On Friday 21 March 2025, in a unique event, Second Grand Principal Sir David Wootton formally unveiled St Catherine's Scarborough as a ‘Masonic Aware’ Centre.
The initiative will ensure awareness within the Province and more locally when brethren are admitted to the Centre, ensuring that all appropriate Masonic support is brought to bear to support brethren and their families who are or were members of the Craft. This will be the first Hospice within UGLE to have that distinction.
St Catherine's was formally opened in 1985 and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. A new building was formally opened by the Duke of Kent in 2004. Care is provided both in the hospice and out in the community, offering unique patient-centred care tailored to the needs and wishes of patients, carers and loved ones. Although Scarborough-based, care is provided throughout 1,600 square miles of North and East Yorkshire.
The happy and informal event was attended by a large group comprising family, friends, Centre staff and Freemasons, including many representatives from both Yorkshire N&E Ridings Freemasons (led by Provincial Grand Master Dr David Chambers and Deputy Bill Glanville, together with senior officers and members) and also from the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), led by the Grand Inspector for N&E Yorkshire, Win Tomlinson. Sir David commented that this was a clear sign of the collaborative and coordinated approach between the Orders and that he welcomed it as a positive sign of the times.
L to R: David Chambers, Win Tomlinson and Sir David Wootton
When unveiling the plaque Sir David referenced his own Yorkshire roots and his great personal pleasure at being asked to undertake this Masonic first. He commented: “I am pleased to hear of the support given by local Freemasons to the friends of St Catherine's and that the relationship is clearly two-way”. Having taken a tour, he was very impressed with the facilities at the Centre. He particularly thanked W Bro Tony Dyer, Membership Officer, Yorkshire N&E Ridings, and Centre Chief Executive Ray Baird for their considerable efforts in bringing the day to fruition.
Sir David Wootton congratulated Tony Dyer (left image) and Centre Chief Executive Ray Baird (right image)
Reflecting the continuing support Lodges offer St Catherine's, Ray Baird was then delighted to receive a cheque for £175 from Lion Lodge (Whitby), recently raised to support Centre activities.
The Lion Lodge donation to St Catherine's, presented by W Bro Nigel Lemmy
After an informal buffet lunch and a magnificent cake (specially baked for the occasion!), Sir David departed for a tour of the Stonemasons Yard at York Minster and dinner at the Grand Officers Mess at Duncombe Place, York.
Cutting the celebratory cake
A further selection of images from the day:
