How Derbyshire Freemasons are helping to save lives during the coronavirus crisis

Derbyshire Freemasons have helped hundreds of people across the county during the coronavirus crisis by donating life-saving equipment.
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Nearly 80 organisations – including hospitals, care homes, pharmacies, Derbyshire Constabulary and medical centres – have received thousands of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, face masks and hand sanitiser.

The PPE has been donated freely by members or purchased using funds from the Derbyshire Freemasons’ Provincial Grand Charity.

Volunteer members of the Derbyshire Freemasons' Motorcycle Lodge have been helping to deliver personal protective equipment across the county.Volunteer members of the Derbyshire Freemasons' Motorcycle Lodge have been helping to deliver personal protective equipment across the county.
Volunteer members of the Derbyshire Freemasons' Motorcycle Lodge have been helping to deliver personal protective equipment across the county.

Some members have even started manufacturing face visors using modern 3D printers.

Individual lodges have also made substantial financial donations in order to help keep people safe during the pandemic.

Deliveries are being made from a central distribution point at Freemasons’ Hall in Belper.

Volunteer members of the Derbyshire Freemasons’ Motorcycle Lodge are giving up their time to make sure organisations get the PPE speedily.

Staff from Derby's Cedar Tree Care Home are among those who have received donations of vital equipment.Staff from Derby's Cedar Tree Care Home are among those who have received donations of vital equipment.
Staff from Derby's Cedar Tree Care Home are among those who have received donations of vital equipment.

Michael Hitchcock, of Derbyshire Freemasons, said “Freemasons have always been concerned with supporting the community and doing nothing during this terrible pandemic was simply not an option.

“I’m so grateful for the donations made by our members and the dedication of those involved in getting this equipment to where it is most needed – the items we are distributing may well help save lives.”

At Chesterfield Freemasons’ Hall, a meals on wheels service has been set up to deliver food to those who are self-isolating.

The food is prepared by professional staff who usually do the catering for Freemasons’ meetings and then delivered by a team of 30 volunteers from among the members.

Chesterfield NHS workers with masks supplied by Stuart Murphy of Dronfield Lodge.Chesterfield NHS workers with masks supplied by Stuart Murphy of Dronfield Lodge.
Chesterfield NHS workers with masks supplied by Stuart Murphy of Dronfield Lodge.

This initiative has proved so popular that it has now been adopted by Freemasons in other parts of the country.

Steven Varley, provincial grand master for Derbyshire Freemasons, said: “Freemasonry has a long history of donating to charitable causes.

“Last year nationally, we donated over £40million to a wide range of community groups in this country and abroad.

“Derbyshire members have really excelled themselves in responding so quickly during this pandemic by giving their time, supplying equipment and desperately required funding to those in need.

Face masks are among the items of personal protective equipment to have been delivered.Face masks are among the items of personal protective equipment to have been delivered.
Face masks are among the items of personal protective equipment to have been delivered.

“We have more initiatives in the pipeline.

“I have never been prouder of our organisation than I am today.”

What does it mean to be a Freemason?

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fireemasons said: “Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations – its roots lie in the medieval stone masons trade and some ceremonies are still practiced today.

“Above all, Freemasons are people who believe in integrity, friendship, respect and charity.

“Organised Freemasonry began in 1717 although lodges were meeting long before that time.

“Membership means different things to different people – for some it’s about making life-long friends and enjoying the company of like-minded people.

“For others it is about the ceremonies and performing them well – it’s remarkable to witness the traditional meetings, carried out much as they have been for hundreds of years.

“For others, it’s the charitable framework they find most important and to be part of an organisation which exists to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

For more information about Freemasonry in Derbyshire, visit www.derbyshiremason.org

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