AN invited tour of the extensive new £8 million build at St Michael's Hospice on the last day of 2014 by Herefordshire Freemasons, reflected the extent of appreciation for their continued and committed support.

In the presence of Ruth Denison, fundraising manager at the hospice, the Right Worshipful Brother The Reverend David Bowen, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, accompanied by fellow Freemasons, was informed that the new building would be the most advanced and highly specified in the country.

The new facilities, including the imaginative and highly technical five clusters of four bedded areas for in-patients, representing a significant increase in capacity, will enable the hospice to sustain its excellent national reputation.

The visiting local Freemasons were also told that the projected £3.2 million refurbishment of the 30 year old part of the existing hospice will take place during the coming 12 months, thus completing a challenging period of development.

The Reverend David Bowen presented a donation of £2804 on behalf of The Freemasons' Grand Charity – since 1984, the charity has donated more than £11 million to hospices in England and Wales – and David Hudson, Worshipful Master of Coningsby Lodge presented an additional £500 on behalf of the members of his Hereford Lodge.

Speaking about the donations, David Bowen said: "Freemasons in Herefordshire are pleased that The Freemasons' Grand Charity has continued to provide this vital funding for our local hospice. The care, compassion and support the hospice provides to the community is outstanding and we are delighted that we are able to show our continuing dedication to their cause."