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District Quizzes Support ELMC and Local Foodbanks

What is a Masonic Toast

A festive board, or dinner, normally follows a lodge meeting. While fairly formal with speeches and toasts it is marked by the sound of friendly discussion, sometimes singing and plenty of fun and laughter.

On the subject of formal Masonic toasts the format of these vary with the lodge but there is always a toast to the Queen and to The Grand Master followed by others which vary according to the ceremony. For instance when there is a new initiate he is toasted and often responds. In some lodges they sing the Initiates song.

District Quizzes Support ELMC and Local Foodbanks

General, Northern

Throughout the Summer many East Ribble Freemasons, family and friends attended five District quizzes and in the process of socialising, quizzing and having a right good laugh, raised the amazing sum of £1,200 for distribution to the ELMC and five local foodbanks.

Assistant District Officer, Charles Ward recently presented a cheque for £600 to Rachel Cookson, the communications officer at Hewlett Court, who was pleased to receive it on behalf of the ELMC. This donation will assist the invaluable work they undertake in support of Freemasons, their families and the local community.

In April 2020, East Ribble District Freemasons recognised a need to help their local foodbanks cope with increasing demand due to the effects of measures taken to fight COVID-19. The District immediately donated £200 to each of five local foodbanks based in Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Clayton with Great Harwood, and Clitheroe. These funds were gratefully received and immediately put to good use.

In addition to this immediate Masonic response, the District quizzes generated a further £600 for distribution as we approach Christmas and what will undoubtedly be a worrying time for many. A further £120 was recently donated to each of the five local foodbanks increasing the donations since April to £320 for each foodbank.

The District quizzes will start again in the new year and will continue to raise funds for donation to good causes.

  • Rachel Cookson receiving a cheque for £600 on behalf of the ELMC from Assistant District Officer, Charles Ward.
  • Volunteer, Bev Pritchard, receiving a cheque for Our Foodbank in Great Harwood.
  • District Charity Steward, Malcolm Roe, presenting a cheque to Blackburn foodbank volunteers.
  • Freemason and volunteer Allan Low at the Accrington Christians Together Foodbank presenting a cheque to Joyce Teasdale, who joined the July quiz to talk about the work of the foodbanks.

Article and Images: East Ribble District Team