Guisborough Freemasons came together at the Freemason’s Hall in Chaloner Street, Guisborough, to make 13 donations to various charities.

All the donations came from the bequest of a deceased member of the Zetland Lodge, Alec Smith, who donated his whole estate to provide charitable donations from the lodge each year. The evening was presided over by the lodge master, Barry Dawson, and the director of ceremonies was Andy Hill.

Thirteen charities from Guisborough and east Cleveland benefitted from the evening. Each charity was nominated by two members of the lodge and representatives from the charities were invited to receive a cheque personally. The value of each cheque was not revealed.

Sporting donations included Guisborough Swimming Club with Jon Walton, nominated by John and Barbara Buckworth, while Martin and Irene Eggermont nominated Guisborough Rugby Club, for Des Horton to develop the junior teams.

Darlington and Stockton Times: From left, Des and Fiona Horton, and Irene and Martin Eggermon

Geoff Dodsworth nominated the local up-and-coming Yorkshire cricketer, Monty Dodsworth, for travelling expenses. Barry and Christine Dawson nominated the Gisborough Priory Project.

Ian and Ella Williams nominated the Guisborough Town Council Mayor, David Johnson, for the town Christmas Festival, where the donation would be used to provide all primary school children in Guisborough with a selection box of chocolates this year.

In the area, Brian and Roz Kent nominated Karen Winspear and Susan Jones for their work with Senses for children with special needs.

Darlington and Stockton Times: From left, Brian Kent and Roz Kent, with Karen Winspear and Susan Jones from Senses

Andy and Carol Hill nominated a donation for use in the children’s ward at the James Cook Hospital A&E. Similarly, Ged and Alison Demoily nominated the James Cook Hospital Holistic Cancer Care unit, represented by Matty and Jodie Connolly.

Keith and Anne Prior nominated a donation for the Vasculitis UK represented by sufferer, Danny Hughes, and his wife Sarah Hughes.

Darlington and Stockton Times: From left, Anne Prior, Sarah and Danny Hughes, and Keith Prior, at the function

Barry and Christine Dawson nominated the National Association of Blood Bikes, represented by Chris Smith and Mark Dickinson, for their work in transporting specimens to hospitals across the North East. Brian Whitfield and Jim Cave nominated Rubies, represented by Liz Edwards. Rubies is a local organisation that helps girls lacking in confidence and self esteem following the effect of the pandemic.

Darlington and Stockton Times: From left, Jim Cave, Liz Edwards and Brian Whitfield

Other organisations that received donations were the Marske and New Marske Barn Owl Scout Group, and the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, for heating expenses.

More than £36,700 has been donated to local charities in the last two years, and with £8,700 donated at the most recent charity evening.