Leeds Lodges Christmas Toy Appeal

Stephan Kurth • December 9, 2020
Just a few of the presents being delivered to Leeds Children’s Hospital.

St Wilfrid Lodge and Freemasons from across Leeds have been helping to ensure hundreds of children will receive at least one present this year.

In previous years, members of Lodges and side orders who meet in Headingley’s Castle Grove Masonic Hall have been asked to donate a present or money to buy gifts, which were then donated to a number of local charities. However, because the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of Castle Grove, toy appeal co-ordinator Graham Shiers asked for financial contributions instead, resulting in an avalanche of cash donations in excess of £3000 plus donations of brand new toys and clothing.

Graham , who has coordinated the appeal, said: “The generosity of my fellow Freemasons is just overwhelming, and because of this we are able to increase the list of recipients this year, with The Leeds Children’s Hospital, the Leeds Children’s Charity, the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board,  Barnardo’s.  Leeds Baby Bank, PhysCap Children’s Charity and Homeless Street Angels now benefitting.

“We’ve been blown away by the donations to date. In addition to toys and gifts we are also buying more practical presents including pyjamas and winter clothing. We are also now helping four families via Homeless Street Angels, including a single dad whose partner killed herself two years ago. He lost his job due to struggling with child care – he has a ten year old daughter and has nothing for her so we’ll make sure she has a good Christmas. Never in all our years of being Freemasons have we been prouder of being members of this wonderful fraternity. Despite all the hardships that Covid has inflicted, not only has the local membership risen to the occasion, it has done so to the power of ten, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Another St Wilfrid BBQ Success!

By Stefan • October 12, 2023
After the disappointment when poor weather caused the event to be postponed in July, the second attempt to BBQ in September proved very successful with around thirty members, family and friends attending. The BBQ was generously hosted by Adrian & Annie with Adrian also acting as Chief Chef. The delicious food was complemented by specially brewed beers, courtesy of our resident Master Brewer Andy and his assistant Linda, together with wines and soft drinks. Many thanks go out too to everyone for the generous donations of salads and desserts. Fine dining, good drinking and excellent company! Happily on this occasion, the English summer weather was kind! Again, many thanks to everyone who was able to support or contribute to this event with particular thanks to Adrian, Annie, Andy & Linda for all their hard work. Their and everyone’s generosity has raised a further £715 for the Master’s Charity. Fantastic! From an enjoyment, social and fundraising perspective – the BBQ really was once again a great success

Alfie's Swim Challenge

By Stefan • October 10, 2023
Alfie's Story

Challenge met by St Wilfrid!

By Stefan • August 3, 2023
St Wilfrid Lodge were delighted to take up the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge again after their last outing in 2019 and despite the very mixed weather conditions the four walkers did themselves and the Lodge proud! It was an early start for Gerry, Joe, Paddy and Richard who left the Horton in Ribblesdale start point just after 7am. The Yorkshire Three Peaks includes Pen-y-Ghent , Whernside and Ingleborough . The walkers started their 25-mile route climbing first up Pen-y-Ghent then towards the Ribblehead Viaduct, up Whernside then down to Chapel le Dale, and finally up and down Ingleborough to finish back in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Over 60,000 steps, twelve hours of grit & determination - a superb effort by everyone! Our heroes were raising funds for St George’s Crypt with which the Lodge has had a long association. Its not too late to contribute! Please support them generously using the link : www.justgiving.com/page/bhl-mason-1689178647402 All donations to support St George’s Crypt. Support was given en-route by the WM, Andy, his wife Linda, Jack & Stefan who ensured that they were fed and watered on their challenging task. Well Done Everyone!
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