A Year of Charity and Community: Bro. David Hall’s Fundraising Journey

As his time as Worshipful Master drew to a close, Bro. David Hall and his wife Michelle were determined to mark the occasion in a way that reflected the values at the heart of Freemasonry — charity, community, and fellowship. Over the course of 2025, they organised a series of fundraising events that brought people together and raised vital funds for causes close to their hearts.

Supporting Dementia Charities — A Personal Mission

The first of these events took place on Saturday 31st May 2025 at Freemasons Hall, London Road, and was dedicated to supporting Dementia U.K. and Alzheimer’s U.K.

The cause held deep personal significance for him. His father, who was cared for in the Masonic Care Home in York, passed away in 2023 at the age of 91 from a dementia-related illness. This fundraising evening was both a tribute to his father’s memory and an opportunity to give back to the organisations that support so many families.

The event was a resounding success, welcoming 51 diners who also enjoyed a special visit to the Holmes Lodge room. The Holmes Dining Room, beautifully decorated by Tracey, the event manager, provided an elegant setting for the evening’s festivities.

Michelle organised a superb raffle, and thanks to the generosity of all those who attended, £1,100 was raised on the night. This amount was then match funded by the Masonic Charities Office, bringing the total to £2,200. Through the support of the Charities Office, two local branches — Dementia U.K. and Alzheimer’s U.K. in Leicestershire and Rutland — each received £1,100.

Honouring a Hero — A Memorial for Police Dog Zyla

A few months later, on Sunday 7th September 2025, a second fundraising event took place at Beedles Lake Golf Club, this time focusing on a cause that deeply touched the local community: raising funds for a memorial for police dog Zyla.

Zyla tragically lost her life at Watermead Park, Leicester, while assisting her handler Karen during an attempted arrest. The brave dog gave her life in the line of duty, and it was important to ensure her service and sacrifice would be remembered.

Together, Michelle and Karen organised a wide range of raffle prizes and collected generous donations from attendees. Their efforts resulted in £1,585 being raised for the memorial. It was a moving event, uniting the community in support of a local hero.

Looking Ahead — Supporting Pete Lewin Newfoundlands

Although his period as Worshipful Master has now concluded, charitable efforts have not stopped. The next donation will go to Pete Lewin Newfoundlands, a non-profit organisation led by retired paramedic Pete Lewin. The group uses Newfoundland dogs for water rescue demonstrations and community support work, providing valuable services and inspiration across the region.

A donation of £500 from Lodge raffle funds has been pledged, and a match funding request is currently under consideration by the Masonic Charities Office. This support will help the organisation continue its important, and largely self-funded, work.

A Legacy of Generosity

Through these three initiatives, David and his wife have demonstrated the true spirit of Freemasonry — compassion, community involvement, and charitable giving. From supporting dementia charities in honour of a loved one, to commemorating the bravery of a police dog, and backing local community organisations, their efforts have made a meaningful difference.

The success of these events would not have been possible without the support of fellow brethren, friends, and the wider community. Their generosity and enthusiasm helped turn ideas into impactful action, leaving a lasting legacy of goodwill.