Baildon Freemasons back Otley Men’s Shed charity

The Lodge of Eccleshill Faith and Fraternity were so impressed by the work being undertaken by Wharfedale Men’s Shed that they weighed in with some financial support.

The Men’s Shed addresses issues of social exclusion in men over the age of 18 within the Wharfedale and surrounding areas. The charity seeks to reintegrate those excluded from mainstream society by providing facilities and opportunities where they can meet to undertake creative, physical or recreational activities. They make products such as hedgehog houses, bird boxes and planters and all money they earn from sales goes back into the charity.

Members of Wharfedale Men’s Shed demonstrate some of the work they undertake to the Freemasons

Brian A Lawless, Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Eccleshill Faith and Fraternity said: “The Men’s Shed provides an amazing service to the community in Otley and surrounding districts, and we wanted to make sure they could keep that great work going into the future.”

Bob Miles, Secretary of Wharfedale Men’s Shed (WMS), said that on behalf of WMS he wanted to thank the Lodge of Eccleshill Faith and Fraternity for their generous donation which will be put to good use.

"Over the last five years we have seen the benefits that our group has achieved both for our members and for the local community," he added. "We have worked with and supported other local organisations such as Wildlife Friendly Otley, Remap, Otley Town Council, Ilkley Round Table as well as local residents by making or repairing items for them.

"Wherever possible we use reclaimed timbers which are far from consistent in thickness or width so it is our intention to use the donation towards the purchase of a professional standard planer/thicknesser which will allow us to utilise much of the timber which previously would have been unusable, but which will now have a second life instead of being burned or going into landfill."

Members of the Men’s Shed and Freemasons’ Lodge chat during the Masonic visit

The Freemasons visited the Wharfedale Men’s Shed headquarters at Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, LS21 3AN on Monday, July 1st where they were able to see for themselves how their donation is going to help and to present a cheque.