Sir Joseph Banks Lodge donations keep community activities on the right track

Scouting activities for about 70 members of the Wragby Scout Group  have been given a £500 cash boost by Freemasons of the Sir Joseph Banks Daylight Lodge in Horncastle.

The group caters for members aged between four and 25 in a number of groups, each of which organises adventures for themselves,  improving confidence and learning valuable skills. Families who may not be able to afford trips for their children aren’t excluded, with the group subsidising those members.

In the picture (left) Sir Joseph Banks Daylight Lodge Charity Steward Rick Dunkley is making the presentation to Group Leader Tammy Dolling. The money has come from Lincolnshire Freemasons’ New Provincial Benevolent Fund, which next year will give £1,000 to each of Lincolnshire’s 76 Freemasons Lodges to give to one or two good causes of the members’ choosing.

MEANWHILE, Lodge members have also given £150 to Horncastle Community Larder to support its work in delivering  food parcels to people on recommendation from social services, schools, and doctors.

Lodge Charity Steward Rick Dunkley said: “They cover Horncastle and surrounding areas within a five-mile radius, and work closely with neighbouring food banks. Delivering avoids queuing and therefore preserves dignity. They operate from a building provided by Sir Joseph Banks Lodge, and also can provide grants for clothing and other essentials for families.”

He added that the food bank also provided  lessons in cookery and money management, and could provide grants for emergencies.

In the picture (right) shows Rick is presenting a cheque for £150 from a lodge collection to Isabel Forrester and Paul Scott.