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Disabled children and their families came together to enjoy a free day at Conkers Adventure and Discovery Centre, Ashby de la Zouch, learning about survival techniques and nature to have fun, build confidence and reduce isolation, thanks to a £150,000 grant from the Freemasons to the Contact charity. Contact, the charity for families with disabled children, is hosting fun events in Leicestershire and across the Midlands. Families got a chance to come together and enjoy Bushcraft and Bug Hunting on the day. Highlights were cooking S’mores (toasted marshmallow sandwiched between chocolate biscuits) over the fires they had built together and finding out where and how creepy crawlies and bugs live, even finding a common newt as well as having time to explore and play. It is one of a host of exciting events being planned in the area, with something to suit all interests including interactive theatre performances, creating stories workshops and “try it” sports days. It was one of the first live events after over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, and parents and children alike were overjoyed to meet up with other families. The grant from Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales. Charlotte Amison, Contact’s Better Together Events Manager, said: “We’re really grateful to the Freemasons for their generous grant. Families with disabled children can feel isolated and alone because they don’t know anyone else in their situation. And the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified those feelings. Our Better Together events are the perfect tonic. They’re not only an opportunity for families to enjoy fun shared experiences, they also boost confidence and help them make friends and support networks.” Peter Kinder, Head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Contact with their wonderful project. It’s difficult enough for disabled children and their families at the best of times, but Covid-19 has inevitably led to greater isolation. These events are a marvellous way for them to have fun and boost their confidence.”

Saturday 14th August 2021 was the day that Robin Manchester of the Leicestershire & Rutland Rotary Lodge had opted to step out of an aeroplane travelling nearly 3 miles above the Earth. Why would he do this? To support the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 festival and the fantastic work undertaken by the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Over the past eighteen months, Rob had kept in touch with his fellow Freemasons and expanded his friendship group to others around the country using online masonic discussion groups. Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry. The organisation provides a support structure that helps members make positive contributions to communities and worthwhile causes through fundraising events or volunteer work. Several members of the group decided it would be a good idea to raise money for charity by performing a skydive. The changeable British summer weather did not dampen the mood, or indeed the conditions for the jump, which took place at Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire. Training and coaching were given by the excellent team who were also on hand to calm any last-minute nerves as Rob and the team entered the aeroplane and took to the skies. So far Rob has raised over three thousand pounds, with more support coming in every day. If you would still like to support Rob and his amazing jump, you can do so here: http://www.justgiving.com/rob-manchester Afterwards, Rob said, “I would certainly recommend this for anyone of any age and a great way to raise funds whilst having fun and enjoying literally breath-taking views. The team at Skydive Hibaldstow are so friendly and put your nerves at ease whilst always remaining professional and making safety the ultimate priority”.

Saturday 31st July was a busy day at the Loughborough Masonic Hall. The doors were opened at 12noon to allow local Freemasons, friends, and family to attend a service to dedicate the new doors to a dear departed friend and member, Mike Smallman. A brand-new plaque was unveiled by Audrie Smallman, who was accompanied by the Provincial Senior Grand Warden of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, Alan Roberts. Both Audrey and Alan expressed their heartfelt thanks for the dedication, as they reminisced the work carried out by Mike over the years on behalf of the Freemasons. Afterwards, the doors were kept open as people were invited in for refreshments and a tour around the splendid Lodge room and facilities. The day was a huge success, and a superb way to commemorate the life and works of Mike Smallman.

On the 14th August 2021, Robin Manchester of the Leicestershire & Rutland Rotary Lodge will be stepping out of an aeroplane travelling at a height of 15,000 feet. The jump, taking place at Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire, is in support of the 2022 Festival as we aim to reach our target of £1.8m for charities and good causes. Every single penny helps, if you are able to give to this daring jump, then please do so by using this link: Www.justgiving.com/rob-manchester Every pound raised will be put to good use by the Masonic Charitable Foundation, and will be another step closer to our target of £1.8m by next year.

