The North Fylde Group held their charity giving night at the Masonic Hall, Park Club, Cleveleys, an evening that once again demonstrated the strength of the local charitable spirit. Hosted by group charity steward Adam Turner, the event was extremely well attended, with representatives from many of the charities Freemasons support, alongside a strong turnout from lodges and chapters across the group.
Principal guests for the evening were Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax, Deputy Grand Superintendent David Barr, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Robbie Porter, Chairman of the North Fylde Group John Cross and the Mayor of Wyre, Councillor Steve Nicholls.
13 charitable organisations were present, each were allocated a 15-minute slot to promote their work, their challenges and the impact they make within our communities. What followed was an evening that was at times uplifting, at times sobering, but always inspiring. Many of the stories were deeply moving, describing families struggling not only financially but emotionally and people who simply needed guidance, structure or a small amount of support to help them through difficult periods in their lives.
Among the organisations present were those supporting young carers, children who shoulder responsibilities far beyond their years as they care for a parent or relative with illness or disability. Their stories highlighted the vital work of Blackpool Carers, who provide guidance, respite and emotional support to young people who often miss out on the carefree childhood most of us take for granted.
A new addition to the local charitable landscape, the Vet’s Shed, also made a strong impression. This initiative offers a safe, welcoming space for armed forces veterans, a place to meet, talk, share experiences and find companionship with others who understand the unique challenges of military life and the transition that follows. Their presentation underlined how powerful simple human connection can be for those who have served in the armed forces.
Home Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, spoke about the support they offer to families facing a wide range of difficulties. They help parents access local services and provide confidential, compassionate assistance without judgement. Families struggling with postnatal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other challenges receive the support of a trained volunteer who spends around two hours a week in the family home, offering practical help and emotional reassurance.
Sign Hi Say Hi (Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool Deaf Children’s Society) described how their group brings together both deaf and hearing parents, along with people who work with deaf children. Many have faced the same challenges that new families encounter and by coming together they are able to share experience, exchange ideas and offer meaningful support. When a family needs help beyond their own expertise, they can put them in touch with others who can assist.
Other charities present on the night included Kindness Counts, a charity originally formed to tackle bullying in schools and now offering counselling within the community. Blue Skies, the charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, spoke about their work supporting the best in patient care across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, making a positive difference every day to patients, their families and friends. Fleetwood Men’s Shed described how they create a space where men can meet, talk, share skills and work alongside one another in a relaxed, judgement free environment.
North West Blood Bikes outlined the vital service they provide, offering a completely free courier operation for the NHS, 365 days a year, delivering blood, samples and other medical items. Almost everyone knows someone who has benefitted from their work. The Donor Family Network shared details of their national memorial to organ and tissue donors and recipients, located at the National Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. They are involved in all aspects of transplantation and play an important role in the British Transplant Games.
The Pantry, a Fleetwood based food bank created by local Church of England and Catholic churches, spoke about their work helping to put food on the table for people struggling with the rising cost of living. Macmillan Nurses outlined their commitment to doing whatever it takes to ensure people with cancer receive the best care the UK can offer.
Great Arley School explained their mission to improve the learning, wellbeing and life prospects of all their pupils by empowering them with knowledge, self-belief, life skills and strategies suited to their individual needs. Their message was clear: ‘dare to dream, aim to achieve’. The Grand Theatre Blackpool described their commitment to working with the local community. Their community story chest project helps groups explore their needs and share their history in creative and meaningful ways.
Brian House children’s hospice spoke about the respite, palliative and end of life care they provide for children and young people with life limiting conditions, supporting families through every stage of an often unpredictable journey. Trinity Hospice highlighted their focus on improving quality of life for patients and their loved ones, offering relief from symptoms, pain and stress while helping families look ahead with confidence.
One of the strongest messages of the night was that help is not always about money. Sometimes it is a food parcel to help get a family through the week; sometimes it is a volunteer who can help someone organise their life; sometimes it is simply a friendly face who listens without judgement. It was also emphasised that many of these charities survive on donations alone and are run entirely by volunteers.
The North Fylde Group donated £79,694.48 to over 70 different charitable organisations in 2025, with amounts ranging from £100 to just under £20,000. In addition to financial support, Freemasons have given 100s of hours of their own time to help these worthy causes. It is something of which we can all be proud of. Throughout the evening, the charities expressed sincere gratitude for the support they receive from Freemasons. Many commented that without the ongoing generosity of lodges and chapters, much of their work would simply not be possible.
