EAST KENT FREEMASONS
COVID-19
NEWS SPECIAL
HOW WE’VE HELPED: Tablet PCs
50
Face Shields
6,775
Food Banks
£17,000
Local Causes
£40,000
MCF Grants
£35,000
SEE INSIDE
FROM THE HEAD OF EAST KENT FREEMASONS Neil Hamilton Johnstone, Provincial Grand Master As Freemasons we are proud of a 300-year history of helping those in need. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic focussed our minds on the dramatic changes to the lives, circumstances and needs of so many people in so many ways. In our Province of East Kent we have been able to respond very positively to the truly exceptional difficulties that the pandemic has brought about. The articles in this publication represent just a small sample of what has been undertaken locally. I know that the challenges presented by the pandemic will always be met with enthusiasm and commitment. As Freemasons we are determined to identify and support such organisations and individuals in these times of unprecedented difficulty. This medical emergency will, of course, pass in due time, but the purposes and positive effects of Freemasonry, both locally and nationally, will remain long afterwards. I thank all those who have made such a difference for so many —and who will, I know, continue to do so.
STABILITY THROUGH THE STORM When the COVID-19 pandemic sent millions of households into lockdown, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), the Freemasons' charity, stepped up their funding for charities and adapted their services for Freemasons and their families, to ensure those most vulnerable were supported through the crisis. In total, 451 local and national charities and initiatives were supported with £2,775,136 in funding between 1 April and 31 July. Every penny was generously donated by Freemasons and their families. In this special report, we give you a flavour of the charitable work done by East Kent Freemasons—from Ashford to Whitstable, from Paddock Wood to Dover, from Maidstone, from Canterbury, from the Medway Towns, from the Isle of Sheppey, from Thanet and from many of the towns and villages in between. If you would like to help us in our work, by joining us as a Freemason, or donating to our 2025 Festival, please see the back page of this magazine.
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ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA SUPPORT THANK THE MCF
“I just wanted to let you know that the £1,000 you so kindly applied for from the Masonic Charitable Foundation arrived in our bank account today. I am writing to give our thanks and to acknowledge the donation.
Clive Liley of Northfleet Lodge and other Lodges in the Gravesend, Hoo and Rochester area were delighted to donate £1,000 to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support. Clive has personal experience with the Association. His mother Jean uses their services: and Clive thinks their help is fantastic.
It was so kind of you to think of us and to make an application in support of us.” Sheila Buckley Fundraiser
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3D PRINTERS AND AN MCF GRANT HELP BEARSTED CLINIC AND OTHER FRONT-LINE STAFF Bearsted Medical Practice sent out an urgent request for protective visors. Three engineering hobby group members of the Bearsted Patient Participation Group (PPG) responded with offers to use their 3D printers to manufacture the visors.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation gave £500 from its COVID-19 Disaster Fund towards the cost of raw materials, helping PPG to provide 1,000 face visors to front-line workers, doctors, pharmacies, care home workers and care visitors in Maidstone and North Kent.
Says Freemason Roy Brooks: “These guys didn’t sit around. They got straight on with it, and we and the MCF were only too happy to make a donation to help keep the visors coming”. “The community of Bearsted and beyond owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all those who worked on this project and who contributed in various ways to its extraordinary success. The efficiency and speed with which the project team delivered visors to help fill the gap in PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic should surely serve as a model for effective, unheralded and unselfish community action. Who knows how many lives were saved?” Bearsted Patient Participation Group 4
SAMSUNG TABLETS FOR HARMONIA
Take it from us—all smiles behind the masks!
Lodges and individuals in the Dover area raised £1,490 and bought ten Kindle Fire tablet computers to allow the residents of Harmonia village to contact family and friends during the COVID-19 lockdown. A highly-skilled team of nurses and carers are there to support the residents, who all have dementia, to live as independently as they can.
“A huge thanks for the purchase of the ten Kindle Fire 10-inch tablets by local Freemasons in East Kent. These will be a great resource for our residents”. Rupert Williamson. Senior Strategic Development Manager East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust 5
THE MCF AND THE 2025 FESTIVAL The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is the principal funding agency run on behalf of all Freemasons. Once every decade or so, Freemasons in each area launch a six-yearlong Festival in which they set themselves a fundraising target. East Kent Freemasons have pledged themselves to raise a whopping £3.5 million for the MCF by mid-2025.
