The Flood relief campaign, launched by The Provincial Grand Lodge of Cumberland & Westmorland has been generously supported by Masonic Lodges and Chapters in this Province and around the country.  To date over £63,300 has been raised to assist those affected by Novembers devastating floods, with over £38,500 being distributed amongst relief organisations and individuals and families most affected, including £10,000 each to Skiddaw Lodge No.1002 and Cumbria Community Foundation. Funds have also been made available to a number of Freemasons and their dependants.

If you would like to donate to this continuing campaign, please print and complete the Gif Aid form to ensure that the Province makes the most from each and every penny

Newsflash of the specially convened meeting of the Provincial Executive Committee today (Friday 18th December) and an additional £16,000 has today been allocated to assist people in our Province, who are in immediate need of financial assistance, this money will be distributed prior to Christmas and this now brings a total of over £27,000 that has been provided in immediate relief.

This is an ongoing process and more recipients are coming to light, day by day. The Provincial Grand Master and indeed all the members of the Province of Cumberland & Westmorland, would like to thank everyone for their very kind generosity and support during this very difficult time, within our Province.

The Cumbrian Flood Appeal has now reached over £1million and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cumberland & Westmorland has received or has had pledged, sums in access of £43,000 towards this Appeal.

One Brother from outside our Province has sent a personal cheque for £200 with a note saying, that this year he will not send any Christmas Cards and had donated £200 in lieu of this.

The Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. Norman James Thompson wishes to thank everybody involved with this project, both for their generosity and all the work and effort that has already happened and that will continue to happen, to make sure those in distress are looked after in the best possible way.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master has taken part in an interview with BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Steve Kitchen. In the interview W.Bro. Young highlights the need for timely assistance to those affected, and the generous financial support offered by other provinces and Grand Lodge. The interview begins with Roger Dakin the Provincial Almoner for Gloucestershire.

Click on the icon below to listen to the interview:

Today the Provincial Grand Master for Cumberland & Westmorland R.W.Bro. Norman James Thompson has released funds to the Cumbria Community Foundation Flood appeal, with an initial donation of £10,000.

The Freemason’s Grand Charity and Provinces around the country are supporting our efforts with financial assistance and the first cheques have now started to arrive. Alongside their donation, the Province of Gloucestershire has been particularly helpful with practical advice, as their Province suffered badly from flooding in 2007.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Keith Young has today spoken on BBC Radio Gloucestershire about the support C&W Freemasons are offering to Brethren, their dependants and the community at large.

The recent flooding in Cumbria has been devastating to many Brethren, their families, dependants and to Lodge widows in the area. The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Norman James Thompson is eager to ensure that immediate relief and assistance is made available to all affected Brethren and their families.

All Lodge Secretaries and Almoners have now been contacted with an urgent request to identify those Brethren who have become victims of the flooding. The Brethren of the Province have already been involved in providing immediate assistance including the supply of clean water, food and where possible beginning the clean up process.

Help from The Freemason’s Grand Charity is already in place, and a number of other Provinces have generously sent financial donations to help with meeting immediate expenses for those Brethren most in need.
It is essential that Brethren throughout the affected areas of the Province also remain vigilant over the coming weeks and months in identifying anxious and distressed Brethren, families and widows, so that we can provide help and support as soon as possible. Please keep your Lodge Almoner informed of the situation of those around you who may be affected.

If urgent assistance is required, please inform the Provincial Grand Almoner W.Bro. Bill Bewley directly on (Home) 015394 34095 or (Mobile) 07770 932708.