Freemasons participate in The Big Help Out to celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation
Freemasonry is centered around the principles of charity and self-improvement, with a strong focus on benefiting both ourselves and our communities. In line with this ethos, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) actively participated in a new initiative called The Big Help Out. This campaign, launched nationwide on May 8th in commemoration of the King's Coronation, aimed to uplift and enhance our local communities.
UGLE encouraged Freemasons to volunteer for The Big Help Out, and as a result, we have collected stories from Freemasons all over the country who generously contributed their time and efforts to The Big Help Out.
Read some of the fantastic stories from Freemasons below.
Oxfordshire - Ready Teddy
In a heartwarming display of generosity and compassion, Oxfordshire Freemasons distributed 400-500 teddy bears to children at hospitals across the region as part of the Big Help Out initiative on May 8th to celebrate the King's Coronation.
During the Big Help Out, Oxfordshire Freemasons joined forces with local hospitals including Oxford, Horton, Abingdon, Henley, and Witney, to bring smiles to the faces of young patients with teddies.
Under the expert and enthusiastic guidance of Oxfordshire Freemason Roger Hampshire, the Province's highly successful Teddies For Loving Care programme has been providing comfort and solace to children during their hospital stays.
Devon - Clean for the King
As part of the Big Help Out, Freemasons in Devon got their hands dirty and organised a “Clean for the King”.
Okehampton Freemasons teamed up with local community group The Okehampton Rivers Improvement Group (ORIG) to tidy up litter around the town.
Using Okehampton’s Lodge and Chapter of Obedience as a meeting point and base for refreshments, children and parents from the local primary school joined forces with Okehampton Freemasons, members of the local Lions Club, town councillors and members of other community interest groups, to clear litter from around the town.
The Okehampton Rivers Group gave prizes for the biggest piece of rubbish collected, which was an abandoned road closed sign, and for the most unusual piece of rubbish, which was hotly contested, but was won by a decorative false fingernail.
Local Freemason Chris Hodgson said the event was a brilliant morning that was enjoyed by everyone involved.
He added: ‘It was a fantastic community get-together with great teamwork, great companionship and a great demonstration of what community can do.’
Cheshire - Branching out
Freemasons in Cheshire showcased their green thumbs during the Big Help Out initiative, where they engaged in various activities to help maintain a tranquil green space in Runcorn.
"The Green", which was previously a pub football pitch and potato field, was turned into a serene oasis in 2000. This picturesque location serves as a recreational space and a venue for village events.
In commemoration of the Coronation, dedicated volunteers came forward to plant heritage trees, including a Rowan tree for The Queen's Green Canopy and a Cherry Tree.
The volunteers not only focused on tree planting but also dedicated their efforts to the upkeep of raised plant beds. These beds served as educational spaces for local school children and scouts, allowing them to learn about gardening and horticulture.
Simon Medland, a Freemason and volunteer for the Big Help Out, expressed his delight, describing the experience as a "brilliant day."
Essex - Getting Crafty for the King
During The Big Help Out campaign, Essex Freemason David Barton organised a craft stall as part of a competition for children to get creative and make their own crowns to celebrate the Coronation.
Community charity ‘Get Started Art’ founder David brought together Freemasons across Essex to work with the community and create a memorable event.
The ‘King and the Craft’ competition was devised for children across the borough to design and create a royal crown in honour of the King.
Almost 200 crowns were made on the day at Grays Town Park and prizes were supplied by local Masonic Centres.
Crowns were cut and coloured, designed and made with all manner of materials such as glitter, pompoms, sequins, googly eyes, tissue paper, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, pipe cleaners, lollipop sticks, gems, stickers and even duct tape and chocolate.
UGLE wants to thank all of our members who volunteered their time and got involved in The Big Help Out. For more information about the excellent work that Freemasons do then visit our charitable work page.
