Freemasons give £925 towards festive lunch

THE Christmas Day lunch was made possible following donations, including almost £1,000 from the Freemasons.

Henley Freemasons from the Round Table Thames Valley Lodge donated £500, Thames Chapter Lodge contributed £175 and Thames Mark Lodge £250.

Gary Boys, the founder of the Henley Man Club, which helped organise the lunch at the Christ Church Centre, said: “Christmas can be a very lonely time for many and the donations gave people a chance to come together and enjoy the company of other Henley residents.

“I would like to thank Henley Freemasons and Round Table Thames Valley Lodge in particular for their generous support. Without the support of people and organisations like them this event would not be possible.”

Throughout the year and at each meeting, Freemasons raise money for a wide variety of charities and each year more than £50m is donated nationwide.

Henley Freemasons also focus on the community and volunteer for initiatives such as the annual litter pick and marshalling at the Henley half marathon.

Anthony Wright, master of the Round Table Thames Valley Lodge, said: “Supporting the local community and our charities is very important to us all. When we learned of this event, we immediately committed to supporting it. It is rightly deserving of our support.”