NICE AND SLOWLY DOES IT Members of Union Lodge in Margate were not sluggish in raising £210 for East Kent’s 2025 Festival when they held a ‘Snail Race’, competing for the Golden Snail Trophy (pictured). The Race Card included racing on the flat and “over the sticks”. Participants shelled out £5 per snail, with race sponsorship at £20. Next year the S. Cargo Memorial Trophy?
In the Parade Ring
Over the sticks 6
HELP FOR RISING SUN
Rising Sun supports adults, families and children who are at risk of domestic abuse in relation to COVID-19. East Kent Freemasons were pleased to make a donation this summer.
“On behalf of everyone from The Rising Sun Domestic Violence & Abuse Service I would like to sincerely thank you and everyone at East Kent Freemasons for your £750 donation. We have secured a match funder for all new donations so your generous support will be doubled. We really do rely on our local community so that we can provide our vital work to all that need our services, so thank you again to everyone at East Kent Freemasons for choosing to support us.” Judith Collins, Fundraising and Communications Officer 7
CHARLIE WANTS TO JOIN
During the COVID-19 lockdown, so many people have wanted to help each other in vario that acts of charity and charities generally have been in the forefront of our minds.
One of the biggest charitable organisations in the UK is Freemasonry, with its long-esta tradition of helping others, both masons and non-masons.
Charlie Miller is the kind of guy who knows what he wants to do and how to go about it. W help of East Kent Freemasons, he delivered over £350 worth of Easter Eggs to the staff Intensive Care Unit at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. Charlie wants to join the Freemasons. Here’s what he has to say. How did you hear about Freemasons?
I came to two Christmas parties with a member of a Lo was impressed with the atmosphere created with selection of people from different walks of life.
Why have you decided to join?
I had a difficult childhood and now that I am settled in see Freemasonry as a means of giving something ba like-minded people to those less fortunate than myself.
What do you think you will get out of being a Freemaso
A chance to belong to a society with like ideals and the satisfaction of being able to help t need.
Do you know anything about what Freemasons have been doing to help during the Coro outbreak?
I have learnt a lot from talking to Freemasons and of course from the press and it has m aware of just how much Freemasonry has helped during this crisis to make sure that the ne not forgotten.
What effect has the delay in becoming a Freemason because of the virus had on you persona
In many ways it has reinforced my resolve to become a Freemason - in fact I cannot become a member of an organisation that does so much good in society. To find out more about joining, go to www.justaskone.org
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N US - AND HERE’S WHY
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Charlie with Katie Kimpton from the William Harvey Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit
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ANGELS BY NAME, … Gillingham Street Angels provide hot and cold food, non-alcohol drinks and essentials such as toiletries, clothing, bedding, tents, and associated items to homeless people so they can cook and have equipment to enable them to survive.
“Really privileged and really nice to have some V.I.P. visitors today, The High Sheriff of Kent and the gentlemen from Per Mare Per Terram Lodge, we appreciate your support of £1,000 and your interest in the hard work the team put in to make the charity what it is today. Thank you to everyone involved. “ 10
BIG-HEARTED FREEMASONS GIVE SOME RELIEF TO A&E STAFF AT ASHFORD HOSPITAL Back in March, when NHS staff were under great pressure dealing with the Coronavirus and other emergencies, Folkestone Freemasons Zaf Nizamettin and Ibrahim Darwish cooked and delivered food for the staff of the A&E dept at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. Zaf, who runs a pub in Barham, and Ibrahim, who runs a restaurant in Folkestone, gave their time and food for free. Both men said they were only too pleased to help. Just one simple example of the everyday acts of kindness and generosity Freemasons are giving during this crisis.
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TABLETS (NON-MEDICINAL!) FOR HOSPITALS The Masonic Charitable Foundation worked alongside East Kent Freemasons to set up a COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
They bought 6,775 Face Shields and fifty Samsung Galaxy Android Tablets. The Tablets have been distributed to the five main hospitals in Medway and East Kent and are allowing beddependent hospital patients receiving COVID-19 treatment to stay in touch with their families.
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Photo: Peter Floyd
FLYING HIGH FOR CHARITY
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April, James, David and Mick take to the skies at Headcorn Airfield on August Bank Holiday weekend.
All the money raised from sponsorship has been given to the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
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JAMES AND BEN PRINT FACE
“Anyone got a 3D printer?� was th and personal protection equipmen Ben Chamberlain, whose good frie printing company and was produci Kent hospital. Ben and James join grant from East Kent Freemasons several local residential homes and
Pelham Gardens, Folkestone
Brampton Lodge, Folkestone
Hawkinge House 16
E SHIELDS FOR CARE HOMES
he cry when the pandemic started nt was in short supply. Up stepped end James Spain had just started a ing face shields free of charge to a ned forces and, with the help of a s, printed and delivered shields to d to St John Ambulance.
