Introduction

CARE IN THE COMMUNIY

The first full year of the Care in the Community Programme has been very successful with several community projects being supported.

• Demelza Stafford, accompanied by the ‘Sax of Gold Group, entertained Senior Citizens from a cross section of the community. Demelza’s musical concert was held at the Borlase Grammar School in Marlow and proved to be a huge success with the invited audience. Miss Stafford ultimately gave her services free in appreciation for the support she had received from the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys in developing her musical education and allowing her to realize her operatic potential. The concert was funded by Freemasonry in the Community courtesy of the Provincial Family Events Group.
• The Wye Valley School at Bourne End was identified as worthy of our Care in the Community support for it innovative ‘Rewards Scheme’. The scheme is aimed at developing positive attitudes in young people with particular emphasis on self discipline, working together, having respect for others and generally preparing young people to be valued members of their local communities. A value system has been developed and allows pupils within their Forms to gain points for positive attitude and lose points for negative and or selfish behavior. Winning forms are then rewarded for their success by learning activity days. Our Freemasonry in the Community Group has sponsored this scheme and PGM Ray Reed along with Information Officer John Jackson attended both the School and a Reward day to launch our involvement. This venture was given outstanding coverage by the Bucks Free Press and we see the opportunity of extending our participation across the Province.
• Around 100 Senior Citizens from various Sheltered Housing Schemes in Milton Keynes were treated to Christmas lunch at the Bletchley centre. After an outstanding lunch the participants enjoyed playing Bingo and were entertained to table magic by the provinces magician, Eugene Mathias. Children from the local school then sang Christmas Carols and led some excellent audience participation. The Mayor of Milton Keynes and the Mayoress were in attendance along with our Provincial Grand Master Ray Reed and his wife Doreen. The event concluded with afternoon tea and cakes and all guests were presented with a goody bag of groceries to take home. A great afternoon was had and appreciated by all. Thanks to all those Masons and their Ladies that served the meals and wine and also to local Lodges and Freemasonry in the Community for funding the event.
• A further 70 Senior Citizens were treated to Christmas lunch at the Marlow Centre. Those attending were served by local Masons and their ladies who were ‘decked out’ in aprons, white gloves and wearing spectacular ‘flashing’ Christmas hats. Following a wonderful lunch Father Christmas attended with presents that were much appreciated by every participant. Members of local Choirs then entertained the assembly as well as getting active involvement. The Lord Mayor of Marlow had lunch with the group and the PGM and Doreen helped serve the meal. The event was jointly funded by local Masons and Freemasonry in the Community

Projects identified for 2008 include:

• Blood Donor Sessions at the Slough Masonic Centre
• A Project involving the Ian Rennie Nursing Service
• Support for the Young Carer's Group in Milton Keynes
• Expansion of the Schools Project across the Province.
• Introduction of ‘Fishing for the Blind’
• Expansion of ‘fishing for the disadvantaged’
• Expansion of Teddies for Loving Care in our local A&E Hospital units.
• In addition we are seeking ways of allowing members of Lodges and their wives/partners to become involved in Freemasonry in the Community projects.

Stan Green