THE year 2017 sees the tercentenary of the foundation of the original Masonic Grand Lodge, in London in 1717. As part of the celebrations, Royal Edward Lodge in Leominster opened its doors to the public and invited representatives of a number of local charities to receive donations. In addition, a number of unusual and interesting items of Masonic interest were displayed.

A total of £3,825 was distributed to the charities present, a worthy way of marking the significance of the 300th anniversary of Freemasonry in England and Wales. The local charities benefitting included the Air Training Corps; Echo, working with disabled people across the county; Marches Family Network, working with families and young people with disabilities and special needs; Kyre Riding for the Disabled, serving the Bromyard/Tenbury region; and Leominster Priory Church.

In addition, a cheque for £500 was presented to the mayor of Leominster, Cllr Roger Pendleton for his designated charity, the Children's Ward at Hereford County Hospital, and another cheque for the same amount to Cllr Angela Pendleton, who was Mayor 2016-2017, for her designated charity of Dementia Friendly Leominster.

A further donation went to Teddies for Loving Care, a charity run by Freemasons, which provides teddies for children who are admitted to A&E units and to hospitals throughout the country, including the Hereford County Hospital. These have been shown to provide some comfort and help to ease the distress of children in frightening situations.

All the recipients warmly thanked the members of the Royal Edward Lodge for their generosity in providing much-needed funds to enable them to continue in their invaluable work.

All those present enjoyed a relaxed and informal morning at the Leominster Masonic Centre, which gave those representing local charities an opportunity to share experiences and discuss matters of mutual concern, and to meet members of the lodge which had provided such generous support for the local community.