Folkestone Care Home
Hythe Care Home
St John Ambulance 17
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO HAVE COVID-19?
In this holiday photo, Bill and Shirley Higgins look a picture of health. Yet a few months ago, Bill was fighting for his life. He’d got COVID-19.
Bill is a member of Ardea Lodge in Herne Bay and a founder member of the Spirit of Rugby Lodge. He lives in Herne Bay with his wife Shirley. “It started one weekend with a bad headache,” says Bill, “so bad that after a couple of days my wife rang the doctor. The doctor came to see me at home and, after carrying out some tests, gave me the news: I had COVID-19. She immediately made arrangements for an ambulance to take me straight to hospital. “After a couple of days I became very ill and was put into an induced coma. I spent more than six weeks in hospital, the first three in the Intensive Care Unit. During my time in hospital my kidneys started to fail and I had to have a blood transfusion. I also found it difficult to swallow. It’s only thanks to our wonderful doctors and nurses that I’m now on the mend - albeit very slowly. It took a while before I could walk again, and even now I can’t go too far. 18
“It concerns me that the virus appears to be on the rise again. People need to be very cautious.” Shirley said, “We are thankful that the doctor came out and got him in to hospital. Bill and I met in 1966 and were married in 1968, and in all that time we have never been apart for as long as he’s just spent in hospital”. Thankfully, Bill is slowly improving, but it is a long road. Still suffering from other aftereffects, he just takes each day as it comes.
Bill and Shirley are keen that we all know the tell-tale signs of the virus.
What to do if you have any of the symptoms:
The main symptoms: a high temperature – this means you feel hot to the touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
get a test as soon as possible to check if you have COVID-19 stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in twenty-four hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
If in doubt, phone your doctor
Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.
or ring the NHS Helpline on 111
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THE BIG FIGURES Here’s what East Kent Freemasons, via the Masonic Charitable Foundation, have been giving to charities and other good causes in their area:
1st April 2020 to 3rd August 2020 Number of Grants: 58 Total Grant Amount: £103,366 Previous Financial Year 2019/2020 Number of Grants: 226 Total Grant Amount: £456,395
Since 1st April 2016 Number of Grants: Total Grant Amount:
1,041 £1,697,975
Not included in these figures are the countless local initiatives by individual Lodges, most of which go unreported but which are valued immensely by those they help support.
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Every year, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), the Freemasons’ charity, supports hundreds of local and national charities with funding of £5.5 million that encourages opportunity, promotes independence and improves wellbeing for .vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our local communities. Every grant made, and every life changed as a result, is because of the generosity of Freemasons, their families and friends. When the coronavirus pandemic sent millions of households into lockdown, Masonic Headquarters in London and the MCF put in place many initiatives to ensure those most vulnerable were supported through the crisis. As well as the Freemasons’ COVID-19 Community Fund which has raised over £1 million to support frontline initiatives, the MCF has given £750,000 to three leading charities which are working hard to alleviate the negative impact of COVID-19 on those they support.
Mental health charity Mind received £250,000 to help respond to the surge in demand for mental health services as the pandemic progressed. Over one million people accessed Mind’s online support resources and coronavirus information when social distancing came into effect, showing support for people’s mental wellbeing is needed now more than ever. The pandemic has highlighted a significant ‘digital divide’ in the UK which is impacting many children’s learning progression. Children’s charity Buttle UK is using its £250,000 grant to equip vulnerable and disadvantaged children with the technology needed to continue learning remotely, as well as covering other costs to keep children engaged, such as books and games.
Age UK also received £250,000, to support older people who are most vulnerable to the virus and its social and financial consequences. The grant contributed to Age UK’s ‘Emergency Coronavirus Appeal’ and is helping older people with expert information and advice, friendship services and other practical assistance.
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If, like Charlie, you are interested in joining the Freemasons, hop along to our website at www.justaskone.org and get in touch. We’ll be waiting!
If you like what we’re doing and want to donate, here are two ways to do it: Donate online at www.2025festival.co.uk, where you can choose between a one-off or, even better, a regular donation
Text EASTKENT2025 to 70500 to donate a fiver
Produced and published by the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Kent 11 Estuary View Business Park, Boorman Way, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3SE Telephone: 01227 272804 Email: office@eastkentfreemasons.org Website: www.eastkentfreemasons.org 22