Wayne Devlin from Flixton Lodge No 4869 was tasked with organising an awards ceremony to recognise those members of the local business community who have helped Masonry in recent times. The event took place at the 1881 Building at Urmston Masonic Hall.
Ably supported by brethren and group officers, South Eastern Group Deputy Chairman Nigel Paton and South Eastern Group Secretary Eddie Wilkinson, the event was a successful means of paying tribute to those who have given their time and/or financial support to local Masons for a number of different projects including the recent food bank and also the soup kitchen organised by Ezra McGowan and Darren Gregory.
Wayne hosted the event at Urmston Masonic Hall’s 1881 Building with a number of local businesses, celebrities and charitable contributors being presented with wine and award certificates for their kind donations in assisting the charitable work being carried out by local Masons. The event was conceived with the aim of outlining the good works Masonry undertakes in the local community and improving the overall perception of Masonry in general. To this end, various group officers were on hand to present the certificates.
Receiving awards on the night were; Martin’s Craft Bakery who received their award from Steve Masters for supporting the fundraising of Hand and Heart Lodge No 4109, the recent Food Bank at Urmston and Ezra McGowan and Darren Gregory’s soup kitchen and Ezra’s Charity, The Forget Me Not Trust, providing them with food donations for the homeless.
Next was local man, Stephen Groves, owner of Home Estate Agents based in Urmston. He was presented his award by Nigel Patton, Deputy Chairman of the South Eastern Group. Stephen has donated £100s to Masonic causes over the years as well as countless bottles for our raffles. He is a pillar of the community who shares the Masonic principles of caring for his community.
Jimmi Harkishin also received an award on the night from Eddie Wilkinson, South Eastern Group Secretary, for his kind donations of signed Coronation Street cast photographs and signed scripts from the popular soap opera. His donations have raised £100s for our causes.
Zola Martini, proprietor of Mulino’s Restaurant, was given an award by Ezra McGowan for his continued support of Masonic charitable events. His donations of £50 and £100 vouchers for his Italian restaurant Mulino, based in Urmston, along with donations of three course meals for two and countless bottles of wine for our raffles have really helped us raise vital funds for charitable causes. He also donated £300 to the Urmston Food Bank, assisting in making it a success during difficult times for local families.
Also honoured were Jeremy Blain, the CEO of Performance Works International, and Paul Danks from McGoff Group. Jeremy unfortunately could not attend the event due to being abroad on business but sent his thanks and appreciation for his award. Jeremy has donated over £1,00 to Masonic charitable events and causes in Urmston.
Paul Danks, who has provided constant support of our local endeavours in providing £100s for the food bank and also to the 2022 Christmas event, was unfortunately unwell so couldn’t be present to receive his award. They will both be presented with their awards at a later date.
Wayne rounded off the evening by giving thanks to all the brethren who attended the event to honour those in our community who see and appreciate the good work we are trying to do in Masonry and, very generously offer their support!