The Loughborough Carillon is well known as a war memorial to honour and remember those who lost their lives in the two world wars. However, for many visitors, it is also a museum with artifacts, documents, and memorabilia of the events of those wars and how they relate to the people of Loughborough. This iconic landmark of the town, towering 151 feet, or 46 metres high, was built between 1922 and 1923. In recent times, a large-scale renovation and the onset of the Covid19 pandemic have meant uncertain times, but thanks to local donations, the ambitious plans of the trustees point to a bright future. One such donation was a £2,000 gift from local Freemasons, of the Howe & Charnwood Lodge in Loughborough and the Leicestershire & Rutland masonic Charity Association. Always ready to assist local good causes, the Freemasons dug deep to ensure the War Memorial and Bell Tower could prosper in these uncertain times. Mr Mel Gould, Chair of the Trustees of the Loughborough Carillon Tower & War Memorial Museum said, “The museum had been through a difficult period, first with a major renovation of the tower and then the onset of Covid19. This generous donation will help us achieve the ambitious plans we have for the future but also and equally important it demonstrates the support local people have for unique and iconic carillon.” Chris Barsby, Charity Steward of the Howe & Charnwood Lodge said, “We were only too pleased to assist this iconic landmark of the town and look forward to seeing what can be achieved in the future.” Pictured left to right: Norman King & Chris Barsby of the Howe & Charnwood Lodge of Freemasons, Mel Gould, Chair of the Trustees of the Loughborough Carillon Tower & War Memorial Museum

For many years Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons have supported many charities with unbridled enthusiasm, but few could boast such fraternal support as the Menphys Charity, based on Bassett Street in South Wigston. On 2nd June 2021, the anniversary of Her Majesty’s coronation, The Menphys Charity was awarded the prestigious national award to recognise the outstanding work of their volunteer group who benefit their local communities. Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE, will present Menphys with the crystal rose bowl and certificate later in summer. For over fifty years, Menphys has been providing a range of holistic, impartial, and specialist services to families, funded through their own resources and in partnership with statutory authorities and other voluntary sector groups, such as the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons. More recently, many local Freemasons and their Lodges, have chosen the charity to be the specific annual lodge charity or it has been the beneficiary of match funding by the province through activities and events completed by freemasons. This much needed funding has helped Menphys to provide a range of specialist services to support children and young adults with additional needs and disabilities, and their families. It strives to give young people equal choices, equal opportunities to allow them to live ordinary lives, through a meeting identified needs with effective support in line with current legislation and codes of good practice. The Menphys President, Jennifer, Lady Gretton, said she was “…absolutely delighted that Menphys has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is testament to the work of so many people, in particular our outstanding team of volunteers, who have been providing support and greater choices to local children and their families for over 50 years.” Her words were echoed by Menphys CEO, and subscribing member of Bradgate Lodge, W.Bro. Ian Caldwell, who said that “Our volunteers, like those in all charities, are a key part of our team, helping us to deliver vital support and respite to families. The Queen’s Award is a wonderful tribute to many years of tireless work and commitment from so many people.” Martin Traynor OBE, Chair of Trustees, “Menphys makes a vital contribution to the lives of children and families across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, where we are continually developing and evolving services to meet changing and growing needs. This Award is a wonderful recognition of the work of all our volunteers and staff, and the generosity and support of local people.” If you would like to support this worthwhile charity and help local disadvantaged young people in the community, please use the following contact details: Further information or enquiries about Menphys Contact our Head of Fundraising and Marketing Liam Deacy at Liam.Deacy@Menphys.Org.Uk or 01455 323 020.

