“Across Norfolk, Freemasons are quietly making a real difference every day. What we’re now starting to see is the true scale of that impact, and it’s something we should be proud to share.”
Ian Betts, Community Engagement Officer
Community engagement across Norfolk Freemasonry continues to grow in both scale and impact, with Lodges and individual members contributing time, skills and resources to support their local communities in a wide variety of ways.
Recent responses to the Community Engagement Activity Report highlight the breadth of this work. While much of this activity remains behind the scenes, the responses received provide a clear picture of consistent, meaningful contribution across the Province. More detailed features will follow in due course, but this article brings together a snapshot of current activity.
At Union Lodge No. 52, David Gurney is involved in long standing work through a Parochial Church Council, supporting both the operation and fundraising of the church. This work has been ongoing for over a decade and supports anything from small groups of parishioners through to larger community gatherings of up to 200 people.
From the Lodge of Good Fellowship No. 8921, Martyn Parker contributes as a Community First Responder. This role places him on the frontline of community healthcare, supporting ambulance services and providing immediate care where it is needed most.
Martyn Parker said, “My time in the Ambulance Service has always been about service to others. Freemasonry sits alongside that perfectly. It reinforces the same values and gives me another way to contribute to the community. They are not separate things, they complement each other.”
At St Benet Lodge No. 4485, Jack Askew is heavily involved in practical volunteering, including driving a minibus, supporting Meals on Wheels and running a lunch club. These activities regularly support around 50 individuals. In addition, he provides patient transport services, assisting over 100 people by helping them access essential healthcare appointments.
At Thorpe St Andrew Lodge No. 8010, Keith Obee contributes as part of a boat crew and volunteer team, supporting around 20 to 30 people each month. This work combines practical assistance with community engagement, helping to maintain both safety and connection within the local area.
Within Norfolk Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No. 9266, Ron Hanton has been involved in the leadership of a Scout group since 2011, supporting approximately 100 young people and a team of adult leaders. This long term commitment plays a direct role in youth development, skills building and community cohesion.
Ron Hanton is also involved in community safety work in Great Yarmouth, contributing at a strategic level to initiatives designed to improve safety and wellbeing across the wider population. This work reaches a broad section of the local community and demonstrates the wider societal impact members can have beyond individual volunteering roles.
At Perseverance Michael No. 213, Michael Pomroy serves as both Churchwarden and Treasurer, supporting the ongoing operation and stability of his local church. This work underpins community activity at a local level, ensuring that facilities and support networks remain available.
From Le Strange Lodge No. 3730, George Gooderson is involved with Thornham Cricket Club, supporting health and wellbeing through sport and social engagement. The club provides opportunities for physical activity, connection and inclusion, benefiting a wide range of individuals across the community.
Finally, Suffield Lodge No. 1808, Community Engagement work led by Archie Mitchell, continues to contribute through charitable donations that support health and wellbeing initiatives. While beneficiary numbers vary, the impact is directed towards improving quality of life within the local community.
Across all of these examples, a consistent pattern emerges. Much of this work is carried out by individuals or very small groups, often on a regular basis. Whether weekly, monthly or ongoing over many years, the cumulative effect is substantial, supporting hundreds of people across Norfolk.
Importantly, not all activity is intended for public promotion. Many members continue to contribute quietly and without recognition. However, by capturing this information, we are able to better understand and, where appropriate, share the positive impact being made.
Further responses were also received from a number of other Lodges and individual members, covering a broad range of activity including fundraising, volunteering, community support and local initiatives. These are now being followed up to better understand their impact and, where appropriate, to support and showcase them in future articles.
“This is about showing what is already happening, not changing who we are. The values are already there. This work simply brings them to life in the communities around us. Please keep the responses coming and let me know if the Community Engagement team can be of any assistance in your initiative”
Ian Betts, Community Engagement Officer