Community heroes in Bath and North East Somerset who have made an exceptional contribution to helping others during the Covid-19 pandemic have been recognised in a raft of special new awards.   The Shining Light Awards aim to highlight people who have gone above and beyond to volunteer, or to support, members of their community over the past year.  This year, one of those awards has been given to the Bath Freemasons Square Meals Project.

The Awards were organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with BSW CCG, BANES Virgin Care, Curo, Student Community Partnership (University of Bath, Bath Spa University & Bath College), and the 3SG.  Councillor Andy Furse, council Chair, said: “Over the past year I have found it staggering to witness many extraordinary acts of kindness and support by people in Bath and North East Somerset to those in need. We have always known there are true heroes in our community, but the challenges posed by the pandemic have highlighted these exceptional people more than ever before. It’s really brought out the best in our communities.

Freemasons are modest by nature and do not necessarily seek the limelight, but have always practised what they profess to admire; charity, the essential cornerstone of our Fraternity.   The Square Meals Project has raised a total of £65,877. and have just delivered their 30,000th meal.  An amazing feat which has now been justly recognised.

The on-line awards ceremony can be viewed by clicking on this link – Bath Freemasons feature after 35 Minutes and 25 seconds.  Congratulations to:

Trevor Quartermaine – Royal  Cumberland Lodge 41
Malcolm Toogood – Elizabethan Lodge 7296
David Dixon – St Alphege Lodge 4095
Ben Hayward – Bath Masonic Hall Caterer
Roger Surry – Royal Albert Edward Lodge 906
Neil Hawes – St Alphege Lodge 4095