Charities from across Gloucestershire gathered at The Hill in Stroud for an event highlighting how more than £300,000 in grants and donations from Gloucestershire Freemasons helped support community work during 2025.
Making a Difference Day was organised by Gloucestershire Freemasons. Groups that received funding were invited to explain what the support means in practice, from repairs to community buildings and specialist rescue equipment to help for families facing difficult diagnoses.
Support for community groups and families
Charity Steward Sean Sullivan opened the afternoon before Ian Davies, head of Gloucestershire Freemasons, spoke about making the organisation’s community support more visible. That support includes volunteer time through the Community Action Support Team.
Mr Davies said the thanks should go to the charities helping people across the county who need support. Edward Gillespie, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, also attended and placed the work in a wider civic context. His responsibilities include supporting Royal Family visits to the county and recognising local people through British Empire Medals and Citizenship Awards.
“It’s the people in this county who make it work,” he told those present.
Faye Hennessey of the Gloucestershire Community Foundation outlined the scale of local grant-making. The foundation has awarded £3.8 million over the past five years, while grassroots awards reach more than 64,000 beneficiaries each year. It manages more than 50 funds, including the Freemasons’ Fund, which directs donations towards community projects.
Michael Jones, Warden of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire, described the company as a force for good. It has around 130 members and the Princess Royal as Patron. Its work covers the Armed Forces, arts and heritage, business, community, and the countryside and environment.
He also highlighted a bursary scheme for apprentices run with further education colleges. The scheme is intended to reduce drop-out rates, with the Freemasons thanked for supporting the work.
Repairs, rescue equipment and ongoing need
Jim Richmond, a trustee of Berry Hill Memorial Hall, explained how the building began as a practical memorial to people who served in the First World War. The hut was bought from the Ministry of Defence in 1921 after standing on Salisbury Plain and now hosts activities for people of all ages. Freemason funding has helped pay for essential repairs.
Melanie Hall, Community Partnership Manager at Acorns Children’s Hospice, spoke about supporting families after a difficult diagnosis. Although the hospice is based in Worcestershire, it serves Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and South Warwickshire. She said it was grateful for the backing from Gloucestershire Freemasons.
Tyler Carpenter represented the Severn Area Rescue Association, which operates three lifeboat stations with 250 volunteers. A recent grant paid for helmet communications sets and an infra-red camera for its Sharpness station. Equipment for each volunteer costs between £1,000 and £2,000.
SARA is continuing to raise money for a flood boat and additional helmet kits for Beachley. Julie Kent, a Past High Sheriff and chair of the Pied Piper trustees, closed the event by warning that Gloucestershire’s roughly 2,500 charities may need to collaborate more, share assets or even merge as finances remain difficult.