East Lancashire Freemasons recently took to the airwaves on Roch Valley Radio’s Business and Community Spotlight Show, where Geoff Kirkham was joined by John Taylor and Vince Dover from East Lancashire Masonic Charities.
The interview gave listeners an opportunity to hear more about the charitable work carried out by Freemasons across East Lancashire, while also addressing some long-standing misconceptions about Freemasonry.
To listen to the interview, please click on the link below:
https://listen.rochvalleyradio.com/1423195
More Than 300 Years of Freemasonry
Vince explained that Freemasonry is a members’ organisation with a history stretching back more than 300 years.
It has no political or religious affiliation and brings together people from a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life.
At the heart of Freemasonry are four core values: integrity, friendship, respect, and service.
These values encourage members not only to develop personally but also to play an active and positive role in their communities.
While the ceremonies and traditions of Freemasonry remain an important part of the organisation, Vince was keen to emphasise the friendships, social activities and charitable responsibilities that also form a major part of Masonic life.
Supporting Communities Across East Lancashire
One of the main themes of the interview was that Masonic charity is about much more than simply handing over a cheque.
Freemasons support a wide range of organisations working with young people, older people, vulnerable individuals, sports clubs, social groups and community projects.
Support can also include practical help. Members may volunteer their time, provide stewards for events, or assist organisations with activities and projects.
Vince explained that Freemasonry is increasingly trying to be more visible within local communities and to demonstrate the positive contribution its members make.
Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds Going Back Into the Community
John highlighted the scale of Masonic charitable giving across the area.
In the previous year, East Lancashire Freemasons donated around £52,000 directly to local charities, while the national Masonic charity provided approximately £388,000 to organisations within East Lancashire.
Beneficiaries mentioned during the interview included Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Carers Link, Home-Start, JSense, Lancashire Mind, Oasis Community Hub,b and Rochdale Connections Trust.
John explained that the money ultimately comes from Freemasons themselves and is then directed towards organisations where it can make a genuine difference.
He described Freemasonry as somewhere between a hobby and a way of life, with three important elements: personal development through Masonic tradition, the social side of membership, and the charitable work carried out by members.
For John, seeing the impact of money raised and donated is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Freemason.
Local Grants of Up to £5,000
East Lancashire Masonic Charities provides funding directly to smaller organisations throughout the region.
John explained that local grants are typically available for amounts of up to £5,000, with organisations such as Middleton Pop Stars, Salford Lads and Girls Club, the Scouts, and Jolly Josh in Rochdale having received support.
Importantly, members of the charity also visit the organisations they support.
This enables Freemasons to see first-hand how the funding is being used and the difference it is making to beneficiaries.
Larger Grants of Up to £60,000
For larger projects, charities can access funding through the national Masonic charity, recently renamed The Freemasons’ Charity.
Grants through the national organisation can reach approximately £60,000.
John said that once multi-year grants are taken into account, more than half a million pounds of national Masonic funding has been supporting good causes in East Lancashire.
Another recent development is the Community Fund.
One example highlighted during the programme was a donation of almost £25,000 to the Water Adventure Centre in Droylsden, which works with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them take part in sport and other positive activities.
Dispelling the Myths Around Freemasonry
Geoff also raised the historic perception of Freemasonry as a secretive organisation.
Vince acknowledged that Freemasonry’s traditional approach had sometimes created unnecessary mystery and misconceptions.
He explained that modern Freemasonry is far more open and that information about the organisation, its activities, and its traditions is readily available.
He also acknowledged that Freemasons have perhaps not always been good enough at publicising the positive work they carry out.
That is now changing, with a greater emphasis on showing the wider community exactly how Freemasonry contributes to society.
Friendship, Community and Membership
There are currently approximately 3,000 Freemasons across East Lancashire, although membership has declined in recent years.
Both John and Vince encouraged anyone curious about Freemasonry to find out more.
Potential members can visit a lodge, meet existing Freemasons,s and even join them for a meal before making any decision about membership.
Vince was particularly keen to stress that making an enquiry does not create any obligation to join.
People are welcome to visit, ask questions, and learn about Freemasonry before deciding whether it is right for them.
The interview also touched on the wider decline in membership and volunteering that many community organisations have seen since the COVID pandemic.
Vince suggested that changes in the way people socialise have affected many organisations, not just Freemasonry.
However, he said that those who do become involved often quickly embrace the friendship, charitable work, and sense of community that membership provides.
One of the most memorable observations during the interview was the Masonic idea that new members are simply strangers you haven’t met yet, and that those strangers can quickly become lifelong friends.
How Community Organisations Can Apply for Funding
Community organisations looking for financial support are encouraged to contact East Lancashire Masonic Charities.
There are charity stewards representing each of the six areas across East Lancashire.
They can speak directly with an organisation, understand what support is required and, where appropriate, help submit an application to the funding committee.
John explained that the vast majority of suitable applications receive support and that a lack of available funds is rarely the reason an application is unsuccessful.
Local funding is generally available up to around £5,000, although additional funding can sometimes increase this to approximately £10,000.
Larger projects can be referred to the national charity, where grants of up to £60,000 may be available.
A Much Wider Charitable Reach
The discussion also demonstrated that Masonic charity extends well beyond East Lancashire.
Vince highlighted support for medical research, including work relating to cancer and diabetes, as well as assistance following major disasters and investment in projects such as lifeboats and specialist emergency-service equipment.
The message was clear: much of this work happens quietly, without significant publicity, despite the considerable amounts of money and support involved.
A Force for Good in the Community
The Roch Valley Radio interview provided a valuable opportunity to show a side of Freemasonry that many people may never have encountered.
Behind the traditions and history is an organisation whose members raise substantial funds, volunteer their time, and support hundreds of community organisations.
For charities and community groups across East Lancashire, the message from John and Vince was equally straightforward:
If your organisation needs support, get in touch.
And for anyone who has ever wondered what Freemasonry is really about, the invitation is just as open: visit, ask questions, meet the members, and find out for yourself.