Fortitude Chapter Supports Acorns during Lockdown

The Chapter of Fortitude No. 43, one of the oldest in the Constitution, always enjoys taking full advantage of any opportunity for a celebration. The latest one arose back in February when it’s longest serving member, E Comp Robert Giles Russell, received a 60 year Certificate of Service from the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Phil Gough. Prior to the presentation, E Comp Phil engaged in a delightful dialogue with E Comp Bob, during which Bob’s amazing service to Freemasonry was unveiled.

The meeting, held at Severn Street, Birmingham, was attended by many of the present and past rulers of the Craft and Royal Arch who came to support Bob and join in the celebrations, which also included the presentation of a Grand Chapter Certificate to Comp Jez Greenfield, who was Exalted into the Chapter at its previous meeting.

The jovial “formalities” were followed by the usual festive board, which was rounded off by a delightful toast to Bob by E Comp Richard Wallis, one of our Past Grand Superintendents, who related many delightful anecdotes from his long and enjoyable friendship with Bob.

As is our custom, there was a charity collection with Bob having been invited to designate a suitable recipient. This was the Acorns Children’s Hospice and the collection, topped up from the Chapter’s own funds, to which was added a generous individual donation of £60 bringing the total amount donated to the Hospice to £750 which included funds gifted through the  “Nominated Charity Scheme “.

E Comp Peter Wellings

Nb, For additional information I include here the response we received from the Hospice;

Dear Peter,

On behalf of all the children and young people who come to Acorns, I would like to thank you for your very kind donation of £690.00.

This is an uncertain time for everyone, but not least for the children and families who rely on their local children’s hospice. No Matter what happens over the coming months we will continue to provide emergency and end of life care as the need for our vital care won’t go away.

Our staff are working tirelessly to continue providing care, love and support – as they do every single day. Because of you we can be there for them.

Thank you again for your donation, your gift is so special and means so much to every child and parent who comes to Acorns.

Yours sincerely,

Olivia

Olivia Guglia, Area Fundraiser