The MCF Chairman and the High Sheriff of Somerset visit the Christmas Square Meals Project in Bath

Sir Paul Williams, Chairman of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) was joined by the High Sherriff of Somerset, Thomas Sheppard recently on a visit the Old Theatre Royal at Bath, which is now the Masonic Hall. The purpose of the visit was to meet with Ben Hayward, the resident Chef who, along with his team produced 35.000 two course meals for disadvantaged residents during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

 The scheme, known as the ‘Square Meals Project’  finished this September, however it was decided to extend it over the Christmas period and to help fund this the MCF have donated £2000 to match the money given by the Somerset Masonic Charities (SMC) making a total of £4000.    

The High Sheriff was taken on a tour of the building including the Masonic Museum which is housed in the Cellars below. He then joined Sir Paul in assisting Chef prepare some of the meals to be distributed  in the Bath and the North East Somerset Area over the festive season by local charity ‘Sporting Family Change’ based at Midsomer Norton.

Jilly Edwards, representing the Charity said “So many disadvantaged local families will be able to enjoy a decent meal this Christmas because of the support we have received from the Somerset Freemasons – I thank you on behalf of all of them.” Sir Paul said “The Bath Square Meals Project has been a phenomenal success and the Masonic Charitable Foundation is pleased to have been able to play a part.”

Thomas Sheppard added “So many good things have happened during the Pandemic and the Bath Square Meals project is one of them. It is wonderful to see at first hand where it all began and to meet with some of the people that made it happen.”

Barry Davies
Provincial Communications officer
Somerset Freemasons.

From Left to Right below: Sir Paul Williams (MCF Chairman); Thomas Sheppard (High Sherriff of Somerset, ); Chef, Ben Hayward; Jilly Edwards from ‘Sporting Family Change’.