The 2021 Castle Grove Masonic Festive Toy and Gift Appeal

Stephan Kurth • October 1, 2021

Despite Castle Grove being shut and Lodges unable to meet, the response from Castle Grove Brethren, Lodges, Chapters and Side Orders for the 2020 Toy & Gift Appeal was truly overwhelming.  Over £3,000 was donated by Lodges and Brethren which enabled us to purchase toys and gifts on your behalf to help six organisations, recognising the work they do for children and young people.

Through your generosity we were able to buy over 900 toys and gifts, plus we received donations of brand new clothing, toys and, from one major manufacturer, five huge cartons of bath toys and children’s feeding sets.

The gifts were donated on your behalf to:

  • The Leeds Children’s Hospital – received toys, books, toiletries;
  • Leeds Baby Bank – received toys, feeding sets and essential baby products including nappies, baby wipes, nappy sacks, nappy cream, baby shampoo/lotion/wash to provide packs of essentials for families in need over the Christmas period;
  • Leeds Children’s Charity which looks after children from the most deprived areas of Leeds – received toys, books, toiletries, pyjamas, hats, scarves, gloves and blankets;
  • The Leeds Jewish Welfare Board – received Chanukah toys, books, toiletries, pyjamas, hats, scarves, gloves for 24 children under their care;
  • Broomfield SILC – received 225 foam glow sticks for who children require sensory gifts due to their complex needs;
  • Homeless Street Angels – we donated a large number of toys, gifts, toiletries, pyjamas , hats, scarves and gloves for five families under their care

The Covid 19 situation has pushed many families into awful difficulties, both financially and mentally, with children suffering terribly as a result. So yet again I am appealing for your help in bringing some level of joy to those young ones this December. Although Castle Grove has re-opened and Lodges are meeting, rather than receiving donations of gifts we are again asking for donations of money with which we can purchase a range of suitable gifts on your behalf.

Please donate by bank transfer and use the reference: TA.(+ Your Surname and Lodge Number)

If however you wish to donate toys and gifts (must be new) rather than money, please bring them to Castle Grove Masonic Hall and leave them in the room adjoining the large Temple where the Loyalty storage cupboards are located – please do not wrap them.

I would also appeal to any Brethren with suitable retail/wholesale business contacts or connections to approach them for donations or discount towards this Appeal – it’s always worth asking!

The deadline for donations is Wednesday 8 December 2021

Please make to donations to:

Account Name: Loyalty Lodge 4971 Charity Account – Special Charity Appeal

Sort Code: 07923 415594

Account No: 07923 415594

Please use the Reference: TA.(Surname and Lodge Number)

With your assistance we can light up a great number of young faces again this year!

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

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By Stefan • October 10, 2023
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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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