More than 30,000 young people with disabilities and special educational needs will be able to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, thanks to a grant of £300,000 from the Freemasons. The Freemasons have become a strategic partner of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), funding a new national programme to upskill its team and volunteers. The programme will also help enrol more schools and clubs, to ensure all young people have access to DofE. To make it possible, the Freemasons and the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), the Freemasons’ charity, have teamed up to enable the charity to reach at least 30,000 young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by 2024. The ambition is to increase the number of centres, such as schools and youth groups, offering DofE to young people with SEND and train hundreds of Leaders – trained individuals supporting groups of young people through their DofE journeys. The programme has been designed to make DofE participation possible for students with diverse difficulties and disabilities. It will help the students to build crucial personal life skills, develop employability skills and become more independent, and aims to offer students the same experiences available to their peers in mainstream education. The impact of achieving a DofE Award is remarkable and will be life-changing for young people with physical or learning difficulties, who are often excluded from adventurous activities due to a lack of accessible equipment, facilities, trained support staff and funding. The programme aims to increase the opportunities for young people with special needs, as well as increasing the number of specialist Leaders by providing bespoke training to adults supervising young people with special needs. The aim is to have 240 more adults trained to support young people with SEND by 2024. The initiative also includes a plan to offer support to new delivery partners that work with young people with SEND, to encourage them to offer the DofE. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, who founded the DofE in 1956, was himself a Freemason, having been introduced to Freemasonry in 1952 at the age of 31 by his father-in-law King George VI. Throughout his 99 years, he was associated with some 992 charities, either as president, patron or honorary member. Peter Kinder, Head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was well known for his charity work, having been involved with numerous organisations. We are delighted to join in with other Freemasons around the country to support this initiative and to honour Prince Philip's memory. Helping young people with special educational needs and becoming a strategic partner of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is, therefore, a great honour for us. Caroline Glen, Director of Fundraising, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “We’re very grateful to the Freemasons for their generous grant, which will give many thousands of young people with disabilities and special educational needs the chance to take part in the DofE and gain its life-changing benefits. This is a wonderful and very practical way to continue The Duke’s amazing legacy and to spread the benefits of the DofE further than ever before.” The Freemasons work on average 18.5 million hours each year as volunteers in various areas, including driving vulnerable people to the hospital, preparing meals, taking care of people at risk, organising care packages, and producing scrubs, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitiser. They also donated more than £1m last year to the Covid-19 support effort, with the funds being used to help communities in various critical areas, including food banks, support for unpaid carers, PPE, supplies for hospitals and hospices, support for women's refuges, and funds for NHS workers, ambulances and equipment.

Provincial Grand Master and Head of Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons were interviewed on BBC Radio Leicester today and initiate Mehman Ismayilli on the growing list of young people wanting to be initiated into Freemasonry. If you interested in becoming a freemason click on the link within the website, fill the form in, and someone will be in touch with you very soon. Thank you.

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has launched its first annual report, in its 300 year history, marking another major step forward in its commitment to modernisation, transparency and normalization. The annual report includes the new mission statement, which sits alongside the UGLE’s four key values of integrity, respect, friendship and charity. In addition, a recent study found that 75% of Freemasons take part in civic or charitable activities, compared to only 31% of non-Freemasons, in a matched geodemographic profile. Dr David Staples, chief executive of the UGLE, said: 'Our first ever annual report is a major step ahead for the organisation in terms of the transparency and normalisation of Freemasonry, we want to tell the public who we are and what we do. This year, we have raised more than £42m for charity and given more than 18.5 million hours of our time in unpaid social and civic volunteering. I am enormously proud to serve an organisation with such a story to tell.' The vast majority of the beneficiaries of charitable grants from Masonic charities are not themselves Freemasons. In fact, 90% of the donations are given to thousands of projects and people across the country to provide relief from suffering, misfortune and poverty. Only 10% of the total money disbursed goes to UGLE members and families, on a means-tested basis. During the pandemic, it was gratifying to discover that fewer than 2% of the UGLE membership were actively considering leaving Freemasonry. The UGLE had planned for a significantly higher drop in membership, comprising those leaving because of financial hardship and those sadly passing away. Instead, the vast majority are greatly looking forward to things returning to normal and to resuming their Masonic lives. Elsewhere, many members responded magnificently to the crisis, raising £3m for those in need across the UK, via the Covid Community Fund. In the early days of the pandemic, the group prioritised the need for personal protective equipment, food-based projects and the supply of tablets to hospitals and nursing homes to enable Covid-19 sufferers to contact family members. Now, the project is focusing on helping homeless people, young carers and mental health projects. The essence of Freemasonry is the practise of charity. It is so inextricably linked that every Lodge meeting includes a charity collection and every Lodge and Province has a charity steward, who is responsible for coordinating the financial commitments and voluntary actions of the members. Many of the charitable efforts of the UGLE and its members are channelled through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons’ primary charitable grant-giving body. Among other charities that the UGLE is actively supporting is the Freemasons’ Fund for Surgical Research (FFSR), which supports the Research Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) with grants each year to pursue cutting-edge research work, which might otherwise not have been funded. For more than 50 years, the FFSR has supported much groundbreaking research and many of the Fellows have gone on to distinguished careers. In addition to the RCS, the Freemasons also support Lifelites, which gives life-limited and disabled children in hospices the chance to play and be creative, through the power of assistive technology. Since taking over as CEO of the 200,000-member UGLE, Dr Staples has targeted many improvements within the organisation. 'The challenges I have set myself are to improve the public perception and understanding of Freemasonry, and to improve the administration of the organisation, modernising our systems and processes within this context,' he explained. In the last few years therefore, Freemasons have been busy modernising and launching campaigns inviting the public to experience the world of Freemasonry. As a result, since 2018 the public’s perception of Freemasonry has improved significantly, according to external opinion surveys. 'All the effort and transparency has brought surprising results. Recent research showed that one in four people would consider joining Freemasonry today. The change is significant, because in 2018, the result of the same survey was one in ten,' explained Dr Staples. The same research showed that those aged 18-34 are the most favourable towards the organisation, suggesting a real opportunity exists to engage and attract a newer, younger membership. Looking to these segments of the public, the UGLE has done much in recent years to encourage younger men, such as establishing the Universities Scheme and the New and Young Masons Clubs. Currently, the Universities Scheme has approximately 3,500 subscribing members. Furthermore, a new cafe is opening next year within Freemasons Hall, with the objective of allowing the general public to experience the historic building, alongside new digital tours and a brand new visitors’ shop. Improvements are also being made in communications. For the first time, the UGLE is able to talk directly and regularly with its membership, and a planned member survey will ensure that Freemasons will have be able to provide feedback directly to the organisation. Further modernisation is underway with Project Hermes, a modern and simple web-based system to be used by Lodge and Chapter secretaries, which will transform the way in which the organisation is administered and mark an end to lengthy, manual form-filling processes. One of the major design principles of Hermes is that it must be intuitive and easy to operate, similar to using an online banking system. Looking further ahead, an important milestone to be celebrated is the consecration of Lodge number 10,000, which will be duly heralded next year. That and other upcoming events will offer the UGLE the chance to match its Tercentary celebration in 2017 at the Royal Albert Hall. These occasions demonstrate the richness and importance of the Freemasons’ history and heritage, as well as the essential benevolence of the organisation’s core values and teachings – all while showcasing the fun side of Freemasonry.

The Provincial Grand Master and brethren of Leicestershire and Rutland are deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We pass on our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this difficult time,

