From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many widows and orphans of Freemasons as well as for others within the community.

All monies raised for charity are drawn from amongst Freemasons, their families and friends, while grants and donations are made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities alike.

Freemasonry has an enviable record of providing regular and consistent financial support to individual charities over long periods while at the same time making thousands of grants to local charities, appeals and projects throughout England and Wales each year.

Over the past five years alone Freemasonry has raised more than £75m for a wide range of charitable purposes including those involved in medical research, community care, education and work with young people. In addition to supporting Masonic Charities, the Province of Cheshire has donated over £50,000 to local charitable organisations during 2006. This is in addition to donations made to Non Masonic Charities from individual Lodges.

The Province of Cheshire is dedicated to supporting those in our local community and abroad who would most benefit from their help. In addition to providing financial support, members freely give of their time and expertise in a variety of different ways. Recently, a group of masons helped manually dig out a pathway at the Petty Pool Trust near Northwich from the main campus, through a forested area to the Pool to enable its residents easier access to the Pool and all its wildlife.

The Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Club, whose aim is "to bring an interactive fishing experience to mentally and physically disabled people", work in organising fishing events up and down the country. Such an event was arranged at Marton Heath in June 2007. Take a look at just one of photographs taken more>

Attached is a leaflet, proving you with more information on the club, its ethos and how you can help! more>

If you would like to help raise funds to assist with the running of the club, there is a social event, open to all, to be held at the Masonic Hall in Middlewich on Saturday 27th October more>

£25,000 was presented to the Cheadle based Royal School for the Deaf on behalf of the Grand Charity.

The Province also donated in excess of £20,000 to the Tsunami Appeal. This amount is in addition to that donated by United Grand Lodge of England and has been raised through numerous fundraising events across the Province.

Following the severe storms and floods that hit Cumbria in Mid January 2005, the Province of Cheshire sent £1,000 to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund.

Cheshire Freemasons Disbursement of funds to Non Masonic Charities in 2006 is as follows: