The Province of Derbyshire Freemasons was surprised and delighted to receive an award for service to the community from the High Sheriff of Derbyshire.
The members first met the past High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Theresa Peltier DL, when she was invited to one of the Annual Community Awards evenings, and she immediately showed a keen interest in our support for and service to the community. Theresa recognised the importance of Freemasonry to often unsung charities and causes and quickly became a great friend to the Province.
Each year Derbyshire Freemasons invites their members to nominate small local charities in their area of the Province to be considered to receive a Community Award. The successful charities are invited to the Annual Community Awards evening, where they will receive an award, a generous financial contribution to their work and the opportunity to tell their story to the assembled guests, encouraging collaboration and support. The evening is a tremendous celebration of all the work done quietly behind the scenes by ordinary people, providing invaluable support in the community and making a huge impact with limited resources. This year, local dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and local Mayors, were invited, and the event is always a moving and uplifting occasion.
As High Sheriff, Theresa attended many of Derbyshire Freemasons' other events, including supporting us at their Army Cadets Presentations, the opening of the Crich Memorial Garden at Crich Stand War Memorial, which was funded by Derbyshire Freemasons and their annual Carol Services. Theresa was a great supporter of Derbyshire Freemasonry during her term in office, and she continues to support them now in her role as a Deputy Lieutenant for Derbyshire.
At the end of her term in office, Theresa recognised the importance of Freemasonry to small local charities and causes by presenting the Province of Derbyshire with a certificate to recognise their great and valuable services to the community.
The Provincial Grand Master Ian Copestake was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the members, saying,
"It is a terrific surprise and a true honour to be recognised in this way by the High Sheriff – she has been an incredible friend to Derbyshire Freemasonry. We are usually the ones giving out the awards, not receiving them, and I am so proud that the hard work and dedication of our Lodges and members have been celebrated in this way. We will display the certificate with pride".
