Brothers of St Lawrence Court Queens
 
Brethren, although a relatively small Order under the large Masonic umbrella, the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees always endeavours to punch above its weight in supporting worthy causes. We try to select charities which directly benefit the communities in which they are based. One of the recipients this year is the Queenscourt Hospice based in Southport, which serves Southport, Formby and the surrounding area in West Lancashire. It is important to remember that Queenscourt, recovers less than 25% of its costs from the Government. The rest needs to be funded through constant fund raising and volunteering.
‘Queenscourt – an oasis of calm’
Queenscourt is situated quite close to the busy main road into Southport, but turning into its car park we suddenly find an attractive modern building, surrounded by trees, a quiet oasis of calm in a caring protective environment. A very warm welcome was given to us by volunteer receptionists Margaret and Joan together with Community Fund Raiser Rachael Kennedy, and Deputy Coordinator for the Queenscourt At Home Project Kathy Kirkham.
‘What a friendly reception’
Standing – Kathy and Rachael; Sat down – Margaret and Joan
I think most of us are totally unaware of the range of services undertaken by the hospice. In addition to in-patient care, for which it has 10 bedrooms, Queenscourt also provides outreach care to assist a larger number of patients who prefer to remain at home, together with day therapy and outpatient services and a whole host of services in between. These are provided by dedicated staff and volunteers covering a wide range of medical and support services. For those of you who want to learn more about this impressive organisation, comprehensive information is provided on the Queenscourt Website: Queenscourt.org.uk.
And so, our DGP Paul Snape, District Treasurer Brian Povey and DC Ray Pye were delighted to meet at the hospice on a slightly overcast August morning to present our donation of £200. For Brian it was quite a poignant moment, as a young buck he had helped to organise events to raise funds when the hospice was in its concept stage (Brian was a groovy DJ, spinning the classic vinyl in those days). Later on his father had received care in the hospice which Brian and his family very much appreciated. We all know that treasurers normally like to keep the purse clasps firmly closed, but on this occasion he was only too pleased to let the moths see the light of day (only a fleeting moment though – the light at the end of the tunnel was extinguished very quickly).
‘West Lancs AMD always does it big’
So, with a giant cheque as confirmation, our DGP was delighted to make the presentation to Kathy and Rachael who were representing the Hospice on this occasion. By the way, can you spot the new experimental, prototype West Lancashire AMD tie on any of our representatives? Unfortunately no prizes on this occasion, and don’t worry it’s never going to catch on anyway.
All in all, a very enjoyable occasion which we were proud to be part of.
Words and Pictures – One of the common people.