Much of the work Masons do in the community can be overlooked. Publicising the charitable donations made, and the volunteering Masons do in our local communities is very much at the heart of community engagement. When the excellent support is recognised, the overall perception of Freemasonry is enhanced.
The Proud Preston Awards 2026 were launched this year. Individuals, businesses and organisations were invited to enter this process to show what everyone does for the Preston community. The awards are hosted by Preston City Council and sponsored by local media outlets, Lancashire Post, Blog Preston and Central Radio as well as a number of local companies.
Combined efforts of Preston Group lodges and chapters had raised over £33,000 in donations to local charities, including a significant proportion to foodbanks. Almost 1,700 hours of volunteer time had been recorded including marshalling the Rosemere Night Walk and foodbank deliveries. In addition, Preston Masonic Hall made the use of their facilities free to local volunteer charities and offered discounted catering. The latter attracted a very diverse group of users.
That joint work between the group and the hall became the foundation of the entry into the Community Initiative of the Year Award. Everyone in the Preston Group was delighted and honoured to be chosen as a finalist in that category.
Preston Group Chairman John Rimmer and vice chairman David Parker attended the Gala Dinner Awards Ceremony already feeling like winners to have come so far. This event was held at Barton Manor Hotel with almost 200 attendees. The evening was hosted by local media stars John “Gilly” Gilmore and Neetal Parikh who kept the event flowing.
During the reception, David Parker was chatting with the Mayor, Mayors Consort and Council Chief Executive. All expressed their thanks and admiration for all that the Preston Masons do for the local community. They were personally delighted we had come so far. That was praise indeed.
Following the banquet, the awards began. Sadly, Preston Group did not win, but just being there was enough. To be a finalist in a major civic award was a real honour by itself and something for the Preston Group to be proud off.
