In December 2021 the then Worshipful Master (David Bateman) of Beacon Lodge nominated Yorkshire Air Ambulance as his Charity of the Year. At the Christmas Lodge which was attended by the past PGM RW Jeffrey Gillyon and his team of Provincial Officers, a raffle was conducted to raise much needed funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
On the 18th August 2022 the current Worshipful Master (Nigel Bell), Immediate Past Master (David Bateman), Charity Steward (Tony Moriarty) and the Secretary (John Whatt) of Beacon Lodge paid a visit to Nostell Air Support Unit. They presented a cheque for £1840 , this amount been made up of money raised at the Christmas Lodge which was then matched by Matched Funding from Yorkshire North and East Riding Masonic Charities Ltd and this was then matched further by Matched Funding from the Grand Charity.
As part of the visit members of the team at Yorkshire Air Ambulance demonstrated how they practice and keep up to date the clinical skills they may need to call on when dealing with a lifesaving emergency.
All of the equipment (some of the training mannequins cost thousands of pounds) is funded by sponsors and donations from the public.
Sponsors of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance includes the Freemasons. The charity relies totally on sponsors and public donations, no government funding is given. It is a charity and one hopes it's specialist service is never needed but if it is it can make the difference between life and death.
The Beacon Lodge gave a great big thank you to the whole Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, special mention and huge thank you was expressed to the following duty staff: -
- Kevin Hutchinson - East Region Community Fundraiser and Coordinator for the visit
- Lee Holmes – Pilot
- Gemma Richmond – Paramedic
- Becky Knight – Paramedic
- Dr Tim Moll - Doctor
- Sam Berridge – Dispatcher
The Beacon Lodge team stated the day was well organised and a real eye opener!
