Somerset Freemasons and DofE working together for 10 years.
At the recent Somerset Masters meeting in Taunton, they received a very interesting presentation from Carol Authers the DofE Operations Manager, on how Somerset Freemasons have been working in partnership (with several other organisations) with the scheme to help young people (YP) of all abilities and needs in Somerset.
Carol explained the three types of award Bronze, Silver and Gold and how they can be achieved, not only by able bodied Young People but but also those that have a disability or special education needs (SEND) and those that simply cannot afford it. Also how it benefits them for the future. Carol gave an example about a YP called Sam who had a physical disability but wanted to partake in the scheme with able bodied peers and how The Lodges in Wedmore and Yatton had helped him to achieve this.
Ten years ago they created a DofE bursary fund to help those YP that have needs or simply cannot afford to take part in the scheme. As many of you already know the DofE scheme is very dear to the heart of our past DPGM Ben Batley, who was and still is a member of the committee that looks to raise funds and plan where it can be used.
There have been several articles in the past that show the work Ben and the Somerset Freemasons as a whole have done over the past 10 years. From donations, to walks and cycle rides as well as visits to several Masonic centres throughout the Province, including Taunton, Yeovil, Wedmore and Yatton.
Carol then went on to explain how Somerset County Council is fully supportive of the scheme and how the organisations have all worked together to raise funds for the scheme, also how generous the Freemasons have been over the past several years, donating over £45,500 (£38,000 in donations and £7,500 from the MCF match funding)
During her presentation Carol explained that part of her job was to dispel any prejudice or negative “myths” about Freemasonry and Freemasons as a whole. Explaining how much good we do and how generous we have been. In fact Carol has taken YP and their parents to visit several Masonic Halls in Somerset, and it is her wish that some of these YP when over 18, will join our historic and wonderful organisation.
Carol said how thankful she and the organisation were to the Freemasons and saying how much we have helped and how grateful they and the YP were to be able to achieve this challenge. If any Lodge is interested in helping support the DofE scheme by raising or donating funds please contact Carol Authers at carol.authers@somerset.gov.uk or call 07747717556. Alternatively speak to Ben Batley.
If you wish to see the full slide show it is available here:
