Freemasons in the community - West Lancashire Freemasons

The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity has once again demonstrated the good work of Freemasons in the community. When a call for assistance came from The Widnes Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, finding that the start of their new ‘Synergy Project’ was in danger of stalling due to the promise of vital funds being unexpectedly withdrawn.

Pictured left from left to right are: Hugh Dowding (Chair of Trustees of the Catalyst Museum), Alan Riley and Kevin Poynton. Pictured right: Alan Riley (left) and Kevin Poynton making their daily advancement in science and discovery.

Alan Riley, the West Lancashire Provincial Grand Almoner and member of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity team, along with Kevin Poynton arrived with a cheque for £5,000 to allow the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum to continue the project. Both Alan and Kevin were given a tour of the museum and were delighted to experience some of the ‘hands on’ exhibits, including the fascinating periodic table, and explore the development of the chemical industry from ancient times with reconstructed scenes, archive films and computer quizzes bringing the past to life. The museum is open to all.

At the presentation of the cheque, trustee Dr Diana Leitch, MBE, rose to thank Alan Riley and the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for their very generous donation, she informed all those present including the Mayor of Halton Borough Council Cllr Martha Lloyd-Jones and Sir Hugo Brunner; a Patron of the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, that when she was contacted by Kevin Poynton to advise her of the donation she cried at the generosity of Freemasons.

She then pointed out that on a previous occasion some years ago The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity had donated the sum of £25,000, which was hugely instrumental in the initial refurbishment of original museum. The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum is an independent charitable trust that aims to make science exciting and accessible to people of all ages and abilities, through fun interactive galleries, workshops and shows. To find out more about the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, visit their website by or email; info@catalyst.org.uk

Pictured from left to right are: Peter Gossage (Patron of the Catalyst Museum), Peter Lloyd-Jones, Cllr Martha Lloyd-Jones and Sir Hugo Brunner.

Community Engagement is a central tenet of our philosophy, and Freemasons, as caring members of our communities, will seek to engage and support them, both locally and nationally, be it with a kind word, helping hand, or with financial assistance.

The ethos of modern Freemasonry is: respect, friendship, integrity and service, and where possible support for international, national and local charities, helping those less fortunate than ourselves, in our own local communities.

To give freely of one’s time is the most precious gift that can be given. Whether it’s helping to clear beaches of rubbish, acting as marshals for community events, supporting cash strapped schools to give light to their classrooms by removing overgrown shrubbery or collecting food to donate to those in real need, our members in West Lancashire are very much involved with their communities. We support many of the junior uniformed organisations such as Scouts, Guides and Boys Brigade as well as local schools and smaller charities.

We are proud that from its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in all aspects of charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many widows and orphans of Freemasons as well as for others within the community.

All monies raised for charity are drawn from amongst Freemasons, their families and friends. Grants and donations are made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities alike.

Freemasonry has an enviable record of providing regular and consistent financial support to individual charities over long periods, while at the same time making 1,000s of grants to local charities and projects throughout England and Wales each year.