The Header Photograph shows Peter Douthwaite, District Chairman of Ashton & Mossley District making a purchase from Craig Patterson and a member of his staff.

The present year, 2020, has seen something none of us could ever have imagined. The Covid – 19 Pandemic has had a devastating effect on our local charities and their work in the Community. Lodges and Chapters from Ashton and Mossley, together with the District team, have come together to give much needed support to some of our local charities.

A donation of £300 was presented to Mossley Foodbank

The fact that Children, who are not able to go to school, and so get a nourishing, and often free, midday meal, has put extra demands on local Food banks.  The Chapter of Union, together with the District team, donated the sum of £300 to both Droylsden and Mossley  Food banks .

Willow Wood Hospice, like many other Hospices, has been unable to raise funds through their Charity shops at this time. So Kershaw, Union, Westholme, Duke of Athol, and Minerva Lodges, together with Unity and Mossley Chapters and Skelmersdale Lodge of Mark Master Masons donated a combined total of £3,350 to Willow Wood.

A further donation of £300 was presented to Droylsden Foodbank

Mossley Lodge and Prince Alfred Lodge considered which charity to support and decided that one of the most devastating problems for society in general was homelessness. So they  decided  to support a charity that helps our local homeless by donating, between them, the sum of £800 to Emmaus, in Mossley.

Not only have our members been giving monies, but time.  In particular by making calls and delivering shopping to those who are shielding.  One person in particular is Craig Patterson, a family butcher in Mossley, and a member of Prince Alfred Lodge. Craig has received  a Special Recognition Award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.“The award recognises the appreciation of the people of Greater Manchester for the altruistic acts of thoughtfulness and kindness during the C-19 Pandemic”

Craig Patterson with his Special Recognition Award

Thank you to all the Lodges and Chapters who answered my appeal and the magnificent effort they made to raise a Grand Total of £4,750.

Peter Douthwaite

District Chairman of Ashton & Mossley District

Photographs by Kevin Hall, DCO. The Header Photograph shows Peter Douthwaite, District Chairman of Ashton & Mossley District making a purchase from Craig Patterson and a member of his staff.