Freemasons Present Donation to Bluebells

Thames Lodge Freemasons presented a donation of £2,000 to Bluebells Day Centre on Monday this week.   The Thames Lodge raised £1,000 and the Province of Oxfordshire Freemasonry match funded the donation to make it £2,000.

Last year’s Worshipful Master, Roger Palmer chose Bluebells as his chosen charity for his year.  Roger said, “We collect money for charities all over the UK.  Some of it is given to our own charities but we are also encouraged to find a local charity to donate some of that money to.  There’s no better local charity than this and it is close to where we’re based at Thames Lodge across the road.  They deserve all the help they can get.”  Roger’s wife Sharon added, “We knew someone who used to come to Bluebells before it was closed down after Oxfordshire cut the funding.  Because I remembered how good it was for an old neighbour and knowing that they started up again and needed help that’s why we chose it.”

Glen Lambert, Chair of Bluebells said, “We’re very thankful for this kind donation.  We always have to fundraise to bridge the gap of the shortfall of providing the service at an affordable price.  We keep the prices as low as possible so that is accessible for all.”

During the visit the Bluebells guests were enjoying an art session.  Suri Poulos, the Centre Manager said, “We doing lots of things for Christmas.  They have painted a ceramic coaster with the help from Kiln Cafe over the road and made calendars for a Christmas bag they will be taking home.”