Royal Sussex Lodge No. 402, consecrated on the 5th December 1829, recently celebated in 180th year, and it has a pround tradition of raising funds for Charity, especially relating to Medical field. This recent submission shows the charity work carried out by Newstead - Peter Olko, Editor.

Content sent by Peter Bertram

"The Royal Sussex Lodge No 402 is very proud of its charitable tradition. For many years it has had its own registered charity, The Royal Sussex Lodge Benevolent Fund. Each year the Trustees and Lodge Officers meet in November or December to decide on recommendations to the Lodge for charitable donations for the coming year.

In 2009 the Lodge decided to make the following donations:

Masonic Samaritan Fund £250 The Grand Charity £250 Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys £250 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution £250 Provincial Charity £250 Provincial Special Charity £250 The Worshipful Master’s Nominated Charities £1,000 Skylarks £500 The Ear Foundation £500 The Woodborough Road Hospice £500 Peter le Marchant Trust £500 The Royal Sussex Bursary Fund £200

TOTAL £4,700

In addition the Lodge established, on its 150th anniversary, a bursary fund to provide travel grants to newly qualified doctors undertaking an elective (overseas travel to work and learn). This year it provided grants of £500.

In addition it gave small grants, totalling £50 to the Nottinghamshire Masonic Associations for Golf, Cricket, Music, Bowls and Caravanning.

All lodge widows received cards, flowers and other gifts.

For the forthcoming year, 2010, grants are being proposed as follows:

Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys £500 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution £500 Provincial Charity £250 Provincial Special Charity £250 The Worshipful Master’s Nominated Charities £500 Nottingham City Hospital Prostate Fund £2,000 Hospice Hope £250
Rainbows (Children’s Hospice) £250 The Royal Sussex Bursary Fund £200

TOTAL £4,700

In addition the Lodge will continue its a bursary fund to provide travel grants to newly qualified doctors undertaking an elective for £500.

The Lodge will give small grants, totalling £50 to the Nottinghamshire Masonic Associations for Golf, Cricket, Music, Bowls and Caravanning.

All lodge widows will receive cards, flowers and other gifts.

The Lodge attaches great importance to charity and is thankful that its healthy financial state means that it can continue for years to come.