Charity Begins at Baines
As Baines Lodge prepares to host its infamous installation meeting at The Palace in St Anne’s on 9th December 2022, plans were also adopted to turn the annual ‘business meeting’ in to something more fitting for the family identity it has now been closely associated with having.
Worshipful Master John Lee, wanted to shake up some of the lodge’s old traditions by hosting a charity evening in addition to electing and declaring officers for the ensuing year. His aim was to invite speakers from each of the lodge’s nominated charities to give an explanation of the wonderful works they do to assist the most vulnerable in society. The charitable donations could then be presented to each charity in person, and thus, prior to installation meeting itself.
The members fully supported John’s wishes and they too insisted that each representative enjoy the camaraderie, company and the culinary skills of Lee Munro and his fabulous kitchen staff at the subsequent festive board.
As one might imagine, the business of the lodge was dealt with swiftly and efficiently under John’s sway before emotive presentations were delivered by: -
David McKee - The West Lancashire Freemasons Charity
Pat Naylor - Home Start, Blackpool Fylde & Wyre
Amanda Johnson & Ann Lloyd - Great Arley Street School
Paula McKee - Blackpool Care & Share
The members were utterly blown away by the dedication, devotion and commitment that each of the charities were undertaking and performing on a daily basis. The lodge were delighted and proud to have supported each cause with their aims and objectives moving forward. It was duly noted that such financial relief was needed more now than ever before. John was pleased to deliver cheques in the following denominations: -
The West Lancashire Freemasons Charity - £1,000
Home Start UK - £550
Great Arley Street School - £450
Blackpool Care & Share - £450
It was noted that Home Start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre had also been supported by individual sponsorships in support of John Lee and Adrian May who walked up the Big One for £3,700 and Tim Walton who had jumped out of a perfectly good aeroplane from 15,000 feet for £1,000. Great Arley Street School and Blackpool Care & Share had also been supported by the Lodge during Covid.
What followed was a wonderful evening of fun and laughter. The meal was first class and the link between freemasonry and our respective communities wasn’t faceless any longer.
