THE Freemasons in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Herefordshire have a long tradition of supporting local charities, in addition to the donations made nationally to larger causes. This year the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association invited representatives of those local charities to a coffee morning at the Masonic Hall in Kyrle Street, Hereford. They were welcomed by the Provincial Grand Master, Rev David Bowen, and were given a brief talk on the history of Freemasonry and the part that charity plays, by the Provincial Charity Steward, Nick Swan.

They were then invited to say a few words about their charities, with they did with enthusiasm. It was the first time some of the charities had met each other, and they held a lively discussion. Many asked to have the contact details of the other charities, with a view to looking at ways they could collaborate in the future.

The charities present included Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust, Acorns Children's Hospice, Riding for the Disabled, West Mercia Women's Aid, Wye Valley NHS Trust, the Stroke Association, Happy Days, Newton Farm Community Association, Blackmarston School, Martha Trust, Marie Curie, Yeleni Therapy and Support Centre, Asthma Relief Appeal, and Hereford Deaf Children. They received donations totalling more than £18,000, and the total of grants issued by the Masons of Herefordshire for the year was more than £35,000, all raised by the members of the Province themselves and not from the public.

The charities present all expressed their grateful thanks for this support, and enjoyed the occasion.