Three Thousand six hundred Meals
 
On the 20th May 2020 Malcolm Yates, Chairman of Garston Masonic Hall and Lynnie Hinnigan a local Labour Councillor for Liverpool, launched a food delivery program for vulnerable people in Garson.
Malcolm had previously approached West Lancashire Masonic Charities; at the same time he also approached the West Lancashire Mark Charities via the Tuscan Group Deputy Charity Leader.
 
The Mark Lodges that meet at Garston Masonic hall responded immediately. West Lancashire Mark Charities then supported this. The Offers tumbled in. Garston Masonic Hall Ltd added to their own donation, various amounts from a Craft Lodge who meet at the Hall and West Lancashire Freemasons Charities.
Tony Ackroyd cooked the meals and his staff helped portion the meals out.
 
Malcolm organised his team of Volunteers. The meals had date dot label's cooking / storage and allergenic ingredients attached to the packaging.
The project was to last for 6 weeks, due to the kind donations from the Brethren it continued for 10 weeks. In that time 3,600 meals were produced and delivered. With good planning and Teamwork, this project proved to be a huge success.
 
Malcolm thanks all that took part in the projects, and has been delighted with the response. Eight Volunteers turned up every Wednesday and Friday, to pick and deliver the meals.
Without exception, all recipients of the meals were delighted and thankful for the kindness of Freemasonry in Garston. At the final meeting of the Volunteers, Councillor Lynnie Hinnigan turned up from her busy schedule, to personally thank everyone who took part. 
 
The Deputy Charity Leader for the Mark Lodges in Garston (Jack Parker) also thanked the Brethren of Mark Lodges in Garston and West Lancashire Mark Charities for the generous donations and continued support.
Words and pictures by Jack Parker