The Warrington Masonic Group held its annual Charity Giving Day at Warrington Masonic Hall. The event was attended by the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Wendy Johnson, charity representatives, Warrington Group officials, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stuart Boyd and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Murphy.
George Hayes started the morning with an introduction, explaining the day’s agenda and pointing out that during 2024, the Warrington Group contributed approximately £26,234 to various charities, with £16,799 directed to local, non-Masonic organisations. This was followed by remarks from Warrington Group Chairman John Tyrer and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stuart. Afterwards, each attending charity then gave a brief talk.
The first talk of the morning was by Warrington’s Mayor, Cllr Wendy Johnson, the town’s 140th Mayor. We often overlook our community leaders’ contributions. For years, Warrington’s Freemasons have actively supported local life and are pleased to support the mayor’s chosen charities again this year. John Tyrer presented a cheque to the mayor for her charity. This term, the mayor’s charities are; Room at the Inn, Pathways to Recovery and Warrington Animal Welfare.
Warrington Foodbank: Ben Pennell, Trustee Inclusivity Lead said: “In 2024, over 8,000 food parcels, amounting to more than 5 tonnes, were distributed in Warrington. This is the first year with reduced foodbank usage, thanks to initiatives like affordable food pantries and financial assistance.”
St Rocco’s Hospice: Karen Rutherford said: “In 2025, St Rocco’s celebrated its 40th anniversary. Established in a Georgian house near Orford Park in Warrington, this charity has touched everyone in the community. St Rocco’s is essential for Warrington’s palliative care system and its continuation is crucial. With annual running costs of £5,000,000, the charity deeply appreciates the support from the Warrington Group.
Walton Lea Partnership Project: Barbara Parratt updated on the donations from Warrington Freemasons last year saying: “The Partnership added raised beds in the walled garden and refurbished the cabin for the butterfly classroom. Walton Lea Partnership offers various activities and learning opportunities at Walton Lea Victorian Walled Garden and Walton Gardens Conservatory Range, including plant care, bicycle recycling and furniture up-cycling.”
Zoe’s Place Ambassador: Norman Pritchard, in his talk, said: “Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Liverpool provides palliative, respite, and end-of-life care for babies and infants up to five years old with life-limiting conditions.” Norman announced that the appeal to save Zoe’s Place raised £7,500,000, with significant contributions from West Lancashire Freemasons.
National Association for Bikers with Disabilities: This was the first time the charity attended, even though the group has been supporting them for several years. Simon Freedman explained that the charity provides adaptations to motorcycles for disabled individuals, including hand levers, foot controls and bike conversions. The charity also has a number of motorcycles available for loan to prospective applicants. The membership of the NABD has now grown to over 9,000 individual members, supported by an increasing number of affiliated clubs and businesses. Since its inception, the NABD has assisted more than 11,000 disabled individuals in experiencing motorcycling.
Radley Common Luncheon Club: Elaine Miller said: “They welcome members of the local community and provide breakfast, lunch and various activities each week. The club offers social support, a warm space and food for those living in the local area. For some individuals who use Radley Common, this is their only interaction with other people.”
Warrington Talking Newspaper: Pat McIntyre said: “The Talking Newspaper is a service for the visually impaired. This charity, established in 1977, provides its listeners with a USB stick of recorded articles from the Warrington Guardian each week.” Pat discussed the time and effort required to produce the USB sticks and explained how the charity volunteers gather on Zoom sessions for recording. The USB sticks are then distributed by post to listeners. Donations are necessary to cover these costs and ensure the charity’s continuation.
JUMP Children’s Charity: Christine Bentham explained: “The charity provides support for children with terminal and life-limiting illnesses in the North West of England and Clwyd County in Wales. Its mission remains to assist children with life-threatening health conditions by enabling them to create unique memories with their loved ones, which are preserved through photographs or films.”
Parkinson’s UK: David Steele said: “Parkinson’s UK is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease. The organization is involved in providing various forms of assistance, including support groups, resources for patients and caregivers and advocacy for better treatments and care. The charity plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease. The charity has invested over £100,000,000 into research.
Armed Forces Community Support: In the absence of Arnie Arnold due to an emergency involving three veterans, the Warrington Group Armed Forces Covenant Officer John Moore discussed the challenges veterans face when readjusting to civilian life. He highlighted the pressure, stresses and strains that veterans experience and emphasized the importance of outreach services throughout the region in supporting them. John also mentioned the recent resigning of the Armed Forces Covenant by the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the armed forces.
Kidneys for Life: Victoria Thompson explained: “Kidneys for Life is a charity based in the north west. Kidney disease can affect individuals from all backgrounds and ages. In the north west, approximately 300,000 people suffer from chronic kidney disease. While treatments such as dialysis and transplantation are available, there is currently no cure. More research is required. The charity raises funds for research into kidney disease, dialysis and transplantation. It also provides patient amenities and medical equipment that are not funded by the NHS. Additionally, it supports the education and ongoing training of renal staff and patients. This year they are hosting a Kidney Carnival at the Royal Manchester Children’s hospital for 150 people.
The Cheshire Children’s Adventure Farm Trust: Hannah Graham, in her talk, said: “The charity, established 32 years ago by Tim Grundy, operates from Booth Bank Farm, a 17th-century farmhouse situated on 10 acres of land in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) provides day trips, short breaks and respite activities for children across the north west who may have complex medical needs, special educational needs and disabilities or are socially disadvantaged. At CAFT, they are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and joyful environment where children of all abilities can come together to enjoy themselves and express their individuality. The team is committed to ensuring that every child, irrespective of their background or circumstances, feels welcomed and valued.
John McIntyre, Vice-Chairman of the Warrington Group, discussed Masonic charities in his final speech. The Masonic Charitable Foundation, based in London, provides grants across England, Wales, and international crises. Funds come from Freemasons and their friends and families through social activities.
Additionally, the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, based in Huyton, Liverpool, supports distressed Freemasons and contributes to non-Masonic causes. It is the largest charity of its kind in the country.