Royal Cumberland help the Food Bank

Royal Cumberland Royal Arch No. 41 received E.Comp Andrew Clapp, ably assisted by E.Comp Alexander (Sandy) Glenn. E.Comp Clapp explained the ME Grand Superintendent Raymond Guthrie’s vision for charitable donations from Chapters in the Province of Somerset, with particular reference to local food banks.  In addition he announced the Province’s match funding initiative.ME Grand Superintendent hopes that all chapters across the Province will embrace his initiative of supporting local food banks across the region. He wishes to encourage chapters to assist food banks in their communities, donating money from raffles, alms collections and fund raising events. 

Also chapters can give food at various drop off points, or even create a collection point in their respective centres at which people would be encouraged to donate items and money. Food banks have lists of collection points, and food and non-food items they require, on their websites.  Details of Bath’s food bank are found at https://bath.foodbank.org.uk/

E.Comp Clapp stated that volunteers are the “life blood” of all food banks.  Volunteers can assist in various parts of the food bank operation, including volunteering in the warehouses, outlets, administration, and IT support.  Companions were encouraged to offer their services.

Finally E.Comp Clapp announced the Provincial Grand Chapter’s match funding initiative.  Any chapter that raises donations above £150 will receive a match fund of £100 from Province to donate to a food bank.

Following the Convocation, a festive board was enjoyed by all, during which, E.Comp David Dixon (a key member of the team who organised the “Square Meals” project during lock-down) re-iterated the importance of food banks and “pantries” for people in need in Bath.  For more information on this follow https://bathfreemasons.org.uk/blog/square-meals-update/