatment or in recovery; have been affected by bereavement; need help supporting a child or young person.
Whatever you are going through, they are there to help. They offer a wide range of FREE professional therapies and services OUTSIDE THE MEDICAL ARENA which are designed to: Improve wellbeing; encourage self-confidence; promote relaxation; relieve symptoms; aid pain management; ease the physical and emotional effects of medical treatments; provide support to carers and families. For more information about the care packages on offer at the Kendal Centre, visit their website at www.cancercare.org.uk
3. Riding for the Disabled Association Westmorland Group
They are a local charity providing therapy, achievement and enjoyment for children and adults with disabilities, through riding and carriage driving. They operate from bases near Kendal in Cumbria. (Kendal was formerly in the old county of Westmorland, hence the name of their group).
Their trained coaches and volunteer helpers offer a safe and happy environment for their activities. All our costs are met through fund-raising activities and donations from kind individuals and organisations.
They pride themselves on being a happy, friendly group based in the North West of England on the edge of the Lake District. Their weekly riding sessions take place in a local riding centre where they benefit from good indoor and outdoor facilities. They are also fortunate to have access to local outdoor facilities for carriage driving.
The group was founded in 1979 by the late Mrs Barbara Stothert and a group of like-minded friends to provide riding for children with disabilities. They are proud to continue with their mission.
Whilst providing physical therapy and fun, their emphasis is on teaching riding and carriage driving for children and adults to the best of their ability.
Each individual rider or carriage driver has their own personal goals, and a dedicated team of RDA-trained volunteer helpers and instructors support them every step of the way. Many of the participants have gained RDA Proficiency Test certificates in horse care, riding and carriage driving; others reach their personal goal of riding independently, mastering the rising trot or perfecting their balance.
If you would like to find out more please visit www.westmorlandrda.org.uk
All in all, 19 local charities from the six Groups within our Province received matched funding donations that evening. A total of £36,000 was presented to them. The monies being raised by the membership of the individual Groups and matched with money from the Provincial Grand Master’s Charity Fund. The feedback has been extremely positive from all in attendance and has made a lasting impression on all the recipients and beneficiaries.
Below are some of the kind comments I have received to date. No doubt there will be many more to follow.
- Thank you so much for this. We had an amazing evening and it was great to meet so many friendly people. We were made to feel so very welcome and everyone ensured we were ok and having a good time.
Thank you again.
Gretl Cook
Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool Manager
- I’m a trustee of the hydrotherapy pool and I do all the social media. I will be doing some posts online about this!
It’s a great organisation.
Ruth Power
- On behalf of CancerCare, Maria and myself, I would like to thank the Provincial Grand Master Bill Bewley, yourself and all the Brethren for inviting us to join you all, for making us all feel incredibly welcome, for your hospitality and of course for the generous donation.
It really was an honour and a privilege to witness the evening and to be part of it, of course, you donation will help us to continue serving the people of our South Lakeland communities.
If possible we would love a copy of the presentation photograph to share across all of our platforms. Thank you again wonderful evening and our offer of a tour of the Lakes Centre is open to you all.
Kind regards,
Richard
Richard Cogger
Community Fundraiser – South Cumbria
