Freemasons in Bournemouth and the New Forest donated more than £100,000 to local charities and good causes in just 12 months.

Two celebration evenings – at Bournemouth and Lymington – saw dozens of recipients collect cheques and explain what their organisation does in the community. As well as donating to national Masonic charities, local lodges raise money to support groups in their communities.

The New Forest event was attended by the Mayor of Ringwood, Councillor Rae Frederick, the Mayor of New Milton, Councillor Alvin Reid and the Deputy Mayor of Lymington and Pennington, Councillor Colm McCarthy.

The Bournemouth evening was attended by town mayor, Councillor George Farquhar, and mayor-elect, Councillor Jackie Edwards.

Councillor Farquhar said:

“It is like a homecoming attending the Freemasonry in the Community events because of all the friendship and fraternity. I’m glad Freemasons are spreading their message. They’ve been around for 400 years and they need to be here for another 400 years.”

Chris Lockwood, who heads the Freemasons in Bournemouth and the New Forest, said:

“We are very grateful to all the dignitaries who attended the two events. And we are grateful that so many charity representatives were able to attend, receive a cheque and tell the packed rooms a little bit about what they do."

“As well as donating to national Masonic charities that donate millions of pounds across the country, every lodge raises money for local charities. These are often small groups that work in our communities and the events allow them to explain what they do."

“These evenings also enable charities to meet each other, network and often new relationships are formed. We heard much about the increasing pressures people are facing with the cost-of-living rising and we will continue to do our best for the communities we live in.”

The total raised and distributed was £106,000.

Above Photo: Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor George Farquhar, Mayor-elect Councillor Jackie Edwards and Chris Lockwood holding the cheque for £106,000