Weston Freemasons donate over £4,300 to the RNLI
Two Masonic lodges from Weston-Super-Mare have demonstrated their strong community spirit and commitment to lifesaving causes by donating a combined total of £4,380 to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Weston. The funds will go toward the development of a brand-new lifeboat station on the historic Birnbeck Pier and the purchase of an external defibrillator cabinet allowing access to lifesaving equipment by the local community as well as the RNLI.
St Kew Lodge generously contributed £3,300, while Tivoli Lodge donated £1,080, both raised entirely through the efforts and contributions of their members.
The presentation of the donations took place on Wednesday, 28th May, with representatives from both lodges meeting with RNLI Weston personnel to formally hand over the cheques to the RNLI Launch Authority WB Rob Palfrey (Weston Freemason). RNLI volunteers expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Freemasons for their generous support.
The RNLI’s plans to return operations to Birnbeck Pier mark a significant milestone for the town, as the charity aims to restore and reopen the iconic site, which has not hosted a lifeboat station since 1994. The new station is expected to improve access to the water and enhance the RNLI’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies along the Bristol Channel.
A spokesperson for St Kew Lodge said, “We are proud to support the incredible work of the RNLI. Their volunteers put their lives on the line to save others, and it’s a privilege to be able to contribute to such a vital project that will benefit the whole community.”
Tivoli Lodge echoed the sentiment, highlighting that the donation reflects the Masonic principles of charity and brotherhood. “Our members were eager to support the RNLI’s return to Birnbeck Pier. It’s an important step for safety and heritage in Weston, and we’re glad to be part of that.”
The RNLI Weston team expressed their appreciation for the support from both lodges, noting that community-led fundraising is essential for their continued operation and future development.
Chris Cooke, Communications Officer, St Kew Lodge
