Freemasons fire up BBQ fundraising

Marlborough Youth Trust events are about to step up a level, having been gifted a barbeque trailer, thanks to the region’s Freemasons.

Masonic working group spokesman Chris Williams says the three local lodges – Eckord 334, Waitohi 111, and Awatere 292had received a donation of $2000 after members worked at a national dog show championships. The money was reluctantly accepted, he said, because it was members’ usual custom to do such work as volunteers. The Masonic working group is made up of brethren from across Marlborough who meet bi-monthly to work on common goals, projects and social events. They decided to put the funds to use through a donation to the Marlborough Youth Trust.

The Freemasons charity matched the dog show donation with a 1-to-1 subsidy, providing another $2200, and local Masons approached local businesses to help build the trailer.

Spring Creek Engineering did the initial fabrication work and other donated a large chilly bin, and Crown Sheet Metal gave sheet metal to kit out the trailer, and accessories. up in the ponds, the resident says he was also concerned about the mud and sludge left over after it rained.

Mike Malin did the trailer’s electrical wiring, and Craig Hammond powder coated its chassis. It has been decorated with decals from all the suppliers, six lodges, and Freemasons New Zealand. Marlborough Youth Trust manager Jo Lane says the trust is hugely grateful for the donation of the barbeque trailer.

“A kid could drown in a puddle, a kid can definitely drown in that. Our 1-year-old could drown in that. At what point does council do something here?”

The Rose Manor resident said he had spoken to neighbours who were also concerned.

“I thought about doing a letterbox drop, asking people if they think it should be fenced, and had anything they wanted to comment.

“I reckon we would get over half the people coming back to us saying they want it fenced.

“Why are they needing to come to a lawyer, that takes a week for them to have a meeting, to still have no reply?”

In a statement, a spokesperson from the Marlborough District Council said they had received information from a resident and were actively considering the matter.

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