The brethren of Connaught Lodge in Midsomer Norton celebrated the National NHS Day on Monday, 5th July, the 73rd anniversary of the birth of the NHS, as being an ideal opportunity to pay tribute to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, saving lives, and keeping NHS services going.

Our day started at 11 am, with brethren observing the national two minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the service of others.

Charity is one of the abiding principles of Freemasonry, so during the evening, the Lodge made four donations of £1,000 to charities that work in conjunction with the NHS by providing vital support services.

Jerry Hake, from the Freewheelers Blood Bikes, received the donation from Charity Steward, Colin Lunt, and Secretary, Tony Cooper, passed the cheque to Ken Hutton of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. Connaught’s Worshipful Master, Brian Parry, presented the £1,000 cheque to Very Worshipful Brother, Richard Lewis, who was representing the Great Western Air Ambulance. This was followed by Chris James, Communications Officer, presenting the donation to Emily Mitchard of the Children’s Hospice South West.

Representing the National Health Service, Emergency Care Assistant, Hayley Biggins, received a £1,000 cheque on behalf of the NHS Charities Together from her husband, Connaught member, Sean Biggins, also an ECA, which was registered on the charity’s website.

Teddies for Loving Care were given to Sean for use by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. All the recipients were given a TLC teddy as a personal gift from the lodge.

Later in the evening everyone assembled in front of the Masonic Hall for the National Clapping for the NHS Heroes, showing our appreciation for what they do.

For information about Connaught Freemasons Lodge, email: secretary

[email protected] Chris James