The inaugural celebration of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day is set to take place on 5 July 2021, with Freemasons leading the event. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the governing body for Freemasons, is inviting its 200,000 members to fly specially designed flags at 10 am on 5 July, to celebrate this unique day dedicated to the NHS, social care and all those that work on the front line, who have saved so many lives during the pandemic. The celebration will also remember those workers we sadly lost. The UGLE is one of the core supporters of the event alongside the Cadet Forces, English Heritage and the Women’s Institute. A £5 donation from every flag and length of bunting made will be equally divided between NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association. Freemasonry for Women and the Order of Women Freemasons have also joined the UGLE in this initiative, as Freemasons aim to set a record for the number of flags raised simultaneously across the nation. Subsequently, at 11 am, Freemasons are planning a moment’s silence to remember NHS workers and all those who died from Covid-19. The day continues with a toast to the NHS at 1 pm, raising a cuppa to the NHS during afternoon tea at 3 pm, followed by an address to the nation at 6 pm. At 8 pm, the Freemasons will join the nation in an evening clap for NHS workers, while church bells are set to ring 73 times to celebrate 73 years of the NHS. Closing the celebrations at 9 pm, there will be a #timetotoast for all NHS workers. So far, nearly 37 Lodges and Provinces have made a commitment to the raising of the flag and other elements of the day. In addition, Northumberland Freemason, Nicholas Deakin, is hosting a special live streaming theatre show from the Tyne Theatre & Opera House with compere, comics, singers, reading, video footage and messages of support to raise money on the day. Bruno Peek, pageant master to the Queen and creator of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day, said: “We are delighted that Freemasons, whose members come from all walks of life, are playing such a high profile and active role to start this special day of celebration and commemoration of those within the NHS, Social Care and on the Frontline who undertake so much for us all, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and fifty-two weeks a year, without any thought of their own safety.” In addition, Dr David Staples, chief executive of the UGLE, and a Consultant in Acute Internal Medicine at Peterborough Hospital, said: “We are facing the greatest global pandemic in living memory, and the NHS has never been so tested in its history. Its staff have been stretched beyond comprehension over the last year and they deserve our gratitude, our applause and all the support we can give. We are encouraging not only our 200,000 members but the entire population to celebrate the day honouring and remembering the NHS workers with a complete programme of events on 5 July.” Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Freemasons have been supporting the NHS in a great many different ways. They have donated more than £2.5m so far to the Covid effort and complete 18.5 million hours of volunteering to help those in need each year. The donation is being used to help with food, personal protective equipment (PPE), supplements for hospitals and hospices, funds for NHS workers and ambulances. Freemasons have also offered their Lodges as bases to administer vital vaccinations. In Hertfordshire, for example, Halsey Hall is being used as a vaccination centre, supporting three local GP surgeries. The centre has been operational since 15 January and once fully scaled up, there will be up to 1,000 vaccinations given there each day. Meanwhile, Freemasons are rising to the challenge to provide essential PPE to protect the vulnerable and the NHS. Thousands of visors have already been produced, with several businesses adapting their production lines to meet demand. In Norwich, for example, Colin Breckons has been making face shields with his company’s 3D printers – and giving them away free to the NHS and other key workers. To find out more about NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day and to register your participation in the event, please visit: www.nhsfrontlineday.org

Freemasons’ Hall has announced its first Organ Concert of 2021, which will take place on 30 March, at 7 pm. The event, being held virtually, will showcase the magnificent Willis pipe 0rgan, which resides in the Grand Temple of Freemasons' Hall in London, an art deco masterpiece completed in 1933. The concert is to be given by Carl Jackson, MVO, director of music at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and he has held organ scholarships at Downing College, Cambridge, and his current base of Chapel Royal. Before his current role at Hampton Court Palace, Mr Jackson taught at Goldsmiths’ College, and he has held positions at Croydon Minster and St Peter’s, Eaton Square. He has also appeared regularly on television with the Chapel Royal choir and features with them on CDs. He was appointed MVO in the 2012 New Year Honours list. Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England, commented: “It is an honour to welcome Carl Jackson to perform for our first Organ Concert of 2021. The various lockdowns the country has faced during the pandemic have left many people feeling isolated and lonely. The virtual concert will bring world-class music and joy into people's homes whilst also allowing the audience to take in some of the stunning architecture of our headquarters here in London.” The concert will be held at Freemasons’ Hall, designed as a pentagon to suit the irregular area in which it is located. Built-in the central courtyard of the splendid art deco building, the Grand Temple is rich with multi-coloured blue, gold, and white details.