If you had a chance to read the article “Passing on Hope”, then an appreciation of the work quietly accomplished by Mansfield Charity Stewards Committee can be gleaned. Their collective efforts outside of their own Lodges, is truly outstanding. They focus is on the less fortunate strictly in there own neighbourhood, charities that in general, the rest of us would not know about or perhaps consider worthy. Every year for some twenty years, year on year, they have generated around £5k for such local causes. So to tell you this enables me to explain how the Provincial Charity and this Masonic Center have become partners.

Earlier this year the Provincial Charity elected to make an award to “Mencap” residential home in Mansfield, established to offer full time care for people with severe learning difficulties. Monies were provided for the procurement of a Lap Top and Printer so as to aid records, general communications and other daily routines- a vital step in their daily work. At their Mansfield home eight residents are cared for on a round the clock basis by a team of dedicated staff. In this safe environment, the residents are happy and most content. As you can see the presentation of a cheque was a big day for all, a truly special occasion in the life of the Mencap residents. To gain an understanding into a typical day at the home and the other needs of all involved we chatted about how the house functions. Upon leaving I simply asked if there is anything more that would make life better. The TV is not too good – a complete, yet gentle underestimation. The whole screen was opaque, but the residents sat around and watched with all the best of intentions. Lets us see what can be done! A call to Mike Bull and Peter Allan, Chairman and Secretary of Mansfield Stewards to explain what I had just witnessed at Mencap, and especially the TV. Is there anything we can do for them? Within four hours a new Television had been purchased, delivered, installed, switched on, throughout which there was a watching and delighted audience. The residents and staff were simply over whelmed, by Nottinghamshire Masonry generosity. How very satisfying when a local Masonic Hall and the Province can share a Charitable opportunity, then work together and determine a course of action that with clear communication, creates such perfect harmony.

By W. Bro Roger Garrett – Provincial Grand Charity Steward

Photo: - Mrs Audrey Baranski, Registered Manager. Four of the Residents. Roger Garrett