Two local charities have recently received help from Wisbech Freemasons. They are “Friends of the Octagon Graveyard” and the Magpie Centre.
Firstly, following an appeal for help from the “Friends of the Octagon Graveyard”, Wisbech Freemasons from the Gild of Holy Trinity Lodge No 6125 and the Wisbech Bruvvers Breakfast Club donated £500.
In 1952 the Octagon Chapel in Wisbech had to be demolished as the structure was failing and the graveyard which had been in use since 1831 became locked away with little or no maintenance, until a group of likeminded people formed the “Friends of the Octagon Graveyard,” in 2020. Since then, a tremendous amount of work has been undertaken removing vegetation, making trees safe, constructing a safe access into and around the site, and planting to create a Wildlife Pocket Park.
Andrew Wheeldon, “Friends of the Octagon Graveyard” said, “They would now be able to complete the work and that they were very grateful to the Freemasons for their help by donating £500.”
Andrew Clifton, Gild of Holy Trinity Lodge said, “We are delighted to be able to help this very worthwhile cause.”
Pictured left to right is Peter Walter, Andrew McDonald, Alan Wheeldon, Stan Spinks, Andrew Clifton and Kevin Cage.
Secondly, the Wisbech Bruvvers Breakfast Club have also helped the Magpie Centre.
Following a recent visit to the Magpie Centre, they presented a cheque for £750 in support of the Centre’s activities.
The Magpie Centre – Riding for the Disabled, has been operating as a dedicated RDA Riding Centre from Wallington Hall in West Norfolk for over 30 years. The Centre is set in 300 acres of private land providing a safe and secure environment in a tranquil and peaceful setting, which offers riding and carriage driving lessons and equine therapy to people of all ages and abilities. There is also a Sensory Garden where clients with dementia can enjoy a Tea and Pony experience. The centre is supported by over 50 volunteers from the local community who help in lessons, with the ponies, with field maintenance and fundraising.
Colin Perriss, Chair of the Trustees said, “We are extremely grateful to the Bruvvers Breakfast Club and Wisbech Freemasons for their generous donation that will help us to keep our horses fed during the coming winter months.”
Andy McDonald, Bruvvers Breakfast Club and Wisbech Freemasonry said, “The Magpie Centre in West Norfolk RDA provides a fantastic emotive and enjoyable experience for the young and old with varying disabilities and we are pleased to be able to support this worthwhile charity.”
Pictured left to right is Colin Perriss, Chair of the Trustees receiving a cheque from Matthew Green and Andrew McDonald
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Cambridgeshire Freemasonry:
The Masonic Province of Cambridgeshire is relatively small, with Masonic Centres in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, March, Chatteris, Whittlesey and Wisbech. There are around 1500 Freemasons and 30 individual lodges. We pride ourselves on our friendliness and inclusivity, with members drawn from all walks of life and professional backgrounds. We welcome enquiries from anyone who is curious about our values and our history.
More information is available on our website and enquiries should be directed to our Provincial Office in Cambridge via https://www.cambridgeshirefreemasons.org.uk/ or to our Provincial Information Officer:
Jon Cooper, Press and Information Officer, Cambridgeshire Freemasons
Email: jonandsally2000@yahoo.co.uk
Telephone: 07714